Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 108

No. 45
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Ambassador at Large (Jessup)

confidential
  • Participants: His Excellency Theodor Heuss, President of the German Federal Republic
  • His Excellency Dean Acheson, Secretary of State
  • Also present: Mr. Adenauer, Mr. McCloy, Mr. Jessup, Mr. Von Herwalt

The Secretary accompanied by Mr. McCloy and Mr. Jessup called on President Heuss at 6:45 on Saturday afternoon, May 24. Chancellor Adenauer was also present as was Mr. Von Herwalt, who acted as interpreter.

The Secretary began by saying that he brought from President Truman a message of cordial greetings and good wishes to President Heuss. The President believed that the Secretary and the Chancellor working together would be able to bring the present negotiations to a successful conclusion. President Heuss interrupted to say he appreciated this message and he shared this expectation. The Secretary continued that he did not wish to minimize the important [Page 101] cooperation and good will of his French and British colleagues, but he did feel the United States and the Federal Republic cooperating together were in a position to make a major contribution. President Heuss again agreed. President Heuss and the Chancellor expressed their appreciation of the cooperation which they had received from Mr. McCloy. The Secretary referred to our hope that the Senate would be able to ratify the Convention before its adjournment, to which President Heuss replied that he hoped their ratification could be concluded in July or August.

The call was brief and formal but characterized by an atmosphere of great cordiality.

Philip C. Jessup