Socialist Press no. 193

UNITED

WE/STAND

SIDED

April 8 is the date in the forefront of the thinking of union leaders in steel and British Leyland. *It is the deadline set by BSC for steel unions to obtain a return to work on the Lever commission's pathetic 15.5% pay offer; *And it is the date put for ward for the start or a-ou strike action by 85,000 manual BL against WOrKCES Cals manacement moves to Dose a 5% pay increase linked to savage union-busting strings. Frightened beyond belief by and militancy of the working class demonstrated in the steel full-time strike-where union officials have been ignominously thrown out strike committees and the increased power of the and file has brought rank defeats for

ISTC

SUCCESSIVe Header biors-une bureaucracy are determined at all costs to prevent these two major struggles linking up. means TaST minute moves knife the 14-week steel strike, coupled with brazen moves led by the AUEW bureau- CraCV 1O sabotage the call TOT strike action by BL negotiators.

It has been plain every since the steel strike began that right wing union leaders Bill sirs and Hector Smith were looking for a suitable pretext to move lor a return to woIK Despite occasional militant speeches, Sirs has consistently struggled to keep issue of Tune pay -BSC's insulting 2% pay offer-separate from the swinge- ing programme of closures allu suuu recuncancies wanned ov the Corporation. weakness is in This crucial no way a reflection of the mood or mne memoersnip. Whom issues of pay and jobs have increasingly seen one the in Port Talbot Sallic. Instance meenes or manual and craft stay out indefin- jobs until al sarchual" the out- ташет weal come on pay. Sirs however has continued a start our not from une mae pendent interests nembers in defence of jobs and editions, but from 1 the "viabil- oi the steel industry. neea to restore Drontadulty on the basis of "sacrifice" pfloor workers.

SOCIALIST

PRESS

Weekly paper of the Workers Socialist League * No. 193 April 2 1980 * 20p Affiliated to the Trotskyist International Liaison Committee

STEEL

LEYLAND

GENERAL

The Lever commission was immediately pointed out that it cobbled together by

BSC

would be paid in further precisely in order to cash in on closures and redundancies!

LOIS

weakness or caaersm In As we go to press StrIKe the ISTC-with the even more leaders and executive members right wing leaders of the craft from various areas have declared unions already having declared opposed acceptance of the offer. Sirs or temselves wiltine to accept any the other hand is to fight tooth new oner unar came uo. specifically The "inquiry" and nail for an end to the strike excluded the question of jobs, -al could be strengthened by loin ana sel our to provide a mor action with BL workers. sneed. token in crease that would enable Sirs to press There will never • be a better sell-out settlement or steel workers prior opportunity fight. to April 8.

PICSS

ПОЛС UnCH Yet transparent

IS TOG

monev oner is accepted fraud of this and there is a return to work, it

BSC

unprecedented that

COHE

Sirs (right): now singing a different tune

STRIKE!

round of and job-cutting closures that will decimate the mauser ana lay Waste WHOIC towns and industrial areas.

not nas otered slightest Under orders from the Tory government, engaged in a frontal onslaugh the workforce in pursuit of on profit. The rank and file commit- tees that have emerged in the steel strike now • face of hold thes they severt line against

SITS

sabotage, and maintain the strike their They have militancy and their tenacity in struggle. Have they developed the necessary political indepen dence to stand firm and fight hopefully alongside BL on, workers, for the defeat of the ory government s attack L workers to face grave dangers as a result of the man- oeuvres of their union officials ana ine repeatea capitulation: of their convenors. April 8 s been day on which Michael ed wardes mpos intenas Une company's vicious 92-page boo Which erectory a ran e trade union agreement won u 30 years of struggle. To clock in for work on 8 April, declares Edwardes , is to accept these "strings" To stay organise away. •LO against the company is to invite "disciplinary action"-clearly meaning the sack. obvious that militants in BL face a Catch-22 situation. If they organise Edwardes they strike against may face the sack: but if they Inside *IMG Unity Drive *The 1926 General Strike *Des Warren Speaks Out - Next issue The next issue of Socialist Press will appear on Wednesday 16 April.

YOU'VE

OT THE

YOTE

CALL A

RIKE

Edwardes' strings apply to the skilled men. and none of them have been •sublected recent lay-offs. From this privileged position they able

VULC

heavily against strike acuon u both Swindon and Cowley tool- This casts a real doub the AUEW Executive's decision. But for the TGWU, the major manual union in BL, tere

SUCH

avallable. The ballot vote clearl still reflects the feelings of the membership And if there is no strike or Awardes the April acceptance package will effectively herald the end of locks blandal yea and accept the com- trade unionism mn many bants pany's it will open up every militant steward and convenor

DICKCU

management s Robinson-style victimisation; eisure as soon as inev chalenge any one of the host of com- ana it wil destrov une barzam pletely unacceptable conditions power or the unions unt laid down in the 92 pages!

ther. or he AUEW

MUS

members on steelworkers n locked in battle wets Plant both BSC and the lones so BL workers face both Edwardes meetings of shop stewards at the backers. On the Cowley Body Coseby, Castle Brom Col

BUS LUE

Does or men sauge nan the strength of the workers Longbridge. movement in many such battles to come This is further evidence-if fight alone why any WerE not be left workers floor workers in BL still stand isolated in their struggle This government is attackin the by WorKIne cass nicking oit individia section one by one: it must be met by a united class response fighting for a ams means are utive. Committed to benea Sirike to Drine dow providing BL with a prolonged the Tory government and create "moratorium" no strike political conditions action in the hopes of restoring with the Labour ІССКОЛШЕ it to "viability traitors who helped put them in So having failed to secure a office. postal ballot bote against strike It means fighting to defend action unev now nave anemoted all jobs and iving standare to use the votes of skilled tool- through the struggle for a room workers as a pretext for workers government to estab refusing to call out their mem- planned, socals economy This is why they instructed And it fighting to means AUEW convenors to hold mas build-in the steel industry, meetings. prior to a decision on BL and in every the strike call • leadership prepared te Toolroom workers have unionary already start at all times not from the WOn suostanta profits and "viability" of th increase in tne last 1z montns employers, but fron the inde and have now been offered the double increase on offer to venuent mierests or me wor ing class semi-skilled workers. rew

Eurocommunist gangs up with Social Democrats New battles to come in Portugal Page 2 The last two weeks have extremely seen significant developments in the further break-up of the internation- al "Eurocommunist" line-up between the French, Italian and Spanish CPs. The split particularly between French CPs. Even at the beginning of the Iree-way HAnce open duler. between existed the parties on their attitude towards partialine in tae covernments of the bourgeoisic -though those the rat she all the dad by three parties worked to keep the bourgeonsie respective countries safely in power The other difference, on atti tudes bogan narrowing the French Stalinists began criticise the USSR's policies on But since the Sovict invasion of Afghanistan a new opened up between the french The French CP has uncritic- supported invasion the while Italian the Hal. Count opposed it. order to underline his with alignment now launched a májor social demo- towards Europcan crane partes. First of all on March 12 he held German Social Democrat Willy Brandt. The German SPD gave the Sa Carneiro's right wing comprising government, Portugal's two main bour- geois parties, has stepped up its implementation of the law, i originally intro- Soares' duced by Mario Party, Socialist which reverses the land reforms followed that the April 1974 revolution. The Reform law Agrarian gives the government powers to The conference of the Hungarian Communist Party which took place last week was a slightly more dignified Polish CP affair than the conference a month earlier.

Prime Minister At east the turned up-which was more than could be said for his Polish Counter all But, like the Polish party congress, the Hungarian one with evidence of the echoed bureaucracy's the Tallure economic plans and the result- ing economic hardships which face the masses. the Polish AnO. JIKe ended in Hungarian the ended the classic Stalinist response to political problems- a purge criticisms from Party Alter Secretary Janos Kadar (installed Soviet tanks during in power by the workers' uprising of Gyoergs Ine MInISECT Lazar, was obliged to make a remarkably self-critical speech about the econommy. we admitted toat toe ooted meeting hardly the Italian CP news- paper I. 'Unita culogised it as: as all forms of constructive dialogue should bẹ different of components lell stitute the workers movement in the Old Continent". Brandt Berlinguer and CP Italian representatives in the European Parliament were voting for the reactionary resolution demand- 'the of friendship and alliance within remove farmworkers by force

ITOM

southern Alentejo region, which they the landowners seized from in 1974 and 975 and on which they have since worked on a cooperative or collective basis.

be handed then Call owners though usually units than those which existed before 1974 About 2.5 million acres of land were expropriated after the Üp to now 550.000 revolution. acres have been given back to Hungarian mini-purge tives of the present 5-year plan on economic crowin, brouuctly ity and real wages. had not been fulfilled. Energy crisis Like his capilanst counter parts he tried to draw a veil over the real causes or inese ranure.

by blaming it all on the "energy crisis". And his proposed solutions to the problem sounded very similar as well-"to make profit- loss-making eliminate Icecast productivity and reinforce disci factories, "regroup" the worktorce (mean ing create redundancies), to enc in salaries and differentials increase "incentive' "We must get rid. Kadar said in hiş preliminary report to the this false Congress, socialism: secur-

CONCODUUI

cannot be priority imperatives".

Kadar's novel conception of a "socialism" which involves the In friendlier days: Berlinguer (left) with Carrillo and Marchais Atlantic framework sonaarily Only a lew or them revolted and refused. to vote for a resolu regarded "Atlantic wecks later on March

I WO

even more senicant meeting took between and Francois Berlinguer ana Socialist Party. The official communique of this meeting talks of "a long and Coroll conversalon need for initiatives towards: "disarmament, detente, co- private since the counter-revolutionary 1977-75.000 by the present Sa Carneiro government, the the Socialist Party government of Soares and its

TWO

тесовоста SUCCESSUr Pinto led by Mota and Pintassilgo. The present government's boney is to sleo up lie pace u.

this counter-revolutionary offensive. Before the general election due in October of intends to hand back a further security and the end

OIOD

profit is spuriously pursuit of attributed "always said we had to readi same level of efficiency of the capitalist countries".

