May 19,1952
MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
Participants: Congressman Richards Mr. Acheson
The Secretary telephoned Congressman Richards to say that he had hoped very much to respond to a suggestion which had been made that he appear before the Committee to discuss the present situation in Korea. However, he pointed out to Congressman Richards that in view of his imminent departure for Europe and also in view of two major problems, Berlin and Indochina, which needed a great deal of time with the President, it would be almost impossible for him to come up to the Committee. Congressman Richards said he understood perfectly, that he did not see how Mr. Acheson could come up to the Committee and it had been Judd and one or two others who had made the suggestion for the Secretary to come. They had thought it would be useful at this point with the MSA bill coming up on the floor to have a thorough briefing. The Secretary said that Mr. Allison was coming up, and Congressman Richards agreed that this would take care of the matter, particularly if they could have a top military man appear also. He said that Mr. McFall was working on this for the Committee.
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