BRITAIN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 9803, 19 November 1918, Page 3

BRITAIN.

TUE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS

1 NDUSTTvIAL CHANGES

DEMAND OP ENEMY PEOPLES

LONDON, Nov. 11

Mr Lloyd George,. addressing employers and trade unionists, eulogised not only the soldiers but the home workers for securing the most complete triumph of liberty in the world's history. He said that the

Government's pledge for the restoration of the trade union privileges that were suspended during wartime was embodied in the .Munitions Act, Ira I the suspension had been subsequently extended to other establishments not included under the Act. Herein lay the greatest difficulty. “All hough the armistice does not mean the end of the war,’’ said the Prime Minister, “the terms arc such that it is inconceivable. Hint any enemy Government could assume the responsibility for the resumption of hostilities. Nevertheless it would be folly .for the Allies to treat it as an impossibility. We do not know the sort-of Government existing in, German}' to-day. Germany has a more 'disciplined and belter educated population and a more highly organised community than Russia. We cannot expect during the' next few months! a , completely organised State capable of carrying o ut its engagements. Wo must not assume' that everything is secure until peace is signed, or until wo have all the pledges and guarantees which the armistice stipulated! “After the peace treaty had been signed employers and workers would be able to get industry working smoothly, with a minimum of dislocation. The transition must begin immediately. The Government’s Bill had been prepared with a 'dew to carrying out the pledge given, but lie desired to receive advice from a committee of practical men, employers and workers.

‘■•Britain,’’ he said, “was under no obligation to feed Austria and Germany, but they ought not to let the enemy starve after he had surrendered. Let us not behave like small men,” said the Brima Minister, “vcugefully trampling down our fallen foes. The stern terms of the armistice . must be curried out. but beyond that let us behave in such a way that the enemy will feel that we have been, fighting for high ideals, not mere greed or revenge. ‘•The fact that Austria and Germany arc coming to the world s market tor food will affect the, cost of living, therefore' the Government is deliberately of opinion that wages must be maintained at the present standard, petuluig a reduction of the cost of living.” Mr Lloyd George appealed to employers and workers to co-operate with Hie Government, ns they had done daring Hie war, standing together milil, Ihe roiiiilry could be pul in :l position, never ; before known. “Victory,” lie said, “is the starting point rather than the end. ■ The sustained efforts o' all classes can put Britain on an unprecedented pinnacle. We must not, descend to swamps again.”