Vandenberg, Arthur H.
United States Senate COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Pantlind Hotel Grand Rapids, Michigan January 15, 1951
PERSONAL
Honorable Dean Acheson Secretary of State Washington, D.C.
My dear Dean:
This will reply to your very kind and typically generous note of January 9th.
I am glad you liked my recent statement. I felt that I had to make it plain that I still consider unity at the water's edge to be more vital than ever in the defense of our own national security. Through "give and take" we must strive for full consultation and a maximum meeting of minds. I have no illusions about the part I might play at this stage in catching up with "yesterday" and in finding a reasonably united modus vivendi for "tomorrow." I fully recognize the sharp limitations put upon me by my stubborn illness and my unavoidable absence from Washington. But you may be sure that I shall return as soon as it is physically possible. I want to do my full part despite these handicaps.
I deeply appreciate your letters and the President's very kind interest which he has so often expressed. I feel that General Eisenhower's frank assessment of the first hand information which he is now collecting may well prove to be a decisive factor in our plans and in our public opinion. I wish I could be there when he arrives in Washington but I am afraid this is quite impossible. But I shall see you all as soon as I can.
I hope the Good Lord will make us worthy of His benediction. In times like these all that counts is our country.
With warm personal regards and best wishes.
Cordially and faithfully,
Arthur H. Vandenberg