DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: February 17, 1950
Subject: Prince Bernhard's Visit to the US; Mr. Stikker's Visit to the US: Ambassador van Kleffens Expected Transfer
Participants: The Netherlands Ambassador, Mr. van Kleffens The Secretary WE - Mr. Nolting
Copies to: EUR WE The Hague
The Netherlands Ambassador called at his request to acquaint me with the itinerary of Prince Bernhard on his informal visit to the US. He said that the Prince would fly from Mexico to Los Angeles on March 2; would inspect several aircraft factories there; would proceed to Ft. Worth, Texas; and would proceed thence to Washington, arriving here on March 7. He will spend approximately four days here and then proceed to Ottawa. Mr. van Kleffens outlined the social and other events planned for the Netherlands Prince. He said that Bernhard, as Inspector General of the Netherlands Armed Forces, takes a lively interest in military matters and especially in aircraft plants.
The Ambassador said that Mr. Stikker would arrive in New York February 27 and would come directly to Washington. He told me of the meetings and social events planned for Mr. Stikker. He said that Mr. Stikker is expected to stay in Washington about four or five days.
Mr. Van Kleffens then said that he wished to tell me in confidence of his expected transfer. He said that he expected to be relieved of his duties sometime this spring, at his own request, due to the poor health of Mrs. van Kleffens. He said that he expected his successor to be Mr. Herman van Royen, now Netherlands Ambassador to Canada.
I expressed my appreciation for the information concerning the visits of the Prince and Mr. Stikker, and my sincere regret that the Ambassador expects to leave Washington and my sympathy regarding the cause of his transfer.
The Ambassador said that he had suggested to his Foreign Office Portugal or Switzerland as possible posts for him, where the climate would be more conducive to Mrs. Van Kleffens' recovery. He asked me to keep the news of his transfer confidential.
EUR:WE:FENolting, Jr: hbh