Page:Scott Nearing - World Labor Unity (1926).pdf/24

 Our aim, and, as we believe, the aim of the majority of the class-conscious workers of all countries, is the creation of a single International of the organised workers of the whole world, standing for the point of view of the class struggle and the final emancipation of the working class from the capitalist yoke. Compared with this great aim the constitutional question is of secondary importance. The Trade Unions of the U.S.S.R. are ready to affiliate to a united International Trade Union Federation whose constitution, in its general features, would not differ vitally from that of the I.F.T.U."  

When the British Trades Union Congress met on September 7, 1925, the delegates faced two issues of historic moment. One was unemployment. The other was Trade Union Unity.

President Swales, in his opening address, made the issue clear. No effort had been spared, he said, to bring together the representatives of Amsterdam and of Moscow. "In the opinion of the General Council, the Russian representatives showed an inclination and genuine desire to find agreement and a place inside the International Federation of Trade Unions." On the attitude of the Amsterdam officials he said nothing.

"Though the door appeared to be closed," President Swales went on, "owing to misunderstandings, at the request of and on the advice of British representatives the Russian representatives offered to meet representatives of the I.F.T.U. in a conference to … talk over existing difficulties. As a preliminary, Russian representatives agreed to a constitution similar to that of the I.F.T.U. The difference between the two parties appears to the General Council to be so small and their responsibilities to the whole Trade Union Movement so serious that, in my judgment, a very great disservice is being perpetuated by the parties being kept apart one moment longer than is absolutely necessary. … We note with regret that the Press has taken a hand, along with some of our friends, in challenging our right to continue