The Hungarian bureaucracy's account just criticism" and the "very open opinion o exposure to public the nroniems an ocues all much more beautifully stage managed than it had been an warsaw Lazar's speech, Kadar After congratulated him on all the self-criticism. came the elections to A few the leadership. genes rolled-just to show that the Wasn't quite our caucial perrect demoted But even stayed on the Central Commit- lose their uney privileges. This whole procedure parallels recent developments in a series of the deformed workers statec Tecent monins-ll Poland, in Cuba and in Vietnam.

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 .

national relations today, can be of the Left with the CP. played in realising the objectives Apart from the by involved in putting all the blam movement of the workers Union of th the for breaking alterent parties winic! express those objectives and by Left on the Socialist Party. this Tine forces of the democratic and opposition to Mitterand is in no way based on political principle popular left in western Europe".

Marchais accuses Mitterand seeing an allance will be Aroused Gaullists and Giscard. defines this alliance not as anti- The meeting predictably socialist r Class "anti social, anti-demo- aroused the but as Ire Stalinist leader Georges cratic and anti-national."

Marchais (already under And Marchais goes out of ni survey way not to criticise the principle pressure resul allegations that he went as a of the * she italian compromise voluntary to the He policy of Germany in 1943). "perhap: useful in France Italy but acclare Marchais's comments on the conceivable ПО Т Berlinguer-Mitterand walks virtually broke all links between Marchais diplomatically the French and Italian CPs Berlinguer's analysing seis Pary and the talian motives. he noted ine orod conver between Way out "They are both for austerity They relate, however, to the 's continued search for are against . They Italian CP' -we aTt both favour of the enlarge enforced wa Com- "opposition" the European The Cass-tort . Portugal anc Christian Democratic regime in to breece Spain -we are against this in th Italy interests of the peasantry and in They hope establish operation in Europe and the interest. political credentials respectable Hallullal wore. respect for numan nant enough ensure that they are and preparing conditions favour supranational rights-we are offered some kind of role in the the success against it. Madrid conference bourgeois covernment Close links European with conference Explanation social democracy they hope scheduled achened as a sucessor ear, next would qualify them for such a After this reactionary declar- reactionary agreements between po sinIon ation he added his explanation Bt Beingot press it oks dis- Mitterand's the "European Security appointed yet again. Helsinki and walterana. says want. seems to b associate himself then Belgrade). with Berlinguer's policy of "historic heading towards a new The Communique goes on to with the Christian left" coalition with the Socialist emphasise

COLE DEUTIES

Party-but without the "the specific role which, in Democrats and associalt himself from the French Union the phase of inter of resistant to granting any strations. 625,000 acres-that is, more in them. the next six months than in the Armed helicopters flew ove But the ruling class is none- the region in an attempt to keep the ministers out of trouble.

theless showing increasing sign policy has led to an of disunity and long-term insec- enormous build-up of resistance were on the part of the farmworkers injured in a police attack on a ur There hostility demonstration several were ot Alentejo. Eanes and between President arrested and face trial. Numerous armed crashes Prime Minister Sa Carneiro's have taken place in the past fev weeks between farmworkers and Dominated hanes is tryme to encourag paramilitary the alternative governmental

CNS.

The leading political force in Social Demo coalition Three : cabinet ministers were the area is the Communist Party with Christian the sent to Alentejo on March 12 to ПО U which dominates toe Democrats as •wil supervise workers' unions overallul the Socialists. were met with hostile demon- in the face of the Its policy one of militant attack nas been But the Social Democrats words coupled with a refusal to have no interest in the proposal organise any concerted militant and are publicly advocating that action against it Eanes as President in the prest Cancilalc 1o late While the CP is refusing to strike action, farm- organise dential elections the parts of WOrKerS H December, a few weeks after the Alentejo have both taken strike parliamentary elections. and It reflects. widespread action and organised demonstra This proposal, however, has growing opposition the usual frame into publi HORS OuLsIuC brought them Stalinist-ruled workers in work of the CP and the union: coalition states to economic hardship and thell ConC which it dominates. partners bureaucratic the auster e movement, Democrats. who continue to privilege. rather president who however Iculalis fault a military rese The bureaucracies are forced spontaneous form and has noi through recognise would Darl developed a consistent leader- politics" publicised harmless but widely But the Christian even purges of a section of the leader- This means that arch-oppor dont Eanes Democrats want along with a great orgy of tunatetuenera vicio

WHOM

"self-criticism Carvalho was able to take advan- Socialist Party But this is a purely dema- of the of leader- vacuum •So Portuguese capitalists and Lage gogic exercise. ship to make demagogic calls Io!

their lackeys and defenders in criticismus is examined it in fat "self- Because when the arming of the workers and leadership the for a mass march on Lisbon parties workers are as far turns out to De The frustration of the work stable from finding someone else - something ing case 1s now abbeanne nol government formula. economic the Test on the alenty and on the They are publicly bickering and other probiems country capitalist countries, but most o few months before • they only a sectors of the economy as well all criticism of the working clas will be forced to expose them unproductive and Two weeks. ago railway for being ce ves national elections and at a time workers staged a two-day strike undisciplined in syp have made cleats od wher working class resistance is "Self" criticism therefore is 3 to the threats again growing expression o te enmit which exists between the work- further strikes. parasitic Other workers in the public of the government. and Clas. therefore, especially transport and There sector, Stalinist bureaucracy that teed: Portugal indication off and shackles the nationalised Ene stale owilcu newspapels, alr relations pressing similar claims against a property government which is extremely major class battles. deformed workers states

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980

CARTER'S

PRE-ELECTION

RECESSION

President Carter-. As scale of the crisis faced by Us capitalism yet it is unlikely that faced by record post-war any 'of will inflation running at 18% per exploit these for alleiliy year-embarks pontical aavanlage. One of Carter's main worries- Thatcher-style programme presenting Craconia1 of recessionary policies, package of cutbacks was that he there are signs of consider- much like sounucu within the able Republican. merce American capitalist class.

Less government The big capitalists of course are not going to. sunet unuuly • Republican front-runner result of Carter's credil his petrol Ronald Reagan places Federa spending cuts at the centre of $13 his swingeing Laxes his Thatcher-style electoral cam- bilion euts in Federal spen dines.

The burden these paign tor less taxes, less restric will first measures tions on private enterprise, ana "less government" smaller and weaker government" naraest on "less Reagan's nustnesses ane une cuts wil oile over the with particular savagery on the however would preside most oppressed layers of society deployment and possible use of vastly expanded military old, the sick

--LIIC

y Uus he major arsenal: ane toe unempoyca. spending. increase in "detence Spending cuts n unis neis oi course al uric with fellow Republicans George Bush (former CIA director) and Carter's spending cuts seem "liberal" likely to hit the budgets of state sup poseu cities and Anderson. leas allves. While Reagan and (Bush with depressea areas, stress the Pnged tor to counter the cutback on food-stamp benefits and pensions for former federal the Soviet mitary Union. Anderson locusses mucn emoiovees his chauvinist agitation They will also include post- ponement of the welfare reform anti-imperialist aralllsli programme; the axing of 20,000 struggles' in the middle East, claiming that: cutbacks in nedera 10OS. alld 'The threat to the security postal deliveries, the job-training supplies stems from programme and child health of our oll internal pontical strne in lic assistalce Persian Gulf" Meanwhile US interest rates continue to run at a tacere Hard to outbid with bankers declaring combination of credit that the squeeze the Republican leaders ane Ine monetary

KUT

are all finding it hard to outbid Relicve Board mean erfeederay •taken by the Chesera cold Carter's aggressive no monev at any price" stance towards the Soviet Union A full-scale recession, bring- and extravagant multar y included programme unemployment. and a -which ing mass Mix. expensive real fall production, now riotously the of false seems-after a number destructive ecologically starts-to missile system. be on the way in the US, in election year. Indeed d on aspect domestic policy foreign Timing to fend able is at present Carter off reactionary CItIC simply pointing to the fact that Indeed the timing of thesc implementing already moves by Carter underline the Seriously, Paul, where are the brakegon this thing! Dead ahead. "Tefed policy almost as right wing as they are seeking While this stance 'seems to held Carter's support have among the proportion of the US electorate mnat participale m ue primaries and in the Presidential it seems to cut far less elections ice with the massive numbers of workers, unemployed radicalised younger people who the to abstain from contmue choice between a kepublican Tweedledum and a Democrat Tweedledee The renewed bi-partisan war drive by American capitalism is still in its infancy yet already of youth oi thousnad. Lens minoritle. anc students nave taken .to the streets and 'Captain-—Someone has to go over the side...

protest campuses Carter's measures to prepare fo a reimposition of conscription.

Memores o me norol. the Vietnam war have not been erased by jingoist speeches from and Democrat republical. haw ks. Anti-draft Even in the US labour

* OIIEL

AFL-CIO

ialdom two leading bureaucrats recentiy voted the draft political asallls l notably absent stand that was during the early stages oi tie Vietnam war. It is with an uneasy weather eye on the potential opposition from such elements that Senator

RECESSION

Page 3 Olionant c) 198v wasmagton sia Keninedy The leadership of Chicago's Kennedy Edward gamely ahead with his almost strike-and'ublie support to the substantial nack communl pressing lent their certainly doomed campaign tor strike. the Democratic nomination.

breakers were forced to climb dowt was no coincidence thenirs 'Liberal' face events the tulis Kennedy has sought booed loudly _k ennecs was to opposition he marched alongside Byrne in a Channei policies Carter's Patrick's day parade through economi opposition to the draft, and mis- immediately -and was cacac( about all-out cold by afterwards rouncel Presidential cam war, Carter in the Chicago primary IntO American workers have onl pacen with a fraudulent "iberal -to reject boti platform his class one rea cholce this Carter and Kennedy swiftly appea colaborationsi enlisted the support of 15 major las raser of shee Labour party trade unions- Fraser Douglas aleltor The task in the next period anited Auto worKer. But has spelt out his reac- the is to take up the fight in every

THNC

workers' Kennedy union local and isation To natY panacu ior a oreak inflation: compulsory wage and reactionary discredited : controls. bourgeois price th twin oonlils leaders have for

AFL-CIO

the building parties, and (TO] some time called on Carter to Labour Party based on the impose such a policy: but it is Traut unois. that working such a party-within from likel Only class voters would flock out in which revolutionaries Would their thousands to endorse it at and od democratic and fight organise the polls programme Meanwhile Kennedy's oppor- transitional demands co secuie and diehard imperialist workers' independent interests- tunism stance were also demonstrated out the a wa Ol1ts his exploitation of Carter' partisan agreement on a tuture Palestinian liberatig Organita softness" supposed austerity, anti-communs anc imperialist war tion -which nerpea wit nm the massive Jewish vote to swing the New York primary clearly offers no henneay alternative whaterer

1OHIN

American working class. But nor does he seem likely to offer US capitalists a serious hope of enlisting working class or acquiescence to

SUDDOTI

Kind savagt policies and domestic austerity programme they hope to impose in order to preserve their rotten and crisis-ridden system.

