YOUR coverage of the strike so far has been first but as part of the alca . leadership at Barn sley, particularly as far as the direction of pickets is concerned, feel I must take up a bit of what Dave Parry said in 8 June edition.
I must admit to bein‹ amazcu waa lcc u the NUM committee has the sUcculaiC strategy being pursued and badly misinformed DECIlIS as to tne relatve of forces. NUM panels mee a e even week (reps from each panel and doseren unc area) and report to branches. Delegates report weekly — some to mass meetings of the men.
Questions, ideas
criticism can and are put at all of these meetings and with neuc uraleny regard to picketing. although it has its origins in the Co-ordinating Committee, cannot be prosecuted areo set without the approval of ine acierales I have no intention of arguing oyer overall ideas behind the strategy public (its enocle secrecy and not forwarning the olice but some corrections need to be urale.
Ar Orgell did noe larsel Orgreave Saturday as stated. This. like all other operations wae usen aio ocarser by the Yorkshire Area Coordinating Committee and members of that committee (including myself) were present on that picket. Arthur subsequently turned up on the picket lines (3 or 4 days in total) to show support regain the of Saltiey lasi also, of course, , being stationed Sheffield, Orgreave is easy for him to especially at times ical. when most of the coke is moved. reave on a number of occasions, the Tuesday in questional office decided to move mn support other areas. This was most welcome but it was a one fice has made no attempt organise CANanel stayover pickets from Quie cottles Iam afraid 'a call' such as it is for Orereave. Scun thorpe or whatever is not a WIllOul organisation: organisation TOT HOSC WIIU , respond to the call. It stands to reason that the body which makes 'the call' must organise to fulfill it. Anyone can make an abstract 'call' for mass pickets if it is left to someone somewhere organise the nuts and bolts of the operation.
The major inaccurac! ARA IHA MAI OIE is that pickets have been demobilised. At n( DULLI have we stood down pickets and at all times we have begged, pleaded and demanded that all miners come forward for picketing. Negotiations have not affected either the numbers or direction of pickets any stage.
Vobody is playing the Grand Old Duke of York, but if Dave is marching up and down the wrong hill. il must be because he following the wrong direc. tions ignoring. the elected leadership of this who have been charged TUI the picketing operation Any suggestion that miners should organise "independently' of their own union and elected of. ficials is a plan for division and defeat. U'sually, this idea has been put forward sw pilters who have told themselves that they the Grand Old Duke of York for so long and now find anyone to callot follow them. They resem.
ble the Kings new suit of clothes. they stand naked and impotent with few if allv pickets taking any notice of them.
Mass picketing is the priority and WIll remain the priority until victory. The NUM will prosecute and run this strike on the endorsement and approval of the membership and not any outsiue Douy.
Revolutionary Greetings, David Douglass, Yorkshire Ărea NUM EC