Truman Doctrine: Clifford-Elsey Report

    Truman Doctrine: Clifford-Elsey Report

      This top-secret report was written by two of Truman's most trusted advisors, Clark Clifford and George Elsey, and is a great text to compare with the TD. Why does it make such a good comparison, you ask? Because the Truman Doctrine is basically Truman's adopted version of this report.

      The report is a really long (like longer than all the Lord of the Rings movies put together long) summary and analysis of Soviet-American Relations. It accused the Soviet Union of deliberately delaying or violating peace settling agreements (Yalta anyone?), stripping away the basic rights of its people, and preparing for war in Eastern Europe.

      It also suggested that a potential Civil War in Greece would threaten the political stability of the Middle East. Finally, it recommended the U.S. institute a policy "to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures" in order to keep the Soviet Union in check.

      Sound familiar? If none, or only some of this is ringing a bell, go back to our section-by-section breakdown of the speech and see the comparisons for yourself.