Nar. 1979 Chicago strike

INTERNATIONAL

DISCUSSION

One demonstration of the 600

BULLETIN

dubious hold of the Kennedy of the Democratic Party wille

THE TRANSITIONAL

ever the labour bureaucracy anu its rank and file has been the

PROGRAMME IN

tenacious three-week strike by

TODAY'S CLASS

Chicago NTenC! dalls i

STRUGGLE

Democrat Mayor Jane Byrne taking a lead Founding document of firemen, against the cuts. strück demana.

the Trotskyist Inter- inm in deconce ora bacaye- national Liaison junetione by tae cck-to- courts, Committee

WUIN

their union and a live Ines on Available, price 75p month iail sententi JOca Fire Fighters Association Presi- including postage from dent Frank Muscare.

WSL, BM BOX 5277

An organised scabbing oper-

LONDON WCIV 6XX

failed miserably, ation walt unionists rallied local behind the

HECTOOSII

Des Warren re-examines Shrewsbury betrayal Page 4 re-issued have you vou Why Shrewsbury the pamphlet on frame-up? first 5,000 copies were conspiracy laws. sold out and now with the Tory unions. attacks on the laud thought a re-issuc was relevant.

solitary confinement, The whole experience Shrewsbury frame-up and subse- have quent cover-up with provided the hones valuable lessons, particularly the treachery of the trade union and labour leaders. do you think they will How lessons those prop senspiracy mans taure feature conspiracy prominently? I don't altogether agreo with that, because the union leaders established treachery has hern since 1926. There is a lot moro right these contact Derwell wing trade union leaders and the Torics than most people think.

the Tories movement learnt was now and file would react, the rank The lessons that the Tories Shrews- from bury is that the movement still hasn't developed consciousness to the extent that it understands and the capitalist democracy preparations they are making to batter This is con reany over the heads of the movement of some -take the recent Welsh lads under the Prevention of Terrorism Act just questioned

WUIC

and released, yet they were des- cribed as 'terrorists" the These preparations are maKI is a mass terrific rate. and there of information even in the capit- but our people don t seem to be able to see the wood for the trees. In the introduction to the new issue of your pamphlet you say that: a) the TUC have refused you to study their permission Ilies connection shrewsbury prosecution with VOlT Divate against the Home Office: UCATT, your own that b) have refused you access union, concerning Shrewsturn and informanon c) that the Communist Party leadership, refused you an examination Party doctors upon your release, refused to print (or help in any and pamphlet., your giving suppressed an arce drugs abuse used detais about against you whilst in prison.

¡acted you think lne acting in collusion with and are these right wing forces? was say In ere wouldn l and the. collusion netween the right wing, 1ininkisjus they operate. Ine way first point. My To take the

TUC

the approacherd Home information Office prosecution and they said smashing 30 ban on year tney information. same line. We went backwards and for- The CP and they finally allowed wards downfall -provid certain files us to study system, divulge the infor- ing we didn't mation. As far as my union was con- cerned, a reporter who's helping me to write • hook on shrews bury was given access to certain but not others-the union n1es they were i saying eatens you look ruling the can the same lines, WIll the CP were press- allow even TUC to do this, that and ing the other. and I Lile the same follow reformiist policies and when you In the wake of the 1972 national building workers' pay strike under the Heath govern- ment came a major frame-up trial against 24 flying pickets, who were charged under the Despite massive protests from rank and file trade unionists the TUC leaders sat back and allowed the Tory courts to victimise the 'Shrewsbury 24'-of whom Des Warren and Ricky Tomlinson were handed vicious jail sentences.

Warren, a Communist Party member, was subjected in jail to a total of eight months in drug therapy. and to savage comatosed for two weeks, and after which he was unable to write.

His doctor is on record as saying that Warren's symptoms of Parkinsonism' are caused by treatment received while in prison.

Warren has now put out a second edition of his pamphlet on the Shrewsbury frame-up: Entitled 'Shrewsbury: Whose conspiracy?' it is published (40p plus 17p p&p) by the WRP's New Park Publications, 21b Old Town, London, SW4 OJT.

Here Warren talks to Socialist Press about the lessons he draws from his experiences.

...THEY WILL BE

I THEYTARE

YOU AN THE

MAKINSIE JONES

VIE COMMITTEE

I think if the CP were honest gritty, the TUC never talk about put everything would system the capitalist before Shrewsbury relation and the CP seems to follow the people and say this is wild TO e really happened and at the same don't call for the "But we still believe ir time say capitalist the the peaceful road to socialism.

always based it's accept their view coulu reforming the system. up cover when contra- hide certaine, cha thal that's beine dis dict their honest, this is what sticks in my The British Road to Social- This question of the drugs ism is a bleeding fairy tale; when mention 3 101 British article and wildl the class are prepared to wrote Call suppressed believe they didn't suppress us to stroll down the made it headline news! British Road to Socialism?

Why is it the Sunday Times batter to US They're going. something front page that the Morning Star believe we've got as much informa- won't touch? which on one occasion left him

CAMDET

TRADES

COUNCI

going on. people We're only discuss capitalists information available to the can draw they clusions from it case huty clusion I can that the British casts any they just carpet This is might make drew Shrewsbury protestors march past law courts of question this As mentioned the collusion, you in the trade CP and

TUC,

tne all them union leaders. moving along the same line.

them as three see separate organisations. and your pam- You have stated. in treatment flows from a peaceful socialism perspective tortured class wa tially that a Sunday prisoner is a living proof of the it -they a strategy. bankruptcy CP members there other AIt involved, looking at it this way?

their know is a lot of controversy self there SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 Warren (right) and Tomlinson arriving at court very movemen dangerous thing to do. I've been accused by some We have to get all the facts CP. attacking what are they saying? That things are and Say 1o0K the way we thought they going we should all be in agreemen would, we have to revise this and pat each other on the back?

important most •KUl chi forget some operate wrong or some orner Dall movement with he fatte whole right but the facts. going to get at when 'I the truth of the situation if we time here was inter- everything wouldn't have done this everything, but I've changed • UT vIew WRP have printed my pamphlet should be and this is an indication of my movement so own con- immediate aims. then the CP have turned a blind eye to certain aspects of the shrews only from that is

NOW AVAILABLE

British Road to Socialism o Labour movement bulle back. its validity on Ireland with - doubt on tin ground articles witch. under on sweep an in includin an •dangerous. including Ke the side. Bish Read Box 527 from

WSL

BM London WCIV 6XX. Socialism feel like smart fellows hiding the facts from Witch-hunts:

OXEOR

WAR!

WAK!

No 3 March 198 a abour movemel bulletin on IRELAND

Howe steps up Tory offensive SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 Any Socialist Press reader earning over £400 week, per owning small planning to businesses, open factories in the indus- trial wastelands of London or the North West will be well pleased with the latest Tory budget. ror ine vast malority or tne opulation, however Chancellor Howe's package amounts Savare escalation or de lories offensive on jobs, living stan- dards, the welfare and sTate Vasil iculs In one •i une most brazen onslaughts in recent years Howe singled out the unemployed, the Huckfield, Les Labour MP for Nuneaton came to political prominence as a 'left" However dummens period as a Junior Minister at the Department Industry he achieved a reputation •a CUll sistent detender oi the wilson and Callaghan governments.

So enthusiastic was he in this role the Tribune group was thinking i dissociating themselves from but sce une sadour covers- ment's defeat at the last election Huckfield become left' again- incurring the wing bureaucracy Who objected his support for BL convenor Derek Labour NEC voting to support him as the AUEW leaders moved in for the kill. kecently nuckiela nas also proposed a 10-point programme to fight the cuts programme was passed at the West Midlands Regional Labour Party Conference on Housing and Public pending Cuts held on February 23 Maximum resistance The preamble that Labour Councis should adon it as a focus of a united fight for "maximum the resistance to Torv spending cuts". The Labour Local Govern- Charter calls ment improvement in administration terms of handling of com- plaints; the ending of the means ending Look, protects uke new town nals and wasteful spending on banquets; the extension of low ing, democratic control 2100. Stanceros repairs, etc; the expansion of sector economic develop- creation of new lobs. «tect about senemes cooperatives and factory build- ing, and council subsidies where Collal CoveraC expansion of free day care for under fives (District Councils to in where County Councils make curs an ene to acal ane sexual discrimination; no redun- in no cuts services no c онн coce cdcd if complenses and eatin falling rolls to improve standares This policy was adopted by Nuneaton Trades Council March 5 "as a policy to move forward from and in need of expansion". needed to match inflation.

poor, pensioners, children and *Pensions go by the sick victims of his up behind too, 16%-lagging attack ourikers ramules. are to be viciously penalised.

runaway tory intation *Earnings related unemploy- *Prescription charges rocket ment benefits are to be scrapped to f1 new step out the free National — duneme une crow stam one numbers unemployed Health Service and imposing a OI onto poverty-level fee-paying systen benefits. families will sickness, * Unemployment effectivelv fined £12 per week - injury and the amount to be docked from invalidity (penetits will rise at 5% less than the rate security to of inflation-to ensure that the which they are entitled barrage of poor un top benefits will now be subject to fines Howe brought *Child benefits are to be cut increases on petrol car ucences.

eer, spirits, wine and tobacco by 9%o in real terms, through the increase instead of the 2125 miserable superficial changes in income tax, the tax burden Huckfield's ten point plan There is much that could.be Here again, the questions of said about this which capitalism socialism left falls into two broadly different conspicuously parts. Firstly there are the nationalisation of the banks and elements which refer to dejence basic industries is ignored.

