×
Home Intro People Events Equipment Places Maps Books Photos Videos Other Reference FAQ About
     

World War II Database


Message from Douglas MacArthur to Harry Truman

Editor's Note: The following content is a transcription of a period document or a collection of period statistics. It may be incomplete, inaccurate, or biased. The reader may not wish to take the content as factual.

30 Oct 1950

ww2dbase
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
FAR EAST COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

Tokyo, Japan

30 October 1950

Dear Mr. President:

I am most grateful for your kindly expressions which I have just received. Operations in Korea are proceeding according to plan and while as we draw close to the Manchurian border enemy resistance has somewhat stiffened, I do not think this represents a strong defense in depth such as would materially retard the achievement of our border objective. It is my current estimate that the next week or so should see us fairly well established in the border area, after which it shall be my purpose, as I outlined during the Wake Island conference, to withdraw American troops as rapidly as possible - this to the end that we may save our men from the rigors of winter climate at that northern latitude, and the Korean people from the undue impact of American troops upon the peaceful settlement of their internal affairs. For as you recognized during our conference on Wake, the political situation in Korea is both sensitive and explosive and calls for practical rather than idealistic diplomacy if our prestige and leadership gained through victory is to have a lasting hold upon the Oriental mind.

I left the Wake Island conference with a distinct sense of satisfaction that the country's interests had been well served through the better mutual understanding and exchange of views which it afforded. I hope that it will result in building a strong defense against future efforts of those who seek for one reason or another (none of them worthy) to breach the understanding between us.

With expressions of deep respect,

Most faithfully yours,

[Signed]
DOUGLAS MacARTHUR.


The Honorable Harry S. Truman
President, The United States of America
The White House
Washington 25, D.C.




Proposed response to MacArthur's letter as suggested by General George M. Elsey

[Dear General MacArthur]

The progress the forces under your command have made since we met at Wake continues to be most remarkable, and once again I offer you my hearty congratulations. The military operations in Korea under your command will have a most profound influence for peace in the world.

Very sincerely yours,

Harry S. Truman"

Respectfully,

GEORGE M. ELSEY

ww2dbase

Source(s):
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Added By:
C. Peter Chen

Photographs

Letter from MacArthur to Truman regarding Wake Island conference, 30 Oct 1950, 1 of 2Letter from MacArthur to Truman regarding Wake Island conference, 30 Oct 1950, 2 of 2
See all 4 photographs of Message from Douglas MacArthur to Harry Truman




Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you.

Share this article with your friends:

 Facebook
 Reddit
 Twitter

Stay updated with WW2DB:

 RSS Feeds


Posting Your Comments on this Topic

Your Name
Your Email
 Your email will not be published
Comment Type
Your Comments
 

Notes:

1. We hope that visitor conversations at WW2DB will be constructive and thought-provoking. Please refrain from using strong language. HTML tags are not allowed. Your IP address will be tracked even if you remain anonymous. WW2DB site administrators reserve the right to moderate, censor, and/or remove any comment. All comment submissions will become the property of WW2DB.

2. For inquiries about military records for members of the World War II armed forces, please see our FAQ.

Change View
Desktop View

Search WW2DB
Message from Douglas MacArthur to Harry Truman Photo Gallery
Letter from MacArthur to Truman regarding Wake Island conference, 30 Oct 1950, 1 of 2Letter from MacArthur to Truman regarding Wake Island conference, 30 Oct 1950, 2 of 2
See all 4 photographs of Message from Douglas MacArthur to Harry Truman


Famous WW2 Quote
"You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terrors. Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival."

Winston Churchill


Support Us

Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!

Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!