Goldberg Sees No Anti-semitism in Opposition to Nomination of Fortas As Chief Justice

Ambassador Arthur J. Goldberg, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and a former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, today expressed support of the nomination of Associate Justice Abe Fortas as Chief Justice of the United States.

Addressing a press conference at the convention of the American Bar Association here. Ambassador Goldberg referred to Justice Fortas as a “distinguished lawyer” and said it was “irrelevant” that he is Jewish. He said he did not believe that anti-Semitism entered into the opposition to Justice Fortas’ appointment among some elements in Congress. Ambassador Goldberg also rejected the idea that Justice Fortas should be faulted for his close friendship and contacts with President Johnson. “Nothing that has been disclosed indicated in any way that he lacks the qualification and temperament to be a great Chief Justice and, as a citizen of the United States, I would hope and trust that the appointment will be confirmed by the Senate,” Ambassador Goldberg said.