The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-06-06
Asks u. s. OufIuw
Nozi-Communisf
Fifth Columns"
New England Labor Con-
gress Cheers Green's At
tack on Reds-CIO

Green in an address before the New
England Labor Conference here.
More than thousand delegates
from labor organizations in Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont, Massa-
chusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Is
land, gathered in historic Footguard
Armory, shouted enthusiastic appro-
val when Mr. Green fatty declared the
American Federation of Labor has
''no room for Communists or Nazis."
On the other hand, Mr.. Green
charged that the CIO has admitted,
welcomed and encouraged Commun-
ists," and that its leader has "never
lifted his voice against either Of
those infamous enemies of humanity,
Hitler or Stain" Communist control
of CIO unions in industries vital to
national defense constitutes serious
menace, Mr.. Green warned.
Declaring the European War over
shadows all plans for the future, the
A. F. of l.. chieftain came out strong
ly for a peace policy by the United
States coupled with a broad program
of national defense. He added
"In support of this defense pro-
gram, the American Federation Of
Labor and it's five million loyal work
ing men and women pledge the Gov
ernment Of the United States their
full cooperation. This pledge was
solemnly made a week ago by the
Executive Council. repeat it just as
solemnly now. And l know that it is
echoed in all your hearts and in the
hearts Of American Federation of La
Dor members throughout the nation"
However, Mr.. Green warned against
selfish business interests who may try
to take advantage of the national
emergency to force relaxation of wage
and hour standards. No such action is
justified in any way, especially with
millions of unemployed in the country,
Mr. Green said.
Referring to Fifth Column" activi-
ties, he added:
"The American Federation of Labor
has refused at all time to compromise
or traffic with the enemies of democ-
racy. There is no room in the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor for Com
munist or Nazis. We never have
wanted any part of them. We don't
want any part of them now and we
never will. Their policies and their
teachings are hateful to us. We have
fought them at every turn and we
have defeated every effort they have
made to bore from within the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor.
Unfortunately, the rebel movement
which broke away from the American
Federation of Labor in 1885 has fol-
lowed different course. The CIO has
admitted and welcomed and encour-
aged Communists. Public investiga-
tions have established beyond all doubt
the fact that Communists control many
of its unions. Some of these unions op-
crate in fields vital to our national de-
fense. Let us not underestimate the
dangers of this situation.
"In the opinion of many people, the
CIO sit-down strikes in 1897, accom-
panied by the illegal occupation of pri-
vate property, the seizure of entire
cities and mutiny on the high seas,
were a rehearsal for a Communist
revolution.
"The leader Of the CIO has done
nothing to dispel this opinion. He has
never lifted his voice against either of
those infamous enemies Of humanity,
Hitler or Stain, nor has he ever de-
nounced their unholy alliance Instead
we find him denouncing the President
of our own country and every other
responsible leader in Americal life"
With huge attendance and a fine
spirit of enthusiasm manifested, the
two-day New England Conference was
regarded as one of the most success
full regional meetings thus far held un-
der the auspices of A. F. of L. organi-
cations.
Among the speakers at the sessions
were Harvey W. Brown, President In
ternational Association of Machinists;
James B. Burns, President American
Federation of Government Employees;
Matthew Woll, Vice President A. F. of
L.; John Frey, President A. F. Of l..
Metal Trades Department.; Dan W.
Tracy, President International Brother
hood of Electrical Workers; |. NJ. Orn-
burn, SecretaryTreasurer Union Label
Trades Department; Frank Fenton,
National Director of Organization;
Robert J. Watt, American Labor Dele
gate to the |. L. O.; John Carmody,
Federal Works Administrator; John
j. Murphy, New England Representa-
tive of the A. F. of L.; William L.
Connolly, President Rhode Island Fed
Grafton of Labor; John L. Barry, Presi-
dent New Hampshire Federation of
Labor;C. G. Conings, President Ver-
mont Federation of Labor; James ].
Clerkin, President Connecticut Fedora
ton of Labor; Nicholas P. Morrisey,
President Massachusetts, Federation of
Labor, and John Egan, Secretary of
Connecticut Federation of Labor.