"It seems strangely difficult for some to realize that here in Asia is where the Communist conspirators have elected to make their play for global conquest, and that we have joined the issue thus raised on the battlefield; that here we fight Europe's war with arms while the diplomats there still fight it with words; that if we lose the war to Communism in Asia the fall of Europe is inevitable; win it and Europe most probably would avoid war and yet preserve freedom. As you point out, we must win. There is no substitute for victory."

General Douglas MacArthur, letter to House Republican Minority Leader Joseph W. Martin Jr., 20 March 1951. The letter was read into the Congressional Record by Martin on 5 April 1951. Truman relieved MacArthur of his command the following week.