January 31, 1949
MEMORANDUM
(12:30 meeting with President) Item 3.
I discussed with the President Mr. Stalin's answers to Mr. Kingsbury Smith's questions.
He approved the procedure
(a) that for the present the White House should merely say that the President has received no message from Marshall Stalin and has no comment, referring questions to the State Department;
(b) at my Wednesday press conference I should deal with the matter along the lines of the draft statement which I read to him;
(c) at his Thursday press conference, in answer to any question, he would merely say that the Secretary of State has dealt with the matter and that he has no further comment.
The President went over the draft statement carefully. He understands that point 3 is going to be revised and strengthened but that in so doing we are not to suggest in any way that we are willing to postpone the formation of a Western German government. We are not to close any doors but we are not to invite any proposals along this line.
D.A.
S DA:ma
January 31, 1949
MEMORANDUM
(12:30 meeting with President)
Item 4.
I am to inquire into and report on the possibility of an appointment with the United Nations for Philip Willkie, the son of Mr. Wendell Willkie. He is being supported in this effort by Tom Haymaker and Gar Schricker (the latter is the Governor of Indiana).
D.A.
S:DA:ma