TLS Stephen G. Spottswood to John F. Kennedy, 17 October 1962

over NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE 50 years C TWENTY WEST FORTIETH STREET NEW YORK 18, N.Y. BRyant 9-1400 ₹ October 17, 1962 THE WHITE HOUSE Honorable John F. Kennedy President of the United States OcT 18 2 46 PM '62 The White House RECEIVED Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. President: Yesterday's statement by Governor Ross R. Barnett, of Missis- sippi, makes even plainer what has been increasingly evident in the Federal-State conflict arising from the James H. Meredith case: namely, that the crisis is far from resolved and that the ultimate exercise of Federal power will almost certainly have to take place. We believe that the commitment of your administration to the con- stitutional principle involved is beyond question and that you will not hesitate to make the harsh choice of moving directly against the Governor. We are deeply anxious, however, about another aspect of the situation: the jeopardy to the lives, well-being, and property of the Negro citizens of Mississippi at the hands of fanatical white racists enraged by the Federal action against Governor Barnett. There is an especially clear and present danger to Mississippi Negroes identified as leaders in the effort to end racial discrim- ination in their State. Already, the home of the Vice-Chairman of the Mississippi Civil Rights Advisory Commission has been bombed, as has been the property of NAACP leaders in Biloxi and Gulfport; Negro homes have been fired upon in Leake County, and the frequency and intensity of telephoned threats have been greatly heightened. There is every reason to fear that local authorities might be unable or unwilling to provide the needed protection. We respectfully urge, therefore, that the United States govern- ment invoke every means at its disposal to ensure the safety of those now or likely in the future to be exposed to reprisals by reason of their activity in behalf of racial justice. It is conceivable in this connection that the reaction throughout the State might be such that only the broad dispersal of Federal forces would suffice to provide effective assurance. Unhappy though such an action would be, we believe it would be thoroughly justified should the circumstances we fear actually materialize. Respectfully yours, Stephen G. Spottswood SGS:erb Chairman of the Board of Directors