Socialist Action No. 33, 11 November 1983
The scan: 033-nov-11-1983-SA-UK.pdf (PDF, Marxists Internet Archive)
Uncorrected machine reading of the whole issue. This text was read by machine (Apple Vision OCR) from the scan and has not been corrected or cut into articles. Each page gives the headlines first, then the columns in order, so one article runs on into the next. Expect misread words. Use it to find things; quote from the scan.
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No. 33 11 November 1983
MODERN
TIMES
HiL
Do you think Maggie and Ron are getting a divorce?
30p
ACTION SoCiAlist
Reagan
sets
course
for war
Hands off Grenada!
The New Jewel Movement and the Grenada Solidarity Campaign appeal for support on pickets every Tuesday and
Thursday, 5-7pm. These will take place at: US Embassy, Grosvenor Square, London W1 Eastern Caribbean Embassy, 10 Kensington Ct,
London W8 Barbados Embassy, 6 Upper Belgrave St.
London SW1
called up its reserves.
Israel is a military attack on Syria.
Israel has been itching to attack Syria ever since its invasion of Lebanon last year. The Israeli ex-Defence Minister Ariel Sharon then wanted to fight a war with Syria as well as the Palestinians. Instead Sharon had content himself with the massacre of Palestinian refugees in Chatila and Sabra refugee camps. Puppet Reagan wants to attack Syria because of the collapse of the US plan to set up a puppet government in Lebanon under the minority Christian of Gemayel. That failed when Gemayel's fascist.
Phalange troops were
defeated In this autumn's Lebanese civil war. Only the artillery bombardments from the US fleet off the Lebanese coast kept Gemayel in office.
Now two of the most brutal regimes in the world - the United
AFTER GRENADA, Reagan has set up his next target for attack. The largest US battle fleet since the Vietnam war is now gathering in the Eastern Mediterranean. Israel has
The target of the United States and
States and Israel - are returning once more to try to achieve their aims by military means.
Britain, under the Thatcher government, is already up to its neck in the United States war drive. British, French, and Italian participa tion in the peacekeeping force in Lebanon is the camouflage the United State and Israel are using to cover their plans for military action.
Denis Healey said on Monday that if the United States attacked Syria the British force should be withdrawn. No delay There should be no such delay. Along with the - rest of the 'peacekeeping' force British troops must get out of the Lebanon.
NOW!. • Cuba and the Grenada crisis - see page 3 • US Foreign polic and the Labour Party - see pages 8 & 9
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reign of terror on Grenada
ders!
the same position is at the very least uncertall.
week it was Kendrick Radix, one of the NJM
WIu sided with Maurice Bishop, had taken refuge in the Cuban embassy residence. With
departure of the Cuban diplomats, his fate is unknown. Radix and his
complete political freedom to fight for their political ideas. Scale
Two weeks after the in-
'US attack , clear. While the US has released figures for its own casualties and those of the Cubans, there have been
figures released for Grenadian dead. Some reports from NJM sources speak of 1200 dead and
lease NJM
wounded - getting on for 2 per cent of the population.
The valiant resistance by the Peoples Revolutionarv DOUCHE down on the island the full fury of US military might, raids ingy terror bombing raids the ultra-sophisticated F-15 fighter bombers which responsible for the bomb1ng raid the mental hospital near St. George's in which nearly 50 people were killed.
While US casualties were whisked away to the super-moaern medical facilities on board US aircraft carriers, wounded Grenadians were allowed to lie in the sun for hours.
Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe announced last week that British*. troops would be offered to take part in any interim
Commonwealth 'peacekeeping' force. Thatcher's refusal to support the invasion can now be clearly seen as a purely tactical question. Britain is quite prepared to be complicit in rolsung a pro-imperialist puppet regime on the Grenadian people. Rebuild
To ensure that the peoble of Grenada have the opportunity rebuild politically, to prepare for me next wave or tne strug gle against imperialism,
vital that the British labour movement mobilised around the defence of NJM leaders, for an end to the concentration camps, for complete freedom of the NJM
function as a legal political party, and against any to send British troops to the island.
IN THE WAKE of the events in Grenada, the 'United States has despatched another huge battle fleet to the seas off Cuba - to add te the scores of ships and hundreds of planes it has off the coasts of Lebanon, Grenada and Nicaragua. The 'Cuba fleet' consists of an 80,000 ton aircraft carrier, three guided missile destroyers, three
destroyers, frigate and other ships.
The new threat follows the harassment of Cuban diplomats on Grenada, the ill-treatment of Cuban
and LIC deliberate and unprovoked murder of Cuban constuction workers during the first hours of the US assault on Grenada.
By Phil Hearse
Ever since the victory of the Cuban revolution in 1959 the United States has tried evervining to OVCI throw Fidel Castro and the Cuban Communist Party leadership. In 1961 at Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs), a CIA-trained mercenary army attempted land and overnrow une revom tion. But the counter-
allack was easily defeated.
Since that time economic blockade of the island has military
been coupled with bizzare CIA plots to assassinate Castro. Quited rightly, the Carol Reagan (NUT - personal capacity) and Tony Benn.
Cuba and the
Grenada crisis
United States sees the example of Cuba, and the huge social and economic gains which this country has made as compared with its Caribbean neighbours, as a perma nent threat to imperialist domination of the region.
Now Reagan gigantic be campaign against Cuba The US is making the absurd claim that Grenada was being turned into huge Cuban base: that all the resistance against their Invasion Was by 'hardened Cuban battle hoops, that be renadal people were lorded over by Cuban 'supremos' and even that Cuba plans attacks on US installations world-wide. All these claims are u als Dal cult Workers
The 800 Cubans on the island were overwhelmingly construction workers, medical staff, cuba, righting its owns bas- economic advisors. tle against underdevelopment and desperately short of resources, nonetheless has sent doctors and economic construction workers to many countries in the 'third world' - not to get any economic return but as an 'internationalist duty'.
Such things of course are seen by Reagan and his cronies as immensely sinister. From their point of view it is: it shows the different and Vastly morality of
-ACKNEY PEOPLE BAY
HANDS OFF
GRENADA!
NO PUPPET
POVERNMENT
500 people attended a rally last week in Hackney to protest against the invasion. On the platform Tony Jewel (NJM),
revolutionary country which in the middle of its own gae or economic development understands the need nigh im perialism world-wide. Of course there were Cuban military advisors Grenada weaDol sue let in sion s and LICi invasion show: why!
Attack
The attack on the Cuban construction workers at Point Salines airport was reco one of Evaristo Garcia, one the coan workers wounded and repatriated to Cuba. He explained how he and a dozen others had been asleep in quarters at the airport on the morning of the invasion. WICE they were fired upon. Being unarmed, they ran into the woods. When some of them returned to try rescue a wounded com rade, two were killed and Garcia received through the lungs. This is the morality of imperialism: to fire on
WOrKerS and murder those who try to
wounded rescue CONrades!
Cuban attitude during the whole Grenada crisis has been exemplary. As the Cuban statements show (see last week's Socialist Action) the Cuban leadership disaporoved or am denouin
ed, the murder of Mauric
used by the faction that
used the faction that opposed him. But they treated the matter as an inSocialist Action 11 November 1983
ternal Grenada atta They did not even threate. to withdraw economic anc military assistance.
And when the invasion occured, their workers and
fought side by side with those
they disapproved of More.
the conduct of the OVCL Cubans in Grenada in face of the invasion was principled and courageous Overwhelmingly civilian workers. fought the last . against the penalist Invadets
The Cuban attitude to the division in the New Jewel Movement and the actions of its workers show the distance between the Cuban Communist Party leadership and the Stalin ists. The Soviet leadership greeted the seizure of power an apparently pro-Stalinist faction with barely concealed glee. Despite all the adverse cir cumstance: despite Cuba's heavy material dependence on the USSR, the Cuban Communist Party leadership has managed to maintain its political independence
In spite of Reagan's propaganda barrage, the Grenada invasion has only enhanced the prestige and influence of Cuba. With the Cuban revolution directly under threat, now Is the time to act, as i the slogan, which he advanced Cubans Fidel's to the leaders of China and Russia during the Vientnam war: "division in the face of the enemy was never all intelligent revolutionary tactic.
3
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'Joy ful and peaceful
IRELAND
UNFREE®
Socialist Organiser
joins Militant camp.
AT THE Debating organised by 'International' magazine many learned for the first time the consequences of Socialist Organisers'
Ireland.
In a debate between Socialist Action and Socialist Organiser details of their new scheme for a federal Ireland were explained which has crippling and damaging consequences for the left and puts them in the camp of the Militant on the Irish issue.
How do socialists look at Ireland? The traditional socialist view insists Ireland is divided by Britain in order to preserve capitalist rule. This division takes the form of the border which created two reachonary cienical stales
pee regime the optante pro bureaucracy, the state in the North was propped up by the most reactionary sector of the British ruling class and is now run directly from London with the use of an occupying army to keep down the nationalist population.
Photo: ANDREW WIARD (Report
Sean Matgamna
This divides the people of Ireland on every level
economically, politically and socially. aspect of popular dissent womens liberation movement is divided by im perialism and by the border. more determining role than the flags people march. planation of the strife which has forn the six counties of the North apart since the civil rights movement was batoned down by the thern cops is a mythology touted by the British as an excuse for their presence.
It is this that Socialist Organiser now backs. It is a fallacy to say the anti-imperialist struggle to free Ireland from British domination is sectarian. Sean Matgamna went as far as calling the civil rights movement a 'catholic revolt'. It is wrong to say protestants have something to fear from a anited irelana.
In our coverag of the alliance between church and state which shored up
bankrupt Southern regime inevitably big attacks on women's rights and preservation of the family unit. It is exactly the same in the North where loyalist politicians have vetoed every progressive peice of legislation from Westminster whether it was the Homosexual Law Reform Bill.
Socialist Organiser explained the referendum as an attack on Protestants and Jews by religion. The British press and labour bureaucracy use these
myths and lies to write off the anti-imperialis struggle of Sinn Fein as 'green fascism' concerneg not with ending backwardness and fighting for a socialist republic but rule of the Southern Tories to the North. In their
of the elections, coverare claimed there was no real difference between the
anti-imperialist fighters of Sinn Fein and the class collaborators of the SDLP.
We have made in the Labour sizeahle section of the left that Britain has no role in Ireland and that withdrawal provides the path to peace. Once Socialist Organiser was in the
forefront of that struggle alongside us. are moving very fast to the before you fight imperialism you have to reconcile catholics and protestants in the North.
This is a reactionary imperialism is removed from Ireland can the diver-
sion of religion be junked. Only then can the way
discovered by the struggle for socialism.
Socialist Action 11 November 1983
Socialism weekend
new ideas about
Martin Collins from trom pliant from CND the Religion plays no under which The dominance of religion as an ex-
pro-British recent Abortion we explained how the
means
Abortion Act or the
extending the horrendous
Socialist Organiser
good progress in winning the
to convince
only Now thes Militant position that
pipe-dream. Only when
workers
planned'
Can you tell us about the court action which you've initiated in the United States and the action called for 9 November?
On 9 November we are calling for every American base and installation in this coulili y to have peace camp set up outside it to demonstrate the opposition to cruise missiles.
The court case sugDenece o occause the evidence military medical, scientific and legal - shows that these weapons are not for defensive per poses.
will argue these points in the court in New York.
