Date: May 24, 1976 Location: Putney, Vermont Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 35 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 23 pages

Senator George D. Aiken was a close friend of Senator John Sherman Cooper. They served together on the Agriculture and Foreign Relations Committees. In this interview, Senator Aiken, a Republican from Vermont, discusses Alben W. Barkley as Senate Majority Leader and Barkley's opposition to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's veto of a tax bill in 1944. Senator Aiken first met Cooper in 1947 and the two occasionally stood alone when voting on issues. They had a reputation of being liberal Republicans. Aiken believes that Cooper's notorious tardiness was one of his charming qualities. He describes Cooper as a most tolerant Senator and diplomat. Aiken recalls co-sponsoring a bill with Cooper in 1956 to extend library services to rural areas.

Date: May 13, 1979 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 3 hrs. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 103 pages

In this interview John Sherman Cooper discusses his family history and early childhood memories in Pulaski County. He recalls that President Theodore Roosevelt appointed his father collector of internal revenue in Kentucky. Childhood memories include Sunday School, household chores, sports and educational background. His early employment included being a machinist's assistant and a coal miner. Cooper notes that Somerset, being approximately halfway between Cincinnati and Chattanooga by rail, made the town quite cosmopolitan for its size and location. Other subjects include Cooper's attendance at Centre College, college sports, Beta Theta Pi fraternity, enrollment at Yale University and Harvard Law School. Upon his father's death, Cooper returned home to administer his father's estate while finishing law school. He was elected Pulaski County Judge in 1929. Prior to that, he served a term in the state legislature. He discusses how campaigning has changed during his lifetime. Cooper served as an officer in the Army during World War Two. He was appointed to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees in 1935 and served until 1946. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1946.

Date: August 20, 1979 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 20 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 62 pages

Lee C. White discusses his role as administrative assistant in John Sherman Cooper's Washington office. Other members of the staff are mentioned and White describes their contentious relationship with Kentucky's other Republican Senator Thruston B. Morton and his staff. White compliments Cooper's abilities as a legislator and describes coal industry, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Depressed Areas legislation. The interview concludes with White recounting several amusing anecdotes involving Senator Cooper and himself.

Date: November 18, 1979 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 5 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 77 pages

The second interview with John Sherman Cooper focuses on his term as Pulaski County Judge and his enlistment in the Army in 1942. During the war he traveled extensively through Europe, serving in the military police. He recounts his travels to France, Luxembourg, Italy, and England. He describes his visit to the concentration camp at Buchenwald, and his duties in Munich, Germany. Cooper recounts the effort to reestablish the court system in Bavaria after the war. As County Judge of Pulaski County, he began seating African-Americans on petit juries. To his knowledge, this had never been done before. He also discusses various campaigns and elections to the Senate, focusing mainly on that of 1946.

Date: November 13, 1979 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 44 pages

Haley worked with John Sherman Cooper in 1963 and 1964, drafting legislation in the Senate Ethics Committee. This work followed along the lines of the 1954 investigation of Senator Joseph P. McCarthy. Haley comments on the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other matters in which Senator Cooper was most interested. In early 1966, Haley was appointed as Minority Counsel of the Senate Public Works Committee. He and Senator Cooper were proponents of President Lyndon B. Johnson's highway beautification program. This effort called for removal and limitations of billboards along the nation's highways. In 1959, Cooper addressed the problem of disparities between the electrical rates charged by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Jackson Purchase, which had divided western Kentucky towns. Haley also discusses Senator Cooper's efforts regarding the federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, and his work on the Public Works Committee. Also mentioned is Cooper's questioning of Senator J. William Fulbright regarding the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964.

Date: November 13, 1979 Location: Alexandria, Virginia Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 20 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 70 pages

Prentice recounts his experiences as a staff member in Senator Cooper's Washington office and as a speech writer. Several episodes are recalled that illustrate the difficulties of coordinating diverse staff functions in the Washington office. Mailings were often sent out without the Senator's approval, occasionally producing embarrassing results. Prentice remembers Cooper's daily routine and habits, and states that Cooper gave advice to Senator John F. Kennedy during the Democratic presidential primary in 1960. Cooper' s relationship with Senator Thruston B. Morton and Robert Kennedy are also discussed.

Date: November 15, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 2 hrs. 10 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 81 pages

Bailey Guard remembers meeting Cooper for the first time during the 1956 Senatorial campaign. He was hired as an administrative assistant on Senator Cooper's office staff. Guard recalls the Senator's efforts to dispel his reputation for being slow to answer his mail. He states that Cooper's inclination was to read each letter and respond to it personally. This penchant presented a challenge to the staff. Guard recalls that Senator Thruston B. Morton's office was run differently. Cooper's work on legislation affecting the Tennessee Valley Authority was unpopular with the Peabody Coal Company. His vote on the Taft-Hartley Bill alienated the United Mine Workers. Guard makes some observations regarding Lee Nunn, Senator Morton's campaign manager. Guard also discusses how politics have changed, and the interview ends with his philosophical characterizations of Senator Cooper.

Date: January 28, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 50 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 51 pages

Senator Marlow Cook remembers John Sherman Cooper as an expert campaigner. They both had progressive attitudes toward civil rights legislation. Their dealings with other politicians and administrations are recalled. Cook observes that while Senator Cooper may have been somewhat soft spoken, he was quite an effective speaker compared to many other politicians. In closing, Cook describes Cooper's integrity and loyalty to his constituency.

Date: January 21, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 35 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 26 pages

Senator Fulbright states that he first met John Sherman Cooper in 1946. He remembers that Cooper proved his independent thinking in his first Senate term by voting with the Republican leadership only 51% of the time. Fulbright recalls that the Senate Armed Forces Committee was not consulted about the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and the members were simply informed of the Kennedy administration's decisions. He also states that many senators regard voting for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964 as the greatest mistake of their careers, and recalls that Cooper was one of a half-dozen senators who later opposed the Vietnam War.

Date: February 1, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 45 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 26 pages

In this interview William Haley remembers Senator Cooper's opposition to Judge Clement Haynesworth's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. He states that many Republican leaders in Kentucky felt that Cooper could have been elected governor. He recalls that Senator Cooper never criticized other Kentucky Republicans, even though they often had more conservative views than he did.

