Socialist Press no. 243

Double blow to Tory authority

NOW FORCE

PRESS

Affiliated to the Trotskyist International Liaison Committee

SANDS ELECTED

The Honourable Mem- for ber of Parliament Fermanagh/South Ty- rone could well be dead before the end of the month. And Tner leaders of the British labour movement will bear a heavy responsibility. census enumerator." Bobby Sands, 42 days on In acts lal une vole hunger drew for Sands was, as the record-

UVCI

30,000 votes from the officer ing was nationalist people declare a vole lor a canul- last date standing quite clearly as WIlL Thursday's by election. a republican "Anti H Block Those votes were votes candidate Harry. West; and Recognition imperialist rule. They were therefore also As such it was a vote for votes against the Thatcher

D0 1T1C2

against Srisoners a demand lit Sands and other British those anle trade union leaders who con- Labour eduesill lave tinue through their "biparti consistently opposed. support that It was a recognition that salt Doncy LO government in its policies of the

SULLIC LULICS

military repression in the six struggle by counties of Ireland. movement to liberate Ireland from imperialist rule is more Indeed for the whole acceptable Than period of Bobby Sands' violence of the prior to the sectarian state machine and hunger strike British labour election ine the kritish army walch man- bureaucracy willingly collab- tain the oppression of the the conspiracy of Catholic orated in minority in the North. silence that naa blacked out media coverage It is for this reason that came as such The only exceptions had Sands' victory been blou witch nunn neavy speeches designed to isolate Thatcher government and its both the hunger strikers and Loyalist hangers-on. that might mutants nadi attemoted . In campaign for their support ways to minimise the repub- in the British workers' move- lican vote by: cynical murder of *The Typical was the reaction- Mrs Mathers, the speech from Labour's only ary enumerator Northern Ireland spokesman perore The electon. Don Concannon only hours killing, immediately denied voters went to the by the IRA, was plainly a before provocation pous in rermanagn. des gree "A vote for Sands means frighten nationalist approval for the perpetrators out of backing Bobby Sands.

The Mountoatten anu *Pacino restrictions oi Warrenpoint murders and all coverage of press the other senseless murders campaign -refusing him that have taken place over ngnt to speak arrect to the years, including press from his hospital bed une latest brutal and inhuman in Long Kesh. killing of Mrs Mathers, the *Persistent police harass-

SOCIALIST

* Weekly paper of the Workers Socialist League * No. 243 * 16 April 1981 * 20p

POLITICAL

STATUS!

ment of Sands' campaign strength government workers canvassing the con- sutuency -contiscating

DUD

licity material and arresting working class. dump We only are

DUPPULLCID

mem on so aree swerches or moral duty Despite this filthy cam- paign or sabotage, imperial- inTerest. In suffered a severe jolt in the election. the The demand for political Ireland, status has been shown to defeat of the carry mass support in the six and forcing which countes.

OL-STITSI

It should-after six weeks six counties. Bobby Sands' hunger Bobby strike-by loud also live nOW ' long ringing hen British violent throughout the labour movement. due. But ratner moan suoDor Bobby Sands, his fellow strikers, the repub- take this vicious lican prisoners on The blanket in Long Kesh and the Armagh oppressed Catholic minority, the labour bureaucracy have nailed their colours to the mast of support for the Tory the British armed forces and the sectar.

They ian statelet with its police and paramilitary apparatus.

- several Witch-hunts Anyone who seeks census challenge this stance in the hours unions or the Labour Party This must not only persuade their workmates or fellow social ists but also run the gauntlet voters of savage witch-hunts iron right wingers, fake lefts and even Communist Party mem- Sands'

OCTS

Yet the fact is that by the challenging and weakening the British imperialism, republican movement 1s at the same time sapping the of the Thatcher election, then the blood of Bobby Sands' death savagely attacking the British will not simply and nanes orine •ories fighting Labour bureaucrats: it will British be on our hands too enemy. workers have not only a resolutions but a direct union and Labour Party pledging full support mate al assistance and solidarity to for te nunger surikers and anti-imperialist struggle their demand for political status! British army the maximum ience delegations and labour move- the withdrawa the ment banners TOODS TOn Hauona ucmonsuduun Sands has nọt by got called the Nationa Block/Armagh Committee for April 26 in London! support and to build a cam- paign against British imper- *Mobilise pickets, lobbies and publicity campaigns to ialism is already long over- break the wall of silence and If we do not as socialists astor ton mal surounes me hunger strikes and blanket fight with angel protest! renewed urgency in the wake laws running youth. picture own judge Budase as Mass support for the hunger strikers in the six counties TIOn

DEMONSTRATION

US hands off El Salvador! March and Rally-Saturday April 25 Assemble at 12.30 pm at Speakers Corner Speakers include Michael Foot, Ken Gill, Eric Heffer, Alan Sapper, Salvador Moncada (FDR)

BRIXTON

ERUPTS!

them of gratuitous violence, Brixton did not exper- race riots last Trame up or racist When Peach was fair and Sunday. Saturday beaten to death, the interna White youth fought the police inquiry failed to catch police side by side with policeman WnO murdered him. Naturally. blacks, who were in the The police and the media majority. talk of black paranoia and For the most part, white say the problem is one o people went unmolested. "bad communications". it was an explosion of But it is the black people are against me Brixton and against the rotting and proper judges of their own decaying capitalist system experience with the police.

une police aetena and per- sonify to the youth The need for the labour was revolt against movement to assume TUll the racist "forces of law anc responsibility for order" who stalk the streets interests of the workers and of Brixton wielding the Sus uke a clue-ana wield SocIalIst - Press propose ing ordinary clubs too-in a Lambeth labour black war with should be *Ine DOlICE withdrawn immediately Last vear Lameln coun cil commissioned a report on from Brixton relations police/community *black/white labour movement patrols should be alarmie of the relationship up as community self- between the police and black vout in e ared special provision Nothing was done about be made to allow have it. In these affairs nothing fullest involvement by black community groups. ever is. ine sonce are a law unto themselves. *The Lambeth labour They should immed. retain the anti- movement democratic right to be theil ater take steos to start such prosecutor, jury and patrols. They are neeced well as being the now-and not least against thugs in blue any investiga- racist

LENC

uniforms. InTO charges against

STALINISTS GIVE BOOST

TO GISCARD CAMPAIGN

Page 2 "I am standing in this election as a citizen-can- didate not a president- candidate. I will not use my position as president to gain unfair advantage candi- the other over dates." So said Giscard d'Estaing I a lu minute item on the news very reminiscent of the Giscard Queen's Speech Christ- Inas Like all his other promises, he has not had any intention of keeping this one. Giscard has over his last sevel veds or once deve - oped in pomposity and aspir.

ations to King the rlance. His arrogant attitude to the struggles of workers and ine growing num ders unemployed; his glittering visits to Black Africa and his detence and boosting of the "greatness of France and ul national his belated here attempts at ordinariness.

The French Presidential elections take place in two rounds, the first being on 26 April and the second round run-off between the two best-placed candidates. It is worth looking at the He has still to live down record of Giscard since 1974 his iriendship with emperor if there can be see Bokassa, now proved to be credibility

UROSE

a cannibalistic murderer and "reform' elements The ush, dictator or te impoverisnea President's party, Central African Republic. wilo say in a new seven yea Desperately embarrassed term reforms would be revelations of his Tne carried out. acceptance 'presents' of worn nunreus or Right wing thousands of francs, Giscard has attempted the the daily such Seven years ago Giscard LE PICos. stood platform Monce. colti orders His latest attempt to "reform' "change". "open- and dazzle the electorate has ness" proclaimed his intention "governing: in just Deen une signed with the West German the centre" government in a blatant pre- But in fact his term has represented classic right crechon manoeuvie. His boosting of trade Soviet Union and with the Like Thatcher in Britain, has .he carried nus tensi such Vul. imperialist puppet of US collusion Raymond WiLL policy say the Barre, the Prime Minister, a British of major attacks on government has paid off. policy Ine workers movement. "Support" Unemployment mion with the now nearly two Pravda has divided its heaviest lou being exacica between

SUO DOTE

among youth. the Communist Party candi- The rise in prices, rents date and Giscard abecause or his solidarity and social sel vice Chardes driven command toreign poncy down the conditions Clearly the Kremlin's so- The workers. laws which called "support" proposed akive been Marchais is inst ritual restrict civil liberties have led thiPresumably in the second to massive repression (partic- immigrants).

