The Strike was closely followed in the world's press - you can see in this section examples from Spain, France, Germany, Canada and the United States.

International sympathy for the strike was high and the prospect of a boycott of the United Kingdom was discussed at a meeting of the International Transport Workers Federation and the Miners' International Federation at Ostend on 8-9 May. However, before any action could be agreed the General Strike was over.

The Soviet Union sought to exploit the strike and use it as an opportunity to forge closer links with the British trade union movment. The TUC were offered money to help finance the strike, which it rejected, much to the consternation of the Soviets. The money was however offered to and accepted by the National Union of Mineworkers. The International Federation of Trade Unions offered a donation which the TUC was this time happy to accept.

Donations also came from more unusual sources. Smaller organisations, such as the Zurich Socialists, gave the whole of their May Day collection (£240) to the General Council.

Alex Bromley, Project Manager