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<3 Bowers to the Director (cont'd.} Re: CONGRESSMAN DON EDWARDS HANDLING OF CIVIL RIGHTS CASES IN KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA I told Zeifman that I was aware that Edwards had visited the resident agency. I also told him that the adequacy of personnel in the area has been considered by officials both in the field and here in Washington. He was thanked for advising us of Edwards' comments. This matter was discussed with McSweeney who stated Edwards has been constantly agitating regarding the Kern County situation. He advised that Senator Hubert Humphrey (D.-Minn.) also has gotten into the act and sent a telegram to the Attorney General urging that a large force of personnel be sent into the area to handle the unrest that has resulted from the labor dispute. McSweeney was advised that a week ago we had inquired of the Sacramento FBI Field Office regarding the adequacy of personnel to handle civil rights complaints growing out of this situation in Kern County and were assured that there are sufficient personnel in the area to take care of the matter, including Spanish speaking Agents. He was advised that we have experienced some delays in handling the necessary investigation because of an uncooperative attitude on the part of attorneys representing the United Farm Workers. vai ® ar ign Econ of the General Investigative Division advises we have had 23 civil rights cases referred to us as a result of the situation in Kern County, about half of which are preliminary types. It is not new or unusual for Congressman Edwards to be critical of the FBI with respect to the handling of civil rights matters. He has done so consistently and with this situation being in his home area, it is natural that he will make every effort to take advantage of the publicity potential. Congressman Edwards does not represent Kern County, however. Kern County is divided between two congressional - districts. One is represented by Congressman Robert B. Mathias and the other by Congressman William M, Ketchum, both Republicans. RECOMMENDATION: mecumnarioe ea For information. wr Ks yt