3. Editorial Note
On January 7, 1958, President Eisenhower spoke to Republican Congressional leaders on his desire for reorganization of the defense establishment, stating that just as the NSC brought together policymakers in the security field, so the JCS ought to bring together all elements of the military to resolve questions. “He said he often had to settle disputes that ought to have been settled at the Defense level.” The President stated that he “felt deeply” that authority had to be centralized in the Secretary of Defense. The President also stated that he wished Congress to make this possible by passing legislation that “would have all appropriations made to the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary would have control of all appointments, promotions, etc.” (Supplementary Notes on Legislative Leadership Meeting by Minnich; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries)
Several documents on the President’s quest for reorganization of the Department of Defense are in the Supplement. For text of P.L. 85–599, the Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958, approved August 6, 1958, see 72 Stat. (pt. 1) 514.