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Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-04A
Dictation Belt 4A contains two sound recordings. Item 4A.1 is a telephone conversation probably held on either September 28 or September 29, 1962, between President John F. Kennedy and Governor Ross R. Barnett of Mississippi. They discuss the University of Mississippi crisis, relevant legal obligations, and arrangements for a meeting between the Attorney General and attorney Thomas H. Watkins. The recording begins with a brief exchange between President Kennedy and [White House Operator?], followed by a delay. At times the dictation belt skips. Item 4A.2 is a telephone conversation held in September 1962 between President John F. Kennedy and Special Counsel to the President Theodore C. Sorensen. They comment on campaigning Alabama Republicans, and President Kennedy asks for thoughts on a speech about the Mississippi crisis. The recording begins in mid-conversation and ends abruptly. Machine noise follows the conversation, and then Personal Secretary Evelyn Lincoln answers the telephone.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-040-028
This folder contains materials collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning President Kennedy's radio and television address to the nation regarding desegregation and racially motivated violence at the University of Mississippi. In his speech the President regrets the necessity for any action by the Federal Government, but explains that the freedom to disagree with the law does not include the freedom to disobey it. He calls upon the citizens of Mississippi to allow student James Meredith an equal opportunity for education by upholding their tradition of honor and courage. Materials in this folder include various memoranda, drafts by Special Counsel and speechwriter Theodore Sorensen, a press copy, and a reading copy of the speech, in addition to press copies of a telegram to Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett and an executive order authorizing the removal of obstructions of justice.