July 28, 1952
MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Participants: Mr. Lovett, Secretary of Defense Mr. Acheson
Mr. Lovett telephoned the Secretary this morning and said that in connection with the forthcoming trip to Hawaii, the Secretary had inquired whether Defense could send out one of the men who had been handling ANZUS matters here. Mr. Lovett said that General Bradley had talked to him about this on Friday and again this morning. On investigation they had found that they have no one here who is familiar with the matter except a civilian by the name of Sullivan. The Secretary said that we had in mind Admiral Page, Smith or Col. Beebe. Mr. Lovett said that Nash is still away; Smith is in charge of that office and there is no replacement for him. Mr. Lovett had talked to Smith this morning and had learned that the Admiral thinks it would be a mistake for him to leave the office uncovered. Smith relies on Sullivan. Mr. Lovett said that he had also learned that men from Radford's staff had been brought in to Washington and had worked in the office of the Secretary of Defense with Smith's staff. The JCS are out of it at this point. Radford's staff is in good shape and could supply all the help the Secretary should require. Mr. Lovett felt he really shouldn't send Admiral Smith, and Beebe and Nash are both still away. Mr. Acheson asked Mr. Lovett just who on Radford's staff had been sent to Washington, and Mr. Lovett said he would get the names for him.
The Secretary remarked that the Joint Chiefs have a very firm attitude on the planning business; so have the Australians and the New Zealanders. There may be all sorts of moves made-and the Secretary wanted to be sure that he could communicate quickly with the right people. The Secretary said we may have to modify our position, but he hope not.
Mr. Lovett said that Sullivan is the one to handle that, he thought. Admiral Smith has recommended him.
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(The Secretary suggested that we should decide whether Sullivan would be useful; if so, we should take him; otherwise he prefers to let the matter rest.)
JK
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