Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram

Colonel Marshall S. Carter to General Marshall 87

89252. The President this morning talked to me about the premature announcement of your nomination.88 He expressed regret that the release had been necessitated by what appeared to be a leak on Mister Byrnes’ resignation. The President had hoped that the release could have been made as originally scheduled on the 10th, at which time you would have been in Hawaii.

He stated that this should not affect your previous plans for Hawaii stopover. He also said that the State Department would continue to function with the same key personnel until you arrive and have had time to assume command.

  1. Relayed to Port Shafter, Hawaii, for transmission to General Marshall on arrival.
  2. As Secretary of State; the nomination was confirmed by the Senate on January 8; General Marshall took the oath of office on January 21, 1947.