The American government is prepared to trample on legal niceties invading Grenada or backing the people who want to
Sandinista overthrow the government in Nicaragua.
governiel like this won't too troubled about the legal niceties?
Well might not be too interested in tae legal niceles But the ordinary, humane and decent CHUCAS the United States are. The Postards peace movement is grow ing in America
The administration the United States is a very small unrepresentative group. There are too many of us to allow this policy to continue.
We will win.
Can you tell us about the activities on the anniversary of last year's December events?
Last year we were told that 12 December would be the final date for the decision to put the weapons here
This year there will be gathering on 11 December, which is a Sunday, for exactly the same purpose as before — to-have a joyful, peaceful, demonstration to show our total opposi-
Ah well. Another day, another..
• another futile h visit to the Job Centre.
demonstrations
Helen John peaceful protest tion weapons that threaten the lives of every single human being in this coulll y
Are you worried by the statement of Michael Heseltine that troops are
A PIECE of the ACTION
~ Goddam! What's this lunatic Reagan up to now?)
¡ Grenada? Where (the hell is Grenada?
prepared to shoot Greenham Common women?
Of course Mr Heseltine aces not have order troops to shoot unarmed women. It ne does so. ther it will clearly demonstrate
Nicaragua? And then? suppose
Interview with Helen John from the Greenham Common peace camp
that it is the weapons that are there to be protected and not people.
Heseltine has said that the only majority that counts is the majority in parliament. What do you think?
>And where next?
Cuba, I os And then?
Interview
In a democracy it should he the wishes of the beoble that matter Seventy three per cent or the peoble 1 this country are opposer to cruise missiles
On the 22 October demonstration, CND used a number of slogans, including the demand for a freeze in the nuclear arms.
What do you think is the significance add ho do ou think lin adoption of this related the struggle against US bases against cruise and Trident?
It is related in as much as the Soviet Union has cepted the freeze and has pressed for no first use policy.
Our government and the United States govern ment have consistentl vetoed this. But believe that it is necessary to keep a clear focus on unilatera nuclear disarmament now Not only is the use of new weapons deplored but we have to think about getting rid of the weapons that already exist
And to do that we have to take a unilateral step to achieve disarmament programme that will ultimate v includt the Soviet Union and Amenca
Are you optimistic about the future of the campaign?
I believe that the peace camps are setting ut and the American court case can give a tremendous impetus to CND
The degree of attention that will be paid to the American country will bases eventually in this
help get them removed along with all the nuclear weapons.
We will start to live in peace, instead of contemplating genocide solve a problem
We will have rational means of overcoming the problems between nations.
CORMAC #32 %
I wonder if Ken Livingstone and the GLC have made adequate preparations..
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Interview with Ben Bousquet BEN BOUSQUET is
resolution which demanded changes in the Party constitution to allow black sections of the Party to be formed and to ensure proper black representation at all levels.
those promoting these proposals.
What were the aims of your resolution?
Let's face when the Labour rav was tormed at the beginning of the centurv there were black people politically active in Britain. Now there are two and a half million
and although We tend to support and vote for Labour, the Party takes for glanicu Labour conference the ar- For example, the rangements committee was very reluctant to put our resolution on the agenda. wasn't until „ee do care overtoe conference that we got it discussed!
MALE
Tory axe for
Women's hospital
SOUTH London
Hospital tor women
the last general hospital
in the country run by and
TOT women. Tory
Minister Health,
Kennel clarke. . ob-
viously thinks that is one
LOO mane final decision
taken the
that it should go.
The hospital provides vital service for
women, particularly
Asian women, who
preter treatment from
Black representation
in the Labour Party
black councillor and parliamentary candidate for Labour in North Kensington. At the Labour Party conference he moved a
Socialist Action asked him about the aims of
What we were demanding was the setting up of a working party to propose constitutional ments. we want black people represented in the we can contribute our black socialism to the movement. We asked for black groups within the constitutencies so that black people can formulate policies that have a direct relevance to black peopic which tney could feed into the movement.
Some white comrades give us a lot of help the delegates IrON North Westminster and Tony Brent East Benn The NEC was split, but Jo Richardson was 100 Del
ORDER
doctors and staff.
Equally essential are the opportunities given by the hospital for trainconsultants and doctors women make up only 15 per cent of consultants and 20 per cent of doctors overall South London scheduled to be closed next April. A massive campaign will be needed to stop the closure and fight the health cuts in LOnOr as a wioter
In the end we got the motion remitted - in eftect we got tht workng party we wanted. we only got it because people didn't want the Party to be seen as racist by turnIg us down.
What's your next step?
In the late Spring we will hold national meeting for black Party members. We are hoping that a national forum, like our London forum, will emerge from this.
We will be pressing the NEC with proposals to the 1984 conference. If we don't get positive results we'll have to form a black caucus af
Party. they don't like it they'll have to try to suspend us, expel us or whatever.
We're not going away, and if they don't support us they'll just expose their racism. Not only will this movement raise the racist policies of the Labour Party, but we'll try to dictate future policy.
La very strong movement, a real socialist radical Hovelicie which is what the Labour Party was and has forgotten.
Falls Road women's centre
AFTER two years of hard work and planning, a group of women in the
Falls Road area of West Belfast have just set up a women's centre.
The centre, a unique development in an area where the special needs of women have been HOSI ignored, has already become a hive of activity. Women are using it for advice on pro-
AGM suspended
Wythenshawe Constituency Labour Party.
a majority.
AS a result Wythenshawe remains suspended
• as it has been over six months. Yet through the OCTIOU of its suspension Wythenshawe has succeeded winning both local council and parliamentary elections for Labour!
By Jude Woodward (Manchester Central CLP)
At this year's Labour
Russell Tuck, on behalf of the
NEC, promised that Wythenshawe would be 'given' a fair AGM from which no-one would be excluded. Val Dunn the suspended Vice-Chair of the Party explained what this turned out to mean: I
quite overwhelmed. When 1 first went into the AGM I saw a majority for the right-wing. DUL LIC were people whom I'd never seen before or who had never been active in the Party. A number of lapsed delegates were allowed to attend.
How could this be allowed to occur? Quite simply because the first instruction of David Hughes wno presided over the meeting was that membersulp caras were not to be checked. But the right
lo pack Ine meeting with fake delegates was so blatan that the suspended Wythenshawe officers
security benefits,
violence.
Those who were in-
hope that it will become
efficient information and resources centre as well as a place
meet each other, share experiences and avoid the they might face at home.
The future of the cenLIC. however. remains precarious because the premises due for demolition in three years time. Furthermore, with
Wythenshawe
DAVID HUGHES, Labour Party National Agent, has broken the public promise made by the National Executive Committee to this year's Labour Party conference to end the suspension of Manchester
David Hughes abandoned the recalled Annual General Meeting of Wythenshawe on 4 November when it became clear that the suspended officers would have
were able to challenge a whole series of delegates.
Bill Courtney delegate from UCATT explained: 1 challenged one of the delegates from my own branch of UCATT and pointed out that he was nol a member or the Labour Party. He didn't know what ward he was in and admitted "I'm not a member the Lauvul Neil Kinnock.
government grants rontacommg, the centre is entirely reliant upon money raised through various kunarasing acuvites.
Without this the planned ideas developing facilities for women in the area will remain in the heads of those that run the centre.
Loach, Spare Rib)
The November issue of Spare Rib is out now, including the first section of an A to Z of feminism with information, addresses and facts essential for all activists.
Socialist Action 11 Voteri
promises broken
Party but I've our come to neto you The challenges went on for two and halt hour unti
David Hughes closed the meeting saying that there were irregularities. He said that there would not another AGM until these problems' are solved and pomica lo une probiem of Manchester District Labour Party.
Vendetta
What lies behind the vendetta against the Wythenshawe the creasing. success of Manchester Party activists in removing Conuel and • elected on a promise of unity
Negative
action
WHILE the majority of women who go to industrial tribunals claiming discrimination Jose their men seem to have much more SUCCES
Take the recent case of Doctor James Drummond. This poor man was refused job Heathrow's health unit because the department had a women-only selection policy.
Hillingdon health
•T MUST STAY OPEN
rightwing
replacing
socialists
Ine night
Party
Wythenshawe
ing that Ma:
not be • allow e
way of Londo
field
right of CLPs to sa.= =
COLO
own affairs. Neil Kinnoci
was elected as leader of the
Labour Party on the pro-
mise of Party unity
His attitude to the witct
hunt against Wythen-
shawe and left wing coun-
cillors in Manchester will
be a test of just how much
value should be placed on Lilal promise authority had decided this year to take on only women doctors at the airport because man Asian women refused to be examined by men on
religious grounds.
Under the Sex
Discrimination Act there is provision for employ. ing only women in such circumstances. But the industrial tribunal knew better, and decided that
wasn't necessary for the job to be done by
Dr Drummond was awarded f250 compensation.
Page 6 scan of this page
Reagan steps up pressure
Geneva deal threatens Palestinians
Nicaragua
FOLLOWING the invasion of Grenada, stepping up the pressure Rumours from Washington
town from which to proclaim a 'provisional govern-
January.
The most dramatic sign of the military build-up has been the attacks on oll installations in Nicaragua, which have crippled the country's oil supplies. But the United States preparing even more spectacular military in-
By Phil Hearse
The huge US fleet sent ast July is still in place off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Some of these ships
of Nicaragua. Provoca-
been staged into Nicaragua territorial waters. These ships have on board sea-to-land missiles and nearly 200 planes.
There are now 6000 US troops stationed in Honduras, main in that country until
least Juv 1984. nest troops are not in Honduras to simply carry out training exercises with Honduran
trooDs.
Already sixty-room ailitary hospital has been
ebanon
THE 'national reconciliation' talks in Geneva between the contending factions in Lebanon looks set so conclude an agreement which gravely threatens the future of the PLO as an independent organisaion. While the leaders of Druze, Shite and Sunni Muslim forces talked in the luxury of the Intercon-
ad pro-Syrian Palestinian forces were making a
age assault pro-Arafat Everything looks set for a final annihilation of the wo-Arafat forces.
The proposed agreeDent would basically
June Phalangist Gemayel government recognising syria as one of the main influences in Lebanon and repudiating is peace treaty with Israel.
In return the Syrians bring ebre heel, ensure that the PLO stays out of southern Lenanon and make sure that the antiComayel forces in Lebanon agree to some form of joint government with the Christians.
Dent works, it is necessary
establish what the dif ferent contending forces are trying win. The Israelis want a peace treaty with Lebanon, and either a Inendly Christian govern-
For partitioned, weakened Lebanon with the Syrians out.
The Syrians the other hand want to be the najor force in Lebanon, brough which they stablish themselves as the nfluential power Ine egion which everyone has o deal with and make con-
Socialist Action 11 November 1983
Reagan is against Nicaragua. suggest that the American plan is to try to capture a Nicaraguan
ment' of counter-revolutionaries. Reagan wants this 'provisional government' in place by December or
established at the US barracks, a sure sign of the possibility of ÜS battle casualties the
lical
At the same time, the United States теactivated the Central
military alliance, CONDECA. This process has been facilitated by the overthrow the Guatemalan dictator Rioss Montt, an American backed after Montt opposed CÓNDECA.
