Telegram from Governor John Patterson to Governor Terry Sanford in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In the message Patterson discusses the Freedom Riders who have entered North Carolina, expressing support and sympathy: "I wish to advise you that the people of this state view with alarm the invasion of your state by outside rabble rousers and law violators who call themselves freedom riders....
| Format: | Electronic |
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Alabama Department of Archives and History
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| Online Access: | http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/voices/id/5392 |
| Summary: | In the message Patterson discusses the Freedom Riders who have entered North Carolina, expressing support and sympathy: "I wish to advise you that the people of this state view with alarm the invasion of your state by outside rabble rousers and law violators who call themselves freedom riders. We have experienced such invasions here in Alabama. We know for a fact that many of these so-called freedom riders have criminal records and are communists. We feel certain that this movement is promoted and backed by the Communist Party which is trying to divide our nation at a time of international crisis. It is particularly disturbing that these race agitators and rabble rousers are backed and encouraged by Attorney General Robert Kennedy." Copies of the telegram were sent to President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and the governors of six other southern states. |
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