Prevention of starvation in postwar Germany, 1947 letter and enclosed memorandum of Herbert Hoover to Harry Truman
3/8/1947
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On January 22, 1947, President Truman asked President Hoover to undertake a special survey of conditions in Germany. After spending nearly three weeks in Germany, Hoover returned to the United States and drafted a 21 page report which he discussed with Truman on February 26. In the conclusion to this report Hoover suggested that we commit ourselves to provide food relief for Germany until a revival of their trade could pay for food. Hoover pointed out that "it is something new in human history for the conqueror to undertake", but our occupation costs of keeping order would be much greater if we did not provide help. Furthermore, Hoover observes, we ought not to seek revenge on the great mass of non-Nazis, for "If Western Civilization is to survive in Europe, it must also survive in Germany."
This primary source comes from the Collection HH-HOOVH: Herbert Hoover Papers.
National Archives Identifier: 187101
Full Citation: Prevention of starvation in postwar Germany, 1947 letter and enclosed memorandum of Herbert Hoover to Harry Truman; 3/8/1947; Collection HH-HOOVH: Herbert Hoover Papers. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/prevention-of-starvation-in-postwar-germany-1947-letter-and-enclosed-memorandum-of-herbert-hoover-to-harry-truman, March 28, 2024]Rights: No Known Copyright Learn more on our privacy and legal page.