Ine total number of
LOUDS LOW reckoned at around 8000. Most of these
are part of the FDN ('Nicaraguan Democratic Front') mercenary group operating from
Honduras.' They have fail-
Ine effort started earlier this year to occupy
near the northern town of Jalapa How wan acy malenaca to proclaim a provisional villall.
The new tactic is terror ental Hotel on the banks of Lake Leman, Syrian
forces in Tripoli.
cessions to. In particular the Syrians want the United States to recognise. them as the crucial power in the region.
By Paul Lawson
To do that the Syrians have avold being thrown out of Lebanon, and show that they are the real masters of the antiChristian forces.
Following last year's nvasion of Lebanon, the Israelis Bashir Gemayel, military leader of the Christian Phalange,
dent. Bashir
was assassinated, he was replaced by his brother Amin. Once Bashir had been assassinated, his brother was happy to sign
'troop withdrawal' Israel which amounted to a virtual peace treaty
The project of Phalangist-Christian and pro-Israeli government nowever broke down failed because a Phalangist
against the health and
educational facilities
established by the revolu-
tion in the more remote
parts of the country.
Through this the contras
hope to subdue and terror-
toca. @putatior
and disrupt the fforts t
raise the materal weltare of the people.
FDN's offensive, the CIA has been giving more ARDE tellin (Revolutionary Democratic Alliance) forces of Eden Pastora, based in Costa Rica. It now seems that Pastora himself has been ousted from the
leadership of this organisation, since he
LOO much autonomy from the aims of the CIA.
huge revolutionary strike could now launched from Costa Rica, with US naval and air support, with precisely the intention of capturing a town to be used by a US-puppet 'provisional government. Following, the Grenadian scenario, there could easily be a 'request' for US inLOL VCHILION from bouring governments.
Jaime Wheelock, one of the FSLN leaders, nas estimated that a total of 600 Nicaraguans have nov Yasser Arafat with Libyan president Quadaffi in happier days. Now Quadaffi backs alliance ugainst him. government naturally ex-
the Druze, Sunni and Shi'ite leaders and more fundamentally because it failed to take into account the interests of Syria's Assad
When fighting broke DCLWCeI Christians and Druze fighters after the Israeli troop pull-back, the Syrians were only too naDDy to and ammunition into the hands of the anti'government forces - not ecause the Syrians give a fig about the rights of the oppressed in Lebanon, but
weaken Tine Gemayel government, the better to
Nicaraguans demonstrate against US threats during May Day demonstrations been killed by counter revolunonary attacks. To prepare for the fight to come Nicaragua has now brought in conscription to
the armea orces The first units will be organised January 1984, and involve between 20,000 and 30,000 Nicaraguans.
Conscription Will of CoulsC wcakell Nicaraforce it to recognise Syria's interests.
Once the Lebanese army had got bloody nose at the hands of Druze and Shi'ite militias
- and only US naval bombaraments prevented complete rout — it was ob. vious that some deal had to be done with Syria and its allies.
Paradoxically, this deal is at the expense of the Israelis in the short term -but even
more tundamentally at the expense of the Palestinians.
Assau siegime in syrie has cleverly exploited the divisions in the PLO by
NO
EST PEDRO ARAUZ. P
gua's economic effort. But
this is an inevitable effect
of having to concentrate so much effort on defence.
Without doubt, part of the Us destabilisation nan is
to try to create disillusion
with FSLN leadership through econ-
omic dislocation and hard-
response of the FSLN has been to deepen backing anti-Arafat rebel Abu Musa. Syria has given Abu Musa victory on plate, but at the price of sacrificing une political and military independence of the PLO fighters.
The pro-Arafat force could now be massacred in the latest conflict, cynical crime against the Palestinian people.
Behind the diplomatic
oned Sars, at seems and dealing
United seems likely that the present agreement has been cooked up directly by the US and Syrian governments
PASARA
• PUERD 10 DOLAST AR
the mass mobilisation and mass organisation of the
Nicaraguan people, to prepare DOIn politically and militarily for an imperialist LACK people's militias have been Sueraere as nave at other mass organisations
Now more than ever is vital to strengthen the movement of solidarity
- with the US delivering
Gemayel and the • Svrian: delivering Walid Jumblatt and the other leaders of the anti-Gemayel 'National Salvation Front'.
It remains to be seen how Israel will respond to the attack on its troops in Tyre, and from the diplomatic card game in Geneva What is clear however is that its attempt to firmly establish its own hegemony in Lebanon has been an ig nominious failure. From the ruins : of the invasion,
and United States imperialism are picking up the pieces.
In one thing only have the Israelis been successful - striking a savage blow at the Palestine Liberation Organisation. If the new blow against the PLO being struck the Syrians, then behind once again lies imperialism
agreement betFATSA: havertiseme
A TOWN ON TRIAL
International
tral America and the
Caribbean to
recurrence of what hap-
pened to Grenada. Even
Margaret Thatcher,
despite her open support
for the US anti-communist
COme out
against all invasion of
Nicaragua Her
tical words won't stop
Reagan. Mass solidarity
world-wiae cal ween the different factions in Geneva, if ratified, will once again give the various
leaders a slice of the governmental acLUNA But nothing pete will get nothing out such an agreement. It will do nothing to alter the reality of the domination of the country by a ruling class which the Maronite Christians will always have the upper hand.
The task of defeating the
Icacuular y forces who do their deals
the heads of the UVCI
massesse an made nam
made imlilasse measurably harder by the presence the four nation imperialist 'peacekeeping force'
Our task is to fight in solidarity the independence of the PLO and for the unconditional withdrawal of British and all imperialist troops.
New pamphlet on Turkey
Fatsa: a town on
trial
his pamphlet gives the background to the mass tria of the townsneone of fat sa, Turkey and the international cam
paign in their defence
rroduced by islington. Hackney an • Haringev Councils in collaboration with
the Turkey Solidarity Campaign 50p + 20p p&p from TSC, BM Bor
5965, London WCI 3XX
Page 7 scan of this page
THE ACTION INTERVIEW
International EAST TIMOR is in South East Asia, near Indonesia. Long a Portuguese colony, East Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975. Since then, the extreme right wing Indonesian government of Suharto has waged a genocidal counter revolutionary war against the people in that country. Tens of thousands have been massacred.
ABILIO ARAUJO is a member of the Central Committee of the liberation organisation Fretlin, and Minister for Social and Economic . Affairs in the Government of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, declared on 18 November 1975 in Dili, East Timor.
Many people will be unfamiliar with the struggle of the people of East Timor. What took place prior
the Indonesian invasion 1975?
We lived under the Portuguese colonialists for 450 years. These were years of harsh repression and exploitation. and struggles took place. In particular, I would like to mention the revolt which took place at the end of the century, led by one of our traditional chiefs called Boa Ventura he succeeded establishing an government and the lasted for 17 years.
The independent government was only crushed after the Portuguese sent troops from Mozambique. Sporadic resistance continued after, and during the second world war the East Timorese people fought against Japanese invaders.
After the Portuguese dictatorship was overthrown in 1974, there was a big debate about the future of our country, decided to establish an independent state. Fretlin declared dependence on 20 1975. Tens days later the Indonesians invaded.
What are the policies of Fretlin?
Our programme aims at the total liberation of our country. fighting not only for political independence, not just to have a flag and anthem, political, economic and cultural independence. That fighting all colonialists, colonialists and imperialists. We are organising our people in production, and in against illiteracy, for health care, for political education
continue develop military needs to continue the armed struggle.
So in the liberated zones we have to organise the social life of the people as well as preparing to deepen the military struggle.
The indonesians control about 30 per cent of the territory, control the other 70 per cent. We have a regular army of 7,000 and thousands of irregular guerrillas.
in
Many revolts
in independent
rebellion
Abilio Araujo
the
but we
in-
November
We are
but for
means neo-
campaigns
• and also our we the guerillas are?
Demonstrators battle with Indonesian troops
The world's capitalist press is saying that Fretlin is finished and East Timor is under Indonesian control. Is it true? And is it true that people have moved back into the Indonesian controlled areas, yca.. away from the mountains where
If we were a spent force, then the
East Timor
liberation
struggle
ABILIO ARAUJO
(AL/M
JAVA
Indian Ocean Indonesian Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces would not have had to come to negotiate the cease fire agreement which was reached with us in March of this
We told the Indonesians that a lasting peace could only brought about on the basis of
Manila 0
MALAYSIA
CELEBES
K
INDONĚSIA"
(Indonesian)
TIMOR
AUSTRALIA complete withdrawal of Indonesian troops from our territory and respect for the right of our people to self-determination.
La military handbook from the Indonesians which gave a very good insight into the way they regard us.
Socialist Action 11 November 1983 the confidence fighters.
They It
losses fighters.
We
Mi. 500 masses PHILIPPINES
rifles, launchers.
Pacitic been
casualties.
Ocean
WEST gle?
IRIAN
8
Catholicism
seen
150,000
They know Timor. struggle?
Last year our forces captured
don't,
They explain at great length
the self organisation of the people in the areas controlled by Fretlin
high morale and selfof our guerilla
point out that fighters have a high commitment to victory, speedy movement and always protect the communication lines between the command and the armed cells. Their approach to the war is a typical colonialist one - they have carried out mass murder, mass bomb ings, rape and torture.
only two members of our Central Committee survived after the Indonesian bombings of our country between 1978-79. We also suffered hear!
among our resistance
This of course meant that it was impossible to prevent some people from returning to the Indonesian controlled areas, where they were free from the threat of bombing raids.
responded by sending political cadres into the Indone. sian controlled areas to organise the population.
In 1982 we launched a big counter-offensive. We captured
of Indonesian militar equipment, including automatio
heavy artillery and rocke To date there have 25,000 Indonesian
What is the importance of inter. national support for your strug
The Indonesians' campaign is a genocidal one. They have killed tens of thousands of our people. Now they are preparing another big offensive. They are trying 1o get this issues out of the United Nations. If they do, they will have a much freer hand. That's why we are appealing to all governments and organisations to raise a voice of protest to aid our struggle.
the dominami religion in East Timor. What ha been the attitude of the Church?
The majority of priests have supported our struggle. They have
violations of human rights and the genocide committed against our people. Between
and 200,000 Eas:
Timorese people have been killed or interned since 1975.
The priests visit the Fretlir guerilla camps. We trust them
we are fighting fo survival and the establishment e: an independent democratic state
The Indonesian government has adopted a policy of trying to settle some Indonesian civilians in East
Will this undermine your
Well, so far they have transported about 300 Indonesian families to our country, but we have alread! developed political work among this population. We tell these peo ple that the land is ours, that the! are becoming instruments of the Indonesian regime — and that the only way out for them is to back to their own country. If the!
then they become our enemies with all the consequences for them that this involves. Some families have already understood this and gone back.
Page 8 scan of this page
the USA
The US invasion of Grenada
has re-opened a big debate in
the Labour Party
tain's relations
United States. BOB CRYER,
former Labour
Keighly, looks at the record
of past Labour governments
on US foreign policy. Lewis Davies
Memorial
Lecture
LEWIS DAVIES was secretary of Middlesborough Trades Council until his tragic death in a climbing accident in 1982. As well as being active in his union, NALGO, and the local C.ND, Lewis was a supporter of the Socialist Challenge newspaper and an activist in the Labour Party.
A topical lecture is organised each year in his memory by his friends and colleagues.
