Description:

H. Truman on God & Communism: "we cannot yield to Soviet communism... All churches, all creeds are menaced... a force which denies... belief in God... rule of law... and dignity of human nature"

Typed Letter Signed, 1p, 7" x 8.75", October 18, 1951, Washington D.C., written on White House stationery to Bishop John F. Noll, an American prelate of the Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Fort Wayne from 1925 until his death in 1956. Noll was one of the most influential Catholics of his day, and founded weekly newspaper "Our Sunday Visitor." Truman writes an incredible letter stating "we cannot yield to Soviet communism without betraying the ideals we live for" and urges his "countrymen to strive to find common ties which will bring all the churches together in greater unity in a crusade of prayer for a just and enduring peace among all nations." Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with expected folds from mailing, very boldly signed.

In full:

"Dear Bishop Noll:

Your letter of September twenty-ninth is deeply appreciated. I spoke from deep conviction in the address to which you refer when I declared that we cannot yield to Soviet communism without betraying the ideals we live for. 

All our cherished liberties and particularly liberty of conscience are in danger and serious danger. We must resist with every resource at our command the expansion of a power that is hostile to all we believe in.

I repeat what I said in the address which you read, it is not just this church or that church or just this creed or that creed that is threatened. All churches, all creeds are menaced. Soviet communism is a force which denies not only belief in God but the rule of law and the dignity of human nature as well.

So I shall continue to appeal to my countrymen to strive to find common ties which will bring all the churches together in greater unity in a crusade of prayer for a just and enduring peace among all nations. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Harry S. Truman."

The rise of Soviet communism during the Truman administration, a pivotal period spanning from 1945 to 1953, marked a significant era in the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century. The end of World War II in 1945 saw the emergence of the Soviet Union as a superpower, emboldened by its crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany. Under Joseph Stalin's leadership, the Soviet Union rapidly expanded its influence, promoting communist ideologies and establishing Soviet-aligned governments across Eastern Europe. This expansion was viewed with increasing alarm by the United States and its Western allies, who saw the spread of communism as a threat to democratic values and global stability. The Truman administration, therefore, found itself at the forefront of this ideological battle, laying the groundwork for what would become the Cold War.

President Harry S. Truman's response to the rise of Soviet communism was characterized by a policy of containment, designed to prevent the further spread of communism beyond its post-war boundaries. This policy was first articulated in 1947 by the Truman Doctrine, which pledged American support to countries resisting communist subjugation, initially applied to Greece and Turkey. Additionally, the Marshall Plan, launched in the same year, aimed to rebuild war-torn Europe, strengthen economic stability, and reduce the appeal of communism. The Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949 further exemplified Truman's commitment to countering Soviet aggression, as the United States and its allies supplied West Berlin amidst a Soviet blockade, symbolizing a steadfast opposition to Soviet expansion. These actions under the Truman administration were pivotal in defining the early years of the Cold War, setting the stage for the long-standing rivalry between the capitalist West and the communist East.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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