Kirklin, J B 1973-08-02

Brief synopsis of interview: J. B. Kirklin, former manager of Trans-Pecos Cotton Association and agricultural labor lobbyist, discusses his political career and the history and operations of the Association. He includes his opposition to the bracero program, the Mexican government’s attitudes toward the program, political attitudes and other problems and complexities.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J.B. Kirklin

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 02, 1973

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsend

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Origin of PL78 (public law) related, Implementation of PL78 discussed, Review of process of certification, Beneficial effect of bracero program on domestic wage scale claimed, Discussion of congressional decision on transportation costs, Lyndon B. Johnson mentioned, Struggle between Labor and Agriculture Departments cited, Advisory Committee described, Recalls international negotiations, Lists Labor Department goals, Costs to producers surveyed, Insurance problems explained, Examines Mexican attitude toward the program.

Tape 1, Side 2: Anecdote concerning U. S.-Mexican negotiations on minimum wages, Origin on Trans-Pecos Cotton Association, Relates story concerning President Harry S. Truman’s intervention (1948), To supply adequate labor supply for West Texas, Comments on incidents of racial discrimination, Origin of Trans-Pecos Cotton Association (continued), Pecos labor needs reviewed, Domestic labor and crew leaders recalled, Growth of Trans-Pecos Cotton Association facilities related to medical needs, Association operations related, Criticism of labor associations, Geographical area served by Trans-Pecos Cotton Association outlined, Social effects of bracero program explored, Describes labor association crews, Attitude of Mexican-Americans toward the bracero program cited.

Tape 2, Side 1: Shooting incident in Congress (1954), Buying behavior of braceros described, Attempts to establish prostitution foiled, Catholic opposition has been evident, Archbishop Lacy cited, Irish priests’ support of the bracero program noted, Willcox, Arizona is a "high-wage" pocket, Effectiveness of National Labor Users, Committee and end of PL78 examined, Remembers farm labor shortage (1965), Secretary of Labor Willard Wirtz mentioned, Mexican attitude explored, Explains bracero "specials", States attitude of Kennedy and Johnson administrations toward bracero program, 1965 farm program discussed, Political problems described.

Tape 2, Side 2: Political problems (continued), Relationship between departments of Agriculture and Labor explored, Dishonest practices of farmers exposed, Attitude toward "wetback" labor expressed, Comments on California farm labor and mechanization, Anecdote concerning a conflict with the Mexican consul, Reviews relationship of farmer and worker, Dallas Labor Office and Texas Employment Commission roles compared, Discussion of present wetback labor and attitude of Mexican-Americans toward the program, Anecdote concerning a disturbance in labor camp.

Range Dates: 1948-1973

Bulk Dates: 1948-1965

Access Information

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