Letter from H. S. Casey Abbott to Lamar Fleming

January 23, 1952 Mr. Lamar Fleming, President Anderson Clayton Company Houston, Texas Dear Mr. Fleming: I tried to call you Monday, January 21, from Washington but was so busy that I missed connections every time. I enclose herewith the new legislation with which it is proposed to clean up the "wetback" situation along the border and to satisfy the Mexican government's demands for our assistance in this matter. If we are successful in passing this, we should have a much more equitable working contract for the farmers, as President Aleman has promised this. We went over the matter Monday, January 21, with President Truman, and there will be no extension of the International Agreement, which expires February 11, unless this legislation is being pushed rapidly in the Congress, and there is practical assurance by that time that it will be passed. We, of course, are meeting with considerable opposition from the lower Rio Grande area, and it is necessary that everyone interested in a sound labor program with the cotton industry, get behind this legislation to push it through. We had some difficulty with the American Ferm Bureau Federation but they are in agreement in principle and will go elong and support it. The Grange has already gotten in behind it with no reservations. The President's office, Immigration, and the Mexican Committee, which I headed as Chairman for three years, are in full agreement on it. The National Cotton Council are disposed to follow the American Farm Bureau Federation. I imagine because of their relationship with the various interests in the Rio Grande Valley. This state and California are in full accord and squarely behind the Bill. I am sure that your company, with its many interests, is definitely interested in a controlled labor program. This legislation will be the start not only to clecn up the border but to clear the interior United States of aliens who are unlawfully here. I am anticipating that your stand will be the same as that of our Committee, and if I am correct, I would appreciate your wiring the National Cotton Council in Washington, making that position plain, and requesting their support of the Bill. If you have any other points of contact there, either in the Farm Bureau or on the Hill, we certainly would appreciate your help. MARA