Harry Truman actually said...
It shall be understood that the term of copyright in any case is not and cannot be altered or affected by this proclamation, and that as provided by the aforesaid title 17, no liability shall attach under the said title for lawful uses made or acts done prior to the effective date of this proclamation in connection with above-described works, or in respect to the continuance for one year subsequent to such date of any business undertaking or enterprise lawfully entered into prior to such date involving expenditure or contractual obligation in connection with the exploitation, production, reproduction, circulation, or performance of any such work.
12/11/1951