of possible assistance in their work and that a volunteer organization, properly built and controlled, could render valuable and efficient service, I beg to submit the following for your consideration:
Its Purpose: A volunteer organization to aid the Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice.
The Object: To work with and under the direction of the Chief of the Bureau of Investigation, of the Department of Justice, or such attorney, or persons as he may direct, rendering such service as may be required from time to time.
Membership: This organization is to be composed of citizens of good moral character who shall volunteer their services and who are acceptable to your Department.
Construction: It is proposed that national headquarters be established either in Washington, or perhaps Chicago, because of its geographical location, and that branch organizations be established in such cities as your Department may direct.
Finances: It is proposed that headquarters organization and branch organizations shall finance themselves either by outside subscriptions or by its members.
Control: It is proposed that each unit of this organization shall be under the control of the Government but will report to and be under the direction of the nearest Department of Justice headquarters.
Trusting you will give the foregoing your consideration,
(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
