Wake Atoll, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Meeting between General MacArthur and President Truman. MacArthur is considered a living legend. He won World War II against Japan, reconquered the Philippines, and has now rebuilt Japan, of which he is still governor. In recent months, he had proposed allying himself with Chiang Kai-Shek in Taiwan, to gain the support of some of his divisions in Korea. The proposal is rejected by Truman, who fears a widening of the conflict. At his first meeting with the general (they had never met before), Truman is offended by his appearance: his shirt unbuttoned and his hat greasy and sweaty, while Truman is wearing a double-breasted suit, a white shirt (buttoned), a tie, and a new hat. Truman begins the meeting by clearly stating: “You work for me. I make the political decisions. If you make another move, I’ll fire you.” MacArthur responds: “Mr. President, do you mind if I smoke?” and picks up his pipe. To a specific question from Truman, MacArthur replied that he considered Soviet or Chinese intervention very unlikely.
