SACRAMENTO, July 6–Having committed himself, Gov. Frank Merriam has made it plain he would not deviate from his policy of National Guard control of the strike area. The governor issued the following statement after several hours of conferences in his executive office: "This situation cannot be endured. I have ordered the National Guard of California to move into the San Francisco strike area to safeguard lives, protect state property and to preserve order. "At this time 1500 National Guardsmen are patrolling the strike area. Approximately 5000 additional guardsmen are available for duty if the situation demands their service.
"The leaders of the striking longshoremen are not free from communist
and subversive influences. I know that independent, sincere labor leaders
are not sympathetic with the conduct of this strike, and as governor I
appeal to the saner, clear- "...There will be no turning back from the position I have taken in this matter." Gov. Merriam has received numerous telegrams complimenting him for calling the National Guard, he said. He has been given no official report of any labor union officials criticizing his action, and would not comment on press reports of criticism.
His office was quiet, in contrast to the rushed activities which preceded his
call for troops, at mid-
Merriam planned to remain close to his telephone, however, and did not
know whether he would be able to attend a San Francisco meeting of the
State Advisory Relief Commission tomorrow.
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"I am prepared to pursue a
course which shall assume full protection of life and property. The
California National Guard represents no class, serves no faction, takes no
sides. It is the military arm of the people and is drawn from all ranks. It is
responsible only to the highest interest and the basic welfare of the people.
It cannot be intimidated and it shall not be overwhelmed.