The 1983 lecture was presented in Middlesborough on 27 October. Socialist Action is pleased to reproduce an edited version of Bob Cryer's speech in remembrance of Lewis.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY
posite, as it happens, to talk about US foreign policy and
the Labour Party. We say
cruise missiles
come here but that we're friends with the
people, and so forth.
But the realities of the past few days
have intruded very harshly,
demonstrated what mv view has been
all along. That the Labour Party in the
whole of the post-war period, has been
far too subservient to United States
foreign policy. It has been equalled in
that position by the Conservative Party
indeed excelled in that position by
the Conservative Party
position reached today by the govern-
of total subservience
American foreign policy.
Now I just want spend
minutes setting out where I see the post-
war policy failures taking place in rela-
tion to the United States, and why we as
a Labour Party have got to re-assert
our non-aligned view of foreign policy
free from entanglement and domina-
tion of the United States of America.
Nothing less will do.
There are major
Labour Party policy, such as the rejec-
tion of cruise and the closure of US
8
on Briwith the
MP for carried vuL when
Party.
tually with a Labour power.
member
Committee of the
Words
CrOWIl who have
which Attlee replied teel 1 must deal at
military SeCreLs
Executive.' other words, apgovernment, the
shouldn't high quality decisions'
American
rors to be made.
The bombs and Nagasaki were,
Minh. The
1945 policy - so that the
Wing. Therefore it switch sides a few components of
Socialist Action 11 November 1983
and
nuclear bases in this country, which are basic pillars of opposition to United States domination and which must be
get the next Labour government. Now, in 1945 we had a massive victory by the Labour
So when the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki it was ac-
government in Now we don't know whether the decision was communicated by the American government to Attlee, but there was a very revealing moment and that moment signified much of subsequent government policy. Harold Laski,then a suggested that before Clem Allee ac Labour's tually went to Potsdam, since there was a meeting of the National executive
Labour Party, would be prudent if he actually waited for a discussion so that he knew what the views of the Labour Party were.
And Churchill took this up and said: 'It seems that we must refer to an obscure committee which will give orders to the so-called responsible ministers of the
delivered orations upon which they have been instructed from those dim complaints below'. To
immediately: once with the disgraceful suggestion that cabinet and
will be divulged by Labour ministers to the Labour Party
once they got a National Executive Committee of the Labour Party should keep its position, which was quiet and remote and let them get on with making
Because ther weren't going to get any information at all, and it was this lack of information which allowed a number of serious er-
Hiroshima and for example, the first stages in the cold war. In 1941 the opponents of Japan in Indochina were the communists led by a man called Ho Chi
welcomed their support and actually financed them and armed them. But by
Roosevelt callecu was dead, and Harry S Truman had been elected and the cold war was develop-
was necessary to
Ho Chi Minh was no longer the ally, he was the opponent, because he was
one of the dreaded species of com-
munists that was emerging in the post-
war period. On 15 August, a few days
after the nuclear bombs had been drop-
ped on Japan, President Truman sign-
ed an order aushorising the Japanese to
support the allied forces in the suppres- of
sion of the communist forces -
allies, up to that time, in Indochina.
Labour
That's why, when Mountbatten arrived in Indochina, he was somewhat staggered to find the guard of honour which greeted his arrival was composed fully-armed and uniformed sapalicsc. He had assumed, somewhat naively that they were our opponents.
And after Dien Bien Phu in 1954, when of course there was a Conservative government assiduously following the same cold war policy, America took total control of the war in Vietnam and carried out a war of the most cruel suppression
seen
atallisi tiny
Clement Attlee complied with Truman in murderou destruction of Hiroshima and vaeasakl.nen ne ordered Britain's own atomic bomb.
When American people wer protesting against
Vietnames children, Harola Wilson slavishly supported Lyndon B Johnson's genocide. agrarian country that the world has
producing horrors the like of which haven't been seen since the con. centration camps of the Nazi regime in Germany. The subordination of the Labour government in 1945 had laid a path which was followed assiduously
Page 9 scan of this page
y both parties.
This had its repercussions in other affairs as well. Because unbeknown to he citizens who were only paying for it, ind who it turned out were actually gong to die for it, the Labour government ander Clem Attlee were developing an itomic bomb. One of our own. A sort of heroic gesture, if you like, to show hat we too were important. We wanted o emphasise our technological parity vith the rest of the world. So we em-
on the development of the tomic bomb.
It was not announced until 23 Ocober 1952, when Churchill proclaimed
This most momentous of occasions as not made the subject of a special atement in parliament, it was simply a sply to an oral question. Churchill nid: 'All those concerned in the prouction of the first British atomic omb are to be warmly congratulated
the successful outcome of estoric episode. And I should no doubt av my compliments to the leader of
opposition and the Party opposite, or initiating it.' So there was Churchill
ing Clem Attlee a pat on the back
id saying 'well done'
Almost identical remarks were to be nade many years later when Francis Prm announced that Polaris had been #puaicu al a cost of £1000 million ander Operation Cheveline and he said to Jim Callaghan: 'I want to conaratulate the leader of the opposition for having carried out this policy'. Jim Callaghan said: 'Well of course we were only carrying out Conservative policy as well' and he was shouted down pecause it sonded slightly weak.
Churchill also said: 'As for the cost, have said before as an old parliamenarian. that 1 was rather astonished thai well over f100 million should dispersed or parta mast made aware was a astonished'. Our policy of subordinaion to the US has been demonstrated over and over again. I need hardly remind you of the cruel memory Michael Stewart and Harold Wilson and their attitude towards the United States in Vietnam. Even when
American people were opposed to the president, the president was able to rely on a Labour prime mınıster and hıs foreign secretary for succour and sup. port in persuing that vicious, nasty and cruel war.
So what about the more modern position which I'll come to swiftly now.
Ine torelgn poncy postuon centres or. cruise, against which so many people marched last Saturday and provided the biggest demonstration that this country has ever gathered together as a tocus ot miltant obiection or the people of this nation. Well cruise again, it is claimed by the government, is subject to an agreement in which there is a right of veto. I'm afraid that I have to tell you now that when Michael Heseltine and Mrs Thatcher and Francis Pym make that claim they are not telling the truth. Technically it's known as lying, and you can get away with it in the House of Commons where else so long as it's not about sex.
If you lie about sex you're in for trouble and vour political career will come to a fairly rapid end.
'As long as they have a reactionary
lick-spittle government prepared
to support exploitation and private
enterprise, that government can
rely on backing from the United
States of America.'
But if you lie about the 'unimportant' matters: cruise missiles, nuclear weapons, Hass cx ermuauor the establishment will bless you, and say that you're statesmen. The fact that you lie, yUU cheat. that vou template the mass extermination of people as part of international policy is praised. The agreement under which cruise is being brought to this country was reached in 1931.
Even if you accept that cruise is necessav. ao con't. wherner vol have dual, triple or quadruple keys the agreement reached in 1951 is wholly inadequate the being sophisticated press button technology DIt that cruise represents. The 1951 agree. ment for the US to use certain bases in this country was tor aeroplanes to refuel, followed subseof quently by jet aeroplanes to refuel, and maybe have maintenance. nothing to do with pressing buttons thẹ which provide instantaneous mass ex-
termination on a scale never before known.
cannot possibly accept the terms of the agreement which Thatcher so blandly LL vul. tober 1951 between Truman and Attlee was a snort statement. and it savs there should be a joint decision-making on the use of UK bases by US forces. It then uses these words: 'In the light of cir. cumstances prevailing at the time'.
Does it mean that the United States can decide the light of circumstances and can take uniateral action? Or does if mean that we can do that? know. Shouldn't we really know this, since these weapons are on our sorl governed by technology, governed decision making? Quite clearly there is no right of UK veto in that agreement. Now why was it October 1951? Well, our parliamentary system, which as you or mgee• any- know has been imitated by no other
country in the world parlaments, the democracy — does have its advantages.
ask questions. beyond doubt, the reached in October because there was a general election taking place. ment wasn't actually grand old democrat Clem Attlee, who we look back on with great fondness and affection for the fighting socialist which people claim he was, reached the agreement at a time when this country's knowledge of it. By the end of the election there was a new government, the thing was pushed to one side and Churchill eagerly took it over, picked it up and accepted it. Tiny - well
government on democratic encugh. I wonder why they never say this about Haiti, where there has been repression and poverty for year after year after year. As long as they have a reactionary lick-spittle government support exploitation and private enterprise, that government Dacking from the sort of highlv America. Cruise means that we shall be tied ever
HUlC apron strings and we'll be less able to speak out against American imperialist piston-engined oppression in countries like Grenada. We need to be in a position to condemn American involvement whether it's in was Grenada or any other country where we wish to make a judgement about the rights and wrongs of a situation. That's
So even those who support cruise cruise.
The agreement reached in OcNow what on earth does that mean?
We don't
American computer by American
the mother of apothesis
You can raise the issues, you can
But to put the matter agreement was
Parliasitting. So that
America. actually
people could have no Not by
ucacal country (
decree.
America now decides that a tiny
La tinv island isn't and Merlyn Agee's deportation countries like
prepared to
can rely on United States of
Change
closely to American
one of the most important elements in cruise, and that's why we are getting
That's other European countries are getting cruise. 'If you lie about sex you're in for trouble and your political career will come to a fairly rapid end. But
if you lie about the 'unimportant'
matters: cruise missiles, nuclear
weapons, mass extermination -
well the establishment will bless
you, and say that you're
statesmen.'
I'll make a further assertion. That's the basis of the existence ot the Com. mon Market. That's why the Common Market exists, as part of the cold wal strategy of the US, in order to ensure that capitalism remains supreme in a significant proportion of Europe.
We have in our country over 100 bases which are under the control of a foreign power, the United States of
Don't forget that Duncan Campbell (who has exposed American "securitv' operations in the UK) and Aubrey and Berry were prosecuted by a Labour Attorney General, Sam Silkin.
Tories. So we've remember that the policy of exposing
within our own has met with hostility by Labour governments and by Conservative governments to an even greater
During that period, when the CIA wanted a victim, then we provided it
Rees defended Phillip man should have been knighted for his exposures of the CIA. That was the sort of thing that was sustained by the Labour government, and it could have done a great deal more. What else could it have done? It could have introduced a freedom of information bill.
If we are going to change the nature of United Kingdom subservience to United States foreign policy, we have to change this. There's no doubt about it.
Because of the influence of the CBI, the City, the ambassadors, all the institutions of senior civil servants and the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Ii we're going to have a Labour goverr.ment that's really going to carry ou! radical policies, we can't have prim.. ministers saying we can't wet people appetite tor more intormation. we ro got to be wetting people's appetites. It's the only way a Labour government car. succeed
A Labour government only has the •strength of the people. In spite of the massive outpouring of invective from. the daily press, the Labour Party has undertaken mandatory reselection Members of Parlament are now more sensitive to the rank and file of the Labour Party than ever before. You'd be amazed how many MPs discovered that thet Wercsole sporles unilateral nuclear disarmament after close and meaningful discussions with their comrades in the constituencies We have a leadership system that was so revolutionary that those who had used the Party to get wealth and power decided it was too radical for them and they must leave.
Our leader is now elected on a wider basis and it gives us in the Party a greater right to expect the leader to carry out Party policy. And it breaks down that insulation which has been the salvation of the establishment for so long between the PLP and the rank and file. The position which Clem Atlee OuEHOCO n 1945 is no longer SUS tainable.
