BRITISH TRADE UNIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19658, 10 September 1927, Page 4

BRITISH TRADE UNIONS

THE EDINBURGH CONGRESS . RUSSIAN RELATIONS SEVERED ENDORSED BY HUGE MAJORITY Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, September 8. The discussion on the report on Russia was of a remarkably high standard, duo to tho importance and tho unusualness of the subject, and resulted in its endorsement by a huge majority. A number of delegates, however, including the whole of the miners, did not vote. The Civil Service delegates surprisingly joined the majority, and the rnilwayraeiv the opposition. Mr Citrine, in submitting the report, said tho council was unanimous. He explained that their, monumental patience had at length ended, and pointed out that those taking the initiative in 1925 in the formation of an Anglo-Eussian Committee were identical with those at present in congress. It was their considered belief that it was of no use continuing the relations It was more than injured dignity; it was because tho Russians did not realise that Moscow was a baUlcgtound and tho rest of the world spectators. The Russians were unable to understand others’ hesitation to follow their example, treating as enemies those desirous of sincere friendship. They thought themselves the guardians of tho world’s workers, and that they were entitled loftily to pronounce the industrial policy of every country and support ovei-y minority revolutionary movement. Ho and Mr flicks, when visiting Russia, had had to listeir to friends being called renegades and lickspittles, “ Tho door of tho resumption of negotiations will be unlocked and rodponablo on reasonable terras,” said Mr Citrine in conclusion. Mr Bevin, summing up on behalf of the council, said that they were no longer able to co-operate with people calling them cowards, traitors, liars, and scoundrels. Congress unanimously accepted Mr Pollit’s resolution demanding a select committee to investigate the reasons for the Government terminating relations with Russia. PRESS COMMENT. BRITISH SENSE WINS DAT. LONDON, September 8. 'Tho Times’ in a leader says that British sense and standard, ot honor carried the day at the Trades Union Congress, when it decided to dissolve tho Anglo-llussinn Committee. This ends another sham _ committee which had small influence in Britain; on the contrary, it has disturbed British relations witli Continental unions. There are now signs that the Laboritcs are completely abandoning Communism and its malice. Congress earlier in the week ignored Mr Baldwin’s suggestion that it should give a lead to industrial peace. Is it beyond.hope that congress will now convert a pious aspiration for peace into a tangible proposal? The ‘Daily Mail’-.in a lender says that the vote completely justifies the British Government’s action in throwing out the Bolshevists. It has been slow to act, but there is now every reason for believing that ii is fulfilling the wishes of the majority of the rank and file. —‘The Timse.’ THE SOVIET EXPLANATION. i “SIR AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN’S ORDERS.” MOSCOW, September 9. (Received September 10, at 11.5 a.m.)

“The Trades Union Congress only carried out Sir Austen Chamberlain’s orders,” say the newspaper ‘ Pravda,’ commenting on the decision of tho congress. “It is a sample of Socialist Imperialism helping the British Imperialists to prepare for war against the Soviet. It is one more step in the campaign begun in May by the British Ministry. THE TRADES UNION ACT, EFFORT TO REPEAL. LONDON, September 9. (Received September 10, at 10.30 a.m.) The Trades Union Congress adopted a resolution protesting against the Government’s Trades Union Act and pledging congress to work for a repeal of “this iniquitous measure.” Mr Clynes urged his hearers’ to do their best to evade tho-purpose of the measure.