Socialist Challenge No. 243, 28 April 1982
The scan: sc-no243.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
Challenge LABOUR MUST STOP THATCHER'S WAR
No. 243 29 April 1982 25p Unemployed and strikers 10p
'I must remind their Lordships that however strong the affection, the fact remains that the Falklands are not and never have been part of the United Kingdom'.
The only islander's voice to be heard so far has been blacked out by the Tory press. Jim Burgess who fled the islands for Uruguay last week explained 'The islanders think they are being used and I agree'. Millions of viewers saw Mr Burgess silenced by the British consul as ne explained cameramen islanders wanted to 'get the hell out'.
The Tories use self-determination when, and only when, it suits their own purpose. The 1300 islanders of Diego Garcia are still being evacuated to make way for an American base.
JOBS NOT
WAR
This war is being fought to defend your bosses' right to exploit the world. For this 'freedom' Thatcher finds resources she once said didn't exist.
The war is costing over a million pounds a ==- --e final tally, we are told, =,--=-=:o a billion.
continued on p.2
Socialist
that the could be
INSIDE Linton Kwesi Johnson speaks to Socialist Challenge plus Bradford 12 Show Trial
not the
blood soldiers.
line. either.
centre pages
Editorial-
Thatcher has started a war. Forget the lega niceties: her troops have attacked Argentinian troops in South Georgia and, as we go to press are closing in on the Malvinas/Falklands
This action is positive proof that only blood will satisfy Thatcher: she has been spoiling for it from the start.
Pym's visit to Washington was the height of hypocrisy. He knew British troops were on South Georgia before he left London. As he discussed 'peace proposals' with Haig, both men knew the landing was in progress.
Whose blood is to be spilt? Not Thatcher's
directors of Coalite who own the island. Not the cabinet's. It will be the blood of the islanders the Tories 'care so much' for, the
of ordinary Argentinian and British
What will they die for? Not for freedom Thatcher is putting British workers in chains Galtieri was put there by British and American imperialism, armed by them, and backed to the hilt by them up to the moment he got out of
Blood is not to be spilt for the islanders
Lord Trefgarne put it on the line last year, in the debate on the nationalities act:
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international unity
continued from p. 1
did Thatcher tell the House about the war?
will cost'
limit.
tury and a half.
Labour Party front bench.
mur.
thousands of votes.
by opposing the war.
hated government would no longer exist. speaking out. Last Sunday's CND demonstration shows the tremendous scope of opposition to the war. At four days' notice with vir-
streets of London to stop demonstration has been called in Manchester.
on the Labour Party, and on the unions to build a huge campaign to stop the war by withdrawing the fleet. The next stage must be
Reagan reception committees,
support to the war and calling for action to withdraw the fleet from every trade union and Labour Party branch in the country.
is the removal of the fleet and the cessation of hostilities. Heffer's call for 'force if need be to back up negotiations' means 'make war to get peace. unjust clinging to its colonies, Britain's sending of the largest peacetime fleet to the South Atlantic, the cause of the conflict. A British withdrawal is the first step to peace.
In this conext,
action directed military action, we cannot accept that the call for the United islands is a solution. As we explain on page 5, the United Nations has always served as the instrument of the major imperialist powers to secure settlements to their liking. A UN settlement means a Haig-Thatcher settlement.
Moreover it is Thatcher used as the basis of her war drive. Against the demand that she implement this resolution, she simply already doing so. The fleet must go. That is the first step to peace.
national workers' solidarity.
Foot and Healey it risks being turned into the blackest stain on movement's record in this half of the twentieth century. It must not happen.
JOIN THE FIGHT FOR
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There's no money for the health workers, no money for decent wages, no money for jobs
- with jobless totals over 3m again. But what
'The future of freedom and the reputation of Britain is at stake. We cannot therefore look at the operation on the basis of how much it
For three million jobs, we must tighten our belts. For Thatcher's profits, they sky's the
Britain has no claim on the islands. The only excuse Thatcher can come up with is that 'Britain has governed the islands since 1833'. As pirates we came to the islands, and as pirates we run them. It is an insult to the world to justify piracy by saying it has gone on for a cen-
Who can stop this war? The responsibility for this tragedy rests on the shoulders of the
They have surrendered to the government without a mur-
They have handed Thatcher hundreds of
Opinion polls show the popularity of the government has shot ahead: so much for the idea that Labour would lose election support
Why vote for the monkey, reason Labour voters, when you can
And what has Labour gained from its sup-
If it had opposed the war from the start this
Now, at least a handful of opponents are
If Labour gave a firm lead this could be turned
Socialist Challenge calls on its supporters,
• Mass public meetings, backed by CND and
• Resolutions demanding an end to Labour's
What is the alternative to war? Above all, it
is utterly bankrupt. It It is Britain's
Britain's refusal to negotiate, that is
while we support any and at stopping British
Nations to administer the
UN resolution 502 which
replies that she is
May day should have been the day of inter-
At the hands of
the British labour Socialist Challenge, PO Box 50,
- Argentine
growing.
ments.
The
relayed by Doug Harrison, Assistant General Secretary of the STUC, who met and discussed with CGT delegates at a recent international trade union conference.
A delegation from the CGT has been touring Europe anu las meet British trade union representatives.
They told Socialist Challenge they tried meet British TUC delegates at a European trade union conference in the Hague early in April, and during a press conference held on Thursday 15 April at the Brussels Headouarters of the inter national Confederation of Free Trade Unions. They say they were turned down.
The British TUC in London denies any
Gap proach was made. Asked whether the TUC was now considering an approach to the CGT, a spokesperson said that this not be appropriate under the present circumstances. No reason could be given.
West Lothian MP Tam Dalyell, who addressed the STUC meeting, told Socialist Challenge that he hoped MPs would sponsor any attempt to get CGT representatives into the
calls for fleet recall
DESPITE the
of many Labour Party meetings during elections, some branches and GCs have met ane passed motions highly critical
tront bench Sire.
On 15 April Portsmouth GC passed the following resolution from Copnor branch:
This GC calls on the NEC to campaign for: • the recall of the Royal Navy task force from the South Atlantic; • financial compensation lor ralkiana: habitant: leeking
nians seeking refuge from
country's military er le in Britain:
workers seek
THE PROSPECT of a dialogue between the British and Argentinian labour movements is
On the weekend of 24-25 April a packed meeting of delegates to the Scottish TUC were told that the Argentinian CGT - the main antijunta union federation - is seeking a political solution which grants the Argentine claim to the Malvinas (Falkland) islands, but that it opposes the military action taken by both govern-
country so that a dialogue could begin.
I am absolutely opposed to this adventure by Margaret Thatcher,' he said. 'On 3 April I asked her who she thought her friends in Latin America were and she replied that we have many. But this
without a friend in Hispanic world. I led delegation| Brazil 1975 and In discussions with all sides of the political spectrum I was assured that whole country is convinced that the Malvinas belonged to South America.
Explaining that the government had been from ceding sovereignty by the Falkland islands lobby, headed by terests in the islands, he said: 'The real cowardice is from those politicians who were reluctant to tell the truth to the islanders and the British public.'
Several Mrs have now in the CGT's call for a dialogue and the proposal has won support also in trade union circles. 'I'm sure, if an initiative was taken by MPs to arrange a visit for the Argentinian union leaders, that the STUC would lend its support, 'Doug Har-
Portsmouth Labour Party
• a complete halt to arms sales to military dictatorSHOS such as Argentina and Chile.
Hooley branch in Sheffield has proposed the following resolution to the GC:
This GC: or the Briti the decision British government to send a naval task the Malvina (Falkland Islands) and calls on the NEC and the Parliamentary Party call for the
recognise Argentine claim on the islands;
SAY NO
TO WAR
IN THE
ALKLANDS
Challenge. calls on trade union and Labour Party to back the CGT's pro• considers that the inhabitants of the Malvinas should be given the choice of leaving the islands and being resettled in the country of their own choice the expense of the British government. please keep us posted on resolutions passed bv vou Labour Party or trade union branch.
Buenos Aires: workers demonstrate against seizure of South Georgia
RECALL
Sunday's London demonstration calls for fleet to withdraw.
posal for discussions on the basis of acceptance
CGT be allowed into BriTHE FOLLOWING motion has been passed by Coventry No 1 branch of AUEW (TASS), the technical and supervisory sections of the engineers' union
The resolution will go forward to the TASS executive West Midlands district committee and the Coventry Trades Council.
This branch opposes the Tory government's plans lo go to war wild Argentina over the Falkland Islands. workers of both countries have nothing to gain and i:
with Haily ved :à.. junta dicine divert the growing opposi-
Resolutions should be addressed to the TUC and Labour Party NEC
Make May day a true
internationa solidarity. Unite against
TASS branch
opposes war
tion developing in Argentina, are now pursuing the long-held nationalist aims of that country.
The T Paroamentary government and the Labour Party leadership nave responded with jingoistic economic military response that with the involvement the super bowers. lead to economic collapse and world wai
This branch calls upon all representatives in the labour movement to cam paign for support for the call of the banned Argentiniar TUC (the CGT) fo
movemens lo com rose the war and
The military junta -= Thatcher govern and immediately to the TUC organise •national demonstration against the
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Why the fleet should withdraw
Opposition to the Malvinas military adventure is growing by the hour. Socialist Challenge has been speaking to many Labour MPs who opposed it from the outset, and whose voices were drowned in the tide of national hysteria which swept the press and House of mons.
Labour MP for Leith, Edinburgh, what he felt about Thatcher's war.
I'M TOTALLY OPPOSED to this adventure. War fever has been generated by the capitalist media; but that
and, in this situation, inevitably goes to war.
The argument that ine islanas are a possession. I don't accept that: history Droves Illall things depending on your
The Cass islands were seized by force by the British ruling lass 150 years ago Some people reckon time justifies anything; and we know that so otten possession is nine tenths of the
at least, capitalist laW law
Naturally enough aisagree witn TaSCISI junta; l disagree with the
But it's also clear that for
considerable Lillic British governments - including
Lavoul have been draggTCHES ing their feet and were very reluctant concede the
Argentina, although the United Nations urged this course.
I think they are using the islanders as an excuse.
The main owner OI the islands is Coalite, I understand, and the older people di c forced out the
use to the company.
no ume m unc vasu have British
governients intervened protect the islanders; if they weren't interested in the past. then they certainly aren't just now.
