Letter from Hubert Humphrey to Secretary of Defense James Forrestal

93-B April 26, 1948 fill The Honorable James B. Forrestal X1285 85 Secretary of Defense Washington 25, D. C. Dear Secretary Forrestal: x93 On March 6, 1948, Governor Luther "X Youngdahl addressed a letter to you asking whether the integration of Negro soldiers into the Minnesota X155 National Guard would result in the withholding of federal funds from the state for National Guard purposes. It is Governor Youngdahl's intention to issue an executive order doing away with all discrimination in the National Guard on the basis of race, religion, national origin, and ancestry. I understand that Colonel Robert Bell raised the question as to whether this might result in the withholding of army funds from Minnesota. The Governor's letter to you was for the purpose of obtaining a clear answer to this question. I understand that you acknowledged the Governor's letter and indicated that you were turning it over to Secretary of the Army Kenneth C. Royall for attention. I have just been informed by the Governor's office that no reply has been received from Secretary Royall to date. The Governor informed me a few days ago that he intends to issue such an executive order in the very near future whether or not he receives a reply from Secretary Royall. It seems clear to me that the Governor is completely right on this issue. I can see no moral, legal, or practical reason which would justify the federal government in with- holding funds from the State of Minnesota after the Governor issues the order ending discrimination in the National Guard. Therefore, wisdom, courtesy, and allegiance to democratic principles all point to the importance of sending an immediate and favorable reply to Governor Youngdahl's letter. I am enclosing a copy of an editorial printed in the two leading Negro newspapers in the Twin Cities which is pertinent to this issue. We in Minneapolis take pride in the forthright action we have taken to end the evils of discrimination and segregation in our community. We are the first city to establish by municipal ordinance a Fair Employment Practice Commission with enforcement power. Our Mayor's Council on Human