HONDURAN PUBLIC OPINION FAVORS STRIKERS (W/ATTACHMENT)

Created: 5/22/1954

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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Subject! Honduran Public Opinion Favors Strikers

Dale of Info. U

Acquiredi

Source i local American bueineosmaji and U, S. Oovernacot Srtployee (B)

Dateiiu

Date of ReportiU

of Content: 2

It le reported that there erfets little sympathy for the united Fruit Companyonduran bueineeamm or politicians, The company has pruotlcally no friendrit has rude no efforte to adjust its wages to the riein- cost of Hvi-y;heproved livinfc etandarda throughout Honduras. furthermore, tho ccwpimv has .riven none of its business tote on the north ooart, and many of Iheeo people are numbers of Conrrese. Keyardleer. of portonal feelings President OALVEZ is not able to sujv.-ort I'nitei Fruit In tbe face of strong adverse feelings on the part ofMic. Despite their Uck of sympathy for United Fruit thef Hondvran bvslnessien are avara of the Conrriunist danger, and they realise that thesre read takrf aof the strike,

The strikers on the north coast are stated to he jrderly. There is little drinldnr. evident, and liu ro appears to be an unusual amount of discipline, The vortasen neve shown respect for local police and Amy authorltlea. Most reaidtntf of the aroa have driven their tacit euppert to the striking workers and haveelief that the Intter'e demands should be net. One load ofor local rwrchante and the government vas recently handled, but the workers refuse to touch United Fruit carco.

The strikers are confident, hut the business ce-juinlty is tarried that the Coreouniote will take advantage of tho oituationettlement is not reached shortly. It Is generally felt that the company should hare taken the initiative ln the matter of wage Increases, but company officials counter thia argument with statements that any settlement would only have been met with doarndc for further raises.

Original document.

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