Mr. Baruch, in his testimony, sheds no light on this question. He had opportunity to do so, had he wished.
% Mr. Graham—“I assume that you were personally acquainted with the President prior to the outbreak of the war?”
Mr. Baruch—“Yes, sir.” Mr. Graham—“Up to the time that you were ap¬ pointed as a member of the advisory commission, had you ever had any personal conferences with the Presi¬ dent about these matters?”
Mr. Baruch—“Yes, sir.” Mr. Graham—“Had he called you in consultation or had he talked to you about these matters and about the matter of your appointment before you were appointed?”
Mr. Baruch—“Never suggested anything about the appointment, because I would have told him that I would prefer not to be appointed.”
Mr. Graham—“Do you now recall, Mr. Baruch, how long before you were actually appointed as a member of that advisory commission you had your last conference with the President?”
Mr. Baruch—“No * * * ” That is not all of Mr. Baruch’s answer,