Memorandum, David K. Niles to Harry S. Truman

This memorandum discusses poll taxes and anti-poll tax legislation.

Extracted text

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in ats April 11, 1946 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: the C.S. and You are certain to be asked this afternoon about your statement on the poll tax in Chicago. Public reaction has been swift and seems to be growing. As indicated by the attached telegrams and clippings from the Washington Star (Lowell Mellett) and Washington Post (Herbert Elliston), there is a fear that you have abandoned your support of Federal action in favor of State action. The question of Federal vs. State action is in s cme ways even hotter than the question of the poll tax itself and I feel your position should be clarified for the record before too much use is made of it. I would suggest replying to the question somewhat as indicated on the attached page: DAVID K. NILES N5188