James Forrestal Speaking with Colleagues

(Original Caption) Open House Hearings on Draft, UMT. Washington, D.C.: The House Armed Services Committee stepped into the defense controversy today and opened hearings on legislation to draft men 19 to 26 and expand the national air armada. First witness today was defense secretary Forrestal who called upon Congress to make it clear and manifest "that the U.S. desires peace, but is prepared for war if another power wearing the false mask of freedom, " seeks to take over western Europe. Photo shows, left to right: Navy Secretary John L. Sullivan; Air Force Secretary W. Stuart Symington; and Defense Secretary James Forrestal before the House Armed Services Committee.