Memorandum of Conversation with Secretary of State Dean Acheson and President Harry S. Truman

CONFIDENTIAL 258 September 16, 1949 the the "NATIONAL Discussion with the President ARCHIVES AND RECORDS and is SERVICE" Item 1. Broadcasting Speeches at Nehru Dinner Mr. Rusk: I suggested to the President and Mr. Clifford your idea about broadcasting the speeches at the Nehru dinner. They both were favorably impressed but thought that the matter should be studied pretty carefully. Would you have someone examine the pros and cons of the idea and also procedures for carrying it out with the following thoughts in mind: 1.) Would this create a precedent so that in the future the President will have to go on the air every time he gives a state dinner ? This, I think, would be bad; if he speaks too often, it cheapens the whole effort. 2.) I presume that before the idea is finally agreed upon, we would have to be pretty clear that Nehru's response was going to be helpful. Is it possible to work out a mutual criticism of addresses without possible embarrassment and without possibly being trapped into a public statement with a response which would not be satis- factory. We ought to see our way through this thing to the end before we start it. 3.) As to substance, are we clear that there are some ideas on the Far East which are good enough for President Truman's utterance at this time.? Can I have your thoughts on this before I go away on Monday? If we decide to go ahead with it, someone should be desig- nated to follow it through with Mr. Clifford. D. A. DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (B) CONFIDENTIAL 7.23.25 Dept. of State letter, S:DA:dhm By NLT- He , NARS Date4 +-27-76