And if you look at the self-determination,
Anguilla, think was, was taken
by British bobbies OYCI when the island declared for self-determination.
A Labour government
sadly sent out the long arm of the law to stop islanders in the Caribbean expressing their viewpoint.
It's entirely bogus to talk about self-determination.
Plaid Cymru have called for the publication of all negotiations. Do you agree?
That is a very important
intereste think the British public should know Wildl
een going on behind the
Eve Should knot what has been said on both sides, so that we can judge.
What should be done now?
This government should resign. hor the ores say they believe in freedom and democracy pletely hypocritical. The Arachullal julila flas been largely built up with British alls and British trade. If a Frankenstein monster has seized the islands, the responsibility lies with its creators, the Tories.
lhe labour movement must demand that the fleet
DULL and that negotiations take place.
These cannot really occur
Com-
On Friday 23 April we asked Ron Brown,
Capitalism is again in crisis
in a meaningful way if you have massive arms sailing south to challenge another al illy
not having a war, we're denying both camps the opportunity to divert workers' attention. indeed create the situation in Argentina where the leit can and challenge. in this country. the labour movement has
enough to help Holone the left in South America challenge the juntas.
What do you think of the Labour front bench response?
It leaves a lot to be desired. Healey and Foot basically sing the same tune. They may argue, of course, that public opinion indicates that British workers want to get those islands back
Public opinion notably fickle. The support the Tories apparently now have will evaporate like snow off a dyke, come a shooting war. we're seen as part or mel team we'll be discredited.
It's often hard to tight prejudice and war fever. But
socialisi you've got to do that.
It has been argued by some people we've talked to on the left that it would be suicide for the Labour Party to put this view forward.
don't agree it's suicide. Workers have often been kidded on and then decided, because of experience, that their former view was wrong. And the individuals who went along with it
ditched and were in turn discredited for involvement WILl the ruling policy. The classical case,
course was the rirst World War.
are the walever developments it's important for the Labour Party
stand up on principle and fight on principle.
What do you think should be done to stop the war?
We have a situation here
— in the gasworks, as Hardie called it - where one vall нетт the
Tribune Group believe you have to go along with Foot and Healey The other half think differently.
Those who disagree with the Healey/ Foot approach must do something about it. Early day
moorial. But that won't change the dories' It's really a matter of linking up with THOSE vicalisations VULside - CND, all those on the left who see more clearly what's happening and realise the dangers. What do you feel about the proposal to bring in the United Nations?
Labour MP's Ernie Ross, Jo Richardson, Judith Hart and Tony Benn led the 1500 plus demonstration throvah Centra Lon don last Sunday 25 April calling for an end to hostilities in the Falklands. Challenge whilst disagreeing with the organisers call
though tor negorations tions.
I don't regard the UN as an ideal body. It could be
some neura countis could be used to act as mealalo! • Sweden, Switzerland, or whatever.
while have reserva tions about the United Na-
times more em wits that particular phasis should along
point of view rather than Haig, who Is certainly not an honest BroKer is nor Reagan, who incriminated in all sorts of unsavoury situations throughout the world.
Neither British nor Argentinian workers can trust them. They want aeal wnicn will keen the status quo. If we can get a den we all argument force
ONE IN THREE SAY
NO TO
WATCHER'S
Falklands Crisis
TU WAR I
PAUSE
Socialist supported the demonstration
the United Na-
general election, then we
should take the opportuni-
Likewise we should be
encouraging Argentinian
workers to do the same.
But the Argentinians,
whatever the nature of the
regime, have a legitimate
claim to the islands. That
the would
recognise that: and that is
one reason Reagan, Haig,
and
reluctant to use the UN.
We should be arguing that
the UN should be used in
Inis situation
However, the one basic
demand
workers can put forward is
Inal the ships De returned
port. We cannot
guarantee that the UN will
be involved, nor that it will
0 TO
Part of the strong Socialist Challenge contingent on Sunday's demonstration
Tony Benn addressed the rally appealing that All those that oppose war with Argentina should speak up now. ...The excuse that this is a war against fascism carries no weiaht since the wav to fight fascism is to isolate it internationally instead of supporting it and arming it a Britain did with Argentine. The existence of fascism in Argentina cannot be used as an excuse for war.
put forward solutions that will i anyone. one don't deed anyulic. don't have that control. But we have industrial muscle, the political muscle, to influence events in this country.
This government is gocasso this he writs class in this country. It going to war through the economy by destroying Jobs, destroying living standards, and they're now going into a shooting war. Many people in this country if this government gets its way. So it's in the interests of the British workclass up challenge now, not just to
to happen. Because things
TOMERS
VAR
concluding
to the United Nations.
will happen, if we allow the Tories to get away with this suicidal policy.
appears that the Argentinian trade unions have put out call to meet with British trade unions. Do you think there is any chance getting dialogue?
suspect that the TUC General Council will very unwilling to enter into any Will the Argentinian trade unionists. But that's not to say that individuals on the TUC general council and other leading trade unionists may not be terested - I'm sure they WIll.
I'm sure it will arouse
ONE IN THREE SAY
-NO TO
THATCHER'S
WAR
Socialist Challenge
'It requires much more moral courage to argue for peace now than to go along with the crude war-mongering. But to stay silent would be to accept responsibility for the tragedy. We here today speak for the gagged majority. Millions of people in Britain want peace and do not support the use of war'. He reiterated his call for recourse
general interest in the trade union movement. If the left MPS can do anything to encourage that, I'm sure we will all
get as Somephine.
something that should have gee, considered some time ago.
We've got to make up lost ground, because whatever happens we've got try and come together with workers leaders elsewhere particularly in Argentina, put up a challenge to the international capitalist system Argentinian trade unions have a point ol view and lls gol to be heard. It should be heard in this country by the MPs and union leaders
Page 4 scan of this page
Youth CND backs anti-Reagan protests
AnPhoblacht on Malvinas crisis
By Bob Pennington
DELEGATES to last weekend's Youth
CND conference gave an excellent ex-
ample of how to
They voted overwhelmingly to send a contingent on the London march against the war in the Malvinas,
And they also voted to support the mass mobilisations planned against Reagan's visit to Britain in early June - the national CND march
6 june picket of the US Embassy on 7 June and its lobby of parliament on 8 June.
Youth CND delegates carried with only one of CND's national council 'to have nothing to do " vote against a resolution condemning the decision.
June'. London Region Council of CND toed the national line and voted by 13 to 9 against supporting the picket after their chairperson Duncan Rees threatened to resign over the issue.
The CND executive on 3 April took this crazy decision and instructed 'all its staff to cease work CND groups around the country have been in the S on the 7 June event' despite the fact that dozens of
forefront of establishing local Reagan Reception Committees to maximise the opposition to the
Britain.
This hostility to the Reagan Reception Committees and their mobilising actions flows from the confused policies of the CND leadership. This was spelled out in CND's publication Campaign which complained that Reagan's visit would 'draw off many other heads of state from the United Nations Special Session on Disarmament'.
CND's national leaders start from the idea that if the governments of the imperialist powers can be brought together to discuss with the USSR then a sensible compromise can be agreed. Hence ther are hostile to 'diversions' like mass actions against Reagan's visit.
Thankfully many members, ment activists agree more with socialist Challenge that it is only the independent action of working people that will stop the warmongers like Reagan. That's why we support the struggles of the peoples of Central America, especially El Salvador, in their opposition to Reagan and US imperialism.
Every makes it harder, for him to use nuclear weapons. Every demonstration thousands of people against his trip to Europe will also stay Reagan's hand further. reason to support the dozens of local Reagan Reception Committees round the country. National Reagan Reception Committee, PO Box 51, London SW10.
THE MALVINAS/FALKLANDS are not the only colony defended by the British armed forces. The anti-imperialist forces in the Ireland have been quick to denounce imperialism's war threats against Argentina. We reprint excerpts Phoblacht 5 April by Kevin Birke and Ciaran Dowd.
BRIANNA It appears does not after all rule the waves. Or at least we have to wait to see if its hastily
of halfsold, half-condemned Maya vesses and commandeered passenger liners (still the third largest navy in the world) can accreate one one since people's fondest myths.
Argentina was a colony of Spain until 1810 when it became independent after a fierce struggle. Britain, however, with its powerful
and domination of u due lOOK over dominant imperialist DOW CI in the guard its trade routes round Cane Horn it sent HMS 'Clio' in 1833
the Argentinian Socialist Challenge 29 April 1962
fight the war drive.
called by CND.
Reagan Reception Committee
thousands CND Youth CND members, labour movedefeat for Reagan in Central America
of hundreds
Another good North of British
an article from An
governo from the 'alkland/Malvinas islands anu Istanca bnusn seltlers there. the Argentinian people, the reconquest of Ine Ivalvinas nas been a cause for justifiable tionalist celebrations. But these nationalist timents have been grossly abused by the corrupt and brutal military dictatorship which rules their 'country, and It is generally accepted that the expedireconquest was also cynical move to aistract attention trom the severe economic crisis and from the internal protes against repression which llave beer strength in the country far forcibly in Wl0lC
page 4
YCND Conference delegates.
5
weeks
months than at any time since the military crackdown in 1976.
On the face of it, might be argued that the 1,800 settlers the raiklanas/ alvinas be delivered at ally cost Irom le nanas or sucn a dictator. But, there are in LaCu sand British nationals alcauy lving, apparenty contentedly, on the Argen-
And the other solution has been suggested of offering Falkland
start either Britain New Zealand. Although this
La British Foreign Ottice leak last month as a possible solution for discontented Northern loyalists in the event of a united Ireland, Falklanders appears a more realistic idea.
The under
which the Falkland sheep.
farmers live is practically
feudal. The islands are in fact owned by the
Falklands Crisis
Inset Stella Coyle, elected to the national council. On April the
thousand worth of Derbyshire-based Charrington Coalite Company,
subsidiary of Charrington's, that their homes are effectively 'tied cottages'.
When they are too old
islands elsewhere, usually to New Zealand or back to Britain.
