MUNITIONS STRIKE AVERTED

The danger of a general strike in the munitions establishments of the country has been averted. Coventry workers, with whom the trouble originated, decided yesterday to resume work and to accept the Committee of Inquiry offered by the Government as a means of settling the dispute. Their resolution contained the provisos that the Government should withhold the threatened calling-up notices, and that there should be no victimisation of individuals. There was also a general resumption of work at Birmingham; the Woolwich shop stewards, after a conference with General Seely, passed a resolution recommending the men at the Arsenal to remain at their benches; and the Engineering and Allied Trades Council, meeting at Leeds, issued a statement giving similar advice. Mr. Churchill is proceeding with all possible speed to redeem his promise of a thorough exploration of the circumstances which led to the dispute. Last night a notification was issued through the Press Bureau to the effect that, work having been generally resumed at Birmingham and Coventry, the Minister proposes immediately to appoint the Committee of Inquiry and the Trade Union Advisory Committee are being summoned to meet at 3.30 to-morrow in order that they may nominate their representatives. The terms of reference are as follows: 1. To investigate and report on labour conditions which have rendered the embargo necessary, and to advise upon the administration of the scheme. 2. To consider and report as to what further measures should be adopted, in view of these conditions, to maintain and, where necessary, increase the output of munitions, due regard being given to public interest in the most effective and economical use of labour, money, and material. Yesterday Mr. Churchill informed the House of Commons that the Committee will have power to appoint local sub-committees, which will gather information at first hand.

“A JUST SETTLEMENT.”

The Executive Committee of the Arsenal Shop Stewards yesterday had a long interview with General Seely at the Ministry of Munitions and subsequently presented a report to the shop stewards at Woolwich, who passed the following resolutions: That we, the Arsenal Shop Stewards, having heard the report of our Executive Committee, including the acceptance by the Ministry of Munitions of the conditions laid down, by the Coventry men, and in view of the resumption on the part of Coventry and Birmingham, hereby recommend our members to remain at work for the present, and that the Joint District Committees of London be informed of our decision. This resolution was signed by all members of the Shop Stewards Executive. The second resolution was: “Realising the visit of General Seely to Woolwich, and his subsequent activities have materially contributed to the just settlement, we beg to thank him on behalf of the Woolwich engineers.”

WORK RESUMED LAST NIGHT

COVENTRY: – After a meeting lasting two hours, it was agreed the men will resume at the night shifts, and there will be a general resumption tomorrow. Our Labour Correspondent said: Some of the workmen whose homes are in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the North of England have taken advantage of the strike to return home to their families. Telegrams have been despatched to them this afternoon by the trade union officials advising them of the settlement, and requesting them to return forthwith.