The Pittsburgh Press (January 2, 1946)
Navy orders: No discrimination
Fairness demanded in troops’ return
WASHINGTON (UP) – Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal has taken special steps to end any discrimination because of “race or color” in the return of overseas troops by the Navy.
In a directive to all ships and stations, Mr. Forrestal ordered naval personnel to “adhere rigidly” to regulations aimed at preventing discrimination.
His order followed a recent report that Negro troops had been left at Le Havre, France, by the escort carrier Croatan because it lacked “suitable accommodations.” The Army said the Navy was responsible for the decision not to ship the Negro troops aboard the Croatan.
Mr. Forrestal said his order was issued to avoid “any future misunderstanding.”
Meanwhile, Navy weather experts predicted that Atlantic weather conditions which have hampered troop returns since late October will become more severe during January and February. They said Atlantic weather conditions this season have been the worst in more than 20 years.
The experts said Pacific weather has not hampered troop movements so far but can be expected to be more severe during the next two months.