Socialist Press no. 148
Socialist Press1979 1979-05-02This text was read from the scan by machine and has not been corrected. Columns and stories run into one another, and words are misread. Use it to find things; for anything you quote, read the scan.
Scan page 1
After the PREPARE FOR
PRESS
Weekly paper of the Workers Socialist League Solidarity hinders Times strikebreaking As Times Newspapers editor, William management succeeded "criminal about getting copies of their scab sabotage lav editions off the presses in concrete exercise in internation- al solidarity had taken place Europe, journalists on the paper put paid to attempts BUt une lying when they said that plans to split the limited unity of the chapels in London. abandoned. The NUJ chapel, which last narrowly to work and the simple task of getting week voted the paper printed was clearly to on the scab edition, reversed their vote by a majority of 2-1.
be attempted. A matter of hours It was the culmination of a later the tirst copies nad been published. series of events which had back- How many fired on the Times manage- printed is immaterial. This was ment. not a European edition at all.
First, militant print workers in Frankturt picketed the works where the so-called European first v to cet even one coov ord edition was to be printed and paper printed which called for a Tory vote torceo i imes management to back down. trade Unions
EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT
THE TIMES
GHER EDUCATION
SUPPLEMENT
SUNDAY TIME
WENT DEPA
NATIONAL
NATIONAL
GRAPHICAL
ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION
ETAPERS
NEWI
OFFICIAL PICKET LINE
OFFICIAL PICKET LINE
DO NOT CROSS
NOT GROSS
NGA pickets outside the Times
SOCIALIST
* * May 2, 1979 * 15p No. 148
AHEAD
As we go to press, the polls are various opinion haggling between themselves on the exact scale of what all predict as a Tory win on press Certainly the gutter ahead relentlessly ТОГОІУ with last minute propd- ganda campaign for the elec secondly to divide the Times Behind the bluster of Times unions by drawing the wavering elements' journalists Dack towaras management. the fact that a Symbol management were This 'European' edition the Times was a symbol of the print the paper had been ruling classes' ability to make its voice heard. The plates had been made This attempt would have foundered at had once work on Journalists revusea to Tim Bu But although the Sunday chapel did refuse the Times chapel rejected a call to have been Jake Ecclestone, FoC of the President
NUJ
purpose was two-fold: chaser appealed to annual conterenc to give the chapel one more and attacked the chance Accore inev-ane correcty- britain. conference suspended the demanding that resolution imes tournalists respect orin picket lines, and NGA speakers were sent to the chapel. result was a vote to black the paper ano a VICtor for the solidarity of the chapels.
NUJ
members Some thouaht likelv to attempt to go into work, and the chapel must now take the vital decision to foin orinters on the dicker nuc The major danger to print unions lies in compromise otters made by management.
Only a clear policy of occu- pation, linked to company secrets and the nation- alication or the Uncer management can roll back the onslaught.
BATTLES
union-bashing, tIor racialist, profit-boosting Tory emoloyers Have government. operated in such schemes result The press barons pray it will historic attacks on working class one With
O CI
enoUeT majority slash the socia standaras and hand services ployment, speed-up, and spend- out tax concessions to top paic door managers and employers at the expense of the working class. ories. a dramatic last But even if 1 Most desperate minute reversal coes lake place and growing working class hos- Now Thatcher, tility Tories returns directly for Labour to office once more, the sectIons OT brITISI economic crisis of British and world dictates that maior battles are on the agenda Throuch whoresare desoerate arive cuts, employers to increase their rate ruthless demands a further profit Doncy onslauent levels manning levels and "non-viable" and sackings factories. She knows To carry through such attacks on the scale required ov tance to such plans. capitalism, the colossal strength of the trade union movement desorte must be sapped. Collaboration struggles militant Labour's strategy to do this Callaghan's nas been „TO suck une ouredu- cratic union leaders into collab- no mood Lo with attacks lying down. oration management- participa- Enrouch - workers ion", the wage-cutting socia now the 'Con-
OUT
what cordat'-which contains plans to struggle attack _oicketing rents MUnt closed shop, and to impose a system of ballots prior to strike actIon The TUC leaders, who them fedacts. selves have started out not from The the needs and interests of their members, but from Ine Leacut campaigns help violence Southall Peachs parents arrested Donations should be
SYM,
12,
MAY DAY
GREETINGS
The Editorial Board of Socialist Press sends revolutionary greetings to our readers, supporters and all those fighting imperialism this May Day, 1979. Forward to the reconstruction of the Fourth International!
PHOTO: Andrew Wiard, Report "viability" and problems of the following central demands: *Defend the unions! Mass willingly action to defeat anti-union laws!
has been the helect mne concoredl. *No wage contro s. -o protected against mas: through cost-of-living inflation the cutor are nor of ned clauses! *No sackings! Demand work for a return of the on full pay! Open the sharing books of the employers that threaten recuncancy or ciosure to elected committees of trade speaking UnTOnIStS! the most desperate Nationalise • The maol banks and trusts capitaliste is seeking tolso collaborations compensation, under WITnOUt collaboration workers' management! spending Occupy threatened facilities and aws against ne unions "lame duck' tor suooortine strike aclion that will industry Such socialist bolicies essential to defend the working trigger a major wave or ciosure.
class run diametrically counter that the
TUC
to the needs ot caoitalism and collaborators will ofter no resis policies carried out Callaghan. But the working class that They cannot be fought for union real totaly along the road suggestea by ine leaders has so recently risen up Tribunite • 'left' Though these in its hundreds of thousands in people have claimed to oppose crush 5% Callanan unev nave out uo ne reactionary fight to remove him, anothe Phase 4 pay limit is certainly in cabinet and them right wing accept Thatcher's selves have no socialist alterna tive to offer. The question is not whether workers will fight such attacks and must can the next period in exposed in погостатте demands is put forward in the the struggle for a recall Labour show conference to KICk ouT -Ine practice the need to reject all Callaghan leadership. total inadequacy torms ot class collaboration and illusions in the Labour and TUC points to the need to build a Trotskyist party We will continue with that task Workers Socialist - no matter who comes to orTic on May 3. the Funds launched for anti-fascists Southall, Middlesex. In the wake of the mass anti- And in Leicester, a Defence rascist struggles in the last week, two funds have been launched rund nas been set up to cove police fines and costs of those arrested victims on April 21. A march has also Youth Movement been called Tor Monday May / is appealing for cash to fly Blair Send Bank, Detence TrON ven Zealand for his funeral and. to noTe encester cover the fines faced by the 340 Defence Committee is also seek- ing eye-witness accounts cemonstrators arrests on the day sent Featherstone Rd.,
Scan page 2
Spanish leaders band together against mass Page 2
*INTERNATIONAL-
It was in front of a crucifix that the new Socialist Party Mayor of Madrid, Enrique Tierno Galvan, flanked by his deputy, Communist Party economist Ramon Tamames, made his first public statement. Its content, as well as its backdrop, was calculated to Put al test any lears which the Cass might have had that it was unsate for the mayoralties of 1800 of the country's 2,000 largest municipalities to be in the hands of the main workers' parties, the Socialists (PSOE) and the Communist Party. Left wing Tierno Galvan, like his Socialist counterpart Barcelona, Narcis Serra, gave an inaugura. address as which was designed • make Adolfo Suarez' ruling "democratic" Francoists (the UDC) look left wing. There was no talk ot municipal socialișm, a denial masses for there be wolle ally final of the Francoist- purge Francoism. ridden local administrations and most of all a passionate alliance cella! That distorted which had placed PSOE and the PSOE/CP pact mayors at the head of over two-thirds of Spain's population represented which would be DIcccuenE operated at the leve tion the national politics. Shocked All, this balm, however was nOT enough to soothe the troubled Spanish bour- geoisie, which been profoundly shocked and rightly by the surprise deal between parties on the eve ot the election The led
PSOE
and CP as well as Basque nationalist candi- Layoldi dates standing down in each other's favour prevent the election of
UCD
at the head of single one of Spain's major cities. The deputy premier, Martorell, immediately The made a near hysterical on- Turkey
PSOE CP
in slaught the martial dea. which he judged *the most im portant political anomer six more in Europe in the last the eastern lacT five years". country. That means Fanning flames now operates citles— lo of them in or around Deliberately fanning the Turkish Kurdistan. flames of civil war memories after six Martorell condemned the in the Cabinet issued a declara- PSOE-on whose collabora- tion urging the government tion the UCD has come to take sharper measures in Kurdis.
"grave respon- Iely=
-IOI ITS
and further 1Am sibility reviving the resolve the Popular Front crisis. the level" municipal and for fostering within Kurdistan. "the polarisation ment shows the of Spanish society". Martorell was expressing growth of the Kurdish liberation struggle in Turkey, deeply influ- the very justified alarm of enced by his class. Kurds in Iran. But the of the Cause change. is far from a delib- the General Turkish army to Iraq and other break by erate the PSOE and CP leaders from their high government officers to Iran indicates strategy of class collabora- ment is seeking to tion. common strategy with frag and The change of line Iran to crush the Kurdish move- springs the strong ment. militancy
LA SOCIEND
VOTA
desire of the working class which failure to stand down in each other's favour would destruction of have involved. Their own rank and file It is this militancy which was telling them plainly that nas expressea itsell, still in a they had time for fashion, through bureaucratic disunity when that would result in a new Both the PSOE and the victory for the Francoists.
CP leaders realised that their therefore ine deal-and own rank and file would not municipal power-therefore accept yet another capitula- was forced upon the PSOE bourgeoisie and CP leaders as the neces-
TURKEY
Ecevit government has law restrictions to cities measures, while others, such part of the the Environment Minister, him- self a Kurd, propose a form of military rule
TOI
with their bourgeois leadership.
This latest move came about Victory to right independent ministers
MONT
measures dartles acute всолотіс the six new cities This develop martial law They explained that "respect _extent
OT THA
led them to vote for Ecevit's policy, while at the movement
NOT IS
The recent visit of the Chief Staff Tavour Ene Ecevit's establish a Republican People's Party.
•PON TU VOLU
TRABAJAR
Emplea tu voto new contra el paro interests workers CP election platform desire. sary condition to maintain political control their own bartler But this shows that the deri deal, although necessary to the PSOE and CP bureau- the crats, at the same time threatens their control. of the working class. Rank and file The rank and file work- ing class base of the two big.
MARTIAL LAW
EXTENDED IN
terror against the trade union movement. Nowever. on the May Day Three down
RPP
MPs have by saying resigned declaring that Ecevit mobilise has given excessive workers concessions the soldiers independent Three : other Ministers ated by the Turkish Communist There are also Party rumours unat another five RPP MPs may also which disciplined resten they called Ci criticised in his party national Ecevit been year's May decided to demonstrate in Izmir his latest executiv where martial law decisions. operation Sharp criticism is also grow- Ing trom the redders of DISK, workers and peasants are very wing union confederation grave. result of the as a acasion the government to ban the May Transitional Day demonstration in Istanbul.
