PALMER, ALASKA
Dorothy M, Bell,Editor
Published every week at Palmer, Alaska for the Matenuska Valley Fanters* Cooperating
Association for the purpose of giving news of the Associations Work, Problems aid
Accomplishments as well as Nes of general interest to the Valley,
SUBSCRIPTION RATE $1.75 per year W a copy
ALASKANS f EAR COMMUNISTIC ACTIVITY ON
WATER FRONTS
During the past week ALaskan newspapers have come out plainly with the idea that a'
great deal of our shipping trouble is being instigated by Communists in the interests
of Russia.
From the Ibrty-Ninth Star we read—w When R. H, Stock of Anchorage recently told a‘
meeting of the American Legion’s national executive committee in Indianapdlis that
steps should be taken to erase Communistic influence from maritime unions, he did the
country a service.
In reporting to his fellow legionnaires, Mr, Stock described the need for eliminating
the Communist maritime manace as vital for assuring free movement of shipping and
safeguarding the welfare of Alaska.
'Although the matter has been discussed very little as it pertains to Alaska, there is
little doubt that the Communist party has proportionately as much strength on Alaska’s
waterfronts as it has on the west coast.
During the past year the Communists have shown increased activity on all fronts in
the United States. Moscow was directly linked with the Communist spy network expos
ed in Canada in 1946.
’’it would be foolhardy to assdrae that out of sentimental feeling for the land their
sponsoring nation once’owned, the Communists are following a hands-off policy as far
as Alaska is concerned.
Vust how strongly the Communists aro entrenched in the maritime unions directly ser^.'
ing Alaska is difficult to say. As a highly strategic area to which they have access,
there is no doubt their strength is equal to their present needs. Should the inter
national situation become more tense and Alaska move into the center of the pressure
politics stage, the’rate at which Communists take up their positions in the territory
will be accelerated,
''The United States Constitution and the workings of a democratic form of government
being what they are, it is not in the cards that any direct purge of trouble-making
communists will be undertaken by the government.
' The maritime unions, howevor, could help themselves and their country by checking a
bit on the pedigree of some of.their boys. Philip Murrary has ordered elimination
of Communists from important offices in the CIO unions. It is t o be hoped that the
maritime union chiefs, regardless of affiliation, follow his advice,
• i - i m *
l*
As Mr. «^ock said, a reduction in the number of Communists, admitted and otherwise,
who'range the western waterfronts carrying a banner varying from light pink to deep
red, will produce a more healthy condition in Alaska1 s maritime position."
With a new strike pending we learn that the Soattlo docks are refusing to accept
freight for Fairbanks, and other points along the Alaska railroad. This is because
the docks are now so loaded with goods destined to Alaska that thoy’can permit
no more deliveries to the dock until they are cleared of what they have.
The previous long strike ended in December and here in Juno the docks aro loaded with
freight awaiting shipment. From this it could be judged that it might take a year
for recovery from the last strike. How then can wo stand Brother one?
Effective June 7, there is to be weekly service betwoon Soattlo and Seward, ’cut these
boats'will earyy passengers and mail and will not stop at toward more than ei&bt
hours. Freight must therefore be carried on regular freighters.
Ue wonder if Washington is going to stand by and do nothing toward tyying to solve
the Alaska shipping problems.