Memorandum from Secretary of Defense George Marshall to President Harry S. Truman with Attachment

TAP JAN 3 1951 MCEMO ANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT At their Brussels meeting, the North Atlantic Defense Ministers agreed to the immediate establishment in London of a North Atlantic Defense Production Board with the objective of achieving the maximum production of military equipment to meet the requirements of NATO. As you know, at that meeting Mr. Pace announced the designation of Mr. William L. Batt as the United States member of this Board. The key position in this organization will be that of Director of NATO Defense Production who, by agreement, would be an American. As over-all coordinator of production of the NATO member nations, the individual selected for this position will bear an important responsibility second only to that of the Suprome Commander. As its first order of business the Board will meet shortly to appoint the Director. It is considered that an individual of prominence and demonstrated leadership in United States industry, as well as of considerable international distinction should be nominated by this governnent. Consultations between lif. Charles Wilson, Mr. Averill Harriman, Mr. William Foster, General Lucius Clay, Mr. Sidney Weinberg, Mr. J. D. Small, Mr. George Perkins and Mr. Karl R. Bendetsen (representing Mr. Frank Pace) have resulted in agreement anong them that the persons named on the attachment are qualified. Any of these persons would be acceptable to Ceneral Eisenhower. I recommend then to you in the order named. There is general agreement that Herod is the outstand- ing candidate and that every effort should be made to obtain his services. No steps have been taken, however, to determine the avail- ability of any of those listed pending an indication from you of their acceptability or of your further desires respecting potential nominees. Upon receipt of an expression of your desires in this matter, I would propose, with your approval, to undertake, in collaboration with Mr. Charles Wilson, to determine the availability of, and transmit to the Defense Committee the name and qualifications of the individual so nominated. G. G. MARSHALL DECLASSIFIED 1 Incl E 0011005 SEC. III Attachment as described. OEF. LTR. 6-14-79 By NITHE NARS, Date 12-3-79 TS13