121.893/9–2247
Memorandum by Brigadier General Marshall S. Carter to the Director of the Executive Secretariat (Humelsine)
Subject: General Wedemeyer’s Report
Mr. Humelsine: 1. Herewith is text of letter from Secretary to the President as telephoned to you this morning for delivery prior to noon today, September 25.
2. The Secretary believes it highly undesirable for General Wedemeyer or any Departmental official to appear on a radio broadcast or make similar public appearance to discuss the Wedemeyer Report at this time.
3. The Secretary does not want any further distribution of the report until he has had an opportunity to discuss the matter with Mr. Lovett, Mr. Armour, and Mr. Butterworth.
It is important that no leaks of any kind occur on this report.
“Dear Mr. President:
“I understand General Wedemeyer is presenting his report to you at noon today. It seems to me mandatory that we treat Wedemeyer’s report strictly top secret and that no indication of its contents be divulged to the public. This will allow us time to review our policy in the light of the report, giving due consideration to it in balance with our policies in other parts of the world. If you agree, I suggest Wedemeyer be informed by you accordingly.
“If questioned by the press, you might state that a summary of the report cannot be issued, until careful consideration has been given it by the various departments of the Government concerned. Faithfully yours, G. C. Marshall.”32
- This message was sent by Mr. Humelsine on September 25, to Matthew J. Connelly, Secretary to President Truman.↩