Harry S. Truman: Truman Doctrine

( 1947 ) Commentary by Ron Briley, Sandia Preparatory School

“No other nation is willing and able to provide the necessary support for a democratic Greek government.” - Paragraph 14
“But the situation is an urgent one requiring immediate action and the United Nations and its related organizations are not in a position to extend help of the kind that is required.” - Paragraph 16
“One of the primary objectives of the foreign policy of the United States is the creation of conditions in which we and other nations will be able to work out a way of life free from coercion.” - Paragraph 28
“I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.” - Paragraph 34
“If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East.” - Paragraph 38
“The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms.” - Paragraph 51

Harry Truman (Library of Congress)

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