PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN - MEMORANDUM SIGNED 07/27/1951 - HFSID 72650

HARRY S TRUMAN
With the upcoming election year, the President plans some political strategies.
Typed Memorandum signed: "HST" as President, 1p, 6¾x8¾. The White House, Washington, 1951 July 27. To William M. Boyle. In full: "Attached you will find copy of memorandum I have sent to Cabinet Members, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries." Lightly stained. Paper clip rust stains at upper left corner. Included is a copy of the memorandum, 1p, 6¾x8¾. The White House, Washington, 1951 July 25. In full: "Mr. Boyle, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, made a suggestion to me which I think is worth-while. He would like very much to be notified when Cabinet Officers, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries go into any community outside of Washington for the purpose of making a speech so he can arrange a proper reception for them when they get into the town. He thinks that would not only help their prestige in the community but would give our local leaders a chance to be in the limelight to some extent and that is a very necessary procedure in a political organization. I'll appreciate it very much if this procedure can be followed. s/ H.S.T." Staple holes and paper clip impressions at upper margin, else fine. 1952 was to be a national election year. With that in the offing, Truman as President and as head of the Democratic Party was obviously ensuring the best possible posturing for his party. Truman decided not to run for reelection on his inauguration day in 1949. However, he opted not to publicly disclose that fact until he had found an alternative candidate. His choice was Adlai Stevenson, and Truman publicly announced his decision not to run for reelection at the Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner on March 29, 1952. Two items.