National Affairs: Topside Rumor

Navy Secretary James V. Forrestal had made no bones about the fact that he wanted to resign, but beyond that he was keeping his plans strictly to himself. He was bitterly .opposed to the Army-Navy merger—many a Washington politico guessed that the President's advocacy of the plan would hasten his departure from office. But whether Forrestal returned to private life after the holidays, or stayed on until the merger fight was finished, sources close to the White House were confident that his successor had been picked.

Said Washington dopesters: the President, who had previously picked wavy-haired John L. Sullivan, the Navy's Assistant...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!