22 MAY 1926, Page 14

LEGAL AND ILLEGAL STRIKES

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—There is danger that one point about our present discontents may be overlooked. Had the Labour leaders arranged, as they might easily have done, that every trade unionist should give his legal notice before coming out, where should we be at this moment ? The collapse of the general strike is due to recognition of its illegal nature, as laid down by Sir John Simon and Mr. Justice Astbury, coupled with the determination of the people not to be blackmailed. Had it been a legal industrial dispute we should have won through, but probably after months instead of days.—I am, Sir, &c., Elstowe, Jenner Road, Guildford. J: W. MEARES.