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"I do not anticipate in any way your flattering predictions, but I do unreservedly agree with the complete wisdom and statesmanship of your comments.
"I knew your state well in the days of used-to-be. I have enjoyed many a delightful hunting excursion there and shall always remember with so much gratefulness the wholehearted hospitality and warm comradeship extended to me on such occasions. Those days seem singularly carefree and happy compared to the sinister drama of our present chaos and confusion."
"Scholarly Letter." Flattered and warmed, Congressman Miller wrote the General again on Jan. 27, denouncing the New Deal even more roughly :
"I want to tell you there is a tremendous revolution on in this country. ... It is a mass movement by the citizens who are displeased with the many mistakes now being made by the Administration. They are also convinced that the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and since Pearl Harbor in the allocation of war supplies are not above critical examination. . . .
"If this system of left-wingers and New Dealism is continued another four years, I am certain that this monarchy which is being established in America will destroy the rights of the common people."
General MacArthur again replied eloquently in an appreciative manner :
"I appreciate very much your scholarly letter. Your description of conditions in the United States is a sobering one indeed and is calculated to arouse the thoughtful consideration of every true patriot.
"We must not inadvertently slip into the same condition internally as the one which we fight externally. Like Abraham Lincoln, I am a firm believer in the people, and, if given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring before them the real facts.
"Out here we are doing what we can with what we have. I will be glad, however, when more substantial forces are placed at my disposition. . . ."
Available. The letters made hubbub. But at first, Republicans were mainly confused. Was the most popular U.S. General of World War II willing to risk infringing Army propriety in order to make his views clear?
Then, this week General MacArthur emphatically explained. The letters had never been intended for publication—the second had plainly been marked "Personal" in the General's handwriting.
Said General MacArthur: "Perusal of the letters will show any fair-minded person that they were neither politically inspired nor intended to convey blanket approval of the Congressman's views." He added: "I entirely repudiate the sinister interpretation that they were intended as criticism of any political philosophy or of any personages in high office."
As to the Presidency, General MacArthur said: "I can only say, as I have said before, I have not sought the office, nor do I seek it."
Nebraska's Senator Wherry summed up the general view of politicians: "He isn't a candidate, but he is receptive. If drafted for the nomination, he would accept."