April 24, 1952
WHITE HOUSE DICTATION
Item No. 1
DEPARTMENT SPEAKERS AT POLITICAL MEETINGS
I discussed with the President the memorandum relating to Department speakers at political meetings. He approved the recommendation in Mr. Sargeant's memorandum of April 1, which was that the Department should allow only persons not subject to the Hatch Act to appear before political groups.
The President stressed that he did not want the State Department in politics. He felt that political meetings of either party which wished to have explained to them our foreign policies were entitled to have this done. He thought that there was much ignorance about them and that it would be useful to have the facts known.
S:D.Acheson:be
April 24, 1952
WHITE HOUSE DICTATION
Item No. 2
DOUGLAS MacARTHUR TO INDOCHINA
The President thought highly of Douglas MacArthur and agreed to the importance of having a man in IndoChina who would act vigorously and believed that MacArthur was well qualified. He approved our going forward with the idea.
I asked the President whether it would be proper and wise for me to consult with General Eisenhower as to the propriety and wisdom of changing MacArthur's assignment at about the time there was to be a change of supreme commanders. He thought that this was a good thing to do and asked me to go ahead.
I am suggesting a change in the language of the telegram.
S:D.Acheson:be
April 24, 1952
WHITE HOUSE DICTATION
Item No. 3
BRAZILIAN TRIP
I informed the President that the Brazilian trip might have to be delayed and come after the trip to Europe, explaining the reasons. The President approved of this and said that the Independence would be at my disposal.
S:D.Acheson:be
April 24, 1952
WHITE HOUSE DICTATION
Item No. 4
I went over with the President the two cables relating to the procedure and text of resolutions relating to the appointment of General Eisenhower's successor. He approved them both.
S:D.Acheson:be