TERS

ensorship of the press and the candidates will doubtless be Giscard Mitterand, antised and those the Socialist Party candidate the bureaucrats in Moscow an ine vote ice Gres: Tie PI:. .2..= Third choice Visai Bewitne brought =:: coiliven with anti- led CGT union if Mitterand Idea demonstrators. is elected. needed offer HE 135 Since Giscard sees Mitter- and as his main rival to the Washington and throne he has centred his his diplomacy attack on him. "It seems me meets vi dial which he has set there three issues French concerning the Mitterand Chirac Marchais and CP leaders march in support of Mayor of Vitry people-peace unity and work. My listeners (at elec- tion meetings) have under stood the and importance he precision of my plan for jobs. They do not want dema- gogic or illusionary wons our a wel mount out methodical, calculated, plan. This allusion to Mitterand's woolly propos- als. He has put forward a 1. Selective regeneratin of the economy. 2) An organised reduc- tion to 35 hour week 3. A large national invest- ment for industry. 210,000 public sector jobs of social 5. Reduction service charges. 6. An active and concer- ted politics of wages and

OOS.

This is linked with "six measures for social justice" which lIKe system, revon or the day of VAT and taxes on large fortunes Mitterand has also cam- for a reduction in paigned the retirement age Party poo bolms to deal capitatist problems the capitalist economic crisis and nas pul forward a classic reformist position. Allegiance Mitterand has, however, over last the seven years gained the alleg large sections very Party has 2m0%

HEST

out the genera rice Because of the illusions SP now vested important sections the and middle classes working Willar Mitterand vote

TOT

emerged as the best placed workers' party candidate.

Larchais Laguiller Electoral for support Mitterand would secure position where demands workers can make of the SP break fröm their illusions and create better conditions for the develop- ment not betray that trust. Giscard is also challenged from Lne gal by a strong contender Chirac who has concentrated on economic tor the renegotiatior of the Treaty of Rome and for monetary stability The citizens of Paris have for large unwillingly pald Saturday April 4-the day they caught Mario Moretti-was Mr for Rognoni "the finest day of my life since I became Minister of the Interior".

Mario Moretti, long time best known the leader Red Brigades, las for years been Italy's most wanted until police person captured him in Milan For nearly a decade the small left-wing orcausations nave snubocu the authority of Italy's polit- rulers-most notably held hostage and when they then killed Christian Demo cratic leader Aldo Moro two Judges, magistrates. gen- das and mmisers nave com in fea: of their lives. Politicall: course the polincal -nineti! divisions Lan. within me a cemo crat and parenter ind other parties government coalton Equally it is not terror- which ism represents SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981 conditions

GISCARD:

similar tilt workers The CP has tried to rally its mensers

7 TROUS EN PLUS

basis that the Party is now -deservedly-assalled from •all sides as a result of thei

A LA CEINTURE

reactionary campaign. Paid the price The Stalinist union con- federation, the

CGT,

has paid the price of the nev CP policy immigrant workers have left the union 1 and have joined either the SP-domin- union or the more right wing Ouvriere The CP will certainly lose votes and credibility because of its racist, class collabora- tionist policies The Presidential elections are always held up as being Unité contre Giscard l'austérité!

open to anyone to stand. This is the case Votez Alain Krivine 500 signatures from elected representatives are needed to

LIGUE COMMUNISTE REVOLUTIONNAIRE

Callulualt onto Ene ballot paper. Alain Krivine of the LCR "Giscard: tighten your belt 7 notches!"

(section of the United Secre- poster for ill-fated Krivine election campaign.

Larial ol •rourth inter national) failed to get numbers of posters around CP in Paris seems to have necessary number Paris calling him "A man of A vote in the first rounc ullu vallit problems created the should therefore be given to so Laguilles non. the The CP have completely Lutte Ouvriere group. French workers in France changed their election tactics the She is calling for "a vote organised in a way which must horris demonstration outside the Workers gice a lesson anthe defiance that many members who want to house of a Moroccan family be communists Montigny warmine to me leaders orina While mouthing many of accused of being drug major left parties". She makes it clear the same policies as the SP that she aoes peddlers. such as for a 35 hour week not think tne elections wul and reduction retire- Moralistic result in any real change in age-they ment nave made society the main plank of their cam- This has led to a moral- The reality of power is paign opposition to immigra istic, boy-scout type in the hands of those with approach youth hands of the LIon rrenc

ODS

to money, workers" French the "For youth and Marchais said, major tamies. in the hand growth of drug abuse, linked choose study, and inter

SDULL.

with struggle and not drugs" national monopolies. North African The Stalinists She particularly are : bases herself on the workers. directing • their campaign not interests of the working class From the time of the the round and on its needs to struggle Lactoric. organised workers as in the whatever candidate allack workers' hostel in Vitry, the past, but in the localities, wins the election -Short day for Rognoni hallmarks of a Red Brigade the safe of needs keeping working class. But terrorism attack and then died lawyer has So brought out Mr Rognoni's finest suadenv navng convenient day did, asse than ly failed to tell Bondoni who craven collaboration of But, worse that, the lawyer was! the Italy's dominant new storm clouds are gather- So the list is officially class party, the Communist ing for the Italian bourgoies- lost. But Bondoni Party. alres from the list for the already "remembered" Until a recent tactical "opposition" It is not only terrorism turn towards parliamentary enquiry. which continually the CP has consistentlv sun.

These 31 included the ported attacks on demo- mines the authority of the president the Senate bourgeois government-but cratic rights, in the form of Am intore Fanfani, also financial scandal. also the leader of the most an errors awe in its vociferous support scanda of the revolves around a list of 500 for repression of terrorists enristan Democralic farty Christian politicians-of the expresses stori Bondoni's list is a threat une bourgeois state only the Christian bemoenue a ouner Dartic not policy class betrayal -who had used accounts in Democratic political leaders : of the banks of Michele which assists groups like the one but also to the other parties, Sindona to illegally transfer since the first 31 also include recruit sections of the country a leading Socialist Party MP, Hunds ouT ol tne radical petty bourgeoisie to between 1972 and 1974. ulacomo Mancul 40 billion lire is alleged their false politics. to have been transferred in of all this the vrew politicians of both the bour- this way. It is little wonder that geois parties and of the CP Michele Sindona is now sections the Twille 25 jail serving ruling Would need san ore found relief if the arrest of sentence for fraud by the Republican Party Mario Moretti meant the end United States. which close the But his former right-hand nortemt mausma bourgeon rains alo would remon person Carlo sie -are trying to devise a Donuolli lld. been extradited from the US technocratic govern- and is now being interroga- ment win sewer Drolessona Unioriunate them. politicians in it, and includ- al all bally ballla however. had mentary enquiry. ing perhaps nominees of the The incriminating list of clean and key turned in relatively 1 reput- lock o 500. Bondoni admits, was in able Communist Party. Mano More s orson ccl than there were new terror- his possession but he entrus.

ist atfacks bearing all the

Reagan's successful SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981 re-entry As scientists worked arms and aid to the left wing against the clock to re- guerrillas in El • Salvador wire and reprogramme Reagan and Defence JOHN LISTER exam- the Space Shuttle, pray- Secretary Weinberger have ines recent political been ing almost as hard as the unable to produce sc much as a scrap of evidence.

