WEST GERMAN UNIONS’ PROTEST STRIKE OVER RISING PRICES

Grey River Argus, 9 November 1948, Page 5

WEST GERMAN UNIONS’ PROTEST STRIKE OVER RISING PRICES

(N.Z.P.A.—REUTER CABLE) (Rec. 11.40). HAMBURG, Nov. S. General Sir B. Robertson and General L. Clay to-day discussed with leading trade union officials here a decision by German trade unions to call a one-day general strike in the British and American zones of Germany. No date has yet been fixed foi' the strike, which is to 1 be called in protest against rising prices. It will also call for an implementation of laws that have been passed by the German State Parliaments, but which so far have been vetoed by the Military Government. Information reaching Berlin- showed that the Soviet zone’s economy was virtually at a standstill, said the United States Military Governor in Germany, General Clay, quoted by the Associated Press correspondent in Berlin. General Clay said that Eastern Germany’s economy had deteriorated because of the Western counter-blockade and the general food shortage in the Soviet zone. “They need the hard coal, steel, and spare parts which used to come from Western Germany,” he added.