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% *% Yer Re: JOHN L. LEWIS, ET AL. TERVIEW WITH ias interviewed by Special Agents n September 17, 1943 at Springfield, Illinois, He stated that he was getting older and did not pay much attention to union activities. He told his story in a clear and sincere manner and seems to be better than aver- age in intelligence. It is believed he would be a favorable witness, al~ though his information is limited, There is set forth below his signed statement. make the following voluntary statement ni —— eee Agents of the Federal Bureau of Lo Investigation. No threats or promises have been made to induce me to make any Statement, "T was born ir ae presently reside at I sturted out as a miner 4% was | ae old and was a cnarter member of the U.N.d. I now work for the Sept. 17, 1943 "I started working at Mine A in about and quit there in 943. I joined the PMA in 1932, but did not have any active part wetne start of it. All the men were a little put out at the UMi because we couldn't elect our ow men and I went 2ieng with the rest and joined Phi. As far as I'm concerned there isn't much difference between the two unions and I went which_ever way the majority went. "T recall that in the early fall I got a letter from Ryan saying he had sold kine 4 to Elshoff and when I heard that I was pretty sure that Slshoff would probably operate Mine A with United men. = felt that because of what happened at Mire B, that Elsnoff would favor UMy. There was also a rumor that Elshoff might haul coal out of Mine A through "I went to a meeting at Pids hall sometime around the first part of Sept. and 4 think it was the second meeting they held. Most of the men seemed to think that the only way Elshoff would operate Mire A was to pull the coal through Mine B. Some of the men wanted to join wited so they wouldn't lose their job . The meeting was adjourned that night and nothing was accomplished. Most of the men were just arguing about what to do. I believe it was Qi that had charge of this meeting. "The only other me:ting that I went to was at the Elks Club, At this meeting the men voted by standing vote to join united. J know that Edmondson gave a talk, but I don't recall exactly whether he talked before or after we voted, I don't think anyone voted against joining U.M.4. I joined Us that same day at the Elks. - 595 - Sogn Se ener tat a Se aig