Senator Henry M. Jackson Challenges Eisenhower’s National Security Concerns Over Alaska Statehood (1955)

Date: March 19, 1955

Created By: Henry M. Jackson

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Alaska & Hawaii Statehood, The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 630, OF-147-D-1 Alaskan Statehood (2); NAID #12010350

In this March 19, 1955 letter, Senator Henry M. Jackson writes to President Dwight D. Eisenhower seeking clarification of the administration’s position on Alaska statehood. Jackson notes that Eisenhower had repeatedly supported statehood in principle but recently stated that national security considerations prevented him from supporting it at that time. As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Territories, Jackson challenges this reasoning and argues that his committee had received no convincing evidence that statehood would weaken the defense of Alaska.

Jackson asks Eisenhower to explain specifically why Alaska’s territorial status was necessary for national security. He emphasizes that senators would consider legitimate military requirements if the administration clearly identified them. Jackson also addresses reports that Eisenhower might support statehood if strategically important areas, including portions of the Yukon and the Aleutian Islands, were excluded from the new state. He concludes by requesting a clear statement of what type of statehood legislation Eisenhower would accept. Included with the document is Eisenhower’s March 31 response, in which the president reiterates Alaska’s strategic importance and worries that statehood could restrict federal military freedom of action unless Congress established adequate safeguards.