Kallen, Horace M. - Personal, 1948-1954

Detailed correspondence with Kallen regarding the Marcus Singer Defense Fund, the National Lawyers Guild and World War II conscientious objectors. Kallen informs Konvitz that he has suggested to Simon Sobeloff, United States Solicitor General, that he seek Konvitz's advice regarding the problem of defending civil liberties. Kallen praises Sobeloff, commenting that he is among the few Jews whose stand is uncompromising and who is yet able to combine courage and tact with principle (April 30, 1954). Konvitz comments on a meeting between himself and Maxwell Rabb in the White House offices. Konvitz mentions that his one and a half hour long interview with Rabb was entirely devoted to a discussion of the grievances of the Republican Party and the Eisenhower administration against American Jews. Doctor Konvitz believes that he straightened Rabb out on one or two important points. One extremely important point was the charge that American Jews determine their political activities and loyalties solely by the demands of Israeli politics. Konvitz pointed out that this was not the case regarding either Senator Taft or Senator McCarthy. Konvitz made it clear to Rabb that Zionism alone did not determine the political allegiance of American Jews. Konvitz mentions that he also made it clear to Rabb that the Republican Party has failed to win the respect and devotion of not only the Jews, but also the blacks. Also discussed were Konvitz's Liberian project, relations with the Labor Department, and the importance of relations of the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations with unions. Konvitz mentions that the President of the New School has asked him if he is interested in succeeding Frieda Wunderlich as Dean of Graduate Faculty. Also Shad Polier asked Konvitz to become chairman of Law and Social Action. Konvitz declines both offers (November 20, 1953). Kallen discusses Ames' transactionalism (August 27, 1953), McCarthy's campaign against Communism (July 25 and May 8, 1953), and the Rosenbergs' conviction (July 10, 1953). Konvitz mentions that he has agreed to become involved in some labor disputes as a National Enforcement Commissioner of the Economic Stabilization Agency (May 7, 1953). Konvitz briefly comments on Professor Martin Buber's April 8, 1952 visit to Cornell, which Doctor Konvitz had arranged (April 9, 1952). Kallen comments that Jewish studies in colleges and universities should not be segregated in such academic departments as Semitic Departments or relegated to a Theological School. Also discussed is a labor dispute at Cornell as well as the American Jewish Congress. Konvitz mentions that he spoke in Philadelphia on civil rights under the auspices of the Philadelphia Fellowship Commission. Konvitz comments that the talk turned into a debate between Morris L. Ernst and himself. Konvitz also mentions that he is wondering whether he should resign as an officer of the American Association for Jewish Education because his continued affiliation and sometimes unpopular opinions might hinder its work. Kallen comments on Konvitz's speech to the American Council for Judaism. Kallen supports Konvitz's position (May 2 and 4, April 20 and 29, 1949, and others). Other correspondence with Kallen in which a number of other topics are discussed in detail including the American Jewish Congress, the American Association for Jewish Education, Konvitz's work and publications, Kallen's work and publications, American Zionism, Jewish education, American liberalism, "Judaism," McCarthyism, the New School and publications. Discussion of other issues including disarmament, theology, Kallen's humanism, the National Lawyers Guild, Sidney Hook, transactionalism, Abba Eban, national politics, and the politics and problems of the various committees in which they are involved. Personal correspondence.