Advance copy of a speech as sent to media outlets, three pages both sides, 8 x 13.75, September 1, 1950, signed at the conclusion in fountain pen, "Harry S. Truman." Speech delivered over the radio about the goals of the United States in Korea. In part: "Tonight, I want to talk to you about Korea, about why we are there, and what our objectives are…These men of ours are engaged once more in the age-old struggle for human liberty. Our men, and the men of other free nations, are defending with their lives the cause of freedom in the world. They are fighting for the proposition that peace shall be the law of this earth…No cause has ever been more just or more important…It is your liberty and mine which is involved. What is at stake is the free way of life—the right to worship as we please, the right to express our opinions, the right to raise our children in our own way, the right to choose our jobs, the right to plan our own future, and the right to live without fear. All these are bound up in the present action of the United Nations to put down aggression in Korea…Right now, the battle in Korea is the front line in the struggle between freedom and tyranny. But the fighting there is part of a larger struggle to build a world in which a just and lasting peace can be maintained…As we move forward to arm ourselves more quickly in the days ahead, and as we strive with the United Nations for victory in Korea, we must keep clearly in mind what we believe in and what we are trying to do. We also want the rest of the world to understand very clearly our aims and our hopes…First: We believe in the United Nations….Second: We believe the Koreans have a right to be free, independent, and united—as they want to be….Third: We do not want the fighting in Korea to expand into a general war…Fourth: We hope in particular that the people of China will not be misled or forced into fighting against the United Nations and against the American people, who have always been and still are their friends…Fifth: We do not want Formosa or any part of Asia for ourselves…Eighth: We want peace and we shall achieve it. Our men are fighting for peace today in Korea…Against the futile and tragic course of dictatorship, we uphold, for all people, the way of freedom—the way of mutual cooperation and international peace. We assert that mankind can find progress and advancement along the path of peace. At this critical hour in the history of the world, our country has been called upon to give of its leadership, its efforts and its resources, to maintain peace and justice among nations. We have responded to that call. We will not fail." In fine condition, with a light stain to the top of the last page.
On June 25, North Korean forces had invaded South Korea, quickly taking over most of the country and pushing South Korean forces back to an area around Pusan in the southeast. The United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned the invasion (the Soviet Union was boycotting meetings) and two days later urged member nations to provide military assistance to South Korea. President Truman committed US ground forces immediately, and they first saw action on July 5. In August, Congress authorized $12 billion for military action in Korea. Provenance: The Malcolm S. Forbes Collection of American Historical Documents, Christie's.
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