Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1963-08-01
Secretary Mcnamara Strikes
Blow For Decency

For long time Of the most shameful,
irritating and embarrassing evidences Of indecent
American race practices has been the wholesale
race discrimination practced in some areas of the
country by business establishments in communities
CONTIGUOUS to armed force installations. Last week
Secretary of Defense McNamara took note of the
dhsgraceful situation.
The million or 50 Negroes serving in the Navy,
Army and Air Forces have found often that their
leave time in the towns close by their bases
ruined and frustrating because there were so many
cafes bars, theatres and other places of amusement
which would not serve admit them because of
their race, despite the fact that they wore their
country's uniform. What incalcuable harm this did
to their morale is hard to estimate.
Such conditions have not been confined to areas
surrounding southern military installations, alone,
but exist right here in the North It was only few
months ago that airmen attached to the base near
Grand Forks, ND. had real problems when they
sought a coke in bar in Grand Forks and the dis
elimination and refusal of public Accommodations TO
Negro airmen stationed near Rapid City, SD, be-
came a national scandal when reported in the NY.
Times We told that Negro servicemen have had
some similar problems right here in state Of
Minnesota at Duluth.
Last week Secretary of Defense Robert Nc
Namara struck at the practice Of communities and
business establishments which live off the expendi-
lures of military excluding Negro military person
mel from enjoyment Of equal Accommodations.
He made it clear that base and installation COM
manders are authorized to place off limits" COM
munites and individual establishments which prac-
tee discrimination and refuse to military
personnel who happen to be non-whte.
There has been immediate howl from southern
us. Senators, notably of the type Of Strom Thur
mond Dem, SCI about McNamara's action but
the order viii be approved by citizens who see the
unjustness Of practices, which should have been
challenged long ago.
The offending firms have got by with such
biased practices so long that there will be some
opposition. However, the base and installation
commanders are those vino see the injustice Of hav-
ing portion Of their personnel Inundated every
time they go to town. do their duty and threaten to
place town individual establishments "off
limits" the opposition is apt to die from economic
malnutftion.
The Negro armed forces personnel now have the
way opened for the end of the discrimination prac-
tced against them. There will be some commanding
officers, even at this late date who will do nothing
about this vicious situation until forced to do So be-
cause some Of them believe in segregation.
1t will therefore be UP to the Negro personnel
who have suffered these indignites all these years
to report all such instances in the future through
channels, and If necessary, to Secretary Mcnamara
himself. IF he cannot be reached, there are US SEN
ators and Congressman who will receive complaints
and forward them to Mr.. Mcnamara.
Secretary Mcnamara has made the first step In
long overdue right direction and now its up 10 the
military TO do its duty-backed UP If necessary by
the civil rights organizations.