BATTLEGROUND OF THE GENERAL STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 281, 28 November 1938, Page 7

BATTLEGROUND OF THE GENERAL STRIKE.

FRENCH CONFLICT. Union Leaders Handling Political Dynamite. CRITICAL SITUATION. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) PARIS, November 27. The Government and the Trade L liion Confederation are engaged in a fight to a finish on the battleground of the general strike. The Ministry expects to maintain public services despite defiance. . M. Henri Raynaud, Communist secretary of the Paris Federation, said that if a 24-hour strike did not suffice it would be prolonged. It entails the closing of factories, mines, offices, banks, stores, cinemas, theatres and large provision shops; the stoppage of newspapers, radio, railway, road and water transport, port activities; work in hotels, cafes and restaurants, trunk and international hut not local telephone services and in closing of post offices and schools, but will not affect chemists or the distribution of food, gas, electricity and water. M. Pierre Semard, secretary-general of the Rail wa vixen's Union, promises observance of discipline by the men remaining on the lines as a guarantee of security. M. Daladier broadcast an appeal to the public for support for the economy decrees. He declared that neither a dictatorship nor Fascism was intended. M. Blum urges the Government to stop in time. He emphasises the many perils surrounding France, adding that anybody bringing the country's masses against the Government would be guilty of high treason. The Trade Union Confederation and the Labourite Socialists are fully aware that they are handling political dynamite as is indicated by their insisting that there is no political motive and demanding the utmost discipline, though protest meetings and demonstrations were held throughout France in the week-end, sometimes clashing with pol ice. The Metal Workers* Union ordered 2.">.000 members to remain idle. The Farman aeroplane factory locked out 3400 for refusing to work overtime. STRIKERS SUPPORTED. MANY WORKERS APPROVE. Independent Cable Service. PARIS, November 27. More and more classes of workers are declaring their intention of supporting the general strike, and they now include j employees of the railways, buses, post offices, banks, shops, hotels, restaurants, factories and newspapers. The Federation of Labour has issued I instructions providing for the maintenance of health services, food supplies, chemist shops and gas and electricity. -i —