Broadcasting the General Strike

The Financial News strike bulletinLink opens in a new window

Yesterday, the first day of the General Strike, the City kept business going with a determination, manifest on all sides, to "see this thing through". The Stock Exchange Committee decided not to close. Everybody decided not to close. This refusal to be "rattled" is one of the gravest obstacles the dictators of the General Strike are up against. If they calculated on panic, they were wrong. The thunder bolt of a General Strike has often been talked about. It has been hurled under circumstances which make it a rash and tragic blunder, but it leaves the essential machinery of business where it was.

For the waste due to lost time and idle hands the strikers themselves must sooner or later pay their full share. None the less this disturbance, like the proverbial ill-wind, should blow this much positive good that it ought to relieve trade and industry of a menace which too long has hung over and restrained enterprise. With the obstructions thrown by Socialism in its path, and the costs of Socialism hung like a millstone round its neck, enterprise has been expected to find the way back to prosperity, and to provide full employment at high wages. The positive good is that a great and intensely wooden idol is about to fall.

Workers’ Bulletin, Communist Party of Great BritainLink opens in a new window

Scenes of indescribable enthusiasm were witnessed in the East Docks area, yesterday, where a crowd of 50,000 gathered in the main street. All vehicles were stopped and examined and only those containing food allowed to pass. All others were turned back. A feature of picketing was the activity of women.

The London Central Strike Committee of the National Union of Railwaymen has issued a message to its members strongly urging them and their relations not to take the messages sent out by the BBC as true information. This appeal is absolutely necessary. The Government, intent on breaking the strike, is giving strike-breaking news, and ignoring, or at best minimising the tremendous solidarity of the workers.

Yesterday the Government commandeered the MORNING POST and attempted to bring it out with blackleg labour, as the BRITISH GAZETTE. Winston Churchill was put in charge of the paper. No copies could be obtained this morning even in the West End, and a sheet announced to be published by THE TIMES is also impossible to obtain.

The Communist Party continues to instruct its members and to urge the workers to take every practical step necessary to consolidate our position against the capitalist attack.

But the Communist Party warns the workers against the attempt being made to limit the struggle. Once the battle has been joined, the only way to Victory is to push ahead and hit hard.

The British Gazette, strike newspaper of the British GovernmentLink opens in a new window

The wooden huts in the courtyard of the Foreign Office were besieged yesterday by an eager crowd anxious “to do their bit.” In the never-ending queue were representatives of every walk of life, fairly evenly divided between men and women.

Inside the huts the officials and their volunteer helpers had a hard time of it, with never a minute to look up from their work or to cease their relentless fire of questions. "What can you do? What are you willing to do?” The answer to the first part of the question was usually something to do with motors, and the answer to the second question was invariably “anything.”

This overwhelming flood of willing volunteers provided an interesting study in types. Here was the obvious City man, the lady from Mayfair, the “charlady,” and an extraordinary number of young girls. The younger men, who by no means held a majority, ranged from the bareheaded motor-bicycle type to the newsboy and the van boy.

On foot, squeezed into cars, standing in vans, riding pillion, peddling on cycles, swarming Citywards by every road and route, London came yesterday morning doggedly and cheerfully to work.

No newspaper came to many houses to tell whether the conflict had at the eleventh hour been averted, but to read the news one had only to look out of the window. The streets with their press of private vehicles, with their streams of walkers settled to a long and steady stride, and, with never a sign of red omnibus or clanging tram, told emphatically as print that the great general strike had begun.

Bulletin of the Central Strike Committee of the Transport and General Workers’ UnionLink opens in a new window

Yesterday we congratulated you upon the magnificent response to the strike call which had resulted in so complete a stoppage all round. Today we compliment you, not only upon maintaining that splendid solidarity, but upon the coolness, calmness and perfect discipline displayed by all members everywhere. This must be continued and no excuse be given to the Government to make use of the forces they are so busily engaged in massing in all public places. To introduce troops in "tin hats" and all the other paraphernalia of war into an industrial dispute on only its second day is not merely ridiculous but must be regarded as a confession of weakness by our opponents and can only succeed in bringing them the contempt of all decent thinking men and women both at home and abroad.

