CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1951
Labor - absent
PMG - absent
Galvin for Labor
Burke for Post Office
COL -
Briefed Cabinet on Korea.
THE PRESIDENT
Asked V. P. to inform Cabinet on appearance of MacArthur at Congressional appearance.
V.P.
General Mac made a dramatic appearance and an effective one. However the general's arguments were faulty.
THE PRESIDENT
Had asked the General previously to come back to this country for a reception which he declined. Is sorry to have had to fire MacArthur but he had no choice.
Asked Cabinet to follow Acheson and Bradley in public appearances and point up what is behind our foreign policy.
V.P.
Thinks it important that we point out that we can't blockade China without declaring war on China. This would not be supported by the United Nations.
ACHESON
Iran situation is now more critical. The British are falling down on their responsibility.
MARSHALL
The big question is are we going to go alone in the world without friends or go along with the United Nations.
MacArthur's failure to mention United Nations was prompted by his realization that it would complicate his logic. The General has been out of the country so long that he is completely out of touch with domestic problems.
THE PRESIDENT
Would desire to have all foreign service personnel given 6 months at home every two years.
ACHESON
It takes money but the State Dept has begun such a program in a modest way.
CHAPMAN
The Iranian situation will require diversion of American oil to Europe because exports from Iran have been cut off.
WILSON
Talked to news editors meeting last night. Was shocked to learn of their emotional surrender to MacArthur's speech. It will take a lot of cold logical discussion to get peoples thinking clarified.
HARRIMAN
The Formosa question is troublesome. It is a case of the imperialist MacArthur way or the slower but safer policy of the President which will not alienate our allies.
MARSHALL
It is hard to meet MacArthur's statements without wrecking the morale of Chiang' s forces on Formosa. If this is done it will in fact support the position and morale of the Communists. It is difficult to make our position clear to public without endangering what we are trying to get done in Far East.
12:05