862.60/8–947: Telegram
The Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
1911. Personal for the Secretary Eyes Only. General Clay received Royall’s personal messages regarding latter’s agreement with you on tripartite London conversations to receive and discuss French views on level German industry and management and control Ruhr coal mines. Clay informally tells me that decision is not acceptable to him and that it destroys any vestige of prestige he may still have, placing him in impossible position. He spoke with bitterness over what he considers absence of conviction and principle on part Department in this matter. He indicated that he could not agree to go to London, that of course he would designate a representative for this purpose and he would also telegraph COS regarding his immediate retirement. He [Page 1027] further said that all of this would make some form of public statement by him inevitable.
I advised General Clay against such a course of action, urging that it might place him in an unfavorable light: that considerations of general policy do not involve his personal prestige; that his knowledge of subject matter and presence at London meeting would be the best guarantee of effective support of US–UK viewpoint on level of industry and Ruhr coal; and that designation of Douglas as US representative at meeting is customary routine since London post selected for obvious reasons, and that this would not place Clay in inferior position.
General Clay nevertheless seems determined to proceed with request for retirement. On other occasions in past I have felt that his expressed desire was tempered by a continuing interest in the job to which he has devoted himself so effectively and I may have been helpful then in persuading him to stay. This time he really seems to have lost interest and does not react to suggestion.
Foregoing for your personal information.75
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The Secretary did not reply to this telegram. In telegram 4339, August 12, from London, not printed, Ambassador Douglas expressed his concern at Clay’s intention to retire and expressed the hope that Clay would not carry out his intention and would attend the forthcoming tripartite meetings in London as an adviser (862.60/8–1247). In telegram 3457, August 12, to London, Secretary Marshall replied to Ambassador Douglas as follows:
“Situation mentioned urtel 4339, August 12, has arisen on frequent occasions in the past. I feel that this is entirely a matter for War Dept. decision and that this Dept. should not inject itself in the matter. For your own info we have stated to the War Dept. that we considered Clay’s presence as an adviser at the London talks important therefore we have no objection whatever your expressing your own views and desires to him on personal basis.” (862.60/8–1247)
Telegram 1994, August 19, from Berlin, not printed, reported that General Clay had been personally requested by Secretary Royall to attend the London meetings (862.60/8–1947). The Department of State subsequently authorized Murphy to accompany Clay to London.
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