Stand firm - resist all attempts to incite to disorder that will undoubtedly be made by the Agent Provocateur - and we will win a great victory.

BBC radio broadcast, 9.30pmLink opens in a new window

The Chief Civil Commissioner instructs us to announce that a comprehensive survey of the situation throughout the country shows that an important part of the nation's business is being carried on. The people as a whole remain calm and confident and bear their inconveniences and hardships with good temper and fortitude. There are no untoward incidents to report anywhere. There are ample forces to maintain order. Services of power and lighting are being maintained. Milk and food are being methodically carried forward. Railway services are more numerous. From various sections of the country good reports are being received. In Bradford conditions are practically normal except for the tram service. In Birmingham work is going forward as usual. The engineers in that area have not been called out. There is more activity in the Liverpool Docks. It is expected that 800 buses will be running on the streets of London to-morrow. 400 tons of fish came to Billingsgate early this morning. At Cardiff docks are working. The situation throughout Scotland is quiet. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis appeals to members of the public to abstain from joining any meetings or processions they may meet in the streets or public places. This course will be in their own interests and will be of great assistance to the Police. This is made at the request of the Home Office.

The British Worker, strike newspaper of the Trades Union CongressLink opens in a new window

The third day of the General Strike sees the situation unchanged. The working class is holding quietly and tenaciously to the position it has taken up. The easy assurance of anti-Labour people that it would be “over in a couple of days,” that “they would soon be sick of it,” that “anyway the Government will get heaps of volunteers to run the trains and things” has vanished entirely. It has given place to a growing anxiety. For “it” is not over. The workers are growing more determined as the days pass. They are not “drifting back to work.” On the contrary, the trouble everywhere is to keep those men at work who have not yet been ordered to strike. And as to getting the “trains and things” running with “volunteers,” the first day’s boasts have quite failed to materialise. The train service remains a skeleton — and an even bonier skeleton than yesterday. A few London buses are being run by “volunteer” drivers, each guarded by a policeman. But the mines are still, the goods traffic has ceased, the docks are closed, the factories are closing. Not all the O.M.S. in the world can get them going again. Only the organised workers can do that. And the organised workers, solid, disciplined, calm, are refusing to do it until justice is done to their fellows. The third day. And still everywhere complete calm, complete order. Anti-strike propagandists set rumours going of a riot here and a riot there. These are wild exaggerations intended to jangle nerves and to shake confidence. In fact, the only incidents that have occurred have been the most insignificant brawls, a loss of temper and a blow or two, incidents of the kind that happen any day when nobody is even dreaming of a general strike. To-day rumour swiftly turns them into riots. But rumour — and Government propaganda — must not be trusted.

All through England, all through Scotland, all through Wales. Discipline, order, solidarity, confidence. Just the calm of it is fraying the nerves of our opponents. If there were riots and police charges and an excuse for machine-guns, they would understand. But this tremendous pressure of a power they cannot see, but which they can feel more and more intensely every hour, is unnerving. They cannot see what to do. There is nothing they can do. We have only to set our teeth and wait.

Evening News strike bulletinLink opens in a new window

The third day of the General Strike found the public as determined as ever in its backing of the Government. There is as yet no obvious move towards settlement. No Cabinet meeting was held to-day: Ministers are all occupied in supervising the public services. The Trades Union Council Strike Committee met privately.

Don't believe rumours! Three London policemen, who were, according to gossip, "murdered" last night, were on duty to-day.

A strong force of detectives, assisted by special constables, last night raided the office where the "Daily Herald" is printed, seized a large quantity of printed matter, including circulars on red paper headed "To the Women of England" and copies of "The British Worker" (a strike propaganda paper issued by the T.U.C.) which were being printed at the time. They also removed vital parts of some of the printing presses. All the articles seized were taken to Scotland Yard in the lorries in which the police arrived.

THE PRIME MINISTERS MESSAGE.