Cooperatives SerVICes. Here the problems lie in the how ofs can sudestions as to In there is vague its place talk of cooperatives-simply utopian device for attempting to I a loca. counci does nol make what solve problems within capital- services. follows? overspend? they The up! What will b programme is being rul une rales raised labour movement aone wnen the iones move in to stop this? organisations in the Midlands hild comes un for dis When I There is a great danger that cussion it will be necessary to this Charter can be seen as the strengthen with a clear per- strike action

DOLICY

1O1 Lavour councils In the meetinite uture. The second element of the gains and confront the Tories, the with explici Charter points about together Inancia cconomic Commune! LaKe ments via the public sector.

fight for socialism now! Huckfield itselt is actually increased by fl billion-the bulk of that falling on the shoulders of the working Class main intention Howe's tax changes is to give further handouts to and to cut still more civil service jobs. Jobs to go More jobs will also go additional 1500 result or ni million in public spending cuts in 1980-81, and his future for mole which o civil service loos.

thousands more public sector jobs will face the axe.

i ne nouscoulame and mam- sentined programmeras to 2 slashed drastic £672 million -guaranteeing ot homeless arcady vast army will grow even further in the next period. But not absolutely everyone 1s miserable at howes backare For those earning in excess of £30,000 per for instance, year there Is a t13 per week ta› handout For small businesses there is a succession of measures of tax Tenel ana nanaoul. to £124 million this year and £363 million next year most ruthless And ane avaricious employer. enterprise zones" in which they deducte to bet ip ses free ram set up rate-free, tax- resulatons restrictions obligation train hi about on. measures represent Howe's allelluls come • The

MOTE

serious camated on smal businesses damage have lasT veal. even Financial Times felt obliged to point out that: "The enterprise zone notion

PRESS

GANG

The decision by the Royal Family to call an all-out if strike the government does not increase its 19.4% wage offer is an act of gross irresponsibility. For payers of this country hay- long the tax- been pouring money into the vast and open coffers of this institution.

The the demand Royal Family should have their standard of living pro- tected is a symptom of the all too familiar syndrome of something for nothing. It must be made clear to Liz and her Trotsky- 'Red' ite pals that they cannot go on forever consuming more than they earn. In particular the decision increase the wages of to Ann Phillips by 30% to mend her roof, 1s a cleat breach of the government's cash limits and cannot be justified. The call from Tribune MPs to featherbed the Royals by import controls against 'dumping' deposed Page 5 • could encourage the worst office. and most anti-social business. There was no glimmer of men as well as • best entor response either TUC or Labour leaders ir and energy the wake of Howe's budget.

time already involved in Whitehall

•TUC

leaders vied with each and elsewhere, it may well only other for nifty phrases to. con- impact on the cemr attacks -our rallied areas in waca me zones are t benind Murray: anxious denials that the call for ne cited. Labour's job. Mas onc-day strike action on arcI slasher and social service cutter pointed out reply to Howe Such leaders must "At least those the Govern.

challenged: the most basic rights ment puts out of business will ol une workine class are al stake find it a little easier to start and can be only cerenced the ousting of the again. the But the task of the labour Thatcher government and struggle for movement moolise • a covernment ma action to put the Tory govern will establish a planned, socialist ment out of business and out of economy. monarchs in Britain is as on German components That why familiar as it is dreary.

Michael Edwardes says that 30% of More efficient the Royals must lose their through Jobs natural The plain fact is that wastage and assassination foreign royals are more The absurd restrictive efficient and better finished which says that practice than the British models, only the Queen can oper who inefficient Parliament, and the and in any case rely heavily crippling stand she has taken against new tech. nology-preferring ride around a horse-drawn coach-has helped make her and her cronies unviable Not only are those highly paid drones found nodding off at official func- hons but tne quanty or une product is reviled now across the world. Appeals for restraint have fallen on deaf ears.

The Royal Family have made one arrogant demand after another acting on the assumption that they could not be closed down because they are 'a British institu- tion' The ordinary tax payer has had enough. Either the Royal Family accept their offer or they should be allowed to go the wall.

FRANTIC ATTEMPT AT POLITICS BY NUMBERS

WHAT HAS IMG GO

COMMON WITH THE

Page 6 On 3rd September 1938, the Transitional Programme adopted by the Founding Conference of the Fourth International. This Conference was attended by 30 delegates from organisa- 11 countries and tions in represented the culmination Trotsky's struggles to of construct a new internation- against the stream of Stalinist betrayals and the forward march of fascism in Europe. Central to experience informed the programme of the new international was: "The definite passing over of the Comintern to the bourgeois order. cynically counter. revolutionary role throughout world (Transitional Pro- gramme. p.3). The tragedy Germany Stalinism was the where Nazi power, was handmaiden of scorched

INTO

ine and perspectives of the Fourth PHOTO: Mark Rusher, IF L For Trotsky, after the experiences of China, Germany and Spain, there was no ques- Lon out lilat. of Moscow, taken ne a whole completel chief obstacle the allu Ecillalla the WOrld revoll- tion" (In Defence of Marxism, p. 19). It was this understanding of The t Im DOSSOnLy the Comintern and the Stalinist which compelled teeth assault on the Trotskyist move- the

LIULSAY.

forces of restricted to the constan narrassmen intimidation-not mention Stalinism, SoCa outright murder of his support- and Bourgeois Liberalism who had hated the young ers-to struggle for the construc- ton or a new Internatoma internatona roes mccouon aloft the of Instead, the most deadly challenge to the fundamental Bolshevism. for Trotsky, Furthermore, principles and this struggle to keep the flame the Fourth International came from its heart. the Inter- revolutionary national Secretariat. burning was his most signiticant the social contribution revolutionary • Ine waKe overturns in Eastern Europe, the politics. under the secretaryship of he wrote in his journal Michel Pablo, began a process 'for March 1933: "I think the work in which I revising its analvsis of the world ortant of ed y lihe-most situation. am life-more This was to lead inexorably important to the liquidation of that 1917,

HUIC

which Trotsky important capital of ideas' then te Deroo ol the civil war or any other.'

nad laid at tne very centre the F.I. His reasoning for this was Above the Trotskyist all, simple: 'The collapse of the two analvsis of the internationals has posed tionary role of the F.I. itself- now "the old which none the robert rejected leaders of those

LTULSK YISILI

- wai is tale ice to see tavour or new perspectives "Pabloism', became assumed predominance confronted knowh, tate have world Trotskyist the me win tis problem aid duca willlil me with important experiences Movement in dealing with t. The eitects of radioism ir been dealt with i st cater Fourth International have There is now no-one except me to carrv out the mission ol arming a new generation with revolutionary method over The Poisoned Well' and ments the heads of leaders of th The Transitional Programme in Internationals" and it Today's Class Struggle 2110 (Diary in Exile). not the interion or tus dece recount this But it is necessary to under- That was the political legacy stand this background in order the real of bequeathed which Trotsk! developments currently taking The worth memo a very his death in 1940 at the hands claiming of Stalin's to continue the work of Trotsky assassin and claiming represent the the post-war Fourth International. nowever anese Very boltical foundations of the Fourth Inter- of this article DuL DOSC assaula Nor nas moister is to examiné the current orien- fresh tation the International assaul.

OUR

PUNK

Marxist Group as Kritish reDre of the United Secre- sentatives Fourth Inter- Lantal national, and continuators ot In a feature article printed in 138 Socilaist Challenge no Cause ® entitled 'Our Common the main arguments which explain the presentea IMG's drive towards revolution- ary regroupment' The perspective for regroup- ment was originally adopted at 1978 conference. What is their new from this year's conference this now centres almost seeking unity with une socianst workers rary (GB) -a centrist group that declares the Soviet Union and deformed workers' states to be capitalist regimes. Of course, as Trotskyists, the Workers League committed

GOSULUECLY

the reconstructior the Fourth International. We see this process through series ot splits principled fusions. Such fusions must, however be on the basis of programmatic anu oll uiscussiol of the practical and theoretical lessons of the last 30 years on this basis that in It wa: me venoa up to last year s all World Congress of the Unite Secretariat of the Fourth Inter- the WSL argued con Hallullal. differences which had emerged world Trotskyist move- ment since the wai As we stated al tne time, our efforts to open up a dis these questions and cussion on prostanc the substantial Despite

ROCK W ROLL

AGANST

ROSS

111S differences that exist-in parti- cular the fact wiat the WL doe!

not recognise the USFI as The Fourth International®, characteri ses it as Pabloite and fights for the reconstruction of the F.l.- there the objective

WSL

rusing

DOSS OWE

with the USFI. It is our duty to examine to what extent this is a concrete possibility tween our two organisatons was a to this Crucial discussion of the document Th Poisoned Well' and of the prob lems ot the post war t.l.

Our recognition Trotskyists we were obliged to revolutionary pro- defend the gramme against Pabloite liquida- tionism did not prevent us from seeking to open up and widen out the discussion of the prob- ems or the r to orders wno claimed to be Trotskyist, inclu USFI and ding those, who sections characterise as Pabloite.

In event, the IMG and rejected such the

USFI

discussion -on me gounas tal the WSL refused to recognise the USFI as being The Fourth international But within weeks . of this • unresolved ques decision. Ene tions they refused to discuss had brought the USFI to a major expul- split-with the effective sion of the LTT and Bolshevik Faction over the Nicaragua and of the Simon Bolivar Brigade The TOr continued to work for the prin- the cipled reconstruction International-anc January the

STOTSKVISI

national Liaison Committee was launched on the basis of general SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 workers' the international movement' • then, in this context clearly the approach to the SWP is no than a continuation That these positions past not those of thi positions are founders of the F.I. apparent!!

matters not a jot. Thus the IMG state!

SWP

"We think. that the should draw the conclusions of 30 years. . In the debate the last SWP in Internationa Ult the XIth World social m Congress of the F.l. we sugges ted holding discussions the

• SWP

BASIC

the F.I. We from armilating I still want this discussion. We comprehend the Callul SWP from prevent affiliating to the F.L. , the IMG does not the make affiliation precondition for fusion with the

SWP.

Other alternatives are open, such as becoming a sym. pathisins Ul allbal allowing individuals to become members of the F.I." fact that here the n for Trotskyists the "con- oasi have yet to be drawn up- part to the refusal of the countenance any • dis events behind the cussion of the fusion with the American SWP- it will suffice to note here tha in one el reduced the Inter- national to an optional extra.

and this strporters in by Thus, struggle Trotsky ine Masses of youth rally on ANL Carnival the ravages of fascism assassins, of the 2nd and programmatic lines of to construct 3rd internationals. basic issues facing Hicl a new international is stripped

L TOESK VISE:

of all historical significance.

