June 1, 1950
Secretary Johnson telephoned the Secretary this morning to ask what the Department's attitude would be if the Philippines were included in his itinerary on the forthcoming Far East trip.
Mr. Johnson said that both Ambassador Cowen and Mr. Webb thought that he and General Bradley should stop in the Philippines. Secretary Johnson said he hadn't yet mentioned the subject to the President because he hadn't had an opportunity to discuss it with Secretary Acheson. Mr. Johnson said further that the JCS were not too favorably inclined toward the trip but they overlooked the fact that the Philippines might interpret their not stopping there as a slight.
Mr. Johnson asked if the Secretary would bring this matter up with the President and let him know the outcome since their trip was only about a week away. The Secretary said he would go into the matter at once.
S:ma