streets in protest demonstrations. Although some of these had the character of prayer meetings, that held in the Short Strand (a small Catholic enclave in East Belfast, totally dwarfed by the Loyalist population) made it clear that it opposed the violent factional dispute because it strengthened Loyalism and British imperialism.
The statement declaring that hostilities had ceased came on the same day that the Falls Taxi Association threatened to block all approaches to the Falls Road throughout Saturday (15 November) in an attempt to end the bitter feud. The 'Peoples Taxi' service on the Falls was suspended after Michael Duggan, the Chairman of the Taxi Association, had been murdered the previous Wednesday.
His death brought the grim toll of the dispute to eleven dead, scores wounded, and dozens of families intimidated from their homes. In at least three cases the persons killed were members of neither movement. But grim as these figures are, the cost to the nationalist people in the struggle against British imperialism has been even grimmer.
The feud allowed the Social Democratic & Labour (political) prisoner status. Rees aims to depoliticise the anti-imperialist struggle by tarring the militants of both IRA wings with the 'criminal" brush.
Hostilities may now have ceased, but steps must be taken to ensure that the halt is permanent and that such feuds are not repeated.
'ANTI-IMPERIALIST UNITY A statement from the Irish Republican Socialist Party suggesting a meeting of all anti-imperialist groups to prevent future conflicts is welcome, as is their call for anti-imperialist unity. As the IRSP point out, this *is the only ultimate guarantee that the struggle will succeed. But more than statements are needed.
All anti-imperialist organisations that recognise the need for united action must unite now around practical initiatives to stem the onslaught of the 'gangsters' in British Army and Loyalist para-military uniform. This is the best way to foster anti-imperialist united action. The need is immediate: the time is now! Socialists.
don W.14. The Bloody Sunday Commemoration Committee, set up to organise a national demonstration on 1 February for British withdrawal from Ireland, continues to attract wide support. Among the latest sponsors is the Wandsworth & Battersea Trades Council, and indications of sup: port dre diso coming in from severa branches of the Labour Party Youn several nundred sponsorsnip appeal: have already been distributed. More are available from: Ted Coxhead, BSCC Secretary, c/o 1 North End Road, LonThe committee meets every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. in Room 2E of the University or London union, IVale Street, W.C.1. Why not come along?