Harry Truman Incredible TLS "Regarding the bomb dropped on Hiroshima"

TLS, written on "Federal Reserve Bank Building" stationery to Mr. John Valentine as Truman agrees to sign a press release regarding Hiroshima and the atomic bomb. 1p, measuring 7.25" x 10.25”, January 11, 1955, Kansas City, Missouri. Expected folds from mailing, else fine. The TLS is boldly signed by Harry Truman.

He writes, in full:

"Dear Mr. Valentine:

I am glad to sign the press release regarding the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Thank you very much for the Library contribution. You will receive a formal receipt from Dave Lloyd as soon as the check arrives in Washington.

Sincerely yours, Harry S. Truman."

In the years following the end of World War II, rhetoric about the ethical implications of the atomic bombings began to grow. However, Truman was steadfast in his decision to use them, and, as this letter illustrates, he had no qualms about signing a press release regarding the Hiroshima bombing. The same year he penned this letter, he also released his two-volume memoirs where he discussed the bombings, writing candidly, "I had realized, of course, that an atomic bomb explosion would inflict damage and casualties beyond imagination... The final decision of where and when to use the atomic bomb was up to me. Let there be no mistake about it. I regard the bomb as a military weapon and never had any doubt that it should be used." (Memoirs. Vol. I: Years of Decisions. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1955, page 419). 

Letters signed by President Truman mentioning the Atomic Bombs dropped in WWII are highly coveted by collectors. Another letter mentioning Hiroshima was sold in 1995 for $30,000. The same letter recently resold at Heritage for $237,500.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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