Vandenberg, Arthur H.
January 9, 1951
Dear Arthur:
I have just seen the press reports of your comment on the President's message. I assure you that I believe that the course you urge of unity and bipartisan cooperation is the only way in which we can surmount the difficulties which face us. Your statement will go far in influencing efforts in this direction.
Foster has told me of his visit with you last Sunday. You are missed here more than you can know and I sincerely hope you can very soon give us the benefits of your sound judgment and wise leadership.
With all best wished.
Sincerely yours,
(stamped Dean Acheson)
The Honorable Arthur H. Vandenberg Grand Rapids, Michigan
S:DHMorgret
DEPARTMENT OF STATE Executive Secretariat
TO: The Secretary
FROM: Mr. McWilliams
FOR SIGNATURE
This has been coordinated with H.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Secretary
[Hand written]
S/S-
Please obtain the necessary clearances of the attached letter. I think H should see.
LDB
(VANDENBERG) GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - SEN. ARTHUR H. VANDENBERG, AILING REPUBLICAN FOREIGN POLICY LEADER, RESTATED TODAY HIS WORLD WAR II PROGRAM OF BIPARTISAN FOREIGN POLICY AS "THE WAY TO STOP A WAR OR WIN IT."
HE URGED "UNITY AT THE WATER'S EDGE" IN HIS FIRST COMMENT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS SINCE RETURNING HOME LAST FALL TO RECUPERATE FROM A SERIES OF OPERATIONS.
"IN THE FACE OF RUTHLESS AGGRESSION AIMED AT US, WE CANNOT STAND A DEADLOCK UNTIL 1952," VANDENBERG SAID. HE HAD A "PURELY PERSONAL" BEDSIDE CONFERENCE SUNDAY WITH JOHN FOSTER DULLES, GOP ADVISER TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT.
VANDENBERG EMPHASIZED THAT PRESIDENT TRUMAN SHOULD "SHARE RESPONSIBILITY" FOR RESTORING BIPARTISAN COOPERATION.
"EARNEST DEBATE MUST URGENTLY SCRUTINIZE THE WAYS AND MEANS (OF PREVENTING WAR). MANY PATRIOTS HOLD DIVERGENT VIEWS, BUT WE MUST STRIVE FOR THE GREATEST POSSIBLE MEETING OF LOYAL MINDS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE……IT IS THE WAY TO STOP A WAR OR WIN IT."
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