Pusey Says University To Push JFK Library

"The University will not involve itself in any efforts to obtain money for memorials of John F. Kennedy that will conflict with fund-raising for the late President's library," President Pusey said Friday.

Pusey gave strong indication that Harvard, at least for the time being, will not support plans for a kennedy memorial lecture series or for Departmental chairs. Both have been proposed by groups at the University since the assassination.

"A professorship of Government or public Administration in kennedy's name will be a natural thing someday," Pusey said, "but the library must have priority."

"This John F. Kennedy memorial library could be a uniting force in American public life right now," Pusey said with obvious emotion. "A great fund drive to honor him could well be theraputic for the entire nation."

Student Help

Pusey expressed special hope that "students at colleges in all parts of the country will contribute to the library," and said that the fund-raising committee is considering a special fund drive among students.

"John kennedy belonged to your generation," Pusey said, "and we think it fitting that students help to build his library." Pusey indicated that a special student memorial might be constructed as a part of the library.

Although Harvard will work with the kennedy family in designing and building the library, Pusey indicated Friday that most final decisions will be made by the Kennedys themselves and that future announcements concerning library plans will come from the Attorney-General.

Plans Begun

A committee composed of Attorney General Robert Kennedy '48, Arthur M. Schesinger. Jr. '38, Paul H. Buck, and Edward B. Hanify is now attempting to decide on the nature of the collection. The four will soon begin to organize the papers of the late President and of the members of his Cabinet and White House staff.

The library and the land on which it is built will eventually become the proparty of the Federal Government, Pusey said, but some kind of administrative group will be established to run the building and care for the collections.