A printed transcript of the address in which Truman established the ‘Truman Doctrine,’ given before a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947, five pages, 5.75 x 9, signed on the front in bold fountain pen. Truman’s speech “recommending assistance to Greece and Turkey,” in part: “At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is too often not a free one…One way of life is based upon the will of the majority, and is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression…The second way of life is based upon the will of a minority forcibly imposed upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio; fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms…I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures…I believe that we must assist free peoples to work out their own destinies in their own way…I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political processes…If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East…It would be an unspeakable tragedy if these countries, which have struggled so long against overwhelming odds, should lose that victory for which they sacrificed so much. Collapse of free institutions and loss of independence would be disastrous not only for them but for the world. Discouragement and possibly failure would quickly be the lot of neighboring peoples striving to maintain their freedom and independence…The seeds of totalitarian regimes are nurtured by misery and want. They spread and grow in the evil soil of poverty and strife. They reach their full growth when the hope of a people for a better life has died. We must keep that hope alive…The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms…If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world—and we shall surely endanger the welfare of our own nation.” In fine condition, with subtle feathering to the signature and toned mounting remnants to the reverse of the blank last page. Accompanied by an unsigned photo. This ‘Truman Doctrine’ established the US policy of containment to prevent Soviet expansion during the Cold War, which became the foundation of the nation’s foreign policy for years to come. An exceedingly desirable piece given the historical implications of this important presidential address. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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