Joseph P. Tumulty to Nick Chiles

The President directs me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of August 19, 1918, in which you refer to alleged discrimination against colored soldiers in the Army, and to advise you that investigation shows that no discrimination has been practiced by the War Department. Steps have already been taken to provide colored Red Cross nurses for colored soldiers, and colored doctors are being called into the service as soon as there are organizations to which to assign them.

In the absence of detailed information on the various points covered by your communication, it is impossible to conduct a satisfactory investigation.The President directs me to say that he feels a sincere appreciation of the loyalty of the members of the colored race, and of their services in helping to win the war, and he desires me to convey to you his assurance that colored men will be afforded full the fullest possible opportunities for commissions, promotions and advancement on their merits.