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).
March 13, 1950
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 8 of 1950, prepared in accordance with the Reorganization Act of 1949 and providing for reorganizations in the Federal Trade Commission. My…
March 26, 1949
[Delivered from the White House at 10:55 p.m.]
Fellow citizens:
The words from the Bible that have just been read to us carry a great message. It is one that influenced our fathers deeply, and guided them when they shaped…
March 14, 1946
DEMOBILIZATION is now reaching its peak and the rapid reemployment of our discharged servicemen is a matter of high national importance. While some veterans appreciate a brief period of rest after returning home, the success or failure…
March 28, 1951
I HAVE a pleasant duty to perform in presenting you with this decoration. We know that you deserve it, and we hope you will wear it with pleasure.
[Reading citation] "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of…
April 2, 1948
[ Released April 2, 1948. Dated April 1, 1948]
To the House of Representatives:
I return herewith, without my approval, H.R. 4790, entitled "An Act to reduce individual income tax payments, and for other purposes".
It is a…
March 28, 1949
THE PRESIDENT of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, has awarded the Distinguished Service Medal to
JAMES FORRESTAL
for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility.
JAMES…
March 31, 1947
THE Selective Service System has rendered the Nation a service of incalculable value. Those who made possible its accomplishments during the emergency--the vast majority of whom served without compensation--deserve the country's…
March 16, 1946
ON OCTOBER 26, 1945, I addressed a directive to the Attorney General requesting that a study be made of the status of those who collaborated with the enemy in the Philippines.
I have received reports from the Attorney General, from the…
March 15, 1952
Dr. Murphy, distinguished guests, Mr. Mayor, delegates to the 29th Annual Convention of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association:
You know, I was very much afraid that you were going to take that admonition of Dr. Murphy…
June 19, 1945
To the Congress of the United States:
I think that this is an appropriate time for the Congress to reexamine the question of the
Presidential succession.
The question is of great importance now because there will be no…
March 13, 1950
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 9 of 1950, prepared in accordance with the Reorganization Act of 1949 and providing for reorganizations in the Federal Power Commission. My…
March 29, 1951
THE PRESIDENT. Please be seated.
[1.] Tony,1 I've got two or three memos here, so you had better get yourself two or three sharp pencils.
1 Ernest B. Vaccaro of the Associated Press.
Q. Okay, sir. […
March 13, 1950
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 10 of 1950, prepared in accordance with the Reorganization Act of 1949 and providing for reorganizations in the Securities and Exchange…
March 29, 1951
Dear____________:
As the Philippine War Damage Commission terminates its work, I wish to commend you and the other members of the Commission on the outstanding manner in which you have discharged your responsibilities. It is…
June 21, 1945
THE PRESIDENT. Mr. Ross--
Mr. Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, the same rules will prevail here as prevail at the
Washington press conferences; that is to say, if the President says anything that is off the record,
that means it…
March 20, 1952
THE PRESIDENT. Well, be seated everybody now, and we will start to work. I have no announcements to make. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them.
[1.] Joseph H. Short, Secretary to the President: They are still shooting, Mr…
March 31, 1947
I AM TODAY signing the Sugar Control Extension Act of 1947 which continues through October 31, 1947, the authority to control the price, allocation and rationing, importation, and exportation of sugar and related materials. Through this…
April 3, 1948
FEW PRESIDENTS have had the opportunity to sign legislation of such importance as the Foreign Assistance Act of 1948.
The signing of this act is a momentous occasion in the world's quest for enduring peace.
I commend the Congress of the…
March 18, 1946
[ Released March 18, 1946. Dated March 7, 1946 ]
I KNOW that you will realize that UNRRA is an international organization. Even though the United States Government contributes 72 percent to the fund, the United States Government does…
March 28, 1949
Colonel Johnson--Lt. Colonel Johnson-Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Secretary:
I am happy, of course, to be here. I have been looking around over this audience, and it certainly is a pleasure to be with you. I see the ranking member…
April 1, 1947
To the Congress of the United States:
Public Law 548 of the 79th Congress provides:
"On or before April 1, 1947, the President shall report to the Congress what, if any, commodities or classes of commodities,…
March 30, 1949
I HAVE today given my approval to H.R. 1731, the Housing and Rent Act of 1949, which extends rent control for 15 months until June 30, 1950.
This act is a result of the joint efforts of the Congress and the administration to find an…
March 30, 1951
Mr. President, Madame Auriol:
I am deeply touched by the statements of the President of the great French Republic. He has made it perfectly plain to you, as he has already made it plain to me, that France is forever our…
June 23, 1945
I HAVE SIGNED S. 502, a bill "to permit the continuation of certain subsidy payments and certain
purchase and sale operations by corporations created pursuant to section 5d(3) of the
Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act, as amended, and…
March 19, 1946
To the Congress of the United States:
I transmit herewith for the information of the Congress a copy of the Report on the activities of the American Delegation to the first Part of the first Session of the General Assembly…