“OPPOSED TO WAR.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16861, 11 October 1922, Page 5

“OPPOSED TO WAR.”

LABOUR DEPUTATION TO BRITISH PREMIER. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 10. The official report of the Trade Union deputation to Mr Lloyd George has been published. Mr Ben Tillett admitted that, owing to unemployment, some men would join chc colours, particularly young men, but the Trade Union leaders came to toll the Government the plain truth. “ We are opposed to war,” he said, *' and would organise opposition against any form of war.” Miss Margaret Bondfield said that

the impression Cabinet's call to the colonies had made upon the women was •no of horror- It uas blasphemy to call it a holy war. Mr J. M. Thomas described the call to the colonies, not only as unwise, but as humiliating and dangerous. If war etronglv determined opposition bv Labour would make it disastrous ~ from the point of view of the Empire. Labour wa s not unmindful of the neces sitv for keeping the Straits open, but the Government’s support of the Greeks had been the direct cause of aggravating the situation. America had no right to run away from its obligations. Mr Lloyd George replied: “Tf the Government had taken strong measures it was because it was firmly convinced that such measures were necessary to evert international conflict. A policy of drift would make war inevitable. We never gave Greece sixpence. The Gov eminent would welcome the occupation of the Straits by the League of Na tions, provided the League placed an adequate force to keep the Straits free and neutralised. The League would have to decide whether fortifications v. ere necessary to guarantee freedom.” Mr Thomas interjected: Labour disagrees with the methods of giving effect to the policy rather thau the policy. The deputation concluded by agree ing not to issue a report revealing that Labour would resist, as it would make > had impression on Kemal-