The Ypsilanti Daily Press

Army May be Used in Strike

San Francisco, Dec. 22 (AP) The Army was ready to back up with troops today the expressed determination of military authorities to keep shipbuilding plants in the San Francisco area at work on a war time basis.

"We are prepared to use force to prevent molestation of men wanting to work in plants where strikes are in progress" read an unamplified statement issued at headquarters of Gen. John L. DeWitt of the Fourth Army at the Presidio.

Independent welders had voted yesterday in the Bay area to establish picket lines today by way of emphasizing their demands that they be allowed autonomy. The Independents broke away from AFL unions and since have refused to pay AFL dues.

The request for Army troops was made by Rear Admiral J. W. Greenslade, of the 12th Naval District. A Navy statement explained that the management of Bay area shipyards and representatives of non-striking unions advised the admiral that welders planned a strike "and that violence was anticipated".

As a result, they suggested that the admiral provide troops to insure that the welders not wishing to strike would have peaceful access to their jobs," the statement continued.

"Accordingly, Admiral Greenslade has requested that the Army provide such troops as may be necessary to provide safe access for such workers as desire to continue at their jobs."

To assist the Army, because of the emergency of the situation, a company of marines was sent to the Pacific Bridge Company in Alameda earlier in the afternoon but will be replaced by Army forces." A picket line had appeared there at 4 p.m. yesterday. No incident developed.