Editorial Note

No official record has been found of the discussion at this dinner. The information given above is derived from Acheson, Present at the Creation, page 610. According to Acheson’s brief account, the discussion focused on the issue of the location of the North Atlantic Council and the selection of a Secretary General for the organization. According to the account in Eden, Full Circle, page 45, Acheson and Eden agreed during the meeting to the suitability of a joint American-British declaration guaranteeing support for the European Defense Community in the event of threats from within or without. Acheson also told Eden that the United States was considering a new “Monroe Doctrine” for Europe.

According to telegram 3504, February 12, from London, British Chancellor of Exchequer Butler and Foreign Office Permanent Under Secretary Strang were also scheduled to attend the dinner. (100.11 AC/2–1252)