3.8. No. 1 (Plain)

Special Report} 

SUBJECT 



Reference to Papers

(2)

 

METROPOLITAN POLICE

SPECIAL BRANCH

 ..day 

1. The pattern of activity this week at Grunwicks seems
to have settled down to a much less violent form than
previously although still highly volatile. A significant
reductionmintthe numbers attending the scene has taken place
yesterday and today - about 600 and LL00 respectively.

2. Although this is in line with the recommendations
made by APEX that pickets should be limited?to 500', it?l'fa's
undoubtedly?been a disappointment to the Strike Committee
in view of their belief that pressure must be maintained on
the compamf. They have issued a public statement to the
affect that there must be an escalation of the mobilisation
of the trade?union movements support for this week's picket.

3. It has become apparent that many of the Trotskyists
who have been attending the picket lines on a_daily basis
have become disen?hanted for the following reasons. Whilst
still strongly in support of the strikers and the
accompanying violence, they are disappointed that it has
not been found possible to 'finish pff' the company
quickly; the lack of co-ordination between the various
groups taking part; the demonstrable success of police
tactics in containing the overall situation. In addition,
many are finding the financial strain of attending on an
daily basis too much to bear. It can be expected that for
the remainder of this week groups of Trotskyists will
attend every day but their overall numbers will be much
reduced from last week.

h. it is also becoming clear that the Communist Party
is taking an increasing interest in events and is committed
to mobilising maximum support from within the trade union
movement for the strikers. Everyday the 'MOrning Star'
gives prominence on its front page to the previous day's
events, in the course of which it usually gives details oft
commitments made by various trade unions to take part in the
picketing. The Communist Party supports the 'day of action'
called by the Yerkshire miners for 11 July and can be
expected to use all its resources in mobilising trade union
participation. Fof Brent Trades Council who
appears to be in air effective control of the Strike
Committee, is known to be a Communist sympathiser, and
there is little doubt that he has probably been in daily
contact with Communist Party headquarters in London to
discuss tactics.

 Rage: No. 2,

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a. 
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5. However, any attempt to assess the numbers of
persons likely to attend the picket lines on the remaining
days of this week must inevitably, in view of the large
trade union involvement, be speculative. The 'Mbrning
Star' announcements indicate that there will be an increase
in the number of pickets on wednesday and Friday of this
week but from past experience it would be fair to assume
that this increase will only be moderate and will not
approach the large turnout achieved during the latter part
of last week.

6. The following details are known concerning the
remaining days of this week:

wednesday 29 June

The London Region have called for a 'mass picket'
by their members (building workers). On Friday 2h June
UCATT were present at Grunwicks complete with ornamental
banner; however, on that occasion no more than 7 or 8
supporters appeared to comprise this group.

A elegation of dockers will be present from the Royal
Group ~eDocks.

It is known that several members of the main Trotskyist
groupsbelieve that there will be a large turnout on
wednesday. The specific reasons for this belief have not
become apparent and there has been no call from their
executive for a national turnout.

A coachload of Socialist workers Party supporters is leaving

?at cm; hours on 29.6.77 to take part in the

morning picket.

Thursday_30 June

A delegation of is expected. It is not thought
that this delegation will be large in numbers for as far as
is known at present, no arrangements have been made in
.I for the use or hire of any extensive quantity of
transport. However, the mere threat of any strong action
by seems to have a strengthening effect on the

other trade unionists, and it may be that several
delegations or groups will turn up in the hope of seeing
some 'action'.

Friday 1 July

NATSOPA have stated they will be present to demonstrate on
this day. The national officers of the union are expected
to head the delegation and invitations have been extended
to London branches of other print unions. The contingents
will travel from Fleet Street by coaches.

 

 No. 21 Page No. 3.

1

The Executive of the CPSA union are expected to lead a
delegation on this day. Past experience suggests that a
CPSA delegation is likely to be modest in numbers.

7. To summarize - it would appear that according to
present information the mass picketing will continue for
the remainder of this week, and it is unlikely that the
numbers will fall much below 300, or exceed 700 maximum.
It can be expected that the energies of active trade
unionists will be directed with increasing vigour towards
a 'climax' on 11 July. In the meantime, it is apparent
that they do not intend to let interest wane and will
therefore do their utmost to maintain the picketing at
its present level.

8. In relation to the "mass turnout? on 11.7.77,
every effort is being made by this Branch to ensure that
a com rehensive appreciation of the situation on that day

   
 

Detective Sergeant

Submitted:

Chief Inspector

 

 

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