New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-08-14
Direct Action, Involving
General Strike, Pledged
by Workers to Prevent
Attack on Bolsheviki
Desperate Methods
Are Advocated
Council Is Authorized to
Act for Toilers; Leader
Attacks u. s. Attitude
From The Tribune's Europcon Burecu

From The Tribune's Europcan BureGu
Copyright. 1920, New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, Aug. 13.-British labor has
taken action which may produce the
most serious crisis this country has
ever faced. It's Council of Action"
we'll named, to-day pledged the labor
of the country to direct action; that is,
a general strike, in the event of the
government attempting to declare war
on Russia. One thousand and forty
silence to mark their solemn confir-
nation Of this resolve
This action can cause nothing short
of a revolution in England if the gov
ernmcnt takes action against Russia.
France and the United States were
bitterly attacked at the meeting b.
speakers who included the ablest lead
ers of the moderate and extremist
groups.
"The making instincts of the
United States" Chairman Adamson de-
clared, precipitated the danger of an
other war in Europe. This, re said
British labor was determined to pre-
vent, and as weapon they invoke d
direct action, which twice recently they
declined to use for themselves in wage
disputes.
This resolution" said J. II. Thomas
referring to that demanding guarantee
against war with Russia, doesn't mean
that it is to be merely a strike or down
too4s policy. IT given erect it VII
mean challenge to the whole consti
tuition of this country"
Desperate Methods Advocated
Thomas declared he had always op
posed direct action, but no vote coule
prevent war if the government let it
self be drawn in to follow at France
tail. The situation, therefore, he de
clared, was dangerous and dcspcrat,
as was the method of direct action
Labor, he added, believed the diseas,
so dangerous that only such methods
could prevent calamity At the con
clusion of Thomas's remarks the dele
gates sang The Red Flag"
Other leaders spoke in a simla.
vein. Their repeated suggestion tina
now might be the time for labor t,
acquire control of affairs was received
with enthusiasm.
The threat of direct action, however
unconstitutional, will moro than likely
find support throughout the country
owing to the general desire for peace
In way the government, which is in
cijned toward the Bolsheviki find
labor's attitude not unwelcome as 1
support against Frances stand. Tho
difference between the two countries
over the support of Wrangcl is gradu-
ally clearing away and it is now i'm
probable that the premicrs will have
a meeting at Boulogne Sunday, as in.
tended.
Await Outcome of Farley
France has explained the situation
that she intends recognition" OF
Wrangel, and not military aid. She
now intends to ;.,yat with Britain the
outcome of the Minsk conference. II
the Russians impose too severe terms
or otherwise violate the confidence oil
the Allies, France will be proved right
in her stand. Otherwise Britain's at
titude will have been proved to be
right, and France, it is believed, viii
modify its views accordingly.
Millerapd's note to the United States
attempting definitely to align Franc
ana the united States against Sovie
Russia, has not materially eased tn,
situation. The British naturally re
sent this action while recognizing it.
practicablity from a French point o
view 1t is believed here, however
that Millerand will be disappointed i
he expects to drac the United State.
into the dispute on the side of France
Frances backing down from he
original stand of recognition and full
+ support of the Wrangel movement
+ mey, however, prove a means to en-,
tAe disagreement between rance alt
Britain en- that subject