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18558763
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Correspondence (3)
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18558763
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Correspondence (3)
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Charles E. Goodell Papers
Presidential Clemency Board Subject Files
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The original documents are located in Box 2, folder "Correspondence (3)" of the Charles E. Goodell Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Charles Goodell donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 2 of the Charles E. Goodell Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library November 5, 1974 Dear Ray: My apologies for not responding earlier to your letter of September 26. I was literally inundated with mail and phone calls in that period. It meant a great deal to me to hear from you again, and I am glad to hear you haven't lost prescient powers. It is fun being back in the swing of things, even though the Clemency Board is a tough job. I hope all of your family is thriving and that you and Ginger are happy in Middletown. Some day soon I'm sure our paths will cross. Please give my love to Ginger. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Charles E. Goodell Mr. Ray Wieloszynskis 72 Irwin Avenue Middletown, New York 10940 FORD & LIBRAST COALD REGORD The Times Herald RECORD ORANGE COUNTY PUBLICATIONS, A DIVISION OF OTTAWAY NEWSPAPERS, INC. 40 Mulberry Street, Middletown, New York 10940 Diamond 3-2181 26 Sept. 1974 Dear Charlie, Congratulations on your appointment by President Ford and best wishes to you for good luck in taking on a sticky wicket. I have full confidence in your ability to handle it. I was particularly self-satisfied in reading of the appointment because, in one of those offhand remarks that come off hand occasionally, I said to Ginger upon the elevation of Ford to the presidency that: He'll appoint Charlie Goodell back into gov- ernment. Ginger and I were on the Queen Elizabeth 2 on the Atlantic returning from England when Nixon resigned and Ford stepped up. It recreated an old World War II sensation, the one that went something like "What are they doing back home while I'm away!" When UPI moved the story of your appointment I contacted our Washington bureau and had Mark Brown try to reach you. Thank you for talking to him. The story made us the first New York daily to carry a reaction from you with the appointment story on that news cycle. Our b est wishes to all the Goodells. Sincerely, Kay Ray Wieloszynskis 72 Irwin Ave. Middletown, N.Y. 10940 HYDEMAN, MASON & GOODELL 1225 NINETEENTH STREET. N.W. ARTHUR K. MASON WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 LEE M. HYDEMAN HAROLD E. MESIROW TELEPHONE JOHN M. BURZIO JAMES T. LLOYD 202 659-3650 JAMES H. HELLER CHARLES E. GOODELL CABLE ADDRESS HASTEN OF COUNSEL ALGER B. CHAPMAN ALEXANDER M. LANKLER November 5, 1974 BERALD FORD Dear Ed: Thank you for your letter of September 27 and your support of my taking the chairmanship of the Clemency Board in spite of your view favoring unconditional amnesty. As Father Hesburgh puts it, "Some of us now have an opportunity to do something to help a few of those who have suffered." The Clemency Board has given priority to the 85 cases of individuals who were still in Federal prison at the time of the President's Proclamation. They have been released on furlough pending action by the Board. Surprisingly, they have been slow in submitting their applications to the Board, and those who have not applied will have to return to prison on November 15. I am concerned that there are another 8,700 people out there who have been through the criminal justice system and served their sentences. The Board does plan to recommend pardons in accordance with guidelines which the Board is in the process of determining. Those who have already paid the penalty have nothing to lose, since their status will remain unchanged if the Board refuses clemency. They could conceivably get a pardon. To date, we have had only 130 applications from this group. There is an even larger group of individuals who either deserted from the military or were booted out with undesirable discharges. The Defense Department estimates more than 100,000 people are eligible for clemency. We have had 401 applications from this group to date. Once again they have nothing to lose in applying to the Clemency Board. The Board has agreed unanimously that under no circum- stances will information given to us be made available to another Federal agency. The Justice Department has given us a legal -2- opinion upholding our right to keep our files confidential. We are urging applicants to consult attorneys and are referring them to orgaizations such as the ACLU which stand ready to provide free legal assistance. Applicants are guaranteed the right to examine their files, and the Board is sending each of them a summary of the evidence extracted from their files which will be considered by the Board. In short, we are doing everything we can to guarantee that applicants will be accorded their full rights even though there is no clear legal or constitutional requirement for us to do so. I can understand why some individuals would be reluc- tant to come back, sign a letter of acknowledgement of loyalty and undertake alternate service under threat of prosecution. I do not understand why anyone would fail to apply to the Clemency Board, since our jurisdiction is limited to those who have already paid the penalty. There is, unfortunately, a great deal of confusion about the various aspects of the clemency program. Judging from our applicants so far, a large number of those who are eligible for the program are from poor back- grounds with limited education. I expect that many of them don't realize that they are eligible for consideration by the Clemency Board. The clemency program does not contemplate the granting of blanket pardons. We are charged with considering each case on its merits. Our first recommendations should be going to the President within the next 30 days. Anything you can do to assist in the educational process would be appreciated by the Board and could be of great personal benefit to many people. I apologize for my tardiness in replying to your letter. I can only say that I have been inundated with mail and phone calls since my appointment. With kind regard, I am Sincerely, Charlie Goodell Charles E. Goodell Mr. Edward F. Snyder Friends Committee on National Legislation 245 Second Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002 November 5, 1974 & FORD Dear Ed: Thank you for your letter of September 27 and your support of my taking the chairmanship of the Clemency Board in spite of your view favoring unconditional amnesty. AB Father Hesburgh puts it, "Some of us now have an opportunity to do something to helpaa few of those who have suffered." The Clemency Board has given priority to the 85 cases of individuals who were still in Federal prison at the time of the President's Proclamation. They have been released on furlough pending action by the Board. Surprisingly, they have been slow in submitting their applications to the Board, and those who have not applied will have to return to prison on November 15. I am concerned that there are another 8,700 people out there who have been through the criminal justice system and served their sentences. The Board does plan to recommend pardons in accordance with guidelines which the Board is in the process of determining. Those who have already paid the penalty have nothing to lose, since their status will remain unchanged if the Board refuses clemency. They could conceivably get a pardon. To date, we have had only 130 applications from this group. There is an even larger group of individuals who either deserted from the military or were booted out with undesirable discharges. The Defense Department estimates more than 100,000 people are eligible for clemency. We have had 401 applications from this group to date. Once again they have nothing to lose in applying to the Clemency Board. The Board has agreed unamimously that under no circum- stances will information given to us be made available to another Federal agency. The Justice Department has given us a legal -2- opinion upholding our right to keep our files confidential. We are urging applicants to consult attorneys and are referring them to orgaizations such as the ACLU which stand ready to provide free legal assistance. Applicants are guaranteed the right to examine their files, and the Board is sending each of them a summery of the evidence extracted from their files which will be considered by the Board. In short, we are doing everything we can to guarantee that applicants will be accorded their full rights even though there is no clear legal or constitutional requirement for us to do so. I can understand why some individuals would be reluc- tant to come back, sign a letter of acknowledgement of loyalty and undertake alternate service under threat of prosecution. I do not understand why anyone would fail to apply to the Clemency Board, since our juriddiction is limited to those who have already paid the penalty. There is, unfortunately, a great deal of confusion about the various aspects of the clemency program. Judging from our applicants so far, a large number of those who are eligible for the program are from poor back- grounds with limited education. I expect that many of them don't realize that they are eligible for consideration by the Clemency Board. The clemency program does not contemplate the granting of blanket pardons. We are charged with considering each case on it merit. Our first recommendations should be going to the President within the next 30 days. Anything you can do to assist in the educational process would be appreciated by the Board and could be of great personal benefit to many people. I apologize for my tardiness in replying to your letter. I can only say that I have been inundated with mail and phone calls since my appointment. With kind regard, I am Sincerely, Charles E. Goodell Mr. Edward F. Snyder Friends Committee on National Legislation 245 Second Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002 FCNL FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL LEGISLATION 245 Second Street, N.E. September 27, 1974 Washington. D.C. 20002 (202) 547-4343 Charles E. Goodell 1225 Nineteenth Street, Suite 601 Washington, D. C. 20036 Dear Charlie: I have been very much interested to read that you have been put on the hot seat as chairman of the Presidential Clemency Board. I understand some people in the anti-war movement have recommended that you resign before you start. While we support unconditional amnesty and have been somewhat critical of the Administration's proposal, I wouldn't endorse that recommendation at all. I hope you and the other members of the Board stick it out, because you can do a great deal to ameliorate personal tragedies of hundreds of young men. I suppose you may have had occasion recently to recall the gentleman in Lincoln's story who said, as he was ridden out of town tarred and feathered on a rail, "If it weren't for the honor I would rather walk." Very soon I hope you and the Board will have an opportunity to consider recommending a blanket pardon and complete restoration of civil rights for the young men who have completed their prison terms for Selective Service law violations. These young men are largely forgotten in the current furor, but they are some of the most principled people of all. Many of them refused to register, notified their draft boards of their civil disobedience, stood trial, went to prison, and served their time. They now suffer numerous civil disabilities as ex-felons. Due to the firmness of their beliefs, it is rather unlikely that many of them will be applying to your Board for some sort of clemency recommendation, especially with the possibility (hopefully infinitesimal) of an alternative service requirement being imposed upon them. Simple equity requires that these men who actually served their time should not be denied their various civil rights while those who are just now surfacing don't lose theirs. Stephen L. Angell, Jr. A recommendation by