Telephone Calls

TELEPHONE CALLS September 25, 1957 Attorney General 8:35 -- report made 11:17 Attorney General again, no notes 11:45 Senator Knowland called, offering to do anything that can be helpful. President read telegram of the Mayor of Little Rock; explained what he is going to do. Knowland suggested returning to Washington. President said he was not going to do so; weakened and said he might. Some comments about California 12:08 President decided he would sign the ofder to Federal troops and called the Attorney General. 12:15 President called Max Taylor. His concern was whether the National Guard if federalized, would be mobilized quickly enough. He thought better to call in regular Army units, to show that the Army could respond within (six) hours. General Taylor agreed. President gave the go-ahead. The troops are to be replaced by National Guard units as soon as they demonstrate they are ready to take over. President also spoke briefly to Secretary of Defense, but he gave all the orders to Max Taylor. <<< something 12:47 President called me, to say departure would be at 3:30 12:47 President called Captain Aurant. From Washington the President called Mrs. Eisenhower at 5:11, 8:34 and 9. 28.