740.5/6–2151: Telegram
The Charge in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State
6718. Eyes only for the Secretary. (No distribution except as directed.) Joint personal message from Spofford and Holmes. On his recent visit to London Paul Hoffman saw various members of govt and discussed ideas he had formed during his visit to the continent with regard to improvements in the structural organization under the NAT. His ideas in general are embodied in a memo which he submitted unsigned to Morrison at latter’s request, text of which is contained in text following eyes only tel.
It was made absolutely clear both by Hoffman and by Emb to PriMin and FonSec that Mr. Hoffman was paying a personal visit as private individual, that the ideas he expressed were his own, had no connection with US Govt and had not been discussed in Washington. Morrison’s first meeting was luncheon with Hector McNeil, Hugh Gaitskell and Hartley Shawcross. Hoffman reported to us that McNeil [Page 191] and Gaitskell were noncommittal but that Shawcross exhibited some enthusiasm for Hoffman’s suggestion. Hoffman also reported that he found the PriMin interested and polite but entirely noncommittal. He said, however, that he had the impression that Morrison was attracted to this idea for 2 reasons: first, because he felt that the asset represented by General Eisenhower’s standing both in America and in Europe should be used to the maximum to speed up rearmament of West and also to insure continued US contribution; second, because he had the impression that Morrison saw an opportunity to do something similar to Bevin’s action when he “seized the offer in Marshall’s Harvard speech with his two hands”. Morrision asked him to put his ideas on paper which Hoffman did as indicated above.
Hoffman discussed the matter in general terms with both of us in advance of his talks and informed us that he had previously discussed the matter with Eisenhower and Katz in Paris.
Hoffman has asked that this and following message be shown to General Marshall.