June 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, June 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2020
Important speech signed by Harry Truman as President, delivered to a joint session of Congress on 17 March 1948 as the House deliberated passage of the Marshall Plan. Boldly signed ''Harry Truman'' in felt-tip, Truman delivered this speech four days after the Senate approved the Plan, but before the U.S. House of Representatives did so, which wasn't until Truman convinced them personally of its necessity through the speech. Considered the most important achievement of Truman's presidency, the Marshall Plan allocated over $12 billion dollars to Europe's economic recovery, course-correcting the likelihood of another global war. However, since foreign aid is rarely popular with the public, Truman here goes on the offensive about the threat of Soviet expansion throughout Europe, arguing that its economic chaos invited political chaos as well.
Speech reads in part, ''...I am here today to report to you on the critical nature of the situation in Europe, and to recommend action for your consideration...The United States is deeply concerned with the survival of freedom in those nations. It is of vital importance that we act now...Almost 3 years have elapsed since the end of the greatest of all wars, but peace and stability have not returned to the world...It is chiefly due to the fact that one nation has not only refused to cooperate in the establishment of a just and honorable peace, but - even worse - has actively sought to prevent it...Since the close of hostilities, the Soviet Union and its agents have destroyed the independence and democratic character of a whole series of nations in eastern and central Europe...the Soviet Union and its agents have destroyed the independence and democratic character of a whole series of nations in eastern and central Europe. It is this ruthless course of action, and the clear design to extend it to the remaining free nations of Europe, that have brought about the critical situation in Europe today...I believe that we have reached a point at which the position of the United States should be made unmistakably clear...I recommend that the Congress speedily complete its action on the European recovery program. That program is the foundation of our policy of assistance to the free nations of Europe...With God's help we shall succeed...''
Speech runs five pages in booklet measuring 5.75'' x 9.125''. Mild crease to lower right corner of booklet, otherwise near fine condition. With the accompanying White House envelope, and with University Archives auction COA.
Harry Truman Signed Marshall Plan Speech -- Signed by Truman as President, This Speech to Congress Made the Case for the Most Important Achievement of His Presidency -- With University Archives COA
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