Description:

Truman Archive 55+ Words in his Hand Re: Postwar France

Important archive of correspondence, including two handwritten notes by 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), seven pieces dated between 1948 and 1949, a total of nine pages. Expected wear includes flattened transmittal folds, staples, lightly rusted paper clip impressions, creasing, and minor soiling. Overall, in very good condition.

The archive includes:

1) A handwritten note by Truman on White House letterhead, 1p, 5" x 8", Washington. In full, "9/11 Hold for further word...Talk to Dr. Steelman about this / Joehauex is a French labor leader. He'd like to have a housing project in Paris for working people. He is a friend of Joe Keenan."

2) A handwritten note by Truman, 1p, 3.75" x 3.75", no place, no date. In full, "Joehauex, labor leader in Paris wants a housing project in counter part funds. Will tie labor to us Jose Keenan labor." 

3) A typed note, 1p, 5" x 5.25" (uneven bottom edge), Washington, October 15, 1948. initialed with an "H" at left. In full, "Fri 10/15/48 1:40 / Dr S / Mr. Long in Map Room phoned following message / From the President to Dr Steelman / Regarding your message, will talk with you at 6:15 Central Standard Time / Mr Long said he thinks this would be 7:15 DC time". 

4) A carbon copy of a teletype dated October 15, 1948, 1p, 8" x 10.5", a message to the President from John R. Steelman, in full, "Will it be possible to talk with you by phone Indianapolis this afternoon relative reserve problem? If so about when as I want to have General Vaughn and Captain Dennison with me." At verso, "Keep / Keep". 

5) A handwritten note on White House letterhead, 2pp front and verso, 5" x 8", in full, "Friday night, 10/15/48 Left grand opening of Nat'l Theatre & talked to Pres in Indianapolis. Said he'd sign. 1. / Get it about 10 PM. / 2. How serious will Foresstal object? / 3. Not checked wi state - but - / 4. Louis Johnson / 5. Time of Release! / 6. Three things - 1. Order 2. Letter 3. Statement (over) / 7. Ross - is this 'calling out reserves - is it mobilization' - no - attempt to balance our reserve organizations / 1. Need a balance between regular armed forces and reserve components. / 2. Need bal. between between different branches - now Navy & Marines far ahead Army & Air Force".

6) A carbon copy of a typed memorandum for the President, 2pp, 8" x 10.5", [Washington], October 15, 1948, regarding the Organization Reserve Units of the Armed Forces. 

7) A typed letter signed, "Avrell", 2pp on U.S.A. Economic Cooperation Administration letterhead, 8" x 10.5", Paris, November 7, 1949, from Avrell Harriman to John R. Steelman. Stamped "Top Secret", then declassified on September 19, 1994. In part, "You mentioned in your letter the possibility of the ECA post when it becomes vacant. In this I feel I would be of much more value...On the other hand, I must frankly say that between now and the end of January are particularly critical months in Europe...All this adds up to the fact that I am very grateful to the President for thinking of me, and yet that I believe I can serve him better where I am..." 

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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