The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-10-14
SHIP STRIKE SHAKEN UP
 (0FC MEET
Support Separate SetiIe- men Only If II Won't
 Aid Communists

The Chamber of Commerce today agreed to support separate AL aska settlement between the Seattle CIO-TLWU and the Seattle ship owners only if such settlement will not weaken the position of the shipowners in their battle against Communism.
 The resolution passed by a vote of 28 to and it's conclusion as " Chamber should not SUD- port the offer of the maritime un- ions to operate ships to Alaska; and that it should support the Alaska operators in their refusal to consider any separate offer; and that we should further support all of the employers in their refusal to negotiate with any maritime union until its officers sign non-Com- munist affidavits; and that this Chamber would so advise the em- ployers and others interested; and that although we feel that a re-
 
 sumption of shipping to Alaska at the earliest possible date is vital to the welfare of Alaska and its people, the issue against Commun- ism is of first importance; on the other hand, if a concession by Alaska operators to the union would not mean the breaking of their solid front against Commun- ism. then we believe that the em- ployers should cooperate with the unions in getting ships operating in the Alaska trade at the earliest possible date"
 Opposite View
 Gov. Ernest Gruening read a letter signed by himself. Attorney General Ralph Rivers, Delegate E. L. Bartlett, and Territorial Com missioner of Labor Henry Benson approving of separate settlement and stating in it's conclusion, :" we recommend to the car iiCio dii dCtiSC CAloil oi tiiCii part to obtain a release from their unity pledges, so far as the oper- ation of Alaskan ships is concern ed It is high time that Seattle and Alaska stand together, and let San Francisco wage it's own war. We strongly urge the Waterfront Employers Association and the Pacific American Shipowners Asso- ciation to modify their position by granting such release to the Alas kan carriers, with the view that arrangements promptly be put into effect for resumption of shipping to, from and within Alaska.
 Let it be clearly understood that if you remain adamant in your determination not to negotiate for resumption of service to Alas ka, the responsibility will be en- tirely yours
 In enlarging on the informa- tion confined in the letter, Gov. Gruening stated: T think it is mistake for any Alaska group to slam the door on any possible solution maybe the union offer isn't made in good faith but it should be investigated
 Rivers Views
 Attorney General Ralph Rivers supported the Governors stand and stated, when Seattle unions cause stoppage. that is the time to bounce on them. Not when they are willing to negotiate. don't think our Alaskan service is go- ing to break the West Coast strike The continuing stoppage of Alaska shipping isn't going to break the Commies up and down the coast
 Objection Raised
 Curtis Shattuck, chairman of the Transportation Committee, objected to the Territorial officials stand on two points of the letter. The officials letter stated Neither do we see why the hundreds of loyal at Seattle should be treated as 'untouchables,' so to speak, just because certain ILWU leaders at San Francisco refuse to sign affidavits.'
 Shattuck said on this point, the rank and file have control of their officers. They have the power to throw out leaders and put in lead CTS that will sign non-C Communist affidavits. If the Seattle long shoremen have to pay a price, let them pay"
 The officials letter also brought out the fact that the strike was in effect an aid to Russia because it was stopping the shipment of vital defense material to Alaska. Shattuck denied that this was the
 (Continued on Page ElghD