A SERIOUS AFFAIR.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1917, Page 2

A SERIOUS AFFAIR.

STOPPING RAMSAY MACDONALD

(United Service Telegrams.)

LONDON, 'June 11

.The position concerning Messrs MacDonald and Jowett has aroused great interest and several questions were asked in the House of Commons. "Ir G. Ferrell gave notice of motion for an adjournment ""to discuss the question.

■At a meeting in Trafalgar Square to protest against Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s visit to Petrograd, a' telegram was read from the branch of the Seamen’s and Firemen’s Union staffing that they had Messrs MacDonald and Jowett prisoners. The crew refused to sail with them.

Meanwhile there is great excitement at the port whence the delegates are due to leave.

Mr G. H. Roberts, M.P., has appealed to the local branch of the Seamen’s Union to release them. He declared that the Government did not desire he delegates to be prevented from f proceeding to Russia.

The request was refused and pfokots were posted. Tho organiser of tho Seamen’s Union stated that he lias warned the Premier that if a naval crew is. put aboard, or a destroyer is used to\convoy Messrs Mao Donald and Jarett, there . will be a national Seamen’s strike to-morrow. CREW remain FIRM. LONDON, June 12. Pickets followed Messrs MacDonald and Jowett Everywhere, even guarding Ithoir bedroom djoors and windows. They refused to listen to overtures. When Mr MacDonald promised (to demand reparation for murdered seamen, 'he was told that the crew could not disgrace the flag by sailing with pacifists. Mr Wilson, president of the Sailors’ and Firemen’s Union states that ho understands that if Messrs Macdonald and Jowett fail to get a ship they contemplate making the journey by aeroplane. • v DELEGATES’ PLEDGES. (LONDON, June 11. Messrs MacDonald) and Jowett pledged themselves to try and secure restitution for tho dependents- of submarine victims. They also expressed regret for the treatment of . the seanien’s delegates by the Leeds Conference.