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A Statement To Allied 's Leaders
A CRISIS IN
ALLIED
TO ALUED'S NATIONAL LEADERS:
You have NOT been repudiated by your organization!
The resolution passed by the Board of Directors approving a plan for the creation of a "national joint conference committee of the several branches of the industry" was turned down by the delegates to the Philadelphia convention simply because it held forth the slim possibility that, in some unforeseen way, Allied's firm foundation of complete independence might be undermined.
That, gentlemen, is a tribute to the great spirit which your courageous and loyal leadership has ingrained in the very fibres of the exhibitors who have followed you through the years.
There was much talk of "liaison," of the need for establishment of an all-industry committee to confer on matters of MUTUAL interest. There could hardly have been any serious opposition to such a plan. But, the resolution presented by the Board of Directors proposed to go beyond that. It stated that Allied's representatives on the joint committee shall be authorized to "study" the possibility and desirability of bringing the several branches and groups (of the industry) into a more elaborate and enduring form of industry organization."
That frightened the rank and file of Allied's membership. It is only natural that they should reject any plan containing a germ that might destroy the vitals of their organization and make of it another M. P. T. O. A. It was understandable jealousy of Allied's independence that prompted the spirited debate and, finally, the vote against the resolution.
The average independent exhibitor believes that his interests and those of the distributors are diametrically opposed in the usual course of business. He understands that in matters of taxation or legislation affecting the industry as a whole, liaison would be desirable. But it wants to limit it to liaison — and only on specific matters.
Harmony — harmony that will really last — must be based on mutual respect between the organizations representing the DIFFERENT branches of the industry. Intelligent, broadminded and considerate leadership in each of the branches would accomplish the most.
There is a possibility that you men may be tempted to resign because of the action taken by the convention at large. FILM BULLETIN urges you to accept the vote of the membership with a feeling of pride in what you have constructed— a splendid organization of truly independent men.
SEPTEMBER 20. 1941
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