DEMOCRATS’ NINEPOINT ELECTION PROGRAMME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22690, 15 July 1948, Page 5

DEMOCRATS’ NINEPOINT ELECTION PROGRAMME

(N.Z.P.A.—Renter— Copy right.)

(10 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 14. The nomination of Senator Alben Barkley (Kentucky; as Democratic vice-Presidential candidate bacamc virtually certain yesterday when the party’s national chairman announced that President Truman would be “most happy” to have Senator Barkley as a running mate for the November election, ' . , , . Senator Claud Pepper announced his withdrawal as a candidate for the Presidential nomination. The Democratic Convention platform committee has agreed on practically all the party's planks. They provide: 1. Repeal of the Taft-Harley Labour Act which was passed by the Republicans over presidential veto. 2. Continued support for the United Nations and erforts to accomplish the curtailment oi the Big Five

veto power. 3. Maintenance of

‘adequate”

army, navy and air torcc. 4. “Sound humanitarian administration” of the Marshal Plan. 5. Reaffirmation of the United States recognition of Israel State, with a pledge of “appropriate aid” in developing Israel s economy and resources. The committee advocates

revision of the arms embargo to

give Israel the right of seU-uemnce. 6. Comprehensive housing legislation and 'continuation of rent control until adequate housing is provided. 7. A reduction of taxes whenever possible without endangering the national economy—especially for

low income families. 8. The halting of price rises brought about by the “Republican Congress failure to take elfective action on President Truman’s recommendations for controlling inflation.” 9. Restoration of the reciprocal trade agreements programme and adherence to the International Trade Oiganisation.

After several hours’ debate, the platform committee finally adopted a “middle of the road” civil rights plank which stated: “The Democratic Party commits itself to continue its effort to eradicate all racial, religious and economic discrimination. We again state our belief that racial and religious minorities have the right to live, work and vote and full and equal protection of the law on a basis of equality with all citizens, as guaranteed by the constitution.

“We again call on Congress to exercise its full authority to the limits of the constitution to assure and protect these rights." A Southern attempt to weaken the plank by deleting the last paragraph was defeated, as was the effort to write a strong “States’ rights” clause to weaken federal authority under the civil rights’ plank.