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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-10-01-BOS-min 450 EL SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 1, 1954 A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Engineers' Room, lTown Office Building, on Friday evening, October 1, 1954 at 7:00 P. M. The meeting was not held in the. Selectmen's Room, because it had been reserved by the Board of Registrars for registration. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Gay, Bateman, James and Maloney were present. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Clerk were also present. At 7a15 P. M. the following individuals, representing the Steering Committee of the Lexington United Nations Com- mittee, met with the Board: Mrs. Williams, Miss Potter, Mrs. Packard, Mr. Bashian, Mrs. Sanborn Brown, Mrs. John Harris and Mrs. Austin Fisher, Jr. Mr. Williams, not a member of the Steering Committees was also present and Dr. Wells arrived at the meeting at 8:45 P. M. The Committee was present at the request of the Board. The Chairman said that, as the group probably re- alized, the subject of United Nations Day observance in Lexington has been blown up much beyond the size it should be and more, he knew, than the Allied Veterans Council wanted it. He stated that the Councils =du objection was the program of the day and the subject which was India. He said that was all the Council wanted the Board to do something about. The members of the Council did not like India because of leanings toward Red China. They wanted the Board to arrange to have the speaker replaced or have the speech submitted to the Board in advance so that it could be read. That was the way the matter was left Monday night. He said that he thought he could say the Allied Veterans Council as a Council has not sanctioned what hap- pened. It has been done by a few individuals in the organi- zation without the approval of the Allied Veterans Council. A lot of the information is misinformation. He said that as far as the Board of Selectmen is concerned the primary issue was the program, The speaker was transferred and it was unfortunate that the Board did not know it at the time. However, his transfer settled the problem with the Veterans Council. Since that time, of course, accusations have been made about Mrs. Williams. He said the Board has no informa- tion upon which to base a decision, and understands the United Nations Day Committee has given her a vote of con- fidence. He explained that the Board really did not know who constituted the Committee and it was not until this subject came up that he checked back and found that in 1949 451 the Chairman of the Board at that time passed the duty of appointing a committee on to Mrs. George Morse. She was asked to be Chairman and appoint her own committee. He asked how the committee organized and how the present members came to be on the committee. Mrs. Williams said that was her understanding with the history of the Committee. She did not come to Lex- ington until 1951 so had no knowledge of what happened before that. She said she did know that by 1951 or 1952 Mrs. Morse was still Very much interested but there was no town group to go along with her. Mr. Fenn helped with regard to getting a speaker. He had been Chairman for the Committee until his own political campaign two years ago at which time he resigned and turned it back to Mrs. Morse. She said she did not know how he became Chairman but thought Mrs. Morse may have appointed him. She stated that last year she met with Mrs. Morse because she was interested in the United Nations Day, and she thought Mrs. Packard and Miss Heywood. In 1953 they held a meeting in Estabrook Hall, at which time a representative of the League of Women Voters, Maurice Gagne; V.F.A., Mrs. Meadows, P.T.A. , Mrs. Packard and probably one or two others were present. She said they thought they would like to do something but did not have much in the way of forces with which to operate. Then they decided to col- lect medical kits in the schools which was quite success- ful. When that was over in the meantime Mrs. Morse said she could not carry on and by default Mrs-. Williams carried the ball last year. She said she told Mr. Fenn that the position had not status whatever. After several months Mr. Fenn did talk with Mr. Reed on a personal basis. Then in May a meeting was held at which Miss Heywood, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Packard, Mrs. Morse and Mrs. Williams were present. At that time they asked her (Mrs. Williams) if she would be Chairman. She said she told them she was not sure she was therright person t o do it but they felt she was. She said the accusation in the Post was that information was not known- to everyone there. She said they did not have all the information. She said she accepted the appoint- ment with the great hope being that somehow this would be a town committee and it would not be a small group of people doing this. It was with that end in view that a meeting was held in the Selectmen's Room in June and by telephone twenty-five or thirty organizations were con- ' tacted and asked to send representatives. There were also representatives from the churches. Mrs. Pakcard said she had forgotten the details in particular, but at the beginning an attempt was made to have representatives from