The IMG, however, having And rejected open "outside these cadres ment tra the WL. has now set out or (of the F.I.) there does not exist desperate courtship of the SWP a single revolutionary current on it would none of it sculls and that which the planet really meriting and prin this becomes no more than cioles which were erected as a barrier to the discussion with Trotsky had a course, the WSL are likely to get a look somewhat different attitude to the question or revolutionar.

the In Open regroupment Fourth Inter the

LOLLI

1935 he spelt out being national in recognise the need for revolutionary fourth international. • intransigence. should, h wever , be very clea the condition whatthe may to that success is irreconcilable criticism realistic only assess of the centrist leadership, Fourth ment of the to exposure International is that it 1s a wo-and-a-half Int of and its current opinion national explanation of the act eat tes cemeter conferences etc. are a debatins society. This is not something to revolutionary tasks of our epoch be ashamed of, since it is a fairly potential of becoming bigger

COOT

SOCCE

ignominious bankruptcy those which hybrid amorphous" (Writings and (International Socialism, Winter 1935/36, 1980, p.123). For Trotsky what mattere that is not what tear v. not that some centrist was Trotskyists mean when they with us today; might refer to the F.I. For the IMC that educate real this assessment ratnel nowever revolutionary Came apparently raises no problems through systematic development This is explicable largely by and the application of the fixed • respects the fact that in many •capital of ideas, which Marxism it fals in line with the views oi represents, to events. the IMG's European mentor, Ernest Mandel In his book "From Stalinisn Mandel, to EuroCommunism" mongst all the concessions t For the IMG, however, rejec- to reduce the F.I. to no more than tion or the historica strugge tol the F.I. goes hand in hand with a senior cousin to me sell as d a rejection of that fixed capital whole: "The Fourth International of ideas worked longer reached thi has Nor content in minimisu the role and tasks of the F.I.

question and ha: they proceed to strike more Marxist conclu serious the sions than any other current of

CADETCHC

SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 IN

MORROW

COLIN

questions that arise from the latest 'unity' drive by the British International Marxist Group.

SWP?

movement: the rotskyist of role hunter-revolutionary talinism. In the late 1940s and early sought to revise 950s, Pablo couch nis oubts and evasions. sought convert this understanding into Trotskyist movemenl many one nose lies introduce the idea that ind under could. Talist progressive conditions, play pressure, Illass ggested Pablo, Stalinist parties ould evolve to become centrist the onculativil have followed

SWP,

the

IMIT

carefully moderating their The mends of tale Smo to meet current scheme

TOT

WULd Rank and the Stalinist-domina-

TONE

No longer is the CP seen as a undamentally counter-revolu- Instead, the IMG body. tonaly declare: "The objective role of the being a slice Il: stoppea olutionary party, with capitalism on a world scale.

olster the hold of the Labou the Here again, therefore, we can reformism working class" (S.C. 138) throws cee "The policies of board the fixed capital of ideas And again: CP succeed of the Trotskyist movement the enerally effectively supposedly nothing mor the needs 11cC than reinforcing the hold of left situations. new races ana new Thus,

1OI IC

The politics of the CP have those • Soviet Union to regard acet with and regard breaking workers Labourite politics." the this, it would appear socialised From is really

"IMG

'Soviet CP tasterr than the alter-ego of Benn and im bertausin But they go on: 1929-31 it was the "There Between refusal to and the IMG the between contemplate a united front with Party, its analysis Labour

LIC

that it was 'social fascist'-that e S transitional character transitional led many militants to go back to and Labour Party. Either way cruel might well CP's role has ask, he con had similar results." are tne us caract. here stalinism, No mention in sWP reiects the

TOES

FI as anglo-centric view of claim to have Party catastrophe the wenmar evel which led milons or multants reformism but to deatn

LUL

at the hands of the Nazis follow- and Union, ine the sto an Cp the social fascists against the social democrats. either of the No mention blood' *river witch Trotsky's analysis separated Stalinism from Bolshevism.

No, for the IMG, as continu- Pabloism, the CP is just another block left-reformist thanked And lest it be argued that more than this aberation their part, a quick flip to page 2 of Socialist Challenge Will slow. the heading "Our

ULIUCL

Policies': 'The Communist Parties in Europe are in crisis. Neither the the pro- nor Moscow wings nave ally cal ingful strategy for over- the the capitalist state." throw 01 (our emprasls). the CPs have In reality meaningful

TOT

Ine of capitalist preservation as part of their fight to 'peaceful coexistence' preserve looks at the political Tariq Ali If the SWP reject both the FI and the the programme role of the Fl itself then what is gained from discussion fusion other than the chance retaining 11lC wallsuf for the spokese spokesmen latter-day Pabloism these crucial of ance before possIbily the between rusIOT the IMG and • TorCes ance revolu- which the question unified numbers take the grouplet join (SC 138) some different ideas: "As the Bolshevik must learn to Leninists, they for some Programme Revolution- action? Regroupment? Communes But Very well, passports renuemen. don't have Of course, fading "heady' days ol 1978/9 the Anti ted) its This political appeal proletarian curiously popular described by the in the traditions real Carefully nature of the Trotsky's tine mass workers, actions under the mobilisation which Popular

COT

Socialist 138 instance an article D. Chilean catas Tariq Ali on described trophe geois DULl alSU his government- for the way InES Whether personally "died That that crucial fighting" Trotskyists Tine correct political Chilean Allende's endorsed by the course Stalinists. SWP leader Tony Cliff Page 7 Natior. Rank and File

DELE FAT!

SWP Rank and File Conference political bankruptcy of the At base, however, the IMG's the such lessons SWP is ably summed up refusal to draw out The drive for unity with the me mazerl the IMG itself

IMG

SWP is in reality readersh. that Trotskyism separated itself in search ot panaceas, in searci of another short cut to resolving political problem of 1930s. Silal building the revolutionary party Britain, and of building the FI. this the interests convenience they

IMG

seeking Italiaz. the : prin Yet if we wil gladl morleast ciples of the Trotskyist look thoughts of raise for their the Communist International. ment to on this

GOWEY

the interests of this that tactical or numerical advan- 'outflanking' the CP they CP • In _the in even the struggle to will trade build the FI centrses in le of forces' thereby ABC of they on the Communism Trotsky's principled conditions for revolu- CP by accident unity and the need to be hreak ron ringing in the ears 1922). , of the "uni of Upper Street eulogising the so-called whatever arena, an "But OI United Front' whatever the methods oi lun tioning, they are bound to speak name unqualified revolution- clear do not play slogans. Thus, hide-and-seek with the working February

SWP

class; they do not sual the Bulletir find substitute they ans: diplomacy and combinations for point the principled struggle. MarxIsts, and under all con- all times ditions openly say what is.

also in (Writings 1935-6) complete the the process We ask the comrades of the danger the

SWP?

IMG:

semi-terrorist ultra-left, Union regards the Soviet fighters, "* street capitalist, carries • out the hunch most flagrantly opportunist and Part practica economist work for transitional rejects the use of demands, sees Crucia problem at present as being that our anti-racist, the working Class is in

ANL

Worl regards you! oWI mushroomed." Congrat is t i debatine SOCICLy That this hybrid beast? What do you have in common to the SWP's front" 'united with it? And what of the IMG itself, wIll British section of the USFI?

138 we find

SWP

the chooses But the much longer will its How

SWP

leaders in nial! On this othe heads in totally occas on. summed up by political probicus Trotskyist movement? How many more splits an before disaster. Le Usic they will face. up to the need tor an honest discussion? • w coes not Despite ravate. Pabloism the FI is not dead: it the struggle IO] une lasso socialist aves programme of revolu the revolutionaries throughoul tion. Having rejected the use of world to reconstruct the , FI or demands, the

SWP

of its founding pro- the basis trans lond simply blunders from one 'good gramme and principles idea, to the next in search of a Only in that struggle is there continued an alternative to again in O'Callaghan's and nas. Stalinism article we read: centrism four years Trotskyist movement as legacy of Pabloism out of the holdentre pot the back at the centre political stage, while at the sam time outside We the IMG and ant last political terrain

USFI

partici movement other forces especiall difficult have was pate in this struggle: We ver and the the graduate sion: The Poisoned Well on the tabled documents discus

HICC

with the gradual decline of Grunwick strike." historical problems of the post- stated, is the Here, war Fil and the progrotskyist total incapacity of the SWP to International locument consistent Liaison Commit- conceive struggle to win workers towards We still await a political fee. the revolutionary programme.

response to these

IMC

f this is taken together w11 liff's notorious analysis of tl retreat and the working class in Stalin- swr s accomouation ism at the LCDTU conterence,

THE GENERAL STRIKE

The first few months of 1980 have brought to the fore the demand for a General Strike to bring down the Tory government. Such a demand naturally gives rise to further discussion on the lessons of the 1926 General Strike, betrayed by the TUC. With this in view, we are reprinting in two parts an extended article on the General Strike by John Docherty, first published in a supplement to Socialist Press in April 1976.

Page 8 On the May Day of 1926, there erupted the most bitter and significant struggle in the history of the British working class.

The miners were locked out on that day the employers

MOST

enormous cuts in their wages and conditions millions workers struck in support of the miners. The forces of the capitalist Stale were rout lie action. and after nine days the leaders of the trade declared unconditional surrender. Many strikers were victimised, and after six bitter the miners were forced months, DaCK WOIk alone ana defeated. These events affected class and political relations in every corner ol tue wore al cae canc ame since Then unev nave their echo in every generation.

