This program is 27 minutes long
#19025
(Studio) Former President Harry Truman died this morning.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Kansas City, Missouri) Truman died 7:50 a.m. Official 30-day period mourning begins. [Truman family spokesperson Randall JESSEE - says Americans lost a great friend.] Truman will lie in state at his library in Independence, Missouri. Private funeral service will be held at library, after which Truman will be buried in courtyard of library.
REPORTER: Jim Kincaid
(Studio) Nixon says Truman one of most courageous President in history. L.B. Johnson, now only living ex-President, says 20th century giant now gone.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Austin, Texas) [L.B.J. - says Truman was a champion of freedom. Was a friend as well as a President]
REPORTER: No reporter given
(Studio) South Korean President Chung Hee Park hails Truman's efforts in Korea as remembered with appreciation. United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim says Truman one of founding fathers of UN.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) Truman one of US's most remarkable leaders
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(No location given) Truman obscure judge from Independence when went to DC. FDR's death made him President ten years later. April 12, 1945, took oath of office as US's 33rd President [Excerpts from Truman's first speech to Congress given.] War was soon over in Europe but Japanese fought on. Truman went to San Francisco for charter meeting of UN. Traveled to Potsdam for session with Stalin and Clement Atlee. Gave order to drop atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Surrender ceremonies took place on battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Was moment of glory for General Douglas MacArthur. Cold war began. USSR blockaded West Berlin. Truman responded with airlift. In 1948 Truman ran for election. Polls said Truman didn't have chance against Republican Tom Dewey. Chicago "Tribune" published early report that Dewey beat Truman, but in final count Truman won. [TRUMAN - mimics radio commentator H.V. Kaltenborn who also thought Truman lost.] Truman drew line against Communist aggression in Korea. Truman fired Douglas MacArthur when latter continuously disregarded his orders. At home, broke railroad strikes. His seizure of steel industry overturned by Supreme Court. Truman chose not to run again. Returned to Independence in 1953. Honored by National Press Club in Washington, DC at age 80. [TRUMAN - says his wife told him it was time to make a few friends.] Historians judge Truman as close to greatness as President
REPORTER: Bob Clark
(Studio) ABC presents hour special on Truman tonight at 7:30 EST. Thursday is national day of mourning. President Nixon will fly to Independence for wreath-laying ceremony tomorrow. ABC coverage of events begins tomorrow 2 p.m. EST.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) United States resumes intensive bombing North Vietnam following 36 hour cease-fire for Christmas. North Vietnam says will resume Paris Peace Talks only if United States quits bombing north of 20th parallel. Soviet Premier Kosygin calls raids senseless brutalities. Hanoi claims to have shot down 8 more B-52's today. So far US admits losing 17 planes in last 10 days, include 11 B-52's. Newsmen having great difficulty getting reports on bombing from Pentagon.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Pentagon) Pentagon spokesperson Jerry Friedheim will only say bombing is major effort causing much damage to enemy. Won't say how much dam- age caused, even in early raids. [FRIEDHEIM - says won't share specifics on raids with enemy. Feels Americans support withholding information from enemy.] Friedheim didn't explain how release of week-old bombing damage might endanger American airmen. Hanoi already this info.
REPORTER: Bill Zimmerman
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(Studio) Demolition crews in Managua, Nicaragua, begin cleaning up after Saturday earthquake. Many victims still lie under city's rubble. Authorities fear epidemic in heat if bodies not buried soon. Most survivors have fled city. United States suggests sending relief through established orgs. like Red Cross, Care, Catholic Relief Service or Church World Service.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) 3 civilians wounded by gunshots in North Ireland.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
#19033
(Studio) In Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip Arab truck driver refuses to stop for inspection at army checkpoint. Soldiers kill driver after firing warning shots. Arab guerrillas shell Israeli army patrol on Golan Heights. Nobody injured. Golan Heights occupied by Israel but did belong to Syria.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Golan Heights, Israel) Area seized in 1967 now mostly deserted. Natives fled to Syria.
REPORTER: Bill Seamans
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(Studio) Washington, DC "Post" reports may be spring before United States closes $40 billion natural gas deal with USSR . United States and gas companies feel buy may not be necessary.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos leaves Manila for island of Mindanao where government troops fighting Moslem separatists. Many fleeing homes to escape killing.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) "Life" magazine makes final appearance on stands today.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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(Studio) "Ebony" magazine doing well.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
(Chicago, Illinois) In 1942 John Johnson started "Negro Digest", because felt blacks needed more positive image of themselves. So successful that today Johnson Publishing Company largest black publisher in world. "Ebony", Johnson's 2nd magazine, sells 1,300,000 copies/mo. "Black Stars" sells 250,000/mo.; "Jet" has 600,000 circulation. "Negro Digest", now called "Black World", has 100,000 circulation. Johnson's sales will top $21 million this year Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and his mother only stockholders. [JOHNSON - says he's helped build black pride. Magazines reflect mood of blacks.] Johnson publications has Pulitzer Prize for photograph taken by staff member Johnson has 1972 magazine publisher of year award. [JOHNSON - success is measured by goals accomplished.]
REPORTER: Lem Tucker
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(Studio) Reporter reflects on things Truman said in lifetime.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith
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