DISK general secretary and 3 The other leaders with a hundred of present their supporters were arrested ir transitional regime preparing the way for a fascist coup when the union headquarters ther because of their declaration that Ecevit "alternative" is judged to they have exhausted will hold the demonstra- against the masses tion anyway. great historical Disk and other union build working class must break from ings and headquarters have been Ecovit raided by the police and army A united front of the work.
and material ing class demonstration has been confis.
armed ant cated, militias to defend the workers' DISK leader Basturk blamed organisations, Ecevit chief person res- thugs and fight for a workers' Ine ponsible for the repression and and peasants' government.
SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 Bombs fall on Mid-East 'peace' After 16 months of haggling, the Israeli-Egyp tian peace treaty was finally ratified last Wednesday.-at • the US early-warning station parties, which has pu Boarded the the r 1o locatives office will now be asking all Why cannot unity of the workers' parties implement were mostly a show of strength, level which meets some of EnE Lebanese government, and more the real needs of the work- Ine
TOSCIST
which aiso operate in the sout of the country had seceded and Lcanon in Spain now have a massive controlled area The immediate cause of this action was an attempt and independence for which commander authority of the central govern PSOE bureaucrats are now wowver 25,000 Syrian troops aggression, Ene It was only when the major raids had finished that the Syrian wheeled Beirut, at a sate distance tron the battles between Israeli army and Palestinian the guerrillas. The clearly Lionists their raids launched give support to their fascist allies.
Haddad moved lid. already to consolidate his position bi expanding the under his control. The secession ha been welcomed by ex-President Chamoun, who called on Palestinians to surrender.
A further step in this clearly co-ordinated campaign came from Pierre Gemayel, leader the Christiar Phalange' Party who argued that Lebanon would be lealespiece by trovocations Palestinian 'provocations' backed march, But the reality is that there "We are not going can be no peace in the Middle against East until the Palestinian peoole have oratitin te unions, domin- wor Then *struggle for the restoratior their homeland were recently aric socialist revolution has ousted the array
DISK
because vicious bourgeois dictator- Slogans on las ships that màrch have currentl the vast oil wealth of the region oppressing Arab masses. dangers facing Turkisl regime strength to prepare against defeat Ture must be established at defeat the fascist Warmonger Beigin
Scan page 3
BA'A THISM: A 'LEFT'
SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979.
-INTERNATIONAL-
BRAND OF
NATIONALISM
By Dị Parkin While Stalinist top bureaucrats from Comecon signed contracts for the supply and construction of new oil installations in Iraq a fortnight ago, their "com- rades" in. the Iraqi Com- Party were them- selves issuing a renewed plea for help against savage by repression the ruling Ba'athist regime. The Party's Communist Tarea Al-Shaab newspaper ocen closer DOWr Ba'athists one month for alleged "violations of the press davy Leading Stalinists connected to the CP's Ai Rouad publishing house-Including berillal Sulaiman committee memnei Yousif Stephan-have under arrest since last November ano oralinist spokesmen warning of the likelihood that these 31 CP members executeu fate of Dy ine ba atnists last year.
Opportunist The Moscow bureaucrats of course have never hesitated in Iraqi Ba athist butcher Siddan Hussein their regimes depended British WIth anti-commun ist nevlly because CP and the RAF simply military support being slaughtered: but a contmuea to oe stationed inere Iraq curious the raisal's rule was teudal and situation is that as part of this 5 oppressive policy two members 1958 a mere 2.000 landowners ot the Iragi CP two Tais tertite area owned government • thirds of the agricultural land!
outcher • which attacks on It was against this fedal rule their comrades and closing their that aylaur Dar ly uress! stadea a militar couo In Apart from the repression of which established the rule of Stalinists themsel ves, the the Ba'athists , have Seeing also staged the need for some popular support, massive crackoown nase thousands oppositionists, Quassem allied himself with the including trade nau• vommunrdly Desants. Teacners and students Bloody war The Stalinists however, are not only two-faced opera His did not Lors on Ene questior trac aovernment Last week saw Newsline paper break Iraq from its ties with the Workers Revolutionary imperialism; but instead it began Party, deny that any repression
DI OOV
wal docinst Ine Kurd on pespe ando tin denind people denied is lakino olace in urac! Kuroisn What then is the haracter and origin of savagely selves divided between Iran, Iraq anti-communist inlal and urkey In his savage, racist repres- chooses tor Its own reasons to include two token Stalinists in sion Quassem was in part acting diehard the military OUl resoonse Ine reactionary Arab proverb: overment! "There are three plagues in Oil-rich the world: the rat. the locust and tae kurc' Ba'athism has The Kurdish question then Its roots natonalist revoll dadinst Ine a› nuw, is a uluus pader to tesı of imperialism which "revolutionary" ron ord Ine l • nature or for centuries and tendencies: oppressed the Iraqi people. proletarian internationatist 1534 to Iraq PrOm couia support ine repression ot was part, of the the Kurds. Ottomar (Turkish) empire. World War 1 Quassem's war against Kurds to evciludiy suallered une or o! wc cu tinded- only to open EnIS
SICK
man, aner a orer respite-when the the door for imperia- Ba'athists came to power.
lists, who moved in to carve uc Coup enis ol-ren part or the Middie East. Arab nationalism-at first 1961, followina m oy antı-Turkish, but develonina as earlier riots and attempts strongly opposed to both British Quassem's life, the Ba' athist: and French imperialism-began mergea win a group ot army to grow in this period officers-the Joint Free Officers Though the tactics used by to form the National Council o' British and French oppressors Revolutionary Command. often different, vvelt britain in ruling On the 8 Feb 1963, by what The r rench through the puppet King Faisal largely was military coup, Though British mandate Quassem was overthrown ended regime Ba'athist militias with green Ine armbands fought in the streets acalnst the communisis who nac rallied to Quassem's defence.
Ba'athists' presi- utl was Are no loen nor himseif a member of the Ba'ath party, shared with them banarabism and had Ine leadersnio Ine earler revolution with Quassem. Aref was well known for his feelings Nassel and
ITIS
Denet in Arab unity. President Aref's first govern- ment unac ETit orime Hassan munistersnip ot Anmad al Bakr. The period of the to power or the ba atnists was one of considerable bloodshed and barbarity by Ba'athist the nanona •vare whCh communists suffered many Although this merely echoed ine bar banty l ane vioience oi the communists under Quassem this the exonerate actions of the Ba'athists power ba alnism cama then in a physical battle with Stalinists What was the Dass ol such a montd Attack on marxism Trotskyists, As are favour of the sharpest of battles Stalinism, which WIth throughly counter-revolutionary torce within the labour move.
ment But we base our fight on the ways which the Stalinists attack destroy dulu seek Marxism and revolutionary betray independent class interests ana struggie: OT INt working class But for the Ba'athists, the attack on the Stalinists is part their antacs to ane •barce ot Marxism and their moves repress the Iragi masses.
fact stands-as ba atism an distinct from many other brands Halloldisn-as marxist COnSCIOUs antı philosophy The centre point, the heart ot Ba'athism. is panarabısm Kurdish freedom fighters the desie Aral sominiiy Arak Soclaist Ga Tr Part regaras ail Arabs as being part of one nation both in the cultural and I spiritual sense The antreren. countries they live wnler politically and economically united fatherland. In tae Fartys 'the Arab father- documents, land' the Arab countries". Resurgence The word "Ba'ath" can itself Lamsialed meaning "resurgence", revival "renewal" or "renaissance" The Ba'ath wal ly urete fore all about the resuraence o1 Arab nationalism As a current opposes waich colonial Ba'athism orssonl. opposes Stalinist asso domination. Instead do vocates "positive neutrality'" as a means to create some kind of "third force" based on Arab unity.
party emerged . ne firstly in Syria under Michel Aflaa Salah and Din Baytar in the 1940s It came to Iraq through the influence of Syrian teachers after the war. It tormally came into existance the summer of 1952 in Iraq Aflaa did play some role in events in frao atter yos-ang his writings are the basic texts of Ba'athism. them In defines the Ba'ath 'socialist' some or the measures carried out in Iraq indicate that this is the case. Tel tne writings show that this "socialism" is a specifically anti marxist conception He writes of socialism aspire to in not the increase in the wealth factories but the increase in the weaitn of ite. wy concern is not people should be equal in That the distribution of food but that individual SAOld allowed to realise his gifts and potential". Metaphysical The philosophy is extremely metaphysical and explicitly anti materialist. Aflaq lakes issue with Marxism: 'Marxism is basod on the denial and any and creed transcending nature matter as well as perception.
Page 3 He concedes that religion has Ba'ath considers this aspect to have close HiSTOTCa ou tressed connection with the tation, but then argues: spiritual heritage •T Un AraD "Although adopt the qualities their ane critical view i of religion, and genius"
SO TE
oT te Ba'athism explicitly re ects reactionary use religion has been Shibi-L-Aysami materialsm making it a support for put to, in his offical history puts it: 'The Party in ustice backwarones 0 sosel enslavement, we trust that man Marxist numerou. tenet rebel against can way philosophy, particularly its usinc rencion and Catans positions on nationalism and the false and distorted religiosity historical Lucory and at the same time give materialism" dut care true Tengior avta nationalist, diltl attention marxist, ant communist Ba'athism explicitly • received the uncritical ThaT nas connected with Islam acclaim British so-called "Trotskyist" noste to atneism Workers Revolu 'We not of approve tondry rafty atheism and do not encourage ter all sher er mecng noe it. We consider it a false attitude further article examining record of Ba'athism Towaros Iste. govem The Ba'ath: contra- ment ano te curious "sees in Islam a nationalist dictory relationship between the Iragi Ba'athists asDec _oT orave im ortance the formation the Arat ormanist tarty history and nationality. f lic
TROTSKYISM
TODAY
INSIDE:
Mandel's dance with Stalinism • The significance of the Transitional Programme The U.S. SWP 40 years on.
NOW OUT! Trotskyism Today No. 4. Price 45p plus 20p p&p. Still available, Trotskyism Today No. 2, price 50p plus 20p p&p. (No. 3 sold out). Available from WSL, 31 , Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5 1HR.