would-be astronauts that developments in the On the basis of no more the glue succeeds in hold- wake of the abortive than bald asser LoTs ing its heat-shield Reagan team has accused the assassination bid. Stalinist leaders tiles, doctors were giving aiding Bush "world terror- the wounded President anu abetting ism". Reagan his clearance to It seemed that possibly lift off from the George foot in it with the other some uneisclosed inaustra Washington Hospital. members of the Reagan dispute had halted the CIA's forgery press-since not even team. Reagan successfully nego- To reestablish himself he une most lamsy mvoice tor tiated his first re-entry to the must now set out to accom- guns delivered to Salvador White House-to cheers from plish something in his field has been turned up world's lilcula- ol Us foreign policv. And in But a dratt • CIA report were Wille a period of acute political emerged that not nas now still glumly biting their nails crisis for imperialism, onlv fails support the there and dosing themselves with Administration's wild is noning more unreatening anti- than a US Secretary of State valum a ave ennev! but Dover megatons. However, while the Space setting actually pours cold water on out to accomplish Shuttle seems doomed them. somelling. disastrous failure before or His visit to the Middle soon after the completion of Poor quality East countown, une keagan

TOT

ine unnoly allance administration is far from Zionist armed with forces home and dry even after its The CIA's Foreign Lebanese fascists against the neau up plates remarkaoe Assessments Centre occupying Syrian "peace- Ilal keeping there ceciared ThaT wale But Haig will be looking Benefit that tor more spectacular diplo matic and military alliances terrorism, SUDDOrEnO Inere and was and most of at is ence, little, evidence, Certainly agreements Reagan nas Middle benefited politically from Last order the episode. It is ironic that dual ambition of secure nis 1i Gually restoring his personal The CIA sport flies in own with tens of millions of US assassin Hinkley purchased his weapon the face of a State Depart- citizens cherishing healthy political career and further ing the military aggression of material reasons for wanting US imperialism piled from documents can- But with nation's would-ve tured in El Salvador, stating major espionage agency not assassin turned out to be an propa- convinced, the credibility of weapon utilised by canea calegonically inal inere 1s incompetent, cranky lascist.

both Haig and Reagan 'definite evidence of the the Reagan case is thrown almost everything into new doubt. clandestine military but the President. justity their build up has taken a heavy Having survived the The soviet union. Resistance Cuba and their Communist battering-at the hands 0e en can conn on allies Marxist-Leninist Meanwhile as the effects the sympathy he will now Congress fighting Reagan assault on receive Quer as now The No evidence overthrow the government public on working UrUCI Tall of El Salvador." living vicious package of economic class saltalus It has been conspicuous has policies. Weinberger •пои loos, and on nealtn ana sale- since January that-despite publicly attacked the CIA legislation them- The situation exposed repeated allegations that and repeated that selves felt, US miners -on all- once again ine alsarray ol both Cuba and the Soviet the Democrats-who so evidence of Stalinist backing in the fore vut surike-alt bombed Union are literally pouring for "terrorism" does exist.

front of the resistance. last year's by

VUL

scarcely have a leading figure ETA tweaks the who Hell i worth assassinating! But Reagan faces tensions and divisions within his Cabinet team-particular- the competition between lor Generals' noses General ol state. Haig, and the Vice President, former CIA Director George

DUSIL

The weeks prior to the shooting had seen unseemly suuabbies Over Reagan s decision to announce that ETA (militar) has con- Bush, rather the plotters of January 23 nas been stowed down. Ine was main workers' parties tinued its military cam- becoming objects charge or Communist (Socialist management" at the White paign against the Spanish and worship con- Inan ol tempt. House in the absence of the and tneir respective national forces, despite armed trade unions calling for Lt. Colonel Tejero, who President. increased their role in moderation shot his way into parliament, 11V L Euskadi has become the object of a policing (the provoke anger une In command genèrals-and they are organ.

Francoist cult. Basque country). sing reactionar demonstra- pots hav fascist Dall Haig was almost visibly And with every success- tions against CIA named streets after him al ful licking his lips when. Spain . holds its government is allack The over Spain immediate aftermath of the strongly resisting any strong nreath -to see I the army And 350 people a day shootine, he gento all do as that move-verbal or otherwise- been the nave making used advantage of the absence of Is to as the pilgrimage to visit him in agalst une maltary plotters .coup of February 23.

DOTA

headan the next declare to television cameras d'etat. Embarrassed by creating Military court that But at present there is a was command. this fascist Mecca the govern- Workers the chance thev will hold off to ment has moved Tejero to a wore ove shuddered at the prospect of see how much the civilian They are supposedly remote part of Galicia in the flamboyant "investigated". sabre- politicians will dance to the being and at snaul's pace- But if they stop the Tall Laked over cono o multary mune Drivate the military machine. At present in the after- by a military court. pilgrims they will not, of But Haig had failed coup of But there will made math of the stop course. ine pressures blunder the which continue to build up rebruary pollica. of virtually basis for his new found and leaders all the public investigation. towards another coup. short-lived) In taking such power parliamentary parties concil- way three Aaron of te working as. that can be fought only Halo towards execu- please, flatter and placate plotters, however. the • Keagan s appointed tive, not the order of the Francoist military. government runs the risk of working class precedence embodied in the losing all its authority rather The have been of a mantary Ine bullding US constitution the militant united front against ever an even stronger role share As Bush arrived back in in repression in Euskadi.

military Francoism. Washington it was plain that That of develop- problem has been ine process Haig had once again put his ment or regional autonomy Haig with Reagan A new national shrine for the US masses? The Dallas gun shop where failed Youth, facing a prospect of unemployment. conscrip- tion blacks allu wai dilu oppressed minorities olner and the sections of poorest the Us working class can be increasingly expected to find ways of making their oppos- ition felt, too. may have his tirst bullet: bui he is a long way from per- suading workers that they should bite on the owlet in order to boost the profits of the oil monopol- Name .. Address.. Send to: WSL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX ies, banks and millionaire corporations His best hopes lie in the fact that the US workers movement stil lacks any independent political expres sion for its demands The unions remain tied to the two main capitalist parties.

Labour Party To take the struggle for- ward it is vital that a fight is waged in the unions tor the political break ing ol unese shackles, and the building of Labour Party wilca Marxists wil aroue toi an adequate programme of transitional demands struggle lor workers' government.

THE

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Page 3 No. 1 Nov. 1979

INTERNATIONAL

DISCUSSION

BULLETIN

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WSLI

TOWN CLERKS' PLAN

DICTATORSHIP

Page 4 injunction against communi- In its 20 March 1981 cating the information in the Statesman New issue, circular DICa described the contents of person not any authorised to receive it Office secret Home It emphasises that during circular to local author- normal peacetime' Executives Chief ients of the ity not even need to pass on the setting out an outline of information the arrangements for the in lt lo period after a own deputies except on a strict need to recovery nuclear attack on Britain.

' basis notable because New Subsequently the Chief Executives of local made avail- Statesman has able the complete text of the authorities are employed whom appearance should be answerable important However when event for

TRO SC

will to secret Home Office circul- concerned to make a serious study of the state's plans for ars find that Executive keeps its own survival. It shows a the councils who pay of new 'aspects of which were him and provide state bulls the resources to draw up his not previously known. local war plans. circular is numbered ES is an abbrev- iation for Emergency Series.

Light of day The complete size of the ES series is not known, but it is So successful widely believed that at least that secrecy 11 have been produced. circular has Not all . of these are direc- the light of day, despite the government. local ter for Similar plans Allan Town Halls the nationalised notistics. including authority and the health police une militant

MOSL

and waler services. councils. The first point lo be The first noted about this circular is circular deals with the prob- that it is by now quite old lems of law and the material may be as mucn a nuclear attack. Recognising as ten years old. Certainly il that 'conditions of anarchy' 1979 Home predates Defence Review Wiel Has

J.F.D.