as many organizations as poa- 452 CIA sible but only three, four, five or six people would come. This just dwied and dwindled. This year, eines Mrs. Williams took over, there has been more genuine partici- pation than ever before. Mrs. Williams said that at the meeting in June, at the end of the winter when most organizations had ceased meetings, they were asked for help in planning a program in October. The organization representatives came to hear, but could not commit their organizations bo they asked her to drew up a proposal for United Nations Day this year which would be submitted to them. They would then get together and either accept or reject it. She said that she told them she would like to choose a working committee to work with her over the summer months. She called for volunteers and Miss Burtch, of the Lexington Historical Society served until a month ago. Dr. Wells agreed to serve, Mrs. Packard agreed to serve, Miss Potter and Mr. Bashian agreed to serve. She said that Mr. Bashian made it very clear he was coming{ ae an individual to hear and would not commit his organization, and that when they had a definite plan he would take it back to his organization and then could,tell her what organiza- tion he represented. She said there were two meetings in the summer; one in July and one in August. She said, knowing they could not wait until September they went further and tried to find a speaker. They asked the World Affairs Council in Boston to send a speaker and it was Mr. Jansen. The Chairman asked how the subject of India was chosen and Mrs. Williams replied that twenty people decided at a meeting in June. There was a good discussion and those present felt that they were there to make plans for a United Nations Day. They wanted to emphasize the United Nations with particular emphasis on India because there was a great deal done there. Miss Potter said that in June no one objected to the subject of India. Mrs. Packard said had they the time, the objection to India might have come up. There was a lot of interest shout India, it was late and someone said they were there to get a speaker for United Nations Day and how about it. The de- cision to choose India was taken withput a lot of thought, Mr. Gay asked if the Committee suggested India or if it was the Council in Boston who made the suggestion. Mrs. Brown said that of the suggest ,ons made at a meet- ing there was a unanimous feeling that India showed pos- sibilities. They could increase their knowledge of what the United Nations had done in India and what the success or failure had been. She said it was not that they had twenty possibilities from which to choose. She said she had no feeling that the leadership had made the decision. The Chairman. asked if they knew how• who the speaker would be and Mrs. Williams said her husband has been in touch with Mr. Gibson of the World Affairs Council and they 453 did say they Wanted Henry Cabot Lodge if possible. For a moment it looked like a possibility but has since turned out that he cannot come, She said the second suggestion he offered was Christian Phillips from Beverly and that is who he is working nn now. The Chairman inquired about the rest of the program and Mrs. Williams said it is stymied until they know where they are. Mrs. Brown said that there has been no reaction from the hosts and hostesses who have agreed to take the Indian students. The Chairmal explained that the Allied Veterans Coun- cil had been misinformed about the sttdents. They thought they were going into the grade schools but he understands from Dr. Wells that they are only going into the Junior and Senior High Schools. Mrs. Williams said that they will come in and sit in the classes only. No further commitments have been made. Mr. Bateman asked if Mrs. Williams had any dealings with the Communist party since she left it in 1939 and she has testified for the United States government. Mr. Maloney asked if Dr. Wells had anything to do with the Indian influence. Mrs. Williams said that when Miss Towle presented the possible projects she mentioned the possible affiliation with a town in India as something to think about and talk about. She said she would say that is one of the reasons India came in. The Committee also knew that Dr. Wells was interested. She said they had not reason to think, on that basis, they were out of line. Mr. Maloney asked if she knew the speaker before he was named or if she knew his background and Mrs. Williams replied in the negative. Mr. Maloney asked about the World Affairs Council who recommended the speaker, Mrs. Williams explained it was the Committee Dan Fenn was secretary' to until recently. Mr. Whittemore, the present secretary has been asked by Governor Herter to do the State United Nations Program. Mr. Williams said the World Affairs Council is rep- resentative of three groups- one a Boston group, origi- nally in 1920 dedicatbd to further understanding the League of Nations. It included the old members of that group. It is also the active proponent of the Bostoh Foreign Policy Association for United Nations. Mobt of their emphasis is a Uhited Nations society. It is the group in this Boston area, or indeed New England, which is the chief primarily with respect to understanding United Nations Affairs. There are about 2,000 members of which 1,000 are from Massachusetts. Dan Fenn had 454 this