"I am unequivocal in my desire not to run. This is not my role and not my moment," the California Democrat told the 888 delegates and observers.... at the third biennial national Black convention hosted by the National Black Political Assembly (NBA)....

From the enthusiasm and anticipation displayed at the nominating rally, there was little doubt that people had come with the intention of drawing up a platform speaking to the urgent concerns of the Black community. Most of all they were looking forward to taking the bold step of launching an independent presidential campaign to challenge the decades-old racist rule of the Democratic and Republican parties....

Later that evening the platform was read to the delegates. There is a section favoring home rule for majority-Black Washington, D.C. Illegal surveillance and harassment by the CIA, FBI, and other government spy agencies were condemned. A proposal calling for "nationalization of all our means of production" was adopted.... In a section on education the platform reaffirms the right of Blacks to go to any school, but adds that the "highest priority should be on Black education in the Black community."

April 9, 1951
After three months of the "Great Debate," the Senate adopted on April 4 a resolution approving by a vote of 69 to 21 the shipment of four U.S. Army divisions to Europe. This resolution follows the main lines of the original administration "compromise" which had been denounced by the Republican opposition, in particular by Sen. Bricker as "a sham, a hoax, a fraud on the American people." It is exactly that.

The American people are being flim-flammed; their expressed wishes brazenly flouted. Truman and his associates are responsible. But the administration is not alone. Equally responsible is the Republican opposition led by Taft, Wherry, and their associates. There is not a single voice in either Senate or House that today speaks for the people, expressing their will and interests.

Poll after public poll has shown that the overwhelming majority are opposed to war and to the sending of more troops to Europe. This mass antiwar sentiment is what politicians like Taft are seeking to exploit in jockeying for advantages in the 1952 presidential elections....

Neither the administration nor the Republican opposition will protect the people's interests. An aroused people must assert itself and demand that it settle through a national referendum the whole issue of peace and war, including the sending of troops abroad.  
 
 
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