Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2527

Exchange between Heath, February 25, 1957, and Hugh P. King, Economic Research Department, Chamber of Commerce of the United States, 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., responding February 26, 1957

 

Dear Mr. King:               February 25, 1957

 

I have been much interested in hearing about some of your experiences in the academic world. This makes me wonder if you happen to be acquainted with Murray Rothbard, who I believe has surmounted some very considerable obstacles to the attainment of his Doctor’s degree in economics.

 At a Conference on “Work in Today’s World” in Chicago last November, I met Dr. Josef Solterer, Chairman of the Department of Economics at Georgetown University. I was very much impressed by his point of view with respect to government and economic free­dom, and have since been in communication with him. If you are not acquainted with Dr. Solterer, I should like very much to be of assistance in your becoming so. He is among the very forward-looking ones in the economic field, particularly with reference to recognition of the great principle of proprietary administra­tion as against the political administration under which our public and general interests so grievously suffer.

 The Science of Society Foundation, with which I am connected, is engaged in the advancement of liber­tarian principles, as indicated in the enclosed copy of its Purposes, and in making contact with persons of similar interests and point of view.

Sincerely,

 

SH/m

Encls: Purposes           

  Solution for Suez – with extracts

_________________________­­_______________

 

 

Dear Mr. Heath:                   February 26, 1957

Many thanks for your letter of the 25th. Your proposal for solution of the Suez affair was most interesting. I’m sure that if the Egyptian government were to base its actions upon reason rather than upon emotion, the proposal might even be implemented. Perhaps it is too much to expect reason from politicians. However, Emerson Schmidt holds the view that some kind of deal should be worked out whereby it is to Egypt’s interest to maintain a free and open canal system. He thinks this would be the only workable type of solution.    Your proposal is certainly in line with this view.

 I am well acquainted with Murray Rothbard. He and I sat in on Mises’ seminar for several years. He is a true libertarian and has a good mind.

 I don’t know Josef Solterer at Georgetown. But I would certainly like to meet him if he is a fellow libertarian! I am an enthusiastic supporter of the idea of less government and I find it helpful to exchange ideas with those similarly inclined.

 I enclose a copy of our publication Economic Intelligence in which Dr. Schmidt presents one view of Suez. Perhaps you’ll be interested.

Cordially,

 

/s/  Hugh P. King

Economic Research Department

 

Attachment