Socialist Action No. 43, 3 February 1984
The scan: 043-feb-03-1984-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.
Page 1 scan of this page
BUSTERS!
THATCHER HAS chosen the Government. munications Headquarters at Cheltenham as an easy option in the Tories' busting exercise. Playing on the spy scare and national security the government is determined to make this the first step towards banning union organisation in 'sensitive areas and towards getting a 'no strike' pledge from the public sector unions.
The TUC and the union leaders could not have been more helpful to the Tories. On the very day January - that thousands of civil servants came out in spontaneous protest against
No. 43
STOP
TORY
UNION
Com-
by union
Eddie Shah.
Meanwhile offer.
- 27
3 February 1984 30p
SoCiALiSt
ACTION
the Cheltenham ban, Joe Wade was carrying out the TUC line in the High Courts
grovelling before Mr Justice Eastham and calling off militant action against
Alastair Graham was meekly offering the government a 'no strike' pledge which most of his members will read as a clear sign that the union can't defend them therefore making the f1000 seem an attractive
Protestations of patriotism, claims of responsibility and offers to give up the right to strike will not budge the Tories one inch.
Because the union leaders
are running away before the battle has even begun this will only increase Thatcher's contempt for them. The only thing that will make the government back off is action, and the basis for such action does exist on a wide scale. The protest strikes of their sisters and brothers in the civil service unions shows what can be done. But support for the right to belong to a union goes far beyond that.
Hundreds of thousands of other trade unionists are opposed to the government on this and so are many, many thousands of people who would not describe themselves as militants but
and militarism.
GCHQ
DoE DIP
UNITET
wine Civil servants meeting outside their offices in solidarity
civil liberties. even
trade union. government
union.
UNITE BEHIND
LABOUR
THE CHESTERFIELD by-election could play a decisive role in stopping the Tories and giving new hope to our people. For if Labour can get its message across clearly and with passion and committment we could turn the tide against monetarism
DETEND YouUNIONRICHTS TODAY with their Cheltenham colleagues do believe in fundamental
If the TUC was to base itself on this groundswell it could defend its members at Cheltenham and it could stop Thatcher's trial run in union busting. If it tails to do that then it will open the gates for more attacks on the right of people to be in a It will thus hasten its own decline in influence and accentuate its present decline in membership. The unions must: • Break off all talks with the
• Organise strike action to defend the right to be in a
Chesterfield has a fine radical, trade union and socialist tradition going back over many years in a town that saw the very earliest examples of industrialisation. The battles that have been fought there have helped to win many of the rights that we came to enjoy.
By Tony Benn
Now that jobs in Chesterfield are being destroyed, along with essential services, and trade unionism is under attack alongside local democracy and our civil liberties, we have to re-awaken that tradition and help people to understand their strength.
It is well known that experience is the greatest teacher of socialism, and we must start by encouraging everyone to look at the experiences of today and ask themselves why this great tragedy is overtaking us. This by-election offers us a real chance to listen to the people and help them to understand why, in earlier years their parents and grandparents turned to socialism to solve these problems.
I hope that all those who want to help us get our message across will be practical and downto-earth and full of common sense in arguing the socialist case, because if we do that we shall win the argument as well as the election and move socialism right back to the top of the agenda of British politics.
Page 2 scan of this page
SoCiAlist
ACTiON
In the unions -
hold the line
LAST WEEK saw three different, but closely related, events in the labour movement.
Future' - the right wing's policy document which aims to replace nasty - and expen-
- strikes with 'workable compromises'
Joe Wade of the NGA was forced to grovel before Mr Justice Eastham, to get back the se questered NGA funds. And Peter Heathfield, the Secretary with a margin of 2.4 per cent.
who had campaigned on an anti-left ticket, collected 70,571 votes. To all but the blind, it is clear that the right is on the march in the unions. It has been making ground since Thatcher's elec. tion victory in 1979. And its pace of develop-
The right swept back at the 1983 TUC Congress, and advanced in the Labour Party with the 'dream ticket' Kinnock/ Hattersley victory. It is now moving to consolidate its gains.
The development of the LCC in the Labour Party, linking with the right to crush the left, shows the unions what to expect. It is true that the NUM elections have resulted in a 'left wing Heathfield. But the closeness of the vote showd leadership' Scargill, that the left is losing ground at the base
In tne TGWU replace Moss challenge from the right. If the TWO were g Evans will
fall to the right it would be a massive set-back fol the left, putting for unilateralism — of which the TGWU has been the main defender - up for grabs. In the TGWU the right has been organising and making ground in the regions.
The signals are clear for the left. out - 'Hold The Line'. organise as effectively as the right has done. This means union and LP members who fight the rightwards drift. the political and organisational gains made over the last few years will be wiped out.
Editor: ALAN FREEMAN rudisnea weekly except two weeks in August and the last week of December. signca arucies by contributors do not necessarily represent socialist Acaon s vIews. contonas.
Heathfield's-victory can encourage rank and file
Socialist Action 3 February 1984 been speeded up since the second
MacGahey
upcoming election to strong
example the issue of
They spell • For that the left needs to
organising the minority of trade
are prepared to Unless this is done all These are expressed in
Reagan's re-election
declaration
'America
first'
RONALD REAGAN'S decision to run for a second
as US President is significance should not be underestimated. JOHN ROSS looks at the background to Ronald Reagan's presidency.
After 1980 Ronald Reagan consolidated a new course for United and internationally. It is not that Reagan is more reactionary than the presidents such as Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson or Carter. But he is authe
Prior to Reagan, all US
World War II, with the partial exception OI Nixon, had followed the essential lines
Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s and consolidated by Harry Turman of the cold War the
in the 1940s.
This US policy had two essential aspects. Internationally the United States sought to harmonise its interests to some degree with those its imperialist rivals in Western Europe ana japan. Inis was summed up NATO, military
economic aid given in the Marshall Plan of the late 1940s, the creation of the International Monetary Fund, the 'Atlantic Alliance' etc.
At home an alliance was created between capital and the trade union leadership of the AFL-
the United States equivalent of the TUC. 'coalition' capital, labour and blacks made up
Democraul This alliance reached its most developed expressior under the presidency of Kennedy and the civil rights and welfare pro-
of Johnson's 'Great Society' of the mid1960s.
The supremacy of the Democratic Party built by DAI DAVIES, chairperson of Penrhiwceiber Lodge and member of the South Wales NUM Executive spoke in a personal capacity to BARRY WILKINS about the results of the general secretary ballot.
The election of Peter Heathfield as the new general secretary of the NUM will give a lot of encouragement to the rank
cule and Scargill. Scargill has- not Ilau support trom Lawrence Daly but now we have a united lett wing leadership and there's al cucuous enthusiasm about that in South Wales 1 can tell vou
The vote was close — a lot closer than I thought it would be. But don't believe it was a judgement on the overtime ban.
South Wales the overtime Wall SOlO there's very little call for ballot. Even in areas like the Midlands, which very mild don't forget, there has been very militant support for the overtime ban.
surprise. But its
States capitalism nationally
preceeding post-war US
these was over
whelming. From Roosevelt's election
Democrats
The only Republican president in this was
tinued policies
presidency was attempt together a quite differen
coalition of force: United States success in foreign policy, on which its internal stability had been based, suffered a devastating defeat in the Vietnam war. The pressure on the US economy, worsened by the
rise of its West European
economic rivals, made it incapable of ensuring continuously rising, living standards and social peace.
The spectacular social explosions In the United
in lne atte like the upheavels against the Vietnam war. the blac
riopuland the ex Johnson,
wu bulalily Johnson,
represented the disintegra
of the old LIUll Coalitiell put together by the Democrats.
Reaganism preceded in certain aspects by Nix-
'United left wing
leadership in NUM'
The continual media campaign against the NUM, and the attempted character assassination of Arthur, has had some efrects or couse. The media keep up a continual barrage. Look at the way they presented the election
you'd almost think Heathfield had lost! But the election of Thatcher's government last year with just over 40 per cent the vote was presented as a landslide. Solid
The fact is that after three months the overtime ban is still solid, despite in-
media propaganda. And it's having a big effect
I don't think the right wing is gaining ground in
USA more and more under Reagan acting as a world on, is an attempt to put together a policy which
'America first'. United States colonic cola are put decisively ahead of its rivals • hence the huge Federal Budget defecits the high interest rates, and the remorseless rise of the dollar. The American trade unions will be brutal-
assaulted to revive the US capitalist itself.
Blacks,
wullicil.
Latino-Americans will not be placated by class but put down. US military power abroad will be used independently of, the NUM. But to get our case across and answer the media distortions, there is real need Collinla agitation amongst the rank and leader he dee ne , anc alca leaderships. got to keep our nerve Or the overtime ban and tha way we can maintain support of the membership. Shift
Of course we're worried about the shift to the right of the TUC What the TUC and Len Murray did Io the NGA was unbelievable. think the TUC could sell out the NUM like that. . We have tremendous good will
and I believe we could mobilise enough support to prevent the TUC from sabotaging our actions. That kind o pressure and working class solidarity is going to be an essential part of changing the TUC.
'cop
and if necessary without consultation US rivals.
Internally the old Democra consersus is be ing dropped by US capital
strain. It is logical that the year of Reagan's challenge for a second term is also the first year of a black
for the calvarol Democratic presidentia nomination and the firs time the AFL-CIO has endorsed a Democratic candidate even before the primary elections start.
These efforts however nave no chance or pulling back together again the
The World
Economic Crisis
Weekend conference on the world capitalist economy today.
