Evening star., 1946-10-27
U. ). Officials Silent
After Long Discussion
OF New Coal Crisis
By jones Y. Newton


The Government last night still
had not decided definitely what the
next step would be in the face of
a threatened walkout next Friday
of the Nations 100000 soft coal
miners.
Top officials of the Interior De-
partments Coal Mines Administra-
ton, operator of the mines in Gov
ernment hands since last springs
strike, were in conference all day
yesterday. Tt was said they held
another discussion with Secretary
of Interior Krug, presently inspect
ing department projects in West
ern Arizona.
The officials, however, were silent
as to any conclusion reached in the
discussions and it was indicated
that the next announcement would
be made by Mr.. Krug.
Krug on Lengthy Trip.
The Secretary is on a lengthy
official trip through the West. He
is not scheduled to return to Wash
ington until November 6, six days
after the deadline set by John L.
Lewis, the miners boss, for voidance
Of the wage agreement with the
Government unless. Mr.. Krug con-
sents to open talks about new con-
tract. Mr.. Lewis has implied he
wants higher wages for the mine
workers.
Mr.. Krug has taken the position
publicly that the agreement he
signed with Mr.. Lewis May 20, was
for the entire period of Federal
possession of the mines and cannot
be reopened. He has offered to dis
cuss grievances under the present
contract with MIR. Lewis, but not
new contract.
AS revealed in The Star Friday,
Mr.. Krug, however, is said to be
considering cutting short his trip
and returning here to handle the
coal crisis. He has been under
strong pressure to do that from Off
cials of the Coal Mines Administra-
ton, headed by Navy Capt. N. H.
Collision.
Government Embarrassed.
The position of the Interior De-
partment, it is said, is not to be
hard-headed about discussing any
unfair terms of the present con-
tract, but at the same time to stand
firm against the Lewis ultimatum
to void the contract unless new
terms are discussed.
Mr. Lewis has brought about the
new crisis on the eve of cold weather
and only few days before the elec-
tions. So the Government is in an
embarrassing position economically
and politically.
just how much weight President
Truman's political advisers will
carry in the flnal decision on the
Lewis problem is not known.
There, are those high in Govern
ment circles who believe coal strike
should be avoided at this time at
almost any cost since reserves of
the fuel are 1ow-only 80 days to
six weeks supply with winter coming
Contract Is Studied.
The Justice Department is study
ing termination provisions of the
Krug-Lewis agreement so that an
opinion may be ready when asked
for it's Interpretation of the dispute
over ti1e .reopening issue" .za.. =,
on. ~f'
1t was learned that the Justice
Department also is looking into pos
sible application of the Smith Con-
nally Act in event of a strike.
That law makes it illegal for any
one to '.coerce. instigate, induce,
conspire with. or encourage any per-
sor~sto- .intsrfere, by lookout .xtr1ka,
slowdowr or other interruption. With
the operation of such plant, mine or
facility" under Government posses
sion. But another clause says no.
body should be prosecuted under the
act "by reason only of his having
ceased work or having refused to
continue work or to accept employ
ment."
Mr.. Lewis has not been worried
especially by the Smith-C Connally
Act in the past, and his associates
say he is no more in fear Of its
nenaltieS now.