RIOTS IN DETROIT
HOUSE SHORTAGE BLAMED STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED New York, June 22. A state of emergency has been declared in Detroit* and the Governor of Michigan, Mr Kelly, has closed all saloons and imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., following the race riots which started last night. The trouble is ostensibly the result of a brawl between a negro and a white, but the real origin is Detroit’s desperate housing shortage, which for weeks has caused mounting tension. Last year thousands flocked to Detroit’s war industries, taxing to the utmost not only the housing but the recreation facilities. The authorities endeavoured to apportion the available houses between whites and negroes, but in some instances whites have refused to allow negroes to move in. Rioters disregarded the curfew and continued street fighting and looting. Federal troops, in complete battle kit, moved into the affected area, which is a two square mile section of Detroit’s east side. State troopers are also concentrating to head off a large group of negroes which is reported to be marching to Detroit from Chicago. Fourteen negroes were shot by the police. The hospitals are crowded, the injured numbering at least 600. It was necessary to borrow blood plasma from the Red Cross to treat those seriously injured. The night's bloodiest incident was a pitched battle round a negro apartment house into which the police fired 1000 rounds of tear-gas as negroes sniped from the windows. Federal troops brought in armoured cars and trucks mounting machineguns.
The commander of Fort Custer, Michigan army post, stated that members of a negro battalion last night attempted to secure arms and trucks, but five men were promptly arrested and confined to the stockade pending an investigation. The commander stated that the men became restless concerning the Detroit disturbance and wanted to go to the assistance of their families.
The latest riot death roll at Detroit is 25 negroes and four whites. Over 1200 persons were arrested. Thirtyfour negroes were sentenced to 90 days’ in gaol.—P.A.
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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 24 June 1943, Page 5
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340RIOTS IN DETROIT Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 24 June 1943, Page 5
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