Ernest Mandel
London N.19 Admission £2 a day, £3 for the whole weekend.
St, London N.I.
News
old Democratic consensus. The real interest in the 1984 election in the United States will not be if Reagan
attempts of the Democrats DU back Roosevelt's old alliance.
The significance of 1984 will be how far those fighting against Keagan's policies outside the United states can create a crisis ir US politics itself. And also will be about how far the left and socialists in the US are capable of beginning to put together black and labour parties independent of both the Republicans and the Democrats.
with
3/4 March, Caxton House, St John's Way,
Tickets only from International, 328 Upper
Page 3 scan of this page
Solidarity resistance
International
either in law or in
have not the slightest Solidarity underground activity.
pired.
Press spokesperson Urban claimed that those remaining underground numbered less than and were now generals without an army'
At the beginning of this year, the leaders of 13
officially inspired UNLONS establish a unified national counci. un o january, te Communist Party announced that its SUCCES and activity had been largely restored. it claims 2.2 million members who are now said to be more active, especially among the workers.
the last three months of 1983 there were elections of local party otficials and about one third or miese omneas ae c to have lost their posts. Daily
The authorities declare themselves satisfied
relations between Church and state. The Polish Primate, Cardinal Glemp had a five hour meeting with General Jaruzelski on 5 January.
The Warsaw daily Zycie Warszawy insisted that the meeting gave the lie to all suggestions that LOUISIOIS existed between the two bodies and there are now plans to establish Talle diplomatic relations between Poland and the Vatican for the first time since the war.
This official picture of is not entirely a bluff. Opposition sources acknowledge that the government has been able to restore its effective authority.
An opposition assessment of the political situar tion published December by the Parisbased Solidarity Information bulletin said: 'Once a minority has successfully breached the allegedly impenetrable detences of the
August 1980 all mense human stream flows into the gap, tearing down the banks even further; once, however the defences are repaired, the river resumes its lazy and apathetic course, and the waters go where the engineers want them to go. 1980 as before August
writer last year's May Day
which 'were in fact attended by several million people', not only officials but also number of ordinary people wno normally grumore lo their hearts' content, criticise and ridicule the authorities'.
still a threat
OFFICIALLY, Solidarity is dead. It no longer exists fact. Repeatedly official spokespersons of the government claim that they
worry about continued
They claim success for the amnesty offered to those in hiding. According to official figures released on 4 January, 1,120 people came out of hiding, including 411 who gave themselves up between 1 November and 31 December when the amnesty ex-
The Solidarity
underground leaders
nevertheless much more
confident about their posi-
tion than earlier
moments in the two years
since the crackdown on
Solidarity began.
Claims
Indeed, the
underground's
Judi
leaders, Zbigniew Bujak,
made the following claim
interview for the
underground journal
Mazowsze
sublished the 24
November:
greater our country s
political life - as well as
on other matters - than
we did towards the end of
and legal
istence.
'In the three months
before 13 December 1981
(when Martial Law was
imposed tine authorities
were only pretending to
negotiate with Solidarity
In fact, they were already
by-passing the Union mak-
ing all their decisions apart
from it, and preparing for
the introduction of martial
law.
People
'Now, the situation has
been reversed. The
authorities pretend that
the Union doesn't exist,
while in reality having to
take it into account before
taking any important step.
•By lifting martial law
situation as "normalised"
Ists, the authorities have
signaled their reconcila.
tion to the fact of our ex-
istence.' Conflict
Bujak's assessment is
based on the continuing
numoes are oradusauol
of the resistance. In addi-
LIOn LO LIC hundred or so
people in hiding — who in-
clude the main leaders of
the movement — there are
SUlliC thousands of ber.
manently active union
members (some say tens of
thousands of them.
Beyond these, a much
wider layer of people con-
tinue to pay dues to Solid-
arity or take its newspapers
regularly. Bujak claims
million or more. @thers
put the figure in hundreds
of thousands. These sup-
porters are especially con-
centrated in the main in-
dustrial centres and large
enterprises.
Just as important has been the change of perspective the activists. They no longer expect a showdown with the state right now. They tend their strength with what happened before Solidarity, and feel much stronger in that time scale. They have to concentrate less on general propaganda against the regime and deal more with bread and butter issues.
This has strengthened the movement's unity by concell allnig less divisive issues than general
ideologv and programme. The sinews of leadership from the TKK - the national committee
downwards have been strengthened. Unity
The government is trying to convince the workers that they can use new official institutions
practical purposes. It is allowing the new VOCC criticisms, uses wide consultation on price increases ana lets the new pol-
front organisation PRON make demands for changes in policy.
The authoritie are hoping that such flexibility, along _CO-
Lenin shipyard workers were the backbone of Solidarnose in the early days
operation with the Church hierarchy will eventually make workers apathetic towards the underground. Issues
The Solidarity underground is raising demands
the release o jailed Solidarity leaders and four KOR leaders (KOR stands for the Workers' Defence Committee that championed the cause of independent trade unions in the late 1970s). It is calling for a price freeze, cost of living allowances united
defence living standards. It is also plannine to campaign against the projected parliamentary elections if these do not give people a real choice.
The government's handling of these ISSUCH gives some support to Bujak's assessment of the situation. has not brought the Solidarity "Seven and KOR Four to trial and seems keen to avoid doing So. has moved with great caution
still debating how to handle election arrangements.
In short, uprooting the traditions of independent trade unionism is proving to be a long and difficult battle.
Eastern Europe)
ALTHOUGH you may not have seen it in the press or on the TV, London had its biggest-ever weekday demonstration 30,000 people marched from Hyde Park to a rally at the Festival Hall, attended by a packed audience of 10,000.
More than 300,000 children did not attend school workers took strike action, council offices were closed.
Ken Livingstone poined out to the rally that the proposed f700m saving from axing the GLC would not buy a
Socialist Action 3 February 1984 By Oliver MacDonald (editor of Labour Focus on
30,000 demonstrate to defend
metropolitan councils
single Trident missile.
last Tuesday.
Transport reflects
GLC itself.
21,000 education and many
metropolitan February.
3 Zbigniew Bujak worked ir Ursus tractory factory and is now an underground leader of Solidarnosc Jacek Kuron, founder of KOR - Workers' Defence Committee
Despite the impressive demonstration and the strike action in education and councils, a major weakness was the decision by transport unions to keep London
working This decision erinasion in the campaign to defend the unity
It also reflected the fact that the bulk of the campaigners have so far staked the campaign on protest action rather than a campaign of industrial action and non cooperation with the Bill to abolish the
councils. The TUC organising a day of action at the end of
Page 4 scan of this page
Socialist Action The historic connection between the British Labour Party and the trade union movement is one of the party's great strengths.
HANDS
oFf
THE MET
COUNTIES&
Blackburn 6: NEC
investigates
THE WITCH HUNT
step forward recently when the right expelled six Militant sup-
orters from
abour Party, with a nowfamiliar disregard for natural justice.
By Chris Jones
A 6u-page report pablished January perported prove malpractices such caucussing, preparation of states, and misappropriation of Young frands. At the North West
gional
Inbane rally last year,
sackburn MP Jack Straw explained the report was •BOl a right wing at-
act on the left - just or-
dinary members expelling an alien threat'.
To carry out the expul-
ions. large numbers of in-
active delegates were
drama lo meeting.
to ibere defi confudefendants allosed to put ORie тете 10
3 February 1984
THE GLC!
remove the six when they tried to present their case to the December executive committee.
Now they have appealed. They await a regional
which will report to the National Executive Committee. If this fails, they will appeal fol reinstatement at 1984 an nual conference.
After the expulsion of Tariq and Gillingham and Wythen-
more proof is needed that Labour's new leadership intend to continue the witch hunt.
The Blackburn 6 have already received support from local MPs, including Stan Thorne, and Iron Hindburn Trades Council, as well as many other dividuals and organisaions. Resolanons or supi port should be sent
Harris, 35 Westminster Court, Blackburn BB1 IUG.4. Copies should be sent to Labour Against the Witch Hunt (11 Wilderton Rd, London y16) and to the
London Labour Party:
Defend the GLC
NOT SURPRISINGLY,
this years onerence bous
Party conference dominated by defence of the GLC. Twenty-four resolutions are devoted to
port of the GiC, the tim , the InnAuthority and London
These are vital issues for London Labour. The abolition of the GLC, and the other attacks on local democracy, are aimed al severely weakening the Labour Party. Conference should commit itself to joining with the unions for an all-London campaign for industrial and political action to defeat these proposals.
By Carol Turner, Vauxhall Labour Party
The rampa wins theme doesn't SLOO the GLC. Labour's elec-
tion defeat and the Tory
offensive against welfare
benetits has certainly af-
fected the whole London
region agenda. whole
section, 12 resolutions, is
devoted to the theme of
changing. Labour into a
campaigning party.
BANNING TRADE
UNION MEMBERSHIP?! OUTRAGEOUS!!
INTEREST?
affiliations
WATCH OUT! There's document circulating inside the party from the Naitonal Executive Committee. It's implications are anything but innocuous. It could lead to disaffilia tion of the socialist societies and the Co-op from the pally•
document, filiation of small single purpose organisations to constituencies and affiliates in December. Comments must be in by 1 March. So constituencies don't have much time to respond.
The report catalogues the history of party affilia tion: from the early days of the federation seeking parliamentary representa tion, through the 1918 constitution establishin
ndividual membership, t the 1937 decsion to allow socialist societies and the Co-op to affiliate.
explains the •nonlalous situation of some organisations being affiliated (like the Fabians
The same call is echoed
on poverty (live resolu-
tions), women (13 resolu-
tions), and ine nealth SCi-
vice (15 resolutions). The
message London's
rank and file is clear as a
bell: Labour must raise its
standard to regain the sup-
port of working people.
