T.U.C. THREATENS WITHDRAWAL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 7

T.U.C. THREATENS WITHDRAWAL

World Federation Of Trade Unions OPPOSITION TO COMMUNISM (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 28. “Observers in London foresee little chance that the World Federation of Trades Unions will put its organisation in ‘cold storage,’ as the General Council of the British Trades Union Congress has recommended.” says Reuter’s industrial correspondent. “It is expected that a bitter international trade union conflict will fcfllow the British decision. “The threatened withdrawal of the British trade union movement from the WF.T.U., however, would completely erase the already fading pretence of co-operation and brotherhood between moderate and Communist trade unionism. If the T.U.C. withdr<kvs from the WF.T.U., it is possible tint the rionCommunist unions would form. a new international organisation. The American Federation of Labour, which has been strongly pressing for this for some -time, would probably become a member. The Commonwealth trade unions might also join. “Trade union sources believe that in any case such events will no* be long delayed. Instances such as the quarrel between the mine workers’ president, Mr Will Lawther, and his Corhmunist secretary. Mr Arthur Horner, over support for the French miners’ strike have gone from the front pages, but are reported to be still simmering behind committee doors.” T.U.C. Declaration The General Council of the Trades Union Congress, in a declaration on Communism, said that it was clear that the Communist parties were doing their utmost to wreck the entire recovery efforts of Britain and the European countries which had accepted the American aid offer.

‘The council directs the serious attention of all trade unionists to the malignant character of Communist agitation and organisation, and urges all affiliated unions and responsible officers to counteract every manifestation of Communist influence within unions,” says the declaration. The council added: “Energetic steps must be taken to stop the evil machinations which threaten the country’s economic recovery. Attempts to wreck economic recovery in the interests of a foreign Power, whose policy is to keep the world divided, impoverished, and in constant dread of a third world war, must be condemned and repudia *®6 by all trade unionists.” The council decided to recommend that the World Federation of Trade Unions suspend its functions, and stated that if the World Federation refused, the British T.U.C. would withdraw from the organisation.