John O'Neal Explains Non-Violence Committee

              would prefer to think does not exist. 
Q, The work of the committee and the demonstrators has been labeled strictly a publicity gimmick by a certain element and some law enforcement officials. Is it? 
A. I would say that if drawing attention to evil is worthy of no better name than “publicity gimmick” then maybe “publicity gimmicks” aren’t too bad after all. 
Q A movement such as this obviously cannot help but attract publicity seekers and exhibitionists. What are you doing or what can you do to insure that this type person doesn’t infiltrate your ranks? 
A. We have to assume that people who come to us have a valid reason and a genuine concern for their fellow human beings. If by chance we do get a dud, we can only hope to discover him by constantly evaluating ourselves and each other, our motivations, our purposes and understanding. If we become aware of any “mere exhibitionists” in our ranks the only thing we can do is try to weed them out. I don’t think we have any of these people involved already. 
Q, What is the attitude of the Negro population in Cairo toward the demonstrations? 
A. They are in favor of it. Up to now too much of their favor has been conversation but we need their total support--physical moral and religious. The problem in the adult community is that there is a tremendous inertia to overcome, there is a fear of economic reprisal. They aren’t aware of the power they have. But a number of people are beginning to come out. I hope the interest will continue after the demonstrations. 
Q. Do they look upon the white and Negro demonstrators from other cities as “meddlers?” 
A. No, definitely not. They have accepted us with open arms. The fact that white people are participating demonstrates to the Negroes the depth of their concern. 
Does the committee seek or want a direct connection with the university? 
A. We shall applyfor recogition as a student group from the Student Council just like any other student organization. 
Q, Have you felt any pressure official or unofficial as a resu’t of the committee’s participation in the Cairo events? 
A. No. We have had some concern evidenced by a number of students, some of whom question our tactics and a few, flatly disagree. The question of the technique is one that should always be raised especially by ourselves. The only comments from any official quarters have been off the record and strictly unofficial and they have been quite favorable. 
Q. Do you feel the work of this committee in Cairo could harm the university in any way? 
A. I doubt that a university would be censured from any state-wide level because of our participation. The fact that we’ve done nothing wrong should be credit to the university. I don’t think even if someone wanted to that he would have valid grounds to censure the university. After all this action isn’t under the sponsorship of the university administration, and is not illegal and in fact, we are fulfilling a moral and political obligation.