War Department--Official Business.
Raleigh, N.C., August 3, 1917.

The Provost Marshal General,
Washington, D.C.

Am advised that in two townships there is a probability that registrants will in a body refuse to appear before exemption boards when called. Please give specific instructions as to what steps I must take and upon what authorities I must call to enforce the law. The sheriff cannot handle the situation alone. It seems to me that if the resistance is general I ought to be given authority to order Federal troops now in this State to the assistance of the United States Marshal or the sheriff of the county. I think it would be better for United States Marshal to handle situation of this kind than for the sheriff. Please answer.

T. W. Bickett,
Governor.

(Charge to Federal Government.)