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    "localId": "229036397",
    "label": "Letter from John M. Chang to President Harry S. Truman",
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    "title": "Letter from John M. Chang to President Harry S. Truman",
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            "logicalDate": "1950-07-17",
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    "ocrText": "-2-\nreaching distance of Korea have actually come to our aid militarily, or have\noffered to do so. Mos t of the rest of the civilized world has urgently sup-\nported them, and us, in this action.\n\"The Communists won the first battle. We lost heavily in men and\nmaterial to their planes and tanks and long-range guns. Our army was forced to\nabandon our ancient capital, Seoul, and to fall back across the Han River where,\nwith rifles against heavy tanks and artillery they valiantly held their positions\nand repelled the vicious thrusts of the enemy. Meanwhile, American and Australian\nair power filled the skies and are blasting the enemy concentrations, air fields,\nsupply areas and advancing tank columns. United States troops are pouring into\nKorea. Their spearheads have advanced long distances towards Seoul and within a\nfew days it is certain they will meet the enemy in force, destroying and driving\nback to and through Seoul every Communist soldier in Korea.\n\"The morale and devoiton of the Korean people is magnificent despite\nCommunist terrorist activities within the Republic of Korea; since the beginning\nof the war no single act of sabotage has ocurred. Schools are running, factories\nare operating, farmers are working in the fields, peace and order are being main-\ntained in a remarkable manner everywhere outside the e ombat areas. The heroism\nand devotion of the Korean soldiers are outstanding. Even numerous refugees on\nthe road south of Seoul show no panic.\n\"On behalf of the Government of Korea and all Korean people everywhere\nthey may live, even in the north, wher e the vast majority awaits liberation from\nCommunist slavery just as eagerly as do our suffering people in Seoul, who today\nare feeling the maniacal vengeance of Communists, I wish to express to Your Excel-\nlency, to Your Excellency's Government, and to all the people of your country the\ndeep prayerful and enduring gratitude and friendship for your moral support and\nyour magnificent military support in this time of bitter trial.'\n\"SYNGMAN RHEE\"\nPlease accept, Your Excellency, my own personal gratitude, and the\nrenewed assurance of my highest regard.\nTRONAN\nREQUIRE\nJohn M. Chang\nHis Excellency\nHarry Truman\nPresident of the United States\nWashington"
}