Evening star., 1941-06-07

Regarding one other serious
labor dispute. that of the North,
west lumber strike, Mr.. Early
said that although the President
does not look approvingly or
this situation, there is no present
shortage of lumber for defense
purposes. Other numbering sec
tions can take up the slack oi
production temporarily, the sec
retary said.
Asked what the Government
might do if a sufficient force OF
workers did not return to their jobs
under Army supervision, Mr.. Early
repeated that there is hope of volun-
tary settlement tomorrow night and
that solution Of the question raised
might well be deferred.
All Army Plans Made.
The War Department announced
that the Army had made all plans
to take over and operate the plant
if necessary An Army official
would be detailed to take charge,
officials said, and Army plans were
understood to include keeping
troops on guard around the plant so
workers could come and go without
interference.
Stand by'' orders have been
drafted and could be executed on
an hours notice. Commanders on
the West Coast have been warned
to prepare for a possible emergency.
The nearest Army post to 1ngle-
wood. which is near Los Angeles, is
Fort Macarthur.
Army officers said if it is neces-
sary for the Government to oper-
ate the plant men who want to re-
turn to work can do so without
prejudice to themselves.
Decision Made Yesterdays
In disclosing the action imminent
IN the case of North American Mr.
Early said the President had de-
cided Yesterday morning before his
press conference that the aircraft
strike, under way since Wednesday
must be ended by Monday.
The workers. members of the
CLIO. United Automobile Work
ers Union, had given assurances
earlier in the week that they
would not strike while discussions
of their controversy were under
way with the National Defense
Mediation Board. When they
left their work, about $4,000
900 worth of military plane Or
ders were tied up)
The President informed his cab
met members yesterday afternoon OF
his decision to take over the plant
under powers of the unlimited ma
tional emergency, if necessary, anc
received their unanimous approva
of this plan.
Necessary legal orders were
drafted and ready for signature late
Yesterday, Mr.. Early went on, but
at 5 o'clock the Chief Executive wa!
advised that the workers would hole
a mass meeting tomorrow night.
Not Meant as Threat.
when the President heard ther'
was real hope that the worker
would decide voluntarily" Mr.. Earl,
said, "he decided to withhold hi
signature"
Over the week end, the Presiden
will be cruising on the White Hous
yacht. Potomac. with a return t.
Washington scheduled for tomorrow
night or Monday morning.
by the time of the President
return here from this cruise" MI
Early went on, he will know tn
decision of the workers at tomor
rows meeting. Unless they return
TO work by Monday as result o
their own action, he will sign tn
orders and the Army will take owe
Jurisdiction of the plant and 1t
operation"
Mr.. Early emphasized in his an
nouncement that the President
present course is not intended as {
threat.
Need for Products Considered.
'He is firm in his decision, how.
ever" the Secretary said, that de-
fense orders cannot be further de-
layed by a strike in this plant. HI
is giving the workers an opportunity
to make their own decision and will
be guided by their actions and tn,
facts as known on Monday"
Regarding War Department op'
Grafton of the plant, Mr.. Early sale
the Army would assure workers o
the right to return to their jobs anc
that he believed picket lines woult
not be permitted to prevent such
course.
The Secretarys comments on tn,
lumber strike were prompted by {