In the light of this, Britian's bleatings about the self-determination of the Falkland Islanders' rings very hollow indeed
But in terms of these world politics the TeCON quest of the Falklands/
significance. For Britain it exposes the illogicality OI
billion pound nuclear missile programme at the expense of what are called "conventiona weanons although of Britain would like to sec that country regain an ability to meddle widely in
WoFor the United Stares
offices of SCRAM (Scottish Campaign Resist the Atomic Menace) were attacked in an arson attack destroying the comprehensive anti-nuclear library and
conoman ane books too, the crisis creates a very delicate problem indeed concerning as it doe its two main strategic in-
terference Central America and its nuclear dispersal in Europe. It is with some dismay that the united States now views its closest allies in both of these areas squaring up for war.
Argentina, with its large armed forces has always been the prime candidate to lead any American-backed intervention into Central America in an 'anticommunist crusade. humiliation for its military
could spur an up. surge of internal unrest ir Argentina which would tie down its armed forces inaennitely
Meanwhile, in Ireland, we can gain comfort from the humiliation of British imperialism and perhaps gain too an Irish onnor tunity from Britain's dit-
Fascist heads EI
squads,
White.
D'Aubuisson's right
wing block llas all caus voted through a new low
quorum for the assembly
which will allow to
legislate tough 'anti-
terrorist' measures with no
regard to ine Christian
Democrat opposition.
D'Aubuísson threaten-
ed during the election campaign to end the guerrilla
waT by whatever means necessary' a reign of
terror which would make the 30,000 deaths of the last tree years look nke a ica Dally
611t the Keagan ministration in the
FDR speaker tours
Manchester
MANUEL BRAVO,
memoe of the
diplomatic tion in Britain of the
Salvadoran FMLN/FDR completed a successtul tour of the Greater Manchester area last week reports Redmond
O'Neill.
…ne tour. organised by the local Stop Reagan and El Salvador Committees, included speecnes to une ivan chester North and Stockport AUEW district committees
These oooles en-
Publish past
negotiations with
junta, says Plaid
Cymru
I DO NOT recal! British task force being sent to defend the Sandinista revolution, Plaid Cymru MP Dafydd
Thomas told Socialist Challenge last weekene Tory claim to oppose the jun-
is wholly spurious: the "enemy was armed by them and was indeed exercising in Car. digan Bay as
Male es March.
Plaid Cymru has called on the government to publish previous negotiations with the junta so that LIC British people can judge where responsibility les tor the present dispute a demand supported by Leith MP Ron Brown it an interview printed on page 2 of this
Dafyda Thomas felt that Plaid would 'tend should be ceded, alreougly that sovereignty perhaps not immediately
the Argentinian people. He himself sup ported a resolution,
by two votes by Plaid's NEC calling for the immediate transfer of sovereignty.
"Negotiation: on Falklands should include some form of devolution, he said. 'But if the transfer of sovereignty had been carried out in 1965 the present situation would not have arisen. The Labour government was discussing this course but bowed to Tory pressure.
Salvador assembly
EL SALVADOR has a 'pathological killer' as the president of its constituent assembly. Roberto D'Aubuisson, head of the fascist ARENA party and reputed head of the notorious death was given this graphic description by former US Ambassador to El Salvador, Robert
won't be worried by such
derals New US Am-
bassador Hinton explain-
ed last week that the ad-
ministration would con-
to support the
Salvador government. He
described the recent elec-
Gons as 'an example of
democracy at work'
The new international
solidarity front with the El
Salvador people has other
ideas. In the coming mon-
ths it plans days of action,
petition campaigns for
100,000 signatures in every
country, and other
solidarity actions.
thusiastically agreed to
affiliate the cam-
paigns and to organise a
further tactory
the FMLN/FDR from
17-21 May. This
form part of a week of action against Reagan's visit to Britain and will include a sored walk, local rallies,
film tour and
photographic exhibi-
tion
Manuel's tour
culminated in a rally attended by 150 people at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
'Plaid Cymru condemns the military inva-
the Falkland Islands by a fascist regime In Argentina and the use of gunboat diplomacy by the UK government. We call for the immediate withdrawal of the Argentine troops and the recal of the British task force in order to avoid a totally un accosal y wal
further call fo discussion be started without delay under the chairmanship of the UN to
est lise future tou tune
the future Falklanders which
the costilla geographic and economic
inks with Argentina while safeguarding the human and civil rights of the islanders,
'Plaid Cymru reaffirms its contempt for the human rights record of the Argentine junta but also condemns the willingness of the British government to supply arms to that regime. Successive British governments have failed to act in accordance with the UN resolution of 1965 to
with Argentina the constitutional problem of the Falklands.
'In this context we call for the publication of all documents relating to the negotiations between the
and British governments over the issue so as to clarify the responsibility for the sion and possible escalasion of the dispute escala-
Page 5 scan of this page
How Britain milked Argentina
WHEN ARGENTINE Malvinas Islands on 2 April, they focused the world's attention on a small piece of Argentine territory that has been occupied by Britain for 149 years. Although the Malvinas were the only portion of Argentine territory over which Britain exerted direct political control, in the 19th century British capital turned all of Argentina into a de facto colony, until after World War II.
In 1828, five years betore the British seized the Malvinas, for example, they were airectly responsible for breaking off what
now Uruguay from Argentina.
Large-scale British investment in Argentina first occurred around the building of railroads, But
skyrocketed action ing
187 in the first refrigerator ship that could transport meat from Argentina to Europe without it spoiling.
In 1884 the first meatpacking plant was built in Buenos Aires with British capital, and by 1890 there were 278 refrigerator ships constantly shuttling between DUCHOS Britain.
At the turn of the century, fully 80 per cent of all
collicall Argentina was British.
British control Argentine life had become so overwhelming that 19th
Argentine President Bartolomé Mitre called England 'the principal factor the country's
United Nations
By Phil Hearse FOR MANY on the left, the idea of a United Nations force to administer the Malvinas seems like a good solution. After all, aren't the bluehelmeted United world keepers of the peace? Aren't they independent of the world's great powers?
Second World War the United Nations troops, albeit from different countries, ed in the interests of imperialism to preserve the existing world revolution and other progressive movements which threaten it.
The first major use of •United Nations' WOODS was in Korea from 1953 to 1930. Al a ume or major international tensions, the sover unor was Dovcolting the UN Security Council - the dominan committee the UN which makes the decisions about where UN troops should be sent. Once hostilities broke out between North Korea, the United States got a resolution through Council send
tro The troops were largely
American, although with contingents trom Britain and other Western countries. heir enemies were not only the North Koreans. but also the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Korea was far permion in
one of 'peace keeping'
Commanded by fanatic anti-communist General MacArthur the United States Air Force destroyed virtually every
troops landed on the a status that continued
political, social and economic progress.'
the 1930s British Cabilalsts controlled about three-quarters the railroad mileage, most urban railway transit systems, much of the
dustry, nehad arge
dustry, and had stakes in chemical works, tyre factories, and other mastes. addition, Britain was by the largest customer for Argentine meat and grain,
Was Argentina's largest supplier of industrial imports.
1933 Argentina's status as a virtual Brish colony was formalised in the koca-kunciman pact. Under the terms of the treaty, Argentina promised to buy guaranteed amounts of British industrial goods in return for a British agreement to buy specified amounts of Argentine beef.
1942, of the
As lale as total $2.5 billion in foreign Investment Argentina, 60 per cent came trom
Blue helmets of imperialism
Nations troops around the
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Since the
have interven-
order against socialist
building in the North Korean capital Pyongyang and devastated the countryside
MacArthur wanted to use the nuclear weapons and to invade China. Korea the United Nations troops were the agents of
Counterrevolution.
largest UN military operațion since Korea has been in the Con-
— with Irish, Swedish, indian and. Ethiopian troops. When the Congo was granted independence
1960, the country started to break up - with the mineral-rich province of Katanga - which supplies 60 per cent of the world's cobalt, most of its radium, 10 per cent of its copper and a host of other precious commodities going tor secession and independence.
Katanga's President Thsombe was linked with Belgian imperialism. Bull the United States wanted a unified Congolese state,
HMS Invincible.
no privileged access will tor Huronean imperialism
• Katanga's riches. The United Hoops fought not for 'peace' , or
but for the ending of Katangese sculcosiuli.
Moreover, the United States worked actively for
radical president of the Congo, Patrice Lumumba and his replacement by the pro-American Mobutu.
United Nations troops were unable to prevent the abduction and assassination of Lumumba he was flown off to meet his fate in a United Nations plane.
Elsewhere in the
East, in Cyprus and on the India-Pakistan border the UN troops have acted as forces for maintaining the status auo between rival factions.
The United Nations has organisations, subdepartments, cultural and aid organisations, many located in Geneva. But its central political organisa
General Assembly the Security Council and the full-time political secretariat are ocated in New York and depend on US financing. The Security Council makes the deci-
about the deployment of troops. The imperialist powers have veto on any proposal.
Falklands Crisis
The naval task force is a warning to all semi- colonial countries
The General Assembly of all nations can pass ICSOTULIONS despatch troops. Since the mid-1960s General Assembly has been more and more influenced by the non-aligned, neocolonial countries who pass many resolutions opposed to the interests of American These resolutions are just ignored if the! 2 calls! the interests of the United States and world imperialism. The classic case
s Namibia, allegedly a UN pro corne but under
control South Africa. Despite numerous resolutions the imperialists have not lifted a finger to end South African con-
For the Soviet Union, the General Assembly is a useful forum to cement its allances with third world countries. The UN perma
bureaucracy and structures facilitate the diplomatic manoeuvres of the Kremlin.
But the essential point remains: there can be • no action of United Nations troops outside and against
interests perialism. Lenin described
he UN's predecessor, th
League of Nations as a "thieves' kitchen' . Nothing has changed. If the UN intervenes, it will be only because Thatcher and Reagan want them to.
'EXTRACT from telegram sent on 7 April 1982 to Margaret Thatcher by the consul for the British community in Argentina:
'In the name of the consul of the British community, in name OT over 100,000
we respectfulocloulls that you have to taken beg inform
situation into count in the delicate
confron ting Argentina and Great Britain the Argentinian population has shown not the slightest hostility towards us. We call on Namibia IS supposedlv
British capitalists. Their biggest foreign Cull petitors capitalists, controlled only 20 cent
Following World War II, however the over whelming British control over the Argentine economy was broken. During the war, Argenlilla had continued to sell Britain large amounts of beet and grain, although Britain had nothing to sell in return. As a result, Argentina built up huge currency reserves in British banks.
Juan Perón, who had become president used Argentina In 1943. these huge reserves to buy out British investments in Argentina, making himsell a nero ol Argentine nationalists in the process
When the Argentine government purchased the
British-owned railroads in 1948, there was rejoicing throughout the country.