Culmination The General Strike was the culmination of an entire decade British workingrass. millenn

LOC

With the emergence of the ment and the workers into the newly amal- centralised gamated and the Ig Class From 1918-20, oswar boon the class struggle reached a high point. strikes of 1918- The police 1919. the railway strike of 1919 oiner war against the Soviet Union.

were dealt with by attles equivalents Meanwhile local combination of careful strategy with the same title began on the part of the Lloyd George prepare . The Directorate coalition government Cabinet that these first Councie Intelligence of fighting spirit of the lack union leaders of Action: Jimmie Thomas of the NUR, "Were taking on more the for example, deliberately timer form of Soviets some and in as not to areas (were) forming plans for 18 191 the seizure of private property seek ine shoot or those mincis and transport workers who were the means of transport Alliance and had undhe- with combine BuT The oo ol readine ol this enthusiasm was left to the

CE TIDECI

taken give trade union who 1UI1 bacKing. During these months, instructed the councils that they Cabinet received regular reports should: of Intelli- from its Directorate "not in any way usurp the gence functions of trade exec- Cuandes wording cast and yet wine the especially so far as

LIVES

class left wing working withdrawal labour is con- political organisations. , but to act as centres of information". witn mutinies in tne army When the mines were handed strikes in the police and many back owners of struggle miners Tine irom waves and the miners following July ane orners to contero wild.

It IS were threatened with wage cuts, not surprising that during 1920, Cabinet discussed 'military Ministe Lne

LOVE

Come ripe Alane 18 let insurrection', including in the they might take Private Seps to secure the aid them in the lurch 'Thomas" said the Premier, ol a certam class or Cluele "Is all for ace... I have com- August 1920 a National plete in Council of Action was formed contidence by all the main organisations of When Hodges for the miners publicly expressed a willingness to compromis the division government wanted. anu l wai exploited to the full. On 15 March 1921 the miners were left fight on 'Black Friday'. alone. nas was As the Prime Minister and hi in an Secretary exchange of notes at the time It is not enough to have a good You have good cause. must leaders. 1921 and 1925 saw an ebb in the class struggle. ruling class was , Emergency now armed with an Powers Act and with a range oi strike-breaking machinery was carefully preserved through Labour govern- ment in 1924. The need for such powers grew more acute as the post-war problems of British • capitalism intensified, and the markets fo British goods, especially coal, contacted. The return to the gold stan- dard at the old rate further the increased prices and forced th reduction of living standards of those who produced for this market. this period Tory Prime Baldwin told the Minste miners that: SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday Apri = 1980 Mass demonstration during the General Strike "All this even the most left wing of them the workers i settle- have got believed that a eduction of wages to help put around the just Was industry on its feet" COrner became more and more nue Arthur cook. decretar clear to the Tories, however, of the Miners Federation that they would have to enforce Great Britain and in • many ways show-down, a genuine militant, while public.

exemplary Not a preferably with the miners, in ly repeating the , slogan order to bring this about penny off the pay, not a second July 1925, 'Red on the day, in private was pre Friday' when the Triple pared to suggest compromises o!

Alliance all kinds togethe WILl engineers threatened to come in 21 1926 Cook April the together protect spoke of a 'national minimum cutting, Baldwin was not only Tom ware with ouses • above i but also with minuses below it" compellea to retreat lor a time So prom ty no aby Or 2 he even admitted to the Prime Minister Secretary May "the

FION

• word revision would ThaT ease matters if it was under country stood instead of reduction" prepared districts divided into military

IMFGB

President Herbert mith. betore Ine werera duikt of food distribution and other was even over mentioned wage tasks within each one cuts for miners between 10 and The semi-official Organisa- 15% The tion fact

CIOT

Mantenand what however Supplies recruited retired army much even the most militant of officers, members prepared to umon lcduci compromise, this was

NOT COOI

and other disaffected sections of the ruling class the middle class into a strike. Baldwin his Though breaking force government negotiated right ul months the During to the last moment in the hopt these union leaders would trade union leaders did nothing that the to prepare for forthcoming make major concessions once impossible struggle. In their heart of hearts they became tIls

SULTALIST PRESS.

simply seized on the pretext of Mail workers reruse to orml a lyine. surike- breaking editorial to leave toe

TUC

negotiators standing alone the outside Downing dark •treet racea

WIEN

Ine Lask leading all-out struggle against the go govern- ment's strike-breaking machetegrams ento sopt ation.

were the regional civil commissioners set uP илиС! preparations containing Ine single word 'Action'. who them received Immediately knew what to do. all naval ana millary leave was moved London and were • Centres all infantry

TWO

natalions marched through Liverpool with full helmets, rifles equipment. Battleships Ramillies The battleships and Barham were recalled from The atanic neer ano anchoreo the Mersey. Warships were also in the Tyne, anchored Clyde the Humber. and a allu Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Middlesbrough and Harwich. one mutary were usea lor various They were plain clothes infiltrate the strikers and report any endence.. •o scamon and They were also used in break enormous nun Dens the very effective picketing of the London docks. night, into into tyi rrlday were moved docks from the river and the following 105 lorries morning containing food and Dural unl armeo soiders ana accompanied by armoured cars. The reporter from the New York worla tnougnt lat tills supported activity was 'enough artillery to kill every living thing in the neighbour- hood' Over the week end of x-y My thee sere to se police against crowds strikers

DARL

London, in Plymouth, Swansea, Southsea, Nottingham, Middles borough, Newcastle and in Hull were re were ass acc 41 hospital admissions. crowd tried unsuccessfully rescue ITom lal. there were violent scenes over four or five nights in Edinburgh Communist literature Early the following week many numereds or surikers were arrested, often for nothing more copies of Com- than possessing munist Party literature. British une government s Gazette, edited by Winston Churchill, notified members of the Mayany action which they may take find it necessary to aid the endeavou Civil Power will receive hoth and afterwards the full now. support of His Majesty's govern- ment". There many other c aspects of the events 'nine days which it would need an entre book to deserve For example, there were the interminable and self-deceptive efforts of Thomas and the other alieve 'settlement' and there was the pathetic sight of the leaders of ine most powertul action in the history of the British wo:KIns class Downing trooping sireet on 2 Mav to announce their unconditional surrender.

But mass of workers showed createa courage and inventiveness than this. On 13 May, there were more of them on strike than on the day 'against fought tenaciously of trade union conditions.

this they largely were despite being aban SuCCeSsTuE doned by their leaders. The failure of the union for the leaders vivale General was Closely linked to the methods they used to limit it once it go forms the bevmn or lne strongest voice The uts Organising Committee and he determined that all was should be made Gees ons hy une unons themselves. even on a local level Thomas what salu the struggle he "dreaded about

THOTE

E1712 presumably (including Great! that power "should have was the hands of those got out of who were ade to exercise some The acavines or te leaders during the strike simply effective sabotaged operati Wellingborough the Secretarv of the Building Ttades Federation went to a meeting where he found that: affiliated each secretary was on pianorm wim me differently worded excn with instructions" The Swansea strike commit- Sent d messace to mec on 8 May which said: being "Telegrams at intervals, canceling received one amonder someo pv renders o different unions... is govern- concocting conflicting ment mislead lererrals Committee?" Such a situation could not and be allowed continue, some important centres such as Leeds rival strike struggle, tulsival generally socakine local Llaue unionists pooled their resources, no does orders and tup bodies joint often under counce ol achon Stalinists spell out reformist strategy Scabs at work on London Docks TUC leader Len Murray's why has not i single capitalist frank confession that he and over from earner strugsies Many stratcoy oi them then issued his right wing colleagues permits movement The answer is of course that "would not know what to issued strike it is a utopian Most do with the power" if a avoids the reality of the capital- outetins. against une wisnes or revolves around the falling rates crisis the TUC Strike brought General sicilla! Some set up defence squads down the Tories has drawn of profit which can only De or organised mass picketing, and out an equal confession of stemmed through the most ruth result bankruptcy from the Com- capital from the strike-breaking author.

munist Party. and brutal attacks on the work- ities in their areas ing class It remained a major fear of editorial politely entitled A word in your car, such facts Undaunted by the unIon however, the Star blunders on.

Done on day the ste Dukes later caine dor import controls ana.

Morning Star offered Murray a strike in a show of radicalism for: day pro- suggestions of what could "steps to control the power the and cecoeu speaks vermes on the CP of the giant multinational com authority was of that dispute volumes on out of the hands . of passing nanies when nave been cas nationalism and outright oppos havoc to the economic and responsible Executives and into social fabric of the country.

on revolutionary soclausa the nands o men or no aumor According to the Star, there ity, no control, no responsibil (emphasis added) • Whatever happened 1ly. "no shortage of ideas amon old Marxist call (dating back t worke Deode as to wilat ure the Communist Manifesto) for Councils of action should do to counter the offen- the "expropriation the sive against their rights : nationalisa- living standards currently in full The councils of action and swinor Mns Thatchers behest".

Ton or maor austry bank. local strike committees certainly and trusts without compensa- and many workers increasing tion under workers' manage- anarchy and destruction of the within the working menl. which the movemen

LOBES C-OE

and they General Strike.

LOOK

Whatever happened to the of tasks which the are the is econo detaine range economy? Evenin its casionat banned

SOCHITS

the movement simply leaders of tion of the need for a socialist dreams of what it would do it Trea to lenore There has often been a myth planned economy. given the power, the Communist put forward about the councils by particularly such revolutionary demands: it Nationalist completely dedicated to a strike they 'exercised complete Not so the Stalinists of the poncy or plecemeal rerorms control over their areas' or even Far from To make this quite clear the Communist Party. article goes on to call for: socialist poncies

HITS

"expanding and adequately suggestion for the exercise of financing, (emphasis added).

by the TUC is to state power he ougue sector o industry import natonaisl The private controhe steelworkers... would sector. can therefore assume. will be left to cash no doubt be able to come up prolitably with some sternaves eve l created oroslamme o pay mcreases ant of increased social security pay- oi steel pipes irom sapan The message is clear: in th the first act of CP's view workers government in Britain should be to stick tne bool into steelworkers in Japan! A similar nationalist note is struck oy Ine diar s suggestio that "the British people" should

TUC

get out of "Brussels rich Common Illall s MaTKet Socialists make no such con- thes advocate a withdrawal from the art anorom NAlu as bat ol internationalist policy mobilise designed workers Baldwin europe struggle to destroy these capital- hernative develop of gobryo alliances and establish alternative socialist united states of Europe.

ment. Ine mass CommunIs It is true that such possibli- Parties in France and Italy fully ties were implicit in the situa- support the Common Market!

