Press Release, Correspondence Between President Harry S. Truman and W. L. Clayton

#1362 407 IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 15, 1947 The Prosident has sent the following letter to tho Honorable W. L. Clayton, accepting his resignation as Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs: "Octobor 14, 1947 Dear Will: Ever since last January, when you told mo of your wish to return to private lifo, I have had in mind the considerations which led to your decision. Your letter of October sevonth, in which you rostate your compolling reasons, loaves me no alternative but to acquiesce. Accordingly, I accept, effective at the close of business tomorrow, your resignation as the Under Secrotary of State for Economic Affairs. I neod hardly add that I do this with the deepest rogret. Your service to the government has been as distinguished as it has boen variod. novia In a time of world upheaval and general economic dislocation yours has boen a contribution of incalculable value. During those past months while you have sorved the Nation at such personal sac- rifice I venture to say that you havo accomplished tasks that could *hardly have been brought to such a successful conclusion without your guidance and counsel. I appreciate, therefore, all the more, your action in remaining through an extended period in a post where it socmod that your services were indispensable. Your urgent and immediate NARA government tasks are, as you say, completed. I must, therefore, yield to your primary duty to safeguard Mrs. Clayton's health. I trust sincerely that very soon she will be completely restored to health and strength. It is a groat satisfaction to have an assurance of your illingness to return to the public sorvice when the hoped for im- provement in Mrs. Clayton's hoalth permits. Meanwhile, I am lighted to know that you are standing by as Adviser to the Secretary of State. The country noeds you, With my warm regards, I am ada edcon .I Very sincerely yours, orld HARRY S. TRUMAN" Following is the text of Mr. Clayton's letter to the President: "October 7, 1947 to oved goy to My dear Mr. President: anda I entered Government service in Washington in the summer of 1940 oxpecting to stay one year. I have been here over since in various capacities. For at least three or four yoars Mrs. Clayton has been very anxious, for reasons of hoalth, to roturn to our home in Houston. Endoavoring to muot her wishes, I have on several occasions, start- ing as far back as four years ago, tendored my resignation, During the present year, on January 6, I handed you and Secretary Byrnos lettors of rosignation as Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs but promised to remain for a reasonable time until somcono could be found to succeed me. On May 14, I sent you a penned note from Geneva advising that Mrs. Clayton's condition was such that I was convinced she noeded my undivided attention for several months in an effort to restore hor health and that I would be compelled to lay down the duties and responsibilitics of my office at the conclusion of the Geneva Trade Conference, say September 1. on my arrival home from Geneva for a brief visit I wrote Secretary Marshall on May 19 that I would be compelled to leave the State Department not later than Septomber 1 at which timo I expected (OVER)