Harry Truman: “Passage of this Act will strengthen all nations threatened with intimidation, subversion, or direct aggression.”

It would have involved us in all-out war in the Far East, and we have been strenuously trying to avoid that all the time.

It was suggested, and I decided that it wouldn't serve any good purpose, it would be just a piece of demagoguery; and that is what it turned out to be.

The decoration established by this order shall be awarded by the President of the United States or, under regulations approved by him, by such person or persons as he may designate.

The course of action you recommend has my approval.