PEACE TALK.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1917, Page 5

PEACE TALK.

STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE FAVORED.

LABOURITES DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE.

PROVIDED IT IS CONSULTATIVE. Received Aug. 11, 5.5 p.m. Loudon, Aug. 10. At the Labor Conference. Mr. Robinson, representing the textile workers, moved to accept the invitation to the Stockholm Conference, provided it was to be consultative and not mandatory. Air. Carter, representing the miners, seconded the motion. Mr. Sextou (dockers) moved an amendment: "That while njrrceinci that Mr. Henderson was actuated by a sincere desire to serve, the best interests o£ 'British democracy, this conference is of opinion that no case has been made out for the appointment of delegates to a conference including delegates from enemy countries, and that the conference adjourn fjine die." There was a great uproar when Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald rose to support the .resolution, and a passage of arms occurred .between Messrs Will Tliornc and Mac Donald, while the chairman called the meeting to order, keeping it well in hand. 'The conference, by 1,051,000 to 361,300 rejected Mr. Sexton's amendment.. The delegates will, therefore, participate in the tStockholm Conference.

AGGRESSIVE MILITARISM. SUGGESTED DELEGATION PROM THE DOMINIONS Received Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Renter Service. London, Aug. 10. The Labor Conference was attended by over six hundred delegates, the Russian representatives being present. The chairman (Mr. W. P. Purdyj said that no peace would be satisfactory which did not ensure freedom from the nightmare of aggressive militarism. Neither Britain nor Kussia wanted a separate peace, for thoy must stand shonider to shoulder until a righteous peace was obtained. Mr. Smillie suggested that the executive should approach the American and Belgian movements and get them also to send delegates to Stockholm, also to requi ;t the-'Dominions to send two representatives each. The chairman replied that the suggestion would be considered.

[ THE AMENDMENT. Mr. Sexton, 111 moving his amendment, said he had always been loyal to the executive, but there were times when loyalty to the executive meant treason to the rarik and file of the party. The resolution subletted meant such treason. When the Germans repudiated their crimed his objection, would disappear. Mr. Barnes, commenting on the absence of America, Belgium, Prance and Italy from the Stockholm Conference, said that if the British went they would discuss the matter with Germans 011 the one hand and Russians on the other, with the Dutch and Scandinavians in the position of a make-weight in voting for peace on any terms. The difference between mandatory and consultative vvaa very small, and if it went to a vote on one or ■ the other the position would be the Same, He asked whether tho present was the best time to discuss terms of peace. (Cries of "No!" and "Yes!") DELEGATES FAVOR UN-MANDATORY CONFERENCE.

Mr G. H. Roberts (Labor M.P.) considered the Stockholm Conference was calculated to injure M. Kerensky's Government and sow dissensions.

After the rejection of the amendment the conference adopted the main resolution by 1,840.000 votes to r>;>0,000. The terms of this resolution will make the conference unmandatory, and deprive the Stockholm gathering of the importance onco assigned thereto.

CONFLICTING DESIRES. Received Aug, <l2, 5.5 p.m. I N London, Aug. 11. I The Daily Chronicle considers that the Stockholm Conference is unlikely to eventuate, as the Russian Socialists want one kind of conference, the British Labor party another, whilst Franco-Belgians want a third, namely n mandator)' conference on a restricted agenda, previously defined by agreement. The 'Daily Telegraph fails to see how a British delegation can possibly proceed, in view of Russia's insistence on h mandatory conference. Moreover, Mr. Henderson, while in. Petrograd, insisted that all the Allies must be represented, whereas Belgium, France, Italy and. America will be absent.

ITALIANS A'ND BELGIANS REMAIN.

Received Aug. 11, 5,5 p.m.

Stockholm, Aug. 10. The Italian and Belgian Socialists'have resolved nob to participate in the Conference.

MINERS FAVOK SENDING 'DELEGATES. (Received, Aug. 11, 5.5 p.m. London, Aug. 10. The Miners' Federation decided by 541 to 191 to participate in the Conference This probably decides the question. HENDERSON'S ACTION CRITICISED.

Australian Cable Association. Received Aug. 12,, 5.5 p.m. London, Aug, 11. 'Mr. Appleton, secretary of the Trades Union Federation, states that Mr. Henderson has dostooyed the unity of the Allied democracy, is jeopardising the unity of the British movement, and has affronted the Dominions' and American movements.

I'RKNCtI SOCIALIST'S' DEMANDS. Received Aug. H, 6 p.m. Paris, Aug. 10. The French Socialists' statement of peace terms demands the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine, provided the inhabitants, except the German immigrants, are consulted on tho matter. It_ also demands the evacuation of tho invaded countries, reparation for devastation and violation of The Hague convflntiiMia, and complete iudnmniAca43!wif *ukl V ti-Tmuyitw, +M