TRADES UNION CONGRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1927, Page 3

TRADES UNION CONGRESS

REASONS KOI! RUPTURE. 'Australian Press Association & rsun.) LONDON. Sept. 8. The Trade Union Congress at Edinburgh held u discussion on the report on Russia. The debate was oi a remarkably high standard, dev !o the importance and the unusual nature ol tho subject. Tile result was an endorsement of the report by a huge majority of tho delegates. A number of the delegates, however, including Ihe whole of the miners delegates, surprisingly joined Ihe majority of the railway men in their opposition to flic report, but Mr J. 11. Thomas, M.E., who is one of the railway delegates, offered to take the initiative and appeal to the general body of the rnihvnymcn, which turned out to he unnecessary. Mr Citrine submitted the report, lie said the TYLL Council was unanimous on it. lie explained that the monumental patience of the movement had at length ended, and he pointed out those taking the initiative in 1025 in the formation of the Aiiglo-Russian Committee were identical with those at present in the Congress. It was, lie said, their considered belief that

it was no use ol their continuing rela-

tions with tlie Russians. it whs because of moi'e than their injured dignity. It was hecause the Russians did not realise fcliat Moscow was a battleground, and that the rest of the world were spectators. Mr Citrine said that the Russians were unable to understand others’ hesitation to follow their own example, and were treating as enemies those who were desirous of a sincere friendship. The Russians thought themselves to be the guardians of tlio world’s workers, and to he entitled in lofty manner to pronounce for all countries their industrial policy, and to support every minority revolutionary movement. For instance, there was the propaganda in the Miners’ I 1 adoration. He (-Mr Citrine! and Mr Hicks, when visiting Russia, had had to listen to their friends being called “ renegades ” and “ lickspittles.” Mr Citrine eoneTuded: “The door of a resumption of negotiations will he unlocked, and will he roopenablo on reasonable terms.” The Civil Service delegate, Mr Brown, moved the rejection of the report. This Mr Cramp (railwnymen) seconded. Mr Brown insisted that the report would contribute to the danger of a war against Russia, and would ho an asset to the Baldwin Government. Mr Bovin summed up on behalf of the Council. He said that they no longer were able to co-operate with the people who were calling them “cowards,” “ traitors,” “ i'iars,” and

“ scoundrels.” The Congress unanimously accepted Mr Pollitt’s resolution demanding a select committee to investigate tho reasons for the Government’s action in terminating relations with Russia.

“ TIMES’S” COMMENTS. LONDON, Sept. 8. The “Times” in a leading article, says: “British sense and standard of honour carried the day at the '1 ratio Union Congress when it decided to dissolve the Anglo-Itnssian Committee. Thus ends another sham. This committee had small influence in Britain. On tho contrary, in the disturbed British relations with the Continental Unions, there are now signs that the Labourites are completely abandoning Communism and its malice. The Trade Union Congress earlier in the week ignored Mr Baldwin’s suggestion that it should give a lead in industrial peace. Is it beyond hope that the Congress will now convert its pious aspiration for peace into a tangible proposal.” LONDON, Sept. 8. The “Daily Mail.” in » leading article dealing with the Trades Union Congress, says this vote completely justifies the British Government’s action in throwing out the BolsheviksIt says the Congress has been slow to act, but there fis now every reason for .•■believing that it is fulfilling the wishes of the majority of the rank and file.