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: t RE: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL. NTERVIEW WITH The following investigation was conducted by Special — SS «2 RD 0 82rc- field, Illinois, on September 15, 1945. ; ft his residenc Springfield, Illinois, 4gents interviewe end he advised he never had been in any trouble in his life . fe appeared to be honest and truthful but it was noted he did not know much about what went on because of his position. It is felt that he would make a fair witness if his testimony were necessary and he appeared to be very cooperative. The following signed statement was obtained cron Springfield. Ill. Sept. 15, 19435. give the following information to a , who have identified themselves to me as sfele No threats or promises have been made to get "T, pecia ents of tne this statement. "I started at Ming & around 1934 & at the present time I an F GRRE cere. 2 ve: born ne Tress member of the P.M.4. when I started at Kine "A”™ in « i took no hand Fe ne a SR SE Si Saha SP a jn the switch from U.E.W. to P.M.A. and after the strike in 1952 I got « job in a place where the P.M.A. was. I hated to see the trouble which caused the split between U.M.W. and P.HM.A. I would rather have seen the men satisfied with one union. "I first learned that Elshoff had taken over the Mine "A" through the papers and then later I got a letter to that effect from Mr. Ryan the former operator. At the time I did not kmow what would happen, whether I had a job there or not, I figured I would just have to wait and see. Be- fore Elshoff took over Mine “A” things went along well between P.M.A. and Ryan. J was not approached as to my opinion or whether we should join the U.M.%. or not and I had no one come to me and try to get me to join U.M.n, I don't think I heard anything about the possibility that Mine "A might be operated through liine "B", I did not hear any rumor that Pishoff’ would only open Kine A under a U.M.i. contract. I attended 2 mectings,one at P.M.4. Hell and one at Elks. "I believe I read in the paper of the meeting to be held at P.M.A. Hall. I think this meeting was held just to discuss how the mine . was to be opened. I am not sure but I don't think any committee reported or was appointed. I don't recall any trouble at that meeting. ~ 452 -