May, 1938, 1938

The fight with UCAPAWA began to heat up, and the reader may follow its progress through the letters which Mitchell wrote to his friends and allies, keeping them informed of events and outlining strategy. Other documents relating to the split include: a mimeographed letter to STFU locals, explaining the conflict with UCAPAWA (11; note: page 2 of this letter is missing); Minutes of a special NEC meeting which voted to withdraw from the International (21); "An Open Letter to the American Labor Movement....", announcing the NEC vote (21); a mimeographed letter from Henderson to STFU locals, enclosing an incomplete set of minutes for the UCAPAWA Board meeting (23); and Mitchell to Henderson, complaining that the minutes are incomplete (30). In addition to the materials on the split with UCAPAWA, there are a few items which shed light on the situation in Jefferson County, where trouble broke out in February (2,13). Finally, there is a copy of a "Statement to the Worker's Defense League" from _Millie Sue Blagden, informing them that she is dropping her celebrated flogging case and joining the Communist Party (20)