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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 12, 1952 Dear__________: I am attaching for the information of your Committee copies of a letter which I wrote to Secretary of Defense Lovett, and his reply thereto, on the subject of voting by servicemen. The Secretary of Defense…
June 17, 1949 I HAVE today approved H.R. 1754, an act, "Providing for the suspension of annual assessment work on mining claims held by location in the United States and enlarging the liability for damages caused to stock raising and other homesteads by…
June 15, 1951 I AM delighted to be able to sign this act of Congress which will make it possible for the United States to send to the people of India up to 2 million tons of food grains. This act is an expression of the spontaneous, heartfelt desire of…
May 11, 1950 [1.] COULEE CITY, WASHINGTON (Rear platform, 8:an a.m.) Senator Magnuson, Governor Langlie, Governor Bonnet, and other distinguished guests: I have two Cabinet members with me this morning, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary…
September 5, 1945 The Speaker of the House of Representatives: Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the consideration of Congress (1) proposed rescissions of portions of several war-related appropriations available for the fiscal…
June 23, 1947 To the House of Representatives of the United States: In accordance with the obligations of the Government of the United States of America as a Member of the International Labor Organization, I transmit herewith the authentic…
May 24, 1946 [Broadcast from the White House at 10 p.m.] My fellow countrymen: I come before the American people tonight at a time of great crisis. The crisis of Pearl Harbor was the result of action by a foreign enemy. The crisis tonight is…
June 17, 1949 I DON'T think I am in any position to give you advice on governorships, because I never was a Governor. I have had two or three other jobs in the public interest that have been of some responsibility. This one particularly that I have now…
June 16, 1951 IT HAS BEEN very gratifying to me to sign the instrument of ratification of the Charter of the Organization of American States. This charter, drawn up and signed for the 21 American Republics by their representatives at the Bogota…
May 11, 1950 THANK YOU, Senator Magnuson. I didn't know I was that good. I appreciate very much the cordial words of welcome from Governor Langlie. I am more than happy to see so many Governors and ex-Governors and Members of the Congress here today.…
May 25, 1946 [As delivered in person before a joint session.] Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Congress of the United States: I desire to thank you for this privilege of appearing before you, in order to urge legislation which I…
June 10, 1948 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, Governor Wallgren: I have a distinguished lady to introduce at this time, the First Lady of the great State of Washington, Mrs. Wallgren. I am very happy to be with you today. The trip west has been an…
May 14, 1952 General Spaatz, Secretary Finletter, Mr. Speaker, distinguished guests: I certainly appreciate the invitation of the Civil Air Patrol to come out here to its congressional dinner. I often say that I spent the happiest 10 years of…
June 23, 1947 Dear Senator Barkley: I feel so strongly about the labor bill which the Senate will vote on this afternoon that I wish to reaffirm my sincere belief that it will do serious harm to our country. This is a critical period in our…
September 5, 1945 CITATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL MR. HARRY L. HOPKINS performed services of outstanding value to the United States of America from December 1941 to July 1945. As Special Adviser to the President during critical months of World…
June 11, 1948 [1.] PORTLAND, OREGON (American Red Cross Broadcast, 1 p.m.) Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, Acting Governor Scott, ladies and gentlemen: I tried very hard this morning to get a chance to see from the air just what this flood looks…
June 17, 1949 My dear Mr. Speaker: I am very pleased to learn that the House plans to take action on H.R. 4009, the Housing Act of 1949, at an early date. This means that we are close to success in the five-year struggle to enact housing…
May 31, 1946 THE PRESIDENT. Well, I haven't any special announcements to make to the press this morning, but I thought maybe the press might want to ask a question or two, so I thought I would let you in this morning. [1.] Q. Mr. President, has Mr.…
May 15, 1952 Mr. Secretary, Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen: We are gathered here to honor some fine Americans--men and women who are today receiving special recognition for their outstanding work in public…
September 5, 1945 CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL MR. HOWARD BRUCE rendered exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the War Department in the performance of duties of great responsibility from July 1942 to June 1945. As…
June 24, 1947 To the Senate of the United States: With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith an authentic text of the Final Articles Revision Convention, 1946 (No. 80), adopted at the…
June 16, 1951 I HAVE today signed H.R. 1612, the "Trade Agreements Extension Act of 1951." The act extends until June 12, 1953, the authority of the President to enter into reciprocal trade agreements with other countries and, in connection with these…
May 11, 1950 Senator Magnuson, Father Corkery, Governor, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests: I am very glad to be here today at Gonzaga University. I appreciate very much your cordial welcome and the Certificate of Merit you have given me. I…
June 3, 1946 Dear Ed: When I received your letter of resignation a few days ago I stated that I did not want to accept it and hoped that I might persuade you to remain in office. This morning when you reminded me of my statement that I would…
June 16, 1951 Dear Mr. Larson. I have read with great interest the preliminary report of the National Historical Publications Commission which you sent me on May twenty-fourth. I am highly pleased at the Commission's proposals for the…