July 28, 1949
Mr. Paul Hoffman called the Secretary this afternoon and said that he had had a call from Mr. Bob Haynes, Chief of the ECA Mission to Brussels. Mr. Haynes had had a visit from the Economic Coordinating Minister of Belgium (Mr. Moyes Definik (?)). Mr. Definik had suggested that in view of the political confusion in Belgium it might be well to consider suggesting Mr. Spaak to head up OEEC. Mr. Hoffman mentioned that Mr. Spaak had been a candidate before and would probably have headed up the Organization if Mr. Bevin had not objected. Mr. Bevin's objections have been on the ground that Mr. Spaak was needed in Belgium.
The original proposal of Mr. Spaak had come from Mr. Shuman of France. He was considered a likely candidate in order to strengthen the Organization. Mr. Hoffman joined in the conversation, and it was proposed that, if the Secretary approved, the message be sent to Ambassador Bruce in Paris suggesting that he approach Mr. Shuman with regard to the candidacy of Mr. Spaak.
The Secretary indicated that he did not know the latest on the internal political situation in Belgium, but that he would find out and call Mr. Hoffman tomorrow morning.
It was agreed that Mr. Spaak would be of more value to the Organization if he were selected to head it before he left the Government rather than afterwards.
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