Date: January 20, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 45 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 52 pages

In this interview John Sherman Cooper reflects on the Senate when he was first elected in 1946. He discusses his work on the Judiciary Committee and for the Displaced Persons bill. He characterizes the War Powers bill as the most complex of the session, dealing with exports, imports and difficult economic issues. Cooper opposed a search and seizure act that he believed violated individual civil liberties, while he supported the Marshall Plan. He states that President Harry S Truman's characterization of the 1946 Congressional session as "the do-nothing Congress" had little basis in fact. During that session Congress overrode President Truman's vetoes of the Taft-Hartley Act and the Portal-to-Portal bill.

Date: January 22, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 45 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 57 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper continues his discussion of his first term in the U.S. Senate. He recounts two issues that are a source of personal pride: establishment of the War Claims Commission that provided partial compensation to displaced Japanese-Americans after World WarTwo and, as part of the same bill, provided compensation to American prisoners of war who had been ill-treated. Cooper also discusses the1948 senatorial campaign. After his defeat, Cooper was hired by Gardner, Morrison and Rogers, a Washington law firm. The interview concludes with a lengthy discussion of Cold War foreign affairs.

Date: January 31, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 77 pages

In this interview, Guard discusses issuing press releases from the Washington office during the 1960 campaign. During the administration President John F. Kennedy, Senator Cooper refused the Republican tactic of appealing to the anti-Catholic and anti-Kennedy vote. Guard states that President Kennedy and Cooper were close friends, and Kennedy made sure that Cooper was kept informed during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Guard believes that Cooper took his duties on the Warren Commission very seriously and devoted much of his time to its work. He discusses Senator Cooper's work on civil rights, tobacco and the environment. He recalls that in 1967 Cooper was a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. The interview concludes with a discussion about Cooper's management of his staff during and after this period.

Date: April 22, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 46 pages

Greider, a newspaper reporter, states that Senator Cooper's flexibility on the Red River Gorge issue illustrates his methods as a politician. He remembers that Senator Cooper would give what seemed to be rambling answers to pointed questions, but was really giving logical and well thought out responses. Greider characterizes Cooper as an intellectual. He could be intellectual about the most practical issues, such as depressed areas and civil rights legislation. Greider also contrasts the political and personal styles of Senators Thruston B. Morton and Marlow Cook with Cooper. He discusses Senator Cooper's opposition to the Vietnam War, and the interview he conducted with him where Cooper announced his retirement.

Date: April 22, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 24 pages

Harwood, a newspaper reporter, recalls that Senator Cooper and Senator Thruston B. Morton ran as a team in 1956. Cooper projected a non-partisan image, while Morton was very much a Republican partisan candidate. Harwood states that Cooper was truly a national senator who could get beyond the regional issues that concerned only Kentucky. Cooper was considered a liberal for his progressive stand on civil rights issues. He was often frustrated with the Republican party's positions. Harwood also discusses Cooper's work on the Warren Commission and opposition to the Vietnam War.

Date: April 23, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 64 pages

Parente discusses Senator Cooper's style as a senator and as a campaigner. He was very willing to spend time with constituents, which people perceived as a sincere interest. Parente first worked for Cooper as an intern and then as a secretary. She read, researched and responded to mail. She remembers educational issues as being very important to Senator Cooper. However, he considered every bill and issue independently. She states that he never made blanket statements or used cliches and knew which laws would work well. In 1971, Parente worked on the Early Childhood Amendments. Developing infrastructure in Appalachia was also important to Senator Cooper, along with public works and civil rights. Senator Cooper and Senator Thruston B. Morton often cooperated on legislation and deferred to one another on particular issues.

Date: April 23, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1hr. 30mins Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 34 pages

In this interview Haley discusses Senator Cooper's support of civil rights issues, first as a county judge and then as a U.S. Senator. Because of the difficulty encountered in passing the 1964 and 1965 Public Accommodations Acts, Haley states that Cooper supported changing the Senate cloture vote from a two-thirds majority to a three-fifths majority. Haley recalls that voting rights was another important issue to Senator Cooper, specifically outlawing poll taxes and literacy tests. Haley thoroughly discusses the Public Accommodations Acts and the compromises and coalitions that were reached in order to get cloture.

Date: April 25, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 40 mins Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 17 pages

Swain states that when Senator Cooper moved from the Agriculture Committee to the Foreign Relations Committee, there was a danger that his constituency would get the impression that he had lost touch with them. Therefore, he tried to give extra attention to the needs of Kentuckians and to answering mail. Swain remembers that Senator Cooper got along well with most other politicians from both political parties in Kentucky. Swain also remembers the positive relations Cooper enjoyed with the press.

Date: April 26, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 52 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper denies rumors that he considered running for governor of Kentucky in 1951. He also discusses rumors that Presidents Harry S Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson considered nominating him to the U.S. Supreme Court. His work with the Truman administration gave Cooper some difficulty in dealing with the Republican party during his 1952 senatorial campaign. According to Cooper, partisan politics were always an issue for him despite his independence from party affiliation when making decisions and voting on issues. He discusses Senator John F. Kennedy's position on the Tidelands Oil bill in 1953, the Republicans attempt to block the appointment of Charles Bohlen as ambassador to Russia in the same year, and the 1953-1954 Congressional debate on the Bricker Amendment.

Date: April 27, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 54 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses political events and issues during the early 1950's, including Senator Joseph P. McCarthy. Senator Cooper states that in 1954, John Foster Dulles's "massive retaliation" policy initiated a change from containment to more aggressive anti-communist measures. In that year hydrogen bomb tests were conducted. Cooper believes that the mood of the country would have viewed negotiation with communists as appeasement at that time. He discusses his views on the Tennessee Valley Authority, his relationship with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and his 1954 senatorial campaign.

Date: April 28, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 40 pages

Mrs. Cooper recounts her early relationship with John Sherman Cooper, their marriage, and life in India during her husband's ambassadorship. She believes that her husband was a successful ambassador because of his ability to understand and relate to people. Mrs. Cooper, a California native, found it easy to fit into Kentucky society because she was not identified with any particular region of the state. She discusses her husband's relationships with Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, various other Senators, and his ambassadorship to East Germany.