Scan page 4
week's Annual Last Delegate Meeting of the National Union of Jour- nalists saw the leader- ship fail in its attempt to ban all discussion of Ireland. Had they succeeded, this would have set a precedent
PTA
for next year's conference, Portrush in Northern Ire- land itself. Only sustained pressure from some delegates forced the conference Standing Orders Committee to support for the British army of occupation. ruling that all Ireland (except Instead, on ut date censorship) was out of order. the isolated Ban rejected, movement of But eventually conference rejected last- composite delemois Irom ine floor to have the ban re- the Book, Oxford and Maga- zine branches, ult Duscul There • Campbell was some debate whether condemned TO hold union conference the in North, one branch delega Terrorism tion Ron that reporter
SUCH
choice of location would be the use of the Act to harass of Irish trade laken as an expression Mexican socialist faces deportation Hector Marroquin, the ments ana slapped in young Mexican exile fight- three months. backed by ing for political asylum in wam calon the USA, has been threaten- US Socialist Workers Party, of ed with deportation in the which became next two weeks by an Marroquin has been fighting to become the first Mexican citizen Immigration judge. ine case which revers ne over the border in the USA.
real, squalid, face of Carter's "human rights" crusade But his case. 1974 on the exposure Econ since of when Marroquin-tieeing tor his life from frame-up and its frame-up, raised by blood-stained murder o gotchi sought has come at an acutely embaras.
Mexican realme-Tirst refuge in the USA. sing time for Carter. He was caught without docu- Socialist Youth League
FIRST ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
Whittington Youth Centre, Rupert St., London N19 Saturday May 19 2pm to 11pm For more details write 10 SYL, 31, Dartmouth Park Hill, London NWS IHR.
NUJ FORCED TO
DISCUSS IRELAND
CALL TO REPEAL
conférence res- occasion to bring support to trade union the six Northern Moving the first part of a resolution from Duncan Campbell Duncan (Magazine, called for immediate repeal the • of the PTA. detention Prevention Peter McIntyre (Oxford) Act of Time Out said his branch supporica McKay, and the composite's demands right Irish ol ine people as a whole to self- unionists, and jail for oil strikes massive offshore Since that time, recently confirmed in Mexico, grown werence Garter has been attempting cuddle closer the Lopez the pabloite Portillo regime a means cushioning the USA's mounting Mentser oil crisis. last thing Carter needs achieve political asylum at this point is for a Us court by granting asylum Marroquin, effectively declare that the which centres publicly of the barbar- Ivlexican realme is a savace and Mexican regime repressive dictatorship in which and democratic rights are corture opponents, an empty charade beatenty, tneretore, Judge Smith of the Immgration and Lured by the scent of the Naturalisation Service brushed aside an or Marroquin s copiou: and well documented evidence ruled that this effect, and ¡varrouin are nortace a seriou.
threat to his life and was not entitled to politica therefore, asvium He gave Marroquin 30 days to leave the USA or face depor lation. An appeal has been lodged- and can, # necessary be pursued as Tar as the supreme court.
But the Defence Committee, reflecting very much the pett group' Boureds "oressure politics of the SWP continues skate much very over the surface of the US labour move.
Marroquin campaigning supporters ment. Trade union exclusively individuals-many of them names" who bureaucratio
DIO
working mobilisation to back Marroquin The dangers of this approach will now emerge more hit cowery successive setback in Coul Lo must be Marroquin defended. The Committee is seeking international support as well as backing witnio the USA.
Donations, resolutions support and copies ot protest sent to: Shelte Hector Marroquin Defence Committee, PO Box 843, York, Cooper New
NY 10003, USA.
determination, for the with- drawal of British troops, for political status for republic- and a an prisoners or war. campaign by the NUJ Exec- • 00 ™ A 03 ship on events in Northern Ireland. He drew delegates' atten- labour move- ment conference on Ireland which the Oxford branch is organising for 19 May. Declined The •branch had invited Mason Roy publicly been increased defend the Labour Ireland, ment's record 1n but both Mason and his two the laCk deputies had declined by debated return of post He regretted that the gates NUJ Belfast branch had also refused an invitation. The call for the immed- iate repeal of the PTA was discussion overwhelmingly carried. the face Debate on the remaining efforts of composite causes or The Courts. was manoeuvred off the agenda when a member of such a debate the Irish Industrial Council moved next business saying that the workers DOstal strike had preventea Irish members from the seeing ence on final conference agenda. trade Despite the with other reformist which the
NUJ
organisations leadership grabbed this been opportunity to stifle further gations-is debate, Oxford possiblilles 10. discussion on Ireland in the and NUJ and other unions have union branches.
PRESS
GANG
Blair Peach died the rabid George Gale "The policeman's Fascists under Red who scare me' truncheon. But so far as the scene the press went that was frenzied week of the elec- all right. tion. The Daily Mail described him as a 'Left wing stereo- Gale type. The Sun introduced originality: him as "a part time Maori New Zealand from who ised, decent, taught in East End all politically special school." respectable answers to these The Daily Express gave over its centre spread to the abiding events at Southall and Blair he sees, hears and reads the Peach's death. disgusting, Southal. Clubbed to death Gale linked tascists at Southall to anti- An interview with his imperialists brother was generally troops out of favourable and Callaghan's twent space was the given meetings allegation he was clubbed to death by the and the Tory police. threw their campaign where But half the page was it always looked likely to go given over to an article by -law and order,
JULIALISI TREAS
, weanesday < May 19/y
IRELAND
STROOPS OUT
NOW!
Sinn Fein demonstration Subjects under discussion by these will be censorship, the role British The decision on the PTA. the army, the Ireland was status republican and and the the prisoners, Labour favourable response by dele- government's record the Oxford Ireland conference call, are a clear Speakers arranged so far indication of the desire of Brendan Gallagher, many journalists for serious Labour MP Tom Litterick, of the issues, a speaker from Republican of the combined News and an ex-soldier. Delegations army, police bosses and individuals from labour reformist leaders to suppress bodies the Oxford will area welcomed will finance Union backing since the costs of invited speakers have to be met. The Oxford NUJ confer- The conference Buxton Ireland-to which Hall Ruskin College, Walton St., Oxford student and movement starting 10.00 a.m. at Saturday locally have 19 May Further invited to send dele- details and credentials (50p) already backed obtained from the Can Trades Council Oxford NUJ Branch secre tary telephoning 0865- trade by 775020 (evenings). of restoration hanging- are the though not, of course, for which set the police murderer of anti- the last fascist Blair Peach. Socialist Press does not often feature in reviews of the press in the Daily Mail is not noted for [thank goodness, ed.]. But last week an article on the There are no good, civil- leader page by ex-Labour intelligent, turncoat Paul Johnson or intelectualv showed montage of seller and a stand which every law- covered in left papers. citizen must ask The headline on Socialist Press is 'Vote Labour-Sack news from Callaghan'. The headline the anti- Johnson's article is The extremist right press gels arguing for behind Jim' Ireland at Johnson former election editor of the New States. man, used to be able to read And with one accord the -even if he was unable to party draw correct conclusions.
Joining Tories is Tne obviously bad for the eye- and sight.
Scan page 5
LABOUR'S EMPTY
SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 the General Election campaign is As we go to press, grinding to a close. Elections are of course supposed to for parties to provide programme and fight for support.
But this Election more than almost any other has served to ilustrate the complete absence of perspective whatever from the Labour leaders.
As the campaign progressed it became increasingly clear that if Thatcher is indeed kept out of Number 10, then it will be through mass revulsion and hostility to the Tories' planned attacks rather than any mass enthusiasm among Maynard: I wouldn't Tories "coming out" among back Labour's ranks last week, the' fanatic right wingers of the Social Demo- cratic Mason workers not to vote Labour unless Callaghan denounced 59 supposed Labour Let's get wing" candidates. majority so that we press for socialist policies. Is camec to numæer some sul That was the main tenor of mistaid Tories, Dr. the nutty an election speech by Labour 'left' Joan Maynard weekr Callaghan to in her Sheffield Brightside from the avowed constituency last week. running candidates", or face abstentions one Socialist Press But as 59 reader was duick lo Dont oUT.!T not enough when press for hivutveu socialist policies retreats rine STUTt hunters 'left' LaDout Have and BBC Radio's World at One there are ensurec that none Labour's election manifesto.
out enough lo make anty Lauuu Maynard went on to criticise Party multant ron round laugn- ing, one might have thought Inose WHo sne claimed. attacked Labour's 'lefts' rather than the right wing. Ine cabinet "extremists" out in reply It Was pointed Benn. that principled socialists attack wing and the right patriotic citizens fight lett winders Tetusdi them. And Maynard's assertion any lingering doubters And that there have been no expul- loyal servants of capital und Her sions Trom une Labour Party was once ividiesty mne wueen. challenged speakers who vointed snettie d socialist Oldnall, the more recent and Oxford expulsion Socialist rress suboorter Executive member the Oxford City Labour Party lidar oede o opost this expulsion when the appeal comes before the NEC whether she Questioned woula support the canaldacy of Brendan who Evan Luard, Labour's extreme right wing Labour alante TorTure CateT
KOV
MP spoke nearby Barnsey she Maynard people in Marston, Oxford, declared that would definitely not support Mason if last week and defended the record of sne was in nis constituency But Maynard's practical Healy government. the last five years is vie or a talure al any ouril le Tory and mount any serious move to oust Mason his cronies provoke tar the Labour Party leader- covernment because the Labou trom Party has the Concordat, [their ship. PHOTO• Derek Soeire IFI Brendan Gallagher
SHOP WINDOW
workers for Labour's lukewarm collaborationist platitudes.
nothing of much novelty has been said display their Labour leaders, 'left' or right.
socialist "the national any family has been tirelessly played-proving once again the necessity in voting Labour to fight also for a complete break from the reformist politics of the Labour Party and for building ота workers' movement. Loony right wing As the line of crypto- lengthened Alliance urged "extreme left The loony right of the SDA and headed by Stephen Haseler Chaliended "dissociate himself Trotskyists LaDou constituencies Labore the WItCh - Daily Express The b wa But Callaghan sprang rapidly suDoosed Foot and wondertur this he declared, like hin Luard: I'd have lost my job Oxford's collaborationist deal with the
TUC]
What's to a handful of collective bargaining, whitdated in today's e to mie believes Callaghan- climate. Questioned his position Con Nobody likes strikes, he said wili impertasm. government dar no peoplet o Doression more than a Laboul Luard denied any knowledge torture in jails in Northern Ire He insisted that all prisoners in Ireland were vicious criminals who deserved tough treatment.
When asked followed the Oxford City • Ca no for a vote against the Preventior Terrorism Act It wa: renewce in rarament Luare cald e detinitav rio no vote this have my position in the government" This careerist position emerged when askes wa wietner as a lusior "ministel the Foreign he had Ottice David Owen's Isistent derence o me onan o Iran last Autumn. preferred "not comment" on wwe s positos Dut dointeo out That Ine oresen Islamic regime Iran "left desired" on the much Joan Maynard question of human rights.
