Arizona sun., 1962-03-08
CONGRESSMAN {. DIGGS
SENDS REPORT ON
.Gl PROTEST LETTERS

Congressman Charles c. Diggs,
Jr.. (13th Dist. D-Mich) sent a let
ter, together with his summary
report and exhibits, analyzing $50
complaint letters received at his
office within the past sixty days
from Negro GIs serving in the u.
S. Armed Forces at home and
abroad. relative to racial discrim-
| imation, to The Honorable Robert
Is. Mcnamara, Secretary of De-
fense. He urged his personal at
tention to rectify deplorable con-
ditionS in the Services.
IN SUMMARY HE SAID:
"The status of Negro Service
men now serving in the United
States Armed Forces at home and
abroad is an international dis
grace. The National Guard situa-
tion is even worse, -.
| have received well over 25O
complaints within the past sixty
days alleging discrimination in
job assignments, up-gradings, pro-
motions and the use of housing
and recreation facilities in COM
munities in proximity of military
installations.
i reiterate my strong contention
that a Citizens Committee be in
Evited by you to investigate the cur
rent status of integration in the
Armed Forces, and the general
allegations contained in complaints
that have been made by service
people to the Defense Department,
Federal Commission on Civil
Rights The National Association
Efor the Advancement Of ColOred
People, Veterans Committee and
Ealso Members Of Congress like my
Eself who are continually approach
led with this problem. It is my
further opinion that unless you
provide the main thurst of leader
Ship, your subordinates will not
move any faster than the current
pace regardless of how they may
personally feel.
T .I have already, discussed this
problem with the. Congressional
Liaison Officers of the various
Services, and also with certain ci-
villains within your administrative
structure. In my opinion, the case
method approach is a partial but
an overall unsatisfactory remedy,
and in numerous instances has
resulted in a black mark in the
record of the complainant.
AS expressed in, many of these
letters and coppl aints, Negro GIs
are proud to be in the Service in
preparation to defend the Nation
against, attack, However, they, de-
plore being denied admission to
local movies, restaurants, and 9th
er places Of public Yaccomodations.
Seemingly. their claims are not
only based upon, their deep abiding
faith in democracy and the dignity
Of mankind. but also upon the fact
that Negroes have fought and died
| for America since her inception
| iii 1T6. Now almost 200 years
later a Negro soldier cannot sit
down and drink. a meager cup of
coffee in the area of the post on
which the government has placed
him.
Some of these complainants state
that they have requested through
proper channels compassionate
transfer, hardship discharges and
,reassignments in an effort to
escape racial discrimination and
segregation in certain areas. When
negative replies are received, they
then write to the President, De-
fense Department and Congress
men requesting intercessiOn to be
made to relieve these conditions
for them. Under regulations, for
favorable decision, the serviceman,
himself, must submit to his COM
pany commander his request in
writing, documented with evidence
to substantiate his claim. For some
reason, racial discrimination and
segregation is not considered a
hardship nor compassionate cir
cumStance.
In the final analysis, it appears
that these Servicemen are seeking
redress from those responsible as
follows:
\ l.. They are requesting ade-
lquate housing for themselves and
their families.
!. 2. They wish to be treated as
lIother Americans, with dignity and
respect, When. being addressed,
especially by an Officer and gentle
man Of the United States Armed
( Forces, the word Niger" and
other racial slurs should be eli
minated.
3. On application forms printed
Ilby the United States Government
THE word race" should be eradi-
Ecated.
A. With respect to the ALLEGATION
.Iof jobs, assignments, up-gradings,
!: the use of recreational facilities
and places Of public accomoda dations
-sthey hereby request to be received
as individuals, and Judged on the
sEbasiS of their personal talents
,lckfllc oconron1ichY,onntc and he.