840.50/1006
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The British Ambassador called at his request and handed me some papers relating to the international food organization plans which contain certain observations and views of the British Government. A copy is hereto attached.71 I thanked him and said that it would be given prompt and careful attention.
The Ambassador inquired whether Governor Lehman would be disposed to visit London soon and added that they would be glad to see him over there. I replied that I would take the matter up with Governor Lehman. Speaking off the record, we are hoping that it may prove agreeable for Governor Lehman to become Director General of the United Nations’ relief organization, but as the matter has not yet reached that stage when it is possible to approach the British Government, the Governor might well visit London in his present temporary capacity as head of the United States relief organization should he be so disposed.
[Page 159]The Ambassador said that his Government was desirous of an early meeting of the four great powers for the purpose of reaching an agreement on the pending international relief and rehabilitation plans, that the British Government would like to have the meeting held in London but it would be entirely agreeable to meet in Washington. He added that the British Government would be glad to have the views of the United States Government at an early date. After agreement had been reached on the proposed plans, Sir Leith-Ross desired then to confer with the associated nations in Europe. I replied that there would be no particular objection to a conference in order to work out a clear understanding as to the meaning and significance of the plans of organization and some steps perhaps looking toward carrying them out. I said that this Government would give attention to all of these matters as soon as practicable.
- Supra.↩