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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).

May 24, 1951 Mr. Attorney General and members of his staff: I am very happy to welcome you here this morning, as I usually do when you come to Washington. I think on the last trip I went down to the auditorium and made a long-winded speech to you. I won'…
June 15, 1947 Dear Mr.____________: The development of our air transportation system has repeatedly been recognized as a matter of vital concern to our nation. One of the essential factors which can contribute greatly to the progress of our…
May 9, 1950 Governor Crane, Senator O'Mahoney, Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen: It is a very great pleasure to be in Wyoming again. I was in Wyoming in 1948, but I didn't get as far as Casper. But I am starting out in Casper…
June 5, 1949 Mr. Ambassador, Your Excellencies, General Marshall, distinguished guests: We of the United States are grateful to the other nations represented here tonight for honoring George C. Marshall. We are happy to join with them in…
August 29, 1945 THE PRESIDENT. I have a release for you this morning which is being handed to you in the form of three documents. The release date is 1 o'clock today. [Reading] I have here reports on the Pearl Harbor disaster. One is from the Army and…
May 25, 1951 Mr. Secretary, ladies and gentlemen: I don't know when I have been in a more impressive and well worthwhile ceremony. The entertainment which Carter had been having here in Washington, and which was given here for him tonight, was…
June 16, 1947 To the House of Representatives: I return herewith, without my approval, H.R. 1, entitled: "An Act to reduce individual income tax payments." The right kind of tax reduction, at the right time, is an objective to which I am…
May 16, 1946 To the Congress of the United States: I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1946, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1945. In my message to the Congress of May 24, 1945, requesting…
June 5, 1948 [1.] OMAHA, NEBRASKA (At the dedication of the War Memorial, 2:15 p.m.) Mr. Chairman, Governor of Nebraska, His Honor the Mayor of Omaha, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen: I am happy that I am present today to…
May 2, 1952 [Released May 2, 1952. Dated May 1, 1952] THE UNITED STATES Court of Appeals has granted an order staying the order of the United States District Court enjoining the operation of the steel mills by the Government. Thus the Government is now…
May 2, 1952 Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to be here with you this evening. I have a deep appreciation and admiration for the loyal, hardworking, and able men and women who make up our…
June 5, 1948 Mr. Chairmen, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: I am very happy to be back again tonight with the men of the 35th Division--one of the greatest fighting outfits this country ever had! It is good to meet again with old…
June 7, 1949 To the Congress of the United States: I recommend that the Congress authorize the continuation of economic assistance to the Republic of Korea for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1950. The United States is now providing relief…
June 17, 1947 President Dodds, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: The President of Princeton University spoke of crises a while ago. He should try sitting in my chair for about an hour and a half! It is with a great deal of pleasure…
May 16, 1946 To the Congress of the United States: The fundamental strength of a nation lies within its people. Military and industrial power are evidences, not the real source of strength. Over the years the prosperity of America and its…
August 30, 1945 Dear Mr. Allen: As the various war agencies are dissolved from time to time, it will become necessary to liquidate such of their functions as are not transferred to the permanent Departments. This will involve unexpended…
May 9, 1950 [1.] WENDOVER, WYOMING (12:27 p.m.) I am going to tell you a story about Wyoming. I had a most wonderful meeting in Casper this morning. Your Governor was there as host for the State of Wyoming. My good friend Joe O'Mahoney…
June 2, 1951 I HAVE today approved H.R. 3587, the Third Supplemental Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1951. This act provides urgently needed funds for carrying on important activities of the Government. Unfortunately, the act also contains a…
June 9, 1949 THE PRESIDENT. I haven't any special announcements to make, but I will try to answer questions. [1.] Q. Mr. President, have you been in direct communication with Secretary Acheson since he went to Paris? 1 THE PRESIDENT. Every…
June 18, 1947 IT IS a pleasure to welcome you to the second Highway Safety Conference. You are here to grapple with a problem of prime importance to every resident of our Nation. Please accept my hearty personal thanks for your attendance. Automobiles…
May 3, 1952 I HAVE asked you to meet here today to reach agreement on the issues in dispute between you. As President of the United States, representing all the people of the country, I have two principal interests in this matter. First, it is absolutely…
May 9, 1950 Governor Crane, Senator O'Mahoney, Mr. Mayor, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen: It is a real pleasure to be back here in Cheyenne again. When I was here before, it was on a Sunday, and I didn't get a chance to talk with you.…
August 30, 1945 THE PRESIDENT. [1.] Byron Price has agreed to go to Germany in an advisory capacity on public relations. He is going with the approval of General Eisenhower and General Clay, and I am very happy that he is going, because I think he can…
June 6, 1948 [1.] GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (Rear platform, 10:05 a.m.) Mr. Mayor, and citizens of this great city of Grand Island: I appreciate most highly your cordiality and your welcome to this town. I am not in the habit of making speeches…
May 16, 1946 To the Congress of the United States: I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1946, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1945. The Plan contains reorganizations affecting a number of…