DETERMINED TO SEE ITS OBJECTS ACHIEVED

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2048, 7 September 1920, Page 7

DETERMINED TO SEE ITS OBJECTS ACHIEVED

LABOUR READY TO ACCEPT ANY CHALLENGE. GOVERNMENT RUSSIAN AND IRISH POLICIES CONDEMNED. ! (Heuter.) (Kec. September 7, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, September 6. The Trade Union Congress, which, it is hoped, will avert the threatened coal strike by securing mediation between the miners and the Government, has opened at Portsmouth, 950 delegates ! being present. Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., who presided, said in his address that', looking at the position at home and abroad, ho would be an optimist indeed who conld find occasion for anything but apprehension. Mr Thomas justified the formation of the Council of Action, declaring that the council was determined to see that the objects for which it was formed, namely, the complete independence of Poland and peace with Russia, were achieved. He did not believe that the workers were anxious to fight against the consolidated capitalist interests merely for the sake of fighting, but the other side must clearly understand that the years of sacrifice which had placed the workers in the position they held to-day must not be lost, and they would tfe prepared, not as a section, but as a movement, to accept any challenge to their industrial freedom or economic emancipation. Referring to Ireland, he said the position was dangerous and, sooner or later, could not fail to result in open conflict, the effects of which would shake the very foundations of the Empire. He added:— The Irish people can still be made the friends of England. Let the Government drop its present Bill and cement that friendship with a bold, clear recognition of Dominion home rule. Let the Government realise that militarism in Ireland has failed as it was bound to fail. You cannot dragoon a nation by the sword.