UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
LAWRENCE

OFFICE OF December a, 1940

THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION

De. F.C. Allen
105 Robinson Gymnasium
Campus

Dear Dr. Allen:

it has been suggested by Chancellor Deane W. Malott that
in connection with the national defense program in which the
University is most eager to participate, that the University
set up a temporary speaking bureau through which the services
of members of the University faculty would be offered to the
state in the medium of speeches on democracy. The University
of Virginia has carried out this project quite successfully
with more than 30 of its outstanding faculty members deliver-
ing these talks on some phase of democracy based upon depart-
mental knowledge and research. |

The project there has resulted in a great deal of good
will for the University and has attracted notable recognition
from the federal government. . Chancellor Malott is definitely
of the opinion that such a program is feasible in the state
of Kansas and has asked me to assist in arranging the program.

services of the speakers would be offered to various
civic and private group gatherings at times that would be en-
tirely convenient to the faculty members who would participate.
It is the purpose of the University to offer the serviées for
expenses only. This was the policy adopted at Virginia.

Your name has been suggested as one of.the faculty leaders
who would propably be willing to assist in the noteworthy pro-
ject. 1 would appreciate hearing from you at your earliest
convenience as to whether you would be willing to cooperate
and also would like to have the subject of your proposed &éalk.
it should be related in some way to democracy, but outside of
that you are at complete hiberty to mold the topic.

it is planned now not to have the meetings start until
after Christmas holidays and also to arrange them so that
there would be no conflict with the mid-year examinations.

t am sure that Chancellor Malott would be most grateful
for your cooperation in this venture, and certainly I will
appreciate your indication of assistance,

Sincerely

Director fr Information

KWD: am