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From Bill Rhatican to Colson RE: public support polls on Vietnam and analysis. 4 pgs. [Subject: Foreign Policy] [Memo], 5/11/1972
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From Bill Rhatican to Colson RE: public support polls on Vietnam and analysis. 4 pgs. [Subject: Foreign Policy] [Memo], 5/11/1972
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
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7
46
5/11/1972
Foreign Policy
Memo
From Bill Rhatican to Colson RE: public
support polls on Vietnam and analysis. 4 pgs.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 11, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chuck Colson
FROM:
Bill Rhatican
wa
SUBJECT:
Vietnam War - Public Support
Letters: (as of 3:00)
Pro: 4, 029
Con: 1, 764
Comment: 13
Telegrams: (as of 4:00)
Pro: 15, 776
Con: 6, 228
Comment: 510
No further backlog
The following steps were taken today:
1. Andre Letendre has completed 2, 000 telephone calls. He
guarantees 100, 000 letters and telegrams. He has moved into
1701 to focus on six Jaycee state conventions this weekend.
He will try one of two approaches: either individual telegrams
(15, 000) or "the longest telegram" -- one telegram signed by
as many Jaycees as possible.
2. Billy Graham has agreed to ask his constituency to pray for
the success of the President.
3. Mike Balzano reports that he has contacted 60 prominent
ethnic leaders, who have contacted members of numerous
ethnic organizations and have spread the word in a chain
fashion throughout the country.
He is preparing an article containing the names and statements
of five prominent ethnic leaders from the major ethnic groups
(5 groups in all -- 25 individuals). The article from each group
will be sent to the appropriate ethnic press. This is being
coordinated with Ken Clawson.
4. Aging
Mr. Dick Williams, Chairman of the Board of an Episcopalian
Nursing Home in D.C. and Section 202 Project Chairman,
talked with the Rt. Rev. Addison Hosea, Episcopalian Bishop
of Lexington, Ky., who has agreed to contact other Episcopalian
Bishops. Also, Bishop William Moody, President of the
Episcopalian Theological Seminary of Kentucky was contacted.
Mr. Williams contacted Dr. Darrell Crain, President of the
Medical Society of D. C., who promised to contact local Repub-
lican doctors and call the National AMA in Chicago. In addition,
Mr. Randolph Rouse, President of the National Steeplechase
& Hunt Association, is very much in favor of the President and
agreed to contact chapters all across the country.
5. Veterans
American Legion - Yesterday they went out with a mailing of
1400 to key elected and staff personnel (adjutants, commanders,
etc. ) telling them to get to the Hill. Generally good feedback
on state and national level. Making efforts to step up Con-
gressional pressure in the next few days. They are starting
a significant push on the swing Senators today. This afternoon
a specific mailer on this topic is being sent out and their
legislative personnel will step up their efforts.
VFW - Cooper Holt and Julian Dickinson are presently in
Williamsburg, Virginia, and cannot be reached. They have
received a lot of favorable mail today. Resolutions supporting
the President have been passed in Florida, Arkansas, Wisconsin,
Indiana, and other states. They are making an active effort to
contact members of Congress and other public figures in
opposition to the President. Generally good reaction. Much
grass roots support.
DAV- National Commander Edward T. Conroy is running in a
Congressional primary as a Democratic candidate. It is
expected that we will not be getting a great deal of political
support from him. John Keller will contact their state
commanders on our behalf. He is going to be cautious, but
expects that he will accomplish some good for us. The state
commanders will be doing most of the speaking while Conroy
runs in the primary, and we can expect good reaction. They
are still making calls and asking for telegrams to the White
House and Hill.
GI Forum - This is a big one. National President Joe Juarez
is sending a telegram of support to the President and to the
Congress. He is making calls to his members especially
in California and Texas in an attempt to generate grass root
support. He expects good reaction. The GI Forum is 100%
Spanish-speaking veterans. The Illinois State Chapter just
sent a telegram of endorsement.
Blinded Veterans - Have pretty much exhausted their potential.
Limited, but good, reaction.
Catholic War Veterans - 85% in favor of President. Looks good.
We should be getting telegrams from them today. Will make
renewed effort to ask membership to contact Hill. National
Commander indicates that he is getting best reaction from N. Y.,
N.J., Pa., Ohio, and Ill.
Fleet Reserve - generally good reaction. Expect best reaction
from the West Coast, Tidewater, and North Central areas.
Another flash was put in the mail yesterday from the Washington
office urging telegrams. Expected that many of the members
will send letters because of their retired status.
Marine Corps League - putting out a release today (see attach-
ment). Release will be inserted in the Congressional Record
by Larry Hogan and Bob Dole. Generally good reaction on
phone calls. Feel they have done what they can because of
limited facilities.
Naval Reserve - sent out mailing to 300 chapters. Started
working on Congress today.
Assn. of the U.S. Army - sent out 1600 statements of position
to their chapters asking their membership to contact Hill and
press.
Paralyzed Veterans - Have sent additional telegrams to the
Hill and to the press voicing their support of the President's
position.
Amvets - Have not been mentioned in detail because their
leadership is currently at a conference in Milwaukee. Tony
has placed phone calls to them and is awaiting an answer. They
have been working on phone calls and telegrams, etc. to the
White House and the Hill and he expects they still are, but will
forward more definitive information upon receipt.
Those organizations not mentioned have all been informed and
to varying degrees have promised cooperation.