If Neil Kinnock said there were to be no discussions on policy, no discussions of cabinet secrets, he would be challenged from the top to the bottom of the Party. Those are great sources of strength.
We suffered a considerable defea at the last election, but the confidence of the Labour Party and the strength of its ideas has not been diminished.
Socialist Action 11 November 1983 9
Page 10 scan of this page
10
. Velson Mandela
Christmas greetings
THIS YEAR will be
the 21st Christmas that
Nelson Mandela will
have spent separated
from his family
because of his
continuing
incarceration in the
dungeons of apartheid.
The trials and
tribulations of the
Mandela family are
not unique. There will
be hundreds of
families of Namibian
and South African
political prisioners who
will miss their mothers
or fathers, their
daughters or sons this
year.
May I therefore
take this opportunity
to invite your readers
to send Christmas and
New Year
Children's rights
ON JOHN Inigo's letter = he Paedophile Infor-
Children are faced - th restrictions on their activities both from ain and without the
Whatever the aure of these restric...s. they all emanate
..i. lic sallie suuile.
Partly because they
essary experience to
with the world
ind them, and partly
cause they have limited
and civil rights,
::en are dependant on
:Inerable to adults. i situation requires aul. io be vigilant in :: behaviour
• a cooter.
ithat way are
children? In 1885
consent in order to child prostitution.
h became endemic
the growth of
mitant patriarchal
== people.
A hundred years later *= are still a capitalist ard patriarchal society. With the current reces-
high unemployment and homelessness among young people, it is not hard to imagine the result of lowering the age of consent anew.
Socialist Action 11 November 1983 greetings to the banned and banished, and to the families of political prisoners, and of those who have been executed or murdered in detention in South Africa and Namibia.
For the hundreds of courageous and brave persons who are persecuted by the apartheid laws, such greetings are both welcomed and appreciated.
Please write to us for a list of names and addresses enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope.
ABDUL MINTY, Anti-Apartheid Movement, 13 Selous St, London NW1
Puberty is a difficult, even traumatic period, laze
port all
which
status, PAUL RUSSELL, London W8
Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS to Phil Hearse for an excellent anaivsis of events in Grenada in last week's Socialist Action. May I ask for more details of the background, particularly of the New Jewel Movement, to be publish-
While many of us should know all about these developments, nevertheless. I at least am reliant on Socialist Action and such for reliable information that I have time to read.
On an entirely different track, I was very concerned to read Julia Langden's report in last
Paraphenalia or process?
PHIL HEARSE'S assess-
Revolutionary Government of Grenada had on. ly 'the paraphenalia of alleged participatory democracy' and consequently ended in a shoot out 'the opposite of proletarian democracy', assumes that in any revolution the transition from old forms to new is immediate and that the people are instantly won to them.
It also jenores the pressure that imperialism applies to destabilise at every turn. That
Will anti-freeze cool
support?
I WOULD like to take issue with your contributor, Valerie Coultas, on some points in her article 'We don't want to freeze this
October). question.
IT we
must do.
LETTERS
Thursday's Guardian (27 Oct) on Tariq Ali's 'ex. pulsion' on page four. What concerned me was the paragraph beginning 'Mr All maintained .. there was no other way to socialisin Inan Inrough the Labour Party'
It this is a true ac. count of what he said, I regara ll as a tragic state. ment from a comrade for whom I have an mous respect. If it is mere scurrilous reporting, then I hope it will be hotly denied by Socialist Action et al in print.
BEN CALLAN, Hatfield, Herts
paraphenalia was not a step in the wrong direction, not a sop to the people, but part of a process wallet was acuvel debated by the people and which did put the people first
we sure nave been better at this mo-
the positive gains that have been achieved in the four and a half years of the PRG. and which are sadly lacking from the bourgeois press.
DAVE MacPARLAND
doctrinaire approach -we need all the allies we can get in the campaign.
Ms Coultas asks
we usace u using these demands
cruise, no Trident)
• the lug all Dases unilaterally,
Many
Inconsistent FOLLOWING recent excellent coverage of, and su women a hear s of women at Labour ty conference in their attempt to get proper recognon anu represen tation, 1 am dismayed to discover in Socialist Action (28 October) that there is no mention whatsoever of 29 October, this day being TUC Women's Day.
Such an ommission is not consistent with past practice of Socialist :Acnon in underining we need to take women's Issues ana poncies I lie unions.
Likewise, your pages have substantial reports of the efforts of NALGO, NUPE and POEU members (to mention but a lew) in the pre sent disputes ....a good proportion of those Involved and being the most
SMALL iS UNQUESTISNABLE... No reliance on men MALE ORDER column (28 October) contained Socialist Action's only coverage of the recentlypublished research on cancer and the contracep tive pill. . Such coverage is welcome, but the conclusions are definitely not:
'Male Order says:
Panic now before it's too late. If you're on the pill stop taking it. . Get the men in your life to take responsibility for contraception, and in. vestigate safe methods under your control like the cap. (my emphasis)
I couldn't believe what I was reading! I agree that women should not accept the implicit advice of the (male) FPA doctor quoted, to remain health risks involved in taking the pill. But really! Can anyone writing for gest that an 'alternative'
militant are women. So what happened to TUC Women's Day?
We know that the TUC bureaucrats, as is to be expected didn't take the day seriously, did too little too late. but na. tionally it has not escaped the notice of the women trade unionists who have organised rallies, leafletling, day schools ... I Is clear that women are going to be taken seriously in the labour movement
EITHER SLEEP ANIMALS, tHE WISDOM OF SUCH BEHAVIOUR is to rely, even temporarily, on men?
The dangers and difficulties of using the most contraceptively safe form of birth control should not be passed over lightly, as they are by the medical establishment and the bourgeois press. But the fundamental problem for women remains that there is no method of birth control which is safe from all points of view as a contracentive and for the mental and
Letters
TUC
WOMEN'S
ACTION
DAY
by fighting all the way from the bottom upcession that the event exists at all. In order to participate in and support the struceles of our sisters we must consistently build such initiatives as TUC Women's Day.
Let's take advantage of it properly in the future!
TINA YEMM, Nottingham.
ALONE OK WITH Fran Lebowitz fame
physical health and wellbeing of the woman Looked at like this. the least adequate advice anyone coul get men to take responsibility. Our slogan should be: 'SocialistFeminist Health Warning: relying on male contraception can seriously damage all aspects of your health'!
CAROL TURNER, Seatibert
Write to us!
This is your page. Send us your comments, criticisms or even congratulations. But please be brief -letters over 300 words will be cut. Write to: Letters, Socialist Action, 328 Upper Street, London N1 2XP.
(Tel: 01-359 8180)
Page 11 scan of this page
The Hongkong crisis
REVIEWS
Britain's rulers wonderfully
government has made sovereignty to be restored by then.
But of course things are a little more plicated in Hongkong than in the Malvinas. If the Beijing government wanted to simply grab control of the colony there would be no prodien wnalevel The 7000 British and Ghurka troops could hardly hold out against the multimillioned of Peoples Revolutionary Ar-
But both British imperialism and China have an enormous stake in maintaining the social structure Hongkong. For Britain and Ine Hongkong bourgeoisie it is an enormous source o Drouls. lor
sources son of the mer
foreign change badly needed for the development effort. Some sort of deal should, then, be eminently possible. But things are not so simple.
When Thatcher visited China in 1982 she insulted her hosts by implying Britain's determination keep sovereignty despite the signals being
folly
OWEN GREENE has published a useful little handbook full of information and arguments about cruise and Per. shing Il missiles.
Nothing is taken for granted. The book includes chapters on what a cruise missile is, the history of the cruise missile program, and the background to the NATO 'modernisation' decision to deploy cruise and Pershing.
Reviewed by A Lenton
The author also goes through all of the HUTC arguments used to justify cruise and methodically counters each of them. In so doing the real purpose of the new weapons becomes apparent. From being solution in search of a problem Cruise has become the first of a new generation of nuclear warfighting weapons. The strategy on which cruise is based is that nuclear war can be fought and 'won' in Europe.
The book is weakest in the political conclu-
on the problem of outstanding claims for sovereignty on British colonies. One of the most sensitive of these is of course Hongkong. The treaty by which Britain hold the colony is due to run out in 1997, and the Chinese it clear that it expects
fice 'wets Thatcher got a sharp reply trom Beijing. And then there is the question of the people Hongkong themselves. Is their choice limited to continued colonial oppression
integration with the Stalinist Chinese monolith?
By Paul Lawson
Gregor Benton's timely book gives an admirable account of the history of the colonial domination of
thered by the engeles
waged by Hongkong workers from the beginning of the Cultural Revolu-
the British and Beijing governments, and the radical alternatives which face the DCODIC of Hongkong. All socialists will be particularly terested in his account of the Hongkong-based democracy movement.
Despite the fact that the average income of the Hongkong workers much higher than those in
Europe's
sions at the end when the author's lack of political understanding of the motives of the US as the driving force of the arms race are not taken into account, an elaborate and sterile schema for nuclear disarmament is laid out.
At the same time the history of the project almost makes it sound like the whole
thing ssae accidents
spite this, however, the book is a must for all activists in search coherently organised material about cruise and Pershing II.
Europes folly Owen Greene CND £1.95
rife with poverty, inequality and exploitation. In precise v what sense 1s a worker in a back street sweatshop making wat-
ahes divines for squalor,
living suudiul. 'richer' than a Chinese peasant in a commune?
Against the propaganda and mystification both the governments in volved, Gregor Benton's oook oulines the Drooicu from the point of view which is the only correct starting-point that of Hongkong workers.
MITO & PRE THE
HONGKONG
CRISIS
GREGOR BENTON The HongKong Crisis Gregor Benton Pluto Press £3.95
MASTERPIECES is a
play about por-
nography. It starts
with a porn merchant
describing with
satisfaction the pro-
fitability of his com-
pany, how harmless his
wares are, the good it
does 'the public' to be
freed from the puritan
values of earlier times.
The play then ex-
amines the effect of por-
nography on women's
lives and mens' reactions
to pornography and their
attitudes to women, in
both public and personal
relationships. This is par-
ticularly shown through
the character Ravena who
at the beginning of the
play backs up her hus-
Dare are ourer men
against Yvonne by saying
Lal vull o Halls all
possibly beneficial to the
rustrated 'man in the
street'.
Reviewed by
Helen MacDonald
Then she starts realising the connections in the way men see women and the way that they treat women in practice. At the ena or lne play she is on trial for murder, after she
her, under a tube train. Masterpieces has been described as an 'uncompromising angry play'
Well it did make me angry, but a lot of that anger finished up being directed at the play itself. Tes Is Dower does show some positive unlaces or women - Doin Ravena and Yvonne fight back. But whilst Master. pieces showed the horrific suatuls unlal women are
The Worst of
Hollywood
Saturday 12 November
11.30, Channel 4
This collection of terrible
movies has been amusing
so far, but unfortunately
you have to put up with
the nauseating Michae
vicoved and his stupid
captions trying to make
the whole thing into an
Masterpieces
forced into its final statement is one of despair.
Here cou case
Ravena says: 'I don't want anything to do with men that look at pornography. I don't i want anything to do with men that cut women up, men that tell women to lie back and relax .... and men wao tell masogynsi jokes! These are the final lines.