Constitutional Government is being attacked. Let all good citizens whose livelihood and labour have been imperilled bear in fortitude and patience the hardships with which they have been so suddenly confronted. Stand behind the Government who are doing their part confident that you will co-operate in measures they have undertaken to preserve the liberties and privileges of the people of these islands. The laws of England are the peoples’ birthright. The laws are in your keeping. You have made Parliament your Guardian. The general strike is a challenge to Parliament and is the road to anarchy and ruin.

The Daily MailLink opens in a new window

OUR ADVICE TO THE LOYAL PUBLIC.

Do not believe anything you hear. Many rumours are set afloat by the Communists for the purpose of alarming and disheartening the public. They are all untrue. All the news that is true is published by H.M. Stationery Office in the “British Gazette.”

Leave the roads free. If you must go about, walk as far as you can. If you must use your car, fill it up with people who are tramping to their work in the morning and back to their homes in the evening. The motto for all well-disposed persons must be “Help one another.” Don’t be among those contemptible people who are attempting to buy more food than usual. Don’t use more coal than you need. Don’t use petrol. Keep a stout heart and smile at your troubles.

STRIKE DONT’S.

DON’T listen to rumours, and don’t repeat them.

DON’T hoard food, but don’t waste it. Most people could live on two-thirds their ordinary food without harm.

DON’T use your car unnecessarily. The streets are congested enough with essential traffic.

DON’T make unnecessary telephone calls on the chance of hearing news.

DON’T send any but really urgent letters or telegrams.

DON’T waste electric light, or use fires except for cooking. Coal is power, and our reserves are limited.

DON'T believe alarmists, however positive. To appear well-informed while knowing nothing is common human vanity, but mischievous under present conditions.

DON’T get depressed or panicky. This country has come through many bad times in the last thousand years, and it will survive this one.

DON’T resent unexpected restrictions or rations, if they become necessary. Being for the common good, they are for yours.

DON’T go out “to see what’s doing.” Keep off the streets when you have no real business there.

DON'T pay attention to wild stories of disorders, rioting, outrages and the like. Evil tongues are deliberately inventing these to scare you. The official broadcast and news bulletins, and the emergency newspapers will give you all the real news available.

DON’T criticise the Government. They are doing their best to deal with a difficult situation, and will do better with your support and help.

DON'T refuse instructions from properly authorised people co-operating with the authorities. Cheerful compliance is a patriotic duty.

DON’T go about denouncing the strikers in violent terms. Many of them are patriotic Britons led into a desperately foolish course by reckless leaders. When they realise that they are ruining their own country, their good sense will bring them back to work.

ABOVE ALL, DON’T GET SCARED BY SILLY RUMOURS. NINETY-NINE PER CENT. OF THEM ARE BASELESS BUNKUM.

Manchester Guardian strike bulletinLink opens in a new window

Already there have been ominous signs that this peaceful state of affairs is gradually giving way to a more dangerous temper. Nothing that has happened so far is of serious consequence in itself, but is plain enough proof that every day the strike lasts the strain on the nerves will be greater, the number of incidents will grow and the danger to life and property will become more serious. Is this to be a struggle of exhaustion, like that of the Great War? If so, the symptoms of disorder which have already been noted can only lead in the end to rioting and bloodshed. A struggle of exhaustion on this scale can hardly end without scenes of violence on a scale of which, for generations, this country has had no experience.

It is perfectly true, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, that, once a conflict of this kind has broken out, the Government must use all its powers to maintain the major public services. But some regulations which he has introduced under the Emergency Powers Act are highly dangerous. The right of arrest without warrant is, in particular, one which, even in hands more cautious than those of the present Home Secretary, is far more likely to be abused than to serve the cause of order and justice. It is typical of the kind of power which should not be exercised save in the most extreme circumstance. That the Government should prepare for the worst is not objectionable but to assume the worst before it has happened is provocation.

The Daily MailLink opens in a new window

This is the fourth day of the general strike. It is the fourth day of the attack upon the subjects of the country. If it were to succeed it would be the sure road to anarchy and utter ruin, the destruction of all ordered and representative government and the end of liberty. The suppression of The Daily Mail, an arbitrary and lawless act, preceded by 24 hours the formal beginning of the general strike.

