The Strike Position

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1926, Page 2

The Strike Position

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LABOUR’S REPORT. LONDON, May 9. The most important happening today is that the Trade Union Congress have officially replied to Air Baidu in s broadcast statements. The Congress declares: “AH Baldwin’s reference to the general stride as being a danger to the country is likely to lead to a considerable misunderstanding. Therefore, we must reiterate that this struggle is an industrial question. Any constitutional issue, so far as the T.U. Congress is concerned, is not involved. AH Baldwin lias'talked about getting round the table, but he lias made it conditional that the general strike order shall first be withdrawn.”

The Congress •'continues: “But we do not find anything in Air Baldwin’s speech about- a withdrawal of the owners’ lock-out notices. He says that no door lias been closed. W e have constantly said that tlie resumption of the negotiations should Occur upon the position that was arrived at on Friday, the 30th April. If that door is open, then it is for the Prime Alinister to make it clear that the lock-out notices should be withdrawn, as well as the general strike order. So far as we are concerned, the Prime Alinister will find us willing to listen to any statement that he has to make.”

The Congress adds that an increasing number will he now coming out in those trades which are regarded as the workers’ second line of defence.

The Congress remarks: “In our anxiety to convince the public that we are not pursuing anything in the nature of a revolutionary struggle, we have refused other undesirable offers of financial assistance as well as that from Russia.”

Another Labour viewpoint as to the peace prospects was afforded by Air Cramp, when speaking at Stoke-Ncw-kington. He saidNo reasonable person would provoke this conflict for one moment, if it could bo closed honourably. but no one could give the Prime Alinister a blank cheque.” , LONDON, Alay 9.

Whatever the end, so far as the

nation is concerned, it must be worse after the strike than before, admitted Mr J, H. Thomas, ALP., in a speech at Hammersmith, in which he at the same time, declared that all the attempts to raise the constitutional issue were not only wrong, but were dangerous. “ Whatever the result,” he declared, “ it will not he made by us a challenge to the constitution.” He added: “The responsibility is indeed heavy, but a still graver responsibility will rest upon whichever side fails to recognise the moment when an honourable settlement is reachable. That moment must be accepted. and everyone must work for that end.”

LONDON, May 10. In a sjieech at Willesden, the Railwayman's Secretary. Air Cramp, said that there was a feeling that tlie Railway and the Transport Union were lighting the battle rather drastically and there were even some workers who were inclined to think that the methods adopted would hurt their own class. Air Cramp pointed out that this strike was not a picnic party. They might, and probably they would, inconvenience sume of their own comrades, but such inconvenience must be borne. Referring to Air Baldwin’s recent speeches, .Mr Cramp expressed the opinion that they were the utterances of a wellmeaning man, hut ho believed that there had been sinister influences working behind Air Baldwin, influences emanating from iwojile desirous of crushing the workers.

OFFICIAL REPORT. LONDON, Alay 9

The latest official Government review of (lie situation is prefaced by an assurance that no material news is being withheld. The Government describes the position as “generally satisfactory.!’ It says that food supplies in London end in the Home Counties are assured, though there is a tendency now for the prices of eggs, meht, and Vegetables to rise. Some difficulty is being experienced in getting meat from Smitlitield, owing to intimidation, hut this will not be tolerated in future, as a system of convoying, by means of armoured ears and troops will be employed wherever it is necessary. LONDON, Alay 10. On Monday morning the position is that there are conflicting viewpoints concerning the number of public conveyances that have been restarted. The, Government announces that three thousand conveyances rail oil Sunday. The Trade Union Council says the statements of the Government are entirely at variance with their (the T.U.C.) evidence. The Council declares that the I rude Union despatch riders report seeing only two trains on the roads to Scotland. “TI'AIES” STATF.AIENTS. LONDON, Alav 10. “The Times” says: “Many strikers have seen the folly and danger of the ‘stoppage, and have returned to work, and there are 10G thousand regular railwaymen working the four main railway groups.” “The Times” adds: “The strike has produced a deep impression throughout the world. The foreign press pays a tribute to the Government's and the people’s calmness and restraint. An opinion is widely expressed that the strike is bound to fail. French, German and American papers regard the Government’s vindication of authority as an issue vital to all Governments. 'The Italian press claims the strike shows Fascism’s superiority to a democratic regime. The Soviet paper “Izvestia” describes the British Labour Leaders as “sheep.” EARL BALFOUR. LONDON, May 10.

