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2118629
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Name/Subject File, 1969-74: Peale, Norman Vincent
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2118629
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Name/Subject File, 1969-74: Peale, Norman Vincent
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White House Staff Member and Office Files (Nixon Administration)
President's Personal Files
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DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL RECORD (NIXON PROJECT) DOCUMENT DOCUMENT NUMBER TYPE SUBJECT/TITLE OR CORRESPONDENTS DATE RESTRICTION / Letter Handwritten - RN to Norman ViNceNt Peale [Thank 12/19/71 G you Note ]. FILE GROUP TITLE BOX NUMBER PRESIDENT'S PERSONAL FILES Alpha Name/ Subject 14 FOLDER TITLE PEALE, Norman Vincent RESTRICTION CODES A. Release would violate a Federal statute. E. Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or finan- B. National security classified information. cial information. C. Pending or approved claim that release would violate an individual's F. Release would disclose investigatory information compiled for law rights. enforcement purposes. D. Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy or a G. Withdrawn and return private and personal material. libel of a living person. H. Withdrawn and returned non-historical material. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION GSA FORM 7279 (10-79) Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Norman Vincent Peale Xerox copy of the President's hand-written letter of December 19, 1971 given to Bill Safire for use in his book September 6, 1973 RMWoods Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library MEW YORK 5 PM FEB NY 10012 GRAND CENTRALI UNITED STATES 3c STATION 1974 Miss Rose Mary Woods White House Washington, D. C.20500 Date By Processed W.H. Mail Reception & Security FEB 6 1974 Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library NORMAN VINCENT PEALE 1025 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, N.Y. 10028 Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library FOR YOUR INFORMATION Norman Vincent Peale 1025 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028 February 4, 1974 Dr. Billy Graham Montreat North Carolina 28757 Dear Billy: It so happens that I speak to various trade associations and national business conventions throughout the country, and also have just returned from a speaking tour in South Africa. Not infrequently reporters ask my opinion of Billy Graham and his work. Always I give them the sincere answer that I am a loyal friend of Billy Graham and indeed consider him the greatest religious leader in the world today. This I mean truly. However, Billy, I have just got to tell you that I was saddened by your recent reported statements about President Nixon. It appeared that you were trying to get out from under and were not standing by the man for whom you have professed abiding friendship. Perhaps you have not seen a letter to you from George E. String- fellow, who sent me a copy (xerox copy herewith). Mr. Stringfellow is a distinguished business executive and community leader, a man of sound learning and judgment. While his statement may seem a bit direct, I must confess that it represents the views of many, myself included. As for me, I am sticking with President Nixon one hundred percent, all the way. I believe in him absolutely and have been totally un- affected by the vicious attacks upon him. Cordially yours, norman NVP ao Dictated by Dr. Peale; signed in his absence. P.S. I enclose report of an interview with Akron "Beacon Journal" which defines my attitude. I'll stand by a friend any time, any where, under any circumstances. Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library RETURN IN FIVE DAYS TO: GEORGE E. STRINGFELLOW P. J. BOX 2203 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22202 E 1600 SOUTH EADS STREET ARLINGTON. VIRGINIA 22202 P.O. BOX 2203 George January 9, 1974 Rev. Billy Graham Minneapolis, Minn. Subject: President Nixon and Watergate Sir: In a recent Associated Press dispatch you were quoted as having said that President Nixon's judg- ment in the Watergate scandal "has been very poor" and that "until there is more proof to the contrary, I (Graham) have confidence in the President's in- tegrity." You are further quoted as having said that you do not know the full story of Watergate* and that you could not make a fair judgment on it. Yet, you seem to hold the President responsible for Watergate. How can you intelligently make such judgment when you admit your ignorance of the full story? You stated that the President had made mistakes "in the selection of certain people" as his advisers. If you will add one Billy Graham to that list, I agree with you. In preaching at your Crusades you often shout, "The Bible says " I would also remind you that the Bible says, "Judge not that ye be not judged." What was the purpose of your recent explosion? Did you feel it was a sure way to get some needed publi- city even though it was at the expense of your friend, the President? Since the President is presently under criticism--much of it unjust-- did you hope to disassociate your name with his? *I believe you. Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Rev. Billy Graham - 2 - January 9, 1974 Minneapolis, Minn. In a subsequent television speech (which was more political than religious) you made the point of associating yourself with the late President Johnson. I suppose this was done to further disassociate yourself with President Nixon. I attended a luncheon of businessmen the other day at which the subject of your blast at the President was discussed. One of those present remarked: "Nixon's ship is listing. When the water reaches the upper level the rats leave the ship." It was agreed that the ship will right itself by next June and if it serves your vanity at that time you will be headed up the gangplank again. Very truly yours, George George F/. Stringfellow E,Stringfellow, CC: The President The White House Washington, D. C. BLIND CC: Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, D.D. Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Norman Vincent Peale 1025 Fifth Avenue Now New York, NY 10028 February 4, 1974 Miss Rose Mary Woods White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Dear Rose Mary: I was touched by your letter, and you may be sure I will keep you in my prayers. Have no fear; things are going to turn out all right. Perhaps the President might be interested in my correspondence with Billy Graham, copy of which I enclose herewith. With best wishes, Cordially yours, Norman Vincent Peace NVP ao Dictated by Dr. Peale; signed in his absence. Capy to R Elbirt 2/26/74 Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library MR. PRESIDENT: Dr. Norman Vincent Peale called to ask how you were stand- ing up under all of this unfair criticism and to tell you that they are praying very hard for you and not to let all of this "get under your skin". He said, you have the same enemies you have always had and as usual they are like a pack of wolves who have a hound at bay. He told me that Lowell Thomas has what he feels is an excellent plan and might do a lot of good. Dr. Peale has enough respect for Lowell Thomas' public relations judgment that he thinks it would be good if you talked with him. I suggested that because of the energy crisis and the other critical things taking your time that probably you would have General Haig call him Lowell Thomas' number is 914/855-3500. If General Haig is not going to be able to call him, I hope someone will let me know so I can call him since I do know him -- however, I really feel that at this point Lowell Thomas would want to talk with someone a little higher up. Dr. Peale also feels very strongly that you should get out and talk to the people over the heads of these terrible media and other types. He is not talking about formal television addresses -- he is talking about just letting people see you and talking off the cuff for a few minutes but not reading a speech -- he feels you need to let the people around the country see that you are the same great man you have always been. Row RMWoods 11/5/73 Julie did talk to Lowell Thomas and while he was very pleasant H he did not want to give the plan to her -- so possibly General Haig could give him a call. capij to Haig 11/9/93 Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library