January 4, 1951
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation
Re: US-British Military Liaison
The Secretary telephoned Mr. Lovett this morning to discuss with him the matter of British liaison with the Joint Chiefs which had been raised with him yesterday by Sir Oliver Franks. The Secretary said at the last meeting of the President and Atlee the matter of the British Joint Chiefs and our Joint Chiefs keeping in touch and informing each other of what was going on had been agreed to. Sir Oliver reported to the Secretary yesterday that Tedder is discouraged and does not think he is being kept informed. Tedder wanted to send some cable saying couldn't something be done, but Sir Oliver had suggested he wait until the matter had been taken up with Secretary Acheson. Mr. Acheson said he didn't know whether the Pentagon had forgotten about it and he wondered if he and General Marshall shouldn't meet to discuss what should be done.
Mr. Lovett said he did not remember the discussion at the meeting of the President and Prime Minister Atlee. He said that Marshall Tedder sits directly across the hall from General Bradley and that there should be a close personal relationship between the two, but he did not know just what the relationship is. He said that, of course, General Bradley's schedule is such that he would have little time to chat with Tedder. Mr. Lovett suggested that Mr. Acheson and General Marshall and General Bradley discuss the matter before bringing in Sir Oliver. The Secretary said he would try to speak to both of them about it this afternoon at the NSC meeting.
L.D.B.
S:BHM