This has made coverage of the election a difficult issue- by any of the Instead the same old worn record of class collaboration, interest" and the values of the bourgeois revolutionary leadership in sees red candidate tive Dobson. His election summed up portics The bes way- The subject nursery provisio currentiv interest in the Marston area bu Luard had not done his home- work in this field. He could oniy reao trom manifesto the lie that Labour's of 'during years Labour government the propor tion of 3 and olds, in nursery classes had doubled straight- He also retanea Labour faced the ludicrous promise that Labour provide meeting 90% nursery olaces Somerstown, year olds and 50% 3 year
NUR
General reported Luard could not even begin Inal to explain now Thece election. eering promises fit in with the reality of Labours 87% cut in Labour Party. the nursery building programme programme which now only budgets f5 million per year!
actually supporting cear—me concoreat barefaced are measure"! Remove There wollo op advocated PHOTO: Andrew Wiard. Report leading violence. could be .contlict! All "weak and unorganised" тлат солоте „ає e want to pick a fight" UP Weighell's Healey protecting the weak and unor.
Page 5
LABOUR
PARTY
Holborn: it's Dobson's choice , After a farcical selection revelation that: "'Here in Central London it procedure (reported earlier really matters whether we have in Socialist Press) Labour Tory govern a Laboul Party members in Holborn ment and St. Pancras found them.
But the rest of the document selves saddled with prospec- threw into question the advan tagas of a Labour over a Tory Frank government. Certainly there was no riuu ora socalst polcy to address well his Dobson the inanity conceded that rail- and with Lade Bu millionaires or office developers.
instead opposing and expropriate the capitalists Dobson offers only "planning". controls and more Camaens Council evict 200 from squatters square to make way tor private property developers •Pensioners and postmen can't autore onivate , his election address _atention' But it is cuts under Labour that have for private medical firms.
This evasion continued ndren the sectior , foreign opposing CorrecTy Labour government's selling of reactionary the S8l0 no thing continued Irish people by British imper Dobson's abortive and dishonest election address the footsteps retiring 'left' MP Lena Joger who in her tarewell statement deciares • nerselt proua
COTI
Labour government's five years of wretched betrayals.: Weighell: vote Labour for wage controls campaign Monday ivity of the strong and organised -so that on living stan- Sid Weighell, attacks dards Secretary
OUTH
litt whole working class. he had "mobilised his whole mem- In a brief historical survev he bership" in support of the pointed to the role of the fore runner of the NUR in convening But just what Weighell was Labour Party in the wake of the made historic Taff Vale judgement the
SOOKE
a SO he claimed role of the enforced ballot o socialist
NUR
which was them anic major part of the defeat of the Tne tree-tor- orv neustra neations Act.
Keith Joseph But for Weighell the lesson "anarchy anc that the only defence was dualis allack. • Worse still, he went on, there the mobilisation of his a "resurgence of class membership but rather to look Wuld tor top level deals behind closer Salo de to the detriment of the doors Weighell understands as well Weighell made it clear to any as his predecessors , nis interest are DesT cetenced not by and he combative membership organ- saw the way forward as cooper- ised in an independent workers' oar out v mne barnamentar government rather than a 'bust compromisers, wheelers, dealers and the crypto-Tories who form conception
Scan page 6
Fighting for action against Fascism The battle of Lewish: am in 1976 marked the first time large numbers of trade unionists and youth became involved in a direct struggle to prevent the National Front from marching and meeting. But since that point the crucial
LIC
struggle against racism and fascisin das been ine retreat by almost. every current on the lett from any fight for a policy of No Platform for Fascism. This retreat was accident or temporary tactical but aulus men! reflected the bankruptcy of the political method of the groups involved. Reactionary The Communist Party, who had already spelt out their position by opposing the Lewisham mobilisation despite its mass sank even deeper support, into lne moralsing cant of the clergymen, liberals and community leaders in whose circles it finds itself most at home.
The Socialist Workers Party the other hand, had enthusiastically espoused 'No Platform' Lewisham and gone so far as claim Lewisham victory for themselves. But, contonced witch-hunt which branded unem Tea fascists' the
SWP
ran from tight for principled dity position in the labour move- ment and scampered to the right, seeking cover. "Victory" Thus, at Hyde Manchester, the
SWP
declared the use of a state ban (which in practice left the question of combatting fascism in the hands of the police and the capitalist state) as another "victory" for the anti-racists. And within months the SWP's Anti-Nazi cynıcal League charade was on the road. The SWP vanished into a seedy propaganda campaign which extended no further than touting for celebrities -together with Transport House and Stalinist bureau- crats-to deciare their verbal Riot shields-continuity of police violence from Lewisham to Southall • opposition to fascism. That popular
SUCH
frontist could campaign never hope drive the from fascist gangs the streets and was therefore a dangerous diversion should now, in the wake of events and Southall, Leicester be clear to all. the time the Al launching of the ANL, how- the International ever. Marxist Group-knowing an band opportunist wagon they see one-were wien only too keen to jump aboard. Inside the ANL, any pretence struggle to at a take into the labour move- ment the class questions raised hr growth racism and fascism in terms of the developing crisis of capitalism and the lessons of Germany was abandoned in favour the pursuit of OI large carnivals, Small stunts and mass publicity. The two ANL Carnivals fact, though they attracted tens certainly thousands of anti-fascist workers and youth, by their very political aimlessness served as a major diversion from the policies needed for a real fight against fascism They coincided with major political provocations by the National Front in the form of a May Day march not: conn sturrock, Report PHOTO: John Sturrock, Repor London-the first such fascist march since the war- and through the black predominantly around Brick Lane. where the fascist intimidation was at its highest. Far from mobilising to these provo- opposition cations, the ANL actively worked to prevent any such mobilisation. remained the real need-a fight to implement No Plat- Safe harbour form, through the mobilisa- At a local level the ANL labour not the move groups, the and the black opposing Mell . com- demand for workers defence mualiles (which would alienate At Winchester, under the cherished celebrities) served
, SWP
auspices of the
ANL.
and disarm Holborow to disorientate member the various developing anti- performed precisely the role racist organisations. mapped out at Lewisham by Instead they provided a the Communist Party. sate harbour the right It is vital, therefore, that
TOT
wing and Stalinists in the clear and correct lessons are labour movement who were drawn from the events at desperately seeking a means Leicester. to head off the growth of In in rose to stop militant anti-racism and mobilisation there avoid any pressure to take the Front march In us! up the fight to smash the seen important National Front. pontal victory The final nadir of this The principled struggle disastrous, of Leicester Trades vorcurse course was the cynical stitch Council, through its anti- up between the SWP.s Paul racist committee, within the Holborow and the police at local labour movement for a Winchester to prevent anti- position of No Platform for fascists from even approach- Workers rascists ing the same part of town as Self Defence over the past the NF march. two years was crucial to the In 2½ years the Socialist events in Leicester. Workers Party had moved a laid the basis for long political, fight way from what against the paralysing reformism of the To organise independent- ly through a local co-ordin- ating committee with o without the ANL, rejecting all deals with the police and appealing directly to the organised labour movement Midlands the throughout and the black community for support, made it impos- sible, despite Holborow's bravado at meetings, for the
ANL
defeat on anti-racists. crucial meeting on Sunday saw Holborow and
ANL
defeated 26-23 on a show of hands after they had eagerly backed an LPYS plan for a diversionary demonstration Holborow, clearly working for a re-run of the Winchester fiasco in which the police kept anti-fascists on the other • side ot town from the NF, proposed that the counter-demonstration should be held 12.00, at Police in action at Southall Demonstrators raised clench fists in salute as they pass the point at which Blair Peach was cl marching from the opposite face, the posing best» end of town the NF, fighters for the policy of through immigrant areas to "no platform" park miles from the Indeed.
IMG
even Front's chosen route temporarily dropped its defeat of this call patronising wretched customary plan and white wörkers refusal of the coordinating 'support' "black self- committee to kowtow defence" and postured the ANL's bullying allega- instead as advocates of the tions that "the tail is trying correct policy of "workers" to wag the dog" , forced the self defence Leicester ANL into a formal But policies, stance of "no platform" these readily switched from But this position flowed can as easily Westerday directly from the principled abandoned tomorrow. political fight cynical political militants in Leicester, and manoeuvrings of these not at all trom any change groups is only outmatched of tactic or strategy by the by the outright treachery of
ANL
Socialist the Workers Revolutionary Workers Party. Party smoke- Indeed within a week the screen of conferences on the
ANL
West contingent at "Armed and the Bromwich was once State' the
: WRP
actually striking out on a demon- attacks anyone who partici- stration headed directly the fight on the from planned streets against racism and National Front meeting tascism. The Newsline of April 26, response to the demand for No Platform at ignoring the obvious fact Leicester, notably tha the entire amongst Virtually black youth youth, Asian population of quently Southall had moved deter- repeated and ampli- minedly onto the streets to It showed beyond doubt drive the NF fascists from the their town, described fighting determination of both blacks and whites Monday night events as a "state when given a clear political provoca or museu tion" and "a protest stunt" perspective. More particularly, they claimed was organised by the Anti Nazi buried in one weekend the reformist double-talk which League. "Who cares whether 59
ANL
politics
CHATACIETISAC
members of the NF and which not mes is nad been spell hall out most eloquently only asks Newsline. weeks earlier when The Arthur Scargill had called answer to anyone in Leicester for unity of all other than the most infan- tile WRP sectarian is that forces opposing fascism tens of thousands of immi- Tory, Labour, or Liberal" and grant workers and youth in denounced Southall care very much and the fight for a class perspec- tive as "sectarian" are prepared to fight on the But there should be streets to crush the fascists, no the illusions on despite arm chair • tne role or the SWP and IMG at Leicester .
criticisms the
WRP
abstentionists! The same opportunism that led both groups Major onslaught shamelessly liquidate them- into the a-political, What is the reality of the selves pacifist morass of the Anti situation? The Tory campaign on law and Nazi League led them Leicester adopt order and to expand police
Scan page 7
SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 NF N
NATIONAL FRONT
The Leicester march-stopped by mass mobilisation
BLOODY
MURDER
IN
SOUTHALL
bbed to death by police powers and numbers, when opponents into submission.
taken together with the They knew well how The police stand massive numbers of arrests, Southall become condemned of the the huge fines, (£250 for symbol, particularly to the murder of NUT member threatening words) and the of how community. of the Prevention of to stand up for your rights Blair Peach, clubbed to Terrorism ACI In Lelcester death last Monday, ana to walk the streets with , brutal and the mass arrests, out fear and where it is the by an SPG truncheon. beatings murder of racists who have learned to and This was the culmination demonstrator Blair Peach at out of the way of a day of violence, intimi- Southall, presages The police well were adul dation, could aware that. they onslaught not only against harassment. ocal- TO l ings, kickings and punching.
like a town anti-racists but against Sen OTT All of these were meted and the without the local commun- strikers, pickets out by the police the to ity • determinedly rights of the workers' move- opposing it. la coly mutant commun
MICHEL
ity of Southall. Under such an attack on Provocation that the basic rights by the capitalist decision to permit the NF the fight state, against meet Southall was They wanted to create a fascism can ònly be waged made in the top ranks of taking the demands for provocation, relying on the by the police with the conniv- Tory stooges in the media No Platform and the forma- ance of Labour's reaction- Workers' tion of Defence lo portray ll as some sort or race riot. ary Home Secretary Merlyn Squads right to the centre Rees. They have not, however, of the labour movement and been able to have it all their welding them firmly to the Legitimate hostility own way. general struggle of the work- unionists al over class against Every of the 50 the country have been quick one employers. at the NF's so-called thugs condemn the police "public" election meeting actions, the Leeds The decision of was drafted in from outside Trades Council where 5,000 50 Leicester anti-racists to take police, also while enquiry was pubic up precisely this fight in mounted police and a heli- called for. local union branches, with a copter were there to protect The Enfield and Edmon- motion supporting No Plat- them from the legitimate Trade Union Council ton being form passed in the hostility of the entire local called for the removal oi
ASTMS
General Branch population. Merlyn Rees and only after The anti-fascists, who davs the local Ealing Trades April 21 mobilisation, is an were disgusted at this delib- Council
DO COCO
important first step. were support they could give to a provocation The for fight No completely caught unawares labour movement enquiry. Platform and for Workers by the actions of the police.
