Rev. King Sends Wire Asking Help in Selma

Dr. Martin Luther King sent a telegram yesterday to H. Reed Ellis '65, president of the now defunct HCUA, urging response "to the vicious maltreatment of defenseless citizens of Alabama."

King called on national leaders "to communicate immediately with President Johnson and Gov. Wallace of Alabama, expressing the need for action to protect the life and constitutional rights of the citizenry." He also emphasized the need for local demonstrations.

Ellis stated that he cannot take official action because the HCUA no longer exists and, furthermore, was not traditionally involved in political issues.

He added that he was personally in sympathy with King and felt a demonstration by a Harvard political organization was in order.