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4520506
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Desegregation - Boston School Busing
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4520506
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Desegregation - Boston School Busing
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Philip W. Buchen Files
Philip Buchen's General Subject Files
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Massachusetts
Segregation
Busing for school integration
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4520506
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1975-01-01
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1975
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1974-10-01
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1974
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The original documents are located in Box 9, folder "Desegregation - Boston School Busing" of the Philip Buchen Files 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. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 9 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library Deminitrations OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL PRO WASHINGTON, D.C. 20530 Boxton January 9, 1975 Honorable William M. Bulger State Senator Boston, Massachusetts Dear Senator Bulger: The President has forwarded to me your telegram of January 2, 1975, expressing your deep concern for the rights of the students and parents of the Boston school system. Because we believe that the parties to the litigation have fully and adequately presented the issues to the District Court and will do so before the Supreme Court if review is granted, we have decided that it is not necessary or appropriate for the United States to intervene in the case. There are, of course, many Americans who legitimately are deeply troubled and concerned with the practical problems associated with the use of busing as a remedy to eliminate school segregation. However, I cannot over- emphasize this Department and indeed this Administration's unrelenting commitment to the rule of law. Accordingly, I believe it essential that governmental officials at all levels do everything within their power to emphasize to the people of Boston that the issues involved in the Boston school case can be settled only through the judicial process. Any actions outside the courtroom designed to frustrate a judicial decree or calculated to bring the judiciary into disrespect cut to the essence of those shared premises upon which our system of government rests. L.D.Sillern Sincerely, Laurence H. Silberman Deputy Attorney General FORD LIBRARY THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 6, 1975 To: Larry Silberman From: Phil Buchen P.W.B. After pondering how to answer from here the attached telegram, I believe it had best be handled by your office as you deem prudent. Would be glad to discuss it further, if you would like. Attachment 1001 2 3 15 4 5 The quifite House 6 1 2 PB Mashington 3 WHD057 4 WAD083(1403) (1-017109A002) JAN 01/08/75 1400 1915 6 5 ICS IPMBBBC BSN 6 03120 BOSTON MASS 185 01-02 1234P EST 7 8 9 PMS PRESIDENT GERALD FORD 10 li 12 WHITE HOUSE 13 14 WASHINGTON DC 1212 JAN 3 AM 10 42 WHITE HOUSE 15 16 17 18 AS A MASSACHUSETTS STATE SENATOR WHOSE DISTRICT INCLUDES SOUTH 19 FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY, A U.S.A. 20 21 BOSTON I URGENTLY REQUEST YOUR IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION IN THE 22 23 24 GERALD E. FORD LIBRARY BOSTON BUSING CONTROVERSY. 25 26 3 4 S 6 THE SITUATION IS SERIOUS. 7 8 9 I KNOW OF YOUR DEEP PERSONAL DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL JUDGES 10 il 12 ACTION IN THIS CASE. 13 14 15 I URGE YOU TO TRANSLATE YOUR FUNDAMENTAL DISAGREEMENT WITH 16 17 18 JUDGE GARRITY INTO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY BY DIRECTING YOUR 19 FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY 20 21 DEPARTMENT OF JUSSTICE TO INTERVENE IN COURT IN THE BOSTON CASE. 22 23 24 I URGE YOU TO DIRECT YOUR DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO ENTER 25 26 2 3 4 5 5 2 3 4. 5 6 THE CASE ON BEHALD OF THE THOUSANDS OF APRENTS AND CHILDREN OF 7 8 9 BOSTON WHO ARE BEING DENIED THEIR HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS. 10 11 12 THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY IS ON A WRECKING SPREE IN THIS CITY. 13 14 15 OVER FIFTEEN (15) PER CENT OF THE WHITE SCHOOL POPULATION 16 17 18 HAS LEFT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM SINCE SEPTEMBER. 