Those like who, the Self Defence must become a The Indian Workers WRP's daily Newsline which headed campaign Stalinistion ishne by (Thursday 26 April) imply counterposes the real needs Sharma, that anti-fascists shouldn't had called for the closing of the situation to the nave gone boutilall, propaganda back-peddling down of shops and branding the events "sheer the of the reformists factories at 1 p.m. and for a buffoonery" and talking ANL's abject political pros- mass sit-down. the
ANL
about setting On its tront page the members for the police "Aunt Only a united struggle of IMG's paper Socialist (25 Sallies the labour movement, draw- Challenge had called for a April) show only their own militant peaceful protest. ing in the immi- remoteness trom the actual grant workers and youth But it was not up to the struggle the workers' The with trade unionists, tenants anti-fascists to decide. movement against the NF. and workers' political organ- police had already decided that violence was the order Lack of leadership Isations can create lne con- driving for the of the day. fascist gangs off the streets They had deliberately There certainly, was, and out of the meeting halls picked this of lack of leadership and for tackling crushing organised workers, active in in Southall; but this is not material their the remedied by watching from pro diems T ke housing and unemployment for a confrontation in which a safe distance by independent class action.
they seek beat Workers defence squads
FRO
have to be set up through a fight in the local immigrant organisations, trade and Labour Parties. The police tactics last Monday resembled military occupation and are an indication of the way the Tories intend to operate if they are elected, in forcing in their racist measures.
All roads the town blocked off. were curtailed miles routes were, from Southall. Searches were made a1 The every
CROS
lodus. police were like a pack of hounds let off a lead and thirsting for blood Marksmen were stationed roofs. Horses and riot on shields were used by police all day to break people into harass them, groups, TOICe them into corners where they could best be beaten with long white truncheons and then- -generally bruised and bleeding-arrested. All the force's police pent up racism and hatred of youth allowed against the black pour out youth of Southall SPG vans were driven at top speed into groups who were forced to leap out of way and then found the themselves flung onto van floors and herded awav 340 were arrested in this way. In tact it is surprising that the toll of death and injuries was so low. Anyone who thought they would be safe from the police thugs inside a build- ing were mistaken In the People's Rights Centre in Park View Road a medical room had been set up by a doctor and ambul- anceman to treat victims of police brutality. The building was also full of community workers, and local lawyers workers and youth. Beat everyone The police smashed into tne bullaing, rusnea upstairs and beat proceeded to everyone around the head drag them off to and to jail. community rights worker, Clarence Barker, is still in Central Middlesex •Hospital as a result of the and kicking he beating received Page 7 He was held until 1 a.m. before the police would even get him doctor Police thugs also forced their way into the medical and made the occu pants get out • had an audiceman be taken out on • a result or Ene thrashing he received. : Run gauntlet All the were made lo run a gauntel ol wielding cops truncheons and viciously kicking. young girl who AS witnessed the event said: "They even dragged out the men with suits on. game for these thugs in blue have set up ine bonce own farcical their • inquiry into "allegations" against them This is designed as a whitewash job in the same way that the death of anti- fascist Kevin Gately in Red Lion Square was "inquired" into The anti-fascists will be blamed and the police exon- erated and mOre powers called for We call for an indepen- enquiry into aen workers the police brutality Southall, and relation- ship to the national build-up of police against violence immigrant communities and the labour movement This demand must be the fight to connected to remove the SPG's supervisor Merlyn Rees. and nis night wing and fake 'left' cronies from the Labour leadership Defence squads As socialists we recognise that the police, as the armed defenders private property under capitalism, are, together with the army the backbone the state machine. Black and white workers must unite in the struggle for a revolutionary leader- ship that will spell out the disband necessity the police force and the standing army, and militia substitute a workers' : answerable to the labour the the meantime urgent question is to defend the workers' movement and the immigrant communities from all forms of violent through the provocation, of workers defence squads, uniting black and white workers in : struggle against the common
Scan page 8
Page 8 Two dead ends on nuclear power Our Science Correspondent reviews The Politics of Nuclear Power by Dave Elliot with Pat Coyne, Mike George and Roy Lewis, published by Pluto Press, price £1.95. In Britain those workers than the the left commonly hold alternatives, whether projec- of tions ot future energy needs one two main are valid or not, or whether positions on nuclear the Je ves
HSK
power. general nuclear public ol The first of these plant accidents are involves the total rejection "acceptable" not ( to of nuclear power as a monu- whom?). mental evil perpetrated on Political decision by technology-
DUVICLY
crazed scientists. The highly selective and The immediate closure of often secretive way in which all nuclear power plants and health matters and salely the are approached by fuel nuclear cycle are nuclear industry and by demanded. government means that we move to low-tech- must treat with the utmost nology, smaller-scale power all figures pub- generation. such as wind or lished by these sources. often solar entigy, safety and called for. and projected matters This position is exempli- energy requirements involve fied by the various eviron- political decisions. mentalst groups who have The as to who struggle often strongly influenced
CONTROL
OCCISIONS
the opportunist policies oI the central issue. orthodox left-wing Calling for the abandon- organisations. ing of nuclear power genera- tion and of other work on Essential the nuclear tuel cvcie (such as waste disposal) in The position second typified by the attitude of hon gives no perspecuve to those employed directly or the TUC. It, entails a firm belief that the development of nuclear power is essential to safeguard of the supply energy to meet the future needs of capitalist industry.
Ensuring the health of British capitalism is held to be the best way of genera- direct and indirect employment prospects. Where health and safety risks to workers are acknow- ledged, they are claimed to be smail compared to other industries (themselves often not noted for their safety and their so-called ecord ) minor drawoacks are ner to be far outweighed by the advantages of satisfying capitalism's thirst for energy. Roland as it Barthes points out, "a little saves one contessed fromacknowledging a lot of hidden evil". Turgid arguments Neither these positions is in any way able to give a lead to workels the nuclear industry, or any other. Instead, debates nuclear power degenerate struggle against US expansion of nuclear programme into turgid arguments about whether a given procedure involves more health risks to
WELL,
WIN A FEW
LOSE A FEW...
indirectly through the In Britain alone there are nuclear industry. at least 600 cubic metres of Furthermore, it closes liquid wastes; , and there are the door any benefits even more in the USA. that nuclear power genera- likely to remian hazardous to life for tion may be able to contri- bute under socialism. thousands of years. and blind semminale Political control opposition to nuclear waste disposal ignores the fact all It is essential to realise that nuclear even that until procedures research ceased at once, we developed the already saddled with waerenv ai c wastes can somehow substantial quantities of rendered less harmful, the high-level radioactive wastes placing of nuciear wastes in from nuclear reactors that underground repositories somehow have to be put out (temporary resting places) if of harm's way. not in depositories (relative- ly permanent resting places) is inevitably going to take place What is important is who has political control over the implementation of this procedure. Decisions concerning site factors selection and the design of the underground chambers cannot be left to governments and capitalist the nuclear industry corpo.
rations. The Politics of Nuclear Power, Elliott and colleagues have attempted to some of these dualess problems. They divide their book into three the parts: political of economy power; nuclear nuclea power and employment, and political strategies.
Useful The book is a very useful reterence source. where the authors provide summary ot the nature the industry in nuclear Britain and its links with similar industries in other coulis Arrested anti-nuclear protestors discuss plans to further the They chart the historical development of the trade union movement to nuclear power and summarise some of the potential benefits and draw- backs of nuclear power Although objections raised in must some areas, such as how unique is the nature oi the govern- ment's involvement in industry, these sections could usefully read by all trade unionists and other interested parties.
The low cost of the book is also an added bonus The book is especially strong where it describes the interconnections of nuclear industries in Britain and the rest of the world, to show that they form a enmeshed capitalist interests. Not single issue Where the book weakest, is when it comes to political strategies, where it had the opportu- nity to eclipse its numerous limp competitors. The authors correctly point out that the politica.
challenge of nuclear power is not a single issue, to be faced in isolation. But they propose instead "consciousness-raising broad (author's quotation marks). Such an approach quite inadequate the present circumstances. Whilst not denying the importance of making available to workers' repre- information on selltalives lobbying nuclear power, Trade Union meetings, etc. what is of key importance is the of demands posing which can enable workers to make the necessary political development to see the need take the nuclear industry themselves.
The lesson of the 3-mile island nuclear plant disaster SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Is inal ine posing or inesc demands urgent priority. Government and nuclea: industry officials cannot be leit with the authorty to pronounce on the safety of nuclear plants and the risks to the public. Their work must be sub- ject to control by workers representatives is essential that the workers' takes Hovene the fight for demands lead that such the control, and point to of th anarchic, Illa Dully secretive, profit hungry capitalist system find IC safe of utilising nuclear power. *No further work on repro- cessing fast reeder beactor until safety reactors acceptable orecautions dul workers' committees •rawind fron industries all and the labour movement in the Such concernec committees must force access to all relevant information on the safety hazards of nuclear power generation *No further extension power programmes until nuclear disposal of existing and potential wastes is established reo lme ancie nuclear industries. Work sharing full pay retaining for unos Wile carnol be transferred to research work pending these developments.