In the postwar period. US capitalists have Masseu British counterparts in terms of
Argentina But British banks continued to play a crucial role in Argentine financial life and in financing the country's huge foreign debt.
Today Argentina's foreign debt stands at the astronomical level OI DJbillion. Of Argentina's
Exiles in Argentina Speak Out
you immediately search for peaceful solution this problem.
The telegram cited above is quoted by the Argentinian exile com munity France, who alertisement in the Page placed quarter daily April in support of their
of Call recognition Argentina's claim
Arguing that 'We wan to show the reasons behind the adhesion of all currents or Argentine opinion to the Argentine claim, cluding dissidents, and adversaries the government', the adverSouth African police break up a SWAPO rairy in dumorse la- sa
UN protectorate. resolutions the illegal South African occupation remains unchallenged
total foreign debt, nearly $6 billion is directly owed
and much of the rest was syn. dicated through Londor banks.
In this connection, the Thatcher government's freeze of Argentine deposits in British banks and its veto on any further loans to Argentina could deal a crippling blow to the Argentine economy.
The development of the crisis
around Malvinas Islands demonstrates the extent to which Britain remains major imperialist despite its relative economic decline since the Second World War.
In addition, the British imperialist state still has the military power to send troops halfway around the world defend economic and political in terests. In this sense, the dispatch of the British fleet including nuclea somaline and aircratt
to the South Atlantic is not on v a war ning to the Argentine
hands off 'British proper ty', but is a warning to all semicolonial countries that the British military will defend British economic interests throughout the world
From Intercontinental Press
tisement goes on to quote letters. telegrams and declarations from the Argentinian Islamic, Jewish, Irish and Italian communities
"This unanimity,' says the advert, 'shows that popular support for the reconquest is not an invention of the
DI COCIL authorities and that it is not directed by the government press. It arises, on the contrary, from a de mand founded on historically acquired rights, to which Argentinians have been attached for generations, and which
legitimate Convinced
But despite numerous
Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 5
Page 6 scan of this page
Grenada: in no one's back
five month Grenada.
Three years ago, on 13 March 1979,
region, and
every dirty trick of destabilisation.
winter. First as a volunteer
tal Press, sister Challenge published in New York.
periences.
What have been the maid SOCC and economic gains of the revolution?
The most important difference since the revolution has been the transformation of the people of Grenada. You can't measure this in statistics. Everywhere went, dinary working people were running the economy and ministries, and all aspects of life.
The people are very active and enthusiastic about ane develooments sunce unt revolution.
Social and economic advances in a developing
are very closely linked. Free milk, education, health care, subsidised school uniforms, new sports facilities and the expansion of culture all products of the revolution - have to be paid for.
Youth and women who have been among main beneficiaries can see
June niccu lo 11lcrease economic efficiency — not to make more profit for some multinational company but to extend the services that have been provided by the revolution already.
Imperialism was that benefited Grenadians. azallist ally development Under Gairy, they had a negative growth rate. took the revolution to even develop a fishing fleet to exploit rich HS THEY
round off Grenada.
Previousy. a laurily u fish eaten was imported from Canada!
There still capitalists. The Grenaalans describe Inis sillation as 'a mixed economy, where the state sector is dominant'.
What do they mean wnen tney talk mixed economy?
Well it's not the same thing when Denis Healey or Tories like Ted Heath talk about a mixed economy in Britain.
There's nothing 'mixed' about our conomy The nationalised sector is
capilalists to provide cheap services for
Cav lalso. Grenadian capitalists are not like
ly aculally coll fined to the service sector
hotels, shops, food estate owners.
SLUTCO Their importance In the economy is decreasing.
It's similar to Nicaragua their revolution. Once the
expropriated Icelatel Gairy's holdings, they automatically controlled a Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 6
PAT KANE, a leading member of the International Marxist Group, has just returned from a
visit to the Caribbean island of
the Grenadian people overthrew the dictator Eric Gairy. For the first time in the English-speaking Caribbean, a revolution had swept away a corrupt neo-colonial ruler. The Grenadian revolution has sent shock waves throughout the presidents and the Thatcher government to ay forced
Pat Kane made two trips to Grenada last
electrician, and secondly as a staff reporter for Intercontinen-
publication of Socialist
Brian Grogan spoke to him about his ex-
majority of the arable land and hotels, plus they gained of Gairy's snares mmer SeCLor The state takes all the in the development of the economy. Last vear state investment accounted for 95 per cent of all investment, which goes mainly into capital projects like new industrial and agricultural developfilcalls. The overall aim is to
rapidly disengage the Grenadian economy from imperialism through development of markets and the funding Oi lICW O11Cs At the same time it is important not to disrupt the economy, and thereby the welfare Grenadian working peothis ted The 0 2S110 field. The US and British governments looking for any excuse to attack Grenada.
Does InIs imply that Grenadians are accommodating with capitalism?
trol it, ared ise it to
and develos une state sector The last budget introduced range 0 axes which will force the private sector to move in the same direction as the government. Bernard Coard, the Finance Minister called this the carrot and stick approach.
Within the economy there is a massive movement towards planning and accountability.
Literally thousands of Grenadians participated in the preparations for the ovover ane unev nave lust introduced their first one ycal plan.
The whole process of economics is de-mvstitied. and this attacks one of the pillars of Lunualicilla capital, business secrecy.
Every WOLKCIS discusses 'opening the books' of state and private Lucils The major difference
in Grenada is the governThe Grenadian
workers and small tarmers. and each time there is a conflict of inthey back the workers.
The government has introduced a whole series of laws to protect workers rights, introduce maternity leave and equal pay for women. nas legalised trade unions and the right LO SuRKe.
How have the masses been involved Lne economy?
During December, all the
KANE
PAT
Photo:
Parish Council and workolace meetings received preliminary reports on the nans tor the economy. The government declared 1982 the 'year oi Economic Construction' All the mass organisations elected delegates to a conterence discuss the economy. 1000 attended, from a population of only 110,000. There were 27
masses
Maurice Bishop, Prime Minister
are a crystallisation of the most
and peace
propertv ot ourse ves alone.
Just
people regionally and internationally.
Grenada. Novembe
It's estimated that 30,000
Darticipated, and read the very detailed report. Every
surested wato the final
integrated into the budget speech. And the process will continue. Two more huge conferences are being organised this year. The whole island is now full of lay-economists!
One result of the conference was the establishment of a whole series of committees in state workplaces to monitor and con. trol production, and they report to the weekly, and sometimes daily, mass meetings.
Line trade unions are involved aspects of the economy.
Prime Minister Maurice Bishop (leaning over) together with other Grenadian leaders
The Government called on the trade unions to strug gle in the private sector to implement the same types measures Mass participation and control are cornerstones the government's strategy.
Grenada is a tiny coun try. Whv are the US anc British governments so hostile? revolution is increasingly a light, a beacon of hope to the poor and exploited masses of the Caribbean. The aims, objectives and achievements of this revolution
profound human aspirations of Caribbean people towards a better
For 400 years the exploited masses of the region have struggled with dignity for bread, jobs, justice
Grenada, this struggle is at last beginning to bea fruit. And this fruit is not for us alone. It is not the
broader struggles of the working people of the Caribbean and the world so now, our Revolution is an integral part of the forward movement of the working Grenada, let fer 1981/national conference in Solidarity with L44284
English speaking Caribbeans inen aCOcolonialism or reformism.
That's why spend millions of dollars military and naval cises which are aimed at all
Revolutionaries
scious of these threats, and they are actively engaged in getting solidarity within imperialist In the US, they have close links with the black organisations, and encourage Grenadians abroad politically active.
They have a militia and army. The militia is up of volunteers from all walks of life, and
they will fight to defend their country. The youth are particularly active every aspect of the revolution, and they are in the front ranks of the militia
and are New Jewel Move-
ment talk about revolution having three, inter-related but separate pillars: mass participation, and democracy,
defence They take all three very, very. SCHIOUSIV
The imperialist press talk about Grenada developing into totalitarian state What
political life like in Grenada?
Hectic, that's the only way
describe Everyday there are
and radio constanti providing formation and educational material. The about Grenada, just they lie about Thatcher be ing defender democracy. In Grenada, there are more elections in
week than there are Britain lifetime. Because there is no Parliament. wee uc cabilaliss can dominate the country, the press claims there is no democracy.
You should go there and see for yourselves. You'll see the involvement
on
in Billboard in town of Sauteurs
of the Grenadian people trom the minute you in off the plane. It's a diffe-
rent type of democracy Sovies democracy, like of early revolutionary Russia, which has grown out of a generation the of struggle by the Grena-
dian people
the Bernard Coard,
dary education to NISTEP, every cooperative, every new hotel.
problems and sit down together, CONSUL SUBCUIC
and
in- people
are active within
youth organisations, of
Councils. In village with a total popula tion of only 900, 200 will regularly attend the Coun cil meetings. Every aspect of running the country discussed by ferent organisations.
How accurate do think the comparison is with the early Soviet
NEVER TOD OLD
TO LEARN
state in Lenin's time
There huge dif the context. the two revolutions what the Grenac leadership share Lenin and Trotsky is t orientation to solving I blems through
Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Finance, Trade and Planning Our Agro-industrial plant is a brick, our fish school is a brick. everv new teeder road is a b every move forward in education from free se
every housing est
These are our bricks comrades, the sand anc ment is our unity, our commitment, our work collective strength and determination to solve
our huge en If we all together there is nothing that can stop us ..' (Extract from Report on the National Economy for 1981)
mobilisation and invo the This is fundamental. ment of working and and Because based Grenadians have
walever they might make, Have a urenchuous car and mor their proposals accordi is ly. For example, on the dit- cond anniversarv of revolution, they were satisfied with the 10 you people that attended celebration rally.
Remember, it wa
Page 7 scan of this page
yard
HOSPITA
• SALUTES
HEALT
time of the terrorists'
tacks which had begun to intimidate some people.
So it expanded the involvement in the militias and took other dramatically expand the
What you describe very different from the reality of Eastern Europe like Poland. How would you define the Grenadian leadership politically?