We are quite certain that many of those who have been drawn into this general strike do not realise what it means. There is not the faintest doubt, however, that their eyes will speedily be opened. The nation is meeting the crisis with the utmost firmness and resolution, and its chief anxiety is that the Government should act with energy and make itself obeyed.

Any surrender at this juncture would prolong the suffering and strain to which the nation and all its great industries are being subjected. The one hope of peace in the future is that the revolutionaries who are behind this war on the country may be taught that their plans are vain, and that England is not going to succumb as did the inert and characterless Russian people. As our Government has adopted a policy of attrition, as one and all stand for determination, the assault on the prosperity of the nation, upon the liberty of the Press and upon the freedom of the people has been defeated.

Railwaymen’s BulletinLink opens in a new window

Time is the deciding factor in the length of human life. The organised workers of this country are at present engaged in a struggle which will ultimately decide their right to earn a wage that will enable them to keep on living, and as the struggle develops from day to day, is one solid front that, as time passes, will ultimately bring victory. Rumours are being circulated through Government agencies that the position is satisfactory in certain districts. No doubt trains are being run, and some sort of a motor service is being maintained. Any transport service that is being provided is maintained by the "scabs" from the spiritual homes of our idleonians, the universities. As long as the Government can only depend upon that sort of labour, trains will be run merely to create the impression that the strike is collapsing. Pay no attention to this sort of dope but allow it to react on those who use it.

We strikers pay rates for the police to maintain law and order. The law permits of picketing but the police refuse to carry out the law. It is about time that those who pay for protection, by law, were in control of the law. The continuation of the present solid front will make that possible.

While those who have no worry as to where their next meal is to come from, are doing their best to beat us in this struggle, it is pleasing to see that those who have, are out to render us what little bit of assistance they can.

BBC radio broadcast, 1 pmLink opens in a new window

Owing to the enormous amount of information received by us on the subject of trains and other means of transport during this time of industrial unrest, we have decided to issue special Transport Bulletins during the evening in order to interfere as little as possible with the items of more general interest and with our normal programmes.

Certain people are attempting to discredit the authenticity of our news because it does not include descriptions of local incidents that they have witnessed. It must be appreciated that our attempt is to give objective and national news and that local incidents which to individuals may appear of importance have really no bearing upon the general situation.

The Home Office instructs us to make the following announcements: First, yesterday's events:

At Preston Fire Stations are working normally. The town is quiet. Bus services are fair in Lancashire on the whole.

200 Pendleton Co-operative employees delivering coal, bread and milk have struck. 70 returned to work yesterday.

At Newark the police were obliged to disperse strikers who held up a train at the level crossing. Order has, however, been restored.

170 engineers at Rugby went back yesterday.

The British Worker, Trades Union CongressLink opens in a new window

TO OUR READERS

You will at once ask when you get this issue: Why is it only half the size it was before? The reason is that the Cabinet has stopped our supply of paper.

We are compelled to cut down our size to-day. To-morrow, if Mr. Baldwin still declines to allow the Workers’ cause to be defended by the General Council’s newspaper, we may not be able to appear at all in our present form.

The Prime Minister’s action is provocative. It is bound to be angrily resented. When the workers have no assurance that they are being told the truth, dangerous rumours will have free play.

Already these are inflaming many minds. Instead of being suppressed by anti-Labour journalists, who must know how perilous they are, they are reproduced day by day. Thus the miniature Daily Telegraph yesterday, under the heading "Reckless Rumours," was so reckless itself as to print reports of policemen being murdered and a Cabinet Minister injured.

It is by that kind of lying tittle-tattle that evil passions are stirred. We show to-day how few and trifling have been the acts of disorder committed.

The General Council does not challenge the Constitution.

It is not seeking to substitute unconstitutional government. Nor is it desirous of undermining our Parliamentary institutions. The sole aim of the Council is to secure for the miners a decent standard of life.

The Council is engaged in an Industrial dispute. There is no Constitutional crisis.

Oxford Workers’ Strike BulletinLink opens in a new window

The Oxford Workers’ Strike bulletin is contending against the massed propaganda forces of the Money Power in Oxford, but we have the satisfaction of knowing that the WORKERS rely upon us for news and information, and that they treat all propaganda items from the other side with a grain of salt.

