The Pittsburgh Press (August 11, 1944)
Willkie invited to White House
Washington (UP) –
President Roosevelt has invited Wendell L. Willkie to a White House conference.
The conference, a responsible source said, will be non-political at Mr. Willkie’s request and will deal solely with the nation’s policies.
In New York, the 1940 Republican presidential candidate refused to comment on reports that he had received the invitation.
The President’s letter of invitation was sent after Mr. Willkie had been sounded out on the subject of a meeting with Mr. Roosevelt. The letter was sent just before the President left on his Hawaiian trip and suggested a meeting after his return.
Mr. Willkie, who withdrew from the 1944 Republican presidential campaign after his defeat in the Wisconsin primaries, has remained silent thus far on what role, if any, he will play in the election campaign. He has not indicated whether he will support the GOP nominee, Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York.