July 6, 1945
To the Heads of all Executive Departments and Agencies:
Throughout the war period I have been concerned with the necessity of extreme care in the handling of government
funds, especially when expenditures are at such unprecedented levels and so many officials are charged with disbursement of
these funds. I am certain that you share my satisfaction that there has been so little evidence of abuse, and that you also share my
strong desire that this good record shall be preserved.
Therefore, I am asking you and the other Department and Agency heads to express and underscore my determination to insure
the most exacting review of expenditures in every instance where there is the slightest ground to suspect either misuse or careless
handling of government funds. Any such instance should be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, a vigorous disciplinary
action should be invoked. I trust that you will transmit this message to your staff and supplement it with appropriate instructions of
your own.
HARRY S. TRUMAN
NOTE: On the following day the President went aboard the U.S.S. Augusta at Newport News, Va., en route to the Postman
Conference which opened on July 17. He returned to Washington on August 7.
To the Heads of all Executive Departments and Agencies:
Throughout the war period I have been concerned with the necessity of extreme care in the handling of government
funds, especially when expenditures are at such unprecedented levels and so many officials are charged with disbursement of
these funds. I am certain that you share my satisfaction that there has been so little evidence of abuse, and that you also share my
strong desire that this good record shall be preserved.
Therefore, I am asking you and the other Department and Agency heads to express and underscore my determination to insure
the most exacting review of expenditures in every instance where there is the slightest ground to suspect either misuse or careless
handling of government funds. Any such instance should be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, a vigorous disciplinary
action should be invoked. I trust that you will transmit this message to your staff and supplement it with appropriate instructions of
your own.
HARRY S. TRUMAN
NOTE: On the following day the President went aboard the U.S.S. Augusta at Newport News, Va., en route to the Postman
Conference which opened on July 17. He returned to Washington on August 7.