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12 MAY 1926

Sir John Simon made proposals in the House of Commons for a peaceful settlement of the coal dispute.

According to the official announcement on the strike position, the situation throughout the country showed a further improvement.

Instructions were issued by the T.U.C. to the engineering and shipyard Unions to cease work to-day. Men in North and South Shields and at Palmers’s Yard, Jarrow, decided to refuse to comply with the strike notice.

Three hundred Glasgow tramwaymen returned to duty, and this large break-away is looked upon as the forerunner of a complete collapse.

In granting an injunction sought by the National Sailors’ and Firemen’s Union against certain branch officials of the Union, Mr Justice Astbury said the so-called general strike called by the T.U.C. Committee was illegal and contrary to law, and those persons inciting or taking part in it were not protected by the Trade Disputes Act of 1906. Further, no member of the plaintiff Union in this country could lose his Trade Union benefits by refusing to obey unlawful orders, and the orders of the Trade Union Council and the Unions who are acting in obedience thereto in bringing about the so-called general strike were unlawful orders.

The Government’s Economy Bill passed Committee stage with amendments in the House of Lords.

The House of Commons discussed a Vote for the Pensions Ministry.

11 MAY 1926

An official bulletin states that the arrangements for the distribution of milk, food, and petrol supplies were more successful yesterday than on any other day of the strike. It is pointed out that, while there are many individual cases of strikers of various trades and services returning to work, the general strike continues unabated throughout the whole of the country.

The measures taken by the Government for the maintenance of supplies, convoying, &c., were discussed in the House of Commons.

Complaint was made in the House of Commons that the Government had not paid sufficient attention to the peace suggestions of the Churches’ Conference at Lambeth, and that the British Gazette contained no reference to the appeal of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In reply to Sir H. Slesser, who challenged Sir John Simon’s reading of the law in regard to strikes, the Attorney-General stated in the House of Commons that Sir John Simon had performed a great public service, but he (the Attorney-General) neither affirmed nor disputed that opinion—it was for the Courts to decide. The Courts would restrain by injunction any attempt to expel a member for disobeying an illegal order, or to deprive him of legal benefits. The Government had also given a guarantee that no expulsion or deprivation of benefits would be permitted as a result of refusing to take part in the strike.

A disastrous railway accident took place in Edinburgh, a passenger train dashing into a goods train which was being shunted. Three passengers were killed, and others were injured. The breaking of a gas pipe in the short tunnel in which the collision occurred added to the difficulties of rescue.

North of Newcastle, the “Flying Scotsman” from Edinburgh was derailed with three coaches. Only one passenger was injured. A gang of men are alleged to have removed the fish plates of the line.

10 MAY 1926

The Earl of Balfour, writing in the British Gazette, describes the general strike as an attempted revolution.

Mr Baldwin, in a broadcast message, said he did his utmost to secure agreement upon the basis of the Commission’s Report, and he should continue his efforts to see that in any settlement justice was done both to the miners and to the owners. The Government’s position was that the general strike must be called off absolutely and without reserve. The mining dispute could then be settled.

Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., speaking at Hammersmith, said that, in spite of all that had been said and of all that would be said, he urged both sides to keep the door open.

A legal correspondent draws attention to the position of power, gas, and water workers under the Conspiracy Law, pointing out the criminal responsibility they incur in cases where desertion from their employment endangers the public security.

Lt.-Cdr. Byrd, the U.S. airman, started on his North Polar flight. After fifteen and a half hours’ absence he regained King’s Bay, and stated that he had reached the Pole.

In a collision with Royalists on the occasion of the Jeanne d’Arc fête in Paris 118 policemen were injured. Two of them had to be taken to hospital. Of 221 demonstrators arrested 31 were detained in custody.

9 MAY 1926

More railmen went to work as more transport ran during the General Strike.

The Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin said that he would not enter into negotiations with trade unions until the General Strike was called off.

Dockers in Hull refused to unload trawlers but it was hoped that volunteers would help distribute food under police, military and naval protection.

It was announced that in London a Civil Constabulary Force was to be established.

8 MAY 1926

There was no important change in the general strike situation.

An official announcement states that no serious disorder occurred across the Border. The work of feeding the people and of maintaining light and power and essential communications is being successfully accomplished.

In an article in the British Gazette, Lord Oxford says the real victims of the general strike are the common people.

An order has been issued by Sheriff Croft, on the recommendation of the Magistrates, ordering all Edinburgh public-houses to close to-day at 3 p.m.