February 13, 1951
S/S
Sir Oliver Franks called me this morning and asked to see the Secretary today before Sir Oliver departed at three o'clock with regard to a message from the British Government on the subject of Germany. He said he wanted to come in and simply leave the message with Mr. Acheson, have him read it, and arrange to discuss it with him next week after the Ambassador returns, which is, I believe, on Tuesday.
I told Sir Oliver that it was impossible for the Secretary to see him today. I suggested that he send the message me and that I would arrange to have the Secretary read it and would give him an appointment next week to discuss it. Later, however, Mr. Thorp asked that the Secretary call in Sir Oliver and Ambassador Bonnet for a discussion on the raw materials problem. The Secretary received the two Ambassadors, and Sir Oliver, after the meeting on raw materials, lingered behind and spoke to the Secretary about the message on Germany.
The Secretary told me, after Sir Oliver had left, that Sir Oliver had asked that he read it and had indicated that he wanted to have a discussion with him early next week.
Attached is the paper which the Ambassador left. Can the appropriate people be consulted as to whether a meeting with the Ambassador is desirable on this subject and if possible can the appropriate briefing papers be prepared.
L.D.B.
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