Alabama Integration Fight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 8--Cases against 41 Negroes arrested in racial demonstrations were transferred today to federal court after the Negroes declared their civil rights would be violated in a city court trial. City attorneys indicated that a motion to send the cases back to city court would be filed.

A leader of the Negro group, the Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, told a news conference that the U.S. attorney general's office had asked for a moratorium on their direct-action fight. Shuttlesworth turned down the request, saying, "Many of us are willing to die, if necessary, on the streets of Birmingham." He stated that the next major step would be a mass hunger strike if all else fails.

Meanwhile, Negroes resumed desegregation activities in downtown Birmingham. Four tried unsuccessfully to obtain service at two white lunch counters. The counters were closed and the four left quietly. There were no incidents. Alabama Public Safety Director Al Lingo said that 100 patrolmen were stationed on the outskirts of Birmingham in case major trouble develops. "We will not take an active part until we are absolutely needed or are called for," he said.