in its former name and changed the name. It was United Council in World Affairs meaning these three groups. Mr. Gay said that Mrs. Williams made the statement she was asked to be Chairmen of the Committee but said she did not think she was the proper person and he asked if it was because of her previous affiliation with the Communist party. Mrs . Williams replied that by her marriage nsh8 is associ- ated with the United World Federalists. She said she thought it might not be the right thing, but she did not spell it out. The Chairman asked if there were anything Mrs. Williams would like to sad. She weld she WIA most embarrassed for the Board, the Town and berself. This is the last thing in the world she wanted to happen. She said she was not worried about it and would never have thought about a communist label being added to it. There was a job to be done and she hoped she could do such a good job this year they would have a dignified program and perhaps next year a town committee. Now embarrassment has come onto the heads of the Town, India and the World Affairs Couheil. Mr. Stevens said that he has been wondering about the Communist connection. It has been assumed here tonight that Mrs. Williams was a member. What runs through his mind is the affect of this on the town in such a program. It is known that today the United Nations does not have the sup- port of the people of this couhtry it did whenfirst organized. Be said he thought the Committee taking on the respohsibility of this activity would have to consider if it is doing the United Nations a service or disservice. He thought every- one would have to look at this from the town's point of view and not from hurting or helping individuals. Mrs. Williams asked if the Board felt the Town and the program would be better served if She were no longer Chairman. She said she was interested in seeing the program go forward. She said she wanted to do the right thing and would abide by the Board' s decision if it cared to make one. The Chairman said that he did not think the Selectmen would ask her to resign from the Committee at all. ne thought that would be left with the Committee. Mrs. Williams asked if it would make it easier if she offered her resignation to the Board. Mr. James said he did not think that would solve any- thing, Tho Board must decide if it is satisfied with the program. Miss Potter asked if wwew are not big enough to accept a person for what he or she is today and not because they be- longed to an organization seventeen years ago which was not illegal at that time. Mrs. Packard asked what the problem was that would not be solved by Mrs. Williams' resignation and Mr. James said it would create in the minds of the public that this Board agrees with the accusation. 455 Mr. Stevens said that he did not think the Board ever appointed her as Chairman and therefore he could' not see quite why the Board would come into it if she resigned; that he thought would be kept within the Committee. He said he did not think it was a question of whether or not this Board is satisfied as to Mrs. Williams, but a question as to what is best for the Committee. He said it is a matter that the Committee very impersonally and im- partially feel their way through and then decide on what they will do. One woman (did not give her name) said that this Com- mittee is a very informal committee and in accepting Mrs. Williams, as they all do, would mean nothing to the town as a whole. This has come before the town because the matter was brought before the Selectmen and because that matter was allowed to appear in the press. She said the Selectmen have involved themselves by calling this meet- ing tonight and they have a very strong responsibility in upholding this Committee or repudiating it. Mr. Stevens said that if the Committee has reached this conclusion, the Selectmen can decide on it, but it does not absolve the Committee. Mrs. Brown said that there are a lot of intangibles and the group are not very good mindreaders with regard to the town. She said they have no way of knowing .how many people read the papers. She said if' they could know what chance the individuals in this town have had to know the facts and what facts they have read, the Committee would be better able to know what is the best thing for the town. She said she does not know if it would be bad for the Committee and the town to allow Mrs. Williams to resign, or if it would be better it she did resign be- cause they have not the full facts. The Chairman explained that the Board planned to have this meeting before any accusations were made about Mrs. Williams. The meeting was planned anyway in regard to the program. When the press was here tonight and wanted Mrs. Williams in, the Board refused because she was not the issue. The only issue was the program. No accusa- tions were made last Monday night in regard to Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Williams said that the Post told her the Allied Veterans Council had asked for her resignation, and she asked if that had come to the Board at all. The Chairman replied in the negative. Mrs. Williams said that the Committee has no stand- ing in the town and asked if there might be a possibility of making the Committee official by appointment by the Board. The Chairman explained that in 1909 Mrs. Morse was asked to act as Chairman. He said