The inspiration of
Labour women is evident
in resolutions for
positive action to break
Labour's institutionalised
racism by recognising
members' right to
set up their own caucuses.
And discussion Uls
women lakes a -suitably
sharp tone, demanding we
are properly represented at
regional level, and that the
executive implement this
from last year's
decision
conference.
This time round, it's
particularly heartening to
see the campaign for
women's rights no longer
restricted to internal party
questions, important as
they may be. Two resolu-
tions — from City of Lon-
don and Westminster
South, and Tooting - - call
for a London Labour Par-
ty campaign on women's
employment.
A PIECE FHE ACTION
NO! AT THE BEHEST OF THE INSANE LUNATIC GERIATRIC IN THE WHITE HOUSE!
Defend Labour Party
an innocuous-looking
and Paole Zion), while others have been refused (like the Labour Middle CASI Counci and the Christian Socialist Movement).
Three options are laid out for consideration: no change, disaffiliate all organisation except the unions, or extend the affiliation category. Socialsts the Jall) should argue strongly for the third and against the second option.
It is an inappropriate time to raise the spectre of
The Tories are doing their level best to force the trade unions to sever their links with
an attempt to depoliticise the unions and
Predictably, the fly in
the ointment comes from
the Labour Party Young
Socialists, who reject
positive discrimination in
the interest of an abstract
call to 'class unity'. For-
á long-acau horse
class consciousness of
Labour Party women. bas-
ed on our many
IT'S TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
Davy Jones, Islington North and
Finsbury Park Labour Party
weaken the Labour Party.
Fighting this will be an uphill battle The last thing the party needs is a plan for further erosion of
unifying character the British Labour Party
unique for bringing together the wings of the labour move. ment. This tradition is well worth defending against those who would have u follow the model of other European social democratic parties.
Weinst takergus in
pollulll) argue
favour OI expanding
filiation. The only conditions should be agreement
with the aims and objects
of the party and that af
filiates don't stand candidates against Labour.
• much more usefi
ole for the NEC would t
investigating the extension
affiliation that
organisations COT women and black people could
periences of sexism in the
labour movement, is years
ahead of Militant's
moralistic propagandis-
ing.
The resolutions on the
GLC are sure to be suppor Labour tre London
Labour London
stands a fighting chance of NOT TO MENTION TOTALLY UNNECESSARY....
News
join. Such a proposal need not the autonomy organisations But these it
would strengthen the links between the party and the broate ment.
Would organisations apply for affiliation solely
VOLC annual ference? I doubt it. Even
why should the party SO fear this? Would their vote UDSC the barons' calculations? It would be sad to return to the bad old days when right wing constituencies used to tell new applicants 'sorry, we re
full up'!
It's not often the NEC asks the rank and file what they think. So seize this chance. Make sure your constituency or affiliated
organisatior schedules
discussion before the enc
of February And cast
your vote to extend the af-
filiation category.
ground lost over the past the national
groun‹
few years.
Amendments to the
preliminary agenda are out
Compositing
meetings will take place at
Herbert Morrison House
on Saturday 4 February
Regional conference is on
the weekend of Saturday
3/Sunday 4 March.
#42
GIVEN TIME LEN MURRAY WOULD REDUCE THE WHOLE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT TO THE. STATUS OF A LAPDOG!!;
Page 5 scan of this page
News
Build
Trade
Union
CND
TRADE UNION CND holds its annual general
tant role to play in 1984.
about the campaigning priorities for the coming year.
Twenty-eight national unions are affiliated to
Union CND, and between 450-470 regional alu lucal bodies. registered workplace groups and affiliates vote at our annual meeting to elect officers and executive which meets monthly.
Unions' work varies.
For instance, NUPE's peace pack is probably the best campaigning material around. But many don't go beyond payıng their yearly affiliation and
the way TUC and Labour Party
important Culiculo. though that is.
We've already cir-
for 1984 trade union conterences, ana we re noping to organise fringe meetings at all of them.
We don't have a very effective ICwork. Only a few regions Have aLVe TUCND group. Building them one of our priorities
We're also hoping to get a network of peaceships going - an idea pinched from the Australian seamens
suggesting the miners' UHOI consider peace-pits. These are more
workplace groups, similar to declaring a nuclear-free
Zo We have some specific
targets. Some our unions have members in the armaments. industry.
We hope the Bradford conference we're helping
STUDENTS MOBILISE AGAINST
REAGAN
Students at South Bank Poly are taking issue
with CND National Council for their tar-
diness in organising
demonstration when the American president
visits Britain for the World Economic Sum-
mit in early June. They are calling on CND,
London Region CND and London Student
CND to get together and organise a massive
reception for Saturday 3 June, and to link up
with the labour movement to do it. The occa-
Tion of keagan's visist is bound to see proests against Euro-missiles and US policy in
Central America. It looks as if students will
be leading the way.
meeting on Saturday 25 February. Since the arrival of cruise, more and more people have been joining CND. As a specialist section, TUCND has an impor-
ANDREW HEWETT, TUCND's full-time worker, told Socialist Action
organise on 1-8 April -sponsored by some major unions will involve peo-
the industry discussing alternative, socially useful production.
And there are unions directly affected LIC new civil defence regulaCONS CalC force on 1 December last year. After our Hard Luck exercise against the government's Operation Hard Rock - we can have allollici success on inis front in 1984. Success
A national tocus currently being discussed, is a week of action along the same lines as the German peace movement's last year. One day the churches do something, another day women, another people in education and so on. The trade union day could be organising workplace
For a five-minute meets. protest stoppage.
Imagination's the only limit. lot of CND members want to work in the unions, but have little idea about union structures.
The unions are in a fragile state at the mo ment. Defending members' living standards is the first and immediate priority. We have to find ways to integrate their main concerns with main concerns.
Making the tions between spending
an anti-Reagan
cuts and increased military expenditure is a good way for CND groups to build union links. And the government s legislation is another.
CND is aware that this legislation attacks our right to organise and protest. It doesn't just affect the NGA.
CND cannol lake on board opposition to the
industrial legislation that's outside our charter. But the NGA affiliated, and an NGA member of our ference and at a TUND CND's fringe meeting.
CND's priorities remain removing cruise
naking sure the irider contract is stopped, and contributing the inter national nuclear disarmament movement. That inClude. mass movement to achieve
The labour movement is crucial. Trade organise 10 million people, six million which already affiliated through their unions. If a majority were campaigning for nuclear disarmament, the voice Tne movement would be a lot stronger. would be hard force to igLUIC
Trade unionists are involved in the production, maintenance, servicing and transportation of nuclear weapons. There is
FREEZE THE
ARMS
RACE
Arthur Scargill leads the trade union contingent on 22 October CND demonstration
potential for holding up, stopping and closing down the nuclear weapons industry. The
TUCND News
SUSAF
labour movement, in conjunction with other social torces has a very impor tant role to play in CND.
Copies of TUCND News are available from Andrew Hewett, 11 Goodwin St, N4
Latest issue out at the end of January
(extra copies at 3p each)
Model resolutions for trade union conferences
also available
Socialist Action
View from
THE UNILATERAL and high-handed announcement by the government
senceforth there will be
ship at the Cheltenham communication headquarters is a serious attack on trade BETTO E rights. It's part of a long process that started when the Tories took power in 1979
It can't have escaped their notice that public sector unions are becoming increasingly militant.
this attack in other key alcas. zas wulkcis. Walci . workers, civil servants in the Home Office. Gradually trade union rights will be denied in any 'sensitive' area government.
We must defend trade union rights for all workers, irrespective of where they're employed. It's important that the
support Cheltenham workers
But the trade union movement must realise how serious this attack is. Frankly, I was looking for a bit more than statements of intent from the council of civil service unions and the TUC First the NGA, now this — when will the trade union leadership stand up?
The campaign to defend the GLC and local
lemocrac within Lon-
lon is faring better. Th recent day of action saw 40,000 out - in very bad weather to support something the media keep telling popular.
Recent meetings I've held in Islington on the GLC, London Transport and the Inner London Education Authority have been packed. People are angry and determined. The tide has turned.
I don't think the London Transport Bill, which central government control over transport in the capital, is getting enough attention. I'm on the commit-
3 February 1984 5
Westminister
Defend the unions
By Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North tee in parliament dealing with The minister Linda Chalker, has made Il clear sne envisages e London regional trans vort authority run on susiness lines.
Each bus and train route must run at a proof fit. That means thousands of miles of routes are at risk. More than one in four ousworker. could IOS.
win on this through a big campaign outside parliament,
trade unionists and public transport users. across that were not just We have to
defending LT, we're del ending the right of the disabled for mobility within London and peoples' right to cheap transport such as most other Western European capitals enjoy
The disperate nature of all these campaigns has meant that more peo ple have been involved Now the demands of the campaigns must unified They are fundamentally the same government resources for inner • citv areas: a end to cutbacks slowdowns, closures anc redundancies from public spending cuts
The Tories will try to bring legislation to prevent the GLC elections being held next year. The people of London mus have a forum for express ing their point of view perhaps through referendum on exactly the same day that . the GLC elections would have been held.
Page 6 scan of this page
EVERY DAY the media is full of stories of the war in El Salvador. But little is heard or seen of the work of construction in the zones controlled by the guerrillas of the FMLN. Here we reproduce an article from Combate a Latin American journal of the Fourth International, which describes the growth and role in the struggle played by the 'controlled zones'.
