Memorandum, Notes on Meeting with the Labor Group

Meeting With the Lebor Group 10:00 A. M. At 10 a.m. on Sunday Dr. Steelman and Mr. Stowe net with the union representativos. Dr. Steelman raised the question as to whether the union had any reactions as to the companies' intent to negotiate. The union representatives pointed out that in their opinion the companies' proposals made in present discussions were below that the companies had previously discussed and that the companies had no in- tention of honestly and openly entering into the collective bargaining. Mr. Murray stated that he felt it was quite clear that the companies were engaged in "a historical political fight". At this point Mr. Stowe indicated that while the President had entered into this entire situation with a clear understanding of the cooperation which the union had given to him and to the country and with a strong conviction as to the rights of the matter, as a result of the developments in court the whole affair now transcended just a union - company argument. The entire relationship of the executive, legislative, and judioial branches of the country was coming under question, and at a time like this all had the r esponsibility to weigh their actions carefully. After a brief discussion of this transcending principle, Mr. Murray made a rather remarkable statement to the effect "I cannot afford to sell the President short". Mr. Goldberg then made it quite clear that the union Telt that a great deal of responsibility for the current situation rested with Secretary Sawyer. After Judge Holtzoff had denied the companies a