Time Off

As the presidential DC-6 Independence snored southward from Washington, Harry Truman asked a little speed of the chief pilot--to "have a little fun," he wanted to reach Key West ahead of an accompanying planeload of correspondents. The Independence sat down at 12:34. When the newsmen started climbing out of their Constellation at 12:38, they stared in disbelief--the President was waiting in the sunshine at the foot of the ramp, and obviously he intended. to interview them.

"Where is the president?" called Truman, happily brandishing a pencil and a wad of note paper. "Where is the president of the White House Correspondents' Association?"

As Association President Robert G. Nixon of International News Service appeared at the door of the plane, the President of the U.S. said: "Well, where have you been? Come on down!" Then he demanded: "Where's the band?" He led the grinning crowd of reporters in humming and whistling the presidential honors, Hail to the Chief.

After that, Harry Truman poised his pencil again and barked: "What about Molotov?"

Someone called: "You mean that F.O.B., Molotov?" Those closer yelled, "No comment on Molotov."

"I'm not tough enough with you," the President said, grinning. "I'm making this interview for Hearst. I want some comment and I want it now. I've been waiting for you all morning. I want to know--what about Molotov?"

The reporters gave him back his own best dodge: "You will have to ask the Secretary of State."

Laughing, the President gave up, climbed into a Lincoln Continental convertible. He was driven slowly past applauding sidewalk throngs in Key West, and through the gates of the U.S. Naval Station. He went into the commandant's house. Half an hour later the President was out in the sun again, in blue slacks and a soft white shirt. His two-week vacation had begun.

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