Meetings with John Henshaw Crider; Grayson Kirk and Joseph Campbell; E. J. Price—May 19, 1950

The recording contains three separate conversations . The first conversation is between
Eisenhower and Crider. They are talking about the possibility of Eisenhower running for
elective office. Eisenhower tells Crider ". . .I made a statement to the public about
abstaining from politics . If ever I become ready or willing or feel I have any goddamn
duty to touch politics even to announce to which party I want to adhere, it will be done
publicly. You don't need to fear about any goddamn inner circle . . ." Crider replies "As
far as I'm concerned I wish the hell you would form an inner circle and get to working."
Eisenhower's next conversation is with Kirk and Campbell. It begins with Eisenhower
asking ifhis gift of a typewriter had been delivered to his friend "Swede" Hazlett. The,
discussion changes to the topic of Columbia University's library and its operation. They
are discussing the University's relations with its employees. Eisenhower says "we've got
to say that, within to the extreme limit of its capabilities Columbia University policy has
been to take into it's, to take into account the welfare of its professional and other
employees equally with that of the officials, the faculties and the students ofthe
university." Eisenhower reads a letter written by Chancellor Chase and comments "Well,
just in that way but I just say that in view of the concern the University trustees have had
for all the employees as well as the officials and faculty, and so on, why, we stand on our
record. But we cannot recognize someone with whom we have to enter into these strict
negotiating which the very next thing we might have to break some. I just, I don't want
to say those words but I'd certainly point out that since we're not operated for profit that
we are specifically exempted, and that's not only, therefore, it's not only a legal but it's a
moral thing."
The third conversation recorded is with E.J . Price of Chicago. Price is the former
adjutant of the American Legion and is talking about a parade to be held in Chicago.
Eisenhower tells Price ". . .I've got to go down to Washington tomorrow and sit in the
stand with the president while a parade goes by there." The recording ends.