THREAT OF STRIKE

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22204, 25 November 1943, Page 5

THREAT OF STRIKE

RELEASE OF MOSLEYS INDIGNATION IN BRITAIN MR MORRISON CRITICISED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Nov. 25, 11.30 a.m.) I LONDON, Nov, 24 | Nation-wide strikes are threatened ! as a result of the release of Sir j Oswald Mosley from gaol. Ten' thousand workers at a North London j electrical factory threaten to strike if Mosley is not re-imprisoned. “There is real danger of a national strike,” said the factory manager. The miners at a Durham colliery have called on the Miners’ Federation to order “down tools” if Mosley is not sent back to gaol.

The spokesman of a deputation of ship repairers at the Royal Albert Docks said: “The general feeling is that we should stay out until Mosley goes back.” The- national executive of the Labour Party passed a resolution “regretting the decision which the Home Secretary, Mr H. Morrison, felt impelled to take in connection with Mosley’s release.” The General Council of the Trades Union Congress endorsed the National Council of Labour’s resolution of yesterday dissociating itself from the action of the Home Secretary in releasing the Mosleys. Release a Blunder

The General Council officially stated: “Full consideration was given to the release of the Mosleys in the light of Mr Morrison’s statement. The Council whole-heartedly endorses the resolution of the National Council of Labour to dissociate itself emphatically from the Home Secretary’s action. In the Council’s opinion the decision to release the Mosleys, taken as it was without due regard to its effect on public opinion in this and other countries, was a blunder. The Council feels that the release, occurring a few days before Parliament assembled and unaccompanied in any adequate public explanation, was most untimely.” The council is not satisfied that adequate medical treatment could not have been given in prison and also is not satisfied that the restriction placed on the Mosleys will be an adequate safeguard against the possibility of subversive activities. Political Future in Balance

All the London morning papers agree that Mr Morrison’s political future is in the balance. Labour leaders are asking how Mr Morrison can maintain his prestige and authority inside the War Cabinet if he is disowned by his party on a major issue.

Mr Morrison’s explanation in the House of Commons yesterday was received with understanding and is approved by most London newspapers today. The Times says: “The Heme Secretary’s statement provided a complete answer to objectors capable of following a rational argument. In the face of Mr Morrison’s assurance that public safety is adequately secured any further demand for the return of Mosley to prison is a demand of penal, not preventive, detention. English law, even under the stress of war, does not permit punishment without trial.”

The Daily Telegraph says: “The whole Regulation 188 procedure is repugnant, but in wartime it is inevitable. That is the strongest reason why it should be administered with the greatest possible impartiality and not strained.” The Daily Express declares: “All those imprisoned under 188 should be tried in a Court of law for any offences which they have committed. Regulation 188 should be abolished.” Protest by Soldiers

A London commentator said tonight that soldiers from the British Eighth Army have sent their protest from Italy against Mosley’s release. Tne National Council of Laboui, after a long protest meeting against the release of Sir Oswald Mosley, carried the following resolution:— “Having considered the situation as a result of the release of the Mosleys, also Mr Herbert Morrison's statement in the House of Commons, the council dissociates itself from the Government’s action, and decides to remit the matter for further consideration by its constituent bodies.” It is understood the resolution will be considered tomorrow by the General Council of the Trade Union Congress and the National Executive of the Labour Pariy.