In this internal memorandum to Fellowship of Reconciliation staff and council, pacifist leader A.J. Muste reports on negotiations with the Selective Service System over reforms to the Civilian Public Service program. He outlines proposed changes to conscientious objector policies, including financial support, orientation centers, and reduced reliance on religious-run camps, while addressing growing protests within federal prisons.
Letter from Charles Butcher to Bayard Rustin on C.P.S. and Prison Paroles
In this personal correspondence to Bayard Rustin, imprisoned conscientious objector Charles Butcher critiques the Civilian Public Service program and federal parole policies for compromising the principles of conscientious objectors. He also describes the difficult conditions facing imprisoned pacifists and calls for greater solidarity and support from outside organizations.
Excerpts from Paton Price's Prison Letters on Censorship Strikes
In this compilation of correspondence to Bayard Rustin, imprisoned conscientious objector Paton Price documents a prolonged hunger strike protesting censorship at Lewisburg Penitentiary. Price describes the physical and psychological toll of the strike, including forced feeding, while outlining demands for greater access to books, journals, mail, and protection from arbitrary censorship of prisoners’ writings.
