Henry Stimson

Portrayal of Henry Stimson by @caiobrighenti. Secretary of War under President Taft, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and President Truman. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

It has become quite difficult for me to continue in my capacity as Secretary of War. My old age, and declining health make this job a difficult one. Yet, it is difficult to remove oneself from complex matters they are so entrenched in. Nonetheless, it must be done. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I met today with @ByrnningUPPP and Truman to discuss the Japanese offer of surrender. Without a doubt, the president should accept this offer. The question of the Emperor is a minor matter compared with delaying a war with victory in our hands. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I cannot understand why @ByrnningUPPP would so desire to prolong a war that has lead to such destruction. I have made it explicitly clear to the President that the United States should stop all bombing, including atomic. There has been enough destruction. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@HidekiT06719766 @CurtisLeMay13 It hardly seems fair that anyone's life should end in this war, yet here we stand. Questions of fairness are incompatible with an inherently unfair engagement such as war. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I have heard today that @CurtisLeMay13 's most recent incendiary bombing run in Tokyo destroyed nearly sixteen square miles of the city. This is an abhorrent and appaling practice, and I am dismayed to see such a city destroyed. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@FranckJmy @PrezHTruman Franck, you must know I am opposed to the slaughter of civilians, but we are left without options. The more the war drags on, the more civilians will starve to death as the Imperial army gobbles up what resources they have left. We must take any action to end this war. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@CurtisLeMay13 As am I. I am also picking killing less people over killing more people. I did not suggest a land invasion, I am just suggesting you take more confidence in your precision skills. Do you burn your house down when trying to kill a spider? #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

Today we have offered terms of surrender to Japan. I contest the inclusion of limits to Japan's constituional monarchy. The chances of Japan accepting would be higher without such an inclusion. I can only hope they will act sensibly and accept the terms. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I verbally delivered @Groves_theGreat 's report on the atomic test today to the President and @ByrnningUPPP , which seemed to excite both. President Truman told me it gave him an entirely new feeling of confidence. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@Groves_theGreat despite your continuing beliefs that Kyoto is an adequate target for bombing, I am aware of no factors to change my decision. On the contrary, new factors here tend to confirm it. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I feel a great sense of relief today. @Groves_theGreat has communicated to me the successful test of our weapon, for which I am responsible for spending two billions of dollars. I shall not be sent to prison in Fort Leavenworth, given its success. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@CurtisLeMay13 This is why I have been calling for precision bombing only. I have faith in your ability to destroy industry targets without burning down the entire city around it. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@FranckJmy @PrezHTruman It would be strategically unsound to use our greatest military weapon without targeting a military objective that directly impacts the enemy's ability to wage war. We cannot risk a fruitless use of the device, not after the resources we have invested in the project. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

I presented to Truman today my view that we should brook a peace with Japan. The country is not filled with mad fanatics, but instead extremely intelligent people. Aditionally, I do not think we should exclude the option of maintaining their constitutional monarchy. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@FranckJmy Surely this is a matter that can be saved for peace-time. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@CurtisLeMay13 Tell me, what do we stand to gain from terrorizing civilians? The emperor has shown he holds no regard for the lives of the Japanese populace. This slaughter changes nothing. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@NaotakeSato13 @HidekiT06719766 @GeneralDoug13 I fear I find myself in a similar situation. I have long tried to do just that, but President Truman and Secretary @ByrnningUPPP insist on total domination. The decision is out of my hands as well. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@NieBohr reached out to me today to inquire as to whether I would like to meet him before he departs to England. I replied with a brief No. My view on the matter is clear, I lack the patience to continue a discussion that has been taken out of my hands. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@NaotakeSato13 I seek to minimize loss of life on both sides. You would prefer that we bomb cities freely, with no concern as to what we hit? That can easily be arranged. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

In a meeting with President Truman today, I told him my fears that indiscriminate area bombing in Japan would give the United States the reputation for outdoing Hitler in atrocities. We must hold the Air Force to precision bombing, and not area bombing. #2018CUAB

[Henry Stimson @HenryStim]

@HidekiT06719766 @GeneralDoug13 @NaotakeSato13 As have all parties involved in this horrendous war. We stand to gain nothing from this finger-pointing game. I urge you to stop drawing out this war unnecessarily and accept that it is over. The sooner Japan accepts defeat, the less civilians will die. #2018CUAB