19 FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY, U 20 21 THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS IN SHAMBLES. 22 23 24 IF GOVERNMENT IS TO REGAIN THE RESPECT OF THE GOVERNED THEN I 25 26 2 3 4 5 6 URGE YOU, AS PRESIDENT, TO END THIS JUDICIAL OUTRAGE. 7 8 9 MY REQUEST IS NOT MADE LIGHTLY. 10 11 12 IT IS MUCH MORE THAN A MATTER OF INJUSTICE TO THE PEOPLE OF BOSTON 13 14 15 IT IS A MATTER OF THIS CITYS VERY SURVIVAL. BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY, U. 16 17 18 ISI STATE SENATOR WILLIAM M BULGER 19 20 21 MASSACHUSETTS 22 23 NNNN 24 25 Demprotrations Busing January 6, 1975 To: Larry Silberman From: Phil Buchen After pondering how to answer from here the attached telegram, I believe it had best be handled by your office as you deem prudent. Would be glad to discuss it further, if you would like. Attachment PWBuchen:ed FORD is LIBRARY GERALD 2 3 4 5 6 The digite Linuse Washington 2 3 WHD057 WAD083(1403) (1-017109A002)PD 01/02/75 1400 4 1 1975 JAN 2 PM 2 5 ICS IPMBBBC BSN 6 03120 BOSTON MASS 185 01-02 1234P EST 7 8 9 PMS PRESIDENT GERALD FORD 10 11 12 WHITE HOUSE 13 14 15 WASHINGTON DC 16 17 18 AS A MASSACHUSETTS STATE SENATOR WHOSE DISTRICT INCLUDES SOUTH 19 20 21 BOSTON I URGENTLY REQUEST YOUR IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION IN THE 22 23 FORD is LIBRARY 07VH35 24 BOSTON BUSING CONTROVERSY. 25 26 2 3 4 5 6 I 2 3 4 5 6 THE SITUATION IS SERIOUS. 7 8 9 I KNOW OF YOUR DEEP PERSONAL DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL JUDGES 10 11 12 ACTION IN THIS CASE. 13 14 15 I URGE YOU TO TRANSLATE YOUR FUNDAMENTAL DISAGREEMENT WITH 16 17 18 JUDGE GARRITY INTO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY BY DIRECTING YOUR 19 20 21 DEPARTMENT OF JUSSTICE TO INTERVENE IN COURT IN THE BOSTON CASE 22 FORD is 07V830 LIBRARY FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY, U. 23 24 I URGE YOU TO DIRECT YOUR DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO ENTER 25 26 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 THE CASE ON BEHALD OF THE THOUSANDS OF APRENTS AND CHILDREN OF 7 8 9 BOSTON WHO ARE BEING DENIED THEIR HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS. 10 11 12 THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY IS ON A WRECKING SPREE IN THIS CITY. 13 14 15 OVER FIFTEEN (15) PER CENT OF THE WHITE SCHOOL POPULATION 16 17 18 HAS LEFT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM SINCE SEPTEMBER. 19 20 21 THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS IN SHAMBLES. FORD it LIBRARY 07V839 22 23 24 IF GOVERNMENT IS TO REGAIN THE RESPECT OF THE GOVERNED THEN I 25 26 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 URGE YOU, AS PRESIDENT, TO END THIS JUDICIAL OUTRAGE. 7 8 9 MY REQUEST IS NOT MADE LIGHTLY. 10 11 12 IT IS MUCH MORE THAN A MATTER OF INJUSTICE TO THE PEOPLE OF BOSTON 13 14 15 IT IS A MATTER OF THIS CITYS VERY SURVIVAL. 16 17 18 ISI STATE SENATOR WILLIAM M BULGER 19 FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY 20 21 MASSACHUSETTS 22 23 NNNN 24 25 FORD is 07W83D LIBRARY 26 JOHN L. MCCLELLAN, ARK., CHAIRMAN WARREN G. MAGNUSON, WASH. MILTON R. YOUNG, N. DAK. OHN c. ITENNIS, MISS. ROMAN L. HRUSKA, NEBR. JCHN 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. United States Senate MIKE MANSFIELD, MONT. MARK O. HATFIELD, OREG. WILLIAM PROXMIRE, WIS. TED STEVENS, ALASKA COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS JOSEPH M. MONTOYA, N. MEX. CHARLES MCC. MATHIAS, JR., MD. DANIEL K. INOUYE, HAWAII RICHARD S. SCHWEIKER, PA. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, S.C. HENRY BELLMON, OKLA. BIRCH EAYH, IND. THOMAS F. EAGLETON, MO. LAWTON CHILES, FLA. JAMES R. CALLOWAY CHIEF COUNSEL AND STAFF DIRECTOR December 3, 1974 DEC 6 1974 Mr. William Timmons Special Assistant for Congressional Relations The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Bill: During the week of December 16, I will be back in Washington and would greatly appreciate an opportunity to visit with the President on the school busing situation in Oklahoma City. When he was in Oklahoma City, I gave him a letter on this matter and told him that I would like to talk to him further about it. If such a meeting can be worked out during that week, I would also like to have the following persons present: Dr. Bill Lillard, Superintendent of Schools, Oklahoma City Dr. Bruce Howell, Superintendent of Schools, Tulsa Dr. Glen Snyder, University of Oklahoma Federal District Judge Fred Daugherty, Oklahoma