MP66-9 Harry S. Truman Interviewed by Edward R. Murrow, February 1957 (7 of 12)

Outtakes from Edward R. Murrow's interview of former president Harry S. Truman at the Olney Inn in Islamorada, Florida, between February 8-15, 1957; filmed by Charles Mack and Martin Barnett. Subject matter on this reel includes: national expenditures and debt; the qualities a president should possess; Labor's support of Truman; discussion of Truman's relationship with Adlai Stevenson and the 1952 and 1956 elections; the story of when Martha Ellen Truman (Truman's mother) visited the White House; the Fair Deal; the role of ridicule and phrases like "Give 'em hell, Harry" in an election; Henry L. Stimson's role in the administration; discussion about establishing the library, keeping documents sealed, and the support of presidents after they are out of the White House; the success of the Truman Committee; the proper role of Congress to investigate; the work habits of senators; the power of the budget director; relationship between the president and the cabinet; creation of the National Security Council to organize information for the president; Congressional scrutiny of the CIA; Mr. Truman's inadvertent escape from the Secret Service the day President Roosevelt died; the need to make decisions quickly after becoming president; the recognition of Israel; lasting peace in the Middle East; most difficult decision to defend Korea; Truman's loyalty to his friends; Potsdam and telling Stalin about the atomic bomb; attempt at internationalization of waterways; the increasing way the world will start working together; the abuse of veto power in the UN Security Council; and the success of the Point Four Program and the Truman Doctrine at stopping the spread of communism.

This reel includes questions that were re-recorded so that the cameras could be focused on Murrow rather than Truman. Therefore, they cover a lot of the same topics as previous reels, but the questions and answers are not identical.

This series of interviews between Murrow and Truman constitute the raw material that was edited into the CBS program "From Precinct to President: Some Reflections by Harry S. Truman" which aired on February 2, 1958 and was rebroadcast during CBS funeral coverage when Mr. Truman passed away in December, 1972. They are for viewing and research purposes only. For inquiries about reproductions, please contact the Truman Library.

This film is part of the Motion Picture series at the Truman Library. Please see this link for the National Archives Catalog record: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/595162