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TRUMAN, Harry S. (1884-1972), President. Typed letter signed ("Harry Truman") as President, to Maj. Genl. Frank Ross McCoy, President of the Foreign Policy Association, Washington, 13 October 1945. 1 full page, single-spaced. On White House stationery. Fine condition.
TRUMAN AFFIRMS THE NATION'S NEW, INTERNATIONAL STATURE AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES "OUR POSITION AS A GREAT DEMOCRACY DEMANDS OF US"
A cogent, forceful call for the re-orientation of the American public in recognition of the critical dimensions of the new international role the U.S. must take in global affairs in the wake of the end of World War II: "...There is, in my opinion, no more urgent task before us at this time than the building of an informed public opinion on the problems of foreign policy. Without a firm foundation of public understanding the United States cannot fulfill its responsibilities or exercise the leadership which our positions as a great democracy demands of us. The American people are embarking on a new course of full participation in international affairs, full cooperation in the solution of the problems of peace. Not only our impulses, but considerations of self-interest dictate this foreign policy. We are aware, and we shall become increasingly aware, that the road we have taken is hard. The way of cooperation is laborious, and often discouraging. It will demand of us all great patience, and more than that, a much clearer understanding than we have ever had of the problems of other peoples."
"Unless we exercise this patience and attain this understanding, there will be widespread disillusionment and loss of faith in the possibility of and expanding international collaboration. Such a development would jeopardize the future security and well-being of the American people..."
TRUMAN AFFIRMS THE NATION'S NEW, INTERNATIONAL STATURE AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES "OUR POSITION AS A GREAT DEMOCRACY DEMANDS OF US"
A cogent, forceful call for the re-orientation of the American public in recognition of the critical dimensions of the new international role the U.S. must take in global affairs in the wake of the end of World War II: "...There is, in my opinion, no more urgent task before us at this time than the building of an informed public opinion on the problems of foreign policy. Without a firm foundation of public understanding the United States cannot fulfill its responsibilities or exercise the leadership which our positions as a great democracy demands of us. The American people are embarking on a new course of full participation in international affairs, full cooperation in the solution of the problems of peace. Not only our impulses, but considerations of self-interest dictate this foreign policy. We are aware, and we shall become increasingly aware, that the road we have taken is hard. The way of cooperation is laborious, and often discouraging. It will demand of us all great patience, and more than that, a much clearer understanding than we have ever had of the problems of other peoples."
"Unless we exercise this patience and attain this understanding, there will be widespread disillusionment and loss of faith in the possibility of and expanding international collaboration. Such a development would jeopardize the future security and well-being of the American people..."