February 1, 1951
Meeting with the President
Item 2. Ambassadorial Appointments
I went over the list which was included in my briefing book with the President. He approved of these transfers and the two new appointments.
There is a matter which requires some thought and immediate attention. At my reception for Mr. Pleven, General Fleming told me that he had heard rumors that the President was considering him for an ambassadorial appointment. He asked if these rumors were true. I said that they were true although I was not in a position to say whether or not the President had come to a final conclusion on the matter. He then asked me if I could tell him what general area of the world was involved. Forgetting the most recent change in the situation, I told him that I thought it was South America. He seemed to be agreeable to this.
I think someone ought to get in touch with the General and straighten this matter out if we are going ahead according to the memorandum.
S:DA:ma