757

STATEMENT ON CONTROL OF LOOTING
IN BALTIMORE

April 8, 1968

My office has received numerous inquiries today from citizens con-
cerned about the widespread looting in Baltimore. I would like to
clarify the lines of authority which govern the control of this situation.

With the Federalizing of the Maryland National Guard and the
calling in of Federal reinforcements, all activities to control looting
and other acts of civil disorder in the affected areas of the State are
under the direct authority of Lt. Gen. Robert H. York. In addition
to these military forces, State and local police involved in the effort
to restore order are under his supervision.

I want to emphasize that the forces being deployed within the af-
fected areas, especially the regular Army troops brought in yesterday
and today, are thoroughly trained in riot control. They include
veterans in combating the outbreaks of civil disorder that have oc-
curred before in other cities and states.

I have been and will remain in close contact with the Attorney
General of the United States, Ramsay Clark, and with General York,
the commander in charge. I have every confidence in the willingness
and ability of these Federal officials, and in our own State and Balti-
more City forces, to put down this disorder as quickly as possible and
with a minimum loss of life and property.

Our State and City commanders — Gen. George Gelston, Col. Robert
Lally of the State Police, and Baltimore Police Commissioner Donald
Pomerleau — are all working closely with the Federal commander.

Let us all remember that the control of instances of looting and
other unlawful acts depends on the judgment of the tactical com-
mander on the scene. We must make sure these officers are allowed
to exercise this judgment without interference from anyone.

I have been assured that the resources required to restore order and
stability to our State are at the disposal of General York, and there
is no reason to doubt his intention to employ them decisively.