THE LABOR CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1917, Page 3

THE LABOR CONFERENCE.

THE LAHOUR CONFER ENCE. MR. HENDERSON’S PROPOSALS. Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 30. At the Labour Conferenc, Mr. Henderson in the course of his speech, suggested that we should treat with Austria and Turkey, and thus reduce the fighting area, and release men for necessary labour at home. This met with cries of “No,” and “pro-German.” Mr. Henderson declared that it- was surprising that neutrals and Russia, and even Americans suspected us of annexationist designs. Labour could not allow this. The memorandum did not mean “hands up,” or the white feather, but Labour asked for an opportunity to ascertain how far Germany was. preparVd to accept its peace proposals. Mr .Ilill (Boilermakers’ representative) declared we must fight until Germany repented of her crimes and foul

murders. Mr. Thomas (Railway-men's representative) strongly disagreed with the suggested separate peace with Austria’ and Turkey. When peace was discussed, it must lie a world peaceCritics of tlie memorandum disclaimed the Executive’s audacity i n forcing tho conference to accept tlie memorandum immediately, bolus bolus, when many delegates possessed no authority from their societies. Mr. Henderson cabled to Huzman secretary of the International Socialists at Stockholm the result of the conference’s decision, asking him to communicate it to the Petrograd Soviet, and also intimating that the conference opposed a separate peace.