The Pittsburgh Press (October 20, 1944)
Truman pledges to convert war plants for prosperity
Democratic vice-presidential candidate hits proposals for abandoning U.S.-built units
Seattle, Washington (UP) –
Senator Harry S. Truman, striking out at proposals for abandoning $20 billion worth of government-built war plants, said last night that they can form “the nucleus of a great prosperity” after the war and must be kept in operation by private business.
Mr. Truman, Democratic candidate for Vice President, addressed a party rally here and asserted that:
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The Democratic administration would work for post-war utilization of government-built plants but “not government operation of such plants.”
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The war can be won quickly “with the right kind of leadership – the kind we have now – but “with the wrong kind of leadership, it could take years longer.”
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That Governor Thomas E. Dewey’s stand on foreign policy made him “all things to all people.”
Senator Truman said:
The Democratic administration believes that we should go forward and utilize to the best advantage the fine plants and facilities built to win the war.
Senator Truman said the transcontinental railroads would never have been built “if we had heeded those who cried that the wagon freighters would be ruined and that the government ought not to help finance such crackbrain schemes.”
Senator Truman said that to avoid future wars “we need a strong foreign policy under the administration of an experienced leader, a leader with the courage and vision to act,” and added that “the President has demonstrated that he has that kind of leadership.”