771. Letter from Johnson to McConaughy1

Dear Walter:
[Facsimile Page 1]

I have just received your unclassified letter of January 4 and hasten to reply in the same way mailing this by APO channels from Nurenberg when I go through there tomorrow.

It is reassuring to know that if I am still at this in 1958 a substitute is in the mill. You can be sure I most fervently hope that the contingency will not arise.

I had told Dave that if by the end of the next meeting it looks as if things are going to continue on the same course I would be willing to tell the Department I was willing to release him to return to the Department, subject, of course, to the arrival of a replacement. I had not thought of Ed Martin from London but am delighted at the prospect and believe that from my standpoint it would be entirely practicable if we continue at our present pace of not more than a meeting each two weeks. This would leave the problem of a secretary which I will discuss with Geneva when I arrive there. With Dave Popper at no. 2 there now I may be able to work out something more satisfactory than previously. I will let you know.

[Typeset Page 1294]

I hope you have lots of news waiting for me at Geneva, so that I know at least as much as the other fellow about what has happened, if anything.

All the best,

Sincerely yours,

U. Alexis Johnson
  1. Source: Department of State, Geneva Talks Files, Lot 72D415. Unclassified; Official–Informal. Johnson signed the original “Alex.” A handwritten note on the letter indicates it was received on January 14.