EL SALVADOR is not a country like Vietnam some American countries in which there are large areas of jungle to serve as a base for guerrillas. With 5 million people living in an area of 400 square miles El Salvador has the highest population density in Latin controlled zones depend not much on geographical pregnability as the support of the civilian population.
In 1981 FDR leader Salvador Samayoa defined a controlled zone as one in which relatively stable FMLN/FDR military camps have been established and from which government troops have anven out.
However government continue to maintain garrison posts on the borders of these areas, and often carry out incursions them, usually supported by air attack.
Zaze af control were establish-
IES1=
5
Libertad, Morazan, San
Led. (45,000 Chalatenango, by
Latin province, with habitants. unpopulated The
self-government
America. So power' (PPL).
participate in each PPL. im- The general
month term.
cil with been tions and FMLN militias. forces
into
corn. beats
199! FML.!
Sicialist Action 3 February 1984
controlled zones in areas of the following provinces: Santa Ana, Chaletanango, San Salvador, La
San Vicente, Cabanas, Miguel, Usulatan and La Union. Throughout 1981 these areas of control were enlarg-
But the most dramatic expansion of the zones has occurred since the FMLN offensive beginning October 1982. For example, while in early 1982 the FMLN/FDR claimed control of about 90 settlements
inhabitants) in 1983 they controlled a reported 90 per cent of the
150,000
FMLN/FDR has promoted the development of active
by the civilian population of the zones of control
dista' which is known as 'local popular
About 500 people tion. assembly elects members of the local community to the directorate (leadership) for a six
While the assembly decides overall policy, the direc-
to the torate ensures it is carried out. In addition, there is an advisory coun-
representatives of the popular Church, popular organisa-
Production and distribution The stated goals of production in the zones are self-sufficiency and maximal use of local resources. Basic food crops are grown (grains,
poraides. in 5250203 in some achieved in corn in
Building the new El Salvador. Peasants making land mines and weapons (left and above right), tilling the
from The New El Salvador (Solidarity Publications). Guazapa and beans in Morazan. Medicinal plants are grown response to the scarcity of modern medicines. Root crops have been given a priority since they are more likely to survive government invasions into the zones.
Agriculture is carried out in small plots distributed throughout the zone, in order to minimise the damage from government bomb. ings. It is mainly carried out on guvernment property or lands abandoned by their owners; small landowners have been allowed to keep their plots. Agricultural work collectives are organised by type of crop and meet regularly to plan production and security measures
All ages participale agriculture - children, for example, help in carrying water or in harvesting. Occasionally Farabun-
days are set aside when everyone, both civilians FMLN members, join in produc-
Products are centralised in
warehouse. Usually 50 per cent of produce is allocated to the civilian population, 30 per cent
FMLN and 20 per cent stored. However, this proportion may vary according to the needs of each community.
Production is not limited to agriculture. Livestock abandoned by previous landowners are tended, in Chalatenango, work collectives breed poultry, pigs, rabbits and goats. Fishing collectives have beer established along the Sumpul River
Chalatenango and along the Lsulutan coast.
Artisans' shops in the zones in-
land (above) and at an infants school (far right). Picture clude tailors shops manufacturing. chased and products sold through the collaboration of relatives who travel between the zones and the cities. Thus, shoppers Salvador's markets are able to find silk-screened t-shirts and decorated wooden boxes and crosses made by artisans in Chalatenango's zone of control. A small amount of trade between different zones of control has been carried out. In October 1982, after a government operation destroyed the harvest in Guazapa, the PPL's in corn to cover the loss.
Security and self-defense in The PPL's set up security and self-defense collectives to protect the hamlets Bomb shelters are built to protect civilians against shellings and bomand bings. People are organised with FMLN miltia villages when government incursion.
Clements, a US worked in the Guazapa control noted the high level of organisation shown by the community: under instructions from the local defence commitee and the FMLN, livestock and produce, and carried the wounded and their medical supplies with them in a night-time evacuation.
Education and culture The Secretary of Education searches out literate members, who become popular
GUAT
Building Fr
and shoe teachers'
Supplies are pur-
among the tion,
in San and
history
subject history, agriculture
Chalatenango sent and
discussed.
written and surrounding areas
portray
trained and
the assistance of
the as hygiene.
threatened by
Charlie physician who zone of
Village.
Health Three types they made tortillas, hid operate
general
specialise
community
EM A
Anuachepan AHUACHAPAN Los. remales SONSONATE Sonsonate " SALVAD 'Santa-Tecla LA LIBERTAC
controlled zones 50 km after a basic training Since illiteracy is over 50 per cent
Salvadorean populathe main educational emphasis is on basic reading, writing
mathematical notions. Reading and writing are taught as part of learning about Salvadorean
and current events.
Vocabulary and sentence structure lessons are drawn from four basic
areas: social sciences, ure ence such its health, and nutrition) culture: Community responsibility
principles democracy, justice, equality and solidarity are
Culture and education is also transmitted through short plays,
and performed the students themselves. These not onthemes such as repression by the social and political paramilitary groups or the role of women in the revolution) but also promote education in subjects such
School facilities and equipment are non-existent. Classes for adults or children usually meet under a tree or at a particular spot in the
of medical facilities in the zones of control, 'hospitals' where major surgery is performed, clinics which
in minor surgery, and health dispensaries which practice preventative medicine (such as vaccination campaigns) and first aid, diagnosis and treatment of general problems. Field hospitals are set up when the forces of the FMLN carry
Page 7 scan of this page
ee El Salvador
Trade unions — the price they pay
Suchitatali. COSTLANT Sensuntepeque / Cojutepeque "4S-Vincer d'llopeng Zacatecoluc LAPAL A out military actions.
Health brigades are trained to support the work of the doctors and medical students operating in the zones. Medicines are difficult to obtain, due to pressures on the health profession. Charlie Clements government's definition 'subversive" of anyone carrying more than a day's supply aspirin, antacid, pills, etc. workers in the zones have adopted the use of medicinal wherever possible: using bark for aspirin and eucalyptus leaves to relieve coughing. Adminstration of justice The PPL's oversee the development of social relations in the community and family life, goals of maintaining social harmony, promoting community over individual interests, and encouraging practices of cooperation rather than competition. Local tribunals have been set up in a number of communities to review Emphasis is placed on developing corrective rather than measures.
The Future The January 1981 offensive by the FMLN/FDR FMLN/FDR military and political control OVCH populated areas Ir for the firs: the first instance :: 21!.. control of these areas. ine long been bases of support for the opposition taking popular organisations in the late 1960s and 1970s, and providing
HONDURAS
San-Francisco S EI Potos
[USULUTAN (San Miguel
SAN MIGUEL governmental
the zones described the
as
of Health
plants willow
ON 19 JANUARY
with the
Unions.
National Police building, injuring journalist
disputes. were released.
By Celia Pugh
punitive
not emerge established Police
anionists in
pari
support and membership for the growing FMLN military forces in the 1980s. In many of these areas, Christian base communities played an important role in their political awakening and organisation, and
of control maintain a strong Christian character today.
More than the strictly military control of territory, the political
1984, 52 delegates and international guests met in San Salvador for the fifth WCEC congress of the legally recognised Federation of Revolutionary Trade
Before they could begin, the
attacked the capturing all inside and Raul Beltran.
After 8 hours of interrogation most
But 15 members, including the national officers of the union. did
from the 80098 neat
for
all trade 2 Salvador. In 1979 zad 1980 working people took to the the streets in an outburst of angry strikes and demonstrations. They
support and involvement civilians in FMLN/FDR organisations has been the decisive factor in the development of the zones of control and their self-government structure. The present zones of control do not represent the only areas where popular organisations were strong in the 1970s, however some are presently areas of intense
repression. • Between 1979 and 1981, 5123 union members
assassinated, 1875 peared' and 539 were imprisoned. Another 793 were wounded when troops opened fire on demonstrations.
Last September the secretary of the United Union Federation, FUSS was one of the 100 trade unionists kidnapped. On 7 October his body was found with its throat slit.
The regime is again stepping up the terror as unions pick themselves up from the setbacks of 1980. The saffocating ecrecei
per cat of ibe * active population did not receive sufficient income to buy the basic essentials for daily life.
Even right wing and government backed unions are demanding
repeal of the 1980 decrees against the unions. In September a new unity was achieved drawing
of conflict between the FMLN and the
Salvadorean armed forces. the history of the development of existing zones of control, these areas may be seen zones of military and political control by the FMLN/FDR.
tion In the zones established progressive and government backed unions. This 'disap- Unitarian
Salvadorean Trade Associations -union adopted a common platform for
political and economic struggle, ingeneral cluding the demand for US military Trade advisers to be withdrawn from El
Salvador.
port for the regime was the 15,000 strong demonstration workers organised by the Peoples Demoiratic Inion lay sepeesber. Tre LPD
front. dialogue with the without conditions and the majority of the union's corrupt leaders have been expelled.
The latest round of terror is designed to crush this new wave of trade union organisation. International solidarity is vital.
administrative Given organise and
as potential ment functioning Salvadorean Since 1981, the civilian popula-
have openly politicaltraditionally immediate Movement of
Unions and sajety
MUSYGES
El Salvador.
tional Police,
Another sign of crumbling sup-
of farm
int-
LID gorernment FMLN-FDR Socialist Action 3 February 1984
structure LU govern their daily lives. These 'local popular powers" constitute an alternative govern-
structure in EI • Salvador, alongside the government and creating a situation of dual power which will only be resolved in the course of the war in El Salvador. • Send telegrams demanding the
release FSR leaders and guarantees of their
to: President Magana, Presidential Palace, San Salvador,
Director General of the Na-
6a Kive Oriente San Salvador, El Salvador.
