United States Senate
WASHINGTON, D. C.
May 23, 1940
My dear Mother:
The President's message of May 16 impressed me with the belief
that the Executive Department thinks that the United States is
in an emergency caused by the imminence of war. Whether this is
accurate or not, when used in the sense of danger that the United
States will become a belligerent, I recognize the fact that our
position is serious.
"Imminence" could be used to describe our relationship to the
world wars, even if we have no expectation of beoming a belligerent.
We finished the appropriation for the War Department last night, and
continue now preparation for the National Defense by means of the
Navy.
When that bill is finished we will probably take up a bill to ex-
pedite preparation by lifting several of the checks on speed which
exist in former statutes.
In any case, these important proposals require me to give up my
trip to Vermont and attend to business here. I have certain amend-
ments which would not be offered if I were not here.
This is a disappointment because, among other things, I had hoped
to get in touch with you.
Best love.
Your devoted
Warren R. Austin
Mrs. C. G. Austin,
91 South Main Street,
St. Albans, Vermont.