Memorandum on Norris Stamping Case

As you know, Major Everett Goulard of the Ordnance Branch of the War Department made a special investigation of the Norris Stamping case at the request of FEPC. Major Goulard talked with me on Monday, April 23, concerning his visit to Los Angeles and his conference with Messrs. Norris, Hunt, and Brown.

Major Goulard stated that Mr. Norris’ position, briefly summarized, indicates that the company will not willingly hire Negroes. Mr. Norris is quoted as saying that if the Government insists, the company would have to hire Negroes, but he would not then be responsible for keeping production up to its present level. Major Goulard stated that although many persons have talked in terms of the possibility of a strike if Negroes are employed, Mr. Norris himself apparently does not expect anything so dramatic as a strike. His views is that there will be a gradual dropping off of certain employees who are important and a general fall in the efficiency of production.

Paradoxically, there is a considerable turnover at the plant, but Major Goulard said that it appears that the bulk of the employees are long term workers. By his estimates one thousand people form the nucleus of the company’s working force and are very stable employees. The remaining seven hundred are those who are responsible for the turnover. Seventy-five per cent of those who are responsible for the turnover have been with the company less than ninety days according to Major Goulard.

It now appears that we have exhausted all possible action short of a hearing. I told Major Goulard that we would inform him when the date was set.¹ I will appreciate it if you will let me know this so that I may give him that information.

cc:    Mr. Johnson