The FDR/FML.\ desperatet: needs fands for the
dee cran • Tr
people build a better fatast You can send money which
will find its way to El
Salvador by sending a
cheque/postal order to: Aid
for a better future.
Islington Park St., London
N1. Make out cheques to 'EL
Salvador Fund Appeal'.
Page 8 scan of this page
A democratic and active LPYS can grow LPYS clear up
VITHOUT wishing t ebate the future of th
CLPD which you com-
mented on (SA 40), we
would like to correct a
few points of confusion aPrsour motion on the
The proposals for
reform were as follows -
the inclusion of the trade
union youth at LPYS an-
nual conference, as in the
Party and Women's con
terences me eecion oi
YS National Committee
YS conference not
said - rather than at
Regional conference
ference on the basis of
the size of YS branch
DIARY
(These listings are free for all major labour movement and
40 0 neximum of 50 words. Semidisplay cost So per word and must be paid
advance. Send to: Diary, Socialist Action, 328 Upper reet. London NI 2XP to arrive later than Thursday, one week prior to publication/.
International • The Politics of Health in Trababwe Hour long video o dudole lor mccunes or functions. £10 (payable in
Send to Books for South Africa Fund, PO Box *i. London N1. o Srmation Sri Lankan Research &
Group will provide speakers on the carrent situation there for
Write to 9 Grays les Buildings, London ECI.
dio Intervention in
(NICA) is
olidarity groups, human
ehis orgs, aid agencies and ~ acucal Dares. More actals
1 SOCiA.
Join the
fight for
socialism
Socialist Action . 3 February 1984
ARTY YOINC
membership, rather than.
a statutory number for
every branch.
These reforms have in
the past won support not
only from Clause 4, but
also from the pre
decessors of socialisi
Organiser, who were in-
volved the campaign
for YS democracy, of
which the above reforms
were key demands. In
deed, in 1967, even Mili-
tant argued that 'the NC
must be elected by the
members mnemse ves a
YS coneer ene readth of
support for such elemen-
democratic initiatives.
would have expected YS
Advert Wed Thurs Fri -
from NICA 20/21 Compton Terrace, London N1 01-226 - 6747.
• From War in the Third World to the Third World War new pamphiet published by El Salvador Solidarity Campaign, Order from ELSSOC, 29 Islington Park SI
have also produced a 1984 calendar showing scenes rom me m une noeralca
Name
Address
Age. Union/CLP (if any). If you want more information about Socialist Action or to be put in touch with local supporters send this form to Socialist Action, 328 Upper Street, London N1.
USTE
activists supporting Socialist Action to support us loo A democratic and active LPYS would be far more carabe oi
erouga to rene onaltempts to close the YS down.
OWEN TUDOR.
GWILYM BURY, Lon-
We accept the points mace coour democracy but Owen and Gwilym miss the article In JA 40 which wos io crucise ine resoltion for failing to defend Militant against the witch hunt. Ed.
NATIONAL BOOK
SALE
14 January - 4 February
at
The Other Bookshop
328 Upper Street
London N1 Open: Mon Tue Sat - 10-6
12-7 11-7
zones, f3 from same adoress. • Central America and the Caribbean A series of open ecuadoras o socos ana speakers at Peckham Labour Club, Lansbury House, 41 Camberwell Grove, London SES: 7 Feb Evening of volual nulcicar cortale A emission trusau tree Organised by Sth London Central American Group contact Edwin 01-733 7706 for details.
Nixon and the Korean
spy-plane
of the South Korean airliner by the Sovie Union last September
According to the West German magazine Quick former US president Richard Nixon cancelled a flight reservation on the KAL 007 flight. Nixon had reserved seat B2 in the front row, near the Dale occulicu dy reu resentative L McDonald.
Coincidence isn't it? RICHARD STONE, Glossop, Derbyshire. The writer leaves a ps he is no relation of his namesake, Reagan' special adviser on Central America.
gratulations.
328 Upper Street.
• Chilean art 10 years of
Pentonville Gallery, 47 Lambs Conduit St, Holborn
New pamphlet: Politics
in the 1980's - The
British Crisis.
Articles reprinted from Socialist Action and
International - • John
Ross, British politics in
the 1980's; Alan
Freeman, How Labour
Can Win; Steve Marks, the 1983 Election; John Ross, Facing 1984; Alan Freeman, Rebuilding the
Labour Party
Available from The
Other Bookshop, 328
Upper St, London N1,
price 35p.
London WCI, 25 Jan-18 Feb, 11-6.30. • El Salvador Benefit for East London ELSSOC, Mon 6 Feb, 8.30. Acts include See You in Vegas, Mark Miwurdz and Wild Girls Crown and Castle, Dalston Junction. £1.50 unwaged 25 Years of the Cuban Revolution • Britain-Cuba Resource Centre Intormaton about activities, subs to Granma weekly review and newsiellers trom zy isungton Park St, London N1.
Womens study tour of
information from BCRC, 29 Islington Park St, London
Ireland • Labour and Ireland day school for budding writers, workshops with trainec journalists. London, , Feb or
, fl. Write to Labour ano erane. DIVI DOXJSJD, London WCIN 3XX
The Cause of Ireland film
showing at Rio Cinema. 107
Kingsland High St, Hackney
• and fl (UB40 and
OAP), Thur 2 Feb, 7.30.
KLMNOPQRSTU' Working class strength
IJKLETTERSTU'
IJKIMNOPORST
Nixon in the know?
Write to us!
This is your page. Send us your comments, criticisms or even con-
But please be brief -letters over 300 words will be cut Write to: Letters, Socialist Action,
London N1 2XP. (Tel: 01-359 8180)
Miscellaneous • GLC workshon Employment and training for the future. 9 Feb Greater London enterorise board. 23 Feb Cooperatives. Black Women's Centre Brixton, 41A •lockwell ureel London, SW9, 7-9.30 pm
- Advertisemen
BROADSIDE -theatreis looking for male and lomale peronicis ant musicians of al races lot
BRITS.
i me and about imperia
We are a part-time socialis and feminist collective. At present we can only pay
Hondon Haggerston Roa,
• Theatre workshops at the Drill Hall, 16 Chenies St, London we encares Effie Arestides. Start Fri 20 Jan, 6.30-8.30pm. Every 1984.
Booking tel: 01-387 9639.
Anti-cuts campaigns • London Health Service Campaign. 34 Dalston Lane.
London E8 3AZ 01-249 8086 • Hayes Cottage Hospital Occupation Cttee, Grange , Hayes, Middx 01-573
Lesbian & Gay Liberation • Nottingham Labour Campaign for Gay Rights meets monthly. Next meeting Varch.oom. salulaliol Inn. Mald Marion way Details: Chris Richardson. 21 Devonshire Promenade Lenton 0602 780124. • London Labour
IREAD with interest the article Explosion in the
While I agree with the provosion lial a sul cessful revolution can on-
occur when the ruling class 1s its rule in the old way, think the point should be made that this itself largev cenenos on me eauve strength of the proletariat in a given society.
After all, if a particular order cannot con. ruling class may still maintain its dominance
different manifestation of capitalist rule.
A prime example of this is Argentina, where the crisis ridden junt unabe lo rule illscli was replaced by the equally bourgeois Alfonsin government. Ine same thing may happen in
Chillearly when a situa-
con or lais kina exists what is vital is the undefeated strength of ine working class
It is this which determines whether or not the ruling class will be allow-
Anti racist
SO LEN Murray's betrayal of the NGA made it black Monday, did it! And it was a black Christmas in Lebanon (SA 39). And Eric Heffer cal wue unal une reucal of trade union leaders
Campaign for Gay Rights
new office at 39
Chippenham Rd, W9 2AH
01-286 9692, open Tues-Thur
11am-7pm. (Westbourne
Grove tube. Bad access, nelp
available).
dour Novellet
Lesbians is a new
organisano or esoians in
the labour movement to
support each 1 other and
organise Inillalives on Issue.
iber-December 1983 INTERNATIONAL
Price 75p In this issue:
between Britain and the States
left
Chris Palmer on Grenada
plus reviews
London NI or 137 Digbeth, Birmingham.
Diary
Led to install another puppet, or whether the people will seize power for themselves in a socialist revolution.
This is why. we in Bri tain must now build support and leadership for Ine socialist revolutiol. which must come when the bankruptcy of Thatchers economic policle. are realised. why we must build a united revolutionary movement with strong links with workers in obici collice This is why I support the Marxists in the wabour rally which, reformist and bourgeois though its present aims ano tener de concac the grass roots support for the revolution
build support for Marxist ideas and build a party about 'winning elections' and reforming this, that and the other, only to turn on the working class again once elected but which stands for revolutionary socialism at home and abroad
GLYN HOLROYD, Newcastle year? 'adds up to one of the blackest periods in the history of the trade union
Well. roll on 1984 95 London's anti-racist vea JEREMY IAWTHORA Peckham CLP
that affect lesbians. Further information from Sarah c/o reminisı Liorary Hungerford House, Victoria Embk, London WC2 • Raffle result Bristol Socialist Action. 1. C Starks 34, 2. R Simon 1300, 3. H McDonald 1214, 4. D Berry 684, 5.
H Holden 1979, 6. A Radford 359.
