Harry Truman

I commend you and your associates who have fought so earnestly against this dangerous legislation.

I feel so strongly about the labor bill which the Senate will vote on this afternoon that I wish to reaffirm my sincere belief that it will do serious harm to our country.

It is indicated by established practice that submission to the legislative body is essential to the full observance of the obligations of membership.

I am convinced that such would be the result if the veto of this bill should be overridden.

At the same time, participation by the United States will necessitate relatively small change in the statutes or regulations of this Government.

I request advice and consent to ratification of Convention (No. 72) concerning vacation holidays with pay for seafarers only in the event that the conditions explained in the accompanying report of the Secretary of State have been met.

Many of the provisions of the enclosed Conventions and Recommendations fall short of standards already in effect in the American merchant marine.

In view of certain objections thereto, as explained more fully in the enclosed report and communications, I do not request at this time advice and consent to ratification of Convention (No. 71) concerning seafarers' pensions.

I ask that the Senate give its advice and consent, subject to appropriate definitions in certain cases as indicated in the enclosed communications, to ratification of the following Conventions:

I find that this bill is completely contrary to that national policy of economic freedom.

In summary, I find that the so-called 'emergency procedure' would be ineffective.

I have concluded that this bill would prove to be unworkable.

This bill would go far toward weakening our trade union movement.

I cannot emphasize too strongly the transcendent importance of the United States in the world today as a force for freedom and peace.

It would involve the Government in the free processes of our economic system to a degree unprecedented in peacetime.

I return herewith, without my approval, H.R. 3020, the 'Labor Management Relations Act, 1947.'

Cooperation cannot be achieved by force of law.

I hope that the Congress will approve legislation for the purposes indicated in the enclosed report and that such legislation will provide for the full enjoyment of civil rights and for the greatest practicable measure of self government.

It has long been my view that the inhabitants of Guam and Samoa should enjoy those fundamental human rights and that democratic form of government which are the rich heritage of the people of the United States.

I consider such a program vital to the national welfare.

That task is more important today than at any previous time in our national history.

We must remember, above all, that these men would not be training in order to win a war, but in order to prevent one.

In the task of finding and training men and women who will add strength to the public service, universities have a particular responsibility.

Free and inquiring minds, with unlimited access to the sources of knowledge, can be the architects of a peaceful and prosperous world.

Princeton University has conferred an honor upon me for which I am deeply grateful.