October, 1940, 1940

The AF of L turned down the STFU proposal for affiliation; see the letter from AF of L President William Green, explaining the decision (23). In the wake of this development, the NEC met in special session on October 13; the full minutes reveal the confusion and desperation of the STFU leaders. A major topic toward the end of the month was the activities of O.H. Whitfield, the former STFU organizer who was reported to be stirring up racial hatred in Missouri and Texas for the benefit of a UCAPAWA organizing drive. On Whitfield, see especially J.E. Clayton's reports from Texas (18,31) and Butler's letters to W.M. Tanner and F.R. Betton on stopping Whitfield in Missouri (25, 29).