Date: June 7, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 45 pages

In this interview John Sherman Cooper discusses his relationship with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, disagreements over Tennessee Valley Authority programs, and his 1955 appointment as ambassador to India. An extensive commentary on the foreign relations of the time follows, particularly with regard to India, Pakistan, Britain, and also Portugal and Goa. He remembers the international excitement caused by the visits of Bulganin and Krushchev to India and Nehru's reaction. During his ambassadorship to India, Cooper was also the U.S. ambassador to Nepal. He describes the area of Nepal, Tibet, and India and comments on events of that time.

Date: June 8, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 45 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 54 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper describes his 1956 senatorial campaign against Kentucky Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby. His opponents made his divorce from his first wife a campaign issue. He always made attempts to appeal to organized labor during campaigns. The interview concludes with the mentioning of various Tennessee Valley Authority projects.

Date: June 10, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interview: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 51 pages

Senator Case remembers having no doubt about John Sherman Cooper's abilities as ambassador to India, and that there was no trouble in confirming him to this position by the Senate despite his lack of diplomatic experience in 1955. Case compares Cooper to Senator Thruston B. Morton, claiming that despite their differences the two seemed to work well together in the Senate. Case explains that Cooper was always a strong supporter of civil rights legislation in the Senate, but that he was not an extremist or demagogue on any issue. Although Cooper voted on issues which would seem to have been against the will of the majority of Kentuckians, still people were convinced that he was the best candidate to protect their interests and, therefore, he remained popular. Case states that one of Cooper's faults was punctuality in making decisions and arriving at appointments. After the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, Senator Cooper got on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Beginning in 1967 he took a leading role in the Senate in urging an end to the Vietnam War.

Date: June 9, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 44 pages

Senator Symington discusses his impressions of John Sherman Cooper, President Harry S Truman, Vice President Alben W. Barkley, and others. According to Symington, Cooper rather enjoyed campaigning. Senator Symington states that the only disagreement he had with Cooper in the Senate was over the appointment of Julius Holmes as ambassador to Iran. Symington also discusses partisan politics. Symington claims that he and Cooper were conservative on financial issues but liberal when it came to people.

Date: June 20, 1980 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 55 mins. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses his close relationship with John F. Kennedy. They worked together in the Senate on the Labor Committee and on foreign aid policies. After President Kennedy's assassination, Cooper was asked to be on the Warren Commission by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Cooper still stands by the findings of the commission, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the sole assassin and that there was no conspiracy. Cooper explains his reservations and regrets regarding the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. On the Foreign Relations Committee, Cooper remembers talking to many scientists about developing an anti-ballistic missile system. He, along with President Richard M. Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, finally determined that the system would not work. Senator Cooper concludes the interview by explaining his position on civil rights.

Date: August 12, 1980 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 10 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 69 pages

Janensch states that first impressions of John Sherman Cooper are often misleading, as he seems not to have his thoughts together. Upon reflection though, Janensch was very impressed by his style. Senator Cooper is characterized as an independent voter, especially on issues like foreign policy and civil rights. Senator Cooper consistently voted for Kentucky's interests on tobacco and agriculture in general. Janensch discusses his perceptions of Cooper's staff members, specifically Bill Miller and Bailey Guard. He compares him to Senators George Aiken and Thruston B. Morton. Janensch also discusses partisan politics, campaigning, and Cooper's relationship with John F. Kennedy.

Date: September 11, 1979 Location: Danville, Kentucky Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 66 pages

Swain discusses Cooper's family background. From his first term in the Senate and ever since, Swain states that Cooper had established an image of absolute integrity. He characterizes Cooper's style developing during his early campaigns, and relates several stories, either told by or about Cooper. Swain has worked on several Republican campaigns, including Cooper's, and recounts some experiences.

Date: September 24, 1980 Location: Somerset, Kentucky Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 82 pages

Joplin remembers his father working on John Sherman Cooper's campaign for circuit judge while the candidate was serving in the Army during World War Two. As County Judge of Pulaski County during the Great Depression, Cooper was very generous with people in need. Although he was not a great speaker, Joplin claims that Cooper was so well respected in the Senate that they all listened intently whenever he spoke. He discusses Cooper's senatorial campaigns of 1948, 1952 and 1954.

Date: January 26, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 35 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 28 pages

Senator Curtis had served in the U.S. House of Representatives until he was elected to the Senate in 1954. He recounts experiences from this time wherein he got to know Senator Cooper. He believes that Cooper worked for N.A.T.O. in the 1950's. Curtis compares and contrasts Cooper and Senator Thruston B. Morton. He also compares himself to Cooper, mainly regarding domestic issues. Curtis mentions their views on civil rights, the Warren Commission, and anti-ballistic missiles. He was always impressed by Senator Cooper's rather judicial and fair-minded approach to politics.

Date: January 27, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 54 pages

Sinclair was a journalist for the Louisville Times. Although Senator Cooper did not have a press aide, Sinclair claims that his office staff was always very accommodating and that reporters had easy access to the Senator. Sinclair criticizes Senator Cooper for his retaining exemptions for small coal mines from federal safety regulations. Cooper did much to abate Sinclair's cynicism and several examples are given. Sinclair discusses Cooper's abilities as a campaigner, his integrity, and tobacco as being a difficult issue for Kentucky and the country.

Date: January 27, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 25 mins. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 15 pages

Senator Scott remembers Senator Cooper being defeated by Everett Dirksen for the position of Senate Minority Leader. He believes Cooper would have done well in that position. He recalls Cooper as a leader in the Senate regarding opposition to the Vietnam War because his views were widely reported and well respected among other senators. Scott also mentions Cooper's positions on foreign aid and compliments his integrity and incorruptibility.

Date: January 28, 1981 Location: Great Falls, Virginia Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 2 hrs 10 mins Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 90 pages

Holliday discusses his family's long association with the Coopers. His father and John Sherman Cooper's father worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Kentucky for a time. Holliday remembers Cooper's bid for election as governor of Kentucky against King Swope in 1939, and also mentions reasons for Cooper losing his 1948 senatorial campaign. In 1954, Holliday worked in Cooper's office and he also worked on later campaigns. He discusses Senator Cooper's relationship with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Alben W. Barkley, Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler, and Senator Thruston B. Morton. He discusses the effects of campaign contributions and media coverage on elections.