City. Your prompt assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Henry Henry Bellmon FORD LIBRARA HB:cs THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 18, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR PHILIP W. BUCHEN SUBJECT: Senator Bellmon Letter on Busing In the attached correspondence, Senator Bellmon requests a meeting with President Ford on the school busing situation in Oklahoma City. He has asked to bring a Federal District Court Judge with him. I have checked with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and they are unaware of any significant litigation pending in Oklahoma City. In any event, I think it inappropriate at this time for President Ford to have a meeting on busing and inappropriate at any time for a Federal District Court Judge to attend. I would suggest a referral to the Department of Justice, asking that Deputy Attorney General Silberman contact Senator Bellmon and arrange a meeting at Justice if appropriate. However, since Senator Bellmon suggests he has already personally delivered a letter to the President on this subject, and no doubt will attempt to contact the President directly again, I feel the referral to Justice should come from your office. Please give me a call if you have any questions. Goth Geoff Shepard December 19, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: LAURENCE SILBERMAN DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL FROM: PHILIP BUCHEN COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT See attached meme from G. Shepard to me and copy of letter to President from Senater Bellmon. I would appreciate your handling this as you deem appropriate. ec: Warren Rustand (w/ene.) Geoff Shopard FORD is LIBRARY 07V830 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON reid 2/10 Date: December 9, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: DR. CAVANAUGH FROM: WILLIAM W. NICHOLSON SUBJECT: Oklahoma Leaders Mtg. to discuss Busing (Senator Henry Bellmon request ) The attached is for your appropriate handling. Thank you. FORD is LIBRARY ACTION T/D SOMEDULE BD. DATE RECEIVED December 6, 1974 DEC 9 1974 LOSAGE SPRAKING BUREAU Dear Henry: LOTHER Dr Coronaugh APPORTMENT OFFICE Thank you for your December 3 letter about your desire for an appointment with the President for yourself and four Oklahoma leaders to discuss the school busing situation in Oklahoma City. 1 will be pleased to ask that prompt consideration be given to your request and you will hear further as soon as possible. With best regards, Sincerely, William E, Timmons Assistant to the President The Honorable Henry Bellmon United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 bcc: w/incoming to Warren Rustand for ACTION bcc; w/incoming to James Cavanaugh for your information bcc: w/incoming to Shirley Jo Hays - FYI WET:EF:VO:vo FORD is LIGRARY DERALD Dec. 16, 1974 To: Roland Elliott From: Eva Daughtrey I understand Geoff Shepard has drafted a reply to the telegram from Louise Day Hicks. For your records, I am attaching the original of her telegram. FORD is LIBRARY 07/830 Dec. 16, 1974 To: Roland Elliott From: Eva Daughtrey I understand Geoff Shepard has drafted a reply to the telegram from Louise Day Hicks. For your records, I am attaching the original of her telegram, FORD is LIBRARY 078539 December 16, 1974 Mrs. Louise Day Hicks City Councilor Boston, Massachusetts I appreciate your expression of concern relative to the tragic violence in the Boston area. My heart goes out to the students and their families who have suffered the consequences of disorder and distmptions. I join in urging that peace be restored throughout the schools and neighborhoods affected. I am confident that the responsible citizens of the Boston area and local government officials are determined and competent to resolve the current situation. I am also confident that the people involved will recognise that further tragedy can solve nothing and reason must replace irresponsible action. GERALD R. FORD GRF:JC:PB GS:mgs cc: Rhil Buchen/Geoff Shepard FORD is LIBRARI 079839 Boston Friday 12/13/74 school problem 10:00 Bill Roberts has received a copy of a telegram from Louise Day Hicks to the President and would like to talk with you about it -- original came here. (Re the Boston school problem) Also would like an update of the situation in South Boston. They talked. 