Buttery led to widespread revisions that an essential task for the in emergency planning. wartime regional government It may well be that Ine would be was New Statesman maintain public order, using able to obtain the document the police and armed forces.

because it is now superceded new system of courts more detailed material. would be set up to cope with Nonetheless it is the most the problems of a devastated to this area up to date gulde Britain. of government thinking. These new The text begins with the to specuicany the Home according would have Office, powers than peace- greater circular should time courts. There is nothing survival, conditional or hesitant about thent might this assistants, "could have', but a have' or complete certainty This must mean that the dwellings, aware of the tion writer is fully powers which the eme. To be government will have. as conut nese pobers she act elected ence….." they powers about TEntest must also be sure that they it comes arranged through WIll than other some process the Chief had Parliament these plans No civil servant, however be truly senior Coil with confident of the parliamen- provided process in the way that tary the about Mr Buttery it would be emergency powers. Regional Buttery Obviously the powers knows government the emergency has approved 1976 wil.never elected representatives of the people, and will be passed now seen in Council' with the Orders were in the handful public every local approval and the allow cabinet the any monarch. left Labour In its description of the to une wal. section of the likely operation of the emer- glove the circular courts order' after gency tells us more than it intends.

the its niel While stating missioner after The main targets would be the writer, a anti-social conduct of indiv- attack duals which with the essentials of

ICICU

community' and the lite of the estahlish about doubt it is in some can exactly what benavioli considered anti-social total devasta- conditions of grimly amusing to senior read how courts, By Ernie Stubbins Hoproprair but in the gravest orences anti-social case of flagrantly might be a ties penalties need generally acceptable in peacetime."

Or in plain English, your local town clerk can arrange to have you shot! Mr course And Buttery is at pains to assure that he Commissioner doubt about need have I nO his ability to be 'decisive are any judges or If there alive in his area JPs left bring then will but if not they needed because be Commissioner necessary sitting alone would stlll con stitute a court' In order to allay the fears of the most democratically inclined of the Chief Exec- utives/Commissioners Buttery informs us: capital cases, where. "In ever practicable, there would be a jury of not more than empowered summarily consisting of not

CULTI

than three commission- less ers." Concluding this tactfully assures section written the tremulous Chief Execu- that: tive would be no there servant attempts to come to appeals, but the senior com- terms with this problem. missioner would However, at a time when review arrangements the paramount aim would be of the emergency decisions courts in his area Orale which would be regarded as ful matters to one eat bais from such anti-social in peacetime (e.g.

occupation of survival and recovery ness or the appropria. for the ruling class, the next section of the circular looks to • Unuse one's own use) might well be use surviving condoned, provided that th industrial resources'. involve viol- priority ODYIUUs would be to assess the power forces of the state rould not supplies in the Commission

WOTOS

er's region, and to decide on set out to protect those who should be used how they provided stocks of supplies, Any and supplies manufactured goods shelter would from squatters and looters- have to be any be identified and these gangs not seeking to overthrow the drawn up for the re- DaIs establishment of production existing government, such as at whatever level would be Commissioners pessible. would be enabled under this A special problem would be transport and communic- deals circular to make leaders and ations commission have to make hard would which areas decisions about provided they maintain in their ed themselves in positions of of housing, and did not merited any attempts authority development reconstruction. repair ol _the damaged against mass agitation however would not be com- system that had led up written pletely oll But there will be no 'kid his Commis- and treatment those sioners. •. the main activity who incur the displeasure of Executive/Com- when radio. in these areas, per- logical concons mitted movement into them The delicate salvaging, Buttery notes that: would "In conditions in which usable building materials.

death, destruction and injury no Encouraging new. commonplace, such those who live it penalties as probation, fines doubt toi will not they the big cities, be entirely useless. They will sentences would no longer be not of course be rescued, but effective in dealing with anti- property be sal social offenders vaged after their deaths.

Such penalties as com- SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981

FOR

after nu and aware that: affecting Britain. 'In spite of heavy casual war the able-bodied importantly , is ine: secret population, There siouu d ably tied up with state no general shortage of man- as for the repression : industry power SuCt working class by force. attack existed before would be virtually at a stand still." Commissioners' The problems not so easily are The establishment With little undemo solved however or no electircal power avall- control linking togethe able, there will be a return to military, the police an heavy manual labour both in bureaucracies of centra industrial recovery work and local government pres The compas- agriculture. very serious concrete sionate Mr Buttery observes democratie right Britain. insufficient food "With embryonic for i ne and no balanced diet avail- police there would be created through these dole to under- added reluctance emergency plans heavy or unpledsalt Labour Party The work." the trade unions inus every opportuniiy to d Problems these developicals expose them to public But this reluctance must stand in Councils not the way of the work of res- publicly demand industry. reveal all sect officers reminds Commis central culars Iron will have pioners to direct labour sioners ment, inus vote money for war pl might some of any kind There concedes, Is London, problems, Council has already thens: But the Commissioner but the Commissioner ced its intention would have charge of all the the

GLC

was public available food and medicine, after ought names and addresses o some local scheme to and individuals. (It h

TOCYIS

workers keep suggested will leave very going In his closing paragraph document at : all, , but Mr Buttery faces the bureau issue to he face crat's nightmare full in the the document appears courageously tale The worst and Key role finally serious breaks it to Labour sioners, is that the monetary More follow system would have collapsed must approach, and rank as a result of even a minor party members most nuclear attack It might take a year or home that this planning wo even more, says thstablish a on in secret in ever Buttery, to re-establish a of money. hall national system . money Trade unions the old Worse yet, take up this vital str might have to be abandoned the and never break up altogether. new secret planning. the redeemed the public sector uni government. pla role a key kind of initiative good examp- Difficulties the resolution on th period The of the NAGL intervenle anr would be full of difficulties ference THIS I Ca Commissioner, but the official NALGO 10] his civil anc into the inv Mr bulleti gation th servants nave auvice 1o1 members Commissioners even in such thei planning, and dire conditions quent exposure to "Regional Commissioners checks and 1 pressure these action against fello would be assisted I!! monetary and other econom- ists financial NALGO membe problems the from advisers ensure that their co private Treasury and the delegates support this resolu Many aspects of this kind for it to and any was prove to be cussed in full confer may Other effort the final unionists should Wastel crunch comes, to draftin many mossible nuclear attack short of total resolutions conferences destructivi

OCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981

RAGING

GENIUS!

the TONY RICHARDSON reviews Raging Bull", staring Robert De Niro and now on general release.

with his brother. It is this "Astounding" is the suspicion which leads.to him only way to describe the splitting Lilt left after person he is res lly closet his impression with This links seeing the latest Martin sense of machismo: he, the Raging Scorsese film, great man, is going to make Bull'. the top, with no help from the 'mob'.

The strength is twofold: the power of the film itself -which is even more stunn- Independent "Taxi Driver. and acting of Robert De the But the probiem Is undi Niro he cannot get a crack at the If you thought De Niro title without help, and he is "Godfather Part was good in eventually forced to take a Deerhunter" 2' to enable the "Taxi Driver" then you to таке In cower haven't seen anything yet.

make it worth their while to This pertormance nas ic offer him a title fight. he eat only does dent however point of not simply go down in order nim sen looking fat for the part of to lose the fight: he he film, but he is thorough- it obvious cal de is lands a convincing in an extreme- dive, and loses his licence for a period as a result. ly annicull pari. The fact is that the image Hollywood of the man they knock down is crucial for his the best De Niro Nivard -but macnismo when he finally Indeed actor' his title to Sugar Ray loses rumoured that beat 'Raging • Robinson he proudly only People' film that "you never knocked me Bull' the best for down Ray". Oscar because In this last fight he seems Robert Redford is a Holly- determined Scorsese wood man,

WELC

beaten-trying to make him- comes from New York. Bull' is the story. 'Raging SeII SuITer Middleweight This pervades the whole ex-World Why nes hey to La film. champion boxing JaKe torture himself? told by Scorsese. Motta as he have a real relationship I a Motta was an adVIsol, with his second wife? reflects the story retirement Scorsese's interpretation.

