SUDDEN CRISIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21633, 9 February 1945, Page 4

SUDDEN CRISIS

UNIONS' CONGRESS EX-ENEMIES INVITED BRITISH OBJECTIONS (9 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8. A proposal to invite trade unionists from Finland, Bulgaria, . Rumania, Italy and also the Lublin Poles to join in the London discussions Drought a crisis to the World Trade Union Conference at the close of the second day. The recommendation came from the standing orders committee, resulting in a strong protest from Sir Walter Citrine. British Trades Union Council secretary, who asked whether these delegates would be invited lo discuss the peace settlement. “Can you not see the embarrassment which would be created when the Big Three are reported to be considering this question?'’ he asked.

Sir Walter declared that the British T.U.C., which convened the conference, believed that the invitation should be limited to those countries where there was substantial agreement on the principles for which they were fighting. He asked the committee to take back its report. The report was submitted to the congress by the Australian, Mr. Ernest Thornton. He said the committee under the chairmanship of the T.U.C.- representative, Mr. Frank Wolstencrort, whose members included Russian, American, French, Mexican, Chinese, and Dominion delegates, unanimously recommended the admission of delegates from Finland, Bulgaria, Italy, and the Lublin Poles. Tne committee also recommended a voting system binding the conference to any two-thirds majority decision, and the constitution oi ..

committee to discuss post-war pro grammes.

Sir Walter Citrine objected to tne voting proposals, and said the original iaea was that the conference mould be consultative and advisory, witnout binding the delegates lo decisions. No votes were to be taken.

The Daily Express says: “No one knows what will result from Sir Waiter Citrine’s outburst. The standing orders committee can reverse all its major decisions, but this is unlikely, as a powerful, Soviet influence is obvious in the proposals, particularly chat for the admission of the Lublin Foies —or the committee can stand firm and offend their British hosts, ine conference in any case has received a body-blow.”