10:25 Mr. Buchen sent a copy to Jim Casserly in Paul Theis' office -- Rm. 115 EOB. FLO B. FORD LIBRAN December 16, 1974 Mrs. Louise Day Hicks City Councilor Boston, Massachusetts I appreciate your expression of concern relative to the tragic violence in the Boston area. My heart goes out to the students and their families who have suffered the consequences of disorder and distriptions. I join in urging that peace be restored throughout the schools and neighborhoods affected. I am confident that the responsible citizens of the Boston area and local government officials are determined and competent to resolve the current situation. I am also confident that the people involved will recognize that further tragedy can solve nothing and reason must replace irresponsible action. GERALD R. FORD FORD :- LIBRARY 07VU GRF:JC:PB GS:mgs cc: Bhil Buchen/Geoff Shepard THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON For Geof Shepard per our conversation. P.W.B. DRAFT 12/13/74 Jack Casserly/PWBuchen TELEGRAM TO: Mrs. Louise Day Hicks City Councilor Boston, Massachusetts I appreciate your expression of concern relative to the tragic violence in the Boston area. My heart goes out to the students and their families who have suffered the consequences of disorder and disruptions, I join in urging that peace be restored throughout the schools and neighborhoods affected. I am confident that the responsible citisens of the Boston area and local government officials are determined and competent to resolve the current situation. I am also confident that the people involved will recognize that further tragedy can solve nothing and reason must replace irresponsible action. GERALD R. FORD FORD in LIBRARY GERALD ? 3 4 5 ( 6 I 2 3 4 5 WHB 007 (1031) (2-008 12/12/74 6 7 974 DEC 13 AM 9 32 MOON HOUSE ICS IPMMTZZ CSP ( 3 6177224282 TOMT BOSTON MA 200 12-12 1031A EST 9 PMS PRESIDENT GERALD FORD 10 11 WHITE HOUSE DC 12 I AM CALLING UPON YOU TODAY TO PLEAD THE CASE OF A HEARTBROKEN 13 14 PEOPLE WHO FEAR JUSTICE HAS FLED THIS CITY. WE MUST BE GIVEN 15 OUR CHANCE TO PRESENT THE HUMAN SIDE OF THIS CONTINUING TRAGEDY. 16 17 THE TERRIBLE TEMPER OF THE TIMES DEMANDS REFLECTION BEFORE À 18 DEATH OF A CHILD OR ANOTHER STABBING BEARS FURTHER WITNESS TO 19 20 OUR HELPLESSNESS 21 TODAY I BRING YOU MY APPEAL PERSONALLY NOT AS A FORMER COLLEAGUE 22 23 IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, NOT AS A COUNSELOR, NOT AS AN 24 25 ATTORNEY, BUT AS A HUMAN BEING WHOSE HEART ACHE FOR A RETURN 26 TO JUSTICE AND AS A CHRISTIAN EXPRESSING COMPASSION FOR MY FELLOW MAN ANDAS A MOTHER SEEKINGA BETTER WORLD FOR MY CHILDREN AND OCTICE MAIN 500 NW OUTI ORCM MID 5 6 " 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S THEIR CHILDREN 9 IF YOU CAN SEE THE LIGHT CLEARLY LET ME SHARE YOUR VISION 10 $ 11 IF YOU KNOW THE WAY TO HARMONY LET ME SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE 12 IF YOU HAVE DISCOVERED TRUTH LET ME SHARE IN YOUR DISCOVERY 13 14 YESTERDAY I WAS AN EYE WITNESS TO TRAGEDY. BLOOD IS NOW FLOWING 15 IN OUR STREETS LET US CAST ASIDE THE DEHUMANIZED VERBEAGE OF 16 ( 17 SOCIAL EDICTS AND IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS LET THERE BE PEACE 18 FOR THE PEOPLE OF BOSTON 19 20 LOUISE DAY HICKS 21 NNNN 22 23 24 FORD & LIBRARY 07V830 25 26 THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 19 4 Boston High Schools Hitby W alkouts By JOHN KIFNER stub in his hand. Remnants of auditorium with the headmas- Special to The New York Times the crowd were still jeering in ter, Dr. William Reid, and BOSTON: Dec. 12-After 15 front of Southie High, tow screamed and shouted their 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. DRAFT Jack Casserly (ext. 6480) TELEGRAM TO: Mrs. Louise Day Hicks City Councilor Boston, Massachusetts I appreciate your expression of concern relative to the tragic the >rea, violence in Boston, The United States Constitution elearly limits Federal and Presidential intervention in local law enforcement problems unless and until local resources have failed. The Governor has not indi- cated such failure and therefore there are no legal grounds for Federal the intervention. I am confident that the responsible citizens of Boston area determined and and local government officials are competent to resolve the current involved situation. I am also confident that the people of Beston will recognize that further tragedy can solve nothing and reason must replace irresponsible action, in both the minds and hearts of the people. GERALD R. FORD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Rm 115 EOB for Jim Casserly (with Paul Theis) FORD is LIBRARY OERALD DRAFT Jack Casserly (ext. 6480) TELEGRAM TO: Mrs. Louise Day Hicks