your Board to the President of a blanket pardon for Chairman, General Comm. Marian D. Fuson them soon would seem to be very much in order. Chairman, Executive Comm. E. Raymond Wilson Executive Sec. Emeritus Best wishes to you for your work in the months ahead. Edward F. Snyder Executive Secretary Frances E. Neely Sincerely yours, Legislative Secretary Harold B. Confer Legislative Secretary George I. Bliss No Field Secretary Paul E. Brink Publication Secretary Edward F. Snyder P. Nick Block EFS/ewb Administrative Secretary Alice Stout Administrative Assistant Evelyn W. Bradshaw Administrative Assistant November 7, 1974 Dear Rabbi Lipschitz: Please forgive my tardiness in acknowledging your very gracious letter of September 20, 1974; but life itself was a bit overwhelming and hectic in the period just past. I want you to know it is always heartwarming and rewarding to receive generous expressions such as yours. Thank you. With kind personal regards, I am Sincerely, Rabbi Chaim U. Lipschitz, D.D. 225 Keap Street Brookly, New York 11211 FORD LIBRARY & 074838 are P'w9'7 '718 0"N 17n Rabbi Chaim U. Lipschitz, D.D. 225 Keap Proet/Brocklyn. New York 11211 4th Day Tishre 5735 September 20th 1974 Hon. Charles Goddell: The White House Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Goddell: I was overwhelmed with joy to learn of your re- ascending the ladder of political leadership. May you be granted with success in whatever you do. CUL:sg Your Rabbi sincere Dr. Chaim friend, aspan U. Lipschitz MANAGING EDITOR, "The Jewish Press", Brooklyn, N.Y. DIRECTOR, Community Service Bureau, Mesivta Torah Vodaath, Brooklyn, N.Y. PRESIDENT, National Information Bureau for Jewish Life, New York, N.Y. VICE PRESIDENT for RESEARCH and PROJECT, Mesivta Talmudical Seminary, Brooklyn, N.Y. BROOKLYN U.S.POSTAGE SEP20'74 E10E E ≡ NY DR METER r.L.149905 Hon. Charles Goddell The White House Washington, D.C. 425 EAST NINTH STREET BROOKLYN, N. Y. 11218 November 12, 1974 Dear Phil: Thanks for your letter of September 17 and your offer of assistance. At the moment it is not contemplated that the Clemency Board will have any field offices or undertake any direct investigations in the field around the country. We are, lowever, urging all applicants to get legal assistance. The ACLU and some other organizations are volunteering to represent Clemency Board applicants. If you would be available to discuss any applicants we might have from the Cleveland area, we would be glad to refer them to you. It was good to hear from you, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in witting. with kind regard, I am Sincerely, Mr. Philip M. Dawson Clafe, Halter & Griswold 1800 Central National Bank Building Cleveland, Ohio 44114 GERALD R. FORD Calfee, Halter & Griswold EDWIN G.HALTER MICHAEL L.MILLER EINAR G.CARLSON JOHN D.LEECH JOHN B. CALFEE Attorneys at Law JAMES F. STREICHER CHARLES F.PENNINGTON DONALD F. WOODCOCK CARL G.SCHLUEDERBERG 1800 Central National Bank Building THOMAS A.JORGENSEN BRUCE GRISWOLD DALE C.LAPORTE DANIEL L.EKELMAN Cleveland, 44114 TIMOTHY J. NOLAN JOHN L. NAYLOR,JR. CHARLES B.DONAHUE II HUBBARD C.CAPES Area Code 216/781-2166 BRIAN M. EISENBERG THOMAS K.M.VICTORY FREDERICK W.ASSINI RICHARD CUSICK F.RUSH MSKNIGHT MILLER B.PENNELL WILLIAM A.MINNICH OF COUNSEL JOSEPH D. SULLIVAN EDMOND L.SIKOROVSKY DAVID L.CARPENTER CHARLES R.EMRICK,JR. TERENCE J.CLARK RICHARD N.OGLE RONALD H.NEILL WILLIAM A. PAPENBROCK September 17, 1974 RODERICK C.MACKINNON JOHN D. WHEELER PHILIP M. DAWSON THOMAS J. MCGUIRE JAMES S.CAHN C.RICHARD BRUBAKER THOMAS E.WAGNER ROBERT A.RICHARDSON MICHAEL D. HORLICK THOMAS E.BAKER P.RICHARD ANDERSON,JR. ROBERT J.AMSDELL DAVID E. BISHOP The Honorable Charles E. Goodell c/o The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D. C. 20013 Dear Mr. Goodell, By way of reintroduction, while growing up in Jamestown I was better known as "Flip" and you were kind enough to write a letter of recommendation for me in 1968 when I was applying to law school. Perhaps you might better remember me as Bo's older brother (or Jane's younger brother). In any event, I thought you would be interested in the attached article that appeared this morning in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. For all the media's criticism of late, I think this particular article rather accurately traces your career. I would also take this opportunity to offer any service or assistance I may be able to render you in your new post. I have nothing specific in mind but in the event assistance of some type is required in the Northeast Ohio area from someone with a legal background, I would be honored to do whatever I can. I am associated with the law firm that was headed by Al Sommer until his appointment last year to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Congratulations on your appointment, good luck with the difficult task ahead and kindest personal regards. Sincerely yours, Phil Philip M. Dawson PMD:1b Enc 12-A THE PLAIN DEALER, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1974 Goodell first resister to get amnesty By Richard G. Zimmerman "This will not be a judi- publicane to sit in Congress. that year. But rather than because he felt - Dester Westington Burner ctal process," Goodall/and But Goodell' fervout, out- treating his fellow Republi- - gsing WASHINGTON Like yesterday, "but rather the spoken opposition to former can more gently than the Clemency Board will be Democrats, Agnew seemed to pro Communis earn- the hundrede of young draft, President Nixon's - pelis to take special relish in tries), Geedell a strong resisters and deserters be primarily directed toward, cien resulted dn his belng abusing Goodell Among supperter of most civil ultimately will judge, equalizing justice." run out of public office in other insults, Agnew de- rights logislation Charles Elleworth Goodall Asked if he considers his 1970 by a vengeful Spire scribed Goodell as "the Jr. has suffered greatly as appointment a clear indica- Agnew... That year Agnew Christine Jorgensen of the He first, evidence an un- e result of his opposition to tion that Ford wants the a the behest of Nixon, Republican Party," a refer- easiness over American in American military involve- new board to dispense clem- mounted a sustained attack ence intended to euggest volvement in Southeast Asia ment in Southeast Asia. ency freely and compas- on antiwer candidates that Goodell's converuion to the as early as 1966, when he Goodell, 48, appointed sionately, Goodell said, "the h e the D vice president peace movement was an proposed in a House speech yesterday by President President already has indi- lumped together under the unnaturally sudden occur- that the U.S. should pro- Ford to head the Clemency cated the lines he wants us heading of ence mote a, plebiacite in South Associated Press Board, literally gave up his to take he wants the ap- als" in Congress. Vietnam to test the strength proach to be of a non-puni- According to one eyewit- Goodell, running for a full and popularity of the Na. Charles E Gardell political life in 1970 because tive nature." ness, Agnew exclaimed "we tional Liberation Front he opposed his OWN party's Senate term after being ep- t that son of a bitch" president on the Vietnam In the 1960s, as the United pointed to fill the vacancy (Communists), "It is impor- created because he was when a television network war issue. He considers his States sank slowly into the tant that those who draft created by the death of New announced Goodell had lost running from the entire appointment a chance to Vietnam quagmire, Goodell the (South Vietnamese) York Sen. Robert F. Kenda- h three-wey New York state of New York in 1970 help heal the wounds laft by was considered one of the constitution and those who dy, was the only Republican senate race to Conservative the 'war he so detested. smartest, ablest young Re- hold public office know the instead of from a rural, con- on Agnew's enemies list Party candidate James L contiments of the voters en servative congressional dis- Buckley, this issue." trict and had nothing to do In fact, Goodell's opposi- A the 1968 Republican with his now solidified op- tion to the war in Southeast Convention, Goodell helped position to the war. But the Asia was neither sudden or draft a compromise plank sudden change in his ap- unnatural. While a solid o n the Vietnam War and conservative on many pearance left him open to was largely responsible for domestic issues and a lead- Agnew's charges that his the strong civil rights plank ing critic of the administra- philosophy, too, had sudden- in the platform. tion of President Johnson's ly changed because he was War on Poverty, Goodell at When he was appointed to running from liberal New the very start of his politi- succeed Kennedy in June York State. The attacks cal career proved to have a 1968 by New York Gov. Net- deeply hurt Goodell, re- highly sensitive social con- son Rockefeller, Goodell membered here as a quiet science. voiced stronger opposition pipe smoker who was un- to the war. He proposed a able to fathom Agnew's ran- As one of the youngest 30-day bombing halt as a cor. members of the House, Goodell, although normally algn of good faith on the While Agnew's attacks in a party alist, also part of the U.S. and flatly 1970 did most White House showed little patience with stated this country "should enemies little harm, they the crusty House GOP es not be involved in a ground worked in Goodell's case, tablishment. In 1963 he war in Southeast Asla." mainly because he was in a joined with a group of GOP While his opposition to the three-man race. Young Turks" in the war evolved slowly, friends House to unseat the troglo- recall Goodell joined the No W Agnew and Nixon dyte chairman of the House, Med Generation practically are gone and two of Good- Republican Conference. overnight. He let his hair eM's oldest personal and po- Two years later, the same grow and purchased a new bitical friends Gerry Ford group displaced Charles A. wardrobe of wide, wild ties and Nelson Rockefeller Halleck, R-Ind. the Old and modiably tailored suits. are at the top. The rehabili- Guard's House minority tation of Charlie Goodell leader. Goodell's new image has begun. In both instances, the Young Turks successfully backed Gerald R. Ford Jr against the entrenched members of the House es- tablishment. The contests did not involve Aberal- versus-conservative split, but rather was a centest between the younger, more aggressive members of Congress and the ruling senior establishment, While his early voting record to Congress was not sentially conservative, the opposed the 1962 foreign aid 1800 CENTRAL NATIONAL BANK BUILDING CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114 CLEVELAND U.S.POSTAGE SEP17'74 13 OHIO ************* 825064 Air Mail The Honorable Charles E. Goodell c/o The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D. C. 20013 RANDOM HOUSE, INC. 201 EAST 50TH STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 TELEPHONE 212 751-2600 CHARLOTTE LEON MAYERSON EDITOR 13 November 1974 Charles Goodell 1225 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Dear Charlie: How are you? I've been reading about all your new activities and am very pleased that things seem to be going so well for you. Today I received from Professor Charles Miller of the Lake Forest College De- partment of Politics the enclosed proposal for the Presidential Clemency Board with a request that it be forwarded to you which I hereby do. I found it terribly interesting myself. Regards, Charlotte Charlotte Mayerson FORD & GERALD LIBRARY CLM/il enc. November 20, 1974 Dear Lorraine: It was good to hear from you, and thank you for your congratulations. I appreciate your offer of help and would like to suggest that the best way to help is to give legal assistance on a voluntary basis to those who are applying for clemency from the New York area. The ACLU and other organizations are volunteering to represent Clemency Board appli- cants. In answer to the favor you ask, I will try to meet with your students, but must ask that you hold off your request until after the holi- days when the Clemency Board schedule is not so demanding. I am not in New York very often, but we will see what can be worked out. With warm regard, I am Sincerely, Professor Lorraine Colville John Jay College of Criminal Justice 445 West 59th Street New York, N.Y. 10019 JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE The City University of New York 445 West 59th Street, New York, N. Y. 10019 212 489-5183 September 20, 1974 Hon. Charles E. Goodell, Chairman Clemency Review Board The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Charlie: Congratulations and every good wish for success with this new and challenging task. I know that you will do a great job. The President has made a fine choice--could not be better! Robert Armao and I talk about you whenever we meet, have dinner or sit around the library table at home. We are so proud of you, and are happy for the turn of events which brought you back to where you belong--public service. While others would have lashed out at those who were responsible for their defeat, you have handled yourself like the gentleman and dedicated public servant we knew you to be through all your triumphs and defeat. If I can be of any help to you (as a volunteer) please do not hesitate to let me know. It would be my pleasure to be of service to you. I do have one favor to ask--a promise that when you are free (?!), and in New York City, that you will consent to be a distinguished guest at the College. I want my students to meet and hear you as a special treat. Following your appearance, you will be our guest for lunch, dinner and/or cocktails--Bob and Peggy Armao and myself. I'll work out any date and time con- venient for you. Again, congratulations and good luck. Warmest personal regards and best wishes. Cordially, V q' Louaine % Lorraine Colville LC:bg CEG- - 11/26/71 unders. file 1976 This letter, marked personal, was initially opened by the Rentagon, not us, emo CEG sitate R. ruply ? DEC 9 1974 November. 