Speech of Harry S. Truman Before the Triennial International Convention, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Kansas City, Missouri

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SPEECH of SENATOR HARRY S. TRUMAN OF MISSOURI, Chairman of the Special Senate Committee Investigating The National Defense Program Before The Triennial International Convention, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, 10:30 A.M., Friday, June 12, 1942 TO BE RELEASED ON DELIVERY At no time has railroad transportation had a more important role. Our railroad system is the keystone of our industrial might. The growth of this country and the development of our vast resources have been de- pendent upon the carriers of our nation. Today we are embroiled in a terrible war - a war in which speed is of vital importance, not only in producing but in moving the supplies of war. The burden upon the railroads is tremendous and is constantly in- creasing. Just as in actual combat, where the air, ground, and naval forces must be coordinated with split-second timing, so must the transportation system function with the same precision. I don't have to tell you where this burden falls. It is the problem of the members of this organization and it is a monumental task. Upon your tireless efforts depends the synchronization of the entire transportation system. No job is more important; no job is being more ably done. I know that all of you are vitally interested in the progress of our war production effort, and I should like to discuss with you in an intimate way various aspects of this program. TRUMAN, ARCHIVES& PATIONAL ADMING of REFORDS