The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-07-29

But wken business and labor leaders called on him last week with pledge of cooperation to win the war;" the President had abso- lutely nothing to do with inaugu- rating the move.
 The unprecedented step was worked out in a behind -the-scenes conference held in the private din- ing room of Washington hotel a few days before the labor and business leaders called on the President. Even before this, how ever, Eric Johnston, new, refresh ing president of the U. s. Cham Der of Commerce, had warmed up the AFL and CIO, as exclusively reported in this column.
 After this advance work, Jolln- ston summoned to the secret hotel meeting AFL President William Green, CIO Secretary James B. Carey, AFL Secretary George Meany, William P. Witherow, president of the National Asso- citation of Manufacturers, and all the others who later called on the President, except C1O President Phil Murray who was out of the city,
 Elaborate precautions were talk en to insure secrecy, so that no one in the administration, not even the President, knew about the get-together. Those present met with on thought in mind to wipe out completely all bar riers between capital and labor for the duration of the war, and to work shoulder to shoulder for victory.
 Eric Johnston sounded the key note of the meeting.
 'I guess this Is the first time in history" he said, that the AFL, the CIO, the NAM and the U. s. Chamber = the four great or ganiZaticns representing employees and employers = have ever sat down voluntarily to adjust their own differences without govern ment help.
 we are all intelligent enough to realize what's at stake in this war;" Johnston continued, land if we don't work together, free labor and free management will be washed up. We simply cannot be divided at home and expect to win this war. There fore, I think we ought to agree right now on some unified plan of actiOn.'
 After considerable discussion, 1t was decided to suggest to the President a "j0int economic coun- ciI." This would be composed of representatives of the four groups present, and would advise with war agencies on labor-management problems and make recommends tions, from time to time, on war labor policies.
 It wasn't announced at the White House, but this was the basis for the plan of cooperation which industry and labor spokesnen laid before the President a few days later.
 LABOR'S INFLUENCE
 Despite the seriousness Of the business-labor session, there was one mirthful moment when John- ston made a grinning remark about labor's Influence" with the government.
 What are you talking about" replied Bill Green goOdnatured- ly. Big business is in the driv- CTS seat. Your dollar-a-year men are running the show."
 That's right" chorused CLOS Carey and George Meany of the AFL. "Why, labor doesn't even have representation in the cabi- net"
 This dig at Secretary of Labor Perkins brought a howl from everyone = including sedate Will liam P. Witherow, president of the Manufacturers Association.
 Come now persisted Withe- row. "YOu still haven't answered the question. Whats the secret
 of labor's influence with the Ad-
 ministrati0n?"
 "I guess it's because we con-
 tr0I more votes than you fel-
 lows," grinned Carey.
 ELLIOTT "R" IN BRAZIL On a recent trip from Rio to