Memorandum on Regional Views on R.D. No. 124

While on my trip to St. Louis, Dallas, and Kansas City, I talked with the Directors of Regions VI, IX, and X concerning our R. D. on the order of processing cases. Each of the Regional Directors seemed to feel that it is the practical approach, and we discussed the most important problems of the regions in the light of this R. D.¹

Region IX expressed the view that one of its most important industries is the shoe industry. It also has electrical companies in the area which will have important post-war significance. So far, the major cutbacks have affected the U. S. Cartridge Company in St. Louis, the North American Aviation Company in Kansas City, and the Remington Arms Company in Kansas City. In each of these cutbacks, some Negroes were affected, but, in Remington Arms and North American, the Regional Director felt there was no disproportionately large number of Negroes laid off.

Region X gave a full statement on its important cases, and these will be discussed in a separate memorandum.² However, the oil, sulphur, and magnesium industries were mentioned as areas in which significant post-war gains can be made.