I commend you and your associates who have fought so earnestly against this dangerous legislation.

I feel so strongly about the labor bill which the Senate will vote on this afternoon that I wish to reaffirm my sincere belief that it will do serious harm to our country.

At the same time, participation by the United States will necessitate relatively small change in the statutes or regulations of this Government.

Many of the provisions of the enclosed Conventions and Recommendations fall short of standards already in effect in the American merchant marine.

In view of certain objections thereto, as explained more fully in the enclosed report and communications, I do not request at this time advice and consent to ratification of Convention (No. 71) concerning seafarers' pensions.

I am convinced that such would be the result if the veto of this bill should be overridden.

I have concluded that this bill would prove to be unworkable.

Cooperation cannot be achieved by force of law.

I return herewith, without my approval, H.R. 3020, the 'Labor Management Relations Act, 1947.'

I cannot emphasize too strongly the transcendent importance of the United States in the world today as a force for freedom and peace.

It would involve the Government in the free processes of our economic system to a degree unprecedented in peacetime.

This bill would go far toward weakening our trade union movement.

I find that this bill is completely contrary to that national policy of economic freedom.

In summary, I find that the so-called 'emergency procedure' would be ineffective.

I hope that the Congress will approve legislation for the purposes indicated in the enclosed report and that such legislation will provide for the full enjoyment of civil rights and for the greatest practicable measure of self government.

It has long been my view that the inhabitants of Guam and Samoa should enjoy those fundamental human rights and that democratic form of government which are the rich heritage of the people of the United States.

I call your attention particularly to the problem of effective administration within the Government, where matters of unprecedented magnitude and complexity confront the public servant.

There can be no greater service to mankind, and no nobler mission, than devotion to world peace.