race relations.[20-30]

[Footnote 20-27: For examples of DOD reports submitted
to the White House on this subject, see Memo, ASD
(M) for Harris Wofford, 15 Nov 61, and idem for
Frank D. Reeves, Spec Asst to President, 29 Jun 61.
For examples of White House interest in these
reports, see James C. Evans, OASD (M), Notes on
Civil Rights Subcabinet Group Meeting, 2 Feb and 2
Mar 62. All in ASD (M) 291.2.]

[Footnote 20-28: Memo, Yarmolinsky for Runge, 13 May
61; Memo, ASD (M) for SA et al., 16 Mar 61, sub:
Personnel Screening Boards; both in ASD (M) 291.2.]

[Footnote 20-29: Memo, Frank D. Reeves, Spec Asst to
President, for SecDef, Attn: Adam Yarmolinsky, 19
Apr 61, copy in CMH.]

[Footnote 20-30: Ltr, Harris Wofford to ASD (M), 18
Sep 61; Memo for Rcd, James C. Evans, 25 Sep 61,
sub: Negro Naval Personnel; Informal Memo, Evans
for Runge, 22 Sep 61, same sub. All in ASD (M)
291.2.]

At times this White House scrutiny could be aggressively critical.
There was, for example, small comfort for Defense Department officials
in Dutton's review of department comments on the recommendations of
the Civil Rights Leadership Conference submitted to the White House in
August 1961.[20-31] Dutton wanted to know more about the department's
inquiry into possible racial discrimination in the sentences meted out
by military courts. He was concerned with the allegation,
categorically denied by the Defense Department, that black servicemen
with school-aged dependents were being moved off bases to avoid
integrating base schools. He wanted a prompt investigation. Dutton was
impatient with the Navy's explanation for the continuing predominance
of Negroes in the Steward's Branch, and he was especially critical of
the racial situation in the National Guard. He wanted a progress
report on these points. Finally, he was unhappy with the lack of
Negroes in officer training, an executive area, he claimed, in which
civilian agencies were forging ahead. He wanted something done about
that also.[20-32]

[Footnote 20-31: Composed of representatives of some
fi