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Royall Tyler to Robert Woods Bliss, December 19, 1949

8 r. Quentin Bauchart8 rue Quentin-Bauchart, an elegant seven-story apartment building built in 1926–1927.

Paris VIII

Dec. 19, 1949

Dear Robert.

The final reportThe Final Report (A/AC.25/6) of the United Nations Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East was issued on December 28, 1949. of the Clapp MissionUnited Nations Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East. On August 23, 1949, the Palestine Conciliation Commission established the Economic Survey Mission on the subject of Palestinian refugees. The mission was headed by Gordon R. Clapp (1906–1963), an American authority on public administration and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Administration (1946–1954). was duly signed yesterday—with its Appendix II “Financial Survey” of 83 typed pages, for which I am responsible.

You may remember that in the Interim Report of the Clapp Mission,United Nations Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East. On August 23, 1949, the Palestine Conciliation Commission established the Economic Survey Mission on the subject of Palestinian refugees. The mission was headed by Gordon R. Clapp (1906–1963), an American authority on public administration and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Administration (1946–1954). signed Nov. 6, ‘49, the setting up of an AgencyThe United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, created on December 8, 1949. was recommended, (Recommendation No. 3) to take over the relief & public works program outlined in the report, as from April 1, 1950. As the Interim Report has been adopted by the UN., the Agency will presumably now be set up.

Gordon ClappGordon R. Clapp (1906–1963), an American authority on public administration and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Administration (1946–1954). does not intend to have anything to do with the Agency. He goes back to TVA.The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned U.S. corporation created in May 1933 to provide infrastructure and economic development in the Tennessee Valley, a region strongly affected by the Depression. The Director of the Agency, however, will presumably be an American, as the money will come mostly from the USA. I should be very much interested in working for the Agency. The post of Director, I imagine, will be given to someone with more political pull than I have—tho’ I wouldn’t be afraid of taking it over. But the Director will need some assistants who knew the wicked Old World, and I believe I could render useful service in that connexion.

I think that if ClappGordon R. Clapp (1906–1963), an American authority on public administration and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Administration (1946–1954). is asked about me, he’ll speak in my favor. I like him immensely, and he seemed to appreciate my work highly. But I imagine that State will determine the choice of staff. Will it be McGee [sic]?George Crews McGhee (1912–2005), an American diplomat in the U.S. foreign service. McGhee joined the State Department in 1946 and travelled on behalf of the State Department to offer four hundred million dollars in economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey, as well as other economic aid to countries in Africa and the Middle East. Or will McGee [sic] choose the Director? I know not. But I write to you, in case you could put in a word for me in the right quarter. And I imagine that the choice for the chief posts will soon, very soon, be made.

I’ve got a couple more objectsBZ.1950.14, BZ.1950.15, BZ.1950.16, BZ.1950.17, and BZ.1950.18.1. for DO, from out there, that I’ll send along when occasion offers. One or two very interesting ones, I think you’ll agree.

I have a desk at the Internat. Bank office here, 67 rue de Lille,67 rue de Lille, the former Hôtel Duret, constructed in 1872–1874 by David de Pénanrun. Beginning in January 1949, the building served as the Parisian headquarters of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Paris VIII, and cable addressed Intbafrad (INTBAFRAD) will reach me. ClappGordon R. Clapp (1906–1963), an American authority on public administration and chairman of the Tennessee Valley Administration (1946–1954). left here today & is due to reach his home at Nashville Ten. on Thurs. Dec. 22. I understand he’ll be going to Washn soon after the New Year, if not before.

Fond love and Xmas wishes to you and Mildred

Yrs

R.T.