LABOUR CND IS PREPARING for this year's Labour Party conference against the backdrop of the new Defence and Security for Britain statement. And what a backdrop that is. Already the policy statement looks set to sail smoothly over the calm waters of the conference debate, not a ripple in sight.
It is Mssrs Hattersley and Shore, hawks, have welcomed it as the most positive statement yet from the party on Britain's continued membershp of the nuclear alliance.
Ron Todd's championing of unilateralism at past conferences has not prevented the Transport Irene a Workers nion from submitting an model resolution (409 the agenda), deploring the Tories' rundown of conventional defence defence workers jobs.
Hence, main card anilateralists had to play against the document this the fact that it of many past conferences militar, ler• ding in line with our Euroallies, the fardistant future - looks like trumped by Oul strongest trade union ally.
The document says a coucuon in spencing achieved in rould not be the lifetime single parliament without major culs In conventional forces which we do not gathering some impressive supporters.
recommend. Our priority must be non-nuclear derence The rate at which for Britain and this will occur will depend circumstances which carnol De preaiciea in aavunce.
Labour CND (personal capacity)
There, in a nutshell, is outlined the whole thrust of the document: that must 'persuade' NATO into a non-nuclear policy without threatening our membership Non-nudearstratery designed minimise disruption to the Frank Chapple sung his swan-song to the same tune at this year's Trades Un ine last morning, passed a resolution from the electricians confirming the trade movement's full SuDDUrL NAIU membership.
The general council called for a vote against make such support conditional n aer poncies), justifying this because reference was Naut Labour Party policy. With many TUC-affiliated unions remaining outside the party, this was clearly no business of congress!
What a delightful par1H19 antisweetheartdealing Mr Chapple on his last day in power.
CND's response to the document is a breath of fresh air. It past it nor endossui, port пог endorse because it runs contrary to the policy of CND.
critical comments of Walter Wolfgang in the newsletter represent broad outline the committee's views on the docuLICHl. culating a suggested disarmament composite which the amendments Richmond Dares. Worthing constituencies, as well a Guildford's 'star Wald amendment, Lothian East's opposition to civil defence programmes, and the of the TGWU amendment that calls for acuon on conversion and alternative use programthe detence in. dustry.
As well as activities on LCND organising eve-or-conrerence march and rally on the theme of "Jobs not Bombs'. It is im. portant that CND groups consumente mobilise for this, and join with the striking miners support group contingents expected on the march.
leadership must be left in no doubt that the publication of the document signals no downturn in the activities of the broad mass of unilateralists in the party outside. must demand: • no dilution of our commitment to reduce military spending commitment to must not water down our unilateralist policies unilateral nuclear our commitment to remain in the bosses nuclear club.
• Copies of LCND newsletter (cheap rates for bulk orders) are available from: Kate on 01-388 1628 or Carol on 01-359 8180.
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