September 24, 1952
S/S
Mr. Harriman telephoned the Secretary this morning about Mrs. Helen Ogden Reid's interest in having General Draper speak before the New York Herald- Tribune forum on October 20. Mr. Harriman said that Mrs. Reid had spoken with him about this matter and that if General Draper felt very strongly that he wanted to do this, he saw no reason why it wouldn't be all right. Mr. Harriman added that if it were his own choice, he would not be interested. Mr. Harriman told Mrs. Reid he thought she should get in touch with General Draper directly. However, he wanted to discuss the matter with Mr. Acheson to find out if the Secretary thought it advisable to "steer General Draper off it".
Mr. Acheson said that Mr. Perkins had mentioned that there was a possibility of General Draper's returning here in early October in connection with the NATO Annual review, in which case he would not think General Draper would care to make a second trip back here later in the month with all the work he had to do. The Secretary said that he really had no objection to General Draper's accepting the invitation.
Mr. Harriman concluded by saying that he would call General Draper about the invitation.
JCK
Sma