TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 10, White House letterhead, September 21, 1950. Letter to Dwight R. G. Palmer, president of the General Cable Corporation, commenting on racial integration and the role of the United States in the Korean War. In full: "Last May, the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services presented a report to me, and I read with much interest and satisfaction of the progress toward equal opportunity that is being made in the Armed Services.
I am glad that the Services are taking these forward steps, and I am appreciative of the guidance the Committee furnished. I watched the Committee's operations closely, and I was deeply impressed with its search for ways and means to bring about equality of treatment and opportunity throughout the three Services.
Since the Report was submitted, the Armed Services have been called upon by the United Nations to defend the right of small nations to be free from aggression, and they have made a demonstration of improved military efficiency.
The people of our country have shown that they are united in their willingness to accept this grave responsibility, and are enthusiastic in their devotion to the integrity of the United Nations. We Americans will always be eager to develop in our own lives the same ideals of human dignity and individual freedom we are so vigorously defending on behalf of the United Nations.
It was especially gratifying to me to note that you and Mr. Sengstacke received the Two Friends Award of the Urban League in connection with your service on the Committee. The country is grateful for the work of this Committee, and I am particularly appreciative of your faithful service as a member." In fine condition, with lightly trimmed edges, and complete professional backing.
Truman opens the letter by thanking Palmer for his role as one of seven members on the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services, or the Fahy Committee, which was created to oversee successful racial integration of the US Armed Forces. He goes on to comment on the United States' involvement in the Korean War: on June 25, 1950, North Korean Communists had invaded South Korea and the United Nations requested support to repel the invasion. United States ground troops landed in Korea mere days later on July 1st. In his memoirs, Truman reflected: 'If South Korea fell, the communists would attack other nations, resulting in World War III.'
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