30, 19H Mr. Charles Goodell National Amnesty Office, Washington, D.C. FORD & SERALD LIBRARY Dear Charles, I have not had the opportunity - or have not seized the opportunity - to renew our friendship, begun so generously by yourself when Philip and I were wards of the state. The opportunity is here, in a way I cannot longer put off. It is also here on a painful oceasion, for me. I will not attempt to speak for Philip, though I presume his feelings on amnesty would not differ markedly from my own. In any case, the photo of yourself and President Ford receiving the pens of state and conferring them, is enough to send a conscious head up the wall. I think to myself, does some light 'honor', confer- red strategically in the name of old friendship, do this to my friends? and can an honorable man know when he is being cynically used to peddly the cheapest (but in the case of the conscious, the most costly) of myths? You must pardon me, if I sound offensive. I still move with friends who have been in prtson during the bloodshot sixties, who are risking prison over and over again, just in disservice to the myth that the war and its necessary horrors, is over. In service to the political prisoners rotting in our jails in Saigon. In service also to the deserters abroad, to whom this noisome bait of iron and velvet, is being peddled. In service also to those still being hunted down in America for crimes of conscience committed years ago. I have just returned from Sweden, where I spent long hours with the deserters there, whom the 'amnesty' offer is turning into resist- ers. I wonder if you have any inkling of what they thik of Ford, of his offer, of its implications on the American public, and by inevit- able implication, of yourself. I had occasion there to congratulate them for choosing exile, to the big lie. To tell them also that their standing on comecience, was strengthening us in our resolve at home, to speak the truth, to remind people of the continuing deaths in Vietnam - death which we are financing and engineering, as surely as though the Vietnamese still stood at the sights of our guns. I encouraged them, in other words, to stand with us and the victims - rather than with you. These are harsh words, and I write them with more than ordinary pain. We are grown used, by necessity, to the infamy and duplicity of those who waste the world in our name. But we cannot grow used, no human being can, seeing our friends ally themselves with such power, or appear as its instruments. I recommend to you the magnificent statement of the American resisters issued from Canada some weeks ago; a state- 2. ment whch called first of all for the end of the war and of wash financing in S. Vietnam, freedom for all political prisoners from Saigon to Danbury - and only lastly, for a true and unconditional amnesty for themselves. I have no way of knowing what your thoughts are, as Ford continues to tear to shreds the last hope of those who hoped that with the departure of Nixon, American politics might still be humanized. When Nixon was pardoned, it seems to me that your own great occasion was lost; a chance to resign from a game that was thereby, in cynical disdain of all law and decency, losing its last claim on our conscience. Can you truly be convinced, now, that piecemeal 'pardons' are not seen as merely another ploy of the same bankruptcy? More cynical by a long shot, than the initial 'offer', since #/ the new move attempts to touch those abroad by mitigating the sufferings of those in domestic bondage? Dear friends wish still to remind you, a friend and brother; there is time (not much time) to come home. I suggest for a started, that you announce plans to visit the resisters in Canada and Europe, to discover why the response to the bait has been so meager. You might also announce that as part of the same effort to get the truth, you will visit the Tiger Cages of S. Vietnam. It would be good to know why this sublime entity, the most inhuman and encompassing punishment system in the world, still flourishes at American expense. As well as why more Vietnamese are dyng daily, than perished when our soliders were the instruments of policy there. Such a trip, in the simple interests of justice and truth, might also put your own public service on a better basis. I cannot hesitate in declaring that that service, in the present as in the immediate past, could hardly be on a worse basis. Espec- ially for those who once had alple cause to love and estemm you. In hope, Daniel (Rev.) Daniel Berrigan, S.J. 220 West 98 Street (Apt. 7-J) New York, N?Y. 10025 HEADQUARTERS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL WASHINGTON, D. C. 20310 OFFICIAL BUSINESS DAAG- AMM MR. CHARLES GOODELL CHAIRMAN PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY Commission WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON D.C., 20500 AFTER 5 DAYS RETURN TO 11 Rev D. BeRRIgAN,S.). PM 10001 USAirmail 220 West 98 St. Newyork DEC 1974 El ZIP CODE 10025 CORREO AEREO VIA AIR MAIL PAR AVION PERSONAL MR CHARLeS goodeLL National AMNesty office PeNtagoN PeNt agon WasHINgtoN D.C. WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES) FORM OF CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE DATE RESTRICTION DOCUMENT Letter Letter from Stewart L. Udall to Charles Goodell regarding the 12/12/1974 C Presidential Clemency Board, and attachments. (5 pages) File Location: Charles Goodell Papers, Box 2, "Correspondence (3)" SMD - 6/22/2015 RESTRICTION CODES (A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information. (B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document. (C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NA FORM 1429 (1-98) File Boudin RABINOWITZ, BOUDIN & STANDARD stabled ATTORNEYS AT LAW 30 EAST 42ND STREET OLB NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017 OXFORD 7-8640 VICTOR RABINOWITZ CABLE: RABOUDIN LEONARD B. BOUDIN MICHAEL B. STANDARD December 23, 1974 430 NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING JOAN GOLDBERG 14TH AND F STREETS N.W. DORIAN BOWMAN WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004 (202) 628-4047 MICHAEL KRINSKY K. RANDLETT WALSTER HERBERT JORDAN ERIC M. LIEBERMAN Charles E. Goodell, Esq. 1225 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Dear Senator Goodell: I write you with respect to Dr. Joseph H. Cort who was indicted in 1954 by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Massachusetts for failure to report for physical examination and induc- tion under the Doctors Draft Act. As you will see from the enclosed letter of Dean Irving L. Schwartz of Mount Sinai School of Medicine of The City University of New York, Dr. Cort, one of the world's leading research scholars in the field of biology, is being offered a position which will clearly advance the national interest, namely, as a member of the senior faculty of the Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Physiology and Biophysics of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. While technically this matter does not come under the strict terms of the President's amnesty program, I would hope that it can be recognized as comprehended by the principles underlying that program; further that Dr. Cort's exile from the United States - now twenty years in duration - constitutes a very substantial detriment, indeed punishment, which would make the application of the principles of the current amnesty program even more appropriate in his case, in one sense, than in the Vietnam RALD FORD 2. December 23, 1974 cases involving lesser periods of exile to which this program is directly applicable. Dr. Cort's willingness to participate in a program so important to this country, namely the National Health Program, is not a sudden decision. More than a decade ago he applied for a commission in the Public Health Service, a procedure that was looked upon favorably by the Department of Justice and by General Hershey, the Director of the Selective Service System; that application was either not acted upon or was acted upon unfavorably by the Public Health Service, which presumably claimed discretion to decide who would be a commissioned employee of the Service. In the present case this problem does not exist because a distinguished medical school has decided that Dr. Cort can make an important contribution to medical health and science in its employ. Although this matter is not technically within the scope of the amnesty program, I hope that upon consideration you will believe it appropriate to exercise your powers of recommendation, in this case conveying your views to the President for the exercise of his clemency power or to the Attorney General or to the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Very truly yours, Leonard B. Boudin lbb/gs enc. CC: Dean Irving L. Schwartz MOUNT SINAT MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITY M$M CITY CU NEW of The City University of New York THE NY YORK DIMEDICINE SCHHOL FIFTH AVENUE AND 100TH STREET NEW YORK, N.Y. 10029 FOUNDED 1847 IN Graduate School of Biological Sciences Office of the Dean December 5, 1974 Mr. Leonard Boudin Rabinowitz and Boudin Attorneys at Law 30 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017 Dear Mr. Boudin: I am writing to inquire about the status of Joseph H. Cort, M.D., Ph.D. whom I would like to recruit for the senior faculty of the Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Physiology and Biophysics of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. I understand that Dr. Cort has been under indictment since 1954 for failure to report for induction under the Physicians Draft Act in effect at that time. Obviously therefore it is important to clarify his present draft status and resolve his legal problem before I can propose his appointment to our medical and graduate Faculties. I hope that Dr. Cort's case can be resolved under the general principles of the amnesty program that is now being applied to those individuals who failed to report for military ser- vice in the Vietnam war. If this can be done the community of scientists and scholars in the United States would gain an extraordinarily creative and capable colleague whose work holds great promise for the solution of the most urgent biomedical problems of our times. Furthermore I am convinced that our Society would now gain a valuable citizen who should be given a chance to make the important contributions of which he is capable and who should not be made to suffer further estrangement or further punishment for very remote and possibly justifiable "past sins." Dr. Cort's versatility, expertise and creativity as a biomedical scientist is readily apparent even on a cursory review of his publications (see at- tached listing, dated February 13, 1973). He has over the past twenty-five years (since his medical student days at Yale) uncovered many fundamental physiological phenomena pertaining to the regulation of blood flow through the kidney, the regulation of the acid-base balance as well as the fluid volume and electrolyte composition of the body. He has most recently pio- neered in the development of a new class of drugs related to the hormonal peptides of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and, indeed, it is his ability to find clinically significant applications of basic physiologic phenomena which indicates the outstanding quality, in fact the uniqueness, Mr. Leonard Boudin December 5, 1974 Page 2 of his imagination and investigative talent. My knowledge of Dr. Cort's capabilities and scientific productivity de- rives not only from familiarity with his published work, but also from many personal contacts at International Scientific Meetings and Symposia where he has lectured on the various topics I have alluded to above. If there is anything further that I can do to make it possible for Dr. Cort to return to the United States and place his unique abilities at the ser- vice of American medicine and science, please call upon me. Sincerely yours, JJJ M.D. Dean Professor and Chairman, Department of Physiology and Biophysics Encl. LIST OF PUBLICATIONS - 3.H. Cort 15th February, 1973 4. to Dide Physiologic der KUrperflüssigkeiten. 