August 28, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 1
Visits of Ambassador Douglas and High Commissioner McCloy
I informed the President as to the reasons for the consultations in Washington this week with Messrs. Douglas and McCloy. He thoroughly approved.
S:DA:be
August 28, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 2
Representation at the Vatican
I told the President that Bishops Stamm and Oxnam and others wanted to see me on the question of representation at the Vatican. I suggested that I probably should see them some time and listen to what they had to say. My own inclination was not to rush this because it would give rise to gossip, and I saw no point in arguing with them pro or con, but merely to explore what was in their minds and give them the assurance that their point of view had been fully understood.
The President agreed that this was desirable and thought that it could be later on in the fall.
S:DA:be
August 28, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 3
Aid to South Asia and the Middle East
I did not leave the memorandum with the President, because I had not had time to read it through. However, I discussed the situation with him, and the following conclusions emerged:
1. It would be utterly impossible to get this Congress, certainly at this time or in the immediate future, to consider, much less to enact, substantial economic aid measures for South Asia and the Middle East.
2. The President is inclined to believe that such measures are sound and probably should go in the program for next year. They will take some time to work out.
3. He sees no objection, and some advantage, in our beginning discussion with appropriate people on the Hill if they understand clearly that we are not going to face them with the measure this fall, but are exploring with them in accordance with the desirable consultation procedures.
S:DA:be
August 28, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No.4
Ambassador to Israel
I explained to the President the reasons why we thought it would be most unwise to appoint General Riley as Ambassador to Israel. He said that I need not argue with him. He was totally convinced that we were right. General Riley's present task was of the most vital importance and should not be prejudiced in any way.
He would like to have us canvass the field, both inside and outside the Department and would like to appoint a very level-headed man. This person should not be a partisan. He should be concerned with the interests of the United States. While he should be sympathetic with the nation to which he was accredited, he should not cause antagonism to the Arabs.
S:DA:be
August 28, 1950
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT
Item No. 5
Steel Mill for Austria
I reported to the President the message from Secretary Johnson that the U.S. Steel Corporation did not have any interest in the Austrian steel mill for use in manufacturing in the United States. He said that in this case the mill should go forward and that he would speak to Mr. Lay and Secretary Sawyer about it. I left with the President Mr. Battle's memorandum to me.
Will someone follow this up through Mr. Lay, so that our procedural steps are sound. I do not mean that the President's decision should be the subject of discussion, since has made it, but that proper steps are taken in the NSC to see that it is carried out properly.
S:DA:be