THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE

47 E. SOUTH TEMPLE STREET

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

May 25, 1967

Mr. Stewart L. Udall

Secretary of Interior

Department of the Interior

Washington, D. C. 20240

Dear Stewart:

These days, papers and magazines are flooded with articles relating to this matter written by people relatively unknown. Most of them are rehashes. All of them show a woeful ignorance of the subject they so presumptiously attempt to treat.

I never dignify any of them with a reply or comment but you have sent me a copy of your letter to President McKay with a personal note attached. I am acknowledging that note and my brief reply is to you personally.

Stewart, I cannot believe it! You wouldn't presume to command your God nor to make demand of a Prophet of God! I wish you had edited it after fasting and prayer. I am not surprised at the Browns and the Greens and the Blacks for they perhaps do not know better but you with your background!

For days now, I have deliberated long and earnestly, trying to assess a motive. It couldn't be politics--you would not stoop to that; it coudn't be money--you have enough for your needs. Surely, it couldn't be for prestige and renown--you have that in great abundance. It couldn't be hate or revenge or disloyalty, I am sure. I know you have regard for your forebears and for your people. I have kept wanting to think it was the result of a sincere but ill-advised effort in behalf of the welfare of a minority. I have tried to believe that you just did not understand.

I have watched you climb to high places in the secular world. I have seen your picture numerous times in countless places. I have read many of your pronouncements and in much that you have done and said, I have been proud of you.

But my dear Stewart, neither your eminence in secular matters nor your prominence in government circles has justified you in any such monumental presumption. You are here with a little boulder in your hand, but out there beyond this earth is a sun, a galaxy, a universe. You too have clothed this whole matter in ragged, human apparel.

Mr. Stewart L. Udall

May 25, 1967

Page 2

To such presumption, I must quote the Lord:

"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church." D&C 28:6

Stewart, I earnestly hope this note may be for your good. I am not angry with you. I am sorry for you.

Sincere kind wishes.

Faithfully yours,

[signature]

Spencer W. Kimball

SWK:vs