Army officers early in February about the willingness or otherwise of troops in the various areas to assist in strike-breaking. Some of the questions asked were:—
- Will troops in various areas respond to orders for assistance to preserve the public peace?
- Will they assist in strike breaking?
- Will they parade for draft to overseas, especially to Russia?
- Whether there is any growth of Trade Unionism among them.
- The effect outside Trade Unions have on them.
- Whether any agitation from internal or external sources is affecting them.
- Whether any soldiers' councils have been formed.
- Whether any demobilisation troubles are occurring.
The Peace Treaty, with its colossal indemnity, dealt a staggering blow to the trade and commerce of Europe, poverty and starvation being manifest in many countries, while the "Plenipotentiaries Extraordinary," familiarly known as the Big Five, talked of thousands of millions coming from some unknown source. The Treaty, however, contained an International Labour Covenant, under which all members of the League of Nations accepted:—(1) Right of association allowed "for all lawful purposes"; (2) Prohibition of labour for children under 14; (3) Right of all workers to wages adequate to maintain a "reasonable standard of life"; (4) Equal pay for equal work, irrespective of sex: (5) A weekly rest for all, including Sunday or its equivalent; (6) Eight-hour day or 48-hour week, with certain special exceptions; (7) Institution of a system of inspection to ensure enforcement of laws and regulations for workers' protection.
There had been, during the latter part of 1918 and during 1919, a better understanding between the N.U.R. and this Society, a very welcome fact. Mr. Thomas had spoken on Mr. Bromley's platform in his support during the North East Leeds contest, and in August of 1919 a circular which explains itself had been issued. It said:—
