[The White House] September 30, 1947
Dear Bess:
Yesterday was one of the most hectic of days, as I told you. I'm not sure what has been my worst day. But here is a situation fraught with terrible consequences. Suppose, for instance, that Italy should fold up and that Tito then would march into the Po Valley. All the Mediterranean coast of France then is open to Russian occupation and the iron curtain comes to Bordeaux, Calais, Antwerp, and The Hague. We withdraw from Greece and Turkey and prepare for war. It just must not happen. But here I am confronted with a violently opposition Congress whose committees with few exceptions are living in 1890; it is not representative of the country's thinking at all. But I've a job and it must be done--win, lose, or draw.
Sent letters to Taber, Bridges, Vandenberg, and Eaton requesting them to call their committees together as soon as possible. Had my food committee together and will make a radio speech Sunday. To feed France and Italy this winter will cost 580 million, the Marshall Plan 16.5 billion. But you know in October and November 1945 I canceled 63 billion in appropriations--55 billion at one crack. Our war cost that year was set at 105 billion. The 16.5 is for a four-year period and is for peace. A Russian war would cost us 400 billion and untold lives, mostly civilian. So I must do what I can. I shouldn't write you this stuff but you should know what I've been facing since Potsdam.
Bill Helm's book is a great disappointment. It is a buildup of Bill and not a biography of me. Too bad. The Potomac has a bad effect on all of 'em.
Hope you have a nice time, a good party at the Muehlebach. I'm sure you will. I haven't resumed my walks yet but will in a day or two. Too much to read. General Bradley made a report to me today on his European trip and he remarked on my having had to make more momentous decisions than nearly any other President. He's right, and I hope most of 'em have been right.
Edward Arnold came in to see me this afternoon and brought me wonderful pictures of all the Presidents. He told me and the office force some good stories about Sam Goldwyn, Harry Warner and Syros Skourus, imitating them in their manners and voice. It gave me sore sides from laughing.
Tell the baby I'll write her soon. Hope Frank doesn't get another boil.
Lots of love Harry.