ton. I ney mignt even be said lo grasped for by the striker ir shouted 'we Tinkering South London who masters now atter a youl blackieg bus. Moreover socialists unlike the stalinists recoonise that ine become reality because • On British crisis capitalism quite simply there was nobody few resolved cannot by al a mere to volt une way cu doministercu develop beyond such by parliamentary Labour possibilities. The struggle to government-whether right wing an alternative state power Can wal carried The Morning Star commit through in a spontaneous way, ted to the reactionary perspec without conscious leadershp tive of Joseph Stalin's British In order to explain this point Road Socialism th Parliamentary alzucs necessary

TO CO

precisely for consider in some detail the road activities revolutionaries • It argues for an end

DESPCHILY

Dee cock eneral to unemployment not inrougn Strike and the views of their lationalisation but through activities have been put that and benefits

DOUSIN

yay forwaru since ullal lillie.

to creale Purcilasing power tor goods" Why didn't either the Continued next issue or Tory leaders think of Labour that? If such solutions are avail through capitalism an e ments or the 1% mimon unem Doved Even these minimal demands under the Tories, the ( P admit But incy are poncies wmen the Star feels could be implemented . not by a Communist govern ment but by "a new kind of This Labour government is Road to must mobilised, declares the Star, to aereat ine tory allack an ensure that: "a new Labour government left fights programme, win neco pressed to implement real chạnge" is hard to believe that such rhetoric-consideradiy les: rousing and militant than many Tribune from succules urouD-comes om a barly la waves the stolen banner In offering such sympatheti voros nine er oi Len Murray the ( P run no risk of irigntening him and thus upsetting their relationship with working ine trade mon bureauclary risk of alienating the „readi dorkers number militant youth misguidedly OO k Morning • Star and the CP as a thei revolutionary answer to probems in ine nont against unc Tories Conspicuously the Star itselt -like Murrav -also

TOILS.

make any calitor an all-ou General Strike to bring down the Tories: the political fight for such a perspective and lor socialist programme and government falls now workers Trotskyist revolutionaries ir the labour movement.

CHANG

COURS

NOW

TUC leaders on March 9 rally

Page 10

INDUSTRIAL NEWS

Scots' safety strike This 280 boilermakers and had broken their contracts and workers 190

GMWU

would forfeit holiday bonuses engaged in building an oil for the next six months. The rig platform at Hunterston, demanded that the still remain sus- Ayrshire, workina week de increasca hol.

pended after four weeks by 40 04 EN the stewards their: employers, Chicago Bridge Company. Coule 11( ( demands a no remain suspended. 'The issues at stake are the totally inadequate solidarity arrangements on the site. On the crucial question of satety 1s essential. A conference of repes- last the management, of after. being lecturca production and representative of the Health and Satety Executive decided to give Tries thrash out way to the men s demands and conditions and wages. of But demanded Message that in return the shop stewards had cont in ine onvenors olIce accept InU

WOIKUIS

Marine engaged Ino usilla Site, Hunterston, Ayrshire.

anton.

JOIN THE

WSL!

the With workers' by avance trade union taking the thousand Tory oppose policies there is plainly parliament. The lack of militancy the In League organised working class. ment fighting day Yer the existino trade union bureaucrats and Labour leaders -whether right or 'left' -have in Britain those perspective preparad fight affiliated WorKers detence

1OOS,

Ivilly caros social services ano ucmu committee cratic rights. reconstruction can only be defended International and policies which start through the independent Trom •т tne working cidss acainst imperiosl internationa cidss the parasitic nothing to gain and everything cracies the to lose from attempts to restore the profitability of their "own" Socialist Press In a period where the contra.

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WOIKCIS

the Tories, have called for a Maximum strike on May 14, with this dispute one-day

TUC

leader Len even Murray has been forced to workers in declare that: related indus- people needed "We want all the out on that day that the unions programme on can get out. We want the unions and people to take the support to encourage of donations should for purposes off protest." Construction For someone as reluctant as Murray to use the word probably as close as we 1n1s 1s are likcly to come lo nealine a call for all-out action on that workers • Devono protest women's politics and illusions that capit- Bi-monthly the Workers of alism can be abolished througn paper Socialist League. Avail- Workers socialisi is a Trotskyist move. able price 18p (includ- in and day ing postage) from WSL; out to build such a principied BM Box 5277, London leadership in the working class

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RED YOUTH 19

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$277, Box Six months (25 issues). One year (50 issues) • May 14: make it the start of real action The TUC rejected a resolu- the 1926 General Strike ton trom ine nor icaacisip asking instruct all trade -arguing unionists to stop work that such a call would contlict with the rules of some affiliated ly betrayed see pare stoppage today's TUC Boilermakers membership call is clear Yet. General Strike with both the NUR and ASLEF Transport and down the lory government • join General Workers Union boemiserike antonie and with and As tn e SOGAT already pledged union pointed las est public strike national and avoid

DOTL.

daily papers will grind to a halt all) .UU wa. promises to be the government's downfall". On

WOMAN

gence of

WORKER

woman worker * Tories attack housing and jobs...

KICK

THEM OUT WITH

A GENERAL STRIKE!

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SOCIALIST PRESS, Wednesday April 2 1980 TUC leaders on March 9 rally biggest strike movement since . the only paralle. General Strike was ignominous nowevel the TUC leaders 1980 May reoresents a move : leaders to release militancy avoid the Incennte action to bring Anxious Financial Times • Murray was anxious to impression that the for the the TUC afraid the SOGAT leader Keyes Tories themselves of the emer- the organised working class in a mass movement of confrontation with this govern- ment. would Such movement bureaucratic geoparals control and privileges officials, whose power union between the rests on balancing strength of the workers and that of the employers Beaten back 14- The fact that May efforts-reach despite Murray's the proportions of a General bureau- that the strike shows cracy can be beaten back: in the the recos or a0 next period it oush forward the alternative, revolutionary leader- and for all-out indetinit ship General • Strike action to bring down the Tory government.

NUR leader Weighell

DON'T GO INTO

THE FIGHT BLINDFOLD!!

SOCIALIST

For a £2.00 GE clear

PRESS

lead in the £4.00 'strusgle against £8.00 wage control, cuts £14.00 and redundancies Send your chaque/P.O. to £9.00 Socialist Press, BM Box 5277, £16.00 London WCIV 6XX. £10.00 {18.00

HOW WE FOUGHT OUR

WAY INTO THE STRIKE

ASTMS DO-NOTHING DISPLAY

SOCIALIST PRESS,

: When did you Socialist Press. start pickemg. EB: Well we put our name down Socialist Press interviews Sheffield steel pickets day one-but let's put it from Enid Beever, Sylvia Taylor and Ann Dawson on only been on we've InIS way. the role of women on the picket lines in the steel the bicker len weeks Socialist Press: Why is that?

the beginning of the strike. want the office SUlIKE women involveu Socialist Press: How did you get involved? looked forward to us coming.

him a line. said Well first thing they We did, but never heard any- It's changed their whole atitude sand- was that we could make to us as women, they take us on AD Yes, that's all they thought Same with Benn. ine lever we are There's no chance of any of the fellas on the picket saying we were cood 101: EB: I just kept going down and Socialist Press: Have the leader- give up your job you're just a ship sold you out in other ways?

saying you've got to get woman. I just kept they must have to organised. They wouldn't want to and women the wages we've wouldn't dare. have settled tor asking what ! could do. 1 lcy just replied 'no women on the Mind you, there's still those been getting settled for the 2% instead of They'd have picket line' stuck at home 3U0 if they'd had their way. Then they gave me a job to on the picket line, InelE S instance-we do-to contact all the men on iccounting for them a ney started a fight with the manage.

the picket lists who weren't on it but if they try night still say the telephone when they were we'll turn around and say ment on an equal pay issue- only half men's were on the picket line-where women necaca lor uuly This was only after we had a were you?' onus for the same jo meeting with some Ne had great discussions EB: ve never won i oi couc said under pressure present who on the picket, matters that they organised could get we never knew women InoukIll ine salu already signed for the about on politics. union could nave a sman corner m ne picket office to help them out.

bonus rates"! things show they belllic the jobs. They said they wouldn't enforce worst vou as a moral class you as one of them, like Then I got the picket lists redundancy but you know how they 've given etere's swedlllls for my job and I found out the because avoiding number of women who had put , they were Most got fed up, "ladies" present. lead on how to fight their names down tor duty given no and na na enousa o worku them all and we all went out to with broken down machinery the picket line at Socialist Press: Up to the strike and low pay. nero did think of the was a leadership of the thion? Some were offered redeploy.

Havden Nylos. Wildt great response to that. ment. 1 was. I wantea to nigni EB: They never did nowt! AD: It was Sheerness that really.

the closures and | went up to ST: They put up no fight at all my official and sad: "I'm fight turned them to defend jobs- school kids". valley ing for jobs for Sheerness. It was EB. Un yes, He said "Why don't you give arranged that a group of women oi between tour debatenes up your job-you don't need it would go down the day after 4-500 jobs were closed-stain the mass picket to confront the less, umbrellas, light springs and you're a woman!" You'd get a lot of that too 'back to work'

WIIU

bar na ou. all from the men you worked with were abusing ; our pickets. They were neativ persuading they women's jobs. That many jobs There's very few women in the But no and we in just one valley went with union! That's hardly surprising. were allowed to go on the mass fight at all-just sold down the There's one local ISTC secretary and that was the picket Now we're out fighting we're in BSC who firmly holds the changing point. why they women shouldn't work stand our They US oemaname o now view lifted ground with the men as never finger. anyway. Tney 1 IC There's no lead given by the and down-and answers are pitiful kicked us make no mistake those SPG can declare they just didn't officers to get women along to They know it was closing, and then won't stop you kick! meetings-they "well joining-they'!! -at right; but they 'Y do But we took it as good as the Inev say ally way laxt rest of them and after that the members lere willing to take money men accepted us, gave us picket redundancy. no thing for you. not till we were buti no duty the well same as anyone eise we and now they've got me on the we d «One Wildl Socialist Press: Do you see this strike committée itself thought we could. Ne'd met strike as just on wages! What's Moss Evans at a Socialist the arress, AD: No definitely not, not from funetion and told him about the to you now on the point of view closures: he picket? toid US