But the point is she has just been imprisoned, presumably for years. The play therefore ends when her choice of her own actions has been
art form. This week's is
'They saved Hitler's
brain' in which a motley filer's head in a glass Nazis store
jar.
Newsnight
special: Central
America
Saturday 12 November,
BBC2
A special report from taken away from her. Right through the play I ten malviaual men were getting away with it.
as shits Yes their actions are seen as inexcusible Unfortunately I don't believe that method of portrayal would have one iota of effect on any man unal saw ine play. ror me as a woman, Masterpieces was a powerru releranon of how women suffer. It does however com. promise in my opinion in the wav its statement. are presented. Scene after scene had a topping of
Socialist Action 11 November 1983
Vicaragu Honduras
Salvador which
promises new pictures of
the fighting and
views with both sides.
New cinema of
Latin America
Monday 14 November,
11.00, Channel 4
And more U1. Central
America in the last of
C4's interesting
This is a collection of five
short documentaries: witty repartee as though to make sure that the audience got 'good entertainment' value despite the subject matter.
Mind
Mind you I am not convalue dour mues Ike - • 'How do you get three men to paper a room. Quite easily, , but you have to slice them thinly.' But time after time it was the old sexist jokes we got.
I know it was supposed to force home the
The great Palace: The story of parliament Thursday 17 November, BBC2 Using models and great technical expertise, BBC recreate the night when parliament went up in flames in 1834. Could this be taken as incite ment to revolution? Surely not, but you can sit back and enjoy it all the same. reality of mens' attitudes towards women, but the men in the audience laughed. No doubt they were having their consciences raised at the same time.
A play worth seeing
• Dul 1 aon l advise going along with a man: "he horrific bits disturt them, the jokes make them laugh and that lets them miss the whole
Masterpieces by Sorch Daniels is showing at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1
Page 12 scan of this page
12
DIARY
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Send to: Diary, DOCIUES I Action, 328 Upper street. condon NI 2XP to arrive later than Enursuuy, one week prior to publication). • Exhibition on plastic bullets at Islington libraries: Essex Rd 31 Oct-1Z Nov
Finsbury 28 Nov-10 Dec Organised by Islington TOM wt sanaton counch. • Hchester York History Workshop 17
Industrialisation and atter Manchester Polytechni 11-13
Manchester 15. .Vovember. Registration and
Ma, Mante 3, Foll
Road, Manchester 21 fee f7, Sidents and low wage £3.50, unemployed and VArS IreC Cheques payable io 'History Workshop 17" • The Millie Miller Memorial Lecture 1983 •Socialism and the Third World', a public meeting with Dame Judith Hart MP. Wed 9 Nov, 8pm, Aldborough Rm, Fullwell Cross Liorary. Barkinside, Ilford, Essex. Organised by Ilford Nth CLP. • Yolocamba I-Ta (direct from El Salvador) and High Life International: Central America and Atrica meet in concert at Friends House. Euston Rd, London NW1 on Fri 25 November, 7pm. Tickets f3/f2 unwaged from ELSSOC, 29 Islington Park $, London N1, 01-359 3976. Benefit for El Salvador and Chile Solidarity Campaigns. • An Evening for El
alvador Sun 4 Dec, Queen 7.30pm. A cabaret with Julie Christie, The Flying Pickets, The Joeys, Leon Rosselson, Peggy Seeger & Ewan MacColl, Emma Thompson, Yolocamba I-Ta, Andy de la
Tickets £4 or £6 from ELSSOC (see above).
Memorial Lecture given by GEM de Ste Croix •ax ana lit micr brelallull oi Greek and Roman History'. 28 Nov, 7.30pm, LSE New Theatre Houghton St, London WC2. Admission free. • Women and I'nemployment conference for unemployed women & women workers at Centres for the Unemployed in the south east. Sat 3 Dec,
Congress Hse, Gr Russel St. London Wl. With Jo Richardson MP theatre, and workshops. Full details from Cella Minoughan, Unemployed Peoples Centre,
The Old Police Station, 3a Leapale Rd, Surrey 0483-33942.
• Concert for El Salvador
* ith The Republic and Carol
Fri ll Nov. O DHIL LSE, Houghton St, London
WC2.
Socialise
ACTION
Join the
fight for
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Socialist Action 11 November 1983
• Central America:
Nobody's Backyard rogramme 0] neeungs organised by North London Central America Group, Tuesdavs at 7.30pm.
Hampden Community Centre, 150 Ossulston Si, NW1, f5 for full course or tl per meelng(&4/ JUP unwaged). 15 Nov Liberation Theology: vouon ror ue boor. 22 NOV , 'The First Casualty' & 'Ballots & Bullets'; 29 Nov viva Celle America! Further info Duncan Green 01-359 3976. • Lambeth Lesbian & Gay Action meeting 15 Nov
Town Hall.
From War in the Third world to the Third worid
new pamphlet published by El Salvador Solidarity Campaign, sup Orcer trom -sod Islington Park St, Londor N1 01-359 3976. ELSSOC
calendar showing scenes from life in the liberated zones. t› trom same address. nervenion Central America and the Caribbean (NICAC) is a solidarity groups, human rights orgs, aid agencies and from NICAC 20/21 bonnica Darues vio actal. Compton Terrace, London N1 01-226 6747.
Fora
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• Labour Group for Human Richts in Sri Lanka public meeting with Tony
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7pm, Hampstead Town
UCC.
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LABOUR AGAINST
THE WITCH HUNT
ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
26 November 1983
Camden Town Hall
Wythenshawe Labour Party Audrey Wise Jo Richardson MP
Delegation (with affiliation) from CLPs, wards,
dividual affiliates of LAW
Apply to: Keith Lichman, secretary Witch hunt, phone (01)-802 1709.
• 'The Hour of Liberation — a festival of films, videos music, food, stalls, speakers and discussion, Harehills
, Harehills Rd, Leeds 8.
Ine nour or Liberatio. and disco. Sat 12 Nov 11-5pm videos Awake from Mourn. The Cause of Ireland, plus films, exhibitions, stalls and speaker 1pm: Tariq venmoou r akistall Workers Association). Sat evening 8-11.30pm film, The Patriot Game plus Chilear folk group The Carrascos.
Labour Committee on Palestine annual national conference Sat 26 Nov, Lambeth Town Hall.
Speakers from PLO and
Movement. For details contact Penny 01-274 8775 • London Lesbian & Gay Young Socialists meet every Tour weeks on sundays al 6pm, Marchmont Community Centr Marcamoni : St. WC1. Next meeting 20 Nov showing *Revenge of the teenage Further details from Martin Perverts ano ouler viacos 01-263 9484. • Gay NUR group just forming. For details of inaugural meeting : write to Gav NUR c/o 119 Southwyck, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 • Lesbians in the Labour Party and trade unions next national meeting Sat 26 Nov, LOIn. A Woman's Place Victoria moaken London WCI (Embankment tube). Creche available rurner derais mom daran Roelofs c/o Gays the Word bookshop, Marchmont St, London WC1 • Race and Class special issue out now: British racism _ the road to 1984'. Includes articles by A. Sivanandan; Cecil oulzmnore Lee Bridges and others. f2 from Institute of Race Relations Pentonville Rd, London N1
cash with order. • Racism and Black Liberation: Manchester socialist Acuon dav school. 10am, Sun 13 Nov, UMIST. Admission £2/£l Incluces Kil. lunch and tiln on Malcolm X. Ring 061-236
Speakers include: Alf Homes, chair, Manchester
and all affiliated Labour Party sections, plus in-
Labour Against 11 Wilderton Road, London N16 ol
• London Labour Campaign for Gay Rights Further details from Mike 01-659 2983 or Bob 01-341 lono • Kill the Police Bill: public meeting Tues 15 Nov
essex ka liorary.
London N1. With Jasbir Singh (Newham 8 Defence Campaign): Chris Khamis (Campaign against the Police Bill); Herbie Wisdom (PACE); Rosemary Nicho son cnar isingiol Police Citee). Organised by Islington Nth & Sth and Hornsey & Wood Green LPYSs.
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• Campaign against ihe Police mil natona conference, Sat 19 Nov, Sir William Collins School Charrington St, London VW 1 anonal march and rally Sat 21 Jan, Brockwell Park. London. Details of these and other evenis tron NAPe su kectorv ko.
London N16 01-249 8334. • Southall Campaign g0ainsi une ronce sil Duda‹ meeting. Speakers: Paul Boateng (Chair GLC Police Fein); Baldev Gill (Southali Campaign against the Police 26 Nov Mangat Hall, Villiers Rd, Southall. Contact the campaign at 01-843 0343. • Labour Movement Conference on Ireland — Peace through Democracy Sat 26 Nov. . Speakers include Tony Benn, Ker Livingstone, and Clive Soley. • Nottingham Labour
meets monthly. Next meeting 16 Nov, 8pm, Salutation Inn. Maid Marion Way Details: Chris Richardson, 21 Devonshire Promenade, Lenton 0602 780124. • Labour Campaign for Gay Rights national meeting 12/13 Nov. Community Centre, The Arches , Coventry.
Details from Richardson (see Nottm LCGR listing)
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• Films at work — a series of filmis at Jacksons Lane Community Centre, 271 Archway Rd, London N6. 13 Nov Salt of the Earth; 20 Nov Finally got the News; 27 Noy The Filleting Machine; 4 ber Durliasc - Mysteries of
the Organism; 19 Dec Days of Hope • All start at 7.30pm, £1.50/80g UB40. • Labour CND West
12 Nov, , 10am, meeune. Dal Unity Hall, Damplet St. Bridgwater, Somerset.
Election of officers am
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Anti-Privatisatior Newsletter produced by Tubuc service Acion Fourth issue out now includes material on council house saies. Tallures Dy private contractors, and on privatisation of the NHS British Rail, British Gas etc. 30p each from SCAT Publications, 27 Clerkenwell Close. London ECI. 01-253 3627. • Sri Lankan Research & Information Group wil provide speakers on the current situation there for
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• Hounslow Socialist Forum series of 3 meeting: on the internationalisation of the world economy and of conflict: 13 Nov The world economic crisis introduced
•John Harrison (author of
Disaster); 27 Nov The crisis in Israel and its effects on the Middle East introduced by Moshe Machover (member of Khamsin callollai vodius. 11 Dec The orchestration of violence and repression with speakers from Southern America a r acousc meetings Sundays, 7.15pm,
George IV pub 185 Chiswick High Rd , W4
Ethnic Minority Doctors (NAEMD UK) workshop on me connounon or cun minority doctors to the NHS & obstacles to thei recognition. Sun 13 Nov Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington Stn, London
fl for nonmemners. ror derais contac NAEMD (UK),
, London W3 6EB 01-993 6119.
• The Politics of Health in
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• US Hands Off Grenada! Southwark labour movemen oubuc meenne. Mon 14 Nov, 8pm, , Dominica Centre Peckham High Stat junction will Kye balle, Loruul Jeremy Corbyn MP ELSSOC and New Jewel Movement Support Group (UK).
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Page 13 scan of this page
Road to unity?
Surplus Value
LAST WEEK we
printed the letter
from the Labour
Coordinating
Committee on
'left unity'. This
week John Ross replies on behalf of the editorial board of Socialist Action.
THE LETTER FROM the LCC Turn the Party Outwards raises three points.