• Advertisement
International
Volume 8 Nos
THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE UNDER STRAIN November-December issue out now
Andrew Gamble on the "special relationship'
Ken Livingstone, on a strategy for the Labour
John Ross, on why the left must reject unity with European imperialism against America
Jude Woodward on sectarianism towards women
Order from The Other Bookshops, 329 Upper St,
Page 9 scan of this page
The 'supergrass' trials scandal
News
LONG KESH
Photo: CAMERAWORK
Irish women demonstrate against Long Kesh internment camp
Left gains at
THE LABOUR Party Young Socialists' southern region • CUL® ference was held in Brighton last weekend under the tight control of Militant supporters. But opposition led by Oxtord East and West made a big impact, reflected by David Shepherd's election the southern region com-
Militant's positions were passed on all major debates. The need e e s a acı native to the Orange and Green bigots' and a fight for a 'trade union based on the party of labour was their solution for He ane
Women
Gay rights got only a passing nod. But the Oxford Hast resolution gest en postion tote gr
obposition vole conference. The resolution - the only one on the agenda - Cole support for women's rights in the Labour Party, and for a young
POLITICAL PRISON
LONG KESH
LPYS conference
women's conterence.
Conference reaffirm- off ed the call for police and army unionisation. But Oxford East's resolution
calling for emphasis on anti-recruitment and demanding the right organise in the armed forces • was cenovac
•liberal pacifist nonsense' by the platform. Racism
Racism turned
against positive ascr llalivll which was seen as patronsing and fuelling racist attitudes. And 'waiting for socialism' was the way to stop nuclear war, when Oxford East's call for YS bracnhes auport and build CND,
and activities' was rejected. LUl!
No international solidarity was proposed - the problems of the working class and the oppressed would be solved
›y a 'socialist federation' of the Middie Hast ana the world, the platform told conference.
Militant's pesolte continued obstruction of
tory Bob RUC. and
trial
had
said YS growth, by cutting it
from radicalising youth, a successful fringe meting was ae wes speakers from Labour Brifing, Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, the Women's Action Committee and David Shepherd from Oxford West LPYS.
After his election, David told Socia ist Action:
'Before YS national conference in April, we have
concentrate organising the minority in the different regions in order to make the biggest DUSSIDe Im
act on the YS nationally. The YS is under threat from the party leadership. It's vital that those who believe the YS must
outwards, linking up with all the struggles aralisi the Tories, organise to get their views across. In southern region we are beinning to organise 'opposition' branches and members Repeated round the Couut y. this could be a real breakthrough for the 'left opposition' in the Young Socialists '
DESMOND BRESLIN is serving six years in prison for alleged IRA membership and photographing an IRA roadblock. He was convicted entirely on the contradic-
evidence of supergrass Christopher Black. His - wife COLLETTE BRESLIN recently spoke at several metings in the Midlands organised by the Campaign against the Show Trials. She talked to Anita Richards and
Whitehead from Socialist Action.
Why is your husband in prison?
My husband is involved in the Black trial. We call people like Black 'paid perjurers'. Black aamitea in courl that he had perjured himselt in murder trial some years ago and he also admitted taking money from the
He said that previously he had perjured himself because he culdn't face prison. But now, apparently he
- knowing full well that this time he had immunity from the court.
He couldn't even remember his children's birthdays in court. Yet he could give exact dates when he was with alleged IRA members. He was obviously 'programmed' by the RUC, and so was the judge.
At the committal proceedings he just glanced at the bill of indictment
returned 38 people for trial without hearing any evidence.
lasted eight months December 1981. All the defendents
the salilc throughout. When asked to identify people Black just said 'secona trom
'second from the right' or
GIFTS, CHEERS and
Salvadorean trade unionists Rosa Rivas and Gerar-
do Anaya on their tour of Britain. More importantly
acts of solidarity have come for their sister and
brother trade unionists in El Salvador.
While Gerardo talked
with officers at the Na-
tional Union of
Mineworkers in Sheffield
a message cane trougi
that his union congress in
Salvador COCCI
smashed up the Na-
tional Police and his fellow
leaders detained. Fearing
for their lives Gerardo im-
mediately began to gather
messages and telegrams
from the British
movement to secure the
release of the FSR leaders
By Celia Pugh
Thousands of pounds
have been collected at
metings in factories, can-
teens, shop stewards com-
public rallies and at all the majo national realde u 250 rade unso nist rade The at County Hall in London
on 23 January raised £600
after solidarity speeches
from miners leader Arthur
Scargill, Fire Brigade
general Cameron, secretar the NGA and Ker
the Parliamentary Labour
Party The funds collected will cover the costs of br
inging Rosa and Gerardo
from El Salvador. The res will be sent back to EI Salvador to aid the wor
of the mass movement in
the cities and zones controlled by popular forces.
Their message of defiance and solidarity was communicated to , Labour leader Neil Kinnock and
the right' without looking up.
The judge found all 38 defendents guilty. twenty-one those who refused to sign statements in Castlereagh interrogation centre. My husband told the was told by the RUC that if he pleaded guilty to taking photos of an illegal road block for Republican would walk out of court, didn't they would membership charge on him.
They asked photography and if he supported the hunger strikes, and then - according to the transcript of the interview they talked about Communism. My nusband said the British were responsible for the famine of 1864 and their attitude hadn't changed since then. But this didn't make him a communist. We don't know if he is in prison for being a communist or tor being in the IRA ference!
They also said that in refusing to answer questions he was acting according to iRA policy. But Father Faul has leafletted the nationalist areas to remind people of their right to silence.
What evidence did they have against your husband?
Only Black's words. The RUC said they found a camera in our house, but when the judge asked for it they said The they nad misplaced it'. Thev from they had found 'subversive films'
Mickey Mouse cartoons and Superman films which Desmond shows the places
children.
was supposed to be photographing
Salvadorean unionists tour
tears have greeted
will feature in an interview in forthcoming Panorama television programme.
Gerardo explained to the London rally, 'On this tour we have met with love and respect for blems and struggle which we face in El Salvador.
'In March 1980 I was taken prisoner by the Na tional Guard and was 20 days in detention, shut up in a cell with no conditions for basic life. I was cruelly tortured. That was my first real step as a trade leader. I was set free as a result of a strike in solidarity by three factories. But once I came
Socialist Action 3 February 1984 or something like that,
and gone out. were jailed
callici a
court that he
trials?
News he but if he
pin IRA
belive
him about
paign going!
They
ordinary the abroad as well. — it doesn't make much dif-
cold one evidence Order.
said
This is what he was doing when he
out I was persecuted and
forced to leave my home,
family and four children.
•We know we are con-
fronting an enemy that is
extremelv powertul and ar
enemy that receives aid
from the United States But we know equally
that the workers of
Salvador are not alone.
We will carry on and with
the solidarity that is given
us by workers of the world
we will win'.
This stirring message
of defiance and hope wa:
echoed by Rosa who has
also experienced
repression. 'The general
secretary of my union was
kidnapped, 13 days after
he was found decapitated
and cruelly killed.
'After this was
followed a lot and they in-
tended to kill me as well.
E SALVADO
Oto UŞ INI'
9 the road block, but the judge said that he could have left the film running
. The people who were supposed to have been stopped at the road block didn't see anyone with a
Would they let people watch thes
Not at first, but now you can. Some Labour MPs and Lord Gifford have been over. That's really good because without watching it you can't really
what's going on with thes 'supergrass' trials.
How is the RUC's supergrass cam-
are having setbacks with supergrasses spontaneously retracting their evidence. The only way we can stop these show trials is by MPs and
people putting pressure on British from
How can anything be justice with only one judge, and no jury, dealing with 38 people in one trial? Hov
pelsul take in all the
All 38 from the Black trial have appealed. I hear that the judge, Basil Kelly, has been made an appeal judge. There is a newspaper picture of him with an orange sash. All the senior judges are members of the Orange
How is your tour of Britain going? Great. I just want people to know what's going on. Me, Desmond, people like us, we're all working class. If they do this to political people it Ireland, what's to stop them eventually doing it in Britain? They try these things out in Ireland. But eventually it'll come over here.
So my colleagues got me out of the country and I had to leave behind my children. 'Because of this repression we are asking that this government Britain does not send observers to the Salvadol cccuon.
This will make legitimate
shalvador ere arak dül Ec
Salvador. sene retlers Reagar demanding that the US get their bases : out of Hon duras and leave Salvador to decide its own future. 'We will go back an‹ be able to tell our people the wonderful
know that help of eople inrougno he world who love wor peace we will win.'
Scargill speaks at solidarity rally
Page 10 scan of this page
MALE Act now to defend
Southwark social workers
10 Socialist Action
ORDER
A change of line HAVE any of you stopped to think just why the clergy decided to change their line on letting Steve Rigby Church get married
Because
and his battled from Why? JOcal
Say no more.
deluge of publicity as the concerned campaigning conservative up the ban and exposed it as being very and not nice. 'Aha!' you're thinking. It must have been press coverage lal cubarrass ed God's representatives on earth. But that's not the answer.
MOLES
EYE
VIEW
Up for sale?
SOCIALIST ACTION contacted its favourite KGB colonel to find out what the Russians think about the Tories ban on trade unionism the Cheltenham spy-centre.
She told us: 'We are not very keen on our agents getting mixed up with trade unions and we certainly don't want them going caucuses and meeting a Tory scrounger MR MATTHEW PARRIS is one of those Tory MPs who is worried that people on social security get paid too much so they con t go oul looking 10. work.
