January 16, 1951
MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Participants: Mr. Chester Bowles Mr. Acheson
Through S/S
Ex-Governor Bowles called the Secretary this morning and explained that Mr. William Foster had called him last night and said that he had decided not to go ahead with the proposition which he had mentioned to Mr. Bowles and which Mr. Bowles had been considering doing. Mr. Bowles said that he surmised that Mr. Foster had mentioned the matter to some Republicans who had not liked the idea and that it was for this reason that Mr. Foster had decided to drop the matter.
Since this matter was now out of the way, Mr. Bowles wanted to know about the Philippine matter. Mr. Acheson explained that because of the publicity and the delay, it was no longer possible to consider sending Mr. Bowles. Mr. Bowles understood perfectly; said that he was very sorry both that the Foster matter had come up to delay his decision on the Philippine matter and that there had been premature publicity about it. Mr. Bowles said that his interest lay in that area. He thought that his background would carry more "conviction" there than anywhere else. He said also that his main interest was in the economic field but he was also interested in the political field. He wondered if there was anything to the India rumor. The Secretary said that this definitely was not a possibility; that he felt our present Ambassador was the best possible person for that spot and in the present delicate situation he could not be removed. Mr. Bowles agreed with this.
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The conversation ended by Mr. Bowles asking the Secretary to let him know if anything came up and by his saying that he had no definite plans now except to get a little rest. The Secretary said he would keep it in mind.
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