Sir John Simon's statement that the General Strike is against the law will not frighten any Trades Unionists.

Firstly, it is a legal quibble.

Secondly, no Government would dare to put millions of workers in the Dock.

Thirdly, they could not collect fines from millions of such "criminals".

Finally, the Law is an ASS, and the Government is BLUFFING.

ENEMY TACTICS.

Describing the Strike as a revolution and a "challenge" to Law and Order, meanwhile refusing all negotiations with the workers.

Spreading rumours and enrolling Specials while they appeal for steadiness.

Calling the strike "illegal" while all ordinary rights are suspended under the Emergency Powers Act.

Talking about Peace & Goodwill --- Oh, WHEN WILL ENGLAND'S WORST GOVERNMENT IN HISTORY RESIGN??

ALL IN BEHIND THE UNIONS! WE ARE WINNING!

The British GazetteLink opens in a new window

Intimidation both by disorderly crowds and picketing has occurred in many places, and may soon occur in many more. His Majesty’s Government have directed all authorities to repress and overcome these criminal obstructions. The recruitment of Special Constables in all parts of the country is being vigorously and rapidly pressed forward. An organised attempt is being made to starve the people and to wreck the State, and the legal and constitutional aspects are entering upon a new phase.

The spreading of rumours was found to be a useful weapon in the Great War, and many foolish people are trying to make use of this form of warfare to-day.

Already the omnibus that has been thrown into the Thames is a familiar friend — sometimes it is Blackfriars Bridge, sometimes Waterloo, sometimes Hammersmith. Why not give this faithful friend a rest?

Then there is the old yarn about the two policemen. They have already been killed in Bethnal Green, Battersea, Putney, Highgate, and a few other districts. But they have not yet been absent from duty. Whatever alarming rumours you hear from either side, don’t believe them.

There are rumour-mongers of all sorts in various guises. Treat them with contempt. The truth will be made known to the public without fear or concealment.

BBC radio broadcast, 7 pmLink opens in a new window

Here is an official announcement, a special message signed by the Prime Minister to all workers in all trades:- "Additional Guarantees. Every man who does his duty by his country and remains at work or returns to work during the present crisis will be protected by the State from loss of Trade Union benefits, Superannuation Allowances or Pensions. H.M. Government will take whatever steps are necessary in Parliament or otherwise for this purpose.''

Essential services maintained and strengthened, is the key-note of the messages we have been receiving from all parts of the country since our 4 o'clock bulletin. The real significance of this fact is difficult to exaggerate. It reflects the underlying good sense and balance of all sections of the population. Food supplies are being maintained. Essential transport facilities are in motion. The lives and property of individual citizens are adequately protected against the sporadic hooliganism which is the only form of violence that has so far occurred. As is only natural on a Saturday, the tension of the early days of the emergency is appreciably relaxed, and the holiday spirit has forced itself to the front. Nerves are on edge in a few localities, but in the main, reports from all quarters continue to tell the story of a strong, quiet, good tempered people.

Over 230,000 copies of the "Birmingham Post" were distributed all over the Midlands this morning. The Communist Party continues to circulate false reports with a view to creating alarm. Their headquarters at Birmingham were raided last night and a number of persons who were printing their paper, "The Birmingham Worker" were arrested.

Oxford Workers’ Strike BulletinLink opens in a new window

The Prime Minister last night announced over the wireless that he was praying for Peace. His Cabinet is also holding up the "British Worker", moving troops into industrial area, enrolling youths as special constables, threatening legal proceedings against strikers, and imprisoning communists.

The Cardiff Strike Committee contradicts emphatically the B.B.C. statement that the "Cardiff Docks are in full swing." The truth is that ALL men are out except a few shipwrights who have not yet received instructions from their Union. A further Wireless rumour that National Free Church has placed its whole organisation at the disposal of the Government is officially denied by Mr Thomas Nightingale, National Secretary. We know how they slandered Oxford railwaymen yesterday.

WORKERS DONT BELIEVE WIRELESS NEWS.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE PRAYING, PRAY FOR THE VICTORY OF THE WORKERS, PRAY FOR BETTER CONDITIONS FOR THEIR WIVES & KIDDIES.

