EMPLOYMENT OF RETIRED COMMISSIONED OFFICERS BY DEFENSE DEPARTMENT CONTRACTORS Hon. CARL VINSON, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On June 23, 1959, you directed this subcommittee under the authority of House Resolution 19, to inquire into the activities and conduct of retired military personnel and conflicts of interest apparently arising from such activities, and recommended a study of the laws and regulations pertaining thereto. The subcommittee commenced its hearings on July 7, 1959. Full testimony was taken and data assembled, and we present herewith our report and a short statement of the proceedings undertaken. The chairman addressed a letter to all Members of the Senate and House, requesting them to present any facts which they might possess in testimony before the subcommittee during its hearings. Two Senators appeared and four Members of the House appeared, and two Members submitted statements. Any person who, in any public place or in any public media, evidenced knowledge of or expressed an opinion on the subject of this inquiry, was requested to appear as a witness. These witnesses included a former Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, newspaper columnists and a vice admiral of the U.S. Navy, among others. The Attorney General advised us of the present applicable statutes. Industry was solicited by questionnaire, and industry witnesses were invited for personal discussions to obtain a cross section and spot check based upon size, location, nature of business, and the like. This testimony was intended to augment information obtained by the subcommittee in questionnaires. Organizations identified with interests in the Military Establishment were interrogated by questionnaire and some were selected to testify, having in mind size and posture in the defense picture. Individual witnesses, recently retired, were called to contribute their information. All were invited to discuss the best means to avoid conflict of interest and protect the integrity of the Government contracting. Added to these were witnesses from the three service departments together with a presentation by the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The following is a list of the witnesses heard: July 7 Under Secretary of Defense, Thomas Gates. Assistant Secretary of Defense, Perkins McGuire. July 8 Paul J. Kilday, Member of Congress. Senator Paul H. Douglas. Charles E. Bennett, Member of Congress. Alfred E. Santangelo, Member of Congress. Robert W. Hemphill, Member of Congress. July 9 Alfred E. Santangelo, Member of Congress. Vice Adm. H. G. Rickover. July 10 Arthur W. Radford, U.S. Navy, retired. July 21 Gen. Omar Bradley. W. H. Yahn, vice president, NAA. J. A. Swanson, NAA. July 22 Adm. Robert B. Carney, U.S. Navy, retired. Lt. Comdr. Ronald Anthony, U.S. Navy, retired. July 24 Adm. Albert G. Mumma, U.S. Navy, retired. July 28 Retired Officers Association: Rear Adm. Harold Houser, U.S. Navy, retired. National Association of Manufacturers: Lambert H. Miller, general counsel. July 29 Aerospace Industries Association: Gen. Orval Cook, U.S. Air Force, retired. National Security Industrial Association: R. N. McFarlane. H. B. Newson. James D. Boyle. July 30 National Security Industrial Association: R. N. McFarlane. H. B. Newson. James D. Boyle. Air Force Association: Peter J. Schenk, president. James H. Straubel, executive director. July 31 Navy League: Frank Yard Jameson, president. George C. Gilman, assistant to president. Association of the U.S. Army. Lt. Gen. Walter L. Weible, U.S. Army, retired. Arthur S. Welch. Arthur Symons. American Ordnance Association: Leo A. Codd. Maj. Gen. Edw. B. Mechling, U.S. Air Force, retired. Aug. 5 General Dynamics Corp.: Aug. 7 Thompson Ramo-Wooldridge, Inc.: Aug. 11 Gen. Benjamin W. Chidlaw, U.S. Air Force, retired. General Electric Co.: C. W. LaPierre, vice president. Westinghouse Electric: John L. Howland. |