Truman Reaffirms Civil Rights Stand

Northern Advocate, 30 October 1948, Page 5

Truman Reaffirms Civil Rights Stand

NEW YORK, Fri. (11.30 a.m.). —For the first time since the election campaign began Mr Truman today reaffirmed his stand on the civil rights programme that split the Democratic Party at the Philadelphia convention. Addressing a rally in Harlem, New York’s populous negro district, Mr Truman pledged “resolute and unwavering support” for the programme.

“Democracy’s answer to totalitarianism is its. promise of equal rights and equal opportunity for all mankind,” he said. “Fulfilment of this promise is among the highest purposes of the Government. “I intend moving towards the goal of equal rights of equal opportunity with every ounce of strength and determination I have.” Until today Mr Truman has made only vague, guarded reference to the civil rights issue. GREAT CROWDS Crowds estimated to number 1,800,000 heartily greeted President Truman as he made a two and,a half lioui motor tour through the New York streets today. , , The journey was enlivened by confetti and paper showers in the garment district and red fireworks on the East

Side. Mr Truman said in all five speeches that he made that “everyone is against us but tiie people.” He predicted that he would be returned to the Presidency. President Truman reiterated in a speech at a Madison Square Garden rally that he stood by the Democratic Party’s platform on Palestine. This platform endorsed the United Nations resolution setting the boundaries for the Israel state. NO POLITICS “I have refused to play politics with the Palestine issue,” said Mr Truman, “firstly, because it is my responsibility to see that our policy regarding Israel fits in with our world-wide foreign policy and secondly because it is my desire to help to build in Palestine a strong, prosperous, free and independent state.”