Office of the Historian

Truman Papers

No. 744
United States Delegation Working Paper1

[Babelsberg, July 25 (?), 1945.]

Draft Statement for President

When we are discussing matters which are appropriate for inclusion in the peace treaties, I am sure it is understood that these treaties under our Constitution must be made with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States. Of course when I indicate my support of a proposal, I shall use my best endeavors to secure its acceptance. That naturally does not guarantee its acceptance. Nor should it preclude my coming back and informing you when I find that political sentiment at home on a proposition is such that I cannot continue to press its acceptance without endangering our common interests in the peace.

I make this statement, not to change the basis of my discussions with you or the bases of President Roosevelt’s discussions with you, but only so that there will be no misunderstanding of my constitutional authority or any question of my exceeding it.

  1. This paper bears the following manuscript notation by Byrnes: “For consideration & possible use before adjournment,—for the record.” Truman read a formal statement, apparently this draft, at the Ninth Plenary Meeting, July 25. See ante, pp. 384, 389.↩