SECRET MEETING

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 29, 3 January 1927, Page 7

SECRET MEETING

DISCUSSIONS INAUGURATED. STABILITY OF INDUSTRY. RESPONSIBLE LEADERS PRESENT (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received January 3, 9.15 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 2. The newspaper Dispatch reveals that a secret dinner party was held at Lord Wimborne’s London residence during Christmas week, and th'at at it discussions were inaugurated for securing greater stability of industry, and that Eroposals for co-operation agreeable to oth employers and workers were examined.

Those present included Mr Winston Churchill, Lord d’Abernon, Lord Wimborne, Mr Philip Snowden Hon. J. R. Clynes, Mr A. Pugh, Mr C. P. Cramp, and Mr R. Williams (ex-chair-man of the Labour Party). They were told that the object of the gathering was to enable them, as responsible leaders, to hear Lord d’Abernon’s account of the German schemes for industrial co-operation. The hint was also given that the discussion might take a more domestic turn, and this happened. Lord d’Abemon’s narration afforded plenty of scope for a comparison of Anglo-German conditions, after which the calamities of 1926 were freely discussed ; also the prospects of a better understanding in 1927. The trades unionists lengthily questioned - Lord d’Abernon, who cleared up many points, enabling an examination of how German methods were adaptable to Britain.

It was pointed out that Sir Arthur Balfour’s committee on trade relations would be reporting at an early date, probably offering itnportant recommbndations for industrial peace and goodwill which, all agreed, were essential. It is understood that Mr Churchill expressed the opinion that the Government would bless any projects aiming at co-operation. Mr Churchill was greatly impressed by the trades unionists’ frankness.

A further meeting was not arranged, but hopes were generally expressed that the discussions would he resumed in the near future, when it might be possible to give Sir Arthur Balfour the recommendations in a concrete shape —Sydney Sun cable..