New York State War Council Governor's Office Correspondence on War Issues

Alphabetical by topic or last name of correspondent.

This series contains correspondence between the governor's office and various agencies and organizations involved in the coordination of war work. Because the letters mainly discuss the initial set-up and administration of War Council activities, the letters are predominantly authored by Herbert H. Lehman or his aides, though Thomas E. Dewey and his administration are also represented.

Topics covered include: civil defense (including the formation of the New York Guard and the defense of specific sites in New York, such as the canals); appointments to draft and draft appeals boards (including third party recommendations); morale issues; child care; discrimination; war bonds; war contracts; women's roles in the labor pool; farm labor; conservation issues; migrant workers; Fifth Columnists, Japanese-Americans, and "loyal" aliens.

Correspondence with other states on war issues, complaints about civilian defense (including a letter from publisher Alfred A. Knopf), and photographs of the Brooklyn Arsenal are also found.

This series was originally accessioned as boxes 243-249 and part of box 250 of old collection #77, accession -71.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.