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 6 Kenosha, This. may 14, 1952 President Truman, acted, 6/6/52 Thashington D. C. Dear mr. President, Our son Cpl. James R. Ellison, R.A. 16291237 has been a Prisoner of War in north Korea as of may 18, 1951. This next Sunday will be the beginning of another year for James and many other boys. Our last letter from him was dated Feb. 2, 1952 Up to that time he had never letter mail from is home proplesse to be going three to the theys. How wonderful for their moral to be able to receive mail from home. How about the place talks in Korea? ? Leb the Communists have all their Prisoners back. Veley should we begin to feed all those that dont want to return? If we have peace there will be no more fighting so why should we be afraid to give them all back. Before we know it we won't be able to get our own boys son home very soon and home. The certainly want our were sure other parents and Dont you think me can give wives feel the same way. a little more on the Prisoner situation than we have ? The have two other sous in the air Force so we try to be as patriotic as we know how, But this mess in Rorea is very trying so please mr. in Korea as I'm sure the whole President why not have peace world would be more settled the thank you for taking your time to read this letter. Very sincerely, Mr. & Mrs. George Ellisons 706 the St., Kenosha, This.