BBC radio broadcast, 1 pmLink opens in a new window

General Situation. London streets are deserted. Practically the only traffic in the streets this morning seemed to be the official food lorries.

At a football match in Plymouth, yesterday, attended by several thousands, the strikers' team defeated the police team by 2 goals to none.

At Ashby-de-la-Zouch two married coal miners and another man were charged with stealing £5. The police found that there was no food in the defendants’ house and that the children wanted a meal. The police made a collection for them in which the magistrate joined.

There is very little trouble in the Nottinghamshire Coalfields. Miners have been very quiet. Labour leaders have brought out many bricklayers and joiners. There are no trams, trains or ’buses running. The behaviour of the workers in Mansfield is exemplary. Leicestershire and South Derbyshire mining areas are quiet. A large number of special constables have been enrolled. There have been some disturbances in Hull. Following the stoning of tram cars several arrests were made and one policeman was injured.

Stockport Strike BulletinLink opens in a new window

It is just a week since we were all anxiously lying in wait, with a mental picture of the Coal Miner, his home and family, before our eyes. Someone blundered, and "along the line the signal ran". On every front, and indeed throughout every area of the Campaign, 99 percent of our people are now steadfastly pursuing the path of duty. When the Daily Press reports individuals or sections returning to work, I beg you to remember (even if the report be true) that the same percentage is still maintained. For every single person who returns to work, and in that way surrenders his or her manhood or womanhood - one hundred more stand at attention. Thousands are added daily to the strikers’ roll call, whilst hundreds of thousands are chafing because the T.U.C. instruct them to continue at their work. In every district, capable and trusted colleagues are dealing with local matters, and we are in direct daily contract with headquarters by means of dispatch riders.

If you harbour any fears — they are unworthy and certainly mistaken. After a week’s constraint, we can confidently assert that the Social Conscience is aroused, and that it can only be soothed and becalmed again when outrage and tyranny is superseded by equity and justice. We urge you to help the Committee in perfect order and quietness.

LOCAL INCIDENTS.

An ex-Railway employee of ours has refused an invitation to black-leg.

Long Lane, Cheadle - Volunteer driver knocked down a Cyclist - never stopped to enquire.

Crewe - All buses off the road - Demonstration 10,000 people.

Clayton Bridge - Train run by Blackleg smashes into crossing gates. Gate now on platform in fragments.

The promised "Homes for Heroes" is now varied to "Protection for Blacklegs".

The British GazetteLink opens in a new window

The general situation is unchanged. On the whole, throughout England, the attempted obstruction by pickets to the movement of necessary supplies has weakened and is being more effectually overcome.

Maintaining London’s milk supply

Work of a Great Organisation in Hyde Park.

A tour round Hyde Park reveals that the city of milk is full of life and activity. The vast requirements of the metropolis have run like clockwork.

Along one section are massed great fleets of lorries which have done their day’s work and are parked near the rest houses ready to return in the early morning to their various destinations carrying empty churns, thence to come back with a full load. London requires 230,000 gallons of milk a day, and the mere fact shows that enormous resources and arrangements are needed to enable the emergency organisation of the great milk pool. Over the way, along the main street of huts, is a large marquee, brilliantly lighted, the Y.M.C.A. canteen, where the tired drivers foregather. A meat pie costs one and a half pence, and a good sound meal with tea and coffee can be obtained at any hour day and night for sixpence, or even less. Ladies who have volunteered their services are on duty at night from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., when a fresh shift comes on.

Hut after hut, fully occupied, is still in the throes of business in this throbbing hive of activity. The huts, fully equipped with gas, stoves, and telephones, and furniture commandeered from Wembley, were erected all ready for occupation within twenty-four hours. The milk pool has made good, and once again the Food Section of the Board of Trade has lived up to its old Ministry of Food reputation.

Railwaymen’s BulletinLink opens in a new window

Today sees the commencement of the second week of the struggle and today the position is stronger than even. We are maintaining our solidarity in a way that is an inspiration to all who are playing a part, large or small.

