TO ROBERT A. LOVETT February 18, 1947

47.02.18A (306w)

TO ROBERT A. LOVETT February 18, 1947 [Washington, DC]

Dear Lovett: I was very much pleased and relieved to receive your letter of February 11 indicating your willingness to accept the appointment as Under Secretary of State.1 But I was sorry to learn of your indisposition and I do hope that nothing serious persists. I intend to telephone you in a more direct answer to your letter. Acheson told me this morning that Mrs. Lovett had stayed with them last night. He explained that you were still in New York delaying your trip to Florida. As matters now stand, I have in mind that when you have fully recovered your energies you come into the Department without appointment—that is as an Assistant Secretary—and understudy Acheson. Possibly we will send your nomination as Under Secretary to the Senate, secure their confirmation, and then delay your acceptance until Acheson departs, presumably the end of June. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to me to feel that I will have your strong support during the difficult days ahead. I contemplated with almost fear the departure of Acheson with no assurance of just who I would have to assist me in his stead. Now that I know you are willing to take on the chore, my whole point of view has changed and my spirits are lightened accordingly. 2

With warm regards and my earnest personal thanks, Faithfully yours,

GCMRL/G. C. Marshall Papers (Pentagon Office, Selected)

1. In response to a letter from Marshall dated February 6, Lovett wrote that his health had not been good since 1945. His doctors recommended a further three months of rest, and he told Marshall that if such a delay was acceptable, he would accept Marshall's offer. (Lovett to Marshall, February 11, 1947, GCMRL/G. C. Marshall Papers [Pentagon Office, Selected].)