123 Hurley, Patrick J.

Memorandum of Telephone Conversation, by the Secretary of State

General Hurley stated, “The last day I talked with you I said I would be glad if there was anything I could contribute to what you are doing to get General Marshall started—in other words, whether I could be of any help.

“But I want to tell you also that with reference to all the furore on the floor of the Senate and my being called by the two Committees of the House, that I did not ask for any hearing and I have not conferred with any of the people up there. Everyone has wanted me to talk about what I am going to do or say, but I am holding it close to myself and I want you to know that there won’t be one word that will be in opposition to you or the President. I am for both of you.

“Another thing, I have thought from some of the things asked me today that they would probably want me to talk about the recent correspondence on Indo-China, Hongkong, et cetera, and I don’t intend to do it.”

I told him I was satisfied he would not say or do anything that would embarrass the Government in its relation with other Governments.

General Hurley said, “After all, this is my country just like it is yours and we are together about it. I am not going to present any document except those that have already been published without your consent.”

I told him that I did not know what documents he had reference to.

General Hurley replied, “You know that I told you there were leaks in the Department. Drew Pearson published a lot of stuff and Langer11 wrote a letter to the State Department which the Department asked me to answer. That is the document12 I am referring to.”

“However, I wanted you to know I did not ask for the hearing and have had no meetings with any of them and I am going to do my best [Page 728] to have it a quiet and genteel proceeding when I go there. I wanted you to know that any information I have or any help I can give I will be delighted to offer.”

  1. Senator William L. Langer of North Dakota.
  2. Not printed.