Electronics Training Group
A.P.O. 887
U.S.Army

9 October 1942

Subject: Policy on Negro Troops

To     : All Officers, ETG
 

     1. Attention is invited to the fact that an increasing number of negroes are arriving in the United Kingdom. In this connection it is the desire of General Eisenhower and General Lee that no word be spoken or action taken of a derogatory nature concerning the racial groups in the U.S. Army. Quoting from letter of General Eisenhower to General Lee. "The spreading of derogatory statements concerning the character of any United States troops, either white or coloured, must be considered as conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline and offenders must be promptly punished."

     2. Par. 3AR 600-10 is quoted for the information of all concerned:
"Superiors are forbidden to injure those under their authority by tyrannical or capricious conduct or abusive language. While maintaining discipline and the thorough and prompt performance of military duty, all officers, in dealing with enlisted men, will bear in mind the absolute necessity of so treating them as to preserve their self-respect. A grave duty rests on all officers and particularly upon organization commanders in this respect".

     3. The British Home Office has caused instructions to be issued to police to make no discrimination against coloured troops nor to ask proprietors of public places to make discrimination.

     4. Great care should be exercised in speech and action concerning remarks about racial groups in the Army. Care should be exercised also to give the true United States Army view  on the matter if questioned by anyone, that is, all have equal rights, priviliges and responsibilites regardless of race or color. The safest way is not to bring up or discuss the subject unless asked about it.

     5. Coloured soldiers will have the same furlough and pass privileges and will have equal rights to places open to white soldiers. General Eisenhower desires that in cases where it is necessary to impose any restrictions that they shall apply to both races

By order of Lt. Col. STICE:         


AARON H. SULLIVAN, JR.
Captain, Signal Corps
Adjunct

C O N F I D E N T I A L