OPERATION DEMOCRACY, INC.
369 Lexington Avenue
New York 17, N. Y.

Telephone MUrray Hill 6-4986

Executive Secretary
CHARLES L. TODD

Executive Assistant
MARGARETH B. SIMS

May 27, 1949

Dear Velma,

I still have Mr. Falaize with me and am so busy that I can't say all the things I would like to in this note. However, next week I will sit down and give you some real post-mortems. Morganville was, by all odds, the best of the whole trip and both Clare and I still find it slightly unbelievable. I can't help feeling that anything I said there was most unworthy of the occasion. Quite honestly, I was nearly tongue tied when I got up in front of the crowd.

The trip to Colorado was a great success and it looks as though we have something underway in Denver itself. Boulder was also interesting. As usual, however, the big guns of UNESCO, Cherrington etc., were on the skeptical side. Falaize read them a nice little lecture on the need for UNESCO to get down to earth a little - which I hope they understood. The UNESCO people here and in Washington have suddenly become terribly interested in our business, which I find hard to reconcile with Manhattan's attitude. There seems to [be] a shakeup taking place here in New York - Stanforth going over to CARE. Mrs. Gilbert called me the other day and asked if I knew anyone who could take his place.

I've seen Bob several times and he does not seem to believe that Morganville could possibly have the feeling toward him that we reported. He is very worried about your long silence and could stand a letter. I have seen him depressed before, but never quite like this. Mainly, I think it's the thought of another summer coming up with no plans-or prospect for any vacation or interesting work to do. Maybe Morganville would do him good.

Thanks for the Tribune clippings; de Wendell was deeply touched about the nice remarks concerning herself. I think she will do a wonderful job for you back in Feves for she can explain many things which I find impossible to do.

By the way, what is Mrs. Merton's first name, the one we stayed with. Clare wants to write her but, as I recall, there are many Mertons in Morganville. Please give everyone you see our love and let us know if there is anything we can do at any point.

Thanks again for everything. It was a wonderful evening and we will never forget it.

Yours,

(signed) Lafe

P.S. Stamps are for your Mayor