he thought the Com- 456 EL mittee should be appointed by the Board and not only the Chairman. Mrs. Williams asked if that could be done now and Mr. Stevens said he thought it would be unwise at this time. Mitts Potter asked if it would be well for this Co*- mittee to resign and let the Selectmen appoint one. The Chairman replied that the Board is not thinking of changing the program. The Allied Veterans are agreed to the program now that the original speaker is not going to speak. Mrs. Packard said that after U. N. Day this year the Selectmen could appoint a bonafide committee. She said she did not think the Committee was representative of the Town as a whole and she thought the Board could give it some help. The Chairman said in calling this meeting the Board is trying to get the program going. He said it does not have to take up the Other subject because it has not received any request for Mrs. Williams to resign. Mrs. Williams asked if the Board would be embarrassed if it becomes known that this meeting was held and she is Chairman. The Chairman said that if the Selectmen are in favor of her continuing, they will back her up. Mr. Williams said that in 19147 at Ashville a group of Federal organizations existed for world government, World Federalists Inc. and two smaller groups merged; That is the use of the term united. There was a group which dissented which is working towards the strengthening of the United Nations. That was a group known as World Republic. One of the main issues about this whole United Nations Day the past several years has been one of apathy toward the United Nations. In a case such as this, speaking of World Federal- ists, they are perhaps not helping the United Nations gain strength. At least one good thing has come out of it and that is to endorse, assuming it is, the program of what is going on now. In that way will be the beginning of a series of successful United Nations Day. He said he thought the burden was on the Selectmen d' Lexington to affirm. Mr. Stevens said that he is not a member of the Board nor a member of the Committee and was speaking as an indivi- dual. He said that as the Chairman of the Board had stated, at the time of the meeting the Allied Veterans' Council op- posed the program. Only one or two individuals there re- ferred to Mrs. Williams as a former Communist. The program has taken care of itself in that the speaker is no longer in the picture. The whole attack is pointed now on Mrs. Williams. He said he did not think had everyone been aware of the fact, that one would have recommended a person with those associations and that background be in this picture. If by action of the Board Mrs. Williams was forced to give up the Chairmanship there would be reaction of those who 457 thought it was unfair. If she continues she will have the opposition of those who are of the other thinking. He said he could not see why the Committee can't handle this in a statement prepared by Mrs. Williams explaining that in the interest of the Town and of the whole program, and in order that it not be confused by anything that happened fifteen .or twenty years ago, that she did not want to continue as Chairman. One woman said that the entire Committee would be up- set and Mr. Stevens said that the Committee is a small part of the town. He said the group present knew that the reporters are not going to let something die. Mrs. Williams said she has had this in the back of her mind for many months, that is to see Dr. 'Wells head the Committee. Dr. Wells arrived at 8:1e,5 P. M. Mrs. Williams said that she would be willing to work in the same capacity as before if Dr. Wells were to assume Chairmanship. She said she would like to know if the mem- bers of the Committee would work with Dr. Wells as well as they had with her if he were willing. Dr. Wells said that he was not willing to be Chairman. He further stated that at the present time there is so much adverse criticism in the papers about the students he doubted if they are going to be able to come out here. The Chairman asked how many members of the Committee were World Federalists and Mrs. Williams replied that she and Miss Heywood are. Miss Potter said that she would like to suggest drop- ping the entire program this year and next year put oh a good program. The Chairman said that the Board was in favor of put- ting the program on and he did not think it has changed one bit. He said he was sure the Board is unanimous in having the program put on. A short recess was called to allow the Committee to discuss the matter privately and when the Board returned it was advised that the Committee voted unanimously that it remain as presently constituted and the program go forward as it is. The Committee retired. The Selectmen agreed unanimously to the following statement to be given to the press: The Lexington Board of Selectmen at its meeting to- night with the Lexington United Natiohs Committee, en- dorsed the program which is being arranged by the Lex- ington United Nations Committee for the observance of 458 CL United Nations Day and week. The Hoard of Selectmen also offered its support to the Committee. Since the original speaker is unable to attend, the Committee is endeavoring to obtain the services of a member of the United States State Dep rtment. The • meeting adjourned at 10.25 P. M. A true record, Attest: filer , se ctm. 'L