Yesterday a car containing two students was stopped by our pickets at Sighthill Goods Depot. One of the students was in possession of a hedging knife, and he started to use it as a weapon of offense against those who were prepared to enter into a friendly argument with him. One of our pickets was forced to take stops to take this dangerous weapon from the student, and in the struggle which followed the student’s hand was cut. An offer was made to have the hand dressed but this offer was declined. Police were on the spot during the time the disturbance took place, and although one Constable was requested to place the student under arrest, he declined to do so. He, however, took the man who was at the bottom of all the trouble to a place where his wounds could be attended to.

At Larbert a driver of a motor vehicle drove right through a crowd of people with the result that several had to be taken to the Infirmary. The driver was arrested at the time but was discharged the following morning.

Police are also being driven through the streets of Glasgow in private motor cars, and whenever the slightest excuse is afforded arrests follow.

BBC radio broadcast, 10 amLink opens in a new window

The beginning of the 8th day of the strike finds the whole country quiet. The rapidly improvised transport facilities steadily expand.

Although there have been important defections from the ranks of the strikers particularly among railwaymen, the main body still holds aloof. Meanwhile there is a considerable increase of unemployment due to the closing down of industries consequent upon the strike.

The East End of London is absolutely quiet. Three men were yesterday sentenced to 21 days hard labour for selling a leaflet entitled the "Fulham Worker" saying that the Welsh Guards were confined to barracks for intimidation. Between 20 and 30 other persons were brought up on various charges yesterday and in some cases heavy sentences were imposed.

The Daily GraphicLink opens in a new window

IT IS still wonderful London - much more so, indeed. Wonderfully cheerful, wonderfully genial and friendly and helpful - all of us brothers and sisters in affliction and finding new friends (and new jobs) at every hour.

“Be careful how you address me,” Prince George of Russia remarked jokingly when I met him in Piccadilly. “I am now a superior police officer" — he meant a special constable.

Up at Paddington young Lord Weymouth was acting as a stable hand, watering railway horses.

Outside Bond Street Tube station the Honourable David Tennant stood waiting to take his turn driving an underground train. Beside him Harry Walker, his bosom friend, was taking a breath of fresh air after his shift at being a lift man.

Quite undeterred by the strike, Convent Garden opened its season of Royal Opera last night with Mozart’s “Le Mariage de Figaro.”

One of the shrewdest of French journalists writes to-day that the “back of the general strike is broken.” English people in the thick of the fight can afford to put some of their optimism to reserve. If not already broken, the back of the strike is breaking. It is breaking because the emergency has called forth just the qualities which the emergency of 1914 called forth — first, a swift perception of the danger; next a good-tempered, unhurried and strengthening organisation to meet and beat the danger. As in the war so now: the mass of the nation has responded worthily to the call on it for service and sacrifice. Now as then England is going to see this thing through to a right and dignified decision.

The T.U.C. leaders, now thoroughly up against this spirit, are showing a different temper. Gone is the cocksureness with which, a week ago, they entered on this challenge to the Constitution and the community. At their G.H.Q. to-day there is instead a jumpiness which betrays more eloquently than anything else could that the fight is not going according to plan. Recognition is coming to them that they grossly underestimated the stamina of the mass of the nation. The question with them now is not of sitting tight while the rest of the State slowly starved into a humiliating submission: the question is how they shall end a situation which is threatening them, and not the nation, with disaster.

Evening News strike bulletinLink opens in a new window

It is illegal — this General Strike. To-day in his judgment on the seamen’s strike Mr Justice Astbury laid it down definitely that except in the miners’ case, no dispute exists in any union, and the Trade Disputes Act does not protect the strike leaders and strikers. The T.U.C. cannot have a trade dispute with either Government or nation. For the Government, the Attorney-General repeats the "absolute guarantee" that non-strikers shall not be expelled from unions nor robbed of benefits; and that they shall have further protection.

No peace move is apparent. The Cabinet meets this evening. The Parliamentary Socialist Party, the T.U.C. and the Miners Executive met, separately.

"The tide has turned." This is the Government's information from everywhere. Strikers are returning in all parts, Home Counties railwaymen especially.

