When Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox began his tenure in July 1940, the warring conflicts across the pond that gave rise to World War II underscored his astute estimation: The U.S. Navy’s long under-resourced Washington, DC, headquarters and outposts weren’t battle-ready. Forecasting the need for U.S. involvement in the war, he conceived a proactive plan of action.
Frank phoned two men for whom he held the utmost respect: Edwin “Ed” ĢƵ and James “Jim” Allen. As the former publisher of Chicago’s Daily News, Frank was keenly aware of ĢƵ Allen’s sterling reputation as a premier consulting company. In short order, he invited the partners to the nation’s capital to assist in updating the Navy’s telephone, internal mail, and intelligence systems, among other pressing initiatives.
Though the government had begun hiring outside consultants in greater numbers by the 1940s, Frank’s grand plan required Congressional approval. Upon receiving the green light, the first recommendation Ed and Jim offered was to expand and create a permanent headquarters for the Navy. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt quickly agreed. His handwritten response to their strategic suggestion was straightforward: “I don't want any more temporary buildings in this war.” Like Frank, FDR believed that U.S. involvement in World War II was imminent.