Memorandum for the Secretary of State
: Herewith a small file of papers handed to me by Paul Hoffman when he returned from the Mid East.1 Two of the enclosed documents are addressed to me, but since they are merely replies to letters that I sent with Paul when he went to India, I rather think that no further correspondence is indicated. Won't you please advise me?2
I have had long talks with both Paul Hoffman and Eric Johnston.3 As you know, the latter has been touring the Near East in his capacity as head of the Advisory Board of the Point IV Program.4 From these two men I have learned much, and I hope to have a long talk with you before you begin your own trip to that region.5 I am confident that with a simple and decent American policy we can make much progress in promoting the friendships that are so vital to our future. By the same token, any bad errors in this respect would be tragic.
Incidentally, I think that either of these gentlemen would be glad to come to your office any time you might be able to see him, if you feel that such a visit would be useful to you.
By the way, it is my feeling that the State Department might well consider having a division or branch that it would call "Miscellaneous Contacts." All the countries of the world are constantly being visited by American businessmen, educators and casual travelers, and some of these people are not only shrewd observers, but extremely capable and devoted individuals. If the State Department would step in and do a bit of organizing of the activity, couldn't it make the whole thing an asset and a help, rather than a hindrance, in its world wide efforts?
I have a constant stream of visitors who are just going to or returning from important sections of the world. They are jammed full of ideas--frequently these ideas strike me as being pretty good. Certainly all of these people mean to be helpful and sometimes, after they go to their homes, they write me long letters. If I had a place to which I could refer them and their communications, without having to bother you personally all the time, it would be helpful. Moreover, we would have a positive and sympathetic reading of their ideas, and all in all, we might get a tremendous advantage in the development and a promotion of policy.6
While these are just random thoughts, I would like to talk to you about them someday.
P.S. Attached also is my latest letter from Ed Bermingham about Mexico. I have already acknowledged it, but if Mr. Cabot or anyone else in your Department would like to read it, please pass it along and ask them to return it to me for my files.
