| Summary: | In the message Kennedy cites a section of the United States Code that allows the president to intervene in situations of domestic violence when state officials have not adequately protected their citizens. He assures Wallace that no final decisions have been made, and he he hopes that "the citizens of Birmingham themselves will maintain standards of responsible conduct that will make outside intervention unnecessary." Kennedy also refers to an agreement developed by "community leaders" to resolve the conflict, which will depend on an "atmosphere of law and order": "I trust that we can count on your constructive cooperation in maintaining such an atmosphere, but I would be derelict in my duty if I did not take the preliminary steps announced last night that will enable this government, if required, to meet its obligations without delay."
|
|---|