*For state speno inc aspect. research into the exploitation of nuclear and into alter- power under the hative soutet. contrel esener committees *Open the books the monopolies that stand to giant profit from nuclear power, to prove the necessity for them to without nationalised pensation under workers' management the full details of *Publish Known existing nazaros. immer iate compensation for all victims unplanned nuclea past experiments The ¡Poisoned Well NOW OUT! The WSL discussion document adopted for submis sion to the USFI Xith Workd Congress. Price 20p plus 10r påp from WSL. 31, Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5 1HR.
Scan page 9
'NIGHTHAWKS'- A
LOOK AT THE REALITY
OF GAY OPPRESSION
SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 FILM REVIEW by DAVID WHITFIELD Nighthawks seeks to or sensational myths of the life of gay men. present the life of a gay teacher in London. Not a Robertson plays Jim as a looks ánd man lurid melodrama, oroinarv character. an averadely spectacle tear-jerking competent teacher in a typical with tragedy, but in all its grey, situation, teaching day-to-day, repetitive oattern sexual penavioul many reality. thousands of gay men. The film opens with Jim-a geography teacher Accurate comerenensive through London the
HACK
The clubs and bars are not Streets', a disco club gay
TOI
made sensational glamorised or film way. JUSt trie Once there. he successfuilv renounces melodrama, selects a partner for the night, the and they retire home and sexual Hilillidle practices. The next morning, Jim dialogue at continuing his accuratt back point being dimost lo une no de de livio lo resell realistically sti ted whie Ine the process of urban reconstruc- photography preserves the trad- groups of naturalis- 'neutrality" school students, showing a new teacher round the
SUDO V
At times, viewers building. presented with long land in the film's structure is built of Jim's end tedious) close-ups iuxiaoosino inese
IWO
as nis eves tuck across une contrasted blocks of Jim's life.
'Back Streets', observing •ang But as the film they assessing the cruisers and the new arrivals.
CONTICTI
This attempt to involve the audience themselves lesing Relationship disco the scenes baratereo in ue cass oom con- bored Oppressed at home. frontation. and frustrated, the the camera eye and teacher Liz looks for the oppor- ot Lne
TOCUS
dueletict becomes identified Jim's with ship with Jim. position as he is first challenged Unable to her respond need, he at first reacts violently hostitv ot ine schoo students then becomes of perore beino aore openly abôut his life. their internal arguments about After this cathartic explana- his nomosexuaity. the classroom
LION.
all too convincing in their trienosnio on a more stabie scenes are and honest basis. representalon Clit But, later threat same simmering TruSTraTIOn more sinister form in a participants. cruole trom the schoo students. At the beginning of one Authenticity Jim is taunted by a boy class, witA Dir, True The disco scenes too have bent?' SPAn created WIth im bress. ve the most obviousiy authenticity (although here the powerful scene of the tilm. he use of volunteer non profession- takes up the question, turns it ai extras coes nave minor oraw- back on the class and challenges backs). lichiteu The net result of all pre-conceptions about sexuality.
naturalistic intenton The argument develops, and nique that Nighthawks the class becomes divided as the frequently hovers on the edge of oris ano povs irv lo come to terms with the issues. quite crossino over. is of course deliberate and unavoidable. Threat Peck and Hallam talk about The inevitable follows when trying to open up some dis Jim is summoned to the liberal' cussion about the scene, gay to ignore it and wish neataster who oroouces ine veiled but definite threat of the wasn t inere . sack if Jim so much as mentions The film imposes no value judgements on the gay scene, nis nomosexuaitv in une class room again. nor does t serious artemol lo Afterwards in the pub, the contrast lifestyle with Jim 's alternative patterns. Infee teachers with woor his sexual nas come out, piedge to tignt
FIOSL
againstR any But benaviour is presented as real and therefore valid. Nighthawks does not proceed to But of course this rigorous any sucn crisis. The film ends with Jim and neutrality intormed his latest partner to and partly unconscious deeber vision of social reality.
a final the Back Streets'. altu Jim other figures and the disco scene ot drinking, dancıng and men weighing up the oppor- move Inrouen a desotate urban tunities offered in the club that form make some night. This absence of high drama contact Ine sole basis is crucial to Nighthawks.
shared alienation. It is no accident that the Co-directors Peck and Paul Hallam, leading actor Ken oeocraony ressons revolve Robertson and else around shots of the demolition, everyone closed factories and ware- the concerned with the production nave taken nude bains to create mouses in maner condon a naturalistic film that makes no Every relationship presented or mentioned in the füm is fleet- concessions to crude stereotypes
OXFORD
ANTI-FASCIST
COMMITTEE
March against the court ruling against Gay News.
fractureci or frustrated and suppressed or brutally repressed ing, frustrating. by a hostile society. The norms of bourgeois material fabric the family life create society and Loncon so the city-dwellers are thrown homosexualit, portical and a political issue, apart cocetnel
LUFE
feelings
TIUX WAICH
vollaleve uncontrolled any human positions inorviaudi udys Nionthawks coes noi Decin to explore the implications for probably behind which been intensified by the purely socialists economic problems surface Ine Dut Ivo Peck obvious directions appear Nighthawks. even within its limited perspec- ano Haram were vorceo to work with limited financial resources tive. offered such the film
MOST
obviously, points to the central importance commercial ancertal of the gay scene. The gay libera tor investors One result of these problems tion movement the 1969 Stonewal! Riot almost claustrophobic the police harrassment emonasis on interiors. JIm all the other characters seem to the York cav coars in of But since then, there has spend moment their been a strong tendency for the ves uree snut in ovan enaless succession of inpenetrable walls wing the gay portical and closed doors. movement to become divorced and isolated from the gay scene.
Scenes are filmed in cars and Small rooms-at their most Gay rights expansive in cuos or ine roons and corridors of the school Such move only can hinder the political development Life takes place these Tontv secreo ces wnic lave tile Tildos yays little relation with each other obstruct their . mool sation and none the fight against the sexual apparently by enforced with any wider reality.
OUTESSO
capitalism. Closet image Nighthawks reveals the of working crucial importance When the same treatment within Ine existine solid is applied to the heterosexua structures that bring gays But film supply-teacher, oecomer the Loce trice obvious that the film-makers directly indicates ses. are not seeking to extend the equally vital task of fighting for cover .within imade 'ot Ine croseT rights every moment of Jim's life.
movement. these cullary Reality cramped ane stulTiTvIe con ditions of existence The threat sacking alienated presented which hangs fantastic image but an example redity subtely of everyday reality imposes, in ditterent ways, or all of us. gays who come out and declare Beyond this solid strength, their sexuality publiciy the limitations of the film are Immediately they • face the treachery of the well-practised novious ano noooov involved in its making would be likely to abou oureaucracy-Tron There nothing National Association of cery Terry Schoolmaster's leader polemicar about wigninnawks.
But one central insight caser who ceciared with growing December that gays are "an un- does emerge acceptable risk in the teaching can b nothing ciarity: inere private personal aDoUT protession Ente cabinet sexuality that firmly Labour which
CALH
AWARENESS
to extend the limited reTused gains of the 1967 law reform to ritish occuolea resang Meanwhile Callaghan nas Marge himsel ousi ed Will Proops producing reactionary on the values of 'family Universalised In one sense, what is happen- that ing here Is thousand: experience many gays being universalised into the 'human condition'.
the these conditions, possibility of solidarity or joint at level become action any of reduced to the briet contac the bodies in a bed, ora Ten lame words spoken in the corner of pub time But he poner of Nighte issue The power hawks Is Its ability to convey sometning Ene experience Callaghan-campaigning for family values Page 9 G AY shared by huge numbers gays (especially gay men). That neve been projected on to the screen before. Partial truths The struggles gays against victimisations, al torms ot discrimination ant oppression, inseparable the part the battle against sexua oppressiol InesI leaders . support their efforts from its own crisis Nighthawks does not pose, remains revoltona recognise the partial truths of the statements made
TINT
ane within the fight to abolish once and for oppression of free human sexuality. PHOTO: Anarew wiara, tepor
Scan page 10
Page 10
INDUSTRIAL
demand action the national The normally genteel had prevailing atmosphere on the first day of the National Union of lobs and conditions Tailors and Garment banners Workers Biennial Dele- gates Conference at the
WE TH CO
Spa ballroom, Scarborough was effec- scale inflation-no tively shattered this year. A powerful rank and file delegation from the union's Winsford branch attended The and lobbied the 300 dele- 120,000 bales lepresenting garment workers. lobbyers, mainly day's next their women, dis- decision Dy approval and contempt for the their full-time in September. way officials had energetically One of Freda overloraed une closures factories and rail- wnole Socialist Pyess: roaded in a wage rise for the "We have been industry only half that of past,
WHY YOU
SHOULD
JOIN US
Whichever way you look at the struggles and prob- lems now facing the working class throughout the world.
one thing stands out above all: the necessity for a prin- cipled leadership capable of leading the struggle for state power and the establishment of a socialist society.
The massive revolutionary upheaval that toppied the seemingly impregnable might of the Shah of Iran and which is now already coming into conflict with the restrictions placed upon it by its Islamic serves as a vivid reminder that socialist revolution is not only possible, but essential if the apparatus of repression and exploitation is to be destroyed once and for all. But such a revolution requires a conscious Marxist leadership. And the fight to construct such a leadership is inseparable trom the tight in the day-to-day struggles of working class internationally for method and demands of the Trotskyist Transitional Pro- gramme. The Workers Socialist League has time and again proved to be the only movement in Britain that fights duely dna acness on suck a perspective We alone are the movement that does not shrink from even head-on battles with the existing leaders of the work- whether these 'leaders' be open right wingers, ing class 'left' talking Labourites or Stalinists of the Communist Party. Of course this policy has made us no friends in the trade union and Labour bureaucrac OI opportunists and centrists of the British 'left'. But it has meant that the WSL has consistently offered the most powertul lead to workers in struggle.
The strength of our movement lies precisely in our rejection of any attempt to find "short cuts" necessary fight to construct a Marxist leadership in the working class. In each struggle we set out to prove to workers both in theory and in practice the necessity of a new, rev- olutionary leadership and for a programme of transitional demands starting from today's wnich, today's consciousness within the working class,
NEWS
Garment workers but the average, promises of both developed severe rigor employers and officials but this has gone morts wen any action nad to be taken in defence of on long enough. "We will not tolerate this and state of affairs any longer SBOLLed "Action by unions must proclaimed their be taken to compel employ- demands for a £60 week ers to pay the increased wages tor wate garment industry-a sliding automatically prices when combat wages to go up. Another lobbyist, Lilly more closures. no sackings-share the work.