There is a world of difference between the NJM and the Stalinist bureaucrats of Eastern Europe or China. Jaruzelski bases his rule on smashing up the
organisations. The lilass exclusion the
"lasses from political involvement is a life and death question for the bureaucrats as the crackdown on Solidarity nas snown
The Grenadians put their contidence in masses. They encourage
conceivable form of mass ol callisallull ul callisa. tions with their OWI elected leaderships and finances. The defence of the revolution is not seen in a retreat to so-called 'socialism in one countrv' but through its extension. They see the defence of the revolution against imperialism by politically mobilising the masses the Grenadian people are armed through Ine militias.
How would you define such a leadership which encourazes and mass involvement? Which alis as if thev had read Trotsky's thesis from the Platform of the Left Opposition to 'make the state closer to the worker. peasant and the washerwoman'? Which promotes class independence rather than class collaboration? Which sees defence of the revolution through its intenanonal extension. Surely, this is our general framework.
You can't lead revolution through all its
HORKERS
OFTHER WAR TUE HEALTU DiDL 'Workers March'. Part of the third anniversary mobilisations
Jacqueline Creft, Social Affairs, Rural development, Women's Affairs, youth and sports Comrades, 'Education is a must!' we are declaring everyone in our country it is not only a right, it is an imperative.
we can one ass the dictatorship. With it, our nation, and in doing so transform ourselves and our children, and become a catalyst for the growth of peoples' power right through our region. (from a speech at first international conference in Solidarity with Grenada,
twists and turns, maintaining the fundamentals of Clas me snee without some sort socialist strategy. It seems to me inadequate to define each of these revolutions in Nicaragua, El Salvador, ceptions' as we defined the Cuban revolution. In my view, the only way to deline them is as conscious extensions of the Cuban revolution.
What has been the role of the Cubans?
Without revolutionary Cuba, the Grenadian revolution would not exist.
Solidarity with
Grenada Conference
Saturday 8 May
10am to 4pm Speakers Workshops
Films Exhibition
The English Centre Sutherland St., SW1
(Tube Pimlico and Victoria)
S844442
Public Meeting
Bernard Coard
Grenada Finance
Minister
Sunday May 2nd
11am
Ritzy Cinema
Brixton
(Tube: Brixton)
Organised by
Caribbean Labour
Solidarity...
• HEALTH
VENIENTAL DIVISION
EX 0 TON
ALTONE SAUTE THE 3es
AEL ITE RENEUTEN ME HAVE,
CPI0A 40 7) HERON. FROM.
CO CARYSH AND
- I KE ON DES
Minister for Education,
when we declare in our slogan that
that for
For without it we can neither grow nor develop as we did under the aloom of
we can and will transform
Castro has made it clear that any direct attack by imperialism what he calls the three giants Cuba, Nicaragua and Grenada - • will bring forward solidarity action from Cuba. The perialists hesitate as much or this as the hostility of ineir own working class lo any military adventures.
The Grenadians have obtained some aid from
& ANGUILLA ST.MAARTEN MONTSERRAT, GANTIGUA NEVIS
caribbean
GRENADA & Venezuela
AUCTION - TOD
capitalist countries. But the main aid comes from Cuba. Castro challenged the United States to a campaign of 'emulation'. He promised that Cuba would send more teachers, more doctors and more Busesa than the United States despite the gargantuan differences in size and economic advance of the two countries Cuba has won hands down..
Cuba gives aid in every field and freely given.
There's no Cuban banks or factories to ex-
profits from the Grenadians. Aid from the imperialists is always used
seek political and economic advantage.
Cuban aid is geared into Grenada's struggle for self-sufficiency. It makes them independent, not dependent. •BARBUDA I GUADELOUPE § DOMINICA 2, MARTINIQUE SI. VINCENT STE LUCIA
BARBADOS
PrOBACO
TRINIDAD
MAY 8th MAY 8th •• •
murdered when the foreign troops
If Steven had been a resident of the Falklands and if the troops who kill. ed him been from Argentina then no doubt he would have received the sort of posthumous fame reserved for BrITISH war heroes. As it was, Steven
nol killed Falklands, but in another and an even older British colony — Ireland. He was murdered by British troops
Consequently. the world's media paid little attention Steven's death. That is not surprising. After all, death by plastic bullet is becoming so common in the North of Ireland that is hardly even newsworthy any more.
Eleven people have died that way in the las couple Three more were killed by rubber bullets, the weapons used by British troops before the plastic Of those who have died. ine. half have her Literally have been it e
They Shoor Chudren,
recent pamphiet on
DEMONSTRATE IN LONDON
BRITAIN OUT OF IRELAND SELF DETERMINATION FOR THE IRISH PEOPLE ASSEMBLE HYDE
DEMONSTRATE IN LONDON
BRITAIN OUT OF IRELAND SELF DETERMINATION FOR THE IRISH PEOPLE ASSEMBLE HYDE
If Steven McConomy had
been a Falklands Islander
By Tom Marlowe JUST OVER a week ago Steven McConomy was murdered by what his community regard as foreign troops, the forces of occupation of their island. Steven was 11 years old. He was
fired plastic bullet at him at point blank range
plastic bullets (published Information on Ireland Box 189 Ivor Place, London NW1, 50 plus 20p postage) quote Jonathan Rosenhead of the British Society for Social Responsibility in Science on the 'cavalcade of injuries' plastic bullets inflict: 'eviscerated eyes, nanas fractures of the leg head wounds requiring 40 stit ches, injuries to the kidney; liver, groin and throat.
Following the death of Steven McConomy the National Council for Civil Liberties called for a ban on the use plastic bullets. Lord Gifford, who has conducted an inquiry NCCL into the death of another plastic bullet 15-year-old Paul Whitters. who was killed the police April concluded: 'Once
"'=: cd hell isilly to und For instance, the family of
MAY 8th PARK 1pm
MAY 8th PARK 1pm Carol Ann Kelly who wa killed a Diaslic bullet fired British soldiers. Carol wa
from the loca a shop and had a carton o milk in her hand when the killers struck.
The NCCL call for a ban on plastic bullets unlikely to evoke a sym pathetic response trom the Tory government. Simila calls have been ignored i=
past inDecemb Secretary James Prio: even rejected a request fe a review the use plastic bullets. Indeed These hullets have been given to the Britis: mainland police for use i 'riots'.
As consequence some have sought to ra: the issue elsewhere. Fo: moment last week l loc ed as if they would be so. cessful when, last Wedre day, the European Par
scheduled take an emergent! deba calling for plastic bullets or al memte: sate
İsianas.
Socialist Challenge 29 April 1962
Page 8 scan of this page
Bradford 12 on trial for
HE ID 12
VO CONSPRAC
OLICE CONSTRAC
'THE CASE of the Bradford 12 is perhaps as important for blacks', says Linton Johnson, 'as the Mangrove 9 trial in 1971. The defendants ought to be supported.'
The support the Asian youths whose began on 26 April has been sweeping in: from the London. Labour Party at its recent annual meeting to the organisations of the black community.
It is seen as an elementary duty within the labour, black and civil rights movement to fight this attempt by the state to victimise black political activists.
The youths are charged with making an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or property, and conspiraev to make explosive substances These charges calry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. All 12 are pleading not guilty.
The Bradford 12 were arrested following last summer's uprisings. Some bottles filled with petrol had been 'found' waste ground in Bradford. After two days of racist abuse which the police called 'interrogation' they extracted 'voluntary' statements admitting responsibility. As in a growing number of cases recently involving black youths these statements were later retracted.
The court jailed them for three months after arrest and only granted bail on the condition that they were
Some of the organisations and individuals who have supported the Bradford 12 Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 8
National demo in Leeds early April. First mass picket of Leeds Crown Court gathered 500 in support of Bradford 12. Defence
political beliefs
home by 10pm each night and kept away from all meetings organised for Kwesi defence.
unheard-of conditions the court admits this is a political trial.
Why these twelve? Because they are among the most committed anti-
12
racist fighters in the area. Anwar Dittrial ta declared earlier this month that 'the
Bradford Twelve are like my sons without them my children would not be with me today. "It was their support over the years of my struggle which helped me to defeat the racism and sex discrimination of the Home Office.'
BNCV were also involved in the Jaswinder Kaur campaign, and Gary Pemberton would be in jail today if it weren't for them. They were members of the United Black Youth League -an independent radical group.
The Yorkshire police, especially in Bradford, have a record of frameups. Just last week George Lindo, a Bradford West Indian was awarded almost £25,000 compensation for the year he spent in prison for an armed robbery he did not commit.
As a result of the campaign of the George Lindo Action Committee the case was brought to national attention It charged that Lindo was framed by Det Constables Brierley, Jackson and Det Sgt Craven. found to be concocting evidence in the Ripper case Craven was involved in the case of a young man, made a statement while in custody admitting to an offence of rape. Later
BRADFORD
white jury.
both situations imposing
do against the officers.
have had to live persecution. in peril.
The National
lazy prosecutors, origin, uncertain in scope'.
conspiracy laws of
Brierley was
trade unions.
Mr Elliot, who also
September.
Co-opar
Polytechnic Students Union, (Essex Unive Sessex Uni ge SU, King's College Se kashmiri workers ASSO
OR®
lawyers are fighting moves by court to have a completely
By Toni Gorton
another man confessed to the rape. In matched the allegations made by Lin-
No amount of money will make up for the anguish of George Lindo three years. and his family for the four years they
with this unjust the labour
Already the Bradford youths have been suffering the threat of life imprisonment for the best part of a year.
It is not only the question of con- the consequences. cern for the youths themselves which is at stake here. The police have resur- Johnson rected the conspiracy laws to put them
One of the youths arrested last week in Notting Hill was also charged with conspiracy. It is clearly going to be an important part of the police the arsenal against any black fight back
Council for Civil Liberties has described the concept of conspiracy as a legal monster begot nies of the state. by political expediency and bred by
undemocratic in
The last trial under the infamous legal
1875 was the Shrewsbury 3, when building workers ple. wwere actually jailed. In June 1972 the national building workers' strike at Leeds began for fl an hour basic wage and the 35 hour week. It came in the mid- Courtrools dle of a series of industrial clashes between the Heath government and the
In February 1973 24 building workers were arrested on charges arising from an incident the previous
Fund.
Journeyman Press Shell.
Coventry
sciousness Group (Sheffield)., Asia Bangladesh Workers
Photo: Andrew Pothecarv
Six of them were charged with 'conspiracy to intimidate', 'causing an affray' and unlawful assembly'.