Date: January 28, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 25 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 21 pages

First meeting in the Senate in November, 1958, Senators Randolph and Cooper have been long-time friends and also had a productive working relationship in politics. They served together while in the Senate on the Committee on Public Works. The Senators campaigned for reelection to the Senate in 1960. Randolph remembers Cooper's work cosponsoring the Depressed Areas Bill, which was vetoed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and signed by President John F. Kennedy. Senator Randolph also mentions Cooper's work on several Appalachian development programs and his opposition to anti-ballistic missiles and the Vietnam War.

Date: January 29, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 25 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 87 pages

Moore discusses Kentucky political campaign strategies. Cooper's experiences with managing his deceased father's estate and as a Great Depression era judge influenced his political views. Moore remembers the vitality of Coopers' early campaign speeches in 1946 and 1948. At that time, Cooper was an early champion of civil rights in Kentucky. Moore discusses his personal relationship with Senator and Mrs. Lorraine Cooper. Moore states that John F. Kennedy took advice from Cooper during the 1960 presidential campaign. Moore compares Cooper and Senator Thruston B. Morton and comments on the popularity of Cooper in Kentucky.

Date: February 20, 1981 Location: Naples, Florida Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 60 pages

Humphrey discusses Senator Cooper's loyalty to the people of Somerset. He read all mail from there and usually responded to it personally. Humphrey recalls some memories of travelling through Kentucky on the 1960 campaign, and discusses the financial burdens of running for office. She discusses general office procedure, how Cooper worked with his staff, and how the staff dealt with the press.

Date: February 19, 1981 Location: Pompano Beach, Florida Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 56 pages

Midthun recalls her initial impressions of John Sherman Cooper when she first worked as his secretary in the United Nations. Cooper requested Midthun personally from the State Department. She discusses various experiences working for Cooper while he was ambassador to India. She compliments various staff members with whom she served in Cooper's Senate office and remembers taking dictation for various speeches. She states that he worked very hard writing them.

Date: February 17, 1981 Location: Orlando, Florida Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 30 pages

McEwan describes working for the European Civil Affairs Division during World War Two. Their task was to reestablish government in liberated cities. He always had a favorable impression of John Sherman Cooper, believing him to be very conscientious. McEwan recounts some other stories about his war experiences.

Date: May 16, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 66 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses the politics of civil rights up to the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in1954. He believed President Dwight D. Eisenhower to have been in agreement with the ruling. He believed the 1957 Civil Rights Commission to have been an advance but admits that it had been watered down. Cooper discusses civil rights proposals and legislation in the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He believed that Kennedy would have made proposals that would have been stronger on civil rights if he had not been assassinated.

Date: May 16, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 25 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 85 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses disagreements and cooperation between President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson mainly on various foreign policy issues. He also discusses domestic issues involving various people such as Cooper's Administrative Assistant Lee C. White, Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler, Senator Thruston B. Morton and Vice President Alben W. Barkley. Cooper recalls Senate debates over Tennessee Valley Authority and Rural Electrification Administration legislation. He also remembers the various issues surrounding the admittance of Hawaii and Alaska as states. Also mentioned are Kentucky related issues such as Appalachian development, the Depressed Areas Bill and the Mine Safety Bill.

Date: May 18, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 25 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 47 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses events from the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, including the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Celebration, funding for the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Railroad Retirement Act and the Social Security Act. He also reflects on the1960 presidential election. Returning to the Senate after his ambassadorship to India, Cooper became a member of the Agriculture Committee. He believed that he could accomplish more for Kentucky by being on this committee than the Labor Committee. He remembers when Gary Powers, the pilot of a U.S. U-2 spy plane, was shot down over Soviet air space.

Date: May 19, 1981 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 31 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper recalls the anti-Catholic movement during the 1960 elections. Tobacco was one of the main issues in his senatorial campaign against former Kentucky Governor Keene Johnson. He discusses his personal and political relationship with the Kennedy family. Cooper also comments on his memories of foreign affairs episodes.

Date: May 13, 1981 Location: New York City, New York Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 15 mins. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 22 pages

Onassis comments that her first impression of "Judge" Cooper was that he was a very fine man. She and Cooper's future wife, Lorraine, were friends. Onassis remembers various social engagements the Kennedys and the Coopers had together. The Kennedy's first dinner party after John F. Kennedy was elected president was with the Coopers. The Coopers also came to dinner when Life magazine did a feature on the First Family. Onassis describes Senator Cooper as a very wise man.

Date: May 15, 1982 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 83 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper recalls the details of Richard M. Nixon's choices for a running mate in the1960 presidential campaign. He recalls that the Depressed Areas Bill had lacked presidential support and was vetoed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1961, the bill was back under consideration, this time with the support of President John F. Kennedy. Cooper discusses his unique relationship with President Kennedy. Cooper was always active on education and civil rights issues. He briefly characterizes some foreign policy issues of the Eisenhower and Kennedy presidential administrations.

Date: May 16, 1982 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 45 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 58 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses the press, politics and his popularity throughout his career. He mentions specific events to demonstrate his devotion to labor and agricultural issues, especially coal mining and tobacco. He recalls when President Dwight D. Eisenhower came to Kentucky to endorse him in his senatorial campaign. The interview ends with mentions of Cooper's impressions of various political campaigns and his relations with the media.

Date: June 19, 1982 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 52 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses foreign policy and foreign aid from 1959 to 1961. He worked with various coalitions of senators and administration members including President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. He recalls Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign. In his opinion, the leadership in the Soviet Union saw no difference between Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon as prospective presidents. He also comments on various domestic issues of the early 1960s.

Date: August 20, 1982 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 2 hrs. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 60 pages

Milby, active in Republican Party political campaigns in Kentucky on the precinct level, remembers Senator Cooper as an excellent campaigner. He was with Cooper through all of his political campaigns. Milby recounts good and bad times on the campaign trail. He recalls that both President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard M. Nixon came to Kentucky to endorse Cooper. Thruston B. Morton's campaigning style is compared to that of Cooper.

Date: October 12, 1982 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 76 pages

Bartlett, a correspondent for The Chattanooga Times, discusses John Sherman Cooper's career and personality. He recalls their common interest in the Tennessee Valley Authority and Cooper's senatorial campaigns in 1952, 1954, and 1956. Cooper's appointment as ambassador to India and his ability to establish a relationship with Prime Minister Nehru is mentioned. Cooper's relationship with Senator Thruston B. Morton is described. Cooper's appointment to the Warren Commission and the role of his wife, Lorraine, in his career is also discussed.

