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to diseaver the outcome of TUC discussions with APEX a-

PRIME MINISTER

GRUNWICK DISPUTE

  
    

proposed mass march through Willesden on 11 July. I un-r stand you

have asked to be informed about the position urgently.

Following discussions between Norman Willis and Tudor Thomas (APEX)
yesterday, the TUC has issued a circular to all affiliated unions

emphasising that unions intending to send people to join the pickets
at Grunwick should do so by arrangement with APEX and on days agreed
with them.

see that APEX are doing their best to keep the situation under control

I attach a copy of the circular, from which you will

and are not seeking a confrontation. Their statement indicates that
they are aiming to maintain a picket of an effective size to
ensure the peaceful and legitimate purposes of the Trade Union

Movement", and they have assured me that this does not mean continuing

the mass picketting.

The TUC will also be co-oPerating actively with APEX in ensuring that
the march and subsequent rally on 11 July are peaceful and well

The TUC will be appointing marshals from other unions
This should be of material

assistance in helping the police and in isolating those people who

disciplined.

who have experience of handling crowds.

are not seeking to promote trade union objectives but are looking for
I understand that APEX and TUC

officials are to discuss detailed arrangements for the demonstration

an opportunity to cause trouble.

with the Police Commissioner at 10.30am tomorrow.

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Arthur Scergill reportedly announced outside Grunwick this morning
that, whatever View the TUC or APEX with
some 3,000 miners on 11 July in order to see that the buses carrying
employees did not enter the factory. I spoke to Norman Willis about
this today by telephone. He is attending the NUM Conference at
Tynemouth and both he and Joe Gormley have appealed to the delegates
not to interfere with APEX'handling of the dispute. Norman Willis
will be seeking to have a word with Arthur Scargill directly when he
returns to Tynemouth this evening. I would not like to predict what
the outcome will be but I shell of course keep my colleagues in touch

with further developments.

I am copying this minute to the Home Secretary, Secretary of State

for Industry, Attorney General and to Sir John Hunt.

AEB
5 Jul)r 1977

-2-

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UNION CUNGAESS

HI HI I MINLL MURRAY Hill.

CONGRESS HOUSE - RUSSELL - WCIB 31.5

mam: 01-636 4030 new? TliADll?x'lC LONDON 
July 4? 1977 mv1 Secretary?s
(mu 1m 

tour. In r-
In reply, please quote:
CIRCULAR no 18h {1976?72_



 

To any. muons, REGIONAL eggs-Iona
WALES TUC: SCOETIFSH 
CATCS

Dear Colleague
DIspugs

Please find enclosed a copy of a statement issued by the
Executive Council of APEX concerning the Grunwick dispute.

APEX has decided to organise, with the co-operation of the
TUC, a mass march on MONDAY, JULY 11. through Willesden,
passing the Grunwick factories. The march will commence
at Willesden Green (London Transport) Station at noon
(assembly from 11 am}. Further details will be sent to
you as soon as these are available.

Affiliated organisations are asked to give all support
possible to this demonstration.

In welcoming the establishment of the Court of Inquiry.
APEX has emphasised that blacking of essential supplies
should be co-ordinated through the appropriate union execu~
tive, and that picketing will be under the direct control
of APEX. Union delegations for picketing should therefore
be arranged on days agreed with APEX.

You are requested to take particular note of the references
in the APEX statement concerning the conduct of the dispute.

On all matters concerning the dispute. contact should be
made with the APEX head office (Research Department) 

01 947 3131: 22 Worple Road, London, SW19 40F. Early
information about offers on picketing and participation in
the march will greatly assist APEX in the_organisation of
these activities.

Yours sincerely

LIONEL MURRAY

General Secretary . ENC 1

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