The Llano colonist. [volume] (Llano, Calif.) 191?-1937, 1922-11-25
AUSTRALIANS WIDE AWAKE
tBy The Federated Pre..l

1
the Al-Australian Trade Union con-
gress. to speak on behalf of the whole
of the organized workers of Australia,
has issued the following manifesto, set
ting out its general strike proposals
for preventing the workers of that
country from being drawn into war in
the future:
In consideration of the fact that
$4,000 Australians have sacrificed
their lives. 10000 suffered mutila-
ton. and 10000 risked life and limb
under the solemn promise that the re-
cent European war was the last that
would, afflict mankind:
That the prime minister of Austria
liza CIV. M. Hughes has already dis
honored this compact by his serviIe
acquiescence to the yelled commands
of the British imperiaIists to plunge
this country into another war in the
Near East;
In consideration also of the fact
that all modern imperialist wars are
prosecuted at the expense of the mas
ses and in the interests of a small cir
Gle of vested interests;
lhat the capitalist governments in
variably mask their secret predatory
designs by vague pIatitudes concern
ing honor. justice. the flag, the rights
of small nations, etc;
That all imperialist wars are en-
plneered for economic motives behind
the closed doors Of secret diplomacy;
And in view of the fact that the
masses of Australia are. now being
trained in childhood and youth, under
cover of spurious patriotism, to con-
done and to participate in the slaugh-
ter OF whatever section or race of their
fellow workers their imperialist rulers
NAV from time to time designate;
And also that. while capitalist in
stituticns mold the minds of the mass
e$ from birth and while imperial vest
ed interests control the powerful Or
gans for the formulation and express
sion of public opinion, there can be no
true democracy under the existing sys-
tenn: and therefore no general demo
cratic expression on the question of
war or any other subject till the peo-
ple.'own and control their own means
Of life;
Considering also the fact that, in
periods of war, independent, or anti
war opinion is ruthlessIy crushed by
he imperialists with all the force Of
he law, the police and the army; and
hat every vehicle for the manufacture
and expression Of public opinion is
brought into line for the production of
he war psychology required by the
var makers;
The Council of Action determines:
10 organize the workers in all indus
ries so that the manufacture of army
upplies and the transport of troops
md war equipment be prevented at all
osts.
10 organize, in addition. all effec-
i've forms of opposition, including gen.
raj strikes, strikes in key industries,
pen-air demonstrations, etc.
10 secure adequate sanction from
he trades union movement to declare
UGH general or sectional strikes on to
axe ether measures for quick and
urinary action in case of imminent
r actual war projected by any Aus I
talian government under the existing a
rider of society. A
The Council of Action further de- Q
lares: il
That the time has gone by when Q
lie organized workers are prepared to
ermit irresponsible politicians, who d
lemselves risk no personal danger and Q
no shoulder none of the burdens of a
ar, to plunge the people Of this coun- t.
y with IMMUNITY into the horrors of n
ny capitalist war. even with the aid t
referendum; and that should the it
orkers Of this country find themselves t.
ICED with another capitalist war, the Q
ouncil Of Action issues this warning:
That the organized workers will h
BID these individuals who precipitate c.
e people into such a war personally c
sponsible for the death or mutilation 81
any member Of the working class n,
sulting therefrom. - tt
FAD FINISH FOR REACTIONARY 5,
re