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CONFIDENTIAL

no background or training for the operation of a training school for women pilots. They had been motor repairmen at Hughes Field. The Committee is interested in inquiring why theArmy had to reach into Hughes Field, of all places in the United States, and pick two engine mechanics to run this school, and also why it should be started at a busy civilian airport. The Committee is further advised that due to the congestion at Hughes Airport, it was decided to move the school to Sweetwater, Texas, where Prince and Plasser were operating a training school. The Committee says that it is quite an interesting coincidence that when it was determined to transfer the school from Hughes Field, that the United States District Attorney indicated Prince and Plasser as conspirators with one Nelson for defrauding the United States Government in the construction of the facilities at Sweetwater, Texas, and that instead of the indictment being sought at Abolene, Texas, the District Attorney went 250 miles away to Dallas. Air forces arranged with Prince and Plasser to step out of the picture while the indictment was pending, and substituted McCaughn and Kringle from Hughes Field, Texas, the understanding being that Prince and Plasser should be reinstated in the event they were found "not guilty". The Committee was advised that Nelson pleaded "guilty", and that Prince and Plasser stood trial and were found "not guilty". When the partners requested reinstatement, the Air Forces refused because of the fact that the Department of Justie had instituted a civil suit against the partners for damages; had offered their attorney, Dan Moody, former Governor of Texas, to settle for some $15,000, but this offer of the Department of Justice was refused by the defendants.

MILES H. KNOWLES
Lt. Colonel, AUS


CONFIDENTIAL