Freedom of Speech in Danger
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THE daily Press reports that Mr.
HE Isaacs, Minister of Labour, recently refused to open a Press conference at Newcastle until all journalists present had produced their Union cards • Already the Government shrinks from the public discussion of its conduct of the affairs of the nation, and we see in Mr. Isaacs's action an attempt to force journalists-into a trade organization which might, at some time in the future, be used to restrict the freedom of the Press. Perhaps Mr. Isaacs was acting under the orders of the trades-union movement, which, according to a widely held belief, dictates Government policy. We have no objection to the National Union of Journalists, the objects and conduct of which are. within our knowledge, praiseworthy. Among other matters, the union seeks to protect the privileges and dignity of the Press.
Members of the staff of "The Commercial Motor" will resist any coercion, expressed or implied, to force them to join the union against their inclinations, and they will continue to use their own discretion as to the professional and scientific organizations with which they associate themselves. "The Commercial Motor" will continue to criticize the Government according to its own beliefs.