Letter from Norman Smith to President Truman
7/26/1948
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Norman Smith, of Seattle, Washington, sent this letter to President Truman to express his views on race relations. He opposed desegregating the military and integration. He also opposed proposed civil rights legislation, stating "it is an attempt to legislate beliefs, customs and feelings" and "will be an invasion of the state's rights and sovereignty and a further step towards the complete domination by the Federal government."
Smith also expressed opposition to statehood for both Hawaii and Alaska.
This primary source comes from the Collection HST-WHPOMF: White House Public Opinion Mail Files (Truman Administration).
Full Citation: Letter from Norman Smith to President Truman; 7/26/1948; Civil Rights [1 of 3]; Public Opinion Mail Files, 1945 - 1953; Collection HST-WHPOMF: White House Public Opinion Mail Files (Truman Administration); Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, MO. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/smith-truman, May 8, 2024]