American Experience

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

Dear Mr. President:

In the remote contingency that this letter ever comes to your personal attention, an interesting and, I think, significant incident is related.

There appears to be a definite shift of opinion taking place in the MacArthur matter. To substantiate this observation, I should like to relate a change in the thinking of the same group of men in the past f ive or six weeks.

Thirteen man gather bi-weekly for luncheon and discussion. None of these men are in anyway connected with politics of any kind. Their meeting is informal and frequently informative.

Shortly after the General's address to the Congress, these thirteen men were discussing the address pro and con at this luncheon. Only two of the thirteen were the least bit critical of the General and his policy. The remainder were enthusiastic in acclaiming the General. A few even suggested that the General could have been elected President of the United States if a vote had been taken Immediately after his dramatic address.

Today, this same group of men met for another luncheon. This was right after the General's vituperative address in Austin, Texas. One of the members of the group once more began to extol the General's latest address. Immediately eight men in the group took sharp issue. Their remarks varied. but it was apparent that the General had definitely lost prestige since his Congressional address. One of the group said. "Oh MacArthur is merely laying a political predicate. Another said, 'Even if MacArthur is correct in- everything he says, he is doing the country a disservice by spreading such seeds of discord." At least four others were extremely critical of the General. They felt that he was entitled to have his say before the Congress, but that his addresses since then have weakened his position and prestige.

If this change is any index, it would appear that the General will ultimately talk himself into disrepute much like Senator McCarthy has done.

Your for a united and strongly Christian United States.

Respectfully,

W.V. MYRES

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June 29, 1951

My dear Mr. Myres:

This is to convey the President's thanks for your kind letter and to tell you how much he appreciates your interest in letting him have the benefit of your views and observations.

It was indeed thoughtful of you to assure the President of your confidence. Such fine expressions mean much to him and he is grateful.

Very sincerely yours,

WILLIAM D. HASSETT

Secretary to the President