May Day In London

Northern Advocate, 1 May 1944, Page 4

May Day In London

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.t LONDON. April 30. Trafalgar Square was crowded this afternoon for May Day demonstrations. Flags of the United Nations, also Fighting France and other countries fighting against the Nazis formed a background to the speakers. Allied servicemen and women of many languages mingled with ihe vast audience of workers.

A message from the president of the Mineworkers’ Federation (Mr. Lawther) said' that the miners, despite the differences between themselves, the coal owners and the Government, wholeheartedly supported the war afforh It was hoped that the bonds which tied them to the Soviet miners would be further strengthened in the near future by a joint agreement. “We hope in a few days to meet them in a bond that nothing will break asunder,” he said. The audience carried a resolution sending London’s greeting to all peoples united in the struggle against Fascism, also assuring Indian and Colonial people of full support and pledging maximum production and 100 per cent, trade unionism in the war effort.

Huge portraits of Soviet leaders were hung in Moscow streets, but no report whether a parade was being evening whether a parade was being held in Red Square. Key factories were carrying on as usual, though May 1 and 2 are official holidays.

Celebration In Italy

To avoid hampering the war effort, the first May Day since the fall of Mussolini was celebrated quietly by Allied occupied Italy to-day. Public meetings were held at Naples and other towns. Liberal and Communist parties issued a combined manifesto, declaring their three main aims to be the defeat of the German invader, the final overthrow of the Fascist regime, and the improvement of living conditions in the country.