Truman - Macarthur Crisis

Series

Series Name
British Movietone News

Issue

Issue No.
1141
Date Released
16 Apr 1951
Date submitted
13 Apr 1951
Stories in this Issue:

Story

Story No. within this Issue
6 / 8
Summary
MOVIETONE CARD TITLE: Truman Sacks Macarthur. DESCRIPTION: In his distinguished army career, General MacArthur has known defeat as well as victory. Now, he is stripped of his commands - and the President says why. SHOTLIST: Cut story - Library build up. KS. Two shots of the Missouri firing her guns. General when young. MS General MacArthur, walks into camera. MacArthur wading ashore in The Philippines. Aboard Missouri MacArthur stands over Japanese official while he signs the Unconditional Surrender. Truman steps ashore, greeted by MacArthur. Truman decorates Mac. CU medal on MacArthur’s chest. Truman - SCU - CU saying why he has relieved MacArthur of his command, peace is more important than any individual, etc. etc.
Researcher Comments
Commentary: What would suit the Kremlin better than for our military forces to be committed to a full scale war with Red China. It may well be that in spite of our best efforts the Communists may spread the war, but it would be wrong, tragically wrong, for us to take the initiative in extending the war. I have thought long and hard about extending the war in Asia. I have discussed it at various times with the ablest military advisers in the country. I believe with all my heart the course we are following is the best course. A number of events have made it evident that General MacArthur did not agree to that policy. I have therefore considered it essential to relieve General MacArthur so that there would be no doubt or confusion as to the real purpose, and aim of our policy. It is with the deepest personal regret that I have found myself compelled to take this action. General MacArthur is one of our greatest commanders, but the course of world peace is much more important than any individual.
Keywords
Politics and government; Buildings and structures; Mass media; Ships and boats; Ceremonies; Navy; Military; Awards and honours
Footage sources
United States of America
Card file number
55320
Credits:
Commentator
Leslie Mitchell
Length of story (in feet)
150
Story extras:
Film clip

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AP Archive
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How to cite this record

'Truman - Macarthur Crisis', British Movietone News Issue No. 1141, 16 Apr 1951. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/newsonscreen/search/index.php/story/17081 (Accessed 31 Jan 2025)