THE BRITISH STRIKES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17234, 9 August 1919, Page 8

THE BRITISH STRIKES.

The sinister shadow of, Bolshevism has again been discerned behind the British labour troubles. In' the series of unauthorised strikes which interrupted industry shortly after the armistice the hand of the syndicalist was plainly observable, but then, as now, the extremists were few and the great mass of the strikers were the victims rather than the authors of a conspiracy. This is a danger which is inseparable from a period of industrial unrest, and can only be checked by Labour itself. At a time when economic values are changing, when there are leadjustments ail round, and when a great body of workmen is striving to secure better conditions it is easy for the .enemies of the State and society to aggravate unrest and to twist popular movements to their own sinister ends. Such a situation calls for careful watching and tactful handling. However ridiculous it may be for Bela Kun to think that he can buy British labour for £6000 it is beyond doubt that Bolshevik propaganda, especially if its foreign origin be disguised, may make the restoration of industrial peace far more difficult than it need be. Especially is this so if disloyalists are able to influence the policy of the larger unions. This is illustrated by the project, to which Lord Robert Cecil has drawn attention, for simultaneous strikes in order to force the hand of the Government on conscription, intervention in Russia, and the treatment of conscientious objectors. Such a plan has been discussed by extremists in the iriple Alliance who, realising the

immease power* of the miners,' rail-' wajTnen; and transport workers, are eager to use it for x political purposes. -These men are'not satisfied with legitimate co-operation to improve the industrial conditions of members of the alliance, but are all for strikes to compel the Government- to nationalise the mines, withdraw troops from Russia, abolish conscription, and release conscientious objectors. They would usurp the authority of Parliament and rule the country through the alliance. Such an attitude is wholly inadmissible, and, if persisted in, must involve the alliance in a struggle with the whole community. Only sound leadership can save the unions from the perils into which extremists are driving them, and trusted friends have not hesitated to tell them so. Mr. Will Thorne recently complained that the power of the Triple Alliance was being used injudiciously, and Mr. Havelock Wilson said the alliance was steering straight for the rocks. Plain speaking like this is very much needed in Labour circles to-day.