Letter, Jackie Robinson to President Dwight D. Eisenhower

2+ files gy 112.1 O.F. , Refiled 4 1958 7/3/58 THES 1958 Dear Mr. Robinson: T hank you very much for taking the time to write me some of the thoughts you had after the meeting of the Negro leaders here in Washington. While I understand the points you make # about the use of patience and forbearance, I have never urged them as substitutes for constructive action or progress. If you will review my talk made at the meeting, you will see that at no point did I advocate a cessation of effort on the part of individuals, organizations, or government, to bring to fruition for all Americans, the enjoyment of all the privileges of citizenship spelled out in our Constitution. I am firmly on record as believing that every citizen -- of every race and creed deserves to enjoy equal civil rights F102-B-3 and liberties, for there can be no such citizen in a democ- racy as a half-free citizen. 1 should say here that we have much reason to be proud of the progress our people are making in mutual understanding -- the chief buttress of human and civil rights. Steadily we are moving closer to the goal of fair and equal treatment of citi- zens without regard to race or color. This progress, I am confident, will continue. And it is gifted persons such as yourself, born out of the crucible of struggle for personal dignity and achievement, who will help lead the way towards the goals we seek. Sincerely, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Mr. Jackie Robinson 425 Lexington Avenue New York 17, New York CRUSS CARD FUR STAFT SECRETARY