Undersecretary of the Treasury (1933); Assistant Secretary of State (1941-45); Undersecretary of State (1945-47); Secretary of State (1949-53). Advisor to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.
In this interview, Acheson talks about his involvement within the Democratic Party during the 1960 presidential nomination race; his role in presidential appointments, specifically some of the Cabinet positions; and his meetings and dealings with President Kennedy. Acheson speaks about the three assignments given to him by President Kennedy: summarize the extent and purpose of United States involvement with NATO; inform Charles de Gaulle of the Cuban Missile Crisis before the blockade was imposed, and visit some UN officials and Germany's Chancellor Konrad Adenauer; and summarize and propose recommendations for the balance of payments issue. Acheson also talks about his relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy and her family; his meetings with Konrad Adenauer; his meeting with Charles de Gaulle; and C. Douglas Dillon during the balance of payments meetings.