The John M. Hancock Papers, 1932-1956, consist primarily of records related to Hancock’s service to the United States government. Most of the records were organized into three-ring binders either by Hancock or his secretarial staff. The binder contents, unless otherwise indicated, have been reorganized into folders. Box 9 was eliminated during this reorganization.

Many of the documents relate to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC), which was formed in 1946 following the very first resolution of the United Nations. The UNAEC sought the peaceful use of atomic energy, along with the elimination of atomic weapons. Hancock served as general manager of the United States contingent, which was led by Bernard M. Baruch. Baruch proposed a plan by which the United States would destroy its stockpile of atomic bombs, in exchange for an UN imposed prohibition on the future development of atomic weapons. The “Baruch Plan” passed the commission, but was vetoed by the Soviet Union in the Security Council. UNAEC materials include correspondence and memoranda, meeting minutes, subcommittee documents, press releases, governmental reports, and various subject files. One binder pertained to criticisms of the Baruch Plan by then Secretary of Commerce Henry A. Wallace. Four scrapbooks are included as well.

In 1942, Hancock participated in a special survey of the rubber industry in light of national defense priorities. Materials from this survey include correspondence and memorandum, subject files, governmental reports, and transcripts of meetings. Six binders are found in Boxes 2 and 3, each of which has an index at the beginning. Hancock was also a member of the Office of War Mobilization, formed in 1943. He served in the Office of Contract Settlement, which was charged with the responsibility of settling terminated war contracts. In addition, Hancock was a member of the War Resources Board, which was the first federal agency to analyze mobilization options in light of possible entry into a war in Europe.

Other records reflect Hancock’s career in investment banking and securities. These deal with securities legislation, and include correspondence, governmental reports, and legislative text. Hancock’s service on a subcommittee of the Securities and Exchange Commission is documented. Four scrapbooks contain newspaper and magazine clippings regarding profit and inflation (1947-1954).

Hancock also chaired a special committee on behalf of the American Chemical Society, which sought to determine members’ opinions of the Society. Materials regarding his relationship with the University of North Dakota are found in Box 10, along with texts of some of his speeches. Box 11 also includes an undated history of the U.S. Navy’s purchase division in World War I, written by Hancock.

Five photographs were separated and placed in the Photograph File Cabinets, while the nineteen scrapbooks were placed on the shelves adjacent to the collection.