t'HUMY. OOTPHKK 74, 1UM
f AUK fclliHT
'I
hbKALl) AND NCVV.S. KhAiMA IH h AUifr. OlfAiUN
) J
f o Mr. HI ferny,
oss oMeMlk Siisiiiess
Everyone l-nows you are boss of the milk business, Mr. Henry.
You aim our uistriDuior-dominated committee are carrying
on a desperate campaign to prevent reform of your milk
control law.
This committee is composed of representatives of these
Portland companies: Damascus Milk Co. (wholly owned
subsidiary of Carnation Milk Co.); Fairvicw Farms; Sunshine
Dairy; Dairy Co-operative Association.
To perpetuate your legalized monopoly and guaranteed
proits your propaganda agents led by Mr. Stanley Church
have created a variety of bogymen with which they hope to
frighten Oregon citizens.
Instead -of discussing the issue of milk control on its merits
you hope to fool the people with clever cartoons of an Imaginary
devil labeled "chain grocery store." With this strawman you
say sly, tricky things which you could not say openly because
you would be sued for libel.
For years Safeway has tried to give Its customers richer milk
at lower prices. Long ago we publicly announced our support
of the milk reform bill which will be on the November ballot.
Therefore, thousands of Oregonians Identify Safeway with
your "chain grocery store" strawman. And with the misleading
and untrue things which your agents put in his mouth.
Here's the record, Nr. Henry:
Safeway people are Indlgnnnt. We realize thnt the moral
standards of political campaigns are often low. But there is a
limit. We must recognize some responsibility for acting In the
public interest. Especially on a complicated economic Issue
, such as milk.
We intend to protect our reputation nut. u ' o-.-p the record
straight.
Safeway sells food at fair prices. They are lower because we and other
efficient merchants pass on to consumers legitimate savinos from
better distribution methods.
Safeway buys foods at fair prices. We buy millions of dollars worth
of farm products fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and dolry products.
We need a steady supply of high quality farm products. Thousands of
farmers Including cooperatives like to sell to Safeway. We offer them
a steady market and our buying policies are fair. Which Is just flood
business.
Over one third of the sales of our stores are made to farmer customers.
Prosperous farmers mean more business for us. For Safeway to do
anything which would hurt farmers would be just as silly as biting the
hand that feeds us.
Safeway and Its Lucerne Milk Company Is In the milk business
In many states. Based upon our Intimate knowledge of milk conditions
In those states we are certain that passage of the milk reform bill In
Oregon will be good for dairymen and consumers alike.
,hic.
But we don't expect anyone to take our word for that state
ment. We asked milk cooperatives to write a letter about
conditions in their states for publication in Oregon.
They are located in every section of the countr)
In none of the states Is there any arbitrary
fixing of wholesale and retail prices.
Nor any restrictions on the freedom" of a man
- to go into the dairy business.
In some of the states the prouueer price is set
by a federal marketing order.
Except for minor details the conditions are the
same as they will be in Oregon If the milk reform
bill Is passed by a rote of 332 Yes.
These cooperatives represent 31,588 dairymen members,
l'hey say that:
Safeway pays producers more.
Safeway sells milk at fair prices does NOT use It as
loss leader.
Safeway Is a constructive force in the mllkbuslness.
Could It be that you are outof step, MrT Henry)
' Mum Umt(tr, Safiway $"t,
N. Mr.-Umi fearw. In, C-tm U. Uun DMM lluwt, IIM S. S. M An- ftilkat Uw.
jVflilTjf
4, Cnbvuhr
October ij, 1?52
Lucerne inc.
Centleraen,
Our riu,, t the ' Te. Vol1 ttrouS th, part
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