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255

Washington, D.C.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 1942.

I put squarely up to Stevenson today if the Northern Pacific could receive a 44 ton locomotive in January when there were none in Determination No. 178, and he ruled "yes." His decision was that a locomotive cannot be built if it is not included in 178 but other locomotives of the same category are. In this case there were no small railroad or industrial units included (thrown out by Civilian Supply, a crowd of Jew bureaucrats) and hence we can continue them as before without a determination under PRP - but when CMP comes in they must be programmed and covered. That apparently will be for 4th quarter 1943 units so there is still time.
Also talked with Stevenson about my leaving Dec. 31 and he agreed it would have to be okay "about" that time - but he shot out some feelers on taking the job of Deputy Director of the Division which I brushed off with thanks. I'm proud he feels that way about me but I can't see it - leaving the Company undoubtedly at financial sacrifice, and he would still have the problem of filling my present job. It looks like a committee job for me.
McLeod spent the afternoon telling us about the revised Army program with 0-6-0's reduced from 615 to 310, more 2-8-2's light type and some 80 ton 0-6-0's. Also 32-44 ton diesels and 60-65 ton armored diesels. One strategy now will be to try to get the small builders to take on the light 2-8-2's and the 80 ton 0-6-0's to fill them out through 1943; also give the Navy a crack at some 0-6-0's.
For the first time John Grace got a little sharp with me today over the scheduling of some Navy 44 tonners at G.E. which are way late because of engine procurement troubles - and I had to do a lot of explaining of the situation to pacify him