A variety oi sentences were passed including on Des Warren who served
Although during the same period
movement responded vigorously to the Pentonville 5, getting them released in 2 days, it did not mobilise to defend the Shrewsbury building workers and they suffered
Is selli for Linton Kwesi to remind of the Mangrove Nine. The black movement detended them and they won. Accor ding to A Sivanandan, an historian of the black movement, before the nation the corruption of
police force, the bias of the judicial system, the racism of the media — and the refusal of black people to submit themselves to the tyran-
Vigorous campaigning can defeat the police, the judges and the govern ment who seek in this case to create
precedents and thereby intimidate political action by black peo-
It is not too late. Join the pickets
Crown court every day at 10am. Fill the public gallery in the
Kaise the issue in your unions and other organisations and protest to the Home Ottice. Contact the Bradford 12 National Mobilising Committee, Box JK, Cookridge St, Leeds 2. Cheques to be made payable to Bradford 12 Defence
Welfare Assoc, South East Regior Society INELPOUP, Lamber NOT, Asian Solidarit.
WE'l
LINTON KWESI JOI words 'a political ar tionally renowned f to music - which ( the struggles of the Britain.
One year after tl the day after anoth ting Hill Toni Gorto Challenge and Gary Socialism spoke to his politics.
LINTON Kwesi Johnson was bo
in 1952 in Chapleton, Jamaica.
left there in 1963 to join his mott
who had emigrated to England
1961.
His poetry was first publish
in the journal 'Race Today' in 19
Di Great Insohreckshan
it woz in April nineteen eighty-w doun inna di ghetto af Brixtan dat di babylan dem cause such a an it bring about a great insohrer an it spread all ovah di naeshan it was a truly histarical okayjan
it woz event af di year an I wish I ad been dere wen wi run riot all ovah Brixtan wen wi mash-up plenty police va wen wi mash-up di wicked wan p wen wi mash-up di Swamp Eight fi wha? fi mek di rulah dem andahstan dat wi naw tek noh more a dem
an wen mi check out di ghetto grapevine fi fine out all I coulda fine evry rebel jussa revel in dem stor dem a taak about bout di powah dem a taak bout di burnin an di dem a taak bout di smashin an d dem a tell mi bout di vanquish a
dem seh: di babylan dem went t soh wha? wi ad woz fi bun two kyar an wan an two innocent get mar
but wha? noh soh it goh sometime inna w Constal noh soh it goh sometime inna w
dem seh wi bun dung di George wi coulda bun di lanload wi bun dung di George wi nevah bun di lanlaad wen wi run riot all ovah Brixtan wen we mash-lip plenty police va wen wi mash-u › di wicked wan | wen wi mash-u ' di Swamp Eigh
Page 9 scan of this page
E DI FORCES OF VICT'RY'
ISON is in his own nal'. He is also internahis poetry - some set cribes and celebrates ack community in
Brixton uprisings and confrontation in Notof Socialist orsman of Music for iton about his art and
and one year later it published his first book of poems, the Living and the Dead.
Bogle L'Ouverture his second volume and Blood in 1975. A film of the
shan shan
li glory
bin victri
dem seh: wi comandeer kyar an wi ghaddah aminishan wi buil wi barricade an di wicked ketch afraid wi sen out wi scout fi goh fine dem whereabout den wi faam-up wi passi an wi mek wi raid Linton Kwesi Johnson
I AM an
tion and enlightenment.
have to try harder.
tional politics.
ly different.
that.
same title, The Voices of Council of
and was screened by the BBC.
published Dread Beat
now dem run gaan
but di plastic bullit an di waatah canon
Published in Race Today, Feb-March 1982
artist who creates for people's entertainment and edifica-
If my poetry does that I'm happy. If it doesn't I'l
If I do write about matters which are of political significance and importance that is only by accident. It's only because I happen to be a political animal who is involved in organisa-
I have been involved in the black movement since I was a youth. Maybe I would still be writing poetry if I hadn't been involved in the movement with about something complete-
But I don't ever get the two mixed up. You end up with a very cheap progagandist art and I'm totally against
I don't believe you can legislate
financed by the Arts Great Britain, documented a poet in the making
His third collection Inglan is a Bitch was published in 1980 by
kaw,
African Asian
goh plan countah-hackshan
will bring a blam-blam
will bring a blam-blam
nevah mine Scarman
will bring a blam-blam
for art. You can't say that the artist
must be conscious and the artist must
write to free people. An artist creates
out of his own experience and at cer-
tain times in history there are certain
individuals who happen to have these
concerns and their art reflects it.
For example, Martin Carter, the
Guyanese poet; Nicolas Guillen from
Cuba; and even in England William
Blake who did the painting.
These are coincidences You can
have an artist produce good art and be
politically reactionary and vice versa.
I think as far as the black movement is
concerned that what I do in Race To-
day is more important than writing
ten poems or making ten albums.
Poetry has a role play.
wouldn't go so far as to say it leads to
political action. It has a role to play in
the ideological struggle, the struggle
Race Today.
He has recorded his poems to music. Dread Beat and Blood is on the Virgin label. Forces of Victory in 1979 and Bass Culture in 1980 are on the Island label.
IT DREAD INNA INGLAN (for George Lindo)
dem frame-up George Lindo up in Bradford Toun but di Bradford Blacks dem a rally roun .... mi seh dem frame-up George Lindo up in Bradford Toun but di Bradford Blacks dem a rally roun.....
Maggi Tatcha on di go wid a racist show but a she haffi go
rite now.
West Indian an' Black British stan firm inna Inglan inna disya time yah far noh mattah way dey say, come wat may, we are here to stay inna Inglan, inna disva time yah .....
George Lindo him is a working man George Lindo him is a family man George Lindo him nevah do no wrang George Lindo di innocent one George Lindo him noh carry no daggah George Lindo him is nat no rabbah George Lindo dem haffi let him go George Lindo dem bettah free him now!
for ideas
All it does is to reinforce existing sentiments. I think my poetry has a wav of recording our experiences anc of expressing the sentiments that we have. These are popular sentiments. I don't invent them.
I'm not saying that art has no role to play in the revolutionary ment. Obviously it does. But it is very dangerous to overestimate that role. It is a stimulas
What most artists hope for if they have arevolutionaryperspective is that their art, whether their songs, their novels, their poetry will make people
their educate them.
It's about entertainment - not in the show business sense but you listen to a piece of music for instance andit's sad. And because you're a human being and you have that human capacity for sadness you're entertainment. And if that isn't what you do then it becomes cheap propaganda. And bad art as well.
At the poetry reading at the Book Fare you finished off with a poem about sohreckshan I got the impression you were perturbed at the lack of political understanding people about what they were doing? I am wrong?
Yes. vou are wrong. celebration of the military stand that people took in the streets. It records what happens. It makes the point that if the state responds with a greater degree of repression then people on the streets will respond accordingly
Why was the First International Radical Black Book Fair established and did you see it as part of building the black movement?
The idea didn't just drop out of the sky. It was a continuation of work which had been done since the 60s by both Bogle L'Ouverture Beacon Books.
Not just in terms of and making available the kinds of information they felt important for the black working class to have at disposal but also in terms of other cultural activities — plays, poetry and su Ull. It tried to break the stranglehold
that the metropolitan publishers have on the dissemination of information and ideas, to make towards the cultural development of the black working class.
When we spoke to Darcus Howe, the editor of Race Today, a couple of weeks ago he felt that youth couldn't remain at the level of spontaneous uprising, they had to go onto another stage of political organisation.
Well that's commonsense. Its obVious. plastic bullets that they've been killing people with for the last ten years in İreland. They have CS gas. spontaneous thing anymore.
Where's today?
I think we're at the centre of British politics. Our struggles to break out of the colonial were placed when we came in the 50s
the black
HOVC
are central to it.
agree
tions
movement?
our experience moved That's Di Great in for
told us the this.
made a The poem is a there.
don't
education
and Third World
against
and New put publishing Right.
Its Socialist
between
La contribution
the question
with us.
working
no peasants
Now the police have these
change.
So this What's won't work youth now
the black movement
give it to them.
mould into which we
3 the hard way
An evening of poetry with Dub Poets
Michael Smith (Mi Caan Believe it) Linton Kwesi Johnson (Sonny's Lettah)
Oku Onouua (LA Tell)
Lambeth Town Hall, Acre Lane/Brixton Hill Brixton London SW2 Wednesday 12 May €2.75 Tickets from Race Today,
2268
have had an tremendous impact.
There's not one left organisatior. that isn't trying to get a foothold in
right nOW think that's a positive sign of the importance of blacks.
For example, the insurrections which took place over the last couple
years involved both black and white. But blacks were the leadership. I think that whatever happens in Britain in the next twenty years, blacks
Well Socialist Challenge would
with you wholeheartedly there! But you tended to express yourself as if socialist organisa.
have parasitic exploitative relationship to the black
It has been so you know. That was
in the 60s. I don't if its changing When blacks first came and we had our pro. blems we were totally ignored by the white left. The Communist Party may have tried to recruit a couple.
The fact that blacks were working inder colonial conditions doing work
less money than their white counterparts and no one came and
'well you shouldn't be doing You should join a union'.
Nobody was there. But once we
thrust well everybody was This is the line: 'Black and white unite and fight'
I think that link between the black and white working class is there. We
live in isolation from each other. We wage struggles together on the factory floor and we wage strug gles together against the kinds
For non-education we're
We wage physical battles together
oppressive force streets. I think slogans like 'black and white unite and fight are spurious because it happens anyway.
I think the way that the slogan is
forward or tillell! against black self-organisation.
Challenge supports black self-organisation. How do you see yourselves in the debate
black separation and black self-organisation?
I don't know if I'm qualified to speak on behalf of the Alliance of the Black Parents Movement, the Black Youth Movement and the Race Today Collective on this. What I do know is that
of separation or nonseparation has never been an issue
The Alliance has always had a
class perspective We've always said we're for workers and peasants power. In Britain there are
so we re lor worker: power. We believe that society must change and we want to assist it to
the mood among the
know that the are prepared for another confrontation The attitude is, well they want it, we'll
But I don't think anyone is going to go out and look for another insurrection. The mood is there. It's an
1982 at 7.30 165 Railton Rd, SE24 tel 01-737
Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 9
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29 April 1982 page 10
Letters CAN ANYONE seriously believe that the ThatChel Government wants war with Argentina? What have the British capitalists to gain from such a conflict? Your coverage of the dispute has assumed that the UK is an ascendent imperialist
out to defend and a crease its Territorial of key
Control parts of the globe.