3.11. Cort & V. Fencl. G. Fischer Voring, Jenn. 1933 2. The Broin and Body Fluids (in Caech). J.H. Cort. Avicemen, Prague 1953 3. Bd: strolytes, Fluid Dynamics and the Harvous System. Jallo Cort. Academic Press, London New York. 1955 Collentive Morographs 1. C2 D3, S : 19 in Clinical Natabolism of Body Mater Et Electrolytes, ed. J.H. Bland, 3a aders, Philadelphia. 1953 2. Article in Homeones and the Kidney, ed. P.C. Villians. Academic Press, to: ton & lev York 1963 30 Art icles in Regulation of Sodium Excretion by the Kidney, ed. J.H. Cort & D. ichardus, Karger, Basel 1970 C₁₀ Apt cle in Recent Advances in Renal Physiology, ed. H. Wirs & F. Spinelli, Zar (er, Basel 1972 Patent % dge mino-{8-D-Arg]-vasopressin 2. 15 lycy1-glycy1-glycyl-[8-Lys]-vacopresoir 3. 1ft lycyl-glycyl-glycyl-[8-Arg]-vasopressin 40 [4. eu]-arginine-vasotocin and a number of related analogues 5. Coroa-1-desanino-[8-D-Argl-vasopressin G. S-methylasparaginyl]-oxytccin and vasopressin 7. Mercurial derivatives of chloramphenicol B. Use patent on urophysin purification of hormonogens synthesized from protected cyc ic nonapeptides. Origin L Articles 1. Cor , J.H. & D.H. Barron. Neural control of the renal shunt. Fed. Proc. 7:23 1948 2. Relief of post-tramatic amiria. Am.J.Physiol. 164:686 1951 The neural control of renal blood flow. M.D. thesis, Yale 1951 Soldin, D..., L.G.Welt & ----- The effect of pituitary and adrenal hormones ca the met abolism of potaccium. J.clin.Invest. 30:637 1951 20 Volt, L.G., D.W. Seldin & The effect of pituitary and adrenal hormones on the metabolism of sodium and water. J.clin.Invest. 30:682 1951 5. The renal response to extrarenal depletion of the blood volume. J.Physiol. (Lond.) 116:307 1952 7. is McCance, R.A. The neural control of shivering in the pig. J.Physiol. (Lond.) 120:115 1953 0. Renal function in a head-down position. J.Physiol. (Lond.) 122:22P 1953 9. The renal response to acidosis during dehydration. .Physiol. (Lond.) 123:6P 1953 10. & Harding, H.S. An inexpensive precision stereotaxic instrument. J.Physiol. (Lond.) 123:15P 1953 11. Operations on the heart. Lancet 1:153 1953 12. Effect of nervous stimulation on the artorio-venous oxygen and COPLON dioxide differences across the kidney. Nature 171:784 1953 13. The inhibition of water diuresis by a decrease in blood and extracellular Pluid volume. J.Physiol. (Lond.) 124:41P 1954 846 Es McCance, R.A. The renal response of puppies to an acidosis. J.Physiol. (Zoud.) 124:358 1954 15. Cerebral salt wasting. Lancet i:752 1954 30. & Matthews, H.L. Potassium deficiency in congestive heart failure. Lancot i:1202 1954 17, . The development of the regulation of the volume and pH of the cutracellular fluid. Ph.D. thesis, Cambridge 1954 10. Central nervous control of the volume of the extracellular fluid. Physicial. bohemoslov. 4:14 1955 12. The effect of cardiac codema on electrolyte and water metabolism. nota mod.Hungurica 8:347 1955 20, & Kleinzeller, A. The effect of denervation, pimitrin and varied cation concentration gradients on the transport of cations and water in Milary cortex slices. J.Phyniol. (Lond.) 133:287 1956 21. Es Kleinzeller, A. Transport of alkali cations by kidney cortex slices. 23#321 1957 01. Cord, R.L. & Uterina electrolytes in pregnancy and labour. Lancet 957 23 A. & The transport of K-42 and ID-86 in kidney cortex 012020, Nature 180:1124 1957 24. The effect of acctylcholing inhibitors on catien transport in kidney cortex olices. 23:795 957 25, The mechanics of action of nercurial preparations on transport P recesses and the role of thiol groups in the cell membrane 03 senal tubular colls. Dicchem.J. 67:15 1957 26, { Kleinzeller, A. The effect of temperature on the transport of solits an potassium by kidney cortex slices. .Physiol. (Lond.) 142:208 1958 The nervous regulation of active transport in the EMPLOY. Proc.Conf.on Nervous Control of Transport " Hotabolism. Academia Frague 1958 23. Kicinsoller, A. & Concerning the mechanism of action of mercurial proparations on the transport of cations and water in kidney cortex slices. Proc.IVeh internat. Biochen., Vienna, p.78 1958 CD. Soldin, D.V., Welt, L.G. & The role of sodium salts and adrenal steroids in the production of hypokalemic alkalosis. Yale J.Biol.Med. 29:229 1953 30, Bloinzeller, 1. & The effect of calcium on the distribution and fluxes of dons in kidney cortex slices. Physiol. bohemoslov. 9:106 1960 37. & Lichardus, B. A carotid occlusion pressor reflex through the hypo- to the kidney. Proc. Vth Cong. Caech. Physiol. # Aviconum, Prague 1961 32. Jirks, J., Ganz, V., Fencl, V. & Travnicek, R. Measurement of renal blood-flow in the intact kidney by local thermodilution during haemorrhagic hypotemaion. Land : ii:692 1951 33. Elcincoller, A. Ps Concerning the mechanism of action of mercurial proparations on the swelling and transport of solutes in kidney cortex slices at C°C. bohemoslow. 10:349 1961 34. The effect of alterations in acid-base balance on muscle and kidney thosue electrolytes in the rat. Physicl. bohemoslov. 11:481 1962 35. Fencl, V., Hejl, 2. & Jirks, J. (editors) Symposium on the Patho- genesis of Hypertension. Pergamon, Oxford. 1962 36. On the use of studies in vitro in the transport of electrolytes and unter. Chap.5 in 'Clinical Metabolism of Body Water and Electrolytes', Saunders, Phila. 1963 37. Relation of the central nervous system to water and clectrolyte metabolism. Chap. in 'Clinical Metabolism of Body Water & Electrolytes'. Saunders, Phila. 1963 300 and Lichardus, B. The nature of the renal response to the carotid sirus presser reflex. In 'Hormones and the Kidney', Academic Press, London 1963 32. The effect of the carotid sinus pressor reflex or renal Function and electrolyte excretion. Physiol. behemoslov. 12:291 1963 40. The effect of corvical vagotemy and posterior hypo- thelemic lesions on the saluretic response to dextran infusion. Physicl. bohemoslev. 12:300 1963 4% The effect of Dibonsyline and Hypertensin on saluretic pressor and "volume" reflexes. Ibid. 12:304 1963 42. The role of the hypothalamus in the renal response to the carolid einus pressor reflex. Ibid. 12:309 1953 43. The natriuretic activity of jugular vein blood during carotid occlusion. Ibid. 12:497 1963 44. Spontaneous salt intake in the rat following legions in the posterior hypothalamus. Ibid. 12:502 1953 45. Lichardus, D. & The effect of adrenalectomy on the renal response to the carotid sinus pressor reflex. Ibid. 12:397 1953 45. The effect of occlusion of the lower abdominal aorta on Jonal electrolyte excretion. Ibid. 12:401 1963 47. Discussion on renal effect of oxytocin analogues. Proc. 2nd internat. meating, Prague. Pergamon, Oxford, vol. 10 1966 48. & Michardus, D. Central nervous integration and efferent pathways of natriuretic "volume" reflexes. Proc.Ind internat.Naphrol.Cog., Prague. Medica, Amsterdam. 196; 49. D. & Cn the afferent signal responsible for the B2 Name is accompanying pressor and "volume" stimuli. Proc. IInd internat. bl.Cong. Prague. Excerpta Medica, Amaterden 1964 50, Sirl 9 3., Fencl, V., Gams, V. & The vaccular response in the lridue to acute hasmorrhagic hypotensicn in the dog. Proc.IInd internat. Hephy 1.Cong., Prague, Excerpta Medica, Ameterder 1964 5% Hanmer, J., Ulrych, M., Pisa Z., Douša T. & Rudinger, J. Synth tic tended-chain emalogues of vasopressin and crytocin in the treatment o.' experimental hacmorrhagic sheck. Lancot 11:640 1964 52. Mchardus, B, & Hagemonn, I. Effet de l'alcohol éthylique et d'un "ichibitour" do la vasoproisine car la natriupose accompagnant la réflere hypertensour du sinus carotidion. 3. Physicl. (Pasis) 56:554 1954 50% Michardus, B., Jonec V., Mitro A. & The effect of a posterior hypoth Manic lesion on the reaction to a salt-retaining stimulus in the sac. Physiol. bohemoslov. 14:126 1965 Hagemann, I. & Lichardus, B. The effect of aethyl alcohol and vasops essin on the pressor and renal response tp carotid occlusion. Ibid. 140316 1965 5. Michardus, B., Mitro A. & Cort, J.H. Size of cell nuclei in the hypothalamus of the rat as a function of oalt loading. Am.J. Physicl. 203:1075 1965 36. Lich rdus, B., Pliška V., Uhrin V., Earth T., Dousa T., Rudinger J., Mitro so & On the chemical nature of the natriuretic substance. Abstracts, IlIrd intornat.Nephrol.Cong. Vashington, Kargor, Basol 1966 570 Lichardus, B., Rudinger J. & Hagemann, 1. Effect of oxytocin anta enists on the saluresis accompanying carotid occlusion. Am. Physiol. 210:162 1966 50. Nováková, A. & Hypothalamic regulation of spontaneous salt intake in it e rat. Ibid. 211: 919 1966 520 Pliska, V. & Bicchemical evidence for the presence of a natriuretic Sector in the posterior hypothalamus. Activitas Nervosa Superior 9:329 1967 GO. Schuck, O. & On the interaction of calcium, sodium and water tree sport in the diuresing kidney. Physicl. Pharmacol. 46:275 1968 10 The source and chemical nature of the natriuretic activity of planna evoked by saluretic "volume" reflexes. Ibid. 46:325 1968 52. Jeanjean H.F., Thomson A.E., a Nickorson, 11. Effect of "hormonogen" for 23 of neurohypophysial peptides in homorrhagic shock in dogs. J.Physiol. 294.455 1968 53. Plička V., Rudinger J., Dousa T. a Oxytecin activity and the integrity of the disulfide bridge. Am.J. Physicl. 215:916 1958 61. Dousa T., Pliska V., Lichardus B., Safárová J., Vranešić M. & Rudinger. 3. On the nature of the saluretic activity of blood during carotid CCC lusion in the cat. Physicl. 215: 921 1958 65. Pliska V. & Douga T. On the chemical nature and tissue source of a a intriuretic hermone". Lancot i:230 1968 66. Vavra, I., Machová A., Holeček V., , Zaoral M. & Sorn, F. Effect 03 a synthetic analogue of vasopressin in animals and in patients with diabotos insipidus. Lancet 1:948 1968 67. Lichardus, B., Plicka V., Uhrin V., Barth T. & Rudinger, J. The origin, nature and mechanism of action of "natriuretic hormone". FROS. Ist internat.Symp. on Peptide & Protein Hormones, Liege. Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam 1968 G8. & Lichardus, B. Natriuretic Hormone. An editorial. Nephron, 50401 1968 G9. Sodiáková E., Lichardus B. & Plasma saluretic activity: its nature and relation to oxytocin analoge. Science 164:580 1969 70s Introduction to symposium on natriurotic hormone. Proc. IVth internat. Mephrol.Cong., Stockholm. Karger, Basel 1970 To Sedlaková E., Lichardus B. & Deusa T. The nature, source and mode of intion of the natriuretic activity in plasma resulting from volume expansion and pressor stimuli in animals. Ibid. 1970 72. So Miková E. & Assay criteria, source materials and models in the 100 ation of "natriurotic activity". In 'Regulation of Sodium Excretion J no Kidneys", Karger, Basel. 