Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Colonel Marshall S. Carter to General Marshall
91474. For your information the following events have occurred in connection with General Wedemeyer’s status. On 12 June the following cable signed by Mr. Byrnes was handed to me for dispatch to you:
“Have talked to Wedemeyer who agrees to accept nomination we discussed provided there is legislation preserving his military status. In view of your 67997 of May 11, wish you would advise whether announcement of the nomination would adversely affect situation confronting you. If you feel that it would do so, then we will continue to delay action. James F Byrnes.”
Upon reading the above message I talked to General Wedemeyer and ascertained that Mr. Byrnes was not aware of your 807.98 General Wedemeyer agreed that Mr. Byrnes should be informed of your 807 before dispatch of the cable quoted above. I talked with Mr. Byrnes on this matter and he was most receptive, stating that his one desire was to meet all of your wishes to the best of his ability. He then decided not to send the message quoted above for fear it would be interpreted as a needle from him. Mr. Byrnes then dictated the following memorandum for the President which he signed on 13 June prior to his departure for Paris:
“After talking with you this morning about General Wedemeyer, I learned that General Marshall has wired that he did not wish any action taken with reference to the appointment of Wedemeyer at [Page 1060] this time, and that he would advise us when to proceed. I do not think we should do anything about it until we hear from General Marshall, who is fully cognizant of the need for legislation and the proposals for adjournment.”