Original Source Documents: July 7, 1940 - Charles H. Payne, Asst. to the President, American Bantam Co., to Colonel William Lee, Infantry
Contributor: Robert Notman
Source: Major General George Lynch's papers at MHI.
COPY
THE JEFFERSON
1200 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
July 7, 1940
Colonel William Lee,
Chief of Infantry Office,
Munitions Building,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Colonel Lee,
There are a couple of things I would like to get straightened out regarding reconnaissance cars.
First - I was given to understand by General Lynch and others that those seventy special designed cars were wanted in time for the maneuvers.
Second - Red tape was cut to a minimum on getting the board up the factory etc. and changes in Bantam car to meet military requirements was thoroughly discussed.
Third - We immediately started work on four wheel drive and increase in horse power of motor, etc., and are well along. In fact, if no delay by War Department, these cars can be ready for maneuvers.
Four - In last few days I have been informed that the Q.M.C. were going to take the long way in placing orders for these cars, which is done will make it impossible to have the cars ready for maneuvers.
Five - There is no reason for this delay as the Chief of Staff's office will immediately cut red tape and Asst. Secretary of War's office will facilitate permission for Q.M.C. to negotiate this experimental order, providing Gen. Lynch simply tells them he desires these cars in time for maneuvers, of possible, as he stated to me.
Sixth - I tried to reach Gen. Lynch by telephone twice last week but was side-tracked, so will you please show this letter to the General and advise me as to his wishes.
I told Gen. Lynch we could deliver cars in time and I don't want to break a promise, but if Q.M.C. follows red tape course, it will delay things two weeks more. If we are advised that this experimental order will be negotiated, then we will continues to rush these cars thru.
There are, as you know, no other auto concerns who are tooled up for this type of cars, so there is no company who could bid and meet requirements as to time, etc. As you know, Congress passed a bill to allow QMG to negotiate in just such cases as this.
Please let me hear from you immediately, in order that this project will not needlessly be delayed.
Very truly yours,
BANTAM CAR COMPANY
(Signed) CHARLES H. PAYNE,
Assistant to President
A TRUE COPY:
GEO. D. KEYSER, JR.
Captain, CAC,
Trp Mvmt Officer