Letter from President Nixon to Chancellor Wolfson answering Wolfson's concerns about the Vietnam War, June 24, 1970
Title
Letter from President Nixon to Chancellor Wolfson answering Wolfson's concerns about the Vietnam War, June 24, 1970
Description
Transcription: THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 24, 1970
Dear Dr. Wolfson:
Your recent message expresses the deep concern which all of us must feel toward the challenges facing our country. The recent deaths at Kent State University and elsewhere have gravely saddened the nation. No violence is justifiable, and I am determined that we will find methods of dealing with violence which would not endanger the lives of innocent people.
Contrary to an impression many have received, the Cambodia mission does not represent an expansion of the war in Vietnam. I made the decision to undertake this action for the very reasons that the dissidents are demonstrating: to end the war sooner. The protests concern me because I know how deeply these young people feel, but I know also that what I have done will accomplish the goals they want.
In my May 8 press conference, I commented that it is advisable when the action is hot to keep the rhetoric cool. This is not to say that dissent should be stifled. I have for years defended the right of dissent, but I have always opposed the use of violence. On university campuses the rule of reason should prevail over the rule of force and I hope that in the weeks and months ahead we can develop better lines of communication to the student generation and also to school administrators.
With my best wishes,
Sincerely,
[signed Richard Nixon]
WASHINGTON
June 24, 1970
Dear Dr. Wolfson:
Your recent message expresses the deep concern which all of us must feel toward the challenges facing our country. The recent deaths at Kent State University and elsewhere have gravely saddened the nation. No violence is justifiable, and I am determined that we will find methods of dealing with violence which would not endanger the lives of innocent people.
Contrary to an impression many have received, the Cambodia mission does not represent an expansion of the war in Vietnam. I made the decision to undertake this action for the very reasons that the dissidents are demonstrating: to end the war sooner. The protests concern me because I know how deeply these young people feel, but I know also that what I have done will accomplish the goals they want.
In my May 8 press conference, I commented that it is advisable when the action is hot to keep the rhetoric cool. This is not to say that dissent should be stifled. I have for years defended the right of dissent, but I have always opposed the use of violence. On university campuses the rule of reason should prevail over the rule of force and I hope that in the weeks and months ahead we can develop better lines of communication to the student generation and also to school administrators.
With my best wishes,
Sincerely,
[signed Richard Nixon]
Creator
Richard Nixon
Source
Lester Wolfson Collection, IU South Bend Archives
Date
1970-06-24
Collection
Citation
Richard Nixon, “Letter from President Nixon to Chancellor Wolfson answering Wolfson's concerns about the Vietnam War, June 24, 1970,” IU South Bend Archives Digital Collections, accessed April 19, 2024, https://iusbarchives.omeka.net/items/show/120.