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).
September 6, 1950
I HAVE signed H.R. 7786, the General Appropriation Act of 1951.
This bill provides, in a consolidated form, funds and other authorizations for the departments and agencies of the Federal Government for the fiscal year…
October 12, 1948
Senator Lucas, and fellow Democrats of Illinois:
I wish I were half as good as Senator Lucas says I am, I might be able to fill the Presidency as I know it ought to be filled, and as I pray that I may fill it.
I can't…
September 25, 1951
To Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies :
I have today signed an Executive Order prescribing minimum standards for the classification, transmission and handling of official information relating to the security of…
December 15, 1947
THE PRESIDENT'S Commission on Higher Education has submitted the first volume of its report. I look forward to studying this report and I hope that our citizens will also examine it carefully.
Higher education in our Nation is…
October 13, 1948
[1.] ADAMS, WISCONSIN (Rear platform, 7:55 a.m.)
I understand that you came from all over the county very early this morning to come down here and see me. I sincerely hope you are not disappointed.
The country is going to…
August 22, 1952
TO ALL Americans of the Jewish faith, I extend congratulations on the occasion of the Jewish New Year and cordial good wishes for the year ahead.
In extending greetings at this time, I am mindful that you have contributed greatly to…
September 26, 1951
Mr. Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Secretary of State, ladies and gentlemen:
On behalf of the American people, I am happy to accept the gift of these four beautiful statues from the people of Italy.…
October 19, 1949
Dear Mr. Vice President:
As the first session of the Eighty-first Congress draws to a close, I want to express to the Senate my appreciation for the work they have done. The Congress has been faced with many momentous…
September 6, 1950
My dear Mr. Nixon:
I am concerned over the situation which has arisen because of the publishing of my letter of August 29th to Representative McDonough.
I have this date addressed a letter to the Commandant of the Marine…
October 22, 1946
WHEN I SIGNED the National School Lunch Act last June fourth, I pointed out that Congress had provided the basis for strengthening the Nation through better nutrition for our school children and wider markets for the products of our…
October 23, 1946
Mr. President, members of the Assembly of the United Nations:
On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States I extend a warm and hearty welcome to the delegates who have come here from all parts of the…
August 22, 1952
THANK YOU very much. It is a pleasure to have you here again, Commander, with your young people from the great and neighboring State of Kansas. I hope you have had a pleasant visit here in the Capital City. It is a wonderful place to…
September 26, 1951
WE ARE glad to welcome you. I hope you have an enjoyable visit, and that you will go back with information that will be helpful to you and to your country, to make a contribution to the victory that we expect to win in Korea…
October 13, 1948
Mr. Mayor, and fellow Democrats of Minnesota:
Tonight, I pay tribute to the liberal spirit of the people of Minnesota--in the cities, on the farms, in the forests, and in the iron country of this great State.
In this…
September 7, 1950
IN APPROVING S. 2484, a law which will authorize the Secretary of Commerce to provide marine war-risk insurance when such insurance is not available from private sources, I am gratified at the promptness with which this legislation…
October 20, 1949
THE PRESIDENT. [1.] I have a statement here that I think may answer some of your questions before they are asked. This you can get after the meeting--it will be mimeographed.
[Reading] "In view of certain recent statements about the…
December 18, 1947
THE PRESIDENT. [1.] I have some things to talk to you about today. First, I want to make a short statement on the final report of the Luckman committee, and this is mimeographed and will be available--no, it isn't, either. You will…
October 24, 1946
THE PRESIDENT. [1.] I want to announce the reappointment of Clarence Young to the Civil Aeronautics Board this morning.
[2.] And, I am having prepared a statement on the present situation with regard to the budget and the order which…
September 7, 1950
General Cates, Mr. Commander, members of the Marine Corps League:
I am happy to be with you this morning. You succeeded in enticing me over here.
There are incidents, sometimes, that appear to be almost the end of the…
October 14, 1948
[1.] MANKATO, MINNESOTA (8:08 a.m.)
Good morning! I can't tell you how very much I appreciate this wonderful reception this early in the morning. It shows very conclusively that you are interested in the welfare of this…
September 27, 1951
To the Congress of the United States:
I recommend that the Congress enact legislation requiring officials in all branches of the Government to place on the public record each year full information concerning their…
December 18, 1947
I HAVE TODAY appointed 12 members of the National Labor-Management Panel--6 representatives of management and 6 representatives of labor, as required by section 205 of the Labor Management Relations Act. When requested by the Director…
August 28, 1952
TODAY, is Labor Day--a day dedicated to the working men and women of America.
It has been 70 years since Peter J. McGuire first proposed to the New York Trades and Labor Assembly that there should be an annual holiday, a Labor Day, to…
October 24, 1949
President Romulo, Mr. Lie, Governor Dewey, Mayor O'Dwyer, distinguished representatives, and fellow guests:
We have come together today to lay the cornerstone of the permanent headquarters of the United Nations. These are
the most…
September 7, 1950
THE PRESIDENT. Please be seated. I have no special announcements to make this morning.
[1.] Q. Mr. President, how do you feel?
THE PRESIDENT. I feel all right. [Laughter] What makes you ask that question?
Q. I thought maybe you…