Date: October 26, 1982 Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky Interviewer: Terry L. Birdwhistell P.T.: 1 hr. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 65 pages

Congressman Siler, a Republican from Kentucky, discusses John Sherman Cooper's characteristics as a politician and evaluates Cooper's career. He remembers meeting John Sherman Cooper for the first time when Cooper was a student at Centre College, and he recalls that their fathers were friends. The following campaigns of John Sherman Cooper are discussed: his 1939 gubernatorial campaign and why he lost, his 1946 senatorial campaign against John Y. Brown, Sr., his 1948 senatorial campaign against Virgil Chapman, and his 1954 senatorial campaign. Siler remembers making a joint campaign appearance with Cooper in 1954. John Sherman Cooper's support of the Depressed Areas Bill, and Cooper and Siler's visit to Harlan are mentioned. The 1964 Republican National Convention is also mentioned.

Date: May 28, 1983 Location: New Haven, Connecticut Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 27 pages

George Campbell Becket and Elise Becket give their impressions of John Sherman Cooper. George Becket, a 1923 graduate of Yale University, remembers John Sherman Cooper as captain of the basketball team. He mentions Cooper's popularity and his leadership qualities.

As a lobbyist in Washington from 1967 to 1974, Elise Becket stayed with the Coopers sometimes. She recalls on one occasion, when she and her daughter-in-law were staying with Cooper, he got blankets for them and put them on the beds himself even though the household help could have done it.

Date: May 28, 1983 Location: New Haven, Connecticut Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 25 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 14 pages

H. Templeton Brown, a 1923 graduate of Yale University, knew John Sherman Cooper at Yale and at Harvard Law School. Brown mentions Cooper's friendliness and his universal popularity. He remembers Cooper as an average student and an excellent athlete. Brown says that Cooper was chosen as basketball captain because of his ability and because people liked and respected him.

Date: May 28, 1983 Location: New Haven, Connecticut Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 13 pages

Clifton Weidlich, a 1923 graduate of Yale University, met John Sherman Cooper at freshman basketball tryouts, and lived across the hall from Cooper when he was a senior. Weidlich says that Cooper was one of the two or three most popular men in the class. Tap Day for the senior societies, and Cooper's involvement in the Skull and Bones senior society are discussed.

Date: May 28, 1983 Location: New Haven, Connecticut Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 15 pages

Watson W. Wise, a 1923 graduate of Yale University and John Sherman Cooper's roommate, discusses Cooper's personality. He mentions freshman football tryouts when Cooper wore his Centre College uniform, and he discusses the circumstances relating to Cooper's leaving law school.

Wise also discusses NATO's (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) involvement in the rehabilitation of western Europe after the war, and the tour he and Cooper made of western Europe. Their visit with Yugoslavian President Marshal Tito, and their visit to Rome to meet Premier Degasbury and his assistant Count Corlesfortse are mentioned.

Date: May 29, 1983 Location: New Haven, Connecticut Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 30 min. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 12 pages

James P. Hendrick, a 1923 graduate of Yale University, mentions John Sherman Cooper's membership in the University Club during their sophomore year, and Cooper's membership in Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He discusses the following three roommates of Cooper: Harry Kimberly, Waston Wise, and Hank Harris. Hendrick contrasts Cooper to Stuart Symington, another 1923 graduate of Yale, who also became a U.S. Senator. The advantage of Yale classes and the advantage of Cooper's membership in the Skull and Bones society are mentioned.

Date: June 4, 1983 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 93 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses his work during the 1960s, and he briefly mentions the early 1970s. He discusses his relationships with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, Governor Bert T. Combs, and Congressman Carl Perkins. He also discusses his campaigns with Senator Thruston B. Morton and his disapproval of Governor Louie Nunn's campaign tactics.

Other topics discussed include President John F. Kennedy's support of the space program and Cooper's view that Kennedy needed to provide more complete technical information. Cooper discusses his 1962 criticism of Senator Barry Goldwater's ultra-conservative wing of the Republican party, which he says grew out of the civil rights battle. He also talks about his involvement with the Senate Ethics Committee; his support of the overhaul of legislative rules and procedures; and his proposal to change speaking procedures in the Senate. His role in getting dams built, the Red River Gorge preservation controversy, the financing of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), his refusal to serve on the Appropriations Committee in 1962, his work on the tobacco program, and his work on the Agricultural Committee are also touched upon.

The following acts or bills are mentioned: the Economic Recovery Act of 1962; the Park Bill introduced in 1972 by Cooper and Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee; the Kennedy bill of 1962 concerning literacy tests for voting, and the reasons Cooper opposed it; the Aid to India Bill of 1962, and why aid to India was unpopular in the Senate; and the series of bills on Medicare from the 1960s, of which Cooper says, "next to civil rights, I got more letters against it from doctors than I got from any other bill I ever had up there."

Date: June 5, 1983 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 72 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses the following events from the early 1960s: the Cuban Missile Crisis and his statement that the United States should renew its blockade of Cuba, his civil rights activities, President John F. Kennedy's assassination, and his appointment to the Warren Commission by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Cooper provides a general assessment of Kennedy's presidency and he describes his recollections of Lyndon Johnson.

Cooper also discusses the ratification of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty by the Senate, his opposition to the Water Pollution Act of 1963, the appointment of postmasters, and his criticism of a 1963 education bill, which would provide federal aid to church-sponsored institutions. Cooper's reasons for not wanting to be a presidential candidate, and his attendance at Interparliamentary Conferences in Denmark and in Paris are mentioned.

Date: March 20, 1984 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 43 pages

Lawrence Forgy's father had been a close friend of John Sherman Cooper. Forgy became acquainted with Cooper in the following ways: by working as a Capitol policeman in 1960, by helping with Cooper's 1960 senatorial campaign, by working as an aide in the Senate, and by being Cooper's chauffeur from 1962 to 1967. When Forgy became Governor Louie B. Nunn's budget director in 1967, he says that he became Cooper's "eyes and ears down here, as a political matter."

Forgy discusses various programs and issues that Cooper supported and opposed, the political strengths of Cooper in Louisville and in the Fifth Congressional District, and the Republican party in general. The Cooper-Church resolution is mentioned. Forgy also discusses Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler's role in the 1956 Senatorial campaign, Cooper's relationship with Senator Thruston B. Morton, and Cooper's role in Louie Nunn's gubernatorial campaigns in 1963 and in 1967.

