1943 pamphlet charges smear by BJ

A story in the Beacon Journal on January 21, 1943 prompted a pamphlet by the Nationaol Maritine Union of America to issue a pamphlet in February, 1943 in defense of accusations abut mariners who refused to unload ships at Guadalcal during World War II.

The headline was Ship ‘Strike' Ires Guadalcanl Fighters

Here’s the lead on the story”

Flaming with indignation, at least six battle-scarred veterans of Guadalcanal have come back to Akron with the incredible claims that their buddies have been forced to unload their own supplies from a merchant ship on that island battleground because of the refusal of civilian crew men to work on Sunday.

Rumors and innuendo were picked up by Westbrook Pegler and others and resulted in a smear against the union. The Beacon Journal published the story even thought the story itself indicated there was no certainty about the validity of the claim.

One paragraph said:
But confirmation has come from a high official source in Washington, who though he witnessed these conditions during his service in Guadalcanal, must necessarily remain anonymous.

Another said:
One source in Washington put these reports down to "exaggeration that we find quite common when boys are under the stress of emotion."

The story spread rapidly:
A check with the Beacon Journal Washington bureau disclosed that not only has the same story been confirmed by an eyewitness of high standing, but further that the reports are beginning to be circulated widely in congress and that a blow off is imminent.

But here was the Navy Message re Guadalcanal

From: COMSOPAC
Date: 23 Jan 1943
Fro Coderoom 1044

Decoded by Barco

Paraphrased by Stiner
Lt Hill 280248 NCR 5309

(COMSOPAC Sends. CTF 62 has for Info)

Your 260231* Total of 14 American merchant Marine Manned Vessels including 6 Army transports have unloaded in the Guadalcanal area under the close supervision of experienced Naval officers. There have been no refusal of these crews to discharge cargo at Guadalcanal. There have been many reports praising the courage, ability and hearty cooperation of officers and crews engaged in this hazardous duty under enemy attack. Implication of refusal to work a base canard and is not understood here. I repeat I am currently forwarding by mail strong recommendation for special recognition of the fine work of these ships and their patriotic personnel.

*Probably refers to confidential 261835

The pamphlet concludes with a statement from Brigadier General Robert L. Denig of the United States Marine Corps:

"The Marine Corps knows nothing about the published charges. The people in Akron called us about it and we told them we knew nothing about it. We referred them to the Navy Department and I understand the Navy told them there was no basis for the story."

Thanks to John “derf” Backdorff who found the links to the old pamphlet.

Click on the headline to get started then scroll down to the Beacon Journal image here.