British Unions Declare War On Communists

Chronicle (Levin), 16 March 1949, Page 5

British Unions Declare War On Communists

Received Tuesday, s.30 p.m. LONDON, March. 15. TJnions represeiiting 8,000,000 workers affiliated with the British Trades Union Congress were served with notices tonight hy the General Council of the T.U.G. foreshadowing action against some local trades councils "because of the spread of • Communist influeace; > The circular did not indicate the proposed action nor mention particular councils, hut ohseryers helieve the Iiondon, Manchester and Glasgow councils will he among the first to receive attention. ' Oue possihility is the cxeation of new rival trades councils whereto local unions would he instructed to transfer their aliegiance. The T.U.C. statement said Communists are changing ' the emphasis of their organisation from the political to the industrial field. It adds: "The General Council cannot avoid taking a serious view of the nonrepresentative character of certain r trades councils and of the effect this handful has on the prestige and standing of trades councils as a whole." The circular declared that Communist leaders use the trades unions as " an instruinent for the aevelopment of the mass struggle t# he rendered impotent when the Communist Party rules the State."