City Councilor Boston, Massachusetts I appreciate your expression of concern relative to the tragic violence in Boston. The United States Constitution clearly limits Federal and Presidential intervention in local law enforcement problems unless and until local resources have failed. The Governor has not indi- cated such failure and therefore there are no legal grounds for Federal intervention. I am confident that the responsible citizens of Boston and local government officials are competent to resolve the current situation. I am also confident that the people of Boston will recognize that further tragedy can solve nothing and reason must replace irresponsible action in both the minds and hearts of the people. GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY 180B 12/16 December 13, 1974 Dear Mr. Rangel: I wish to acknowledge receipt and thank you for your letter to the President of today's date asking that he take action with respect to the school situation in Boston. You may be assured your letter will be called to the President's attention at the carliest opportunity. With kind regards, Sincerely, Max L. Friedersdorf Deputy Assistant to the President The Honorable Charles B. Rangel House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 bcc: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for appropriate handling. MLF:EF: VO:vo FORD is LIBRARI GERALD CH RLES B. RANGEL COMMITTEES: 19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT JUDICIARY NEW YORK DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 230 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING Congress of the United States DISTRICT OFFICE: 144 WEST 125TH STREET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 TELEPHONE: 202-225-4365 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10027 house of Representatives TELEPHONE: 212-866-8600 GEORGE A. DALLEY MRS. VIRGINIA L. BELL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Washington, D.C. 20515 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR PLEASE RESPOND TO December 13, 1974 OFFICE CHECKED: WASHINGTON NEW YORK The Honorable Gerald Ford The President White House Washington, D.C. Dear President Ford: I was extremely distressed to hear, this morning, of the continued outbreak of violence in Boston and f the death of Michael Faith, a seventeen year old student as a result of the terrible fighting. I again ask that you take a firm stand in support of the people of Boston and send in the National Guard as requested to assist in carrying out the lawful mandates of the courts and for the protection of innocent indivi- duals. It is a disgrace to our nation that the tragedy of Boston continues without firm action on the part of the President of the United States. It is my hope that you will take immediate action to remedy this situation. Member of Congress CBR:cbl GERALA R. FORD Boston THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON For consideration by Dudley Chapman T. FORD if LIBRARY G7V830 Boston busing Thursday 12/12/74 (For the Press Briefing) 10:58 Jack Hushen said -- in connection with the Boston situation -- Ron may be asked whether or not the President is being kept aware of the developments there. They would like to respond "Yes, by his Legal Counsel as the situation warrants." Hushen has talked with people at Justice and they say things are fairly routine. FBI is investigating the stabbing and Community Relations Services and trying to mediate the disputes. FORD is 07480 LIBRARY THE W 10/11 TO: PHIL BUCHEN FROM: GEOFF SHEPARD FYI XX COMMENT STREET FORD 10/10 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Geoff --- Mrs. Eunice Howe, Republican National Chairwoman for Massachusetts, called re Boston busing situation and wanted the following message delivered to the appropriate people at the White House: "Boston situation tense. Attorney General Saxbe's remarks linking Governor Sargent's actions to campaign politics irresponsible. If reported correctly, suggest you request his resignation." donna copy to Burch FYI FORD LIBRARY Busing THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 10, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: Ron Nessen FROM: Phil Buchen SUBJECT: President's response on 10/9/74 to question on Boston school desegration crisis Possible questions you may get at press briefing today and proposed answers are as follows: Q. Was the President accurately informed in stating that the marshals are under jurisdiction of the court and not directly under "my jurisdiction"? A. A