April 13, 1950
S/S
Mr. Lay called the Secretary this morning regarding the arms shipment paper discussed at the last National Security Council meeting. Mr. Lay said that the paper has been presented to the President, who had grave concern in regard to certain broad aspects of the paper and particularly to the matter of our relations with the British.
The President plans to discuss the paper at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow. It is possible that he will ask the Council to reconsider. The President apparently does not think we should support "their building up one side." I am not sure what this phrase means, but believe aid should be limited to requirements of internal security. Mr. Lay said that the President also seemed to feel that some additional control by the United States was desirable. The Secretary thanked Mr. Lay for calling and told him he would discuss this matter with the people here and be prepared when the President raised it tomorrow at Cabinet.
Could someone consider this and see what additional information the Secretary needs. He has, of course, been briefed on the paper itself.
L.D. Battle
S:LDB:dhm