Evening star., 1951-01-04
Hoover Rejects
Fay Suggestion
ToUseFb|Here
Letter Says Proposal
To Aid Crime Probe
Would Hurt Agency

Use of Federal Bureau of In
vestigation agents in District
crime investigations was tenta-
lively proposed by United States
Attorney George Morris Fay and
vigorously rejected by FB1 DIrec-
tor j. Edgar Hoover during the
Davis crime subcommittee in
quiry, it was learned today.
Mr.. Fay said today he had
simply raised the question of
using FBI agents as one posi-
bility of getting investigative help
for his Office.
Mr.. Hoover, in a letter to the
House District crime subcom-
mittee headed by Representative
Davis. Democrat, of Georgia,
called the suggestion absolutely
untenable" and said it would force
the FBI to assume the role of a
national police.
No Legislation Requested.
Mr.. Davis said that, while mis-
subcommittee was canvassing the
possibilities of getting investi-
gators for the United States at
torney. mention was made that
If conditions were such that it was
feasible, a good deal of service
could be done if the FBI could be
used in such Investigations"
He added that no one actually
requested legislation authorizing
the FBI to investigate local cases,
but it was discussed as a posi-
bility.
Il didn't attach too much i'm
portance to it," he said, because
I didn't think they would do it. I
understand their position. I also
believe there is great need for an
investigative staff and I have in
troduced legislation to that effect"
FBI Has Plenty to Do.
Mr.. Fay said he was aware the
FBI has plenty to do and he raised
the question only because the sub
committee was considering every
possibility. He added that use of
the FBI by his Office would require
legislation and that in his tenta-
tive proposal he would have gotten
FBI help only if his requests for
1t were approved by the Attorney
General.
Mr.. Hoover, in his letter to Mr..
Davis, said he had been advised of
the inquiry received in his Office
by Hyman I. Fischbach, the SUBJ
committees counsel.
Mr.. Hoover said the inquiry
was "to the effect that it has
been suggested to you that con-
sideration be given" to a law that
would authorize the FBI to in
vestigate local violations whenever
the United States attorney re-
quested and his requests were
approved by the Attorney General.
Weakness Feared.
Mr.. Hoover declared that such
legislation would, in effect, en-
power the FBI "to assume the
functions of a national police" I"
and he pointed out that he has al
ways maintained that the first
line of defense is the home town
police department.
He also wrote:
In addition to forcing the FBI
to assume the role of a national
police, there is another very basic
objection to the suggestion which
has been made to you, namely:
If enacted it would at once remove
the responsibility from local au-
thorities and undoubtedly pres
sures would mount following the
commission of crimes of violence
creating widespread public inter-
est which would compel the FBI
to make such investigation and
instead of building up good strong
local law enforcement, the sug-
gested legislation would have the
contrary effect.
Work Load Cited.
"At the present time, the re-
sponsibilities placed up on the
FBI in the current international
situation have taxed our facilities
and manpower to capacity. In
fact, our work load today exceeds
that of any period during World
War II. It would be physically
impossible for the FBI to assume
responsibility for investigating
local crimes on a widespread
basis without greatly enlargine
our force. I feel the suggestion is
absolutely untenable. It is con-
trary to the American tradition
of law enforcement, and I am sure
that when examined most care
fully, you will. agree it would be
a most unwise suggestion tc
adopt.
"I know from the numerous
conversations which I have haC
with the Attorney General thai
he. will vigorously concur in my
views on the scope and response.
bilities of the Federal Bureau o1
Investigation.