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.