Scope and Content Note
The papers of Cordell Hull (1871-1955) span the years 1908-1956, with the bulk from 1933 to 1944. The collection consists of correspondence, memoranda, reports, desk diaries, speeches and statements, transcripts of press conferences, press releases, printed matter, and miscellaneous material. There is no correspondence covering Hull's career prior to 1910 and only a small amount prior to 1924, but printed copies of Hull's congressional speeches detail his political views as a member of Congress beginning in 1907, especially on such issues as the income tax, reciprocal trade, and tariff legislation. The collection includes nine series: Correspondence ; Memoranda of Conversations ; Subject File ; Routine Correspondence ; Speech, Statement, and Article File ; Printed Material ; Miscellany ; Index ; and Classified .
The focus of the papers is on Hull's nearly twelve years as secretary of state under Franklin D. Roosevelt. His diplomatic efforts are outlined in memoranda he prepared of conversations with representatives of foreign countries before and during World War II. Relations between the United States and Latin America and Hull's role in the early stages of planning for the establishment of the United Nations are documented in the Correspondence and Subject File series and in newspapers clippings. Also treated are reciprocal trade, neutrality, and the major foreign policy issues of the period.
Correspondents during his Hull's tenure as secretary of state include Franklin D. Roosevelt, other members of Roosevelt's cabinet, foreign ambassadors and heads of state, and officials of the Department of State. Correspondents from his congressional career include Woodrow Wilson, James M. Cox, Alfred Emanuel Smith, Robert Lansing, Newton Diehl Baker, Joseph P. Tumulty, Norman H. Davis, Key Pittman, Joseph F. Guffey, Bainbridge Colby, George Fort Milton, Frank B. Kellogg, Frederick H. Allen, Josephus Daniels, Gifford Pinchot, Emily Newell Blair, and Charles Hamlin. There is no family correspondence.
The Miscellany series contains biographical information and material relating to the years after Hull's retirement, including a file pertaining to the establishment of the Hull Foundation.