FDR: It's Time to Wind Down the War Effort

White House

Washington, DC

June 7, 1944

FDR:  Now that our brave lads have pulled off one of the most amazing feats in military history with the Normandy landing, the defeat of the Axis powers is a foregone conclusion.  Therefore, I think it is about time to start winding down the war effort.

Reporter:  Do you mean we are pulling out our troops?

FDR:  Now hold on there -- don't go putting words in my mouth.  Who said anything about pulling out our troops?  We remain firmly committed to victory over the enemy.  But isn’t it about time to get the economy moving again?  What’s the use of all this fighting if these boys don’t have jobs to come back to?

Reporter:  So what exactly does winding down mean?

FDR:  Well, as of now, there will be no further deployments to the European theater and we are investigating which units can be withdrawn while still maintaining an aggressive posture.

Reporter:  Aren’t you afraid that this policy could give Hitler a chance to regroup his forces?

FDR:  Not at all.  As I said, victory now is all but assured.  And besides, if this does give Hitler a little breathing room, maybe he’ll take the opportunity to change his ways.  One way or another, it’s time to crank up the might US economic engine.

Reporter:  Did you consult with our allies on this? 

FDR:  Well, they really would have no reason to object because no other country has sacrificed more of its fighting men in this fight.

Reporter:  But what about the Red Army?  Haven't they ...

FDR:  [Interrupts] Next.

Reporter:  Mr. President, I don’t notice any of your military advisors standing with you.  Are the Joint Chiefs of Staff on board with this decision?

FDR:  I think it’s safe to say that the Joint Chiefs of Staff, being the great patriots they are, share my goal of revving up the American economy.  

Reporter:  But that wasn’t the question!  

FDR:  [Interrupts] Sorry, Scotty.  One question to a customer.  Next

Reporter:  Mr. President, what about Japan?  We still have a long way to go there, too.

FDR:  Japan?  Oh yes.  Well, I am confident that once Germany falls, the Japanese will see the writing on the wall.  Besides, our pressure in the Pacific is showing results.  Why, I understand their pilots are so undernourished they’re trying to land their planes on our ships.  So, clearly, victory is in sight.

Reporter:  Wait!  That’s not why …

FDR:  [Interrupts] There, there.  You had your shot.  Now then, before I go, I’d like to say a word to the American people, especially the good people of Pennsylvania, Iowa, Oregon, and several other swing states.  Good news, my friends, your boys are coming home!  Happy Days are here again!