LABOUR AND PEACE QUESTIONS

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1918, Page 3

LABOUR AND PEACE QUESTIONS

ALLIED LABOUR CONFERENCE

SPEECH BY MR. GOMPERS

(Rec. Sept. 20, 6.50 p.m.)

LONDON, Sept. 19

At the inter-Allied Labour Conference, Mr. Gompers (America) explained the American Labour Federation's war aims, with which the American delegates agreed. The Federation declared its unqualified determination to do all in its power to assist the AJlies in marshalling all their resources to drive the Central Powers from invaded soil, and oppose them so long as they are controlled by militaristic and autocratic Central Governments, which threaten the existence of all selfgoverning peoples. The Federation endorsed President Wilson's fourteen peace conditions. The peoples had earned the right to wipe out all vestage of the old idea that government belongs to the governing classes. Therefore the- workers must be directly represented on the delegations formulating the peace treaty. Tlie American mission declared that the fundamental principles, which must underlie the peace treaty, included a league of peoples of the world to secure justice and peace in the relations between nations. There should be no political economic restrictions that were meant to benefit some nations and cripple and embarrass others. There need be no vindictive indemnities or reprisals, but there must be indemnities to right manifest wrongs. There must be recognition of the rights of small nations. There nmsu be no territorial changes or adjusting of power, except in furtherance of the welfare of the people affected, and in furfhersmpe of a world, peace.

Mr. Gompers ndded that the peaco treaty should incorporate the right ot free B|>eeoh-, Free assomblaffo. and a froe press, and should prohibit child labour, under sixteen years, and also an eight hours' dav, and trial by jui-y. The inter-Allied L.iimnr 'Gonference adonted President Wilson's fourteen points of peace.