Bradshaw was less adamant "There Enthusiasm are many LOo works closing down and lots demands of families rely heavily on were received with enthusiasm by the women's Was ulel rank and file delegates and We 1110 ine home stand no conor contaDuled to une take closures" against unanimous A leaflet conference to issued by the fight for the £60 minimum protestors sald inal: •. militancy simply by the lobbyers. itselt is insufficient." Grayson, told And to demand: "Where in the employers une content to abide by threaten redundancies for
SUS
P ALL
workers in struggle to grasp the need for socialist revol- ution pay struggles in British in the fight against redundancies and closures, in struggles has now against the cuts, democracy in the labour movement.
"leaders" simple trade union militancy or concession to the labour bureaucracy capitalist but internationally ment the WSL stresses not only the obligation of British workers to support the Irish bberation struggle and rev olutionary Africa, but also the necessity for the reconstruction of the the principles. Trotskyist of the world party of socialist revolution.
The WSL Britain; Dul lls make it the only really serious revolutionary movement.
WHY NOT JOIN US?
your local branch, who will gladly supply more infor- mation about our programme, policies, and perspectives.
Please send me more information about the WSL.
around the Name Address Send to Workers Socialist League, 31, Dartmouth Park problems allu Hill, London NWS IHR lead League NO
PLATFORM
FOR
FOR
WORKING
CLASS
STION
CASTE
NOTA
Mass picket of BBC in London by Campaign Against Racism in the Media in protest at NF election broadcast any reason including insol- vency then aemand lo see their financial arrangements, i.e. open the books. "If bankruptcy is proven, then nationalise the factory industry involved." Convenor and lobby Winifred Murphy organiser said: Dear Comrades. "The lobby was As organised in the teeth of opposition from glad to see ment and union officers (11/4/79) only not increased attempt our determination go Johnny Groves ahead with it but only went Regan to prove how right it was in But the first place. describe the "This women acuon by Iransport and youth the industrv is not a new tound planned publicity stunt. militancy. "This capacity to fight is pation was there, always the key publicity but question is leadership." using his office scab ding Un day, January 4th, This is why the WL has featured at the forefront of Leyland and the public sector, unionisation fights, and the fight for This method of approach - rejecting any descent to is of course essential not only in Britain
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In taking up international issues in the labour move- struggles such as those in Iran and Southern Fourth International as the organising centre , is not the biggest movement on the left in approach to both theory and practice Fill in the form below for more details, or approach More details the coupon below. Name Address.
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SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 It was not a Letter stunt!- told drivers who contacted Handsworth him not to strike and to Birmingham cross our picket lines. As a 18 April 1979 result member of the branch was nearly run down member TGWU's 5/35 Branch, I was when driver, acting on instructions from Transport your article House, charged a picket line opposing the in Smethwick. This was the witch-hunt final Mick straw or many of us and and led directly to the occu pation. you were wrong lo Law did not return to his House, Birming- office ior about two week: afterwards and was there- ham on January 5 as a badly tore unable to use it as a centre from which to break The purpose of the occu- the strike. I believe that gain to the the occupation neces- stop was sary and largely successful.
official, A.D. Law, With socialist greetings to organise Yours fraternally the previous Simon Temple he had
DON'T GO INTO
THE FIGHT BLINDFOLD!
I CATAL
SOCIALIST
For a clear
PRESS
lead in the struggle against wage control, cuts and redundancies
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Scan page 11
NUJ radicalised by long SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday 2 May 1979 Evidence that the seven week pay strike by provincial journalists has produced a radical shift in union emerged at the Tame National Union of Joumal- ists' annual conference in picket Ay!. an atmosphere Strong motions condemning killing of Garners: reden. NUJ picket Steve McKenley.
National Executive call for of extension unecutvoca Trom the help print industry moton instructing the Preparations are now industrial under for way strike, impose blacking and National
TGWU
picket Delegate Conference in endorsed. support of the Garners
KUT
taken UnIFOr recognition strike, now uneven way. The entering its sixteenth executive notional conducted by month. As picketing of Garners restaurants seats. continues ominous signs exist that the Region 1 TGWU officials preparing to knife tle aTe strike in the period follow.
successful candidates were little ing the General Election.
Only the aclerminanon of the remaining strikers to for the centre fight on and struggle for the test of the measures-constantly the union came with the vote or evaded by the union bureau- a motion calling for immediate withdrawal viawy -ilcesaly win. acts as a barrier. This week leading continued to cam- SIIKeIS paign for the widest possible support-going to the ail]- racist rally sponsored by Coventry Trades Council. Continued from back page Below reprint the we model resolution Issued Dy problems locally the Strike Committee and call was ассеотес allour readers in contact him for help at UPW the TGWU to take it into headquarters. branches-as well as attending the Day of Picket- on Styles for help is like seking ing called for May 5. aid of Model Resolution. песо от а н dranun Ever since This Branch/Committee deal was known many branches supports the call the
LOOK
¡houstria Garners Steak Houses Strike numerous forms Committee Day of the sell-out.
TOT
Picketing on May and a National
TGWU
Delegate was instrumental in threatening Conference on June 9. some branches witt This Branch/Committee quences it the! resolves to elect continued menlere giren any ran r do sene categorically that Conference ) delegates) to the member (The Conference will susendeo inem take place at 2.00 p.m. on June 9 in London. D'elegates Aylesbury and credentials 50 p and ticalene•
BOT
election material. further information (venue, Styles agenda, etc) is available on threat at Avlesburv, thouah at request from the Strike St. Albans he was warned off by Committee,
TGWU
the London Office, 12-13 Henrietta St., London WC2. 01-240 InToucnout Ine 1056). _been reflected in branch ballots Ozesballl
AT THE TOP...
UNION DUES
strike Biraks ligal andere sicale sed Council-a class symbol which seeks asstu collaboration 'adjudicate' on press complaints.
vituaiy witnout cobostion ın heightened by The mOtIOn taoted Ine anti-fascist Blair for the Magazıne branch called setting of alternative ano mne caline oreristo complaints Doy wcnebi tabled by the siyine Inat it should be a labour movement body. Teouelater the Concordat and called for the in the velit fiic devale was picketing rights between those who entirev wanted continued collaboration commument TUC towards setting wanted TraOE up closed shops throughout the anon independence The motion was лаетеатес Oxford TroM executive and councils to accept no on ue rant unanimously ine development in the place in ¡osurs or tre elections, postal ballot, showed a swing to the right with several teading letts iosing their Little known Leadina riaht winders were also defeated, and several of the hyu l vinces wwose eec adresses had made play new mood in from Press UPW in revolt... which indicate massive rejection Jackson's sell-0u1 pac kade by motions calling Tor He said that if branches had the resignation the negotiators and by motions o alter ine ded they should More importantly, attention U nO ules Re vision Conterece being focussed on everyone knows that to reiy wich s cue to de nec aler iois year This presents a great chance this disgusting to eranœe some or tre namiona rules which protect the full-time action officers from the wrath of the in atest rank and mile. The 19 lay Executive mem- in some cases Maurice otv es bers, elected afiliudlly Can dire conse- course de removed and repiacec either by other workers who will do lOOK Ol stating the with action. their members require. Executive members voted for the pay sell- rost
CITICE
out whilst the other 12 fought Some branches, among them and voted against. Albans, But these were twleve the block vote Cell ver swamped by OT Stalinist tull time bureaucrat. stepped in to quell the vote at Executive wno aso meetings. The first step is to remove District Counoil. these seven lay members at the Ine teeling at branch level annual conference country has couple of weeks time. In every case so lar thel vole to accept
WHAT THE HELL.
IS THAT NONSENSE
JACKSON?!!
IPM TRULY PRIUD TO PRESENT THIS
DEAL-ITS BETTER THAN ANY DEA
WON ANYWHERE IN
THE LAST 106 YEARS!
QUIET AT THE
BACK THERE!
BACKING FOR NOTTS
157-142 in favour of an amend- part in the ment from the National News- SuiKd waners ano acencies C InOUSIrIa| „The Council, which called "'stronger
NUJ
representation" culle montesi® and "restructuring ot the Press TotAl one a Council. rule book inmaling mem dersn) cial vurmalise ike of bern.
ballot shows vincial journalists majority in favour. called by
LITE
Unlelt S annud Strike limited, the ConTa eRCe In support of NU. members at Nottingham sacked favour by the Evening Post for taking Newspaper
STRIKE VOW
employers eLVAn
TAIT
sackings.
NOW
Nottingham
IFT
Anonhom the Nottingham News clause
EMBLEY & BREI
finance to
TIMEC
against. that they might
BOLTON
ballot to SiiKe 01 called by date has yet been set. Striking journalists selves insufficient to win rein.
statement still witnou Nottingham. matter back to work at the end of the has been contradicted by their strike without satisfactory assur oranenes wato save Ihrown ou ances over the Nottingham jobs.
the deal The second step must be at called for this Saturday, May 5 the Rules Revision Conference All NUJ members careerists where Ine tull time who can should be made subject to recal!
support every few years and be deprived MUSt solidarity. of voting rights at any Executive meeting. the meantime the sentence queston or tne 19/9 pay Claim needs to be settled to the satis monts in the nig court as we faction of the rank and file went to press. the Already specia meeting National Executive has been weck ora sentence imoosec toi this week discuss a supposed assault on methods of circumnavigating who attacked the picket line the massive 'no' vote. On legal advice No doubt report will be surater nas presented to delegates at confer- Bristol and an NUJ vigil at the a bid to reverse the police ence station... ballot decision. auanaonea Members want the efficiency
NUJ
deal kicked out. thev want full condemned without strings. "part of a violent and provoca- _consol cation and they want to know why the tive campaign by the police and other parts of the deal as agreec the judiciary have been last becemoer unionists' dropped. •ICKeT.
UPW
members everywhere must de prepared to take strike paign and a TUC all-union con to defend themselves, action Terence to discuss the threat to their jobs and their living stan.
trade union dards political and IrON ine artacks or botn the Post Office and the union which should be taken to resist bureaucracy.
NOT A PENNY
Ok OrER IS 07
PLUS LOTS OF STRINGS-UNDERSTAND?!
INLY SIR! THANK YOU SIR-ILL
'THE MACHINERY IN MOTION.
BUT TOM'S MACHINERY HAS GONE OFF THE RAILS...
I SHOULD HAVE GUESSED IT! WRECKERS AGAIN!..
PASSING ROUND CURCULARS BERIND MY BACK!
OF EF
BALLO7
Page 11 Teachers' dilemma: put up or shut up seven week pay The refusal by Shirley comersnce diso backec Williams a call for a national ballot of the increase the TO derisory 9% offer to colline to strike. The NUJ teachers has forced even the : forbids all out strikes right wing "professional Wie OL OT organisation"
AMMA
unless postal two-thirds discuss taking action.
