John C. Stennis papers, Series 013: Civil Aeronautic Board

This series contains information regarding the Civil Aeronautic Board, including correspondence ranging from the years 1948-1977.

As a result of legislation introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives in 1945, the Civil Aeronautics Board has operated as an independent government agency since 1946. Prior to that time it was a part of the Department of Commerce. Its purpose is to regulate civil airlines and airways. The Correspondence Sub-Series is the only sub-series of the CAB Series. It consists of two parts: (1) general correspondence, and (2) subject correspondence. The researcher will observe from the index that items of correspondence in these two groups are often interrelated. The general correspondence details airline service problems in various Mississippi towns and counties. The bulk of the correspondence focuses on the “Use It or Lose It” investigation of Southern Airlines. The nature of the subject correspondence is evident from the folder list, beginning with Box 2 Folder 12. The folder titles, adapted from those used by Senator Stennis’ staff, often define too narrowly the folder contents.