Detroit German-americans Disassociate Themselves from Hitler Leadership

Observance of “Deutscher Tag” here was marked by a declaration in which Detroit Germans declared themselves in opposition to racial and religious bigotry. The declaration stated that they look for political guidance to Washington and not to Berlin.

This sentiment, on which there was no division in the vast throng assembled at the Detroit Creamery Park, near Mt. Clemens, was expressed by John M. Bischoff, president of the Unhabhaengiger Buerger-Bund (Independent Citizens League).

STAND BEHIND ROOSEVELT

“Whatever may be the political tendencies which today sweep over our dear Fatherland across the ocean, we, Detroiters of German descent, stand united politically on the general principles of democracy behind President Roosevelt. It is to Washington, not to Berlin, that we are looking up for political guidance and leadership,” he declared.

“Neither do we, Americans of German descent, wish in any way to reflect the racial and religious conflicts of the old country. German societies in Detroit, now as in the past, extend membership alike to Protestants, Catholics and Jews; to Slav, Semite and Magyar.

“We do not for a moment wish to forsake the German ideals. But it is the ideals of German philosophy, literature, music that we wish to uphold and pass on to our children. This is our heritage. It is the contribution of the German people to the civilization of the world, in return for what benefits we, as Germans, derive from the civilizations of other nations and races.”