July 18, 1949
Item 1.
Mr. Henry Parkman for the Ruhr Commission
I explained to the President the difficulty which had arisen over the failure to clear Mr. Parkman with the White House, taking the blame for this omission, but stating that under the circumstances I felt that the President would approve.
He told me to go ahead and not worry about it.
DA
July 18, 1949
Item 2.
U.S. Policy and Action in Asia
I went over with the President the general outline of the proposed course of action contained in the top secret memorandum given to me last Saturday afternoon, with particular stress on the talks with Senators Connelly and Vandenberg to work out a bi-partisan approach. I mentioned also the possibility of a statement which we would propose for the President to make and also of some ideas for a press conference by me outlining positive action.
The President thought that the ideas were good and asked me to go ahead in developing them.
I also asked the President to telephone Senator Connelly which he said he would do. I think Mr. Matt Connelly ought to be reminded to remind the President.
DA
SDA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 3.
Ambassador to the Hague
The President has not yet had an opportunity to find out Admiral Leahy's condition and future plans. It might be well to ask Mr. Matt Connelly to be reminded of it.
DA
S DA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 4.
Visit of President Quirino
I told the President that after I had seen the Philippine Ambassador we would have a further recommendation for him on this point.
DA
S DA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 5.
Ambassador Stuart's Return
I reported to the President on the difficulties which were being put in the way of the Ambassador's obtaining an exit program by the Communists and also the problem which might arise if he would obtain an exit permit in the next day or two. This problem is that if he proceeds immediately to Canton, the Generalissimo will be there, and if he delays too long the White Paper will be out.
We left it that as soon as we heard as to when the Ambassador would return, I should consult the President again.
DA
S DA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 6.
Chinese White Paper
The President told me that Mr. Clifford had reported to him that the White Paper, as edited was greatly improved and was, in Mr. Clifford's judgment, an excellent paper. The President was pleased by this.
I pointed out the difficulties which might arise through our consultation with the Military on the subject. The President does not wish to have the Paper "watered down" and will give us all possible assistance in dealing with the Military.
DA
S DA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 7.
Mr. Arneson:
I discussed the proposed statement to be made either preceding or following the meeting on Wednesday with the joint Atomic Energy committee. He has no objection to it.
At his Thursday press conference the President proposed to make no statement regarding the nature of the meeting but to insist that he has had a great many meetings at Blair House and the White House and proposes to continue to have them without incurring any obligation to inform the press about the subject matter or attendance at these meetings.
DA
S DA:ma
July 18, 1949
Item 8.
Palestine Conciliation Commission
I reported on Mr. Paul Porter's acceptance of the Palestine Conciliation Commission.
DA
S DA:ma