January 22, 1949
Clark Clifford called the Secretary at 10:50 to state that the President wanted action as soon as possible on the U.S. representative to the Palestine Arab Mediation Commission to replace Keenan. Clifford said that the President was thinking of Mark Ethridge and that if Mr. Acheson knew him well and favorably would, he, the Secretary, please call Ethridge and try to sign him up. Clifford said to point out the situation as finally crystallizing and it "looks like the time for a killing." The job would last about three months overseas and after that could be on a parttime basis in this country.
Subsequent information indicated that the salary is $12,000, payable from U.S. funds, plus a per diem of not less than $10.00 to be established by Mr. Peurifoy.
(Mr. Lovett was present during the call and concurred in the unanimous view that Mr. Ethridge was a good man for the job. Mr. Rusk, subsequently notified, likewise concurred.)
The Secretary talked to Mr. Ethridge at 11:50 and explained the President's proposal. Mr. Ethridge seemed quite favorably disposed but was leaving in several hours for Washington on other matters. He would discuss the proposal with Barry Bingham on Sunday and call Mr. Acheson on Monday. Salary seemed no consideration, and it looks like Mr. Ethridge is "in the bag."
M.S.C.
January 24, 1949
Mr. Ethridge contacted the Secretary yesterday, Sunday, January 23, and accepted the appointment. He is meeting with the Secretary and Dean Rusk at 9 a.m. this morning to discuss details. It appears that Mr. Ethridge will return to Louisville tonight and come back to Washington on Thursday ready to depart for Rhodes.
M.S.C.