TLS signed 'Jerry Ford,' two pages, 8 x 10.5, Congress of the United States letterhead, January 18, 1969. Letter to the manager of an advertising department of a publishing company. In part: 'I appreciated very much your letter of June 12 to which was attached the editorial entitled, ‘Books Are Not Expendable.’ Truly, ‘if, between guns and books we have to make a choice, it would be little short of barbaric to prefer guns.’ This is a well-established truth but unfortunately we do have to provide for the national defense. In fact, it seems to me that the first duty of any government is to protect its people and their property. So, as you so well put it, ‘we surely should be able to afford both guns and books.’ The Committee on Appropriations is considering carefully all the budgetary recommendations made by the Johnson Administration and Nixon Administration. Certain reductions were made by Mr. Nixon. He does recognize the value of the programs which have been reduced but he is also cognizant of the universal taxpayer demand that federal expenditures be reduced.' In fine condition, with staple to top left corner. A revealing political stance. RRAuction COA.
