(Signed) A. M. Briggs.”
On March 19, 1917, Mr. Bielaski telegraphed me as follows:
“Hinton G. Clabaugh,
Bureau of Investigation, Chicago.
“Replying your letter fourteenth Briggs should be encouraged in organization volunteer association. Be glad talk with him about matter. Letter follows. Bielaski.”
Mr. Bielaski confirmed his telegram by letter under date of March 20th, which reads in part as follows:
“Hinton G. Clabaugh, Chicago.
“In reply to your letter of the 14th, with respect to letter addressed to you by Mr. A. M. Briggs of Chicago under date of 14th, I beg to advise you that this Department is encouraging the organization of volunteer associations to aid the Government in securing information as to the activities of foreign Governments or unfriendly aliens.
“In the pressure of business your desire for an immediate answer was overlooked, but I have just telegraphed you the gist of this letter. This organization should be handled as confidentially as practicable, and care taken that nothing is done by it to unnecessarily alarm aliens in this country or cause them any apprehension as to the fair manner in which they will be treated, and no arrests should be caused, except after consultation with the federal authorities, in order that there may be no confusion.
“I will take no further action in this matter until I hear from Mr. Briggs or yourself.”
On March 20, I telegraphed Mr. Briggs as follows: