Memorandum of Telephone Conversation by Clark M. Clifford

HARRIS HARRY ARCHIVES NATIONAL TRUMAN AND LIBRARY the WHITE house RECORDS WASHINGTON SERVICE U.S. GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH KENNETH ROYALL Ken Royall called at 2:30 P.M. July 24, 1947, and said that he, Judge Patterson, General Eisenhower and General Norstad had had a lengthy conference on the new unification bill. He stated that he was disappointed that the bill ended up in the final form in which it did. He feels that the new organization provided for under the bill will not save money, will not be efficient, and will not prevent inter-service disputes. At the conclusion of the conference in the War Department, however, it was decided among those attending that the bill should be signed by the President and that every effort be made to make it work. Royall believes that it is important that the services involved con- fer with reference to when the bill should become effective. He suggests that the subject should be discussed in a conference with the President and that agreement be reached. Royall commented on the question of the selection of the Secretary of Defense. He states that Judge Patterson is his number one candidate for he believes he is best qualified to do the job. He adds, however, that he discussed the matter with Judge Patterson and Judge Patterson informed him that under no circumstances would he, Judge Patterson, be interested in taking the job. He served seven years in government and wishes to get back to the practice of law. Royall further states that his second choice for