AULCI

the opens a club, allu girls in. and white, under-age shot in black for few sections except for "home them to men. family shot au prisual he keeps asking movies" Motta's early life in himself why La him as starts punching the wall and shows The roux knocking his head against it thoroughly despicable -to make himself suffer. does not who Chalatio the ring "Tage' in He simply winds (where such behaviour is a way to lose a fight) certain but beats up his wife and is generally vicious. reviews, including the Morning Star have sai to that this is enough people off boxing, and that no way anyone there with this identify could character. Well portrayed Is Raging Bull an anti- But what they mean is boxing film? there is no film reviewer who Certainly would identury with null La Motta did reach the La Motta world title detracts playing such a role, though it going. that legendary Sugar Ray Robin- proving penniless, those days only the mob and But even after he ends up second the promoters his splitting •

TOLA

noney out of boxing. wife and from his manager The film beating him brother-alter cares tas an indictment still ends rim worse a religious state- -Scorsese Huston's ment to the effect that "we concentrates are all sinners" who never gets very far at Mcita's attitude La well portrayed. He But Raging Bull' avoids women 1s and beats up buth his tirst second wite, and treats both depicted in "Коску personal the hero revels in beating his property. fellow man into a pulp. Between fights he spends The best time thinking his his whole displays however come wife is having affairs-even new Martin Scorsese film, compere in a strip club-the stripper being his girlfriend Then the religious message is only denvertu e us missed Dulses. elements oi sees the blame class, as al his own question. But he individual • all also believes that we simply individuals and there- "all to blame". fore His recent interview with Melvin Bragg on the South Bank Show indicated what a mind he has. plans to make a sere ul early Christianity films on "mob' we went see "TO cash to Scorsese trained as a priest but fax ed so indepen- to make lie cidue about the When asked will maniac who is the religious Taxi makes charactel Driver-and who goes around shooting people to "clean up says that nis alluat was ally right", though 'he used Coulul l the wrong methods". And when describing his past in 'Little Italy'-part of talked of the New york-ne boasts racialism of his chataciet. "intellectually which plainly rejects,

DUT

willi remains part of his attitude Scorsese Listening that it was no fluke Shows that the young tascist tried to assassinate keagan moved by the deeply was film Taxi Driver. This blend can't religious mysticism alla strikes chord violence confused he petty bourgeois forces in the allows USA today of this criticism introducing not Scorsese's

MOTECS

detract from the meant t0 achievement does it. He genius of his Mean a makel Streets, Driver" and 'Raging Bull' now me best, are all great movies. Boxing-and profits watching the real thing on interinese friends like close Sylvestré Mittee and Clinton the fact that McKenzie wind up trying to actually won the knock eachother senseless.

from it Professional boxing the for only •roanisea enced money. Boxers only TaKt that part for the money. As John said, 'he wife real Conten s Mauc didn't want to fight" Recent revelations in the in no way com. world of professional boxing 'Fat -with the President of World Boxing Council Jose Tilm accused of taking fighter sulaiman bribes to arrange world title fights-indicate that Scorsese got it rignt. A boxer, for all his sacri- of boxing fices, cannot make it on his where the biggest money own. And and made oy notates parasites who never step into the ring. Trotskyist International Liaison Committee 2nd International Summer School 19-26 July 1981 Sessions on: Crisis of Imperialism; world economic crisis; Stalinist crisis; Central America; and Reconstruct the Fourth International For more details write to: WSL, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX Page S Nurseries: How & Why to Fight for Them "The aim is to force the state to run the services we need. Many unions -

NUT

NUPE, NALGO,

etc., cover all sectors in and educa the social tional services, and their union officials must be forced to act in support already policies of the against accepted cuts ...' states this vital So plus 60р booklet 15p pap from NCCC c/o Surrey Docks Child Docklanc Care Project, Redriff Rd Settlement London SE 16

SCOTTISH TUC TO DISCUSS

-ACTION AGAINST TORIES -

BACKING FOR BENN

AT JOBLESS RALLY

Page 6 A key debate at this lessons of the Tory defeat at year's STUC at Rothe- the hands of the miners and see the necessity say beginning on Monday knock-out blow to a reeling 20 April must surely be government. that Their approach contrasts on economic sharply with strategy when the course

STUC

of action to be adopted leadership Convention Scottish in the struggle against unemployment carlcl the Tory government upon them the ridicule must be decided upon. Resolutions and amend- workers. from Cumbernauld, menTe Stirling Moray Trades No churchmen Councils all demand a more stance than that generally favoured by the That feeling is conveyed trade union leadership. in the resolution from Edin- Whereas the TGWU only burgh ana District liades call for "the continuance of Concil on the TUC campaign to bring which specifies that this can on the present Diessure not be tought government" Stirling's Conservative, Liberal amendment wants Church people action olmass villes. aimed at forcing a General Obviously the strategy of Election and forcing the resignation of the Labour government' Tories Cumbernauld and Moray „the favour the calling resistance at a local level and General bring the Thatcher down. and Falkirk Clearly these Councils have drawn the councis establishment of Centres for

PRESS

GANG

The approving nod to his 'expul- only press was from the House mildly concerned Harry Commons West exuded confidence. 'in order to give Ferman- The SDLP were going to and Tyrone agh spoil their The chance voes elect a sultadie army had taken charge of representative. (Harry West for example? the ballot boxes. -but you nOW God was in his Protestant someone from heaven and all was well with when he has never left his the world DEson Cela Bobby Sands' election as The government MP of Fermanagh and South stand firm, said shattered this con- lyrone graph. but it complains thai ridence such firmness: brutalt Which left Fleet Street dazed "will now be mistepres- and disorientated. ented attack The Daily Mail didn't mentary constituency. Lite elecuor ati page nine. The Daily There is no UnIl misrepresen- Express had front tation pass headlines: blected come of the election forces Member for the capitalist class hon Violence. its democracy For years the Provisionals have been accused of lacking prepared to work within the support and of not daring to system, and denies them to put themselves to the test of ballot box rather than The Guardian-no Ireland-was liberal the bullet. over Now the TOnO itselt calling for Sands to be with the election, years fiven the bullet. myth-making had gone out The Times called for his from The biggest myth is that the House of Commons. the IRA in its violent phase With the timeless double- represents only talk of the • Scarcelv a Catholic can "That would be have voted for the Union an entirely proper thing to do Stand

HOW.

he is precluded from alone must colour all policv-

SULC

attending the House for the making between duration of this Parliament.'

Dublin and Belfast." Shock has a way of mak- ›el even the limes was forced to concede: say things they ing people It is a brilliant propa corccal in calter tures. ganda coup for the Provis Bobbv Sands: British press in onal

IRA

It autenticates get the only H Block his H Block cel he too could guage how deeply never de ore. The Daily Telegraph des- election shocked cribed it as "a major political also Unemployed Workers and apparent. Unemployed Workers Assoc- Ton on Northern to denver a way that lations

DONIT

Ene forward on that vital front.

speaks of another level, that of sede a cuts in local government. the NALGO resolution that the whose General Council should on convene "a meeting of affili- thi unions the Local demand ateo bring down Government sector and and Local Authorities are

'WHO

opposed to the government's agenda multar , is a worthwhile con-

USDAW

tribution square the circle by Shoule built upon. An occasion for debate oi more than usual interest must surely be the resolution that Iollows trom which "calls upon the move- unemployment ment to discuss with the Labour Party, at local and national level, the possibility, of a no cuts, no rate rises of the motion to Confer- policy. these two The adoption of a prin- cipled be a toai on rates balancing act. would major step for- ward by the STUC. forces A keynote resolution in the section on international from Edin. affairs must be the Dundee Trades call for a sharp for the Counci criticisms declaration support for the Palestinians their union struggle for "an independent sovereign state' Many Courageous unionists have The courageous stance of the Dundee Labour Council this issue deserves Construction ullest backille Scottish trade union move- on Unemployment. rebuffing the ment, thus Lionist Unt wiiness tne orientated capitalist press.