Followed by a World in Action camera he set off to live in al Newcastle flat +26.80 a week. This was going to be the ‚greal lesson tor all inose
feckless people scrounging away on the state and throwing their money
unecessary things like food and
And did see his point on how to Save Two lost lads IT'S NOT just Mrs Thatcher's lad that gets lost. Peakins go back to the David House Commons after a late dinner party aad joined the lobby of Laboar MPs voting
3 February 1984
Here's clue.
Bishop overruled his fellow men of God after hearing 'medical evidence'.
evidence'
CUYCID sins, can only
ignorant formed of the
modern Wonder
two drawn unes
The marriage about and Tory It's about load of Trots. Burgess and MacLean were never Wee monon fact, they never joined one but they did a very good job for us.
said she was pleased that a number of
government's £1000 cash Daylicil leave unions because 'this makes it easier for us Tina out who is up for sale .
money. On Sunday night he went to a local club for a few beers. Then came the object lesson on how to survive. He let
This adone person pay mission and then for three hours he never
pocket once to buy the ale.
So all you lot living on the SS need do is find some kind person to keep you in fags and booze and then you'll get by just like Mr Parris. don't supply these kind Unfortunately benefactors at the DHSS.
ainst the government's
BEC policy whilst their concagues were the & right lobby with the
Is Dr Owen getting fond of claret?
THE NATIONAL Abortion Campaign has made an urgent appeal for action to defend abortion rights. Anti-abortionists have 22 Members of Parliament fronting renewed attempts to limit abortion.
laws have failed and now they are looking to existing legislation — the Infant Life Preservation Act of 1929.
Led by Sir Bernard Braine, the MPs have tabl-
Commons demanding that the
all cover meal Cuculale maternity hospitals to implement this laWr which makes illegal abortion of a foetus which can be born alive.
Doctors performing aDOTDON alter weeks could face the intimidation OI COCLOT WIld WaS dragged the courts last year on a charge of murder.
anti-abortionists hope to strike terror into
seeking abortion and doctors who perform it and at the same time aid anti-abortion doctors and consultants. Recent press scares about late abortion
the antiabortionists' job
Casici
In reality, 98.5 per cent ot abortions take vide before the 20th week. Only 0.1 per cent of abortions are periormed after the ON 27 OCTOBER last year the Southwark Labour council organised a children's home, evicting the children and staff and vandalising the buildings. which happened at the height of the residential social workers strike, was exposed last week in a special report produced by Sixty workers from The Hollies complex are still being given no work by the council.
The incidents at The Hollies occurred against the background of increasing bitterness in last year's residential social workers strike. Between September and December 25,000 social workers were dispute with local authori-
employers, demanding the settlement or a liveyear dispute for higher pay and 'unsocial DOUS payments.
Thev taced an intransigent employers association and vicious attacks from local councils, including many Labour councils. But they also faced the problem of lack of coordination ship from their union NALGO, which left many workers on strike and olners working normany.
NALGO also failed to
800,000-strong membership, with the inevitable
result of defeat, victimisa-
and eventual
demoralisation.
The military-style raid
on ne Holes
occurred when Southwark
social workers decided to
work only their statutory
35-hour week, thus leaving
some evenings and
abortion rights
Past efforts to restrict abortion through new
But abortion consultants and
behind 'viability' and use delaying tactics in the hope unan women • wil arop une idea of abortion.
By Celia Pugh
report published earlier this month by the Kova colece or uDsicul
cians and Gynaecologists
Lial are serious delays of eight weeks or more between be ing referred to a doctor and having the operation
One in five women Ravine unc operatior
ween 20 and 23 weeks hac been reterred by doctors before the 12th week. Fotty per cent of women having an abortion at 15 to 16 weeks had seen a doctor well before the 12th week. Administratvie and deliberate delays caused by anti-abortion consultants
expose police raid
police raid on The Hollies
This extraordinary event
Southwark NALGO.
seekend nook covered be
social workers. children were given instructions about where to if needed many of the
needed (many the children were in fact their teens).
By Paul Lawson
On the morning of 27 October the Southwark Labour glup and decided to close the
where over 60 children lived. suade many of the children Having failed to to leave the council called
the Response Unit (SPG) who at 10pm attacked the DI CUSE. dragging children away, smashing down doors, removing social workers
from the site. A 15-year old girl was assaulted up to a doze a council of
ficials during the fracas,
while many children fled
from the site
At 4am the next morn-
ing council vans arrived
and began removing
carpets and other effects
from the site and ripping
out fire alarms. During the
whole operation many per-
and cuts in the NHS forced these women to have late «DOTTONS Countless
COle sultants' prejudice and the uncertainty caused delay.
Young women get the
deal with • wullick. under 20 making up more than 40 per cent of late abortions and 50 per cent of abortions after 25 weeks.
Promotion of the Infant Lite Preservation Aci will intimidate women and chicoulast anti-abortion consultants to delay things
The National Abortion Campaign is counterattacking with the demand for no legal and medical restrictions on a woman's right and access to abortion. A conference in London on 25 February will discuss and prepare the fightback.
• Abortion rights and facilities what tuture? University of London Union, Malet Street, London WCI.
25 February, 10am5pm.
NAC, 47 Waldrum Park Rd, London SE23.
malga
RESIDENTIAL WORKERS FIGHT Residential social workers picket negotiations sonal belongings were damaged or lost. The homes were made uninhabitable.
The children at The Hollies were all orphans or trom 'broken' homes Many of them had lived at the complex together for mOre vals
Now they have been
dispersed. When one child
asked a policeman what right he had to throw he out of her home, he replied
'because you are
Southwark property'.
WOMENS
CHOICE
NOT
DOCTORS
Women march for abortion rights
WALGO
PAY UP
OW!
nuir
It is clear that the raid on The Hollies was planned well in advance The Labour counci took advantage of the dispute to carrv out thei ON CHE plans to close down The Hollies, using gestapo. style tactics
Few Labour councils come out of the residential social workers with
Most of then acted like any other emplover faced with an insubordinate workforce.
Even 'left Labour councils. the social workers' claim was de
News
CHOICE
aniga
nounced as excessive and unreasonable
Faced with ratecapping and the all-qut of fensive the Tories against local government, only fight back alliance with council workers' unions is going to win
Unfortunately only too many council workers face
Labour councils as tough employers, not allies. whole labour movement
trom Southwark Labour counei about its inman ano anti-working class actions.
Page 11 scan of this page
In the Unions
Ford:
SEVENTEEN THOUSAND workers have voted to suspend their strike action against the closure of the Thames foundry and the consequent loss of 2000 jobs.
about 8000 workers on Sunday 29 January which mandated union officials to talk with the company on 22 manufacturing activities. The meeting also agreed to re-impose strike action if the foundry closure is not withdrawn at those talks.
Chief union negotiator Ron Todd told the mass meeting, February meeting doesn't discuss the foundry as well as the future of the whole of Ford it will have been a failure
'We will be coming back to you, the members, to sav that now is the time to fight for your jobs'.
Despite Todd's fine words, the decisions of the mass meeting are a step back from controllallull with Ford and give the WHOO officials greater control over the course of evens.
In gaining this control, the officials have been able to utilise the hesitancy of sections of the Dagenham workforce about strike acDON. assembly particularly plant. These the
workers have seen 8000 jobs disappear in the last four years with little or no union opposition.
They have also been transterred trom plant to plant as the foundry and
plants have been
rundown. Yet it wasn't un
til ine morning of Sun-
day's mass meeting
the majority of workers
received a national Joint
Stand-off
on jobs fight
Ford Dagenham
This decision was taken at a mass meeting of
February about the future of Ford UK's
union leaflet called The Need to Strike.
By Mick Drake (Ford Dagenham)
This explains how the foundry closure fits into the general rundown Dagenham and Ford UK and threatens their OWnl jobs. Most immediately, nail the plant's 3500 workforce voy foe loss of threatened the OHC overhead camshaft replacement engine to Germany, the press shop could be reduc-
ed to three stamping lines compared with twelve at present and the wheel plant and group tooling operations look destined to go abroad.
These developments would put the tuture of Ford plants in Croydon
Langley, Leamington and
Woolwich at risk.
why convenors pushed union officials intoacalling national strike action against foundry
closure a decision en-
dorsed by dan colga to one
majority of foundry
workers themselves.
Ron Todd
In the coming three weeks these convenors, backed stewards committees, will their
have to fight for control over the dispute by setting a nrm date or surike action if the 22 February meeting proves futile.
In the plants we need
shop stewards bulletins ex-
should WC strike, backed up by shop
meetings to keep everyone informed and win over the doubting Toms.
Ford workers have the power to stop the foundry closure and win job security for 17,000 at Dagenham
Dagenham workers leave mass meeting. and 43,000 workers nationally. Ford UK is the company's biggest source of profits.
It is the f960 million gold mine which has bailed out its bankrupt American parent in the past tew years. maker eden ship in Britain is the backhone of hord's wuropear operations. And workers here can stop the whole of Ford Europe stone-dead through strike action
This is what we mus
prepare for up 22
'ebruary while winning support from other unions, workplaces and the Labour Party to ensure our success.
Newham 4:
case.
paign. The charges were altered before trial.
The most serious con-
which sollary charge. usually fails in political cases because the prosecu tion goes over the top, was dropped. Instead the main charge was the ill-definec 'affray" (unlawful fighting in public).
The court _venue was moved from Snaresbrook in East London to the Old Bailey. This may have appeared a clampdown, fact it was the opposite. It took place because demonstrations the court were expected, and the defence had examined the role of potential jurors at both courts
a few Asian names, the Ballev had five Der Coll The transfer forestalled a defence application and avoided public debate on racially balanced juries. The final jury had five black people.