The first is a call for the Labour Party and the Labour left, to turn outward to the fight against the Thatcher government and not make the framework of its activity the struggle within the Labour Party. This should be supported 101 per cent. Building the campaign to defend the NHS, defending the Metropolitan Councils and the GLC, opposing deployment of cruise, opposing the invasion of Grenada are the top priorities for the Labour Party today. They are also the way to build the base for victory in the Euro and local government elections ano lo win the vital votes on trade union political funds, well building the big increase in individual Labour Party membership which is necued.
The second point raised by the LCC is the question of the Labour Party leadership. It is not, in our opinion, a priority for the Labour Party, or the Labour left, today to have a rerun or tne leadersno elecuon• LCC's formula that, 'It does not mean giving the leadership a blank cheque. Rather it giving a priority to other matters could be accepted, provided that it is clear what this means.
Small
The first question is the witch hunt. This is not a small matter for it sets the tone of the whole debate in the Partv. A dispute over policies. even a leadership election, like last summer, is one thing and need not be damaging to the Party. A debate over policies which one side proposes to resolve in its tavour Dy expulsions, bans on publications, and suspension
is a fight over survival it inevitably develops a most venomous tone and He He baraya
The attack on the Militant, for example, turned the Labour Party inwards and etonitel energies that could and should have been directed to outward campaigning. Any senious quagement must De that Michael Foot's original attack on Peter Tatchell helped lose Labour the Bermondsey seat.
Furthermore significant aspects of the witch hunt are still going on and have not been stopped. te pan on the sales of Millar is an attack on free speech in the party that is unacceptable. Wythensha# Labour Party is stil suspended. laro At has been expelled. There are aiso local attacks on Party members.
It is not possibie simply to avoid the real concrete issues of witch hunts
generalities. The formula of future witch hunts' is only useful as a phrase if it includes now coming out
South Yorks Day of Action shows ine way
as The
Photo
against the ban on Militant, against the suspension of Wythenshaw, against the expulsion of Tariq Ali.
Nothing would more
Fair' in the Party energies for outward than ending all the remnants and new
This also spills such as the leadership question. How LILE fight reinstatement irrespective of Neil Kinnock and Kof tattersier's views and even if it cuiminaies damaging row for the Party?
Policies issue that will shape relations in le left and in the Labour Party. On some questions, notably for example proposals to extend women's rights in the 'No Party and opposing JOLI
legal attacks in Tribune, it should be possible for the left very rapidly to get
BETRAY SOLS LAID
OFE FOR ABO
A TORY MP FOR EVERY SIOR VOTE
Montage available as a poster from Cath Tate, 39 Kingswood Rd, London SW2, price, including postage 50p.
and
'clear the and release its campaigning, But Hobsbawm's proposals over into issues Tarie's
costition.
the mos! 'dramatic the second crucia wouid be Party to divide.
Silkin's they would have to be opposed. • Unilateralism
MOTHERE CO
нІТ У PRECDON agreement. But on other policy ques tions the LCC rightly identifies the areas but doesn't give clear answers. We will therefore indicate very briefly what we think should be the answers.
• Neil Kinnock has gone out of his way to praise Eric Hobsbawm.
coalition, or electoral agreement with the SDP/Liberal Alliance, would be a total catastrophe for the Labour Par¿.one or the most centrai panks oithe lett must be oppostion to any such
DOC.
4 coalition line is precisels one of
and unexpected circumstances" on which we believe it • V:
Fi for the Labour Even if this meant ly, IS dividing from top to bottom. If the ieadership supported coalition ther minimum wage
must mean exactly what it says it does - and as the
Socialist Action 11 November 1983 this.
posal Jor will
GET ME
FREE!
TGWU resolution passed at this year's conference put it. That means in the term of one parliament all nuclear weapons and bases must be ty. off Britain's soil and its waters. This includes the scrapping of Polaris. Any other policy means the risk of nuclear annihilation for the British people.
& The labour Party has to recognise
wiste er to play in Ireland and must
from tha country. This incidentally, has potentiali! overshehning support in the elec-
sick that a very progressive step, both economically and electoral-
being taken by the Party adopting a position for a national
- although we want to see it go further than it does at present. But Roy Hattersley's proposal to link this with an incomes policy is
13 an utter disaster. Not merely Is in comes policy economically wrong but it will drive millions of skilled and better-off workers into the hands of the Tories as it did in 1979.
Incomes policy has to be totally reiected. Apart from its economic consequences no British government has ever won an election after using an incomes policy.
• Someone is going to have to By Thatcher and the process if lift
Thatcher and the process of industrial reconstruction which is need. ed. There are only two candidates for
The first is Roy Hattersley's pro-
that better-off workers should be taxed and subjected to in comes policy to finance lower paid workers. That will lead to economic
because it won't worl usable practically. Politically it won't work because it will lead to a huge division of the working class and to a crushing Labour defeat.
The only other possibility is that capital must pay for the crisis. A pro gramme of economic reconstruction must be financed and developed by economic attacks on capital and a ma-
expansion of public ownership This must start with measures such as the nationalisation of North Sea Oil to create funds for industrial investment, nationalisation of the banks for the same purpose and public ownership of the growing and profitable sections of manufacturing industry to expand the economy. Unless this is done a future Labour government
collapse amid an economic debacle and political defeat of a scale which would make even 1979 or 1983 appear mild.
Debate
We believe it would be possible to get a framework for debate in the Party, and at least some measure of unit! on the left, on the following basis
(a) Turning the party outwards to campaigning Thatcher government defending the Labour Party against the financia and other attacks being organised b! the Tories.
(h) Richt now one running against the leadership provided no qualitative steps are taken such as turning Labour io a coalition with the Alliance, dumping unilateralism, or starting a witch hunt.
(c) Reinstating those expelled and ending the suspension of parties, ing the bans on publications and taking all the necessary steps to end the witch hunt.
(d) The official spokespersons of the Labour Party in Parliament must.
counse explain official Party policy but every member of the party. both right and lett, must have the right to campaign within the party for the policies they think right.
In that framework a discussion can lake place about policy dif ferences, without damaging the Par-
But obviously all the points stand or fall together. If there is a purge and policies like unilateralism are junked then a fight will, and must take place Then the left will have to take up the cudgels en behalf of the policies ! believe: and for right socialists to put forward their viet: the Labeer Party.
could mean wasting energy resources in an interr? dispute which would divide the par. That would be a tragedy not just for the left but for all the Labour Part! because it would come at a time wher Labour has a real chance of turning the tabies on the Tories.
We look forward to your reply to the above points and look forward to discussing these questions with you
Page 14 scan of this page
14 Socialist Action
NALGO dispute
BURY COUNCIL MANAGEMENT has three children's homes and locked out twenty five residential social workers. It is part of the council's continuing campaign to break the NALGO residenfial social workers dispute. But the uproar that has
the Tory controlled council.
with national decisions 25 Bury NALGO residential workers took cone day strike action on 17 October. Ten attended the lobby, of the national negotiations in London.
By Mark Hackett
most of Britain senior DIUvided emergency cover during the one day action.
But in Bury the management replied by closing down three rescend homes.
The children from the homes were met after
ment and given their dothes bundled into plastic dustbin bags. They were then sent off to North Wales, Liverpool Southport without any notice being given to them, their parents or their social workers.
Most of the places the children were sent to were considered unsuitable by their social workers when they finally found out where the children were.
Some advice to Bury council?
11 November 1983
Bury Locks Out
social workers
closed
esulted has turned into a major embarassment for
Some of the children were so disturbed bv the management's action thạt thev lall away from their new 'homes'. Some phoned up asking to return to Bury. Several were moved
than once. The JUIC whole operation didn't
just hit the children but
we residential workers
Presidential workers who had been the strongest supporters of NALGO's official action.
Bury management's acul however also
arow angle on the Tory
a new angle on the controlled council's growing 'privatisation' drive.
Council management did not even bother to inform the councillors of
Tory wilal was gullig Ull. councillors denied knowledge of the detailed events on radio and televi-
Some of the children however were placed with Community Care profit-making private 'care organisation. Community Care is nationally Dance by NALGO. Rumours abound in Bury
that the council management nave promisco community Care a contract although the council still denies it.
Action
In response the council's acol 50 NALGO residential WUIKCIS definite strike. Bury NALGO branch asked for a meeting has lor a ballot to call for all Bury NALGO members mount a series of one day strikes. Bury North and Bury South CLPs have issued press releases support of the residential workers action.
The depth of local hostility to the management's actions was shown by the fact that in only five days a petition of 6,000 signatures was collected demanding an independent inquiry into the council management's actions.
• NALGO. members on the left in the North Wes are meeting on Sunday 13 November in Liverpool to start organising the fight back against the Tory attacks. The meeting will be
Liverpool NALGO Alder St, SOCIOR Liverpool at 11.30 am.
Not Chapple's final word ... unfortunately election - his view on the conference.
This conference will be Frank Chapple's last as
see any change in union policy after he has gone?
When a leading and controversial figure departs, it can be said things will never be use same audit.
However a number of years will pass before the EETPU changes direction. The right will consolidate its grip on the union after this COMIC CI another six years.
Major changes will on-
the mile book cha ing
rule book and fullest participation of the rank and file is needed for that.
What progress for rank and file EETPU members
conference?
The conference enables rank and file activists to participate in open democratic arguments
is this process, undertaken by the rank and file over the years, that has convinced them that change is necessary. shopfloor and branch level discussion
essential. through collective discussion that we will win people over to the case for change.
Most unions have failed to respond the Tebbit laws. What action do you think should taken, given you! recent experience in the Shell dispute?
EETPU Conference: the right goes on
This week's EETPU conference starts the new 'after Chapple' regime in the union. Socialist Action asked IAN BROWN — craft convenor at the Shell Carrington works and left wing candidate for the National Secretary of the plumbing section in the last
The Shell dispute has shown the comic mess that can arise where there is a legal intervention in an industrial dispute.
The resolution I am putting to conference calls on the union to give maximum support to its members who carry out the democratically decided TUC policy, especially when the membership is engaged in industrial ac-
tion the majority of resolu-
tions on anti-union law call on the EETPU to support TUC policy.
Fears have arisen that the union is not fully com mitted to this policy over its handling of the case of Sean Geraghty during the health workers dispute.
The extension of trade reforms to attack Ц110I the political levy and the unions' links with the Labour Party would plunge the Party into deep crisis. What should the EETPU be doing to resist this latest Act?
To me this is probably the most important issue for the movement this decade.
We know the reasons for Labour setting up its voice in parliament.
Without an effective political voice for ordinary working people, this country would move further to authoritarianism Our political opposition in parliament can only by dustrial wing being able to •noony mactic love. ent.
Cutting off funds would sever the main
of our political voice. Mass unemployment is one way of cutting off finances to the Labour Party and the direct approach of this Act the other.
I believe that the union should be at the forefront of recruiting to the Labour Party and should be offer ing assistance and encouragement for the setting up of workplace branches
Arguments for
Thatcher and friends The anatony of the lory party John Ross Pluto fA Press
has been pulished about electoral politics for a
very long time.' Available from the Other Bookshop — London and Birmingham.
In the Unions
Do IN HAPPIS
These could be a vital part in politicising people at shopfloor level, to counter the lies of the media. We are in the process of building a Labour Party factory branch at Shel
We feel that it is essential to end position where many members of the shop stewards' com mittee are not members of a political party.
The declining membership of the Labour Party must be reversed.
