Memorandum on FEPC Cases with Postwar Significance

As you will recall, we had a discussion on Thursday, October 5, with Messrs. Ross and Davidson concerning the possibility of getting a picture of FEPC cases which would have post-war significance if settled.¹

Mr. Davidson and I have made a check on the docketed cases and selected those which fall in the industrial categories which the Division of Review and Analysis indicates will have post-war employment possibilities. These cases (including complaints against steam railroads) are 43.2% of our total case load, or 911 cases. We omitted firms engaged in aircraft production, unless the companies were making some other product before the war. Also, we omitted shipbuilding, although the Division of Review and Analysis indicates that certain phases of the shipbuilding program will have important expansion following the defeat of Germany. Firms engaged in the manufacture of small arms and ammunition have also been left out entirely.

We included the following industries: iron and steel; metal non-munitions; rubber; transportation; communication; food processing; mining and smelting; oil; textiles, apparel and leather; lumber and furniture; chemical and allied products; and other manufacturing.

We have also prepared a detailed breakdown on each region, which we shall send out for correction or additions by the Regional Directors.

[Attachment]

October 9, 1944

Mr. Malcolm Ross
        Chairman
Eugene Davidson
        Asst. Director of Field Operations
Industries with Post-War Significance

Supplementing Mr. Mitchell’s memorandum to you on the above subject, I submit as an attachment hereto a listing of cases which seem to have post-war significance in the regions for which I have direct responsibility viz. Regions I through V, and IX and XI. I have omitted the listing of railroad cases and have made no attempt to determine the sizes of the companies involved nor any other factors which might make the cases more or less significant.

The following statistical summary may be of value:²

REGION I

REGION II

REGION III

REGION IV

The percentage of cases with post-war significance by region is as follows:

In analyzing these cases, we have been aware that adjustments in some of the industries mentioned, particularly the railroads, may not be accomplished in any comparatively short time. It should be pointed out, however, that, apart from the basic problem involved in the railway cases now before the Stacy Committee, it has been possible to adjust some railroad complaints received. It is also believed that, by concentration, we may expect to adjust cases against public utilities, such as the telephone company.