Letter, Clyde Miller to President Dwight D. Eisenhower Urging Clemency for Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Tuttler Hall 88 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE AT 119TH ST, Tork 27, N. U. UNIVERSITY 4.0200 June 8,1953 Mr. Dwight D. Eisenhower The White House Washington,D.6 Dear Mr. President: If the enclosed publicity broadside about the Rosenbergs has any truth in it-- and I suspect it may have--great harm would result, it seems to me, if their death sen- tence were carried out. The name of America instead of being associated with justice and mercy would stand for just the opposite among tens of millions the world over. We could expect the Communist propaganda machine to make the most of that situation. As a student of public opin- ion I have studied their propaganda through many years. I am confident they would exploit any appearance of injustice. I suspect, I say, there may be truth in this broadside. I say | this because for some years I have had occasion to know one of the attorneys associated with the case and I have grave doubts about the man's mental fitness if not his integrity. It would seem to me the part of wisdom, Mr. President, to grant a measure of clemency to the Rosenbergs.While Mr. Truman was President moved by an editorial in The Churchman, I ex- pressed substantially the same views to him. The letter was not acknowledged-- nor would I expect it to be, for I am aware of the physical impossibility involved-- but this matter seems to have such an important bearing upon our nation's reputation everywhere that I write to you in the hope that you will see fit to give it reconsideration. Clemency, I feel, can do no harm; it might do vast good. I recall your saying to me some years ago in a conversation in your office at Columbia University, that it was inconceivable to you, as one who had to pass on many sentences handed down in courts martial, that a person should be condemned without a full hearing and review of the case. Your hamanity and fairness made a deep im- pression on me. I hope with all my heart that as President of our country you are able to realize in growing accomplishment the inspiring ideal you have expressed. Respectfully yours : Cts B/D W Miller j