1970 73. & Lichardus, H. Introductory remarks. Ibid. 1970 740 Common, S., Cohne P., Jelinek J. & Potentiation of Angiotensin Eledoisin activities by sodium chloride. Life Sciences 10:469 1971 750 3., Albrecht I. & An oxytecin receptor at the carotid Differention capable of eliciting marked natriuresis. Proc. XXV internat. Hundch (Pflujer's Archiv., in the press) 1971, 1973 Iv Sodlakova E. & Dousa T. Structural requirements for the the oxytocin molecule on sedium excretion and transport ATPase. PJCC. XVth internat. Physiol.Comj. Munich 1971 77. Sedláková, E. & Shophova J. Reversible binding of crytocin to tr isport ATPace. Proc. 2nd internat.Symp.Peptide & t.llormones, Sieje Висе pta Medica, Amsterden 1973 78. "I Strub, K.M., Hilusler G. & Rudinger, S. The natriurotic action 03 [4 Leucine]-Arginins-vasotocin. Exporientia, in the press 1973 79 Interactions between peptide hormones and clectrolytes. Polymer, 1n the press 1973 00 Kluh I., Sedláková E., Barth T. & -------- Neurophysin binding of vasop cosin amalogs altered at the N- and C-terminals. Nol. Pharmacol., in th press. 1973 01. Synthetic and natural polypeptides related to the pituitary and t cir natriuretic activity in animals and man, Acta Cardiologica, in th press 1973 02, Scha chtelin, G., Walter R., Salomon H., Jelinek J., Karen P. & Elec: rolyte potentiation of angiotensin activity. Mol. Pharmacol. in the pres 1973 03. Holecek V., Bechyne M., Zaoral M. & ------- Treatment of Diabetes Insipidus with docamino-[D-Arg]-vasopressin, in preparation. 04. Sedl ková, E., Prusik z., Barth T., Kluh I. & -------- Isolation of an U-ter inal ACTH fragment from the pituitary with potentiator natriuretic activity, in preparation 1973 as Jamuary 26, 1975 President Gerald Ford FORD The White House Washington, D.C. Dear President Ford: You have been subjected to severe criticism by same very articulate peace and religious organisations because of your kind of amenty granting. However, there are same of - in the peace movement and among the supporters of dissent who, while wishing that your assesty program might have been bread- er, believe that thet? should be cooperation with it to make it as effective as possible. The past week, for example, I attended a meeting of the Metropolitan Boardres Consolentious Objectors of which I - Vice-Chairuan and Répresentative of the Jewish Peace Fellowship. We were unaninously in faver of couseling those affected by the annesty program se that they might understand the advantages of performing alternative service as provided in the annesty arrangement. It may also be of interest to you to know that the Syn- agegue Counsil of America, the official scordinating body of the Orthedex, Conservative and Reform Jame in this country have been working with Selective Service in helping to die- cover suitable opportunities for alternative serfice. On behalf of these several groups of which I have speken, I respectfully urge that the termination date for response to the sensety program be extended for several months. Faithfully yours, Inder B. Hoffman 001 Mr. John Barber, Resenciliation Service Division, Selective Service and The Honsemble Charles Goodell, Clemency Beard January 27. 1975. The Itonorable Charles E. Goodell cas United States Senate & 80.00 Washington D.C. 20510. 07V839 Dear Senator Goodell: Over the past couple years we've heard that IT beginning to sound like 1969 again. the was in Southeast asia continues. now we know that the United States is pouring our handraned money into armaments for this ongoing war. For what reason? In the name of Christianity, we plead with you and our other representatives, to end this senslessness. with millions of our people out of work, and inflation running wild in our own we continue to contribute to the endless suffering country, our hopes are dwending They must and starvation of innocent people ? Let us feed them not kill them Sincerely, Margaretta & nerner Muller. Christian Concern for Disarmament by William P.H. Stevens, Jr. AT THE JANUARY Quaker and geothermal energy. This last we do not have an answer, just Leadership Seminar I attended in option is the least developed at for the convenience of a little Washington, one of the matters this point, SO I wish to confine electric power today? Perhaps a we examined at some length was myself here to the two other solution will be found some day, the widening opinion being possibilities. My position is that but the moral issue remains. Do expressed by reputable scientists we must reject the nuclear option we have a right to assume this and engineers that further con- and make a concentrated effort to without actually having a fool- struction of nuclear power plants develop solar power. proof method in hand? constitutes a danger of such A second problem is the magnitude that we no longer can The Nuclear Option avoidance of catastrophic acci- tolerate it. I am convinced that Nuclear power plants produce dents in nuclear power plants. It this issue is compellingly crucial. enormous quantities of radioac- is true that a nuclear plant What is at stake here is a moral tive poisons, like strontium-90 cannot explode like a bomb. But issue of such monumental im- and plutonium-239. Each large nuclear wastes in these plants portance that it dwarfs all other nuclear plant makes as much generate tremendous heat which, ethical concerns we may have. If radioactivity every year as one unlike the fission reaction going we are about to risk the thousand Hiroshima atomic on in the fuel itself, cannot be habitability of this planet, as bombs. Most experts agree that shut off. This creates very some will argue, then all concerns there is no safe dose of radiation. complex safety problems. Cooling we might have for economic One tablespoon of plutonium-239 water must continue to flow justice, world peace, or whatever, represents the official maximum through the fuel even when the pale by contrast. If we as "permissible body burden" for plant is not operating. If the flow Christians fail to inform ourselves 200 million people. One large should be interrupted for as short and speak out, then we could nuclear plant makes about 400 a time as one minute, an become accomplices to the most pounds of plutonium every year. irreversible chain of events would horrendous example of genocide Contemplate for a moment the begin, including a melt down of ever imaginable. potential that represents for the supporting structures. The Let's start with the fuel crisis. cancer and genetic injury. molten mass would melt its way Is there one? In the short run, I The half-life of plutonium-239 downward, presumably into the don't know. The current short- is 24,400 years. That means it earth. Such hazards can be ages we are experiencing may or takes 24,400 years for half of a reduced by adding a variety of may not be contrived. But in the mass of plutonium to dissipate its backup cooling systems, but they long run, at some point we are radioactivity. Here is the first of cannot be totally eliminated. going to run out of fossil fuels. at least three major problems If nuclear power plants are as Even today fossil resources may encountered in the nuclear op- safe as the industry claims, then, be too precious as raw material tion. Somehow this waste ma- one must ask, why the necessity for the petro-chemical industry, terial must be contained con- of the Price-Anderson Act? This which supplies us with plastics, tinuously for hundreds of thou- is a law which says, in effect, fertilizers, medicines and syn- sands of years. A method for that accidents are not impossible. thetic fabrics, simply to burn up doing SO has not yet been This law says that liability for a as a fuel developed. Already we have some nuclear catastrophe is limited to Beyond fossil fuels we seem to 80 million gallons of radioactive $560 million. This Act was have three options: nuclear wastes temporarily stored in steel originally passed in 1957 because energy, solar energy, which and concrete tanks which require utility companies testified that includes wind and water power, constant surveillance, some of they would not build nuclear which require cooling. Some plants if they had to stand fully William Stevens is minister at tanks have already developed liable for accidents. The Act was First Friends Meeting, Greens- leaks. It is not certain that an passed explicitly "to encourage boro, North Carolina. He received entirely satisfactory method of the development of the atomic his B.D. from Yale and Ph.D. containment can ever be found. energy industry." So the ques- from Drew University. He and This brings us to the heart of tion is, why should the utilities his wife Margaret are building a the moral issue. Do we have the insist on the protection of the retreat center, Glenagape, near right to saddle the next 20,000 Price-Anderson Act if nuclear Greensboro. They have two generations of mankind with this power plants are as safe as they children - Tina and William III. containment problem, for which claim? If it is possible, even Page 14 QUAKER LIFE Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to these materials. WERNER & MARGARETTA MULLER 1535 WINDING ROAD SOUTHAMPTON, PA. POLICY U.S. 27 1075 PM SERVICE JAN 194 PA 7 18966 UNITED STATES Senattor Charles States & ARU United Washington VO.C. 20510 1225 5 19th 19 St nw w all, 2 Jan, 30, I975 Shairman Chas. Goodell Amnesty Program Washington.D.C. Dear Mr.Gogdell; I watsheddon T.V. this morning as you talked to the drafte dodgers and traitors to this country from Toronto. As usual you cam out second best in the argument thses creeps put up. They were making speeches and your pleading was pathetic. It feel on deaf ears eras, these fellows don't want to come back to thiscountry. They are communist revolutionarys and can do more for their cause in Canada than they can here. You have given them a perfect form and as usual you are way off base. I van't understand how the government can spend 40,000 a month on this kind of a program. What is theis a testimonial for you to get a few buccks out the taxpayer? Its a lousy deal for all of the men that were in the far eąst and other wars of this country. I for one served in two wars and think you are the same crumby politican you wrere when they ran you out of the sen&te. No amnesty for the TRAITORS. poor taxpayer FORD & LIBRARY GERALD James Andressia POTAL SERVICE PM FL USAirmail Beah Station, Tenn. 'S'n 31 JAN 333 1975 ZIP CODE 1225 19th St nu VIA AIR MAIL Chairman Chas Googell Amnesty Committee Washington D.G January 30 Dear Senator Goodeel, first may I say, that FORD is LIBRARY against the amnuaty which being affered to these draft evaders. Inc. ten and twenty years ago desertion was punishable by death and/or court martial procedures. think it disgusting that this government is sinking so low as to even consider climency for even one of those persons. It makes the entire Southeast Asian war useless. and degeades those 50, 000 boys and reporters, etc. who were killed for their country. Ar must sicken those hundreds of thousands of people who fought in that war luen though they disagreed with the war. Mr sums to me a complete waste of taxpayers money and time to even give these boys such an offer and for any of them to expect complete amnosty. The government should say "no" completely to any clemency. Sincerely, Barbara Thap 320 Hoffman St. Aihens ,Cilibana 35611 We hold these Truths POSTAL S.n S. JAN 1975 PM SERVICE 30 956 FL UNITED STATES 10 1225 191 Goodels Washington / D.C. Chairman Cemenay Board EW - If - - (CREPT) - , 320 Hoffman St. Achens aeabama 35611 122519ᵗʰ84 FLOYD WRIGHT Patriot nu 2c U.S.POSTAGE U.S.Postage.Co Sexator Senate Charles Gardell Hashington, D.C. D. office Blug, FORD LIBRARY R. SERVICE Octward- 1-30-75 Seratar Goodcle, Helo not Dant the deserted Thrapl dsd gera who argued with you in the Today show concerning the among program. They aaid they had right torepase to serve if they considered the mar immoral 9 capit as c matter of fact that they, were about the law. They Inco the RNW mhoded alroe were paws by insuration were not pa smart as the leaft They were not smaiter than the knew who hid aeroe fat then parents mere able to keep them in dollegesdater asa means fladging the products school assiply draft I wonder if key alao locked causage Oct mand oken mu Dadesman February 5, 1975 Dear Mike: It was good to hear from you again, and I certainly appreciate your thoughtful and supportive comments. I hope all is going well with you, and keep in touch. With warm regard, I am Sincerely, Mr. Michael C. Smith Committee on Appropriations United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 FORD & JOHN L. MCCLELLAN, ARK., CHAIRMAN WARREN G. MAGNUSON, WASH. MILTON R. YOUNG, N. DAK. JOHN C. STENNIS, MISS. ROMAN L. HRUSKA, NEBR. JOHN O. PASTORE, R.I. NORRIS COTTON, N.H. ALAN BIBLE, NEV. CLIFFORD P. CASE, N.J. ROBERT C. BYRD, W. VA. HIRAM L. FONG, HAWAII GALE W. MCGEE, WYO. EDWARD W. BROOKE, MASS. MIKE MANSFIELD, MONT. MARK O. HATFIELD, OREG. United States Senate WILLIAM PROXMIRE, WIS. TED STEVENS, ALASKA JOSEPH M. MONTOYA, N. MEX. CHARLES MCC. MATHIAS, JR., MD. COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS DANIEL K. INOUYE, HAWAII RICHARD S. SCHWEIKER, PA. ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, S.C. HENRY BELLMON, OKLA. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 BIRCH BAYH, IND. THOMAS F. EAGLETON, MO. LAWTON CHILES, FLA. JAMES R. CALLOWAY CHIEF COUNSEL AND STAFF DIRECTOR January 30, 1975 The Honorable Charles E. Goodell 1225 19th Street, Northwest Washington, D. C. 20036 Dear Senator: As a firm supporter of unconditional amnesty, I am nevertheless consistently impressed by your thought- fulness and good spirit in the face of the unrelenting badgering and moralistic one-ups-manship of my ideological brethren. In other words, I saw you on Agronsky last night and thought you were excellent -- under most trying circumstances. Hang in there. In peace, Thike Michael C. Smith 2/28 Rick - do you want to draft litte ? gims PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD GmH DATE: 2/15 FROM: Inswer at TO: Goodell Knisely ACTION: Baskir Lang Liekweig CEG Broder Brown Lipscombe / FYI & Retention Bott Lohff Chaney Meinking Chazen MacQueeney Chambers Mitchell / / FYI Prepare & Return Reply to Craig Norby Dancheck Nickolas / See Me Benson O'Hare Fenig Pacini / Clear & Return Fornoff Poole Guritz Puller / Necessary Action Hastings Rush Hausman Robinson Other: Horn Slattery Handwerger Strause Heitz Tropp Vinson Copy reason for CE6 Hickman Horton Zani the ? Hansen Smith Kodak Klein Mrs. Groups February 11, 1975 Dear Frank: Thank you for your February 5 letter with which you forwarded a copy of the letter you received from Mr. William M. Lombard, Commender of American Legion Post 1182 of Rechester, New York, expressing the opposition of the members to an extension of the conditional amnesty program. As you know, the President did extend the pro- gram until March 1, 1975. However, I will make certain that the position of Post 1182 is called to his attention. With kindest regards, I Sincerely, Is\ Vern Verson C. Leen Deputy Assistant to the President The Honorable Frank Horton House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20515 GREATO R.FORD 8. bcc: w/incoming to Charles Goodell - FYI VCL:EF:VO:jlc FRANK HORTON WASHINGTON OFFICE: U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 2229 RAYBURN BUILDING SATH DISTRICT OF NEW YORK WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4916 COMMITTEE: Congress of the United States DISTRICT OFFICES: 314 FEDERAL BUILDING GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614 RANKING MINORITY MEMBER house of Representatives (716) 263-6270 WAYNE COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING DAVID A. LOVENHEIM Washington, D.C. 20515 LYONS, NEW YORK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT February 5 1975 FEB 7 1975 Honorable Vernon C. Loen Deputy Assistant to the President The White House Office Washington, D.C. 20500 Vern Dear Mr. Loen: In behalf of my constituent, who is identified in the attached letter copy, I should like to request your consideration of this matter. Thank you for whatever information and assistance you can provide. I look forward to your reply. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely, Junk Frank Horton FH: VC Attachment Post 1182 53 Mendon Street Rochester, N.Y. 14615 Rep. Frank J. Horton, R-34th 2229 Rayburn Building Washington, D. C. 20515 Dear Congressman Horton: The membership of American Legion Post 1182, of which I am Commander, has asked me to express their concern over the amnesty question pertaining to the Viet Nam war. Recently, it was brought to the public's attention that an extension of the President's amnesty program may be in the offing. We would like to make it part of the record that the membership of American Legion Post 1182 is unequivocally opposed to any extension of this amnesty program. Sincerely, William M. Lombard Post Commander WML:ah WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES) FORM OF CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE DATE RESTRICTION DOCUMENT Letter Letter from Martha Wasm to Chales Goodell, 2 pages. 3/14/1975 C File Location: Charles Goodell Papers, Box 2, "Correspondence (3)" SMD - 6/22/2015 RESTRICTION CODES (A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information. (B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document. (C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NA FORM 1429 (1-98) April 18, 1975 Dear Mr. Chandler: I have just seen your article on my appearance in Professor Roll's class at George Washington University. I want to compliment you on an excellent and balanced job of reporting. The quotations were accurate, and you clearly grasped the technical aspects of the Clemency Board program. Senior reporters for major news services have frequently confused the clemency program and left the public with a misimpression as to eligibility for the program and administration of the program. Congratulations! With kind regard, I am Sincerely, Charles E. Goodell Chairman Mr. Douglas Chandler HATCHET George Washington University GREATO R. FORD 800 21st Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20052 6/8/75 504 are N Brooklyn N.Y Dear mr Goodell, BERILD R. FORD I want to congratulate you on the fine job you are doing as chairman of the amounty program. Your effort and concern for these young men are to be highly commended my reason for writing to you is that I have lived in the Ninted States for the past twenty-five years but I Connot obtain citezenship because I signed a form. relieving me of military service during the Kores war. When President Nescon was if help me, His office in office could wrote to him, asking in formed me that it was a law inacted by Congress and there was nothing he could do. It is very difficult to his of it, and when you raise a in a sociaty you are not port family the task is indeed very hard. I have three teenage Smilloen my wife and I work very hard to educate and mold. them to the amedican way, so that they will be good productive law- abiding citezens I know wfsat did was wrong. However, with the events of the past Watergate and Presidents Fonds anonesty Program. I feel, that I should have the opportunity to escplain my situration and see wheather or not I could work my way into this society. any help is infromation you Can give me with regards to this matter will be greatly appreciated by me and my family Sincerely your Luke Smith. LUKE SMYTH EW 20001 PM 11 YORK. Evelyn mecagai MEN 13 JUN 1075 1000 mr Charles Goodell Chairman of the Cimmisty Bood. Washington D.C Amgth N.Y NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet WITHDRAWAL ID 01992 REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL Donor restriction TYPE OF MATERIAL Letter CREATOR'S NAME Charles Goodell RECEIVER'S NAME Samuel Devine DESCRIPTION Re Devine's support for an applicant CREATION DATE 06/09/1975 COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID 019300021 COLLECTION TITLE Charles Goodell Papers BOX NUMBER 2 FOLDER TITLE Correspondence (1)-(3) DATE WITHDRAWN 11/20/1990 WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST WHM NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet WITHDRAWAL ID 01993 REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL Donor restriction TYPE OF MATERIAL Letter CREATOR'S NAME Frank Horton RECEIVER'S NAME Charles Goodell DESCRIPTION re an applicant CREATION DATE 06/13/1975 COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID 019300021 COLLECTION TITLE Charles Goodell Papers BOX NUMBER 2 FOLDER TITLE Correspondence (1)-(3) DATE WITHDRAWN 11/20/1990 WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST WHM NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet WITHDRAWAL ID 01994 REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL Donor restriction TYPE OF MATERIAL Letter CREATOR'S NAME Timothy Dyk RECEIVER'S NAME Charles Goodell DESCRIPTION Re an applicant CREATION DATE 06/13/1975 COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID 019300021 COLLECTION TITLE Charles Goodell Papers BOX NUMBER 2 FOLDER TITLE Correspondence (1)-(3) DATE WITHDRAWN 11/20/1990 WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST WHM June 16, 1975 Honorable Charles E. Goodell Chairman, Presidential Clemency Board Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Mr. Chairman: The condition of the important work you are doing for the President and the Country is about to cause you, the Board, and the President considerable embarrassment and discredit. There are rampant reports of inconsistent decisions by the various 3 member panels you have set up. A man not granted amnesty today, might very likely have re- ceived it if his case had been heard the next day by a different panel. Apparently, there are also inconsistent standards and rules. A factor used by one panel to deny amnesty would not even be considered by another. In addi- tion, there are claims that the panels are broken up into those that are "conservative" and those that are "liberal", again causing inconsistencies in meteing out amnesty. Con- sult with your lower eschelon lawyers if you need to verify this. I challenge you, to test these claims by taking 20 cases and presenting them to two separate panels and then matching the results and their decisions. You cannot allow the Presidential privilege of grant- ing clemency to be tarnished. The public will be watching closely to make certain that all applicants are given equal treatment and consideration. You had better do something and soon! Sincerely Steve Mollett GERALD FORD Residence: 1001 C St., S.E. Washington, D. C. 20003 STEPHEN MOLLETT 1001 C STREET SE. WASHINGTON, D.C. SHINGTON. DC 10 20003 = 007 Cause Haym Salemon Phancial Hero Honorable Charles E. Goodell Chairman, Presidential Clemency Board Room 460 - Old Executive Office Building Washington, D. C. 20500 June 17, 1975 Dear Mr. Burdine: The President has asked me to answer your letter of June 5, 1975. You should know that the President and I have never discussed "across-the-board action to grant a general discharge without eligibility to veterans' benefits," to Clemency Board applicants. I have opposed such action publicly and privately. The Clemency Board will dispose of all of our cases by September, after careful and individual consideration of each case. I do not know where such rumors get started, but I assure you this one has no basis in fact. It is possible that this totally unfounded rumor is related to another issue that the Clemency Board is taking to the President. A small proportion of our cases involve young men who served with valor and distinction in Vietnam, in many cases volunteering for extra hasardous duty and suffering injuries. Upon return they get into difficulties which the Clemency Board adjudged were related to the combat stress which they underwent. General Walt moved that the Clemency Board recommend to the President that he treat these cases differently and award them a general discharge with veterans' benefits. The Board's recommendation was unanimous, including all of the Vietnam veterans serving on the Clemency Board. I have asked General Walt to write you expressing his own feelings on those cases. It would seen to me that AMVETS should share our view with reference to these young men who have served their country so gallantly. With kind regard, I am Sincerely, Charles E. Goodell Chairman Mr. Essley B. Burdine, National Commander AMVETS 1710 Rhode Island Avenue NewhEngton, D.C. 20036 CERALD FOAD JSKARI Goodell AMVETS Charles AMVETS AMERICAN VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II - KOREA - VIET NAM KOREA 1710 W Rhode Island Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20036 ESSLEY B. BURDINE NATIONAL COMMANDER June 5, 1975 Dear Mr. President: I am writing to express my most serious concern that the press of time and the termination date of the authority of the Clemency Review Board which you so generously established may result in a totally unwarranted across-the-board action to grant a general dis- charge without eligibility to veterans' benefits to those approximately 20,000 applicants whose cases are awaiting determination but cannot be acted upon before termination of the Clemency Board's authority. Such an action would make a mockery of the humane, conciliatory motivation of leniency and mercy which caused you to create the Clemency Review Board. The failure to apply for clemency and the indifference positively demonstrated by more than 100,000 persons eligible to make application under your generous program speaks for itself more positively than any words I might write. As National Commander of AMVETS, I believe I speak without equivocation when I say that the 50,000 brave Americans who served and died and the 800,000 other casualties deserve to have their service and sacrifice respected and their courage recognized regard- less of the great national controversy provoked by the conflict. It is my sincere hope, Mr. President, that you will allow no action not in full accord with the generous terms and requirements that you extended under the Clemency Review Board. May I express AMVETS strong opposition to the issuance of any general service discharge for applicants whose cases remain pending. Sincerely, ESSLEY B. BURDINE National Commander The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, EsslyBBundine President of the United States of America, The White House, Washington, D.C. AMVETS 1710 Rhode Island Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 WISHINGTON JUN-5'75 D.C MIMETER K0.179776 The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America, The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500. June 17, 1975 Dear Mr. Greaney: The President has asked me to answer your letter of June 5, 1975. You should know that I have never discussed with the President the matter of changing undesirable discharges to honorable discharges for all those granted clemency by the Clemency Board. I not only have not discussed the issue with the President, but I have publicly and privately opposed such an action. As you know, the President explicitly pre- cluded the granting of veterans' benefits under the elemency program, and I have no reason to believe he has changed his mind. I should call your attention to another issue which may be the basis of the totally unfounded rumor about which you wrote the President. In a small proportion of the cases, the young men have served their country with distinction and valor in combat in Vietnam, often volunteering for extra hazardous duties and suffering injuries. Upon return from Vietnam they got into trouble involving AWOL's, which the Clemency Board adjudged were related to the combat stress they underwent, General Walt moved that the Clemency Board recommend to the President that he treat these cases differ- ently and award them a general discharge with veterans' bene- fits, The Board's recommendation was unanimous, including all of the Vietnam veterans serving on the Clemency Board. I have asked General Walt to write you expressing his own feelings on those cases, It would seen to me that Disabled American Veterans should share our view with reference to these young men whomhave served their country so gallantly. As one who has publicly and privately opposed unconditional annesty or across-the-board veterans benefits is FORD GERALD -2- to clemency applicants, I would appreciate your checking with me in the future when you hear rumors that are contra- dictory to positions I have consistently taken. With kind regard, I an Sincerely, Charles E. Goodell Chairman Mr. Walter T. Greaney, National Commander 1221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20005 Gorden Charles AMERICAN DISABLED VETERANS WALTER T. GREANEY June 5, 1975 PHONE: 737-2434 NATIONAL COMMANDER AREA CODE 202 The President The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: It has come to my attention that Clemency Board Chairman, Charles E. Goodell, has been urging you persistently to issue an Executive Order that would change the character of Discharge Certificates given those military deserters who were granted Presidential pardons. Specifically, Mr. Goodell advocates in these cases that the discharge be changed from "Undesirable" to "General" (honorable). Newspaper articles indicate that you, Mr. President, have displayed a high degree of generosity in granting pardons to draft evaders and deserters who signed up for the amnesty program. I truly believe that you examined the circumstances of each case carefully, and, in a spirit of compassion, found justifiable grounds for your conclusions. The Disabled American Veterans has steadfastly held to the view that one's decision to desert the military - particularly during time of war - carries with it the full responsibility to accept punishment. Accordingly, we feel strongly that Mr. Goodell's proposal to award honorable discharges to deserters would be an insult to those veterans who served honorably, to those who suffered disabling wounds, and to the survivors of those who gave up their lives in the conflict. These are relevant factors still fresh in our minds. It is our hope, Mr. President, that you will reject Chairman Goodell's proposal; which, in my opinion, represents an undeserved reward and a form of "blanket amnesty." An early response to the matter here presented is respectfully requested. Very sincerely, WALTER National T. Commander GREANEY WTG:dmh NATIONAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS - 1221 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. - WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 The President The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS NATIONAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS 1221 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 June 20, 1975 Mr. Essley B. Burdine National Commander American Veterans of World War II 1710 Rhode Island Avenue Washington, D. C. 20036 Dear Mr. Burdine: A copy of your June 5, 1975 letter to President Ford has been brought to my attention. There has been gross misunderstanding of the responsibilities and duties of the Presidential Clemency Board. Many citizens still do not realize that the Presidential Clemency Board deals with only those military who have been court-martialed and discharged with a less than honorable discharge or those who Senator Goodell have administratively been given an undesirable discharge for infraction of regulations relative to unauthorized absence. Let me assure you also that each case 1s carefully investigated and judged on its own merit by the Board. A few of the cases which have come before our Board are, I believe, worthy of special note. I speak of men who have served with great distinction and honor in the Vietnam Mar. Some have extended their normal tour of one year to two or three years. Some have been promoted from private to sergeant during their tour and have been given relatively great responsibility, i.e., squad leaders, reconnaissance team leaders, artillery section leaders, etc. These men have received numerous battlefield decorations for valor. f.e., silver star, bronze star, purple heart, etc. Then these men came home and as one stated in a telephone conversation to one of our Board Staff, "After I returned to my home town on leave, I discovered how little the people cared about both the Vietnam conflict and the Vietnam veterans. The people acted toward me like I had done something bad by going to Vietnam and that my service to my country was not worthwhile. I stayed AWOL because people made me think the way they thought." SCHALD wan FORD - 2 - I believe it was this anti-war, anti-military attitude or atmosphere in our society that caused some of our otherwise outstanding and heroic service men to go AWOL. As a result of their AWOLs, they were tried by court-martial and sentenced to serve a prison term and receive a less than honorable discharge. It was my proposal to the Presidential Clemency Board that initiated the 1dea of separating out those very select few, highly heroic and worthy individuals for special consideration by the President. I fully realized that such an action is outside the Charter of the Presidential Clemency Board but I felt so strongly about the worthiness of these special cases that I asked the Board to consider sending these cases to the President for special consideration in the form of upgrading their undesirable or punitive discharges to general discharges under honorable conditions. So far. we have had a limited number of such cases and the President has not acted on any of them. I am sure you must appreciate that after my forty years of military service, I have strong feelings about AWOLs or any other infraction of discipline. My life on the Board has not been an easy one, but I do believe we are righting some wrongs which have been done to men who have performed with honor and distinction on the field of battle. Sincerely, LEWIS W. WALT General, (Ret), USMC LWW/gjl June 20, 1975 Mr. Walter T. Greaney National Commander Disabled American Veterans Washington, D. C. 20005 Dear Mr. Greaney: A copy of your June 5, 1975 letter to President Ford has been brought to my attention. There has been gross misunderstanding of the responsibilities and duties of the Presidential Clemency Board. Many citizens still do not realize that the Presidential Clemency Board deals with only those military who have been court-martialed and Senator Goodell discharged with a less than honorable discharge or those who have administratively been given an undesirable discharge for infraction of regulations relative to unauthorized absence. Let me assure you also that each case 1s carefully investigated and judged on its own merit by the Board. A few of the cases which have come before our Board are, I believe, worthy of special note. I speak of men who have served with great distinction and honor in the Vietnam War. Some have extended their normal tour of one year to two or three years. Some have been promoted from private to sergeant during their tour and have been given relatively great responsibility, 1.e., squad leaders, reconnaissance team leaders, artillery section leaders, etc. These men have received numerous battlefield decorations for valor, 1.e., silver star, bronze star, purple heart, etc. Then these men came home and as one stated in a telephone conversation to one of our Board Staff, "After I returned to my home town on leave, I discovered how little the people cared about both the Vietnam conflict and the Vietnam veterans. The people acted toward me like I had done something bad by going to Vietnam and that my service to my country was not worthwhile. I stayed AWOL because people made me think the way they thought." 