"War has been declared," was the statement made by Mr. J. H. Thomas to press representatives after the breaking off of the negotiations.
It is learned that the Government's preliminary _arrangements for the distribution of supplies are already operating.
Tt is stated on behalf of the Government that food conditions are' normal. There is no need for on the part of the public; less for anything in the of a panic. I€ they loyally carry out the Government regul tions in regard to food, coal, petrol and other essential supplies and do not indulge in hoarding their comfort will be safeguarded.
In the event of newspapers ceasing publication the Government will keed the public informed by means of wireless and bulletins posted at the Town Halls and Post Offices.
Trade Union Retort London, May 2.
The General Council of the Trades Union Committee has addressed a lengthy letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, expressing surprise and regret at' the Government's decision to terminate the discussion, declaring that the pi will judge the nature of the Gov ment's intention by its "precipitate and calamitous decision."
The letter also deplores that "the sincere work in which the Council hias been engaged in an endeavour to obtain an honourable settlement! has been wrecked by the Government's unprecedented ultimatum."
As regards the Government's first] reason for breaking off negotiations, namely, that specific instructions had been sent to trade several industries and xe cease work, the letter says that it is not unusual for workmen to cease! work in defence of their interests as wage-earners and the specific reason for the decision in this case ras to secure for the workers the} ime right as the employers insist upon "with their workers, that negotiations shall be conducted free from any atmosphere of a ledge of the overt nets, interference with the liberty of the! press, mentioned by the Government in its statement. It says that the decisions of the Council definitely] forbid any such independent, uns thorized action. It regrets that it was not given an opportunity of investigating and dealing with the alleged incidents before the Government made them the excuse for breaking off the peace discuss Reuter.
'A Million Miners Idle The magnitude of the threatened general strike can be gauged from the fact that already a million miners are idle and the eric strike will involve a million and half workers of the transport and allied trades.
Meanwhile thousands of valu teers have already been enrolled the temporary recruiting office—n wooden hut in the courtyard of the Foreign Office.
The Electrical Power Engine Association, representing "mechan ians employed in electrical stations, have written a letter to the Premier declaring that they resolve to help to maintain essential public servieas in connexion with the supply of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.