A LABOUR DELEGATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 226, 23 September 1922, Page 7

A LABOUR DELEGATION.

PREMIER'S ASSURANCES. ANXIETY FOR PEACE. LONDON, September 22. An official communique states that a deputation from the General Council of Trades Unions met Mr. Lloyd George, Sir Robert Home, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sir L. Worth ington Evans, Secretary of State for War, at Downing Street. Mr. Ben Tillett, Miss Bondlield, and Mr. J. 11. Thomas expressed the council's views on the Near Eastern situation. It is unofficially stated that the Labour leaders expressed the opinion that the Dardanelles should be kept neutral, but Mr. Lloyd George replied that this was a world matter and not a question for tbe British nation alone. The Labour leaders also stated that the presence of Allied forces ou the Asiatic side of the Straits was indefensible, and a solution of the problem could be obtained by negotiation. It is understood Mr. Lloyd George assured the deputation that the Government was as anxious as they were to maintain peace, and he believed a settlement would be secured. The executive of the Miners' Federation adopted a resolution emphatically disacreeina. with the Government's Near Eastern policy, and declaring that it wo>.""d oppose by all possible means any step taken that would involve the workmen in further bloodshed; also expressing the opinion that the whole question should be referred to the League of Nations for final determination. The "Daily Express" says the secrecy of the Labour deputation's interview with Mr. Lloyd George does not signify that tho Near Eastern situation is so grave that he fears to excite the public by removing the veil. After the Labour delegates had considered Mr. Lloyd ■George's reply they returned to Downing Street and informed him they had passed no resolution, meaning that they refused to take the responsibility of opposing the British policy.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)