Friday, April 6, 1951
MacArthur shoots another political bomb through Joe Martin, leader of the Republican minority in the House.
This looks like the last straw.
Rank insubordination. Last summer he sent a long statement to the Vets of Foreign Wars - not through the high command back home, but directly! He sent copies to newspapers and magazines particularly hostile to me.
I was furnished a copy from the press room of the White House which had been accidently [sic] sent there.
I ordered the release surpressed and the sent him a very carefully prepared directive dated Dec 5 1950 setting out Far Eastern policy after I'd flown 14404 to Wake Island to see him and reach an understanding face to face.
He told me the war in Korea was over that we could transfer a regular division to Germany Jan 1st. He was positive Red China would not come in. He expected to support our Far Eastern policy.
I call in Gen. Marshall, Dean Atcheson [sic] Mr. Harriman and Gen Bradley before Cabinet to discuss situation. I've come
Saturday, April 7, 1951
to the conclusion that our Big General in the Far East must be recalled. I don't express any opinion or make known my decision.
Direct the four to meet again Friday afternoon and go over all phases of the situation.
Saturday
We met again this morning - Gen Marshall, Dean Atcheson [sic], Mr. Harriman and Gen. Bradley.
It is the unanimous opinion of all that MacArthur be relieved. All four so advise.
I direct that order be issued, press statement prepared and suggest meeting Monday before the Cabinet meets.