In the middle of July 1945, Allied leaders met at Potsdam to discuss what to do with the defeated Germany. Representing the United States was the novice statesman President Harry Truman (Roosevelt had died in April). United States officials were preparing to announce the use of the atomic bomb while at the Potsdam Conference. Each of the Allies left Potsdam unsatisfied, knowing that their own interests would soon supersede the cooperation of the war.

Investigate the source using the zoom and navigational tools in the Flash player and then answer the questions below.

1			Read the memorandum carefully. What is the Secretary of War asking Truman?
2			What is Truman's response?
3			What is the tone of each letter? Explain.
4			Why do you think Truman did not want any press releases until August 2, 1945?