01883 - 2 - I believe it was this anti-war, anti-military attitude or atmosphere in our society that caused some of our otherwise outstanding and heroic service men to go AMOL. As a result of their AWOLs, they were tried by court-martial and sentenced to serve a prison term and receive a less than honorable discharge. It was my proposal to the Presidential Clemency Board that initiated the 1dea of separating out those very select few, highly heroic and worthy individuals for special consideration by the President. I fully realized that such an action is outside the Charter of the Presidential Clemency Board but I felt so strongly about the worthiness of these special cases that I asked the Board to consider sending these cases to the President for special consideration in the form of upgrading their undestrable or punitive discharges to general discharges under honorable conditions. So far, we have had a limited number of such cases and the President has not acted on any of them. I am sure you must appreciate that after my forty years of military service, I have strong feelings about AWOLs or any other infractions of discipline. My life on the Board has not been an easy one, but I do believe we are righting some wrongs which have been done to men who have performed with honor and distinction on the field of battle. Sincerely, LEWIS M. WALT General, (Ret), USMC LWW/gjl $LBt WS MILLERSVILLE STATE COLLEGE MILLERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17551 June 20, 1975 Senator Charles Goddell Presidential Clemency Board Washington, D. C. 20037 Dear Senator Goddell: Some time ago I heard you discuss the amnesty program on a television show. Several questions were asked of you, and you also raised questions about the future chances of persons going through the clemency process. One of the questions you had was to the fu- ture employability of persons going through proceedings. You won- dered how they would be received by business and industry. As a sociologist I found the above to be an interesting ques- tion. I decided to sample a number of Personnel and Placement Direc- tors to see the current work world posture on military status in gen- eral, but in particular their feelings about the amnestants. I se- lected a systematic random sample from the College Placement Annual and also from the Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce Directory. To date I have received back seventy-eight questionnaires. I thought you might be interested in some of my preliminary findings. I will restrict myself here to the findings touching upon the amnesty or clemency program. Of the seventy-eight respondents, twenty-one were from companies with strictly a local base. Sixteen were regionally based companies, 40 were nationally based, and one did not answer. Of the respondents representing other than local companies, fifty-four percent said they had final authority in the hiring process. Size of company is summarized in the table below: Scope of Company Number of Employees Local Regional National No Ans. Total 25 or less 5 3 0 0 8 26 - 99 5 0 1 0 6 100 - 499 2 2 2 0 6 500 - 999 1 1 4 0 6 1,000 + 5 3 11 1 20 5,000 + 2 3 10 0 15 10,000 + 1 4 12 0 17 Total 21 16 40 1 78 i FORD GERALD LIBRARY Senator Charles Goddell June 20, 1975 Page 2 The organizations surveyed represented a wide range of busi- nesses and services. This is summarized below: Type of Organization f Manufacturing 31 Engineering and Research 12 Service Industries 15 Sales - Retailing 4 Constructive or Extractive 3 Education 6 Public Utilities 5 Government 2 Total 78 Among the several questions dealing with military status, the following was asked: "Would you hire someone who has received a clem- ency discharge, i.e. who has complied with the amnesty program?" The responses were: Yes 33 No 7 Depends 38 Total 78 Although I have no basis for doing so, I tend to assume that a "depends" answer might be a polite negative. I feel that the respondent may per- ceive disagreement with the federal program as socially undesirable. Thus, in effect, the question is somewhat loaded. The personnel and placement officials were asked if they person- ally agreed with the amnesty program. The results were "yes" - 43.6%, "no" - 44.9%, "no answer" - 9%, "undecided" - 2.5%. The variables of scope of company, size of company, and type of business were set up as independent variables to explain the effect of willingness to hire an amnestant or not. The tables below are addressed to this cross-classification. Scope of Organization and Willingness to Hire Amnestant. Willingness to Scope Hire Local Regional National No Answer Yes 42.9% 50% 37.5% 100% No 23.8 0 5.0 0 Depends 33.3 5.0 57.5 0 Totals 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Senator Charles Goddell June 20, 1975 Page 3 Regionally based companies seem to be most willing to hire persons having undergone the clemency proceedings. Although locally based organizations exceed nationally based in terms of affirmative replies, they also exceed them in negative replies. Size of Organization and Willingness to Hire Amnestant Size Willingness 25 or Less to Hire Employees 26-99 100-499 500-999 1000+ 5000+ 10,000+ Yes 0% 50.0% 50.0% 33.3% 36.8% 53.3% 55.6% No 37.5 33.3 0 0 0 6.7 5.6 Depends 62.5 16.7 50.0 66.7 63.2 40.0 38.8 Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The above seems to indicate that chances of employment for the amnestants increases with the size of the organization involved. Type of Organization and Willingness to Hire Amnestant Type of Organization Willingness to Hire Amnestant Yes No Depends Manufacturing 38.7% 16.1% 45.2% Engineering & Research 50.0 0 50.0 Service Industries 40.0 13.3 46.7 Sales 50.0 0 50.0 Construction & Extractive 33.3 0 66.7 Education 16.6 0 83.4 Public Utilities 60.0 0 40.0 Government 100.0 0 0 The above indicates that more specialized persons, e.g. engin- eers or research scientists have greater chances of being hired. Gov- ernment, although that sample was small, is also a good prospective em- ployer for the amnestants. Industries requiring less skill seemed more negative. As I stated above, these findings are part of a larger survey on military status and employment generally. If you wish other find- Sehator Charles Goddell June 20, 1975 Page 4 ings do not hesitate to write or call me. If you feel that the above could be useful in some way, I would be willing to cooperate with you. Best wishes for success in your endeavors. Sincerely, William A. Pearman William A. Pearman Acting Dean, Social Sciences WAP:ab HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, JR., N.J., CHAIRMAN JENNINGS RANDOLPH, W. VA. JACOB K. JAVITS, N.Y. CLAIBORNE PELL. R.I. PETER H. DOMINICK, COLD. EDWARD M. KENNEDY, MASS. RICHARD S. SCHWEIKER, PA. GAYLORD NELSON, WIS. ROBERT TAFT, JR., OHIO WALTER F. MONDALE, MINN. J. GLENN BEALL, JR., MD. THOMAS F. EAGLETON, MO. ROBERT T. STAFFORD, VT. United States Senate ALAN CRANSTON, CALIF. HAROLD E. HUGHES, IOWA WILLIAM D. HATHAWAY, MAINE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND PUBLIC WELFARE STEWART E. MC CLURE, STAFF DIRECTOR ROBERT E. NAGLE, GENERAL COUNSEL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 June 26, 1975 The Honorable Gerald R. Ford The-White House Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. President: We are writing with respect to young men who want to participate in the clemency program but who failed to meet the March 31st deadline. According to the Clemency Board, there are several hundred young men in this category. We have stated on numerous occasions that we believe that your promulga- tion of the clemency program last summer was a very constructive step toward healing the deep and bitter wounds caused by the Vietnam conflict. For that reason we have introduced a bill to continue that program with certain modifications. The Senate Government Operations Committee has stated that there will be hearings on this measure, and we are hopeful that at same point in the near future Congress will pass appropriate legislation. In the meantime, it seems to us that people who have already indicated their desire to participate in the program should be given that opportunity. The administrative costs would be minimal. The benefits to human lives would be immeasurable. We think it would be most unfortunate if people who share your desire for reconciliation were turned away while they wait for the legislative process to take hold. We are particularly concerned about their situation in light of newspaper reports that one draft evader was placed in jail when he returned to the United States on the mistaken assumption that he could apply for clemency after March 31st. A copy of that report is enclosed. Also, we regret the small numbers -- compared to the total involved -- SO far reached by the program. Again, we think you should be commended for your very constructive steps in this area. We will make every effort to get the Congress to stand with you in trying to bind up the wounds of Vietnam. Sincerely, JACOB K. JAVITS CAYLORD NELSON U.S. Senator U.S. Senator CC: Hon. Charles Goodell Hon. Edward H. Levi GREATE R. FORD Amnesty Group Wages Drive To Free Queens War Resister By PAUL L MONTGOMERY Groups seeking unconditiona) get clemency if they agreed amnesty for war resisters are to a year of two of "alternate NEW YORK TIMES mounting a campaign in behalf service" in public-service jobs. of a 32-year-old Queens man About 600 men were freed who. is one of a handful of Thursday, May 15, 1975 from jails or military stockades Americans still in jail for re- under the program, and many fusing to serve in Vietnam. fugitives turned themselves in. The draft resister, Andrew It is believed that the only Davis, has been in the Federal war resisters remaining in jail House of Detention on West are Mr. Davis and a few others, Street since April 10. He had perhaps three or four, who re- returned to the United States fused the clemency program. from Canada to take advantage of President Ford's clemency Mr. Davis said that pressing business in Toronto prevented program, but missed the March 31 deadline. Since he had fled him from returning to the Unit- ed States until after the March the country after conviction on 31 deadline but that someone a draft charge in 1969, he was in the United States consulate arrested as a fugitive and is being held without bail, in Toronto had told him he would still be eligible for clem- 124,400 Men Eligible ency if he reported late. According to Administration Assistant United States Attor- figures, there were 124,400 men ney Thomas Maher of the East- eligible for the clemency pro- ern District of New York said gram between the time it was Mr. Davis did not make that announced last Sept 16 and argument when he surrendered the March 31 deadline. Of on April 10. these, 24,881 applied and are We Can't Change the Rules' being processed. So far as could be determined, Mr. Davis is "It's a shame, but there isn't the only one of the nearly a thing wt can do," said Nia 100,000 others who has been Nicholas, speaking for the Pres- arrested idential Clemency Board "We This is & screaming example tried so hard to get the word of the hollowness of the Pres- out to everybody about the ident's no-recriminations poli- deadline. We can't change tht cy," said Dee C. Knight of rules; it wouldn't be fair to the National Council for Uni- the others. versal and Unconditional Am- Mr. Davis's lawyer, Conrad nesty, which is organizing sup- J. Lynn, and his mother plan port for Mr. Davis. "It under- to go to Washington this week lines the ironies and inequities to confer with officials and of the whole system. Congressmen about the case. Last Sunday, at a rally in Ctn- Social Worker in Toronto tral Park, Mrs. Stewart collect- Mr. Davis, who holds a degree ed 750 signatures on letters in psychology from City Coi- to President Ford asking a par- lege, was a caseworker for the don for her son. Welfare Department when he "I've just been grief-stricken was drafted in 1968. He applied over this," Mrs. Stewart said. for conscientious objector sta- "He's always bten such a good, tus, arguing that he opposed peaceful boy." the Vietnam war, that there were no blacks on his draft board, and that a disproportion- ate number of blacks were al- ready in service. His petition was denied, and Mr. Davis refused induction. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to three years in prison, but was freed pending appeals. When the appeals were denied, in late 1969, Mr. Davis fled. He worked as a socia] worker for the City of Tomoto and helped support his three sisters and widowed mother, Rosalie Stewart, of Richmond Hill. Qu- eens. In January, he says, he received a letter from the Jus- tice Department stating he would be eligible for the cle- mency program. 3 or 4 Others in Jail Under the program, those serving sentences or those, like Mr. Davis, under conviction for draft evasion or desertion could NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet WITHDRAWAL ID 01995 REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL Donor restriction TYPE OF MATERIAL Note CREATOR'S NAME Carolyn RECEIVER'S NAME Charles Goodell DESCRIPTION Re an applicant CREATION DATE 07/1975 COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID 019300021 COLLECTION TITLE Charles Goodell Papers BOX NUMBER 2 FOLDER TITLE Correspondence (1)-(3) DATE WITHDRAWN 11/20/1990 WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST WHM