◆ SpookStack

ne ene eae Aenea oe wm na draenei ie Lee ae oe em em cee . EDMUND G. BROWN ATTORNEY GENERAL ti pa mene ea ee re re ® die wah. SONNOR . A oF "Chief Deputy Attorney General bee T. A. WESTPHAL, JR. Chief Assistant Attorney General Division of Civil Law THOMAS W. MARTIN Chief Assistant Attorney General HAROLD G. ROBINSON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Deputy Director Office of the Attorney General \—_Ceiminel Lew and Enforcement STATE BUILDING, SAN FRANCISCO HENRY A. DIETZ, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL July 5, 1956 Honorable Jd. Edgar Hoover Bureau of Federal Investigation Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Hoover: 56 Several of tne Attorneys General from various states have opposed a provision giving to the forty-eight i states the right to prosecute subversives. I was one of those who opposed it. I did so as the chief law enforcement officer of the State of California, well. knowing the personnel and capabilities of those employed in the largest state department of justice in our country. Based upon thirteen years experience as a prosecuting official, it was my feeling that we are not equipped to do this job. I feel that it is one that requires an intimate knowledge of Communism and the ways in which they operate in other countries, plus access to confidential information which necessarily cannot v be given to too many people even though they may hold Z high positions in the various states. d 9961 6 I have been informed however that you favor a so-called artnership between the states and the federal govern- ment in this frield, I assure you that I recognize the menace of subversive - activities and I desire to do all in my,power to aid J and assist you as well as other security - -agencies ‘of a our government... 2CPORDED - 56 ED |I would therefore like to ore Kk yo opener do favor bills now pendin; ich would 1S JUL 19 1956 _ se