I'm still Chairman of the Board around here, and I intend to use power if I have to. The best advice I can get tells me your plans are unadvisable. Get it through your head that this has nothing to do with the Board elections. This is a serious matter. I can stop you, J. O., and don't think I won't if it comes to that. But I don't want to make threats. There must be something we can do--but we're going to have to devote more thought to the whole matter first. * * * * * TO: James Oliver Gogarty FROM: Leonard Offutt RE: Statistical findings Chances of such pressure succeeding are, according to derived figures, 37%. Chances of the pressure leading to actual attack on Fruyling's World (see attached sheet) are 58%. We cannot advise.... * * * * * TO: Fredk. Ramsbotham FROM: James Oliver Gogarty RE: Attached statistical findings ... Of course it's a risk, Frederick, but we're in the risk-taking business, and we always were, as your father used to say, and mine too. Between us, John is a cautious old man, and the rest of the Board is beginning to appreciate that. By next year the entire situation may have changed. I'm asking for your support, then, as a matter of practical politics. In a risky matter like this one, support can make all the difference between.... * * * * * TO: James Oliver Gogarty FROM: John Harrison RE: My memo May 19 J. O., I mean it. Now lay off. * * * * * TO: Williston Reed FROM: John Harrison RE: Current memo series As you know, I'm keeping you up to date whenever I have a minute between appointments: a publicity chief ought to know everything, inside as well as public-issue material, if only so he can be conscious of what to hide. I've tried to work with you as well as I can, and if there are delays in reporting, you'll understand that pressure of other duties.... ... The story behind all of this is simple enough. The takeover Gogarty and Ramsbotham have been trying to pull is interfering with practical business. Frankly, AMP'S competitors are happy enough to jump in and stir the pot: I think they've been buying up Senators here and there (for which there is, God knows, enough precedent; the entire Senate hasn't been bought since the Dedrick mutiny forty years back but you don't _need_ the entire Senate if you have a few key men, and I've always thought Dedrick's lawyers were wasteful), and beyond what the competition's been active in, there are always the fanatics. Freedom for all--you know the sort of thing.