Correspondence Between Secretary of State Dean Acheson and General Dwight D. Eisenhower

DECLASSIFIED 3. E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) 12.29.25 Dept. of State letter, Aug ARCHIVES RECOROS 'NATIONAL AND 26-a By NLT- He . NARS Date 5-4-76 1: SERVICE* CONFIDENTIAL January 22, 1952 Dear General Eisenhower: Your letter of January 15 reached me just as the President and I were about to make a final decision as to whether David Bruce should be brought back to Washington as Under Secretary of State. We had concluded that, as much as Mr. Bruce was needed in Paris, there was an even greater need for him here. Your letter gave us great hesitation, as we were most reluctant to do anything which would multiply your difficulties in Europe. After careful thought, however, we concluded that Mr. Bruce's services at this crucial time could best be used here. It is our plan for Dave to remain in Paris until after the Lisbon meeting of the North Atlantic Council where we hope the European Defense Force and arrangements with Germany can be finalized. Our target date for his return to the United States is early March, although we realize it may require some adjustment. This was a difficult choice, as we realize the delicacy of the situation in France now and in the coming months. In view of the situation there, we selected Mr. Bruce's successor with extreme care and settled on Ambassador James Clement Dunn who has had a very broad experience in dealing with European problems and is in every respect well qualified to fill this difficult post. I feel certain that you will find him the same tower of strength Dave has been. I appreciate having your thoughts on this matter and am sorry that we were unable to work out the situation so that Mr. Bruce could remain in Paris. With best wishes. Sincerely yours, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe. S:LDBattle:mlm CONFIDENTIAL