Eleanor Roosevelt to Malcolm Parker and Friends
Eleanor Roosevelt to Malcolm Parker and Friends
27 June 1946 [Hyde Park]
My dear Mr. Parker and Friends:
I am not surprised that the court refused to consider the defense of the conscientious objectors when they alleged that they are disobeying illegal orders, since these orders were government orders and entirely legal.5 They are only illegal because you choose to consider them so on a conscientious objector basis. When you are in a minority, you are obliged to take the judgement of the majority, even though it makes you suffer what you consider an injustice.
I think not to accept parole is rather stupid on your part. However, I think it will relieve the taxpayers if you are all allowed to be free, and since the war is over, I think you should be free. However, I am not the one to decide so I have referred your letter to the Attorney General.
Very sincerely yours,
TLc AERP, FDRL
ER then forwarded their letter to the attorney general.