Similarly, Brian Grogan's analysis Aprill quotes Trotsky in 1938 with a hypothetical analoav ot a war between Brazil and the UK
would support downtrodden Brazil, in order to unleash the dynamics of socialist revolution.
The real weakness this scheme, of course, is
Letters ATTA SETTER,
Weakness on
Malvinas?
that vou are mechanistical. ly plucking out formulas trom a bygone age and debate and trying to impose them on a more complex and changed reality.
Britain's foreign policy sunce 1945, excepting the Suez aberration, has been one of rapid de-colonisation. Indeed key Tory Macleod and Carrington example, have built successtul careers out of getting rid of the Empire as quickly and cheaply as possible.
They have understood the necessity of a rapid transition from Empire backed by big conventional forces, to a more modest nuclear role for Britain under the US umbrella. Yet, if we accept Grogan's analysis of the UK being a traditional imperialist on subjugating Argentina as correct, now can one
Socialist Challenge
FUND DRIVE '82
Letters
possibly explain the universal rapture that
Carrington's 'Rhodesian solution'!
Remember, this solution was featured by the coming to power 'Marxist government'. For Thatcher the name of the game is saving face — • not imperialist aggrandisement.
Socialists have to clear, a victory for Galtieri means strengthening Tne Junta and no-one else. Ironicallv. a victorv for the task force could well lead to destabilising the junta, stimulate workers' opposi
military rule. and create better conditions for the islanders to exercise their right to self-determination which surely must be the key principal involved for all socialists. ARTHUR MOWATT Manchester
Salvador campaign.
opposition. paper comes out.
sympathisers. will not save us!
Malvinas meeting Newcastle LWadstedt John S Hackney Hillingdon Bolsover Anon Misc
Editor reserves Manias son argentinat
funtien
her child. The placard reads:
Argentinian, the disappeared are too'
sent to Joan Torowine letter wa Maynard Mi about Challenge meeting on the we vinas Dear Ms Maynard,
Congratulations to you and all the others concerned on the meeting tomorrow night to protest against Thatcher's 'Without revolutionary
finance, no revolu-
tionary movement*
PICTURED here is Superfinancier. Normally disguised as a modest bespectacled newspaper reporter, he swings into action whenever the class struggle calls
Throughout the Laurence Scott strike he financed solidarity activity. He poured in money for leaflets, pam phlets and public meetings in support of CND and the El
When British imperialism sent its fleet to the South Atlantic he was instrumental in the first public meeting in
His agents all over the country are building Reagan Reception Committees to ensure a massive turnout when US imperialism's chieftain visits Britain. Women Righto nor festival the sue selping te build a revolutionary tendency in the LPYS and fighting to defend the Bradford 12 victims of a police frame-up
Most important, every Tuesday evening he delivers fistfuls of money to impoverished Socialist Challenge designers in a north London basement to ensure that the
But there's a problem. Superfinancier has disappeared. Some people now even claim that he never existed! They believe that Socialist Challenge and its activities are actually financed by the donations of its supporters and
Clear-minded socialists these claims for what they are
Superfinancier will be found again. But in the meantime our finances are very low. We have to make an immediate concession to those who think Superfinancier doesn't exist. Without it, we will be in very serious trouble within a matter of days. pockets pronto! If not, even the return of Superfinancier
* V.I. Superfinancier: The Impending Financial Catastrophe and How to Combat it. Fulltime publications 1982.
Our thanks this week to:
97.39 Total 51.00 3.00 1.00 30.00 18.56 5.00 2.50
the right to cut any letter over 400 words.
Write to SC letters, c/o PO Box 50, London N1
desaparnito
Argentinian woman protesting 'disappearance of
'The Malvinas
Congratulations!
war plans in the South Atlantic - and perhap elsewhere also. I regret that I shall not be able to be present, but enclose the sum of f5 towards the work
Name and address supplied success will recognise
So dig deeply into your
285.45 Total so far 1025.91
Target for quarter 15,990.00 Weekly target 1,230.76 Shortfall so far 2,666.37
Page 11 scan of this page
POLITICAL MUSIC NOT MACHO MEGA-STARS! Music for Socialism
Lenin on oppressed nations and imperialism
MUSIC FOR SOCIALISM (MFS) is a Hackneybased group who are breaking out from their local base to organise the music for the 1 May festival in Victoria Park. They've put together a wide range of radical bands - Talisman, Tour de Force, Ivory Coasters, Morons and To the Finland Station. It will be interesting to see whether the politics comes across Rock Against Racism/Anti Nazi League carnivals. Rock Against Racism (RAR) and No Nukes Music are broad based in their approach to music.
Simon Lockwood spoke to Jane MFS.
Tell where MFS came from.
About three years ago we started as Hackney RAR to put on name bands at local venues to push the politics across. our experiences in RAR we became TOL moTe politicised and as this hap-
our approach became apDarent
First we felt that we weren't getting any politics
There was also a problem Witn bands wno were still into the stardom
We weren't confident
Take onl their role as 'stars'.
So the bands weren't being co-operative Towers me aims RAR?
Yes, but the aims of RAR were not well defined. The vanus nouzne cy were doing their bit for anti-
us. They thought for us to take them other issues was just nit-picking We were always in a defensive position.
So it's fair to say that you found it necessary to prioritise anti-sexism over anti-racism?
The welch involved always found with RAR anyway, but the antisexism Lne men developed through seeing
industry.
By Connie Allen THE CONFLICT between Britain and Argentina points up the importance of an understanding of imperialism. As Lenin Revolutionary Proletariat and the Right of Nations
Self-Determination, revolutionaries must be 'that division of nations into oppressor and oppressed, which forms the essence of imperialism, and is deceitfully evaded by the social-chauvinists
'This division angle of bourgeois pacifism or the philistine Utopia of peaceful dependent nations under capitalism, most significant from the angle of the revolutionary struggle against imperialism.'
And, Lenin phasised, revolutionaries always colonial and semicolonial countries that are in battle with im-
Britain the oldest imperialist powers. while weaker imperialist power than the United States, Illallitails huge in-
around the world, including in Argentina
In 1916 Lenin used Argentina as an example
Swells, Oxy and the
more effectively than at the grander
But MFS seem to have a critique.
Watt from
This obviously contrasts heavily with the current approach of RAR where their expensive black artists orter have dubious attitudes? Yes. MFS may not be getting huge bands but we're in a position to be positive about what we are doing.
So MFS would only put on bands who were
Very definitely. We are not putting on each g1g to.
campaign rather than setting ourselves up as a little group with pure ideals. Rather than organising gigs as straight benefits we encourage the campaign to be involved throughout the gig as a focus.
What's the audience TOCCLON nave you been successful in
Yeah, we put out leaflets breaking down mechanics of the gig, demystifying People read them and ask about MFS.
Because we're much more selective the al" mosphere of the gigs. much less oppressive. Instead of pandering to the whims of rock stars. with
providing the sandwiches and the heroworship, we are setting out
evening's, entertain-
seen as of the same impor-
explained in The
the starting point for
is not significant from the
competition among in-
but it is
of economic domination semicolony. In his book
The Highest impertalism Stage of Capitalism, he ex-
1909 the plained that amount of British capital invested in Argentina was estimated al olso mill francs. It is not difficult to imagine what Stroke Coll nections British finance capital (and Its faithful "friend" diplomacy) thereby acquires with the Argentine
lance
To get away from the male rock band format wee using theatre groups, poets and comeulalls Do you think that the RAR carnivals weren't Ine siecess they were made out to be?
with the circles that control the whole of that country's economic and political life.
important to be able to distinguish between
countries and those that are pawns of the mocialisi. between an imperialist power and a semicolonia country even one suffering under a brutal dictatorship tionaries take the side of the oppressed nation.
As Lenin explained there are big and little im perialist And usu cavitals. companies take advantage
Ocs. 0iU12CO imperialist
use their against weaker ones.
Working people have no mierest of any imperialist power, weak or strong, its verv ex
as imperialist power is based on the ex ploitation of the colonial and semicolonial world as well as its own working class at home.
Under Review
Definitely. People largely just went along to see the bands. I think there was a lot of self-delusion on the left. It was assumed that because people went to see The Clash al a RAR gig they automatically became politicised — which is a lot of rubbish!
MALVINAS
ARGENTINAS
in the colonial world there are many differences , too. Some coun-
like Argentina are more developed. Others are poorer, or lack even formal independence, like Puerto Rico. Today Argentina remains semicolony despite its industrialisation, and must therefore be defended
British lInperialism.
The importance of
You're talking about image, the way rock stars diminish the politics of an event.
Yes, we also want to fight how bands act on stage When The Clash appeared
acted the role of Hicca slals Very macho. We wouldn't book bands
FALKLANT N
defending the colonial and semicolonial world against imperialism becomes even more crucial during a war.
history revolu great mass of dispossessed (the colonial worid) to free represents one of the
Alca progressive forces in modern society. The other is the struggle of the proletariat in the advanced countries for its emancipation. In their suctionary socialism is one of
who acted in a macho way on stage.
Are any MFS members
another pollical organisation?
We're mostly members of the Labour Party. Music for socialism has the ideas to make an important conconsistent defence of the oppressed. The First International Conference for the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist organisation, held in 1936, stated in an antiwar resolution:
"The struggle against war, properly understood and executed, presupposes the uncompromising hostility of the proletariat and its organisations, away. and everywhere toward its own and every other imperialist
bourgeoisie!
second worldwide imperialist war grew, the International
reattirmed its nosition :
an Emergency Conferenc of the Fourth Interna tional in May 1940.
"The striving of this
tribution politica culture in this country ove the next few years. It'll ba
develonmenting tore e
development. toria Park gig kicks off a 2pm on 1 May and goes or to 8.30mmfor our other smaller benefits.
ARGUMENTS for SOCIALIS
cessful interaction lies the key to the entire strateg
the world Socialis revolution. Nationalism i: the West (imperialist cour.tries) is a tool of capitalis: power, a weapon. used to pit exploited people against each other in wars fought by military and economic means for ex clusive capitalist interests
In the colonial cour. East, resolution said, 'the na tionalist movements forr an integral , part of the struggle against world im perialism. As such the!
must be supported to the fullest possible extent b the working class of the entire Western world.' From Militant, a revolu
tionary socialist published in New York Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 11
Page 12 scan of this page
KICK OUT THE TORIES Who are the true supporters
BOB MELLISH
3ob Mellish: gone too far even for the likes of Foot Labour councils:
Lessons of the GLC
By Tessa van Gelderen The new council will have no alternative but to lead massive and against the government and speed the election of a Labour government. 'We will seek to unite Labour local authorities and the trade union movement in a mass campaign to bring down this government and the system it represents at the earliest possible opportunity.'