On some of other international TeSO ELIOS. degree of confusion resolute leadership. of expel Westminster must the Tele George Bolton, Vice- Central Region. President of the Scottish Larller. Bridie neare Area of the Mineworkers. speaking Union, speaking in Falkirk on Monday last, launched scathing OuL- attack upon Terry Duffy, spell Alex Kitson and those down to other trade union leaders inefficient-with who have set out to sabo- their factory tage Tony Benn's cam- Ireland paign to become Deputy wet organised ulal Leader of the Parliamen- force at Greenock. tary Labour Party. of The role personal Kenn said Bolton, but in terms demand of the rank ano bue tiny for implementation of social- books of The ist policies challenge criticisms of sec- the factory I nese union

TOMS

made leadership followed upon a On the call published for the London,

LITOR

soas acento mal kine profits had throughout the 1970s. action, recalling deteats inflicted upon Heath by the miners in 1972 and could 1974. over the The occasion of this sig- occupation nificant speech was a well briliant and his attended public meeting in force were the fight of to victory. Falkirk Hall 1 VW1 the .campaign promote against unemployment in the The oniv resol Ireland is

ASLEF

which for a military solution to the crisis", but stops short of a call for with- drawal of British troops and contains no mention of the for political status for Republican prisoners.

Poland also figures on the in a resolution from which tries to on the one hand welcoming the free union movement, whilst on the other, hoping "that the warm and friendly

REDUNDANG'

relationship which has exist- ed between the Polish trade SE be mantined. movement alll Attempts by the mover to reconcile should prove an absorbing Criticisms The Conference promises to be the occasion for some in which the Scottish trade leadership con- ducted itself over the past militant trade been unim- pressed by such activities a undermining the strike at Hunterstoun Marine- and the weak- Convention This conference may well emergence of to challenge allu provide fighting policies and had Manacement and publicly burnt the last batch of lette sentos to hem Bellingham behalf of threats bribes workers in occupation at the wowo nouce me worktorce to surrender; "We are not in Region Let jeans lactory ne areen- the business of selling jobs".

ment. employers deliberately run the factory ing raised over f60 for the ence make appear fighting fund at Lee Jeans of the aim salutory warning not since was struck at the meeting produchon Northern by Jim Denham, victimiser well less the bridze. Speaking from the

WOTK-

contrasted the reputation was' Open the books organisation at Trate umon British Leyland with defeats have been The workers had asked inflicted Edwardes the management for an inde- took over -57,000 jobs gone to examlot numerous factories the firm and sacking of shop their argument with not was Derek Kobinson lo montns ago. basis the accounts alone, Undermined said Bridie. it was clear that remained high Jim drew attention to the Wal Laut union and labour movement union leadership involved, nine especially that of the AUEW had been had ¡cocalculy work- ine mutant response or ine determined to workforce. unemployment" "High 'threatens us The workers had rejected warned all blackmail attempts by the in factories SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981

WILL WE BE ABLETO BUY

IT BACK AGAIN WHEN I

LEAVE SCHOOL DAD?

Blan Mandanan Alloa • set up with a reputation for milit- Grangemouth and Stirling- ancy and strong unionism the closest rela monsnip between the unem step forward in the ongoin ployed campaign in the and labour movement fight- against ing logelner against Ine 1or.

government Beginning with a confer- Lynn Mackenzie, Secre in Falkirk in October tary Falkirk Trades ince nave beet Council and a leading figure then successful in the campaign, outlined al demonstration Stirling ante and the establishment of ar went on to appeal for sup- Unemployed Workers port forthcoming Association in that town. activities such suce culties 101 . unem. collections in Falkirk on the ployed are also in the course following two Fridays and rally in Stirling that Wednes day atternoon as part of the TÚC activity" week The campaign being waged in the Central Region of Scotland may be regarded contalit lessons for the entire trade union and labour movement as to how to orientate anc organise struggle against fuller experiences amongst various organisations of the have unemployed tha sprung the nomenol country in order to drav the lessons upon grasped different the areas and to these beat Benn campaigns.

Faslane 'explosion' threat Coventry council SOCIALIST PRESS, Thursday 16 April, 1981 Knees could almost be heard knocking last week Civil Service union leaders issued dire warn- ings to the Tory govern- ment. If Thatcher's gang sent in Navy scabs break the strike by civi servants at the Faslane Polaris base in Scot- land, there ol strike action, they warned. In words, ill- Vule conscered move The government could wreck the union bureaucrats' carefully laid Dans On Wednesday the 600 AUEW skilled men in the Leyland Body Plant at Cowley walked They are due to

CIEL.

meet on Tuesday as we go to press. The strike is in response company offensive which is aimed al breaking all demarcation lines. Amongst the skilled men this

THSI

merging some skilled depart- ments such as the Press and General Milwrights. But this is only the first step. It is to be followed by doing thờ skilled men num ber ol ouer joos-such as sweeping. The National Child Care Campaign held its Aims and Action Confer- Saturday 11 April Redefield at School, Oxford. day's events ine were report that Midlands Division form of official John McGuigan) wanted the cam-

CORRECTION

Translation problems in Socialist Press into the text

IWO CITOS

•Ur interview turkey page 3). The bottom paragraph o une tirst column snowle navt begun: "From 1973 to 1980 the monopoly capitalists tried to overcome their crisis ...

And the third paragraph of the repiv une second question should have read: this of general toler- apocarance •sharp ance Takes aver irreconcilable attitude left socialist proclarial and fascist terror •roubines ists who had been alienated from popular support."

TURKEY SOLIDARITY

CAMPAIGN

TSC

campaans the labour movement claims that the the "democratic" and any way fights for solidarity action in support or the turkisa work- ing class. If you would like more information about the

TSC,

WIlLe 5965, London Box

WCIN 3XX

scope and direction of the personnel to do the work of strikes they have selective the raslane strikers the lory been calling for the past six government implicitly recog- nised this weeks. au cu cul-alll tile crucial role being played in their defence by the union Militancy leaders. the extent to asewnere There is no doubt that which the Thatcher govern- the lever of militancy among Has anaconcer servants remains crucially-placed high-despite the efforts of even the military was con- members' fighting strength firmed by the stoppages at through demoralising partial sattelite tracking action designed top secret GCHO Son oul une the pay battle for as long as monitoring (which possible. featured prominently By holding off their Secrets'

ADL

threatened move to use Navy trial).

BL SKILLED MEN

DEFEND JOBS

The same is happening workers, are rapidly creating where compul- alonest producuon woIKer.

where, on the new Leyland sory redundancies are liable Honda, workers are doing to take place. their

UWIL

alla une trike o the sec their own sweeping. men is having only a limited The AUEW effect at the moment. members are making for that The Stallu lancel Leyland workers. And, true defeat would not only set form the

AUEW

has back the fight in defence of back os our dso enase rion work. leaders to victimise toolroom Immediately the strike leader Roy Fraser-who has was just started company resened District President in disgust able to issue a letter to all the strikers saying:

AUEW

leadership's attitude. "There is no obiectior possibility for Itom vour union mil time *ne onv officials to is the continuation amalgama- victory tions taking place." strike and the the blacking of scab work done sur unese amasamaons. and those amongst other by management.