Earl Balfour has an article in “The British Gazette.” He says: “It is 238 years since there has been a revolution in this country, the object of which revolution was to secure Parliamentary Government and the traditional liberties of our people. AVe are now threatened with a very different kind of revolution, the methods of which consist of depriving people of food, transport, employment and a free press. No revolution in Britain, however triumphant, is going to diminish, the competition in the neutral markets, or to augment the demand for coal at Home, or to hasten the changes that are recommended by the Coal Commission, or to compel the mine owner indefinitely to carry on his industry at a loss.” Lord Balfour declares: “If this revolution succeeds, the community would thenceforth he ruled by a relatively small body of extremists, who regard the trade unions, not as machinery for collective bargaining within our Indus, trial system, but as a political instrument, whereby our industrial system may be utterly destroyed. Such a policy would eventually be fatal to any country. In Britain, it-would bring ruin, swift, complete and irresistible. AA’e live on industry, industry lives on credit and enterprise. AVhat credit, financial or political ; what enterprise would remain to us, were we driven by such methods to dispossess people I pf their Parliamentary liberties, and |

hand over the national heritage to be squandered amid incalculable suffering by violent ' irresponsible doctrinaries. From such a fate, may the courage and resolution of our countrymen save civilisation!” Lord Grey of Falloden, in a message that was broadcasted throughout the country, said:- "The negotiations on the miners’' wages must be- free, „ ' and they would not be free n hilt tlie strike existed. He continued:— “The strike has let loose forces of disorder, which are no part of the trade unionism of this country, hooligan forces which the Trade Union leaders themselves disown at ordinary times, if the object of the strike be revolutionary, there is nothing but to fight it to the bitter end, but, d its sole object is to get the best terms for the'miners, then the wisest course, will be to withdraw the strike, and get back to the negotiations.” . LONDON QUIET. LONDON, May 9. Though London remains quiet, reports show that elsewhere more or less serious rioting has occurred. There were nasty disturbances m Middlcboro, where the police were threatened by a hostile crowd. The police made numerous baton charges there, but order was not restored till early in the morning. The principal causes of the trouble were the manning of trams and buses by voluntcers. _ . -- V” An official communique in tlie ‘British Gazette” describes the riots in Aliddleboro, as “somewhat considerable,” but says they were eventually quelled. v APPLE SHIPMENTS. LONDON May 8. in view of the likelihood of tho enormous glut in apples when the ships with cargoes of them commence dis- • charging, the Fruit Trades Federation has resolved to ask the Agents--1 General of tlie fruit States to urge their Governments immediately to prohibit the shipment of-any more apk . pies. CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. The Bishop of Christchurch (Right Rev. Campbell West Watson) asked all the clergy in the diocese to offer special prayers on Sunday for a peace- * ful and just settlement of tho strike, j The following prayer was authorised , for use at the services: 0 O God, who in Thy providence has j appointed every man his work, remove ’ we humbly beseech Thee, from those who are now at variance, all strifo and bitterness. Grant, that seeking ’ only what is just and equal, they may live and work together in brotherly union and concord. Kindle, we pray Thee, in the hearts of all men, true 8 ~ love and peace, and guide all those t who take counsel for the welfare of our s nation, through Jesus Christ our ._ Lord.

COAL EMBARGO. OSTENI), Alay 9. The Transport 'Workers’ International was not enthusiastic concerning the proposal of tlie British delegate, ALr Milford, that the loading and unloading of every ship flying the British flag should ho prohibited at ■ the Continental ports, whatever her cargo.' Tlie Belgian delegate pointed out the impossibility of complying with the British suggestion, especially in _ connection with the unloading of cargoes destined for local consumption. Eventually it was agreed that all coal consignments to Britain would be prevented at all Continental ports. A RUSSIAN REPORT. LONDON, Alay 9. V The Riga correspondent of “Tlie Times” says: “The Communist International lias instructed tlie British Communist Party to do its utmost to hamper food transport, saying: ‘You must urge class against class everywhere. Try to accelerate developments towards active civil war.’ ” ■ LONDON, May 10. Tlie Trade Union Council and tlie members of tlie Miners’ Executive were to have given addresses at various centres on Sunday, but they wrote at the eleventh hour, cancelling their engagements and saying that all day sessions were necessary to keep) in touch hour by hour with the changing phases of the struggle.

LONDON, Alay 10. The Ruahine lias sailed from fe'"’*hnmpton for New Zealand. A STIRRING.ARTICLE. NEW YORK “POST’S” ATTITUDE. (Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 10. The newspaper “Post” in a leading article under the caption: “AA T e Arc AVith You, England,” denounces the Communists of England and America. The “Post” declares if the British strike develops into a war of violence. United States must go to the assistance of the British Government. It adds that at all costs the strike p must he broken. It is an assault upon the throne of Government and people of Britain. If it wins there will he a communist dictatorship in Finglaml. Nothing but a miracle can prevent a collision between the armed forces oi' the Government and the forces of the rebellion. Tlio communists of the world are eagerly attempting to bring about civil war in England. Doubtless messages for aid are going from United States to British reds. .If the strike develops into a war of violence tine can be no neutrality in such a war. The Government -should range itself instantly alongside the British Government lending every assistance. Communists in United States should be placed under guard or in gaol, and no communication between them and British revolutionist’s permitted. k Whatever England needs should he ~ furnished quickly. The attack on popular Government in England is an attack on popular Government in United States. Americans would he dull and deluded if they failed to perceive the triumph of Communism in England would involve United States in war.