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Public Papers

The Public Papers of Harry S. Truman contain most of President Truman's public messages, statements, speeches, and news conference remarks. Documents such as Proclamations, Executive Orders, and similar documents that are published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations, as required by law, are usually not included. The documents within the Public Papers are arranged in chronological order. President Truman delivered the remarks or addresses from Washington, D. C., unless otherwise indicated. The White House in Washington issued statements, messages, and letters unless noted otherwise. (Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Harry S. Truman, 1945-1953. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, 1966)

The Public Papers contain items such as the Statement by the President Announcing the Use of the A-Bomb at Hiroshima (August 6, 1945), the Special Message to the Congress on Greece and Turkey: The Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947), the White House Statement Announcing Recognition of the Government of Israel (January 31, 1949), the Statement and Order by the President on Relieving General MacArthur of His Commands (April 11, 1951), and The President's Farewell Address to the American People (January 15, 1953).

July 17, 1951 WE HAVE just made an investigation of the flood situation from St. Louis to Salina, Kans., and from Salina to Miami, Okla. And it is one of the worst disasters, I think, that the country has ever suffered from water. I am informed by…
July 3, 1946 THE INDEPENDENCE achieved today by the Philippines comes after a period of forty-eight years of American sovereignty over the Islands. Throughout this period it has been the consistently expressed policy of this Government, as revealed in…
July 18, 1949 To the Congress of the United States: I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1949, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1949. This plan is designed to make urgently needed changes…
July 8, 1948 I WANT to congratulate you gentlemen on this settlement. It is great for our country. I wanted to see this thing settled as it should be done, by bargaining and not in any other way. You did this on your own hook, and I feel very good…
July 19, 1949 Imperial Sir, nobles and ladies, distinguished guests, neighbors from our North and South, fellow Americans: I am happy to be present at this Imperial Council Session of the Shrine of North America, and to participate in your…
July 26, 1947 BY VIRTUE of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, and as President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, I hereby prescribe the following assignment…
July 18, 1951 Dear Mr. Vice President: I understand that the Senate Committee on Finance has reported to the Senate an amendment to H.R. 2416, a tax bill already passed by the House. This amendment is intended to increase by about three…
October 4, 1945 Dear Mr.___________: In my communication of September 5, 1945, I transmitted for the consideration of the Congress proposed rescissions of portions of several war-related appropriations, including appropriations available…
June 9, 1952 Dear Senator Maybank: I am informed that the Senate may take some action today with respect to the current dispute in the steel industry. If the Senate should do this, the results might be very harmful. The parties to the…
June 9, 1950 Mr. President, members of the faculty, distinguished guests, and the Class of 1950: I am very glad to take part in these graduation exercises at the University of Missouri. The young men and women graduating here today…
July 3, 1946 To the People of the Philippines: I am indeed happy to be able to join with you in the formal inauguration of the Republic of the Philippines. This is a proud day for our two countries. For the Philippines it marks the end of…
January 18, 1946 I HAVE just been informed that the United States Steel Corporation has refused to accept the compromise offered by me yesterday in the United States Steel Corporation-United Steel Workers controversy. The original demand made by Mr.…
April 28, 1945 THE PRESIDENT. Well, I was over here, as you can see, doing a little work, and this rumor got started. I had a call from San Francisco, and the State Department called me. I just got in touch with Admiral Leahy and had him call our…
January 30, 1948 Dear Mr. Administrator: The health of our people is of such importance to our national welfare and security that I wish to make certain that we are taking all possible steps to contribute to its improvement. I have, as you…
January 18, 1952 THE PRESIDENT and the Prime Minister with their advisors have had several discussions relating to the arrangements about the Atlantic Command recommended by NATO and accepted by the late Government of the United Kingdom. As a result of…
January 27, 1947 I AM deeply shocked and grieved to learn of the death of Prince Gustaf Adolf. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your sorrow. HARRY S. TRUMAN [His Majesty Gustaf V, King of Sweden, Stockholm]
January 19, 1950 THE PRESIDENT. I have no special announcements to make this morning, but I will try to answer your questions if I can. [1.] Q. Mr. President, do you plan to name a successor to Myron Taylor? THE PRESIDENT. The matter is under study…
January 18, 1951 THE PRESIDENT. Please be seated. I have no special announcements for you this morning, but I will try to answer questions if I can. [1.] Q. Mr. President, do you wish to comment on your meeting with Dr. Bennett and Mr.…
January 19, 1949 Mr. Chairman of the Finance Committee, and members of the Finance Committee: I simply want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the job you have done. I never was, in my political career, connected with the…
October 5, 1945 THIS IS ONE of the pleasant duties of the President of the United States. These are the young men who represent us in our fighting forces. They said we were soft, that we would not fight, that we could not win. We are not a warlike…
July 8, 1946 Dear Mr. Fabian: I have your letter of May 31, 1946, in which you say "In looking ahead to further cooperation in the Government's program, I feel it is vitally necessary that you designate some agency which will serve as a…
June 9, 1952 I HAVE today approved S. 2871, "Relating to the manner of appointment of the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia, the deputy recorders, and the employees of the Office of Recorder, and for other purposes." I have approved this…
July 18, 1951 THANK YOU, Mr. Ambassador. It is a pleasure, indeed, to welcome you here this morning. From what I can understand, this delegation represents the country press of France, as we would say. The Ambassador says the provinces. We are most…
July 19, 1949 Imperial Sir, distinguished guests: I have been President of the United States since the 12th of April 1945, about 4 years and 3 months--a little over--and that's the "derndest" introduction I ever heard. I didn't know I…
July 15, 1948 I AM SORRY that the microphones are in the way, but I must leave them the way they are because I have got to be able to see what I am doing--as I am always able to see what I am doing. I can't tell you how very much I appreciate the honor…