NUPE ATTACK ON

OCCUPATION CALL

paign's publication, amend one of the "aims" to delete support for the policy rurseries: now ana wny 1o Fight for, Them withdrawn of occupations and strike from circulation. action cuts in child care provision.

mainly round the claim that It was argued by McGuigan has been libelled' advocates of this deletion the inat organisations nke to defend the jobs of 136 Council of One Parent Nottingham Families and the Campaien workers. Nursery Education

TOT

The East Midlands would not affiliate on such a Division is to ask their political aim in fear of losing Executive National their charitable status. recommend withdrawal from t was nonceage m lae vote that John McGuigan for the amendment voted was not dis. une Issue cussed or voted on at the callici the consti- stressed his involvement in conference (on occupations and tried that atilli. take credit for- ated groups had not for neen notified of this item on the occupation in Nottingham. But discussion The vote on the amend- National Steering Meeting in mern was cose. ir was los!

by 3 notes. Newcastle on 30 May. the afternoon work- shops •Iscussed Implications provision, making childcare a trade union issue. regiona groups, research groups, and Ine altack nas implica- tions for the campaign which childcare and the from Party. has inauguration There were many recom- reausee. Importance being independent and not mendations that came out on charitable of the workshops for further relying status that one could campaign 1CW without fear of losing fund- months. In NUPE's threatened with- support went from conference crawal. Wille serious implications for the Leicester and to the Gorbals in its aim of seek- campaign nursery occupation to orientate towards the trade union The tasks ahead of the an0 12001 will confront the demanding - campaign with the import- independence Lall Jall 1claul ance ol ils maependence and whie une Mme being dictated to by broadening out and getting seemingly powerful individu- more trade union and labour affiliations. Has as or organsalons movemell This was reiterated later your trade unon branca or on in the morning's agenda Labour Party ward when there was a move to affiliated? But such. support for action can be frittered away if the : union deaders are 110L forced to sten un and press home the fight for the full claim. Hull strike solid The strike by 600 workers the Priest- factory in Hull enters its third week with no sign of the unions involved making the action official. Friday 27 March when the began workforce walked out after mana ement nao postes uo & notice saying there would be a 10% cut in the workforce ana tal inere woula de no annual wage increase. The remain WOIKeIS solid. management withdraw any threats of redundancies and open up negotiations on a increase, wage before there is any talk of a return to work The developments of the past week have clearly between the strikers and the official leadership. „11C collilice nave esstee ar une entort.

of the bureaucracy to wrest the control of the strike out ol tne nanas, openly dis their suspicion and playing distrust The Priestman: thanase ment who initially refused to situation at all, discuss the haye now sala tney are pre pared to meet with the full time officials, but not in the presence of shop stewards ocen opposed by the strike com- who correctly mittee stress they elected tilt representatives of the work- force, must be involved in any talks that take place.

Blackmail ‹nis appears to be one of the reasons why the

AUEW.

one of the unions nvolved, has not made the trike officia The District Committee ol me Auw encorsec decision taken by their membership; but because the officials 1U11 1iUl decision District Committee In effect they are trying to blackmail the strikers into nanes over en o une . official leadership meeting called by the full officials rime brought the strike commit- and bureaucrats the was stated by The stewards, to split the strikers and get them back to work une meens endea uD u a slanging match from the committee has visited strike une vanchester arec wulet they were well received by stewards from plants also in group. Le ACI hs a resull for all sence stewards in tup shop stewards in the lo micel towalus the end of the month. *Messages of support and donations to the strike fund snoulu sell Strike Fund. c/o AUEW, 78 Beverley Road Page 7 workers rebel A magnificent class res. 1) the right to hold shop with

IGWL

ponse by Coventry's 700 floor meetings of a reason- officials from talks with the able duration. Council on Thursday after- local authority workers 2) to maintain traditional developed the UVe sections He brought news that the course of the last week. 3) Council that management had This action was triggered duties upon the workforce.

meant the totai off after years of consistent A volatile situation arose.

the council position with at allacks mal une cuy couraI The political scene was com- launched upon the au colci working conditions of local form. orcalet Group's call the expul An emergency shop stew velle tadde unions sion of the 12 left wing rebe ards Though forced to beat a Cultuellei Calc councillors, whom total retreat by the furious and evening supported the demands ended with a vote to recom- reaction and united lael of the strike. mend a return action ol several sections ol wula al manual workers, council tue mass meeling the lollow• ing day. leaders have signalled Hysterical Licl Union officials having intention to implement Tor!

cuts far reaching strength wildesser In the District Labour local authority workers many-sided attacks on the developing Party meeting were relieved to public sector workers. Thursday The arose after ment counchlor reoir white secure a quick settiement the chairman . of the public The strike committee had management responded to : discussed works committee taking union meeting by taking city complete souple lu engineers off the clock along Drevent a discussion on th control of policy and hac with 150 other workers strike after making a hyster- plans for the setting up of the organisation against ongoing Frustrated at this latesi strikers arising attack on their ability to dis- in the local press- irom the Sullke order to defend jobs in the cuss their problems workers once sprang lo their defence. future. staged a spontaneous march In the eyes of the strikers However, the

TGWU

Council House the hvpocris official. ettectively claiming une nonu This set off other events wing councillors did not go credit for the victory, wound up the mass meeting swiftly that unnoticed. cuminaled biggest local authority strike Atter vears of cuts the il all allelot to ucuse Ent in Coventry since the 1960s.

cause of the elderly, the found unity of the new workforce. mentally and physically nuisaav une acton had escalated and the centres. nandicapped were joined by the hospitals appointments and workers Confused the 'innocent' was being enture City Engineers Depo at Whitley and

DIUS

novly uoneu by unese clas.

Windmill Road traitors! The meeting ended in a Workers confused maintained without blan. picket lines, contacting discussed a pe spec Standstill Department and of developing streigth parks Tive ambulance, fire and bus from the dispute Street lighting, cleansing, The stewards, and task now remains setting up a refuse collection, highways, to regain the organisation of sunke neduquarters and The strike committee was the shop stewards movement scules. came to a total standstill.

consolidate and to shape it in the form beginning to At issue was the council's itself oi a loint

SHOD

steward history totally independent shop committee which can demana? running down of essential stewards committee forging prepare itself for the next and the services recent links with all sections in thi Iound of attacks that t's dispute. council has introduct Impositon o culs. rent ano to rate increases, together with Proposals for under new conditions strike another attack-limiting fund Ine detensive action of the strike committee the local authority workers sAo uoor mecues and minutes and lock-outs was acquiring firm must now be turned into a divide the work- devised to identity. political offensive While the workers were lulure curs ano deamst loc organising the city wide dis- class traitors of the labour ne strike committees demands are: pute, Mayor Tom McLatchie movement.

BEAL ST SIT-IN

HOLDS FIRM

Parents and suppor- elechons are an Importani Letters and offers of feature in this campaign ters at Beal Street Play support have Tory HL

NUT,

NUPE,

AUEW

Centre have now entered Conci nas Disabled their third week of occu- action against the occupa- Association, the Youth Bur- pation in their fight with tion nor have they made ans women's lit groups vau. move to cut off services.

wards and the Tory : County Council LaDOUI rarl The massive cuts in educ- many others. to keep it open. ation and social services have This kind of . support, Despite an offer from the maet possible coupled with increasing Social Services which would majority on the County backing from the commun- Council for the first time of the ity such as the f14 raised in brüding to continue to run However, parents nave no door-to-door collections or themselves they are deter- illusions in the Tory _council Satura shamp be turned their musl reversing decision. mincd to stick out for then political fight into a is a Social Services demand that social services nere Council to provide this very

WITE

should continue to fund it as Committee meeting being held Wednesday before. on when necessary facility in the city offer Beal Street will be discussed came tron anu a combe raccuon ol Services Social Director ana tnere ma) wet ve af any kind of self-help scheme.

