September 2, 1952
MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Participants: Secretary of the Navy Dan Kimball Mr. Acheson
Secretary of the Navy Dan Kimball telephoned the Secretary today to say that he had planned on going over to Europe to two or three places and he had received a note from David Bruce saying that the latter didn't think that Kimball should join the Fleet at the "Mainbrace" exercise. He was surprised at this and wondered if this definitely was the Department's view. Mr. Acheson said that was right. We feel that it would be a serious mistake because it greatly over-emphasizes the exercise; it draws disproportionate attention to US participation in it, puts us out in front, and might cause a great deal of criticism in Europe. No other Secretary of the Navy plans on attending, so far was we know.
Mr. Kimball said that he didn't see why he couldn't go to see our own ships in areas where they are operating. Mr. Acheson said that this was different-it was a NATO operation, and the aspect of large-power domination should be avoided. Also, it is being held in a very sensitive part of the world. There would be nothing gained by it and a great deal to be lost. The British Government is worried, and the Scandinavians are worried. Mr. Kimball said he had hoped to invite his counterpart in England-the First Sea Lord-to go along with him. He thought that with many correspondents of different nations going out there, this was straining at a gnat on this thing. Mr. Acheson said that he didn't think it was a gnat; it is a serious and touchy point. This is a most considered judgment.
Mr. Kimball said that the Navy's view was 180 degrees from that. The Secretary said that they have different considerations in their mind than we do. We have to consider the diplomatic side of the thing, including the reactions of our Allies. There was already criticism about the Baltic side of the operations.
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Mr. Kimball said that for the life of him, with all the correspondents going, he couldn't see where one person more or less made any difference. Mr. Acheson assured Mr. Kimball that if that person was the Secretary of the Navy it would make a lot of difference. It focuses great attention on the maneuvers. Mr. Acheson said he couldn't see what there was to gain by Mr. Kimball's visiting the Fleet. Mr. Kimball said that it helps the morale of our people when such visits are made, and he would probably come back with ideas regarding improvement. He said he was really amazed when a question came up regarding his going. Mr. Acheson stressed that this is a joint operation under NATO command--they want the international note kept and not have it predominantly American. That is one of the main purposes of the exercise.
Mr. Kimball brought up the joint exercises of the occupation Army in Germany. He remarked that the Secretary of the Army and some of the Service Chiefs had attended there. The Secretary said that their presence didn't bring out the US part of it; in this instance the US part is subordinate to the whole. These maneuvers are off Scandinavia, and it is most desirable to avoid characterizing them as the US versus Russia. We want to stress that it is a NATO exercise in NATO territory.
Mr. Kimball said that he would appreciate it if the Secretary would talk to Mr. Lovett about this. Mr. Kimball admitted that he might be narrow-minded on the thing, but he really didn't think so. Mr. Kimball said there were changes he would have to make in his plans if he could not go. The Secretary said that he would be very glad to speak with Mr. Lovett.
JK
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