INTERNATIONAL: Labor, with Smiles

Ever since Adolf Hitler crushed German trade unionism, annual congresses of the International Federation of Trade Unions have been morose affairs. In London last week I.F.T.U. delegates from 22 countries convened again with smiles. They told each other that the Communist-Socialist “united front” victories at the polls in Spain and France mean that “Fascism is on the wane,” despite Benito Mussolini’s being on the crest.

President of the congress was Sir Walter Citrine, once a most trusted British working-class leader whom many now consider foolish for having accepted knighthood at the hands of King George. In an exciting keynote address Sir Walter indicted Fascism as “lawless, aggressive imperialism which recognizes no right but the armed force it commands!” However, Sir Walter said: “It is a delusion to imagine that the Labor movement is opposed to war in all circumstances,” ended with a stirring battle cry for the League of Nations’ friends to fight.

Last week the British League of Nations Union deserted even by Nobel Peace Knight Sir Austen Chamberlain, was cutting its staff, slashing wages, rapidly folding up in a state of gloom.