Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1946-12-06
Negro Troop Behaviour in Germany
An Editoriul

From Wednesdays news reports from Washington
Americas occupation troops in Germany especially its
black (NeRro) and brown contingent are In for good
smearing.
Whatever else you may hear read about the
why Senatorial investigation may be held wager
your bottom dollar that the motvatng force behind de-
mand for any inquiry will be the determination between
German frauleinS and American Negro soldiers The
pattern Is very familiar 1t used 10 embarrRSs rela
tions between the United States and France years
when there loud camor in this country for removal
of French African troops who had become extremely
popular with the frauleins in the Rhneand. German
politicians, who Hters fore-rnners, used the pres
of these loyal French blacks the Rhine to gain
American sympathy for the poor Germans who several
before had threatened the peace of the entire world
The basis then II will he in this 1916 situation Is the
well known color prejudice and antiNegro attitude Of
some American whites.
There is no doubt that some Negro troops have mis-
conducted themselves in Germany, just there is no
doubt that American white troops have done the
thing We won't the point that the percentage
of crimes among Negro troops was higher than among
white troops but will also point out that the percent
Of teracy among white troops is correspondngly
Highland that's not the fault of Negroes at home
abroad.
II you read the news accounts Of conditions In Ger
many you'll find that the real nub of the whole hue and
cry in Senatorial Investigators George Meader) report
is I'm view Of food shortages German have
been unusually receptive to the generosity Of the Negro
troops In another part of the report will be found the
rather significant assertion that Negro soldiers and Ger
man women have been Consorting to considerable
tent What that has to do with the charges crime
not explained but since II is included the conclusion must
be made that Mr. Meader considered the association Of
German women and American Negro troops a crime.
Overlooked in the report now since the Negro angle
has been fully exploited, will doubt be the pertinent
fact that "he quality of white troop requirements has
been inferior According TO the Associated Press the
committee Investigators report said that In shipment
of 236 enlisted men (white) about one-enth not
high grade msrons This perhaps is offered in the
way of excuse for the crminality among white per-
sonnet. Nothing in the reports have read TO
date nferentiay hints that the Negro troops
Of the grade That conclusion Is deliberately avoided
think because il might explain the high crime ratio
among Negro troops and therefore call attention TO Ameri
cas- dismal failure to extend proper educational facilities
to It's Negroes In the south.
part Of the condition among Negro trcops In Ger
many could be explained by psychologists In America.
their home, these reprcsscd and oppressed In
Germany they have status and members Of a conquer
ing force and they also find that whites seek rather than
repel normal friendships with them. The psychologists
know what happens also when people who have been sub
DOM TO about free human beings assocRng with
whom they please.
Only the hypocrites among the majority group will
hold their hands in horror at the spectacle Of frater
nizinR between German women and American Negro
soldiers American white troops minge freely with
of all colors and wherever they In Africa
in India in China and in Japan you'll find visible evil
dence Of the presence past and present Of American white
troops Nobody much about the doing of what
naturally" Of these troops but when American Negro
troops practice the determination In Germany II
easily becomes the basis for loud anRuiEhed yeps from
some of our white brethren at home and abroad
Let there be an investigation but let II be crime
among American troops and its causes and not on the
legitimate relations between Negro troops and German
unless also investigate similar relations be-
tween white troops and Japanese women.
Negro troops who commit crimes and found
guilty should be punished but not because they Ne
groes because they the recipients Of friendship from
German men women.