Tony Benn said 'This is by far the best book that
Page 15 scan of this page
takes on the pirates
News
was the report from the Telecom union Westminster
Broad Left on the eve of the reconvened annual POEU conference.
to one for a campaign of selective action against privatisation of British Telecom.
increase this majority.
But a debate is opening up in the Broad Left about whether selective action 1s enough to defeat privatisation and resist the connection of the private firm Mercury into the public network.
By a POEU member
The Westminste branch has been in the forefront of the action and Colin Talbot argued his case for selective action to the Broad Left meeting.
Every tactic so far adopted by
smash the action has failed he said. They had tried to suspend members wiro LIte work of those withdrawn
the union in selective action around key locations. the Telecom Tower.
BT aimed to suspend between eight and nine thousand members in the
at the international changes were locked out.
concentrating boycott action and picketing around selected targets, fewer members were suspended said Talbot: 'We are in control, not the management.
"I honestly believe we
CPSA
Broad Left
THE ANNUAL CPSA Broad Left conference was
by nearly 350 CPSA members. The strengths and weaknesses of the conference were decided by its domination by supporters of Militant.
The big steps forward Taken une conference were resolutions adopted condemning the Us inva sion of Grenada, opposing political vicisallul the trade unions and Labour Party, affiliating to the National Abortion Campaign, and calling for the Broad Lett Organising Committee to organise spring contererce 0| 251 Broad Left members in the
Steph Grant, one of the 13 workers dismissed Cowley got an entusiastic British Leyland response when she spoke to the conference.
'But Tne ed by te problems caused Militant domination of the Broad Left also came again. Resolutions calling for an annual delegate conference to decide the CPSA wage claim, and opposing the introduction
the Youth Training Scheme into the civil service were passed. DuL no way of fighting for them Was nener
A resolution calling for the withdrawal of troops
Telecom union
'NOT ONE member has crossed a picket line'. This
branch secretary, Colin Talbot to a meeting of the
The September special conference voted by two
The signs are that the reconvened conference will
are winning' he said. 'Mer-
Court Slows that they have lost one million
por dificulta terei
difficulty recruiting Custolis.
He reported that the press were saying that the government would delay share sales until 1985. This is a definite sign of retreat. As the months tick by,
vestors will be deterred by
GLADONT government pledged to renationalise the industry.
Four
There are four motions before conference calling for all out national strike action. Colin said that such action would hurt the ordinary telephone subscriber and would not help bring pressure to bear on a coverici Olly listens to big business.
He explained that all out industrial action involved problems common
service industries, such as the health service, wiere me no economic clout.
'We stick to selective action and use members withdrawn or held in London on 5/6 November. It was attended
from the North of Ireland was only passed by a narrow majority because
SHODOTICI had already left before it was discussed.
Militant voted down resolutions for campaign against sexual harrassment at work and to re-establish women only schools in the CPSA.
Black
challenge
to
racist
councillor
suspended'.
On the other hand, he explained, a national lock
BT real VUL possibility for which the
membership should be prepared.
The government mas throw everytning al Us, In cluding the Royal Signal Corps. mass sackings and picket line arrests. We haven't seen anything yet' 1 ne call lor all out national action does show a welcome change in mood ne concedee. Token
page would be needed if
dIC
speakers at the Broad Left meeting questioned if this selective action approach could lead
management are quickly learning how to work on cachallsc cursicil
believe that such an important struggle can be
national executive member agreed and called for the
John Golding, WITCH
the POEU sponsored MP got a rebuff
NO 10
Colin Talbot from union delegates.
A resolution condemning witch hunts, and calling for unity against the Tories passed by 74,515 votes to 58,410
The resolution read: 'It is a matter of record that Conference believes the government is in the best and most tundamental in. terests of POEU members.
"Conterence theretore calls on members of the parlamentar conduct themselves
F-DEFENCIA
GRAHAM LING — a Tory councillor in Moseley, Birmingham — is at the centre of a
over his racist propaganda.
At the Tory conference he supported resolutions calling for an end to all immigration, for voluntary repatriation and for the dismantling of all antiracist legislation.
Returning to Birmincham Ling decided
an offensive
such a manner as to bring about the maximum Labour Party unity, by refraining from calls for the expulsion of socialists, wich ov aves me tones and their media ammunition to play policy divisions and portray the party as bein involved in civil war and incapable of government.
Conference believes all our energies should be devoted to unity, working together against the common • enemy, the Tory government. against the 'spoilt' black and Asian residents of near derelict, inner-city property.
He stated: 'There are plenty large damn good houses, and we have CODIC willacks and Asians who refuse them simply because ot thei distance from mosques and their communities.
By Bob Smith
'If Asians are going to have large families, the onus is on them to provide their own accommoda-
Socialist Action 11 November 1983 ford 12 trial.
Like the Bradford 12, the Newham & will show that self-defence is no offence. At stake futures of eight Asian youth who had the courage defend the children ol Little Ilford School against racial attacks. At risk is the right of
defend itself, the struggle acainst polce racisn and against the racism of the education system in a London borough.
By a Newham NUT member
At the first hearings
supported by 400 Asian
school student. who walked out of their classes to protest against the charges and against racist violence. In the past ycar te derence campaig! has built up massive nationa the labour movement and the black around the slogan "self-defence is
offence'. This culminated in a very successful march that took place in Newham on the anniversary of the arrests. tion. They are used to having large families in India,
surthehas e na to
surviving. have educate them that large families are unsocial.
Response
'Far too much money is spent on these families. The more you do for these people the more they exOCCI
This incredible racism brought a barrage of protests that even the ultra
local curseivativc couldn't ignore. Spurred on by the angry reaction of
15
Defend
the
Newham
Eight!
THE NEWHAM 8 trial will begin on 14 November at the Old Bailey, more than one year after the eight were first charged. They stand accused on a number of counts, ranging from assault to conspiracy. The issues raised by the case are the same as in the Brad-
The campaign is calling for a national picket of the trial on 14 November followed by a series of dai :s pickets supported by a different groups. Support has come from the local Asian com munity, from Asian political organisations, black detence cam paigns and from the CamAgainst the Police Bill.
The campaign is back ed by Newham North Eas and North West Parties and local MPs Ror Leighton and Tony Banks NALGO campaign, NUT has been hamstrung by the refusal of its tional leadership to allow anti-racist action.
Picket court played a major par victory of the Brad. ford . 12 and all socialists should build for the action on 14 November and for the later pickets. • For further details, and for the dates when par ticular groups are asked to picket phone the Newham Detence campaign on 555 3331 (daytime) or 534 1640 (Evenings). many of their constituents three local councillors are leading the fightback.
A series of communit me and local and Palanu ed and lavou movement and community groups being called on for support are calling for a ban on 'further council house sales the area and for the development of derelic land to provide new housing in the community.
• For further details and information contact Councillor Amir Khan, Phipson Rd, Sparkhill, Birmingham 13,
Page 16 scan of this page
ON WEDNESDAY 3 November British Leyland management sacked TGWU shop steward Grant Keir from its Birmingham Longbridge plant.
Keir is also a branch delegate Io the General management Committee of Ladywood Constituency Labour Party and Birmingham Trades Council
The formal charge brought by the company was that when Keir started work at the factory three vears ago ne nau gIven d false reference. The real Too orus sackle war shown by the fact that a month before the company suspended Keir and only backed off from his dismissal for fear of industrial action.
This time the management was better prepared.
Keir was moved from his section a week earlier and only then did management issue the dismissal notice.
BL has now extended its witch hunt against political and trade union activists into its Oxford body plant, Pressed Steel Fisher.
On Tuesday 1 November at 6.30am Bernie
Transport Union 5/60 branch асtivist, , was sacked.
Kavanagh, night worker, has been involved mber disputes with
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ACTION
Leyland renews
attack on union
The sacking took place
convenor Jack Adams and official John Barker TGWU appeals agallisi the dismissal were turned down by the malaccucul on November and November. The company refusals were met with notice of official union action.
However the final resolution taken the Joint Shop Stewards'
Committee proposed only opposition victimisations in general and failed to suggest a specific action to the sacking of in reDIV Grant Keir. possed by a snority of the This position was
BL victimisations at Cowley
management, culminating in a company investigation of his background and subsequent dismissal.
BL claim the sacking is due to false information on his application form, but the real reason was clear co-workers who refused to start work on Tuesday night about one hour. were inaly Dersuaded to return to work, on the grounds that the appeal procedure was in pro-
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stewards committee
pointed out that a general
poston oppositiol
victimisations had to be
fighting
against the one actually
Lake blake A failure to
defend one shop steward
would only make further
victimisations more likely.
In line with that an am-
mendment was proposed
to the works committee
resolution to reconvene
the Joint Stewards' the
following day
working time. This was
ветелтес Dy roughly
votes to 15.
It appears that after
Levland management had
shifted its attention for a
peroa lo cowicy It is now
turning back again
Longbridge. The general
feeling the stewards
meeling was tilat tnis Is on
the first attack, and
more are on the wav
gress and action was pre-
mature.
Kavanagh's
case is ocle laken Dy we
union to an external plant
this week,
where he will be
ented by T&GWU district
secretary David Buckle.
• Resolutions and
should be sent to David
Buckle, District Secretary
T&GWU Transport
House, Cowley Road,
Oxford.
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has
ecutive meeting on Saturday 4 November.
The pretext for the decision was an article by walter Chair of Labour CND. Wolfgang Vice. in
Briefing TIte Bulletin at this year's Labour Party conterence.
By Dick Withecombe (Labour CND Executive, personal capacity)
The article pointed out manouevres by Nell Kinnock to get the Transport and General Workers' Union's unilateralist resolution off
COLL ference agenda. Instead
the Labour Party should endorse the freeze demand. CND Ex-
" Fight the ban
IN AN unprecedented attack on the democracy of the peace movement the CND National Executive
closed down the elected executive of Labour CND — the organisation of CND supporters inside the Labour Party. The decision was made at the ex-
ecutive members first tried to veto the article then, WON published, gave an official apology to Kinnock But the reasons for the ban on Labour CND deeper. executive moving Shes co all of their intention of abanCND's policy of unilateral disarmament in of the hope that a Lavoul bilateral freeze may be disarmament acreec talks. That's why CND has already been closed down.
Labour CND target because Thompson has put it: left fundamentalists vigorous
JOGETHER
WE CAN
STOP
NORIED
on Labour CND
defenders of unilateralism' The ban on Labour CND is a declaration OI war on the left-wing of the peace movement If the Executive of CND are allowed to continue along this road they Will SCYCICLY Callag CND. This ban must be 'THIS conference supports the
Party for resolutions passed at recent
disarmament.
AGM as the Labour CND Committee. (Labour Party branches resolutions cruical of ine crasire of Lavou
Every Labour Party branch and GMC should pass a resolution demanding the ban because it denies the right of CND supporters in the Labour Party to organise Every CND branch should support the emergency • to CND con ference against the ban.
Emergency resolution for CND
conference work Labour CND has done to build support in the Labour
Labour Party conferences supporting unilateral nuclear
'We deplore the actions of the CND Executive in superceding the elected Labour CND Committee and appointing an interim committee. The conterence con-
nittee elected by Labour CND'$
are also requested to pass • CND and send them to the Labour NEC and the CND Executive).
← Socialist Action No. 32, 4 November 1983Socialist Action No. 34, 18 November 1983 →