Correspondence dated 5 January 1951

Summary

An item from the surviving correspondence of William John Sands.

Historical context

This item forms part of the surviving William John Sands correspondence and is dated 5 January 1951. It is preserved in the William John Sands Family Archive as evidence of Sands’s professional work and relationships. The accompanying transcript was produced by machine OCR and should be checked against the original scan before being treated as a definitive reading.

Catalogue description

Original correspondence scan imported from the Sands and Ferguson family archive. Source file: 19510105.pdf.

Machine transcript — unreviewed

[Page 1] OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL DEARBORN, MICHIGAN January 5 i: 9°35 2 Mr. William J. Sands Myrtlefield Hillsboro Old Road Lisburn, Co. Down N. Ireland Dear Willie: The Ferguson case has been steadily moving forward on the Calendar and recently Judge Noonan of the Federal Court in New York was designated to conduct its trial. It is diffi- cult to estimate with precision when the trial will commence, ~ but I would think it would be late this winter or early spring. Your thorough knowledge of the facts covers such an + extended period and relates to so many issues alleged to be involved that we feel very strongly that Judge Noonan and the jury should have the benefit of your testimony in deciding the case. We hope that you will consent to come to New York to give this testimony in person and that you can arrange your affairs tentatively so that you may arrive there about March 1, 1951. 7 You remember that the plaintiffs have tried very hard to make something of the fact that the defendants paid your expenses on your previous trip which, of course, was very J much lengthened solely by the plaintiffs' own actions, Their purpose was quite clear. Because they found that your testi- mony was very damaging to their case they tried desperately to attack your motives and good faith. As we expected, they have failed miserably. Far from finding any impropriety in our action or yours, every judge before whom the issue was raised has found the arrangement to be entirely in accord with normal, approved practice. Indeed, as Judge Ryan observed, the govern- ment itself reimburses its witnesses for their expenses. [Page 2] Mr. William Sands January 3, 1951 Page 2 Therefore, we are of course prepared to pay, as we did before, your reasonable expenses while you are in this country and to assume the cost of the necessary transportation. This is merely advance notice of the situation as it now appears, and I will of course keep you informed of develop- ments as they occur. When we are able to set a more definite date, the necessary travel arrangements may be made through our solicitor, Mr. Philip Randall of Richards, Butler & Co., Trafalgar House, Waterloo Place, London, S.W. l. I do want to add a personal note wishing you, Meta and Mollie all the best for this holiday season, and I hope I shall see you soon. Sincerely, RGH: gh