Dear Harry: I gather from the tone of your letter to me of the 17th that you, Mr. Larson and I are all agreed that there should be a great world-wide push to enthrone law over force as a means of settling the world’s differences.1
When I go beyond this, I am most uncertain of the meaning you intend to convey. I refer specifically to the second paragraph of your letter where you say ". . . preparing a program for leadership in this cause at the highest governmental level."2
Would you mind dictating to Mr. Larson a short statement that amplifies your ideas sufficiently so that I may know exactly what you are proposing? Of course this nation, like many others, subscribes to the United Nations Charter. But in spite of the brave words of that Charter, it is manifest that the world is not yet ready to adopt and observe the principles of international law. Consequently I had assumed that the effort we are now talking about was to be largely a private one, carried on through the Bar Associations of several countries and with Duke University spearheading a drive within the United States. In other words, I had not visualized a specific governmental function. So I should like you to tell Mr. Larson what you think he could do in preparing such a program, whether you think his function should be a continuing one or should rather be temporary in character, and how any governmental activity of this kind would be coordinated with private action.
By no means am I quarreling with your idea; I am simply asking you to explain it a little bit more to Mr. Larson who, I think, could probably make sure that I labor under no misapprehension and could unquestionably save a bit of my time by undertaking this chore in lieu of my trying to comprehend all its details and possibilities by myself.3
With warm regard, As ever
