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March 11, 1946 Mr.Hiram Clark Fort Belknap Agency Harlem, Montana Dear Hiram, Many thanks for your good letters of February 19 and March 1. I should have answered sooner, but just haven't done so on account of, as I thought, I had so much else to do. Nevertheless, don't hold this against me.I meant to. It is helpful to have the benefit of your suggestions about the National Congress of American Indians. I am in full accord as to what you say about financing the organisations, etc. Before we get as far as we would like to, I know that this must be done. However, I am of the opinion that some of us will have to make some time and financial sacrifice before we can even get into the matter of financing it properly. Accordingly, I have assumed the responsibility of carrying out the work of the organization this year as best as I can. I do have in mind trying to put the organisation on a sound financial basis before the end of the year, at least to the point where it can continue to function. I want to thank you for sending me the mailing list. Soon, I will get out a bulletin and the mailing list will be of great help to me. I think that the bulletin will reflect credit upon the organization and will be a help not only to further the cause which the organization is espousing but also a help in financing the organization in the future. Governor Kerr could not give serious consideration to accepting appointment as the Secretary of the Interior at this time. He says he hired out to the State of Oklahoma for four years and feels that he must keep that commitment. Like you, I think it would have been a wonderful thing for the Indians to have had him as the Secretary. However, he is available for service to us and is very influential. He has already demonstrated this - and will continue to do so. I am going back to Washington next week on several Indian matters - particularly the Indian Claims Commission Bill. We have hopes of getting it through, but must keep working at it. With my very kindest personal regards and best wishes to you and each member of your family, I am Sincerely yours , BD:hc cc Judge Johnson Ben Dwight