LABOR PEACE CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1917, Page 1

LABOR PEACE CONFERENCE.

PROGRESS OF MEETING, fg [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.] TAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] London, Dec 28 The National Conference of the Trades Union Congress and Labour Party was held at Westminster to consider the manifesto on our war aims. Nine hundred delegates were present. Mr Arthur Henderson. M.P., in moving the adoption of the manifesto, declared that Labour’s policy was : Firstly, to secure a settlement as speedilj as possible, founded on the principles of democracy and security. Secondly, territorial adjustments must not be dictated, by annexationist or Imperialistic designs, or reasons of military strategy, but the interests of the world.

Thirdly, trade policy after the war must not be founded upon economic oppression or commercial isolation of the German people. No settlement could be satisfactory unless it completely discredited aggressive militarism and substituted a higher conception of international responsibility. If every nation included in the proposed League of Nations should pledge itself to make common cause against any nations breaking its pledges to the League. Mr Henderson concluded by assuring that the military efforts should be supplemented morally and politically.

REJ MOTION I >EFEATED. London, Dec 28 Mr Havelock Wilson, representing the seamen, in moving ■ the rejection of the manifesto, reiterated that, seamen would never sail in ships with Germans until Germany repented of her foul murders. Mr Wilson’s motion was rejected by 343 to 12. Mr Havelock Wilson, commenting on the clause referring to food and raw material, said that Germany practically invited herself to onr'house to share supplies; and added, “ Get on with the war.” Mr Walsh stated that he represented eighty thousand miners, who had no opportunity to consider the proposals.

M AN IFESTO APP ROY FI). Don pox, Dec 28 The official framers of the memorandum on Avar aims stipulated that it must be accepted or rejected, and referred back unamended. Mr Ogden, voicing the official view, said a Avorld-wide issue might arise. The Congress was one of the'most important in the history of the world*. Mr Smellie declared that the workers of the world Avere anxiously awaiting the result. The Congress, on a slioav of hands, adopted the manifesto practically unauimonsty. The Conference, after carrying the manifesto, adjourned to the following day. ______