International Solidarity Fund: an appeal for help (circular)

              NATIONAL COUNCIL OF LABOUR
TRANSPORT HOUSE, SMITH SQUARE, LONDON, S.W.1
TRADES UNION CONGRESS
Secretary: SIR WALTER M. CITRINE
(Victoria 9820)
THE LABOUR PARTY
Secretary: J.S. MIDDLETON
(Victoria 8016)
PARLIAMENTARY LABOUR PARTY
Secretary: H. SCOTT LINDSAY
(Whitehall 6240)
WMC/HVT/FC/2.
30th September, 1937. 
In reply please quote:  
CIR. NO.  11 (1937-38).
TO SECRETARIES OF ALL AFFILIATED UNIONS, TRADES COUNCILS, CONSTITUENCY AND LOCAL LABOUR PARTIES, AND WOMEN'S SECTIONS, AND TRADES COUNCIL FEDERATIONS.  
Dear Sir (Madam),
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY FUND. 
AN APPEAL FOR HELP.
The National Council of Labour, at a special meeting held yesterday, received a report from the deputation which waited upon the Foreign Secretary on Friday, September 24th.
In the course of the meeting the deputation presented the resolutions passed by the Norwich Congress on the questions of Spain and China.
On behalf of the Government it was stated that certain conversations were to take place between the British, French and Italian Governments, and a promise was made to give serious consideration to the points put forward by the deputation.
After receiving this report the National Council of Labour decided to issue a declaration in regard to the war in China.  I am enclosing copy of the declaration which appeared in the press this morning.
The Boycott.
The National Council of Labour had to take cognizance of the limitations involved in a boycott of Japanese goods operated by this country alone as only 5% of Japanese exports come to Great Britain.   Nevertheless, our British Movement should be resolute in operating the Boycott.   Less than 12% of Japanese exports come to the whole of Europe, but through the International Federation of Trades Unions and the Labour and Socialist International we are appealing to the Movements of other European countries to take steps similar to those which we are adopting, and to call upon their Governments to take the action which we are demanding from our own British Government.
The National Council feel that their action must go much farther.    Over 50% of Japanese exports go to British Dominions, the Colonies, and the U.S.A.   We have, therefore, communicated the declaration by cable to the National Centres of our Movement in Australia, Newzealand, South Africa, Canada, India, the Irish Free State, Northern Ireland, and the U.S.A. recommending them to take similar action.    In this way it is hoped to bring the maximum possible economic and moral pressure upon Japan to cease her aggression.