Minutes of General Council

              107.
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. G.C.20. 1935-36.
10th September, 1936.
TRADES UNION CONGRESS GENERAL COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL, HELD AT THE GUILDHALL, PLYMOUTH, ON THURSDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER, 1936, AT 9 A.M.
ATTENDANCE AS AT PREVIOUS SESSION.
264.        EMERGENCY RESOLUTION ON SPAIN AND EUROPE.
Resolution on the position in Spain, which had emanated from the joint meeting held on 9th September, 1936, of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, National Executive Committee of the Labour Party and the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Labour Party was read as follows:
"This Congress, having received the report of the action taken on behalf of the British Labour Movement by the National Council of Labour, and the statement issued after the Conference of August 28th, approves and endorses them.
"Congress tenders to the Spanish Government and people, the profound sympathy of the British workers in the merciless conflict into which they have been plunged by the treachery and disloyalty of the Spanish officers who have violated their oath of allegiance to the Republic of Spain and its legally constituted Government.   We pay homage to the self-sacrifice bravery and steadfast will of the workers, peasants and youth of Spain who are fighting for liberty and democracy, and share the grief of the families of those who have fallen in this fratricidal warfare.
"Congress repeats the warning that while the international agreements which have now been made may lessen international tension if they are loyally observed by all the Governments and their execution is effectively co-ordinated and supervised, the utmost vigilance is necessary to prevent these solemn engagements being utilised to injure the Spanish Government.
"Congress further declares that a special duty is incumbent upon the British Government to exercise in the fullest measure the influence it undoubtedly possesses over Portugal to ensure that its Government, which has aided and abetted the Rebellion, shall promptly and loyally co-operate in the carrying out of these agreements. "
The Secretary reported that the National Furnishing Trades Association had sent in an emergency resolution on this subject, and reported that the Standing Orders Committee had been approached suggesting that the Council's emergency resolution should be taken with tho N.A.F.T.A. Resolution as an amendment to it.