The British Worker, Trades Union CongressLink opens in a new window

The Cabinet and its supporters have dropped Mr. Churchill’s "Revolution" stunt.

The "Times" says to-day in a leading article: "No one suggests for a moment that any considerable number of men on strike are animated by revolutionary motives." That marks the end of Mr. Churchill’s foolish and dangerous gamble. Now the Cabinet’s tactics are changed. Now the official gramophones are grinding out the statement that strikers are going back to work.

This is as much a fabrication as the other. The number of strikers has not diminished: it is increasing. There are more workers out to-day than there have been at any moment since the strike began. They will stay out until they are instructed by Headquarters to return to work.

The attempt to work the intricate mechanism of the British railway system by “volunteer” and blackleg labour has already had a tragic sequel.

No fewer than five serious passenger train accidents occurred yesterday and this morning — two of them resulting in loss of life.

These accidents — all within the space of 24 hours — are a grim commentary on the claim of the companies and the Government that something like a “normal” train service is being restored.

The Scottish Worker, Scottish Trades Union CongressLink opens in a new window

The testing time is to come. We know that the Government have armed themselves with powers which will be used against us. One raid has been made on one of our Transport Committees, and its work has been closed down by the police under the Emergency Powers Regulations. It may be others will follow, and that other means will be taken to intimidate our people. We are not surprised, and we shall not be dismayed. We shall meet every emergency as it arises in the same spirit as we have carried on since the strike opened.

Though the industrial quarrel has now widened to include great unions not initially involved, it should not be forgotten that the merits of the miners’ position and the attitude thereto of the coalowners and the Government, were the factors which unleashed the present Crisis.

Every day three British mineworkers are killed: every two and a half minutes, one is injured. With every 200,000 tons of coal we burn we “burn” a mineworker’s life. Royalty owners draw six millions a year from the production of coal, and the Duke of Northumberland, to take a specific example, drew last year, according to his own evidence, the sum of £75,431 from this source alone.

One Week of Stubborn Resistance to Wrong is Past. Let Us Face the Second With Equal Fortitude, and VICTORY IS OURS!

BBC radio broadcast, 1 pmLink opens in a new window

This is particularly interesting and perhaps significant.

Increased activity at the Trades Union Congress Headquarters in London late last night and this morning has created a general atmosphere of expectancy. While we have no definite information of any peace moves, there would appear to be little doubt that the Trades Union Congress are making strenuous efforts to agree among themselves. We have just heard that the delegation of the T.U.C. arrived at 10, Downing Street an hour ago and is still there. The hopes which such an announcement raise need no expression.

Throughout the provincial districts the food situation appears to be progressively improving. The number of passenger trains running continues to increase steadily.

The reports from all districts indicate that yesterday was the quietest day since the beginning of the strike. No disorder of any kind was reported from the London neighbourhood although many new buses and trams were sent out for the first time in areas previously unsupplied.

The position in South Wales and in the North of England is very satisfactory, and there is no foundation whatever for rumours to the contrary current yesterday.

...

We have just received a message from No. 10 Downing Street.

At a meeting with the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street, Mr. Pugh announced on behalf of the General Council of the Trade Union Congress "The general strike is being terminated today".

That is an official announcement telephoned to us from 10, Downing Street, and it does not appear necessary to add anything to it, other than that some times of delicacy and perhaps difficulty may be encountered in the period of reconstruction of all engaged, in which we naturally wish the success and satisfaction that their efforts deserve.

Here is another announcement just to hand:

We are requested to broadcast the following announcement on behalf of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress.

"In order to resume negotiations, the General Council of the Trades Union Congress has decided to terminate the general strike today, and telegrams of instructions are being sent to the general secretaries of all affiliated unions.

Members, before acting, must await the definite instructions from their own Executive Councils."

It is perhaps unnecessary under these circumstances, for us to read what remains of the general section of the bulletin as that news is naturally of small importance and small interest compared to what we have just announced. Nor is there anything particular in the Parliamentary section or ordinary news.

Stations will therefore now be closing down in so far as news is concerned and will resume at the ordinary time as on previous days.