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a THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON February 23 971 O MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT wide FROM: CHARLES W. COLSON THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN SUBJECT: Labor Reaction to Suspension of Davis/Bacon The following are representative reactions based on calls which we have made from this office to key Building and Trades Council leaders: Peter Brennan, President, New York State Building Council Imposition of controls would have caused a nationwide walkout. This is much preferable. Brennan has SO stated publicly in newspaper and television interviews. Brennan must attack this decision, however, to preserve his own position within the Building Trades Council. He hasn't and won't attack the President personally - he is attacking instead the President's advisers. If the suspension is of long duration can have a catastrophic effect on the unions; all federal contracts will go to a non-union contractor. Believes that the entire controversy could have been settled without this; still can be settled quickly if labor knows that a settlement will result in Davis/Bacon being restored. Victor Riesel The wisest thing the President could have done. Controls would have been catastrophic. The President is the shrewdest labor expert ever to be in the White Hous e. Brilliant move - it will work. Restore Davis/Bacon as soon as an agreement is reached.