Truman, Harry S. (1884-1972) to J. Howard McGrath re: attacks on Truman by the Chicago Tribune
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02793.092 Author/Creator: Truman, Harry S. (1884-1972) Place Written: Washington Type: Typed letter signed Date: 1951/02/24 Pagination: 1 p. 23 x 18 cm Order a Copy
Signed as President on White House stationery to his Attorney General. Truman feels the attacks are libelous and may be criminal.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Personal and Confidential February 24, 1951
Memorandum for: The Attorney General
From: The President
In the main editorial in the February thirteenth issue of the Chicago Daily Tribune they had the nerve to make the statement that Truman is a crook which I think is libel and criminal libel at that. I wish you would get copies of that editorial, read it carefully, and then proceed with whatever action is necessary to get the right result. Not only is it libel to myself but it brings Vaughan and Mrs. Truman into the picture.
Another thing that I think you ought to look into very carefully is - Millard Tydings has made the statement under oath before the election committee which puts the Times Herald in the same position as far as criminal libel is concerned.
I don't think we ought to sit still any longer and let these things pile up.
I hope you will read Senator Tydings statement very carefully- that you will analyze the editorial to which I refer - then go after these people with hammer tongs.
Harry Truman
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