The documents in this section come from the cross-reference files, pre-Presidential files series and official files series and refer to Eisenhower's contact with Monnet on a political and personal level. General Eisenhower, the national hero from World War II became US President in 1952 on the Republican ticket. His popularity coupled with his strong personality ensured him a strong victory over his Democrat opponent. He had been made Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe by his mentor General Marshall and his first major operation was the landings in North Africa in 1942. It was while in Africa that Monnet came into contact with Eisenhower, and certainly by the time Eisenhower became President, the two men had become friends, with Eisenhower giving Monnet leave to write to him personally in the White House. Afer the war and a brief tour as war hero in the states, Eisenhower took up the position as President of Columbia University, which brought him into the world of political theorists and officials. In 1950, President Truman again brought him into the public eye by offering him the post of Supreme Commander of the new NATO armed forces in Europe. It was obvious that he would be seen as a likely and popular candidate for the Presidency, with both sides trying to woo him. Then in early 1952, Eisenhower entered the political arena on the Republican side. By the time of his election the Cold War was dominating the political agenda, and while the Marshall Plan had provided the means to put Europe back on its feet economically, the problem of defense was still a major issue, as the creation of NATO forces was still in its infancy. Monnet had in 1951 met with Eisenhower with John McCloy's help, to discuss European unity and the issue of European defence forces. Eisenhower had initially been sceptical of such a force as he felt it would encourage divisions. Monnet argued that the problem of Franco-German re-armament would be settled only in context of a European Community, thereby making the problem political rather than military. Eisenhower supported the concept of European integration as a whole because he felt if they used their own defence resources, the Americans would be able to pull out of Europe sooner. In July 1951, in London, Eisenhower put these ideas into a speech when he made a strong plea for European economic and political integration as being of benefit to success of NATO. In late 1951, Monnet was offered a position on the newly create

The originals are held in various Archives and Presidential Libraries in the USA