U.S. marshal appointed by the President is assigned to each Federal court district along with deputy marshals, but there are only a few in each district. Supervision and direction of all Federal marshals is exercised by the Department of Justice. Q. Was it appropriate for the President to express his disagreement with the Judge's order because of his consistent opposition to forced busing as a means to solve the needs of quality education for all students? A. The President was careful to point out that while he disagreed philosophically and as a matter of policy with forced busing as the best remedy for educational deficiencies, he was careful to say that "I think it is of maximum importance that the citizens of Boston respect the law. " It is also his view that the Judge late yesterday acted correctly in rejecting Boston Mayor White's request to have additional marshals brought in to help control the disturbances but instead ordered the Mayor to bring in additional police from other Massachusetts cities to supplement -2- the Boston police force in South Boston. Also, it is reported that Massachusetts Governor Sargent has responded to a request by the Mayor to assign State policement to the area. It is the policy of this Administration not to authorize Federal intervention in state law enforcement unless and until the resources available at the local and state levels are fully used, including, if necessary, use by National Guardsmen under state jurisdiction. The President also expressed his belief that Federal involvement would not prove necessary in the South Boston situation. FORD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 10, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: Ron Nessen FROM: Phil Buchen SUBJECT: President's response on 10/9/74 to question on Boston school desegration crisis Possible questions you may get at press briefing today and proposed answers are as follows: Q. Was the President accurately informed in stating that the marshals are under jurisdiction of the court and not directly under "my jurisdiction"? A. A U.S. marshal appointed by the President is assigned to each Federal court district along with deputy marshals, but there are only a few in each district. Supervision and direction of all Federal marshals is exercised by the Department of Justice. Q. Was it appropriate for the President to express his disagreement with the Judge's order because of his consistent opposition to forced busing as a means to solve the needs of quality education for all students? A. The President was careful to point out that while he disagreed philosophically and as a matter of policy with forced busing as the best remedy for educational deficiencies, he was careful to say that "I think it is of maximum importance that the citizens of Boston respect the law. " It is also his view that the Judge late yesterday acted correctly in rejecting Boston Mayor White's request to have additional marshals brought in to help control the disturbances but instead ordered the Mayor to bring in additional police from other Massachusetts cities to supplement GENAL FORD LIBRARY -2- - the Boston police force in South Boston. Also, it is reported that Massachusetts Governor Sargent has responded to a request by the Mayor to assign State policement to the area. It is the policy of this Administration not to authorize Federal intervention in state law enforcement unless and until the resources available at the local and state levels are fully used, including, if necessary, use by National Guardsmen under state jurisdiction. The President also expressed his belief that Federal involvement would not prove necessary in the South Boston situation. FORD is LIBRARY 038870 Thursday 10/10/74 2:30 Larry Speakes called to ask some questions concerning a report that Kevin White, Mayor of Boston, is asking forFederal assistance. FORD is LIBRARY GERALD KS 10/2/74 To: Ken Lazarus From: Jay French Would you prepare a memo for Mr. Buchen about receiving petitions -- how should it be done? policy guidelines, etc. ? Please give me a call before you start on this. FORD i LIBRARY CERALD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON September 10, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN FROM: JERRY JONES. J SUBJECT: Policy for Handling Demonstrations and Receiving Petitions In the past as you may know, the Counsel's Office has handled the receipt of petitions and the various demonstrations that are held around the White House grounds. General Haig feels that we should continue