Editorial Note
At approximately 11 a. m., President Truman and his chief advisers, including Secretaries Acheson and Johnson, the Service Secretaries, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with Congressional leaders. The following press release on the meeting was issued by the White House.
“At a meeting with congressional leaders at the White House this morning, the President, together with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reviewed with them the latest developments of the situation in Korea. The congressional leaders were given a full review of the intensified military activities.
“In keeping with the United Nations Security Council’s request for support to the Republic of Korea in repelling the North Korean invaders and restoring peace in Korea, the President announced that he had authorized the United States Air Force to conduct missions on specific military targets in Northern Korea wherever militarily necessary,1 and had ordered a Naval blockade of the entire Korean coast. General MacArthur has been authorized to use certain supporting ground units.” (Public Papers of the Presidents: Harry S. Truman, 1950, page 513)
- A circular telegram sent out by the Department of State on June 30 at 1 p. m. transmitting policy information guidance indicated that the presidential authorization for military operations beyond the 38th parallel was to be interpreted strictly in accordance with Mr. Acheson’s statement (see the editorial note, p. 238) to the effect that such actions were aimed at the restoration of the Republic of Korea to its status prior to the aggression (511.95B/6–3050).↩