Pierson

This was an action by H. H, Pierson, a citizen of California, appellee against The De La Rama Steamship Co., a corporation •of the Philippine Republic, appellant, to recover damages for breach of an alleged •contract to pay Pierson additional compensation for his services as Pacific Coast Manager of the Steamship ' company.

After trial without a jury Pierson had judgment for $9650. On this appeal the Steamship company contends: (1) that the evidence and findings disclose that it did not promise and made no contract to pay Pierson the amounts sued for, and (2), that had any such promise been made, it would be unenforceable because contrary to the provisions and policy of the Stabilization Act of 1942, 50 U.S.C.A. Appendix, § 961 et seq., and the Regulations thereunder requiring approval of the Salary Stabilization Unit for salary increases.

The action is based upon an alleged oral agreement made in the month of February, 1944. The only persons present at the time were one Suewer, general manager in the United States for the Steamship company, which was engaged in the general maritime shipping business in California and elsewhere, and Pierson, its Pacific Coast manager at its San…