NOT

We see it as a fight on jobs- worry about our jobs, just drop ST: Terrific-they've really With their members in the Health Service increas- ingly demanding union action to oppose spending and defend jobs and cuts standards, the rightward- moving ASTMS bureaucracy last week tried to siphon off holding stage-managed "conference" militancy on the NHS. It took place, appropriatels nough, at London Zoo mem- To ensure the NHS bers did not have too much say the bureaucracy brought along non-NHS twice Orme Jenkills confer- Party. The task of the officials Our lask was simoly lo calli was virtually paign for the next cabour dec aree Jerkis. Was ensure that tnere more think about what policy government give no time lot aiscussion Clive Jenkins introduced the employ. priority to the Stan Orme MP, admit that the shadow conference and the tone by Jenkins health followed Tory "resources applied that the ov the as ministel government were not enough" brought with a tub thumping altack on could only meni "a firm com- Tories-but also managed to the but called only for down by a split from within its say there should be action. own ranks. mitment"

1TOM

RING DEPARTMENT

the future of our a fight for country-not for today, tomorrow Sheffield steel. vOu have steel you don't have onelliek it links wale into evertying-into BI ana ine Close steel and mulo. Just Con and Bilion the wal will go in with the whole que kids of cuts. wn) ecucate on the dole to stand the schools cut the! ana we ena up will a serapia, mistake it's the rank and file not the leadership fighting this strike strike has only gone on so long because they daren't sell us down the river. But, eventually they'll try to do it. from NHS employees. Willis, Deputy General Secretary of the TUC, who has the same inability to speak as all top TUC bureaucrats. Willis hoped that the points in muddled speaking

JOST

would be made up for in his sincerity. delegate fron as one But Yorkshire said: "I didn't travel 200 miles to nina out ine near Lunch was then laid on- with wine and lots of other alcohol liberally provided at a cost of over £6 per head in a designed to make move coherent discussion even more diticult and keep ngn lvillg around for the afternoon session! The final platform speaker was Stalinist Red Bird, ASTMS National Officer responsible fo at last mentioned what Press: What do you Socialis think of blll sirs. AD: We went to Swindon Houso bortom or the saied shoute lobby stayed 20% -no strings. Sirs came down with saying we fingers cars, were giving him a headache -ay it's not re'll have gets What now cana union leader also de asr What happens when a picket him for comes breaking the law on the line? Moss Socialist erress. A nU Evans? Ah he he well thought militant the could play ast vear. with ine lory anver dispute and Fords-you know new broom sweeps clean doesn't

NOW

than six stand inches mole nigh Him Sirs could have and won this strike in the first week if they'd brought out the private sector and had a working TGWU he thought were the practica ideas of what members should They were: political pressure on Conservative MPS.

*Look at our relations with Community Health Councils

CATC

and Regional "Uet TUCs to see how relates AHA and RHAs and the trad union members on them practical *Give moral and upport to NHS member: partic ularly if you are in the NHS *Get active in local politics.

There was-at last-time for discussion: : Many socanvis stressed the need not to rely on the Labour Party and pointed to the last Labour govern- ment did. Others asked why we should before doing walle anything. Ore Socialist Press supporter- reminded the conference of ASTMS policy for the

NHS

adopted at Conference five years ago which directive stopping all lorries.

They're supposed local dispensa have any what's Weve

LON.

IOOK

do? What you out now 13½ weeks been sti and we've had Thatcher to go the whole thing alone.

What do Sink of the strike call at BLY°" encratest press. ST: A bit bloody late! would have been bettel

ADIT

if they'd come our week on with The us. make bloody it they'li tri sure we're sed to to i Tones Can't us they've broken every- break one's back? is: . *Reversal of all cuts of £1,000 million into the NHS. *NHS financing to increase with inflation. *Elected trade union com- mittees to look into the day to and oi the Area •2v тur01e Regional Health Authorities.

*The abolition of all private medicine. The response of the platform to this challenge was to totaily ignore everything said by that speaker -who had also called for of the conterence nanonal

ASTMS

NEID

discuss the various disputes the para-medical staff are involved in as wel as tre curs "answered by estions Other went question the

NHS

une members together was totally and obviously ignored then was closed and speakers left-probably return- ing to the reptile house at the

LOO.

U.S. READY TO

PRESS

EL SALVADOR:

SLAUGHTER

Last week's assassination of Oscar Archbishop Arnulfo Romero by right- wing terrorists was reputed in the bourgeois press to have taken the 'centre' out of Salvadorean politics. In a fit of collective amnesia 'serious' papers omit to say the that Romero, despite his past as a reacuonary ceric and mis con tinued denunciations had forced by violence, evens to sue wan ine ical. l denounce the junta, to exnon soldiers to disobey orders 'con- conscience' and to their Lialy "the

SUDDOT

liberty" Romero was liquidated because the 'centre" precisely he disappeared and nad one else more Thar anvone of em petty the radiate an petty class conflict putalises reacnes une case full-scale civil war. behind Insurrection core. was staunch opponent of the adven- prelate the the left; In killing turism of Ine right aimed provoke the strongest advocates ol strategy of Ponular kevommonary coordm- the leist me on also of _organisations Chacon was by no leftist, mass

FAPU;

L-28

ITOISKYISL,

uN into callne tor an immea- FLN and the enabling peasant base, the latt army to unleash its long awaited physically exterminate the left but inere Is One small but critically personal this important along

LO I

occured last Friday when right respect or all revolutionaries general secretary of the 70,000- Popular Revolutionary constant troop movements there *Reconstruct the Fourth International!

Speakers from the WSL and TILC sections Caxton House, St John's Way, Archway, London N.16.

Tickets £1

SOCIALIST

LEFT WINGERS

LIBERTAD

ALMI

DEL

JUAN CHACON

SU

FAMILIA

American demonstrators in solidarity with struggles in El Salvador one of the prime has been no call for an uprising.

the Coordina- The Coordinadora has instead declared itself on a "war reconniscu and and one of 300,000 union members out on an 8-day general strike. 'prolonged people's Mobilise This political action, like the influenced by general strike of March 17 ArKS Strong which workers lost their his politics were further intended those of petty bourgeois radical- to mooise me Dall Salvador while the left builds up no doubt that military strength for bravery ano struggle imochune wal Vance-with against imperialism deserves the false piety - repudi- nauseating Romero slaughter besnite the cean or over a ales people last week and (in fact Vance is one of those primarily responsible for Trotskyist International Liaison Committee Public meeting Saturday 12 April at 2.30 *For a full discussion on the crisis of the world Trotskyist movement.

Published by Folrose Ltd for the Workers Socialist League, BM Box 5277, London WC1V 6XX. Printed by Anvil Printers, London Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Workers Socialist League continuing inside at the Conference held by Ireland. Held in Islington day 29 March. the attracted delegate. CLPs and other visitors Jock Stallard discussion with particular refer Commissior on mination imperialist brutality) stallall say hypocrisy separated Labou Guatemal from the bolcle. Party ana ine ing. Troops out samuent AssemDIy „take demanded ellari. VIr Socialist Press issue with suce a Derspecuive This not

ANDY

making • recora meetings,

EL SA

being pala to alstupi and countless other killings in Rhodesia, supporting removal or p Iran tne country), in military aid pouring long before the Junta million credits of s/ camps receive the formal support of torture, murder, Congress. computer files, etc new tanks are much only in evidence in the city and Us ing with oppressed: it is crucial tha mobile training teams (Mis direct the 'white continue terror' ('agrarian reform) in the stressed. In countrys de summing 4 ven the sundav daoes nave claimed to now felt • constrained to make out now cemanc nervous references to Vietnam.

that the initiate a debate Cuban arms? ticated enough to one resolution Washington attacked settle for a for shipping arms to the drawal" Cuba the Honduras- lelt througn , and Junta itself has denied this there little evidence

LCI

Draft Statement Castro has performed this ele internationalist task. mentaly

FSLN

Equally leadership which itself received minimal military support from making the Cuban Stalinists, is onlv verbal gestures of support despite reported pressure on it by the rank and file Lose control 12:19m COSt COntIO Salvador as well as Nicaragua it would face a major oppositional bloc in Central America and the likelihood can be seen. Guatens scenario is sas. utterly scenario "domino theorists" of Washingtor will bathe El Salvador in before looking over their blood the shade of shouldcIs SE Asia. "Troops out" call from LLabour CLPs- A recent measure of the ution for the 1980 Labour Party Conference Stallard's leftward shift was emphatically Constituency encorsea o varous Labour Parties could be felt including all the speakers from the Troops Out Movement. "We must win camphored bat the Labour Committee on CanoriCu Battersea North delegate from on Satur-

CLP

the TOM's explicit conference approval. from however in me vote on unt Draft Statement of Aims, the led troops out now' position the won by 38 votes to 31. [Only ence to the 1921 Labour Party members were which allowed to vote]. recommended a clear selt-deter Lost position (long abandoned for Tory policies of But these prity Mode vote Model correctly pointed Resolution by Conterence our ine massive discrepancy, nol that wider margin policy on say With no ter statement d. from that ments The 1921 policy followed on concluded with Hills or sen aeter tollowing demanas mination accepted a year earlier *A break with bipartisan- Independent ship; An end to partition Scottish lUC. and achieved by mass campaign- *reater understanding o the vie poofy and cour policy and commitment ov une next cavour coveracu Cominal the immediate and uncon- This led to even the Parlia hdonomic involvel mentary Labour Party demand- and for a Con- ment in Ireland. *Ihe curren *Opposition to the policy o criminalisation • sucn a stance prisoners, and support for thei ensuing debate, camazi lor stall. Opposition to repressive legisla- tion measures like the PTA "The Labour Party is already This conference represents to Clause Four and an astoric wrang vomt on unt all kinds of wonderful things in question of Ireland within social principle, but never in practice massive and democracy. question ponuca Maut azallis and updating imperialism must brought Labour's policies, but involve.

home to every section of the a complete break with its anti-socialist and imperialist Labour Party GMC's must endorse tne cam , with resolutions for next paign discuss Labour Party Conference refused to Ireland and accused hecklers of Sanction busting

NOW OUT

URKEY

He reminded delegates of the sanction-busting

NOTHER

Shah in Ireland its political status for pontical prisoners, Is concentre Diplock Courts, censorship and "It is a question of identify the oppressors or the fight for troops out now", he Stallard up troops the conferencé had and be sophis agree • just ano

WSL

pamphlet on the situation in Turkey When the issue was raised in including BM p&p the form of amendments to the Box 5277, London WCIV 6XX Aims and then the Draft Model Resol

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