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INVESTIGATES CHARGES OF COMMUNISTS IN CHINA LOBBY
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TRUMAN, HARRY S.Typed Letter Signed, as President, to J. Howard McGrath
(“The Attorney General”), ordering him to investigate the China Lobby and to take action
if the results justify it. 1 page, 4to,White House stationery; minor paper clip stains at upper
left, horizontal fold. (TFC)
Washington, 11 June 1951
[3,000/4,000]
“
For some time it has been my opinion that an all out investigation ought to be made of Lobbies at
work here inWashington, particularly the Real Estate Lobby and the China Lobby.
“
I think the China Lobby is of vital interest to the Government and a special effort should be made
to find all its ramifications. I, therefore, direct that you use whatever Bureaus are necessary to get this
information and, if it becomes necessary, to take whatever action the facts require.”
The “China Lobby” was a loosely organized group of nationalist Chinese and powerful politically
conservative Americans who advocated Chiang Kai-shek’s efforts to overthrow communism in China
during the 1950s.Truman responded to charges that there existed a pro-Communist shadow China
Lobby within the U.S. State Department by ordering multiple agencies to investigate the China
Lobby, including the Department of Justice. The results were inconclusive, partly because the anti-
Communist climate made objective interpretation of the committee findings difficult.