AMMA
with the
NUT
call, though leaders had aoreed eartier in the first break of using the strength Clegs 'Comparability the NUJ membershio adainst thi arter the management side with management at Nottingham and threat bring oren Therr Society conditions of service into the •tederation whicl pay discussions support to the Both Is:aes OT Ine buranan negotiating committee alsc But a curtailed debate at the agreed to ask the Clegg board to conterence also showed that ths base its study on une movdntor chapel still Working Melativities placing a great deal of misplaced findings which proved that taith in their aiternative paper- teachers' pay has faller. 36.5% behind non-manual workers in in the resolution moved at the conterence calling the vererence to diege for urgent steps to raise enough was conditional upon an immed- turn the paper into a iate improved commercially viable coperativı shorter period of "phasing" the was passed without a speaker ruli aware than the present April 1 cate The strike call is now in the The
NUT
Executive hands of the incoming nationa quoting the Civil Servants' case executive and there is a danger of January 1980 as a suitable to use the : try date head off the definite But quoting the Civil provincial journalists Servants offer the NUT is for the conference. No getting that Civil Servants went on strike-albeit limited one day action in most cases-before the One dav strikes are them outer was acnieved. for the 23 journalists The NUT leadership has even job withdrawn half-day strikes from But it is now a its "Action Programme", calling of urgency to reinvolve instead upon its members the provincial membership, sent "withdraw their goodwill" refusing i Tts ivolves in voluntary
OC TICIOATA
activities at lunch time and after A new mass picket has beer school and not usine cars travel from one site to anothel and other: in split site schools. Nottingham The
NAS/UWT
leadership, this show of who walked out of the Burnham pay negotiations in protest JAILED Britstol NUJ picket the decision by the omner agree to LCOCTICs lesoers reference to the Comparability thret Board, are applying to the High Court for an injunction to stop Steve has served a move and are demanding the arbitheir inte adis-hour Their police . day" owr action was due to begin or May but would clearly be fore ( no demon stalled called it the ciaim went .to oeer aroitration The action by NUT teachers Has "been must take place throughout the Conference build up to the Election and to prove both sentence durerwaros parties teachers' determination to restore their 1974 levels of Pay But teachers must be clear against trade •traditional right to that only determined StrI Ke It called for a protest cam action as by the public sector workers in Camden earlier this year, will win Tu Cm rights and the Immelalely and halt ail talk o time wasting diversions such as industrial action arbitratior and. the Compara. bility Board
: OHOOTHLY AI THE NAZIONAL EXECUTN
SO THERE IT IS - THE FRUIT OF
MONTHS OF HARD NEGOTIATION
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR?
YES, YES, BUT THERES LIKELY TO BÈ ONE
CONISOLATION.. IF MAGGIE DOES GET IN, SHELL
HELP US HANG THE WRECKERS
AND RESTORE DEMOCRACY!
11% LEAD
' MRS T
Scan page 12
10,000 protest at police
SOCIALIST
PRESS
VIOLENCE GROWS IN
IRAN CRACKDOWN
Many hundreds have the religious attacks clashes were instances were been killed in the last two communal violence Turkomans religious headed by Khomeini supporters between Shi'ite (the majority in weeks in bloody clashes in and being used the were Iranian Kurdistan as well as ran Canc sunnite muslims government against Kurds and Turkomans most Went d in the Turkoman region in belonging to the latter branch of ments in circumstances the north. were Is dill the Shah's broken army is no It seems clear, however, that Most reports say that these ot renression. Nonetheless army tanks were used last week reportedly also against ine nords The anti-Kurdish violence can only have strengthened the reserve dead dads c fight for their national rights.
and national rights have also become from more Dotn Baluchistan (which straddles Iran's border with Pakistan) and Arab TroM sections minority. But the growing wave national and feeling regime is not the only challenge it lates Completely unable to offer Khomeini-whipping up sectarian violence against Kurds murder Saturday a On crowd thousand estimated al ten marched Southall to protest the police murder of Blair Peach.
WSL/SYL
contingent placards demanding carried into Trace Union murder and the Tormatior workers' defence squads. much the however entential militancy of the march was defused by the organisers policy-motivated -Tari All-calling ading leading "peaceful silent march". By the time demonstrators filed past the spot where Peach was battered to could be shouted afterwards) . the march was almost at an end Workers defence calls for The situation today demonstrations which militant calls for the become defence Tormation squads dea WiTi Tise Nr fascists and police attacks.
Instead the Anti Nazi League and It sponsors are concarnec with applying the Christian of "turn the pacifist principle Indian women on Saturday's huge demonstration The extracts from the WSL/ leaflet distributed 'stand
SYL
of fascists' "right to free speech".
defensive below ore paration reprinted voltal measures-campaigning in sharp contrast to the Ghandi- number of serious "No Reliance on the Bosses' maximum like adopted by the organise defence murder demonstration's leaders ..
state: i ne slall volunteers-co where the State trade or all future modisasons reach. "left', the Labour unionist and left militant, was stands. The The coming battles will murdered on Monday 23 April. cops Communist cany otanists. the 'Anti Nazi League', and all those never be won ov salutiy dieas lo called for the state to "cool it" or by pious wishes for who have The uniformed scum who killed "peaceful. Nor him went on a wild rampage "Dan TasCisIn will they be won by adventurist through the area. Their massive democracy", must now answer the question. What about the minority controntations WIll muitar ostraton a o "protection" of Blair cops that only end in fines, -to terrorise and intimidate the state s Asian community, and particul- Peach? jail sentences oI "I hey will be won when the "Be it defence of picket lines of the working class "Blair muSt community or clearing out the NF scum the immigrant avenged! A powerful movement and the the need defence taught their lesson Crush Must
DUNL
of their own medicine- ever, In every taste National Front vermin train. building and was demonstrating. trade union, whom he voute ane mani grant organisation the call must ing of workers detence Dasta ThIs means movemelte on the mass power of the labour be for enquiry that can vuincis scabs in blue who protect the the alre LUTe movemer. Published by Folrose Ltd. for the Workers Sociálist League, 31, Dartmouth Park Hill, London NW5 1HR.
Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.
armed by anu rumbers, donaun any kind of policy to meet such problems galloping inflation and ment. The reeme So pa, evan i rental res becoming increasingly mobilisations Workers', against unemployment continue Ano in the last week d series of terrorist attacks have claimed Staff, arty baran whose TUneral attempt was made on the life of Premier Bazargan himself he regime nas tried to usi these drum up a massive anti-left witch-hunt Laramil s TUneld Khomeini demonstrators "Tudet Fedayin, murderers!" And Khomein has called communists "the childre!
of Satan". Taking their cue from this, •knomeini committee have attacked the local head- Abadan of the cudi let: Pacifists attacked by W. Brom NF The NF succeeded in holding their election rally in a West Bromwich school despite by 500 anti-fascists to stop them.
This was due not simply but police and TaSCIST eTTorts also to the pacifist line of the Committee agains Sandwell Racialism and Fascism (SCARF which is dominated by the so- called New Communist Party A sustained campaign by the Sandwell council leaders of the
FUND
A much better response to our £2,500 Special Fund this has brought the Week total to £214.25. But we are I clearly only just at the start this far fund concerned and a concerted lettort wil be necessarv DI our readers and supporters lif we are to raise this targe the end of July by planned. All donations this fund and our £600 Monthly Fund should be sent Fund, Socialist Press 31 Hill, Dartmouth Park London NW5 1HR Oxford Tote winning no. April 22, 207; 194 April 29, 242. Postal union in revolt over pay Moving in-Gadaffi "Marxist-Leninist" Fedayin wounding and several of them diso played demonstrators trom the town hall they had occupied.
I RE
bazardar recime desperate to rebuild a more controllable repressive apparatu than the Khomeini committees has success unv nac ine comi barracks in Tehran in an effort to reestash muitary discroine At the same time Bazargan has started to look for outside sources of support. Maior Jalloud wee Gadaffi's deputy in the Libyan military dictatorship visited Iran ano ine two covernments doreed coordinate middle their eastern policies. begun to And Bazargan has rebuild links with American imperialism workers had resulted in a situa- tion where no council employee was willing to open the serioor The Director himself step and open 'defend democracy The senoo tor une rascist: It is now very likely that the school will be blacked by loca trade union members However this principled fight predictably was Community Council who, a arversior from stopping meeting formed a queue of 200 people to til the nail Another 400 demonstrators were oresent. some moonised Dy
SCARF
and some by the Birmingham ANL also a consider- mere were able number young blacks and whites from Smethwick and gathered West Bromwich who spontaneously to stop the meet- ing. But these forces were in no way deployed the entry of the NF 40 NF stewards hac ATter been escorted into the hall, the 200 queueing anti-fascists were a lowed to enter They up a chant Nazi" which prevented "Nazi, Tyndall and his henchmen from starting the meeting. The fascist stewards then assault on sections launched an which auelence Methodist minister suffered the consequences of his pacifist line of a bloody neac
TOTAN
after being crowned with chair. Riot police then moved in to assIst tasCIstS their audience and the "public meeting proceeded after a brief interval. At the time of going to press an overwhelming defeat looks certain for the
UPW
led bureaucrats by Tom Jackson, their on recommendation of the 1979 wage deal. UPW Special Conference hete December discussec the 1979 pay claim The Executive Council •oroposed increase consolidated basic rates increase in allowances, consolidation, three hour reduc the work Week. increase in annual leave, a reduc tion in incremental scales and ar This claim escatalol represented (to some members) conference After decision, most of the negotia- tions were concuctea in secredy Branch secretaries were instructed not to publish, in any
TOMM
some important branch circulars deal- ing with them. The UPW negotiators anxious Tha1 mass members should not be aware of will was gully l What was about to come did not form any part of the claim as agreed by the Special Confer- The first sign of the treacher- ous deal which included the so- "efficiency • agreement" called when a branch came in March circular revealed "efficiency agreement" was tied the 5% to consolidation of €3 of the f6 from 1975 The major of the part included efficiency a Callell! the introducton от art lime staff and work traffic measure- which Tell DUll
UPW
oirect
DOSTON
conference policy. The bureaucracy ignored completely conference decisions even attempting with management let alone reach agreement. The Post Office,-not for the first time-easily won over Tom negotiating Jackson's the team at •Tina negotiating scene. Tom Jackson fact, actualiv tried to sell the rank and file with their own money- namely consolidation. penultimate scene was when The efficiency agreement was tied to consolidation of 5% and £6 (still leaving 1% trom 19/b unconsol idated) and was presented to a of District special meeting plush Bourne Groanisers mouth hotel on 11 April. This meeting was supposed to be a briefing session in order toat toe messae de sorea as lo how good the was had the audacity 10 Jackson proclaim that this was the bes deal won by any union and he present executive acceptance. Arch Stalinist Maurice Styles record of sell outs who has a stretching back lo years, Tully supported Jackson's argument.
Continued p11 col 2