UNNECESSARY FIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 104, 3 May 1926, Page 9

UNNECESSARY FIGHT

MACDONALD BLAMES GOVERNMENT.

(Reuters Telegram.)

LONDON, Ist May

A memorandum issued by the Trades Union Congress says the trades involved in the strike call include all the forms of transport, the printing trades, including the Press, iron, steel, chemicals, and building works (except those employed in housing or hospital work), electricity and gas, but the sanitary services will be continued. Thcro will bo no interference with health and food services. The memorandum prescribes regulations, for trade union discipline, and declares that any found inciting the workers to riot must bo dealt with immediately. The chairman of tho Trades Union Conference said the trade unionists) fully supporting the council's policy numbered 3,653,527, mid those who negatived the policy 49,911. Mr. Bevin expressed the council's appreciation of the proposals for action,' which wore not submitted until the proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act was signed. "We did not declare war on the community," he said. "War was declared by tho Government. We are selecting certain vital

trades to bear tho first brunt of the contest. There must be no argument as to who shall remain in and who come out. You must take and obey orders. Any members told to operate voluntary services must not be interfered with." Mr. Eamsay Mac Donald said tho Government had decided to fight tfie people's standard of living. He believed they would have got peace last evening. The decision of the Government to break off negotiations was a crime against society. It was an unnecessary, wicked, and criminal fight. The whole question would be raised in the House of Commons on Monday. They were standing by the miners, but were still hoping that something would happen before then to enable the workers to continue work.