Cooper's relationships with several people are mentioned. Some of these people include: Ralph Holman, Dewey Daniel, Henry Hepburn, Ivan "Red" Swift, Bailey Guard, Bill Miller, and Tim Lee Carter. Forgy concludes the interview with some anecdotes about Cooper.

Date: May 26, 1984 Location: Cave City, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Fair Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 29 pages

Lee R. Nunn discusses John Sherman Cooper's popularity and his personality. He briefly compares Cooper's personality with that of Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby. Nunn also discusses the Republican party in general.

Nunn mentions his role in Cooper's 1956 senatorial campaign and why he became an administrative assistant to Senator Thruston B. Morton in 1956 and not to Cooper. Cooper's relationship with Morton, his opposition to Senator Barry Goldwater at the 1964 Republican National Convention, and his support of Senator Marlow Cooke in the 1967 gubernatorial campaign are also mentioned.

Date: June 20, 1984 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. 40 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 54 pages

John Kerr, who was active in the Republican party in Kentucky at the county, district, and state levels, discusses his work for John Sherman Cooper and characteristics of Cooper's personality. He discusses Cooper's political and campaign styles, and he provides a few anecdotes about Cooper.

As Fayette County campaign chairman, Kerr worked on Cooper's senatorial campaigns in 1954, 1956, and 1960. In his discussion of these campaigns, Kerr mentions Cooper's strong following in Fayette County and the preparations for President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit to Lexington in 1956. The Republican party in Kentucky and Kerr's various roles in the party are also discussed.

Date: June 25, 1984 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 10 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 8 pages

Senator Thurmond from South Carolina gives his impressions of John Sherman Cooper. He says that Cooper is "a very honest man, a man of character and integrity." On various issues in the Senate, Thurmond says that "even when I was a Democrat, [Cooper] was more liberal than I."

Date: June 25, 1984 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 15 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 10 pages

Senator Baker from Tennessee and Senate Minority Leader, discusses the influence that John Sherman Cooper had on him. He calls Cooper "the father of the modern broad-based, national Republican party in the South," and he says that Cooper was "a major example for me in seeking election to the Senate." The Cooper-Church Amendment and Cooper's role in the Senate debate over deployment of the Anti-Ballistic Missile system are also discussed.

Date: June 27, 1984 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 10 min. Audio Conditions: Poor Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 7 pages

Senator Pell from Rhode Island gives his impressions of John Sherman Cooper. He calls him "a remarkably fair man . . . a man of very high character. A man whom everybody respected." The Bobby Baker investigation and the Cooper-Church Amendment are mentioned.

Date: June 28, 1984 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 20 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 12 pages

Senator Mark O. Hatfield from Oregon discusses John Sherman Cooper's characteristics. He says that one of Cooper's foremost characteristics was "his independence of thinking, his independence of action."

Cooper's anti-Goldwater position at the 1964 Republican National Convention is mentioned. As the keynote speaker at that convention, Hatfield remembers that Cooper stood on a chair and waved his handkerchief in support of Hatfield's statements. The Anti-Ballistic Missile debate of 1969 and the policies in Vietnam are also mentioned.

Date: July 16, 1984 Location: Versailles, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. 10 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 53 pages

"Happy" Chandler discusses John Sherman Cooper's characteristics and his political career. He calls Cooper personable, knowledgeable, decent, respectable, and "a fine United States Senator."

He discusses his support of Cooper in his senatorial campaigns, and his working relationship with Cooper. Cooper's position as ambassador to India, his relationship with the tobacco industry and the Democratic and Republican parties in Kentucky are also discussed.

Chandler provides an anecdote about Cooper being in the Army, and he remembers when Cooper came out for the freshman football team at Centre College.

Date: July 26, 1984 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. 5 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 47 pages

Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby calls John Sherman Cooper "the most overrated politician that we've had during my lifetime." Wetherby discusses the senatorial races of 1954, 1956, and 1966. In the 1954 race, Wetherby raised money for Vice President Alben W. Barkley, Cooper's opponent. In the 1956 race when Wetherby ran against Cooper, Wetherby discusses Cooper's support from Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler and from the tobacco industry. In the 1966 race, Wetherby ran John Y. Brown, Sr.'s campaign against Cooper.

Wetherby discusses Cooper's characteristics, and his campaign style of talking to people individually rather than debating. He does not think that Cooper was an effective campaigner. The Democratic and Republican parties in Kentucky, and Cooper's friendship with President John F. Kennedy are also discussed.

Date: August 8, 1984 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 2 hrs. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 63 pages

Prichard discusses John Sherman Cooper's senatorial races, his image and reputation which made him unbeatable, his personality, and his campaign style. He calls Cooper a "very, very good personal campaigner," and he mentions that Cooper had "a wonderful way of getting Democratic votes, because Democrats thought he was sort of a half Democrat, even though he really wasn't."

Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler's support of Cooper in the 1946 senatorial campaign and Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby's weakness as a candidate in the 1956 race are mentioned. Prichard compares Cooper with Senator Thruston B. Morton, and he discusses Cooper's relationships with various interest groups. These interests groups include those relating to tobacco, coal, horses, labor, and alcohol.

Prichard also discusses Cooper's contributions to Kentucky and his influence in the U.S. Senate. The Cooper-Church Amendment, education legislation, and civil rights are mentioned. The Republican and Democratic parties in Kentucky are also discussed.

Date: August 14, 1984 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 1 hr. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 35 pages

Governor Combs discusses John Sherman Cooper's Senatorial races and evaluates Cooper as a campaigner and as a speaker. He says that "as you learned to know John Cooper better you came to appreciate his qualities."

The 1952 senatorial race and Senator Thomas Underwood's characteristics are discussed. Vice President Alben W. Barkley's decision to run for the Senate in 1954 and the factors of the Republican victory in 1956 are also discussed. Combs compares Senator Thruston B. Morton and Cooper as Republican candidates in Kentucky, and he mentions Cooper's help with the Appalachian Regional Commission. Combs' gubernatorial races and Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler's characteristics are also discussed.

