Dear
Paul: Your telegram regarding the Columbia Bi-Centennial speech not only pleased me very much; it reminded me that it has been much too long since we were in communication with one another.1
In some ways I think I worked harder over the Columbia speech than any since I came down here. Because of the particular timing of the talking--because of the problems with which we are presently faced both at home and abroad--I weighed every word, almost every comma, in an effort precisely to convey my thinking and philosophy. I hope I was in some measure successful.2
In looking back over my correspondence with you since our wonderful Palm Springs vacation3 (which, by the way, I am not allowed by some of my staff to forget if by chance I could), I find, curiously enough, that on March eleventh I wrote to you some of my thoughts about "leadership."4 I say curiously because I have recently been trying again to crystallize on paper what is meant by that word. (And, incidentally, did you know that Webster's International Dictionary does not recognize its existence?). Today, in spite of the sorry spectacle currently going on, I am more than ever convinced that "leadership" cannot be imposed; a climate must be created that makes men receptive to and desirous of fighting for the principles of the man currently in the position of the "leader." Of one thing I am firmly convinced--the basic good sense of the American people and their ability to overcome any unpleasantness and to rise to any crisis that confronts them.
But enough of that. Mamie and I are well, and we are looking forward eagerly to our Denver vacation (though at the moment it seems an endless time away).5 Perhaps the most important personal news is that John and Barbara and the children are going to have a few days with us here toward the end of July, as the first lap on their move to Leavenworth.6
Mamie joins in affectionate regard to Pearl, and, as always, the best to yourself,7 As ever
