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).
April 20, 1945
THE PRESIDENT. Well, I've got a telegram I will read to you. Is everybody in?
Mr. Early: Yes, sir.
[1.] THE PRESIDENT. This is dated Miami, Florida, April 19, addressed to me here.
"Dear Mr. President: Some…
January 11, 1951
THANK YOU very much. I would like to know what chance a country man from Missouri has after that and that [Pointing to Vice President Barkley and Speaker Sam Rayburn ].
I heard the Vice President say that he and Sam considered…
January 8, 1946
THERE IS, naturally, great discussion both in public and in private as to when the members of our individual families in military service will return home. There are some who feel that all fathers should be released at once. The parents…
January 7, 1950
[As the conference opened, Charles G. Ross, Press Secretary to the President. made the following statement: "As you all know, this seminar is just for your guidance, for background purposes, and not attribution. And when you ask your…
January 10, 1952
To the Senate of the United States:
With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith a certified copy of a Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Accession of Greece…
January 14, 1948
To the Congress of the United States:
In my first Economic Report to the Congress, presented a year ago in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Act of 1946, I foresaw a bright prospect for the year 1947. In…
April 15, 1949
THE PRESIDENT [replying to a request that he say a few words about the North Atlantic Pact and the St. Lawrence Seaway]. Well, Paul,1 it seems to me that the North Atlantic Pact has been amply discussed and will be more thoroughly…
July 9, 1945
[Released July 9, 1945. Dated July 6, 1945]
To the House of Representatives:
The enrolled bill H.R. 2856, "To provide for better enforcement of law within the District of Columbia, and for other
purposes," is returned…
March 30, 1950
THE PRESIDENT. I will answer any questions I can, if you want to start in.
[1.] Q. Mr. President, the New York Times this morning carried a story saying that you had suggested Secretary Acheson explore with Senator Vandenberg and other…
April 14, 1951
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, fellow Americans:
It gives a man a feeling of great humility, and a feeling of great inadequacy, when he hears the wonderful statements which have been made here tonight about…
April 8, 1952
To the House of Representatives:
I am returning, without my approval, H.R. 3144 "Relating to certain construction cost adjustments in connection with the Greenfields Division of the Sun River irrigation project, Montana."…
April 11, 1946
THIS IS a very great privilege to me, to have the honor of making these awards. I know both of these gentlemen personally. I know what they can do. I know what they have done. I know that they have earned those awards by hard work.…
May 1, 1947
To the Congress of the United States:
I am transmitting herewith Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1947. The provisions of this Plan are designed to maintain organizational arrangements worked out under authority of Title I of the…
April 17, 1948
Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, fellow Americans:
I am glad to be here tonight to speak to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. You editors make a distinct and important contribution to the operation of government…
April 8, 1952
[ Delivered by the Secretary of State ]
Dr. Hannah, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
I cannot tell you how much it means to me to come and meet with you tonight. You have come here from all parts of the country,…
April 16, 1951
My dear Mr. Chairman:
As you know, the United States has provided emergency food assistance to Yugoslavia during the past months to meet the threat to the security of that country caused by the recent drought: initially,…
April 12, 1946
Mrs. Roosevelt, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
We stand in reverence at this hallowed spot consecrated to the memory of a great American who has become a great citizen of the world.…
April 3, 1950
[Released April 3, 1950. Dated March 31, 1950]
My dear Mr. Gray:
I am highly pleased that you find it possible to undertake an assignment as Special Assistant to the President prior to assuming your duties later this year as…
April 19, 1948
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Chairman, and distinguished guests:
It is eminently fitting that we should assemble here today to pay solemn tribute to the heroic champions of human freedom who brought about…
July 13, 1945
IN BASTILLE DAY the people of France have given the world an undying symbol of Freedom. Throughout the long history of
our friendship with France the people of the United States have shared the principles for which it stands. Never have…
April 18, 1949
ON September 3, 1948, I appointed a special commission of three experts in labor-management relations to make a study of the problem of peaceful and orderly settlement of labor disputes in Government-owned, privately-operated atomic…
May 1, 1947
To the Congress of the United States:
I am transmitting herewith Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1947, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1945. The Plan permanently transfers to the Department…
April 12, 1946
PREPARATIONS for the atomic bomb tests in the Pacific are being pressed forward and I have been assured that the present target dates for the explosions will be met. I am in complete agreement with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the…
April 17, 1951
Dear Stuart:
The Senate action last week assures that the provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1951 regarding the Reconstruction Finance Corporation will become effective April thirtieth. I am writing at this time to…
April 3, 1950
Dear Senator Tydings:
The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission have referred to me the matter of the subpoenas which have been served on them, directing them to appear on…