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-3- &. THE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES PRIOR TO THE CLOSING OF THE MINE ON MAY 21, 1937 Se a ae ele iy THE INCUBATION OF THE CONSPIRACY No specific allegations of unfair labor practices during the period prior to May 12, 1937, were made by the Procressives, and at present we have no direct evidence to establish any such practices, It is established that during April, 1937, and perhaps prior thereto, the United Mine Workers were paying several Progressive members to campaign for the United Mine Workers, The details of this activity, however, are not known and, therefore, it is reqiested the fw scope of these activities be ascertained. This request is set out in more particulars on page 3 of my memorandum of July 24, 19436 If it is ascertained that Elshoff knew of these practices and elther acquiesced in, or encouraged them, an unfair labor practice would be established. The substance of the statements of all the subjects in respect to the agreement to make the payments is to the effect that an und cian he mine an understanding had been reached betyeen Elshoff end the U. Me W. officials that they would _cooperate to the end that U. M. W. should win over bargaining rights at the mine. We have no tangible evidence to this ef- fect and it is requested that the Bureau direct inguiries to determine whether any evidence of such an understanding prior to May 12, 1937, can be uncovered. O Apparently, during April of 1937, members of the United Mine Workers attempted to cause the Progressives to go on strike by circulating rumors to the effect that an nsion contract signed April 25 1937 between Elshoff and 1 scoGill Lb? - Dele Welt. lee Cre,