</s>THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE REFERRAL FCH40-5-1572Z (Elmina) To: The Postmaster General Date: December 20, 1967 Action REQUESTED Draft reply for President's signature. Undersigned's signature, Memorandum for use as enclosure to NOTE reply. Prompt action is essential. Direct reply. If more than 48 hours' delay is encountered, Furnish information copy. please telephone the undersigned immediately, Code 1450. X. Suitable acknowledgement or other appropriate handling. Furnlish copy of reply. If any. Basic correspondence should be returned when draft reply, memorandum, or comment is to- for your information. quested. For comment. REMARKS: Lon Dlut Kennedy Description: mt. Pettye Lotter - X-Telegram: Other To: John Overton, Elmira, New York From: Date: 12/27/67 Subject: Protestes recent appointments in Elmira, New York, Postal system - endorazca Charles Reddon to be Assistant Postmaster. REGISTRED By direction of the President: DEC20 1967 CENTRAL FILES Whitney Shoemaker rah-2- Assistant to the President (White House File Copy) 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents span multiple periods from 1963–1968 and include political communications, campaign strategies, public opinion polling, and administrative records related to Robert F. Kennedy (RFK)’s presidential campaign, interactions with Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), and broader Democratic Party dynamics. Key content includes RFK’s 1968 primary race against LBJ, media coverage of his activities, internal White House discussions on political strategy, and references to public opinion polls assessing his viability. One document notes a WMAR-TV poll in Maryland where 58% of respondents believed RFK could defeat LBJ. Other entries discuss RFK’s speech on Vietnam, visits to Kentucky, humanitarian efforts for Sicilian earthquake victims, and advocacy for housing initiatives like PROJECT SHARP. A memo from March 1968 references contingency planning for RFK’s potential death, including media statements and security measures. Post-assassination records (June 5, 1968) detail White House responses to condolences, mentions of Sirhan Sirhan as a suspect linked to the crime scene via an automobile found near the location, and administrative notes on redacting sensitive information such as social security numbers. The National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence was established by President Johnson in response to societal unrest following RFK’s death.  

Key People:  
- Robert F. Kennedy (RFK): Central figure in political campaigns, speeches, and media interactions.  
- Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ): Opponent in Democratic primary races; referenced in polling data and campaign strategies.  
- Whitney Shoemaker: Assistant to President Johnson, involved in correspondence and condolence responses.  
- Sirhan Sirhan: Suspect in RFK’s assassination, noted for his car found near the crime scene.  
- Marvin Watson: White House aide involved in political strategy and communications.  
- Mike Manatos: Political strategist and administrative assistant to the President.  
- Ethel Kennedy: Wife of RFK; mentioned in post-assassination correspondence with family members.  
- James R. Jones: Special Assistant to the President, referenced in media and campaign planning.  

Key Locations:  
- Washington, D.C.: Headquarters for White House communications, political planning, and administrative tasks.  
- Los Angeles, California: Site of RFK’s assassination on June 5, 1968; also linked to Sirhan Sirhan’s connection.  
- Kentucky (Perry County, Letcher Counties): Locations of RFK’s visit and federal expenditure discussions.  
- New York City: Center for campaign activities and media interactions.  
- McLean, Virginia: Residence of Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy.  

Key Events:  
- RFK’s 1968 presidential campaign and media outreach efforts.  
- Public opinion polling (e.g., WMAR-TV survey) assessing RFK’s viability against LBJ.  
- Contingency planning for RFK’s potential death, including media statements and security measures (March 28, 1968).  
- Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles.  
- National Day of Mourning declared by President Johnson on June 9, 1968.  
- Establishment of the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence to address societal unrest post-assassination.  
- White House coordination on investigation and response to RFK’s assassination, including handling requests for prosecution.  

Key Organizations:  
- Democratic National Committee (DNC): Central to internal political strategy and campaign coordination.  
- White House Office: Managing communications, political planning, and administrative tasks.  
- Gallup Polling Organization: Provided data comparing RFK’s support to LBJ’s.  
- PROJECT SHARP: Housing initiative advocated by RFK for the poor.  
- U.S. Justice Department: Mentioned in context of assassination investigation and legal proceedings.  
- Central Files (government document repository): Used for administrative and political records.

RFK Declassified Files

582313_whcf_nf_k_b098_f6.pdf

Document Summary

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