Date: December 8, 1984 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 30 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 95 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses events and legislation from 1963 to 1965 including the Medicare Bill of 1964, tobacco price supports; the revision of the Constitution and the Bricker Amendment; and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cooper provides insights to his thoughts on civil rights in general. He mentions Senator Richard B. Russell of Georgia and a bill on voting rights. Cooper also mentions the Warren Commission's investigation of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Other events and legislation discussed include the following: the 1964 Republican National Convention, where Cooper did not support Senator Barry Goldwater; the Bobby Baker investigation; the Senate bill of 1964 which expanded the food stamp program; and the Gulf of Tonkin incident. In the Baker investigation, Cooper mentions the role of Senator John Williams of Delaware, Cooper's proposal for the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct, and the difficulty of getting witnesses.

Cooper also provides anecdotes about President Lyndon B. Johnson, and he compares Johnson as a senator and as a president. Senator Thruston B. Morton, the Republican party in the South, and Cooper's role in the Republican party are mentioned.

Date: March 18, 1985 Location: Somerset, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 3 hrs. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 79 pages

Donald Cooper, John Sherman Cooper's brother, discusses their family and provides his earliest recollections of his brother. He discusses the backgrounds of their parents, their father's political and business activities, and discipline in the family. He mentions Cooper's early jobs and his interest in athletics. Roscoe Conklin Tartar, their mother's brother, is also mentioned.

Donald Cooper also discusses his brother's political career. He discusses Cooper's campaign for County Judge of Pulaski County, his campaign for governor, and his 1948, 1954, and 1956 senatorial campaigns. He says that "I was never officially installed in any campaign as the campaign manager. I was more there to see that something didn't happen at a time you wouldn't want it to happen." Campaign fundraising, Senator Thruston B. Morton's shy personality, and Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler's support of his brother are discussed. Factionalism within the Republican party and civil rights are also mentioned.

Date: March 18, 1985 Location: Somerset, Kentucky Interviewer: Richard C. Smoot P.T.: 30 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: Yes Transcript: Yes, 86 pages

Richard Cooper, John Sherman Cooper's other brother, discusses their relationship and provides anecdotes about him. He says, "I sort of idolized [John], I guess, as a little boy." He discusses his father's death, and he says that his mother "turned over the discipline of me to John."

Cooper's campaign for County Judge of Pulaski County and the influence of the Great Depression on him during his service in that position are discussed. Senator Cooper's serving during World War Two and his first marriage are mentioned. Richard Cooper also mentions Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler, John Y. Brown, Sr., his brother's relationship with Prime Minister Nehru of India, and various groups who supported him politically, such as the Rural Electrification Administration.

Date: June 12, 1985 Location: New York City, New York Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 47 pages

William B. Macomber, Cooper's administrative assistant in 1954, discusses Cooper's characteristics and his management style. He provides anecdotes about Cooper, and he says that "it was wonderful to be around him and see somebody that was really a marvelous politician and a man of complete integrity."

Macomber discusses the other staff members and Cooper's concerns relating to Senator Joseph P. McCarthy, constitutional problems, and education. Cooper's 1954 election loss to Vice President Alben W. Barkley, his ambassadorship to India, and his relationships with President John F. Kennedy and Senator Thruston B. Morton are also discussed.

Date: June 13, 1985 Location: New York City, New York Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 40 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 22 pages

C. Douglas Dillon, Secretary of Treasury from 1961 to 1965, provides his first impressions of John Sherman Cooper. He discusses Cooper's ambassadorship to India and his friendship with President John F. Kennedy. Cooper's relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson and his appointment to the Warren Commission are mentioned.

Date: June 26, 1985 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper. Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. 15 min. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 88 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses events and legislation from 1965. He discusses the history of the Appalachian Regional Development Act, flood control projects, and his committee assignments. His support for tobacco is mentioned, and the Republican Policy Committee is discussed.

Other events and legislation discussed include the Bobby Baker investigation, the Vietnam War, the Cooper-Church Amendment, the consideration by the Rules Committee to change a filibuster rule, and the bill Cooper introduced that related to job training centers and parolees.

Cooper mentions Senator J. Strom Thurmond's switch to the Republican party and his observation of the Manila Conference. The Highway Beautification Act, a water quality act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Voting Rights Bill, and the Taft-Hartley Act are mentioned. Cooper discusses his support of aid to education.

Date: June 27, 1985 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 45 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 73 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper focuses on events from 1966. He discusses the following topics: the Vietnam War, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, his support of the Rural Electric Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority (T.V.A.), and his criticism of T.V.A.'s practice of buying strip mined coal.

Other topics discussed include his opposition of mandatory federal safety regulations for coal mines employing less than fourteen people, his view of civil rights and open housing, and his support of a 1966 amendment to permit voluntary prayer in the public schools. Cooper also discusses his 1966 senatorial campaign. He says, "To tell you the truth, I don't think I got very worried about that campaign." He mentions his support from labor, his relationship with his opponent, John Y. Brown, Sr., and the tobacco issue.

Date: June 28, 1985 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. 30 mins Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 64 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses his activities in 1967. In relation to the Foreign Relations Committee, he discusses his appointment to the committee, his employment of William Miller, who was a foreign affairs expert, and the handling of the committee by the chairman, Senator J. William Fulbright from Arkansas.

Cooper discusses the race riots in the summer of 1967, civil rights, and his amendments to a 1967 anti-poverty bill. The amendments related to the Appalachian Volunteer Program. Cooper also gives his recollections of the investigation of Senator Thomas J. Dodd by the Ethics Committee, and he mentions the Truth in Lending Bill. The Vietnam War, Cooper's relationship with Senator Thruston B. Morton, and Morton's views of the Vietnam War are discussed.

Cooper also discusses the 1967 governor's race in Kentucky and why he supported Marlow Cook. He says that someone threatened to expose him if he supported Cook. Although the threat indicated that Cooper had done something wrong, Cooper did not know what that was. Cooper says, "So I just came out for him just to say, 'Go ahead and expose me.'" Cooper also says, "I don't want to be threatened."

Date: May 30, 1986 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 81 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses the Pueblo spy ship incident that occurred off the coast of North Korea in 1968. Also discussed are the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, and the U.S. ships that were involved, Turner Joy and Maddox, draft dodging, negotiating with the North Vietnamese, and France's occupation of Vietnam and the battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Cooper also recounts the presidential campaign of 1968. He mentions President Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy, and Clark Clifford. Cooper talks about a trip Robert Kennedy made to Lexington, Kentucky as part of his work on war on poverty legislation. Cooper mentions the Senate elections of 1956 and 1962. Cooper discusses the1964 presidential election and Senator Barry Goldwater. Cooper supported William Scranton at the Republican National Convention.