Brian Rice after : a delegation attempt to offer a compro- The action committee mise solution. Social had service. • heartener very A large lobby is planned was VIsted _occupanon discuss with the parents' and three Labour councillors letters of support and solid- the Council are already action committee. arity have been sent to the committed to fighting for it Local elections the Moffat occupation of to stay open. Street Nursery there Although There has been support no agreement These kinds of action from Labour councillors on was reached the local paper.

show clearly arauls the eicester mercury. wnr boun tne county and lil the willingness have frequently Councils and it is planned mination the working to consolidate this to further self-help alternative class to struggle against the answel curuno services une cam balen hat ne par hera lie in ine event or tne lory *Messages of support and parents had council rejecting the parents donations should be sent to self-help demand, they will call on the the c/o dllu , action committee Labour controlled City scheme. 1 Pegasus Close. Leicester The forthcoming local over Take

BRIXTON HITS

BACK!

The citizens of I saw individuals pulled Brixton last weekend out of the groups and savage- struck blow ly beaten by groups of 5 or major 6 police against police repression.

Anyone watching The head of the Brixton too closely was told by other police claims that was police to "piss off" er "fuck fomented ours ders who off". the anti-police riots. The police claim that 190 He is right-but the ouL- of them hurt. were siders were all wearing blue number injured by the police uniforms. The massive outburst of into hilust

1UII

though they claim they only fury expressed by thousands arrested 80 people. of inhabitants of Brixton mostly by but itals Occupation vluy young, mostly but by means only black- was clearly The next day provoked by Lilt Brixton Juliet Following an incident on occupation siege. Friday April 10 in roads through the town were which had attacked

DOLICE

been while arresting black ground services suspended.

youth, from And Brixton early Saturday extra police began to arrive the next resuits of continu.

in the town. As the day wore on the And Labour ment, the black movement.- police in the number streets grew steadily until, to consolin cast-han consider what was entirely predictable, happened ard mounting tension exploded. quences. The outburst of was in no sense a race riot et Barricades directed was Groups of young people against the police who for built barricades around years have treated Brixton as Railton Ine virtually _occuDicu areas of worst housing con- and carried out continual ditions Brixton-and especially directed their anger against young olacks and of gays the police. Second, the looting Stones and petrol bombs directed largely were thrown. Several houses stores woolworins. kurtons and shops and pubs Morleys, were burnt down before the store) and not bonce regainea control of against smal localy owned the area after series of shops (though there charges and attacks. considerable looting At the same time in the market sdlsi. main street and the market area shop windows were Provoked broken and goods Third, though the move- 0 on overve coe As the main body of ment was predominantly the riots black, not those involved in was against whites as such and a was aispersea and the police -now in numbers probably not insignificant number whites (including skinheads) never before seen in an area tought against the police.

dI onGon got control ota smouldering and glass-strewn There is some evidence in destruction of property the town. they began a series of small police riots. unal ll was consciousy curer- Arriving in the area soon against known fed 10 p.m. I saw several though after obviously more indiscrimin- police unwrovoked charges directed at groups of ate. Why young black bystanders. did it happen? Published by Folrose Ltd for the Workers Socialist League, BM Box 5277, London WCIN 3XX. Pr Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the the Sejm banning strikes would resign. Report from Russian move in. Brixton by Henry Phillips Solidarity was clear: to strike will the announcement of Cleady the events were pro- which Call voked by the police occupation Ine town on Saturday. this It is very hard to believe that this Drovocan was completely conscious,

NO T

designed both to give a pre- more porce harass- The ment of blacks and also per- haps with broader political nuncreas octaves such as Soreadin! racist support for the Tories Nationality Bill and other such measures. Though the police were almost cert- ainly taken aback by the strength of resistance which (Sunday) unev do provoke

DONCE

It was striking after the Main events that the radio and the found bourgeois Press difficult to find in anyone the local area who did no waited for blame police provocation for the riots. Urgent move- Difficult too to find any- who was hostile to the one and grievances demands of the rioters. Because they reflect the unemployment, bad housing and poverTy racial oppression by police, all which ot aled policies of the Tory govern- It is urgent that these grievances are taken up with was are delighted at the response against big to our £2,500 Special Fund labour movement, socialist, black, women's and gay department Within organisations-both in Lam- much have received £967.00. The veli anu natonary aroune Fund, which demand for the ending The of the police occupation of Summer School on 19 July a connued will ensure our return to 12 ponce narassment or blacks page production of dros ind others, and dropping of Press. which began last week charges and provide more resources against those arrested for the development of our Into such be ampun directed should brought following the ployment useful public works spending. the organis- Goats oIne HC £150 TR the provision of youth facil- ities and against racism £130: AT £60; Oxford sup the porters £52; BM £ 100. abandonment of te Nin London: racists, ality Bill and the repeal of £50; was the racist Immigration Acts £50: West London supporter All imply need to bring down the Tory government

SOCIALIST

PRESS *

POLISH PM's 'NO

STRIKE' CALL

Polish Prime Minister strikes." Jaruzelski has succeeded Solidarity leaders threw ing down challenge to the in pushing a law through Seim'so reso (parliament) resolution of the for two parliament ike age to Wil months. He said that if prevent strike security the law wasn't passed he threatened or a glaring viol- ation of the law occurs The latter 1his was a clear threat. with the inference that if he challenge in that it effective- ly states that the union has a troops right decide what response laW This confrontation has "Suspension of the right weakened the hand of Lech Walesa be interpreted who has been arguing community in Solidarity for an strikes measures The question is why the these generate 'no going closing house

OII

exported for Lech Walesa "toriure".

SPECIAL FUND

Off to a great start We can only say that we Midlands: Coventry porters f44; MJ, Leicester North West: DS and SS [25; DM and WM £20. we Hull: GN £11.00 until the you haven't sent us a runs

WSI

LILC

conanon yel, our dadress Socialio 5215, Loal Fun Branch. Londor

WCIN 3XX

To And in the we have no don't forget that we have our Monthly Fund Our thanks therefore to of £850 each month. their We can't afford to fall for behind on this fund because Oxford: KW £50. BC and would mean diverting £30. Anon money from our Special cancelled Fund to make up the short- fall. account. total for the €40: DF The April Signature. €358.04 leav

BS £50: AC £20; GH

fund stands In US LAYO to raise Dy Date the end of the month. the Workers Soralist Lead!

London ro Polish bureaucracy is carry- This crisis is not resolv- provocation able by peaceful means. Polish when their policy has up to The bureaucracy been will not fade away and can strengthen Walesa and not be reformed out of exist- weaken the militants ence This policy It is necessary to build a once revolutionary party more contumed by a private speech ot muttamen Poland given lead political Politburo inchese revolton to overturow int Andrzei bureaucracy and defend the Labinski in which he described how the Polish nationalised property government hoped

CONS

There is a strong possib.

burcaucralise sondarity The reason for Jaruzel- ility of developing ski's moves were revealed by leadership The mass movement is in a his icicences to une worsen- economic crisis which ferment of discussion. government When Polish CP leader Stanislaw ween Solidarity is right. The workers the au tesser moves were Lenin shipyard at Gdansk because the the questions he showed a very high level of onto the offensive Jaruzelski's understanding speech was also a proposed Another important ques austerity programme. happene tu He proposed rationing of billion polower and other products from the West: factories, cutting "We don't know how bulding and sellins that money was ustu. society has a right to know'" machinery other worked states This latter point, which is And insisted that 'all really calling for the openin u mile books, shows nov social needs and can be sold transitional programme outside the country must be with the connect in All this is to pay Poland's Polish masses. huge foreign debts It foliows on a series of This austerity " comes at wiltseei a time when Jaruze ski him spontanecus development. self already admits that life defence Polish shoppers sodads against the bureaucracy If you have a bank account why not consider filling in the Standing Order form printed below.

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