The defence campaign mounted a picket outside the court throughout the trial. No arrests were attempted. the demonstrations of school sueens or the tirst dar passed without incident.
trial, the brosecution had their work
Their identification evidence was tested; their witnesses were grilled and ridiculed in cross examination.
The judge allowed the defence to use
"background information on racial attacks and
Defence police a sill.
quotes say 30? 'I was dazed when I wrote my notes.
you dazed when you wrote that?'
Dhoto: JOHN HARRIS
Self defence is no offence
Socialist Action 3 February 1984
Self defence is
still no offence
TWO HUNDRED hours' community service is all the state got from the five-week trial of the Newham 8. The convicted four were sentenced to 50 hours each when they appeared on 20 January. The convictions were a blow. But behind the results one can see how much trouble the authorities took to win the
This is a tribute not to the establishment's sense of justice, but the strength of the defence cam-
witnesses could speak about their OWI experience. The secretary of the Sikh temHe Die was a key williess. described how he had dri attackers from his shop drawing his ceremonial sword and, when he reported the incident to the police, he was almost chargea will Hav. ing an offensive weapon revealed describec police-community relations as window dressing.
By Jeremy Hawthorn (Peckham Labour Party)
Despite this, the four defendants were convicted. . But that wasn't the end. In passing sentence the judge expressed concern about racial attacks on the Asian community.
No mention racism, of course, but neither did he praise police devotion to duty. All this was unusual.
The state could not afford an outcry by goalins the four. The judge of fered a 'community service order' which requires the consent. It was accepted that the service with the
would be for the benefit of the Asian community. It is unique for the defence to conditions on accepting a sentence. It was final mark of how careful the authorities had to be.
Prosecution witnesses were grilled and ridiculed: 'Why do you now say it was 100 Asians, when your
'This statement is dated two months later. Were
11
Taking the case as one can draw 1 e whole, following conclusions.
• Having lost in Bradford the state desperate to reestablish the principle that communities should not defend themselves. It succeeded charging affray rather than conspiracy. The legal definition of justifiable self-defence is still too narrow to be relied on.
• Defence campaigns are essential. The state would never have made so man! concessions without cerence campaign firmly based in the : community
could the defence NO have made headway
evidence National Front and police
The Call paign transformed the
Newham • case into a na tional issue, despite a virtually silent press.
• Racial stereotypes mus: West lilal only
Indians complain about police treatment while Asians are generall! passive is still widespread. even acclaimed Police Studies Tastitute roam has
Newham has shown this is a myth.
• Struggles must be link
ed.
regular support from other
campaigns. 'Newham
Colin Roach — one strug gle one fight' was , one o
the main chants. The cam-
paigı arallls! the Police
Bill is an example of this
kind of solidarity, drawing
together a wide range of
groups in struggle up to
and including the Labour
Party left.
• Lastly and most im
dants showed im-
pressive degree of solidari
ty. They weren't prepared
to run individual defences
they did not apologise fo
what they had done. Im-
mediately afterwards they
said if the need arises they
willad same
They will deserve our sup
port then too.
Page 12 scan of this page
ACTioN Greenham
Chesterfield: fight
A MARPLAN poll in last
reafunrelli firmed Labour's new gain in popularity. 34 per cent of the sample said they'd
voting Labour general election, compared to 38 per cent Tory Labour has cut the Tories' lead by 10 per cent since the general election.
Despite the poll, last week's New Whittington by-election in the Chesterfield constituency saw Liberal returned for the first time in 25 years: In high poll compared to the usual 30 per cent — the Liberal won with 44 per cent of the vote Labour had 39 pe cent and the Tories 16 per cent.
The Liberal gained 19 per cent from the Tories, and per cent Labour, compared to last
ear's counci results. Ihe
Whittington result crows the of anti-Labour coalition the
Keep it coming!
THE NEWS that 11-year aid Lesley Harrison nearly Bed from the television too closely came
surprise LICE Although I don't have her
of watching farourite programmes with my nose pressed
minst the screen, I did
cel slightly queezy seeing Local Chesterield down in local by-election to a Liberal.
But the biggest shock of the week Was
loubtedly seeing Home
ecretary Leon Brittan interviewed by the ace crawler Jimmy Young.
much boot licking be bad for the poor
n's health, but he seems to thrive on it.
Possibly it is the high
and balanced diet.
ael. West been doing so
We've been doing a
Socialist Action office as
fund Inland 6 months £8; 12 months €15 Overseas (12 months only)
Europe €17; Air Mail € 24 (Double these rates for multi-reader institutions)
Name .
Address
Please send me as special offer Der with the Post Office. at Ead Offact (TU) Led, London E2.
SOCiAList
for Labour victory!
meether for Chesterfield. media is trying
The Tories don't stand
chance defeating Labour in the by-election. But a unified anti-Labour vote, with a collapse of the Tory poll, could let the Alliance in.
By Carol Turner
With speculation that early March is the likely date TOT Chesterfield's parliamentary by-election, Labour is gearing up for this crucial campaign. Labour chairperson Eric Heffer has already spoken at an early public meeting; and Neil Kinnock and Ros matters ey together with many the shadow cabinet and prominen
spedeunionle sers, will be
Socakule SuDDUIL candidate Tony Benn at the 17 public meetings already planned.
The Labour leadership must figure prominently in
revealed last week strictly of the fiscal kind.
We are being so mean it's unbelevable Not penny goes out to anyone who cannot prove starva tion or a willingness to sue. Fund drive money is still too slow in coming in if we are to keep our heads above water. Despite mystery donation of £250 delivered with not even a postmark, the last two weeks have only brought in £2000.
If you are sitting and watching Sergeant Bilko as you could wenave welave0l tess serene send om that Send something for the fund drive it's really much better for you!
lan Parker £5.00 M Silver 1.00 C Langford 5.00
SUBSCRIBE
I enclose cheque/PO payable to Socialist Action for £ .... Send 1o: Socialist Action Subs, 328 Upper St. London N/ 2XP
= 50, London N1.
Chesterfield. A Labour Party around candidate will be an imnortant factor in the firsi y-election the Tories came to power last June. Anything less opens the door to a Bermondseystyle smear campaign by the media, drive waverers into the arms of the Alliance.
The campaign is off to an active start. Mass canrave been and easelline have organised for weekends. Ala Labour s committee rooms (Miners' Headquarters, Saltergate, Chesterfield) are open from 9am to 9pm each day.
Offers of help should be made to agent Peter Coleman, Labour's fulltime regional organiser for the East Midlands. He presently based in Chester-
ield, and can be obtained at the above address or by phoning Chesterfield M Fuller 5.00 S Field
A rOulel Anon G Carey AHUl
Leamington Southampton
South East London Ealing Nottingham Liverpool Leels Middlesborough Cardiff Hemel Hempstead Loventry 40.00 South West London Harringay 70.00
Leicester S.OU Islington 125.00
• Mathreson 1.UU D Draycott J Boyle 10.00 P Stern
Total £2129.50
Special free book offer!
Take out a years inland subscription and we will send you free one of these books: Thatcher and Friends by John Ross
Over our Dead Bodies Women Against the Bomb
Introductory offer. for new readers: Eight issues for just £2!
By Anne Kane (Glasgow Women for Peace)
The court actions are just the tip of the iceberg or ine allack on lne peace women. Recently paratroopers base tacked women with electric cattle prods and broke women's tingers Newbury council has employed
ex-bailiffs on huge the solduc Scale camp, to whom the police turn a blind eve. Ihey are increasingly making life at Lilt camp virtually impossible. The troops and police guarding the base
point of shining search lights and making a clamour all night to make sleep impossible.
The same pattern of at-
and harassment 1s being repeated around the CoulL v.
Defend the
women
HAVING lost the propaganda war over the last year, the Tories are stepping up the police and court attacks on the Greenham peace women. Last Monday four more women from the camp were sent to jail. Twelve other women were fined up to f50 for criminal damage, resulting from the invasion of the camp at last December's "Sound around Greenham'.
At a 500-strong demo at the Holy Loch on 21 January, 27 of the women demonstrators were arrested, many viciously treated and three refused bail for five days.
In Leeds, two women arrested at peace demonstration seem likely to be sent to jail for eighteen Months. and down the country women peace demonstrations are being refused jury trials so that the law can deal with them harshly.
There is now an urgent need to launch an all-out defence of Greenham and the peace women nationally. It seems certain that the decision has been taken to
close down the Greenham camp. If this happens then the whole peace movement and the labour movement must immediately respond with demonstrations to reestablish the camps.
Task
In the last few months, while the CND leadership has been putting the em phasis on a negotiated 'freeze' despite CND conference vote against it - the Greenham women have got on with
job of fighting for unilateralism and to remove the missiles.
The setting up of 102 peace camps in support of the women's move in tak ing Reagan to court in the US, and the huge turnout of women Greenham on 11 December, shows the immense support for the peace women that now ex-
Sound around Greenham demonstration
This support must now be mobilised to prevent the legal assault and physical harassment of the women being successful.
• If you want to send donations for fines women arrested make che-
payable *Greenham Women (Fines)' and send to 79, Petherton Road, London NS. Greenham Women Against Cruise plan to take action around the emergency service routes or
rebruary Ring 01-251 8046 for further details.
A national conference of Greenham Women in Newcastle last weekend decided to call for a week of regional women's actions around 24 May, ternational Women's Day for Disarmament. Northern women are already planning to meet to discuss
on 3 March. Ring Doreen Ward on Leeds 868489 for further details.
← Socialist Action No. 42, 27 January 1984Socialist Action No. 44, 10 February 1984 →