United States Senate.

MEMORANDUM.

May 24, 1918.

Mr. Hampton:

Have looked through the Army files, and cannot find a case where we have ever taken a matter up direct with the Local Board of any County.

Whenever anyone would write in here in regard to being relieved from the draft it has been the policy of the office to advise them that the matter was entirely in the hands of the Local Board, and if they were not satisfied with the decision of the Board they could appeal to the District Board. It is possible that the applicant would show these letters to the Board, but we have never taken a matter up direct with the Board or tried to influence them in any way.

I spoke to Mr. MacRae about this matter last night, and he said that the office has always been careful not to interfere in any way with the Local Boards, and has always avoided making recommendations to them.

In all military matters it has been our custom to advise the applicant for transfer, promotion, or anything elst, that the matter must go through the regular military channels.

M. J. M.

Enclosed in: 1918, May 25. Simmons to Bickett.