University of Virginia Library

Mannix Contacts
Nixon By Wire

Kevin Mannix, president of Student
Council, Monday night sent President
Nixon a telegram offering to "negotiate"
an end to "hostilities" upon the release of
Virginia students arrested in antiwar
activities this week in Washington.

As Mr. Mannix related the reason for
his telegram: "I was sitting in my room,
listening to news reports about the 7,000
arrested demonstrators...when I began thinking
of them in terms of being captured. I
considered these people to be prisoners of
war."

The text of the telegram, which was paid for
by Mr. Mannix personally, follows:

President Richard M. Nixon
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Understand you have captured many Virginia
students in war-related actions in Washington.
Will negotiate end of hostilities upon release
of all prisoners.

Yours in Peace,

Kevin L. Mannix

Student Body President
U. of Virginia

Mr. Mannix stated that, although his
telegram was sent in jest as a "parody" of
President Nixon's statements he was sure the
President would fail to see the humor: "I'm
waiting for the FBI to come and arrest me."