July 15, 1949
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation Secretary Acheson Secretary Johnson
Secretary Acheson telephoned the Secretary of Defense about noon to inquire who could clear, for National Military Establishment, certain portions of the White Paper on China which the Department expects to release on Monday.
Secretary Johnson said the best man for that was General Gruenther, who is with him at White Sulphur Springs and due back in Washington Sunday evening. He inquired if it could wait until then, and the Secretary replied that it was very lengthy, about 700 pages, and clearance was needed by Monday. The Secretary inquired about having it sent by someone via plane to Gen. Gruenther at White Sulphur Springs. Secretary Johnson suggested that Mr. Haladay of his office be given a chance to look at the manuscript and determine whether or not he thought it should be sent to General Gruenther, or whether clearance could be had by Monday if the document was sent on Sunday on the plane which will return General Gruenther and the others to Washington. This course was agreed to by the Secretary.
S:DHM