CONFERENCE WITH ROY WILKINS 347

ever it exists. I for one won't be satisfied until it is totally removed.
I certainly believe that there is some discrimination in the State gov-
ernment. I don't fault Mrs. Mitchell's finding in that respect. Whether
it is as serious as she indicates will be revealed by a very impartial
and exhaustive examination by Dr. Ware in this regard. I expect to
have some results very soon. On contracts that Mr. Wilkins mentioned,
we are most interested in seeing that discrimination on the part of
those who benefit from government contracts is removed and we are
taking steps in that regard. We have already taken steps to make
certain that there is a fairer representation on the draft boards. I
think out of the last 15 appointments, the only 15 that I have made
(recommended to the President), over one-third have been Negroes.

QUESTION: Governor, the Legislature at the last session defeated a
bill that would accomplish what Mr. Wilkins has achieved in Colum-
bus, Ohio. Are you considering issuing an executive order that might
achieve the same thing?
GOVERNOR:

I am considering doing that if I think it's a valid device that will
stand up. On the other hand, I think it should be done by legislation,
if practicable, simply to reflect the policy of the State, and I will offer
such legislation again at the coming session — irrespective of whether
we will be able to move forward in certain areas by executive order or
not.

QUESTION: Well, sir, is there a possibility for an interim executive
order?

GOVERNOR:

It definitely exists.

QUESTION: Governor, I wonder if Mr. Wilkins will tell us if this
conference is unusual and if other governors have requested similar
conferences with him with no immediate pressure to do so?
MR. WILKINS:

Well, it's the first conference of its kind, but I honestly can't say
that it is unique. Governor Agnew was the first governor to suggest
this voluntarily — with no pressures at all — not from Mrs. Mitchell
or a State organization or anyone else. We have had responses from
governors all over the country in respect to the Columbus, Ohio, thing
which I used as a broadcast letter to governors themselves, indicating
that they would like to discuss this matter and others in their state,
but no one went as far as Governor Agnew, nor as promptly or as
quickly. As a matter of fact, his letter came before the Columbus,