Box 19, Folder 19, Document 102

Box 19, Folder 19, Document 102

GEBHARDT & KIEFER
LAW OFFICES
21 MAIN STREET

Ww. READING GEBHARDT WILLIAM C. GEBHARDT
E.HERBERT KIEFER CLINTON,N. J. 1884-1929
OSCAR W. RITTENHOUSE TEL. 735-5161

RICHARD DIETERLY

July 29,1963

Hon. Ivan Allan, Jr., Mayor
City Hall
Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Allan:

This happens to be a busy week for me, because I am
trying to get away on vacation, but I did want to take the
time to write you this short note to extend to you my hearty
congratulations on the magnificent statement on the subject
of integration that you made to the Congressional Committee.

I happen to be a member of the National Board of the
¥.M.C.A. and I have been keenly interested in the whole problem
of integration for many years, so I was simply delighted with
all that you had to say.

I realize fully that, to use a down to earth expression,
you were sticking your neck out plenty in the Deep South by
making this bold and forthright statement, so I think you are
entitled to an enormous amount of credit!

There must be many thousands of moderate white people
in the South that believe, as.you do, but have not had the
courage to speak out as you have. I believe that your state-
ment will set forward the cause of integration many miles
that otherwise it would have been painful to achieve. More

power to you!
'y
rs, /

(h so wel

With warm regards, I am. Oo
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Very truly yo

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WRG: GLB