Department of State Atomic Energy Files
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Webb)1
Atomic Energy Problem
The President has approved policies to govern further discussions and arrangements with the British and Canadians with respect to atomic energy matters. At the Blair House conference everyone, including Secretary Johnson and General Eisenhower, supported these policies vigorously. However, at the Congressional hearings, Secretary Johnson and General Eisenhower tended to stress the raw material problem rather than the broader implications, resulting in a considerably weaker presentation at the hearings from the standpoint of the Executive branch. It is doubtful whether any Congressional approval can be obtained for the previously approved policies without vigorous and active NME support.
Lilienthal believes public sentiment is ready to support a strong Presidential drive for the kind of set-up we ought to have at this time. Bearing in mind that our international proposals appear stymied, must we not try to establish some system with those countries which will participate (Great Britain and Canada) in a system which will integrate and make most effective the knowledge and skills available in each country, allocate production and other effort in the most efficient and effective way, and keep the major producing units in the United States?
Is the President anxious to take the lead in developing such a limited international program, presenting it with the full force and strength of the Presidential leadership, associating himself with Congressional leaders where possible but, where this is not possible, acting with his full constitutional power to conduct foreign relations, make executive agreements, enforce national security requirements, and so forth?
- A chit attached to the source text indicates that this memorandum was dictated by the Under Secretary for the use of the Secretary at White House discussions.↩