MINUTE OF FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE, 21ST NOVEMBER, 1938.
25. BLACKPOOL CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS.
Further consideration was given to the following resolutions passed at the Blackpool Congress:-
(a) Arms for Spain.
With regard to this resolution and the suggestions which had been put forward at the Blackpool Congress for implementing it, it was reported that the suggestions had been forwarded to the International Federation of Trade Unions with the request that they should consult with the Labour and Socialist International in regard to the organisation of a campaign on the lines proposed. It was also suggested that approach should be made by the International Federation of Trade Unions and the Labour and Socialist International to their respective French International Centres concerning a similtaneous [simultaneous] approach in France and Britain to the respective Governments calling for the removal of the ban on arms.
A reply, dated 7th November, had been received from Mr. Schevenels stating that he had been in consultation with M. Jouhaux who was in full agreement with the proposal that an international campaign for Spain should be decided on by the forthcoming meeting of the General Council of the I.F.T.U., and that the question as to whether the campaign for Spain was still to be organised in conjunction with the Labour and Socialist International was also one to be considered by the General Council meeting. M. Jouhaux had also agreed to approach the French Government for the removal of the ban on arms, but no dates had been suggested. A further meeting of the I.F.T.U. [General Council] Executive Committee (correction) was to consider the matter on November 25th.
In regard, however, to the suggestions referring to an approach to affiliated Unions in regard to funds, this matter had not been pursued in view of the recent appeal launched with special reference to Czechoslovakia. It was suggested that in view of the imminent close of the financial year it would be advisable for the approach to Unions to be made forthwith.
IT WAS DECIDED to recommend that a circular be sent to affiliated Unions drawing their attention to the five proposals put forward at the Blackpool Congress regarding aid for Spain and asking what steps they had taken or proposed to take to implement these suggestions.
