Department of Justice Watches American Nazis and ‘black Muslims’

Federal agents are “following closely” the activities of the American Nazi Party and of the anti-Semitic Negro organization “The Black Muslims,” it was revealed here today by the Department of Justice.

The Department of Justice strongly disapproves the activities of both groups, Oran H. Waterman, Chief of the Civil Section, declared today. “The dissemination of Nazi doctrines by George Rockwell and his followers is contrary to American traditions and concepts of government, and warrants condemnation by all thinking Americans, ” he said. As for the Black Muslim organization, he indicated that the Department has “been aware” of “many of its activities for a number of years” including violations of the Federal Selective Service Act.

Consideration was given to declaring both organizations subversive, according to the Department. The fact that the Black Muslims claim to be a religion “raised a number of constitutional questions,” but federal agents “have a continuing interest in information regarding the activities of this organization. “

Thought was also given to declaring the American Nazis subversive, Mr. Waterman indicated. “But we see little to be gained, however, by undertaking such action at this time for several reasons,” he said. He pointed out that the name “American Nazi Party” gave adequate notice as to the real nature of the group and that a hearing would afford Rockwell a public forum for voicing “obnoxious doctrines.”

The Justice Department report was in reply to a communication from the Jewish War Veterans which drew attention to attempts by the two extremist organizations to exploit current racial tensions through incitements to bigotry and violence.