Letter from Mr. and Mrs. George Ellison to President Harry S. Truman with a Reply from William D. Hassett

riled 6-7-V2 471-B Presoners of war June 6, 1952 My dear Mr. and Mrs. Ellison: Your letter to the President has been received, and I want to assure you in all earnestness that he is not unmindful of what it means to you to have your son in Korea. In fact, there is no one outside of the parents of our servicemen who is more concerned than the President, especially when that loved one is a prisoner of war, and he asks me to tell you that he shares the anxiety you express for your boy. All of us, in one way or another, are making a contri- bution toward the safety of our Nation, and we are also sharing together, through sympathy and understanding, whatever trials we are called upon to bear. We hope you know that it is the Presi- dent's constant effort to bring peace to the world. Until that goal is attained it is necessary to use our armed forces, together with those of our allies, for the protection of our freedoms wher- ever communism is the aggressor, and I am sure you realize that it was the Communists who started the hostilities in Korea in de- fiance of the peaceful nations who are pledged together in the United Nations to prevent war. I cannot emphasize too strongly that the labors of our representatives in the Far East toward end- ing this conflict with the exchange of Prisoners of War, are un- ceasing. The President urges that you pray along with him that the All Wise Providence will guide them in their work so that your son may be returned home to you. Very sincerely yours, HARRY THEAR and WILLIAM D. HASSETT Secretary to the President Mr. and Mrs. George Ellison, 706 --- 16th Street, x Kenosha, Wisconsin. bj