Harry Truman

I think you are on the right track.

I have concluded that the National Security Resources Board, which is charged with advising me concerning the coordination of such overall mobilization planning, is the appropriate agency which should also exercise leadership in civil…

It is your Government.

You must remember that the Government is yours.

In doing so, the Board will undoubtedly find it necessary and advisable to call upon the other agencies of the Government and to consult with representatives of the States and local governments in developing the detailed planning for air…

I am here because you put me here, because you voted for me and reelected me.

It's time for us old 'fuds' to begin to go, and let the next generation come into its own.

I see a definite necessity to continue planning for civil defense and an immediate need to fix in a responsible agency definite leadership for such planning.

Early action on these measures is desirable to strengthen this Government's resources for achieving its international objectives.

I would like the Board's recommendations concerning necessary actions, including any legislative proposals which may need early attention.

I appreciate your interest in what is taking place in the Government.

I have recently given considerable attention to the question of the appropriate organization of the executive branch for civil defense.

Under present conditions the essential need of the Federal Government in the area of civil defense is peacetime planning and preparation for civil defense in the event of war, rather than operation of a full-scale civil defense program.

In order to do that successfully, I must have the backing of people such as you, and organizations such as the one that you belong to.

You discharged all these duties well and faithfully.

Your service to your country covering a period of almost nine years during this administration and that of my predecessor has been as varied as it has been distinguished.

Don't let anybody tell you that by effort and by hard work you can't reach the top in the profession, if you want to, because people who try to work and want to work are as scarce as the proverbial hen's teeth.

As a member of the National Security Council your competent service has been a major contribution to the successful operation of that organization.

If at a later date the peace comes to the world, and we proceed to implement the policies which we are trying to inaugurate, there will be an immense number of jobs, and a greater number of jobs in your line than there will be men and…

I accept your resignation effective at the close of business on March thirty-first.

At my personal urging you have agreed to remain in Washington far beyond the time when you had expressed a hope of leaving government service.

There never was a time in the history of the world when we needed scientists and people of energy as we need them now.

Those people who want to work and are willing to shoulder responsibility will always find plenty of responsibility, and plenty of work.

The Red Cross commands the respect and gratitude of all of us.

I consider it not only a duty, but a genuine privilege, to call upon all men and women of good will to support this humanitarian cause.