DailyTimeCapsule brief
May 23, 1939
On May 23, 1939, a significant labor strike initiated by the Congress of Industrial Organizations (C.I.O.) left 24,000 workers idle, particularly impacting the Briggs Local in Detroit, where 15,000 workers were called out after contract negotiations faltered. Meanwhile, the international stage was marked by troubling developments; Britain's gold reserves from Czechoslovakia were reportedly transferred to Nazi Germany, the specifics of which remained shrouded in mystery. In Geneva, optimism arose as reports indicated that the Anglo-Soviet pact was nearing completion, with potential treaty agreements expected within a week. However, China's appeal to the League of Nations yielded little more than sympathy, as the status of Albania was also brought before the Assembly, reflecting the growing tensions in Europe and Asia as nations grappled with the unfolding global crisis.
Key developments
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On May 23, 1939, a strike called by the CIO faction of the United Auto Workers (UAWA) resulted in the idling of 24,000 workers. The strike particularly affected the Briggs Manufacturing Company and led to the closure of the Plymouth factory in Detroit. This labor action highlighted ongoing tensions between automakers and their workforce amid contract negotiations.
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On May 23, 1939, reports emerged that a portion of the gold reserves of the former Czecho-Slovak National Bank, held in London, may have been transferred to Nazi Germany. A spokesman could not confirm the details of the transfer, raising concerns about the fate of the national assets. This event highlighted the vulnerabilities of smaller nations during the rise of the Reich in Europe.
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ANGLO-SOVIET PACT NEAR, GENEVA SAYS; League Quarters Hear Snags Have Been Overcome, With a Treaty Expected in a Week CHINA APPEALS TO COUNCIL But She Gets Nothing Beyond Much Sympathy--Status of Albania Goes to Assembly
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