Correspondence Between Matthew Connelly and Abba Hillel Silver

204 Misc. August 14, 1947 My dear Dr. Silver: This is in further reference to the subject of our conversation over the phone this afternoon. I hope this letter will not be too disappointing but I have to inform you that our established procedure prevents the President HARRY ARCHIVES NATIONAL TRUMAN AND LIBRARY from sending the message which you request. RECORDS SERVICE U.S. GOVERNMENT The President can discuss all questions which require an expression of views whether in the field of domestic affairs or in the sphere of international relations, if he expresses those views within the United States. With respect to an expression of his views in a message to be presented at an international conference held outside the United States, the situation is entirely different. The President must follow the policy established long before he came to the White House. That is that any expression of his views on international affairs for presentation in any country outside the United States must be made through established diplomatic channels. This being the case, I am sure you will appreciate why the President cannot make an exception in this instance, particularly since he has stated his position unequivocally with respect to the problem mentioned, not once but several times. Very sincerely yours, X 76-c MATTHEW J. CONNELLY Secretary to the President Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, Commodore Hotel, X New York, N. Y. wdh-ram (SENT AIR MAIL-SPECIAL DELIVERY*