Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East Region; Iran; Iraq, Volume XII

191. Memorandum of a Conference With the President, Washington, March 6, 1957¹

Washington, March 6, 1957

OTHERS PRESENT

• Secretary Dulles
• General Goodpaster

Ambassador Richards joined the group for the initial discussion, which had to do with the President’s letter to him and the proposed statement to be made by the President on signing the Mid-East resolution.² There was discussion as to indicating to House leaders that the amendments introduced by the Senate were acceptable to the Administration. Mr. Dulles said he had so notified Speaker Rayburn. The President asked General Persons to join the meeting and when he did so asked him to see that other leaders were informed. Ambassador Richards said there was some question regarding the amendment on the non-use of arms for aggressive purposes. At the President’s request Mr. Morgan and Mr. Harlow joined the meeting and there was extended discussion and several phone calls were made concerning the effect of the amendment. The outcome was a conclusion that the reference in the amendment to Section 105A of the Mutual Security Act³ was reasonably susceptible of an interpretation that it incorporated the other eligibility provisions of the Mutual Security Act. Mr. Morgan felt it would be dangerous to allow the amendment to stand. There was discussion of the possibility of having the House recede accepting the Senate version with a further House amendment which the Senate might then consider. As an alternative, it was suggested that House leaders might state their understanding before their vote on the Resolution that only the specific conditions stated in Section 105A applied. The President asked General Persons, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Harlow to work the matter out with the other people concerned.

Mr. Dulles indicated that Ambassador Richards planned to leave on his mission on about March 12. He will be accompanied by representatives from State, ICA, and Defense. Ambassador Richards said that with regard to his power to make commitments, he of course intended to send all such back to Washington for action, but that there would be need for quick action on the recommendations here. The President said he would like to have arrangements made to give such recommendations the highest priority for consideration.

At this point Ambassador Richards left the meeting and Mr. Herter joined. They discussed a number of State Department appointments with the President. On one of these, the President asked General Persons to consult with Senate leaders before the nomination is submitted.

G
Brigadier General USA

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries. Secret. Drafted by Goodpaster on March 7.
2. See Document 193.
3. Reference is to the Mutual Security Act of 1954 as amended; for text of Section 105A, see 68 Stat. 835.