Memorandum for Colonel Wigmore from General Crowder - July 30, 1918

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July 30, 1918. Memorandum for Colonel Wigmore: The fact that we have not used the Industrial Index heretofore has been for reasons heretofore canvassed and well understood. Nothing, it seems to me, is clearer than that the classification of personnel which the Industrial Index is intended to promote depends upon the Industrial Index being ready for the expeditious segregation of the personnel which is demanded by special requisitions. In the hurry up procedure during the months from April to July, inclusive, we have not been in a position to use it. N Nor will we, after the second enrollment is made, unless the Questionnaire subscribed to by the registrant automatically serves the purpose of the Industrial Index without further correspondence with Boards. The moment we fail to attain expedition in the handling of the draft that moment nine tenths of our efficiency is, in the public estimation and in the estimation of the War Department, gone. I have been aware of these resolutions hereto attached through prior conferences with you but, for the reasons above indicated, I have not seen my way clear to adopt them. I doubt if it is going to be very helpful that the Committee on Personnel petition, under date of July 8, for an application of procedure which we have found it quite impossible to follow. The effect is to create an issue between the Committee on Personnel of the War Department and this Office. E. H. Crowder, Provost Marshal General. EHC-vbr