Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-11-12
Transportation Probe
Won't 0bstruet War
Effort, BiddIe Says
Justice Department
Inquiries Into Rates
! Slated to Continue
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Attorney General Biddle said
today in a statement concerning
the proposed anti trust investi-
cation of the transportation in
dustry that the Justice Depart
ment intends to institute no pro-
ceedings against carriers or rate
bureaus which will impede or
obstruct the war effort"
Mr.. Biddle's statement made only
q passing reference to "other Gov
eminent agencies concerned with
wartime transportation" but it is
known that he and his aides have
been comforting for several weeks
with representatives Of the War and
Navy Departments, the ONCE of De-
Tense Transportation and the Office
OF Price Administration.
7 1t was learned some time ago
that the antitrust division had
begun an investigation which it
planned to expand into what an
Official described as the largest in
quiry OF its type thus far.
Rate Inquiries to Continue.
When this became known, how
ever, various Government agencies
which previously had been con-
suited began new conferences and
Mr.. Biddle's statement of policy
was the result.
n 1t Is understood from usually re-
liable sources that the Justice De-
partment will continue with the
three grand jury Investigations into
rate matters which already have
been started, but probably will not
go beyond that.
Mr.. Biddle's statement follows:
There appears to be some mis-
apprehension on the part of the gen.
eral public as we'll as the carriers
=. rail, air, motor and water) con-
corning the scope and detectives of
the grand jury investigation into
. rate bureaus, rate conferences and
similar common carrier organiza-
tons recently instituted by the anti
trust division of the Department of
!. Justice.
In order to dispel whatever mis-
conceptions may exist, I should like
. TO state simply that no Investigation
into or disturbance of the existing
normal and established activities of
carrier rate bureaus and conferences
+. is contemplated by the department"
Cites fragrant Abuses
Il feel that any such program at
this time would unduly diffuse the
activities and energy of the carriers
and hence unnecessarily burden
them at time when they are en-
gagged in the difficult and complex
job OF aiding the Government in the
prosecution of the war.
There have been brought to the
attention Of the Department, how
ever, a few fragrant abuses of the
Joint method of rate initiation which
involved coercive practices, such as
intimidation, fomenting of strikes
and boycott. Such activities are I'M
justified under any circumstances,
and their elimination by civil or
criminal processes will benefit the
public and the carriers alike. The
Department of Justice therefore, will
prosecute cases involving such dis
regard OF the rights and interests of
others by resort to such fragrant
conduct.
THE Department of Justice will
continue to work in close harmony
with other Government agencies
concerned with wartime transporta-
ton, and intends to institute no pro-
ceedings against carriers or bureaus
which will impede or obstruct the
war effort"