this policy, and I agree. (See attached memo.) You may want to discuss this with either General Haig or me. However, if you agree, perhaps you would want to send a policy statement out to the White House Staff to reiterate this. cc: A1 Haig Attachment FORD i LIBRARY GRAND MEMORANDUM THE WHITE WASHINGTON HOUSE September 2, 1974 MEMORANDUM FOR: GENERAL MAIG FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT B SUBJECT: Demonstrations and Handling of Petitions I agree with you that the Press Office should not be involved in receiving petitions from demonstrators. On the other hand, I think it would not have been useful to have involved an NSC staff member. Doing so could indicate our concern over the foreign policy importance attached to any demonstration and lead as well to expectations of substantive comment. It is my understanding that there used to be a standard practice of having a member of the White House legal staff meet with demonstrators to receive petitions. This has the advantage of presenting petitioners with a neutral person not in a position of a spokesman or substantive representative. 1 recommend that such a policy be followed in the future. Buntis absolitely concet- in maller The Camels knd Samil be future FORD refered to (altime we were office GERALD LIBRAGA R Voril). Demonstrations Boston January 14, 1975 Dear Congressman Rangel: While we share your concern over the violence in Boston, we do not consider it necessary or appropriate to federalize the National Guard in order to maintain order. The maintenance of order and the protection of citisens from violence remain primarily a State and local responsibility even where, as here, disorder results from the enforcement of a federal court order. Only when State resources are insufficient to maintain order or State officials are unwilling to do so is it necessary or appropriate to use federal armed forces. This is not the case in Boston. I might add that no formal request for the federalising of the Massachusetts National Guard or the Guard of other States has been received from either the legislature or the Governor of Massachusetts as contemplated by Article IV section 4 of the Constitution. I am confident that the Massachusetts authorities will do all that is necessary to prevent further tragedies like the death of Michael Faith. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Honorable Charles B. Rangel House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 DC FORD is LIBRARY 07V830 1808 12/16 December 13, 1974 Dear Mr. Rangel: I wish to acknowledge receipt and thank you for your letter to the President of today's date asking that he take action with respect to the school situation in Boston. You may be assured your letter will be called to the President's attention at the earliest opportunity. With kind regards, Sincerely, Max L. Friedersdorf Deputy Assistant to the President The Honorable Charles B. Rangel House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 bcc: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for appropriate handling. MLF:EF:VO:vo FORD is LIBRARY GERALD 12-13 CHARLES B. RANGEL COMMITTEES: 19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT JUDICIARY NEW YORK DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 230 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 Congress of the United States DISTRICT OFFICE: 144 WEST 125TH STREET TELEPHONE: 202-225-4365 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10027 house of Representatives TELEPHONE: 212-866-8600 GEORGE A. DALLEY MRS. VIRGINIA L. BELL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Washington, D.C. 20515 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR PLEASE RESPOND TO December 13, 1974 OFFICE CHECKED: WASHINGTON NEW YORK The Honorable Gerald Ford The President White House Washington, D.C. Dear President Ford: I was extremely distressed to hear, this morning, of the continued outbreak of violence in Boston and of the death of Michael Faith, a seventeen year old student as a result of the terrible fighting. I again ask that you take a firm stand in support of the people of Boston and send in the National Guard as requested to assist in carrying out the lawful mandates of the courts and for the protection of innocent indivi- duals. It is a disgrace to our nation that the tragedy of Boston continues without firm action on the part of the President of the United States. It is my hope that you will take immediate action to remedy this situation. Member of Congress CBR:cbl FORD : LIBRARY