LABOUR UNITED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1940, Page 8

LABOUR UNITED

SHARE IN GOVERNMENT

ACTION ENDORSED

RALLYING CALL BY LEADER

(By, Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

LONDON, May 13.

By 2,413,000 votes to 170,000 the annual conference of the British Labour Party at Bournemouth carried a resolution empowering the Labour Party to "take a share in the responsibility as a full partner in the Government which, under the new Prime Minister, commands the confidence of the nation." The resolution pledges full support to the new Government in its effort to secure a swift victory and a just peace. "This is a tremendous moment with everything at stake. I have no time for people who talk clap-trap about imperialist war. You have got to face the issue," said the Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the Ldbour Party, Mr. C. R. Attlee.

Mr. Attlee said: "This is a time which calls for action and swift decision, when men and women must be prepared to shoulder weight and responsibility. I believe the country wants a new Government. The National Executive came to a grave decision on whether to help form that Government. It would have been pleasanter to leave the decision to you, but events marched too swiftly. Belgium and Holland were invaded, and a great crisis in the war came. You cannot dither in a crisis.

"I told the Prime Minister that Labour went into the Government only with the movement's support. I cannot act effectively till I have a mandate from the conference. ' I believe we are forming a Government which can rally the nation's forces. We are facing a tremendous task, and those joining the Government will have to take far-reaching and difficult decisions. I appeal to the Labour movement to stand firmly both politically and industrially. We must win ths fight."

A remarkable scene occurred as Mr. Attlee left. The delegates rose'en masse and cheered wildly for several minutes. The chairman promised the conference that Mr. Attlee would have the result before reaching London.

Mr. Haden Guest, M.P., said, "I was present at General Headquarters when the real war began. Our men want a

more vigorous Government and fighters in the Government. I am convinced that the strength of those tremendous columns now advancing will be redoubled by the decision here. Let us inspire the nation with a crusading spirit and put everything we have got into the fight."