HYRC Head Urged Bricker Not to Open Forum Meeting

In an apparent attempt to undercut the first meeting of the Political Forum, John R. Thomson '57, president of the Young Republican Club, sent a letter four weeks ago to Senator John W. Bricker to dissuade him from keynoting a proposed Forum debate on the Bricker Amendment, it was learned yesterday.

Thomson, a long-time opponent of the new Forum group, last night admitted he had sent the letter but denied that his intention was "to detract in any way from the Political Forum." He added that the letter's purpose was to warn Bricker that "the Senator's appearance under the auspices of the clubs which invited him would be stacked greatly against his amendment."

Bricker's refusal to talk at the Forum meeting was announced yesterday. Contacted in Columbus, Ohio, the sponsor of the amendment to limit the President's treaty making powers said that Thomson's letter had no effect all. "I don't pay attention to those things," he added.

Bricker has been replaced by Congressman Albert P. Morano, Republican from Connecticut, who will deliver the keynote address on a new topic, the recognition of Communist China.

Thomson declared that "sitting at the meeting of the club presidents on the evening the topic was discussed, it was my distinct impression that not more than two out of ten groups, excluding the Young Republicans, would possibly defend the Amendment."

Thomson said he wrote to Bricker to "warn him of this danger," and to suggest to the Senator that he instead appear before a meeting sponsored by the Young Republicans. Bricker turned him down.