Some of the other topics that Senator Cooper discusses in this interview include the Red River Gorge Issue, the Public Disclosure Law of 1968 and the Ethics Committee, the Omnibus Crime Bill and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. The interview concludes with a discussion of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon.

Date: May 31, 1986 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr Audio Conditions: Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 39 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses the anti-ballistic missile system or ABM, and the multiple individual re-entry vehicle or MIRV missile system. The subjects of arms meetings between the Soviet Union and the United States, including the Space Defense (Strategic) Initiative and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, are also discussed. Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson's support of a bill that was in favor of ABM is also discussed. Senator Cooper discusses President Richard M. Nixon's views on national security. Senator Cooper also talks about when Nixon came to the Kentucky Derby in 1969.

Date: June 1, 1986 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr 30 mins Audio Conditions: Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 55 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper discusses the Appalachian Regional Development Bill of 1969, a bill that worked to improve the infrastructure of the Appalachian region. He supported the bill. He also talks about the Coal Mine Health and Safety Bill of 1969. He wrote an amendment to that bill that dealt with an exemption that would apply to protecting the interests of small mines.

Cooper also describes the War Powers Act, which he wrote. The War Powers Act was a response to the War Powers Resolution that Cooper believed had not properly stated the facts about the Vietnam War. A discussion of a president's constitutional war powers ensues. Cooper also discussed the Cooper-Church Amendment.

Cooper talks about the confirmation hearings of G. Harrold Carswell and Clement Haynesworth to the U.S. Supreme Court. During the interview Cooper also discussed the Stennis Amendment of 1970, which moved to get the North desegregated as quickly as the South. Other topics include the Burley Growers Co-Op, the tobacco surplus, his decision not to run for the Senate, his relationship with the United Mine Workers, his views on the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and his service on the Public Works Committee, which became the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Date: June 21, 1986 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr 15 mins Audio Conditions: Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 46 pages

In this interview, Senator Cooper mainly discusses events and legislation surrounding the Vietnam War. Cooper talks about the suspicions the Foreign Relations Committee had about troops being sent to areas other than Vietnam. Other topics mentioned include the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and its repeal, the Cooper-Church Amendments, negotiations with the North Vietnamese, issues surrounding the release of U.S. POW's, his trips to Vietnam, and his views about draft dodgers and their amnesty.

Date: June 22, 1986 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. PT: 1 hr 30 mins Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 51 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper talks about the awards he has received during his lifetime. He has received the Bellarmine Medal from Bellarmine College, the only native Kentuckian to receive the award, awards from Centre College, Yale, the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, Pikeville College, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Pittsburgh. He also was given the honor of giving the commencement speech at Howard University.

Other topics include a Congressional proposal, in 1971, to reduce NATO troops in Europe, Anti-Ballistic Missile sites and the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (S.A.L.T.) negotiations. Cooper also mentioned the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, and how the executive branch should keep the committees informed during wartime.

Cooper discussed his trip, in November 1971, to the Middle East. While Cooper was there, he met with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. In the discussion of the Middle East trip Cooper talked about the hostilities between Israel and Egypt and other Arab countries, and his views on the tensions there. Senator Jacob Javits, a supporter of Israel's independence, accompanied Cooper on the trip.

Cooper ends the interview by explaining his choice not to run for reelection in 1972, the War Powers Act of 1972, his views on Senator George McGovern and the 1972 presidential election, and a bill that proposed taking funds from the Highway Trust Fund and giving them to the mass transit system.

Date: May 26, 1987 Location: Washington D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 2 hrs. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 57 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper discusses his feelings about leaving the Senate. He talked about some of the events that took place before he served. He mentioned the work he did as a county judge during the Great Depression, including aiding the Works Progress Administration. He also recounts his enlistment in the Army during World War Two. While in the Army he saw displaced person camps. As a result of his experiences, when he became Senator he worked to get a bill passed that allowed two thousand displaced persons to come to the U.S. He also proposed a bill for compensating the Japanese-Americans interned in camps. Another bill Cooper proposed involved paying soldiers who survived the Bataan Death March for their suffering.

Cooper also discusses his service as the first U.S. Ambassador to East Germany. In this discussion, he mentioned relations with East German President Erich Honecker and the East German government, the East German healthcare system, and relations with the Russian and Chinese ambassadors to East Germany. Cooper described the organization of the U.S. embassy in East Germany. Cooper also discussed his trips to Dresden and Wittenberg while serving as the ambassador.

Date: May 27, 1987 Location: Washington, D.C. Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 1 hr. Audio Conditions: Good Restricted: No Transcript: Yes, 32 pages

In this interview Senator Cooper offers his evaluations of each of the presidents he served under including Harry S Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. One of Eisenhower's actions that struck Cooper the most was Eisenhower's hands off policy during the Suez Canal controversy. He mentions traveling to Moscow for President John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson's administration, the Warren Commission, his interview with Mrs. Lee Harvey Oswald, the Vietnam War and France's involvement in Vietnam, the Great Society, and Lady Bird Johnson's beautification of Washington D.C. President Nixon's administration is discussed as is the Cooper-Church Amendment, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, President Gerald R. Ford's administration and the the Nixon pardon, his ambassadorship to East Germany, and Ford's reelection campaign. The administration of President James E. Carter's, the Panama Canal controversy, Billy Carter, and President Ronald Reagan are mentioned. Cooper praised Reagan for bombing Libya, and mentioned that he had written an article for the Washington Post about the bombing.

Date: June 9, 1987 Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts Interviewer: William Cooper, Jr. P.T.: 35 min. Audio Conditions: Excellent Restricted: No Transcript: No

Galbraith served as ambassador to India. He discusses seeing John Sherman Cooper when Cooper served as an ambassador to India. While in India, the men talked about U.S.-Indian relations and the situation in India. Galbraith talks about the relationship Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy had with India, and he mentions the relationship Secretary of State John Foster Dulles had with India as well. He discusses the relationship between President Kennedy and Cooper, and quoted Kennedy as saying that Cooper was one of the ". . . Interesting, civilized, and loveable men in the Senate." He also comments on what he believes are the qualities an ambassador should possess.