April 13, 1949
Senator Millard Tydings telephoned this afternoon and brought up the question of David Bruce's appointment to France. He said that James Bruce, his brother, had provided the "sinews" in a political way and that David Bruce hadn't come through as his brother had, and he felt that something ought to be done about recognizing James Bruce's services. He said that when the latter was appointed to Argentina, there was a tacit understanding that he would later be in the running for the post to Great Britain. Tydings pointed out the tremendous service which James Bruce had given to the Democratic Party as Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee which he undertook at an exceedingly difficult time. The need for his services was still felt and Mr. Acheson agreed with Senator Tydings that it would be very bad if he carried out his threat of resignation from the post.
Tydings said he supposed it was too late to do anything about David Bruce, to which the Secretary replied in the affirmative, adding that until recently he had known nothing of all this. Tydings said he realized that. He said that James Bruce had taken it very well, but he thought in all fairness something should be done in the way of recognizing Bruce's service.
The Senator said he understood that Douglas has been pushing Finletter for the London post, to which the Secretary again replied he knew nothing of this. The Secretary said that until Douglas' accident, he had hoped Ambassador Douglas would see the year out at London.
The Secretary said he would discuss this matter with the President when he saw him.
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