6 July 1964 (dictated 2 July )


Hon. Dr. R. Matthews
House of representatives
'ashsrs:ton, D. J.

Dear Bilv:

Thank you very much for your letter of June 26. Shortly after
its receipt I had a call from Tyler Abel, and it is evident that there
is a confusion between the Regional and National Offices. I think
this is probably implicit in your letter, since the information there
does not square with the actual land situation here. The Blackmer -
Dunne property is the property recommended by Mr. Leven for purchase,
and it does include 63,000 square feet, which is slightly in excess
of the footage which they felt was necessary. It is not however one
singular rectangular piece, but two adjacent rectangles. Leven had
suggested the possibility of adding the Bennett property, which is
less than 10,000 square feet, but at an exorbitant price: $25,000,
to square off the property. This brings the cost up to $110,000,
which is admittedly in excess of what they wanted to expend.

Abel did not have the materials at his elbow when we were talk-
ing, for which he apologized, but the purpose of his call he said
was to aske me to get ir. Leven up from Miami again to review the
situation and either to clarify this particular plot or to select
another one as fast as possible. He felt that they should act
speedily, since he knew the urgency of our situation.

Unfortunately, Leven is out on a field trip, and I finally
reached him up in South Carolina. He will not be back for two weeks,
but has agreed to get in touch with his boss at the Atlanta office
immediately upon that gentleman's return Tuesday. Leven feels that
there is confusion between the Regional and National Offices, and
agrees that the Blackmer-Dunne property at 63,000 sq. ft. is
adequate to their purposes, and entirely reasonable at about $85,000,
Indeed, the main portion of this (Blackmer) is occupied by an
extensive Motor Court, and the price placed on that is even below the
tax evaluation.

If they agree to purchase the Blackmer-Dunne property for
.$35,000, this sum will no- constitute even 30% of the total cost,
and Leven agrees if they can keep under 30.5 they are on target.
He will come here as soon as he returns from South garolina and
we will get this squared away.





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Hon. Matthews page two


We are very appreciative of Tyler Abel 's interest; which at
his level of government is immensely helpful. Of course, I know that
this would not be possible without your continuing and understanding
helpfulness in the matter.

As you have heard, we have achieved a temporary truce here, which
may have left Dr. King a retreat without loss of face. I imagine you
read the statement made by Francisco Rodriguez, the negro attorney for
the NAACP in the Southeast area at Tampa, in which he condemns the
King sponsored demonstrations as being demonstrations only for the sake
of demonstrations which impede the overall progress of the negro Civil
Rights movement. I think you will also be interested in the enclosed
clipping sent me by my mother from the San Francisco Chronicle. also
a statement by a prominent negro active in politics.

Cordially,


Earle W. Newton
Director General


encls.