One year separates these two statements and much water nas Howed under the bridge in that time. The first was said by Ken Livingstone, now leader of the GL.C, , before he elections last May.
The second was part of
statement published in he April issue of London Labour Briefing and signed by many Labour can. didates for the local eleccions as well as GLC councillors, including Ken Livingstone.
Retreat
The statement does : ecognise that the GLC -as been 'forced to retreat on a number of issues'
There is at present much Bitterness and acrimony "ide the Labour jett ir London over what -egarded as betrayal in left iouncillors on the GLC.
Ken Livingstone has seen the main target rese attacks. The GLC ma: failed over and over
carry out promises made in the manifesto which was Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982 page 12
continuing campaign decided upon Labour Greater London Party. It failed to decrease the price of school dinners, sold council houses, and despite London Transport, is has the fares London just increased them by 100
cent after the Law Lords' ruling. Head
It has been the fares issue abave all else that has brought matters to a head. The left has been thrown into disarray as to what is the best strategy to adopt.
Last year at the London Labour Briefing conference policy 'disengagement' was
was refuse to carry out Tory cul ovelle cone rens of office and letting chaos ensue.
Yet the Labour group on the GLC could not bring itself to vote agains. the budget which contained the fares increases on the would make that this
make the budget "illegal'.
By Tessa van Gelderen
tary candidate,
the local elections who Labour.
Coral Newall is a councilor for southwark COUL she has not been reselected by the local party. Still a member of the Labnur Party, she is standing in the forthcoming elections on a 'Independent Labour and tenants association' ticket. She has managed to find two like minded people who are not even in the
Labour Party.
Bob Mellish, as reported in that organ of truth, South London Press, came out in support of all three candidates
Thatter. There is no
the matter. There
GLC has Inane been faced with a most
and sustained onslaught from both the
and the Tories, press directly through the penalties imposed by Heseltine as well as the verdicts handed down by the courts.
Issue
The real issue at stake for both the GIC and all left councillors and councis elected next week is o what parts defeated, manifesto get but how the left take on the government. has been the Gil. voting for these cuts at the same time as refusing to organise massive and continuing gammament against campaign
as Ken
Labour Party
of Labour?
BOB MELLISH, Bermondsey MP who did a deal with Michael Foot in stopping Peter Tatchell from being the constituency's parliamen-
, has come out in his true colours. He has called for a vote for a candidate in
is standing against
under the headline Mellish 'Don't vote Labour' suys.
This is the man whom keen to stay on as MiP, 150 Foot and Kinnock Peter Tatchen not be eat insisted that dorsed by the national executive or he would resign.
This is the man who supports the witch-hunting of party activists and the ininto the Militant tendency.
Foot and Kinnock openly support Mellish wno has snown nimsell to be rapidly anti-Labour
Photo: GM COOKSON
Whatever their honourable intentions, neither Ted Knight nor Ken Livingstone can carry out election promises without a firm base in the labour movement
Livingstone put i that has been the GLC's undo. ing And of course, it is verv OUTTICUlT TOr people like Ken Livingstone to Icau such campaign when they vote for Tory Nor is it enough to CUt. plead, as Lambeth Council Ted Knight, wont to do, that the problem is that movement, in particular the trade unions. are no outside the halls waiting to give support.
Tories
At time when workers are increasingle under attack from …ones. waen union leaders have failed to give a lead in the lightback the Lahour Party has to make a stand. ()n ever
while they continue to attack members who fight inside the party for socialist policies, members such as Peter Tatchell and Pat Wall. Hidden
This time even Mellish has gone too far and h sent a letter to the same rag stating that he only supported Coral Newall. Although this still against the constitution of the party, this backtracking on Mellish's part was hidden away on the inside OI the paper walle his previous position had been blazoned across the front page.
Nor did he retract slalcilicills attributed him in the national press that he 'didn't give a twoissue, fares school din-
council house sales. and so on, the Labour group should have voted to carry out its manifesto pledges and have carried that fight into the workplaces, well as trade union and Labour Party branches.
Norm
This is a decisive break from the 'campaigning' that is the norm inside the Labour Party. Immediately after the Denning judgment huge demonstrations and rallies should been organised, the Law Lords should have beer picketed and lobbied.
More important, the
should have established close organisational and political links with the rank and file leaders of the union, that
penny damn about Bermondsey Labour Party' Presumably if he had been 'misquoted the first place he would have demanded equal prOminence to his reply.
Don Shiack, chairperson of Bermondsey Labour Party. told Socialist Challenge that the constituency had made its views plain to both regional and national of fices and to Foot himself that this was not the way TOr a Labour MP to behave.
The local party, while it will no doubt deal with Coral Newall after the election in an appropriate manner, cannot take up the case against Bot Mellish. He is in fact member of West Lewisham party and the chairperson there has been informed.
Mellish must be chuckling to himselt at the mess the Labour Party has got itself in. Labour Party members should insist now more than ever before that
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is the shop stewards and convenors, particularly those in the council and transport unions.
Not oniv are thev the best allies in the fight that has to come against this government, they are in tact the only ones who can bring Thatcher finally lo her knees.
Labour councillors should carry out their promises not lo make cuts That means a freezing fit not reduction) of rents and rates and not a job to he lost. Trade unionists may
Peter Tatchell be endorsed as the official candidate Ine longe lal is clayed that more that Bob Mellish and his conorts appear to have the authority to speak on behalf of the Labour Party.
... meanwhile in Islington even Social Democrats, who claimed
have left the Labour Party because of the extremism of the left' have been forced to expel members who have stood against official SDP candidates.
Ine expulsion of the nine was confirmed by special suo-committe headed by Bill Rodgers. Il Is the end of an era of chicanery both in the Labour Party and SDP. The nine just didn't know when they were well Bo in Mellish ur baby,
Mellish probably knows that the Labour Party is far more tolerant of right wingers like himself, than the SDP. Open 10-6 Mon Tues Sat; 12-7 Wed; 11-7 Thurs Fri Readings on Socialism and War Writings of Leon Trotsky (1939-40)
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to be too disillusioned to support such actions the first time around but there is no other option if they are to be : convinced Party means business.
for A
WOMAN'S
RIGHT to WORK
DEMONSTRATE
5JUNE
Page 13 scan of this page
No sex please, this,
Hiving off council services - around the country
By Tessa van Gelderen
will be turned away
ing contraceptives.
This will be the result
of Ronald Reagan's new
laws were canics wine
obliged to inform parents
and which are
troduced for 'the good of
teenagers'
traceptives such as the Pill,
diaphragm and IUD come
under the new rules, which
means that young
women's parents would be
told but young men's
would not.
This is just one more in a series of attacks
women's rights under the
Reagan administration.
There is a strong protest movement against this
IT WAS WELL, NU
ONLY ONCE.
Merseyside
By John Nolan, Birkenhead Labour Party
Not content with all the massive LULD they have made in local services, the Liverpool Liberals and the Wirral Tories are trying to sell off essential services to any cowboy firms that make low enough bids.
they are facing increasingly organised action by Merseyside trade unionists.
A mass mccue called by the Liverpool joint shop Sicwarus on Monday of last week voted overwhelmingly take strike action to defend jobs and services, to campaign for a reversal of all cuts. to refuse to cover for vacant posts, to refuse
with privatisation moves and to
full gIve DUUUUI L workers across the Mersey in Wirral against Tory cuts and privateering.
Trade unionists working for Wirral's Tory council formed the Wirral Joint Union Committee six months ago when the Tories threatened
is Reaganland..
YOUNG WOMEN under 18 in the United States from family planning clinics if either parent objects to them receiv-
change in the law which
people believe will
hially only result in increased
pregnancies and aborBORS
The American Medical
Association. the Americar
College ot Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists,
American Pediatrics and even Girls Academy
Ciubs of America and the
YWCA have ioined forces in opposition.
But it doubtful if Reagan WIll change his mind as he continues to pour money into obscenities like the
war tries herald his new "morality'.
MILK. GO TO CUR DOCTOR OR THE FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC TO CHECK IF YOU ARE PREGNANT.
- YOU ARE THEY'LI
HELP YOU. ANYWAY
THEY'LL TELL
ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL year is the Tory plans to hive off essential public services to private contractors.
bosses in Westminster who are selling off the
repeat the disastrous experience Southend. There the council brought une excuse ceanne Group headed by David
COUNCHOT. after they had already been turned down by lorv councils like Bracknell as being too expensive.
Despite evidence from their
Hanaccle services that the Direct Works is cheaper than private contractors, WITral Tories have given notice to painters, joiners and electricians. They are also running down all school cleaning, caretaking and meal services, threatening nundreds more sackings over the next year.
Wednesday 21 for i one WJUC called
La one dav strike tor which there was wide sup-
All the cleahsing depots were closed, So
the maintenance depots and many more office WOLKCIS retused to cross the picket lines.
drome has not been in the news lately.
jail for the rape of a five
had been 'promiscuous'
of the man who was sleeping nude. 'I am satisfied
lady. He did not know how to refuse.
seen her mother and the man having sex. A KEY ISSUE being raised in local elections this
Having made every effort to get rid of council house stock, local Tories are trying to emulate their
In the atternoon the march from the centre of Birkenhead Wallasey led by the Labour group on the council was swelled to more than 1000 by a big contingent of supporters brought over by the Liverpool City joint shop slewaras committee.
At the mass rally at the end of the march, Labour councillors pledged themselves to reverse the Tories' decisions if elected withdraw all redundanny office May LOUICES
However, the possibility after May is of a hung council' on both sides of the Mersey with the Liberal/SDP Alliance nolding ine balance and continuing. Tory policies.
Labour will have to call for all out strike action to
these policies and for all out SunKe action against the Tebbit bill which will make such strike action illegal.
Sexual Politics
Morality new style USA 1 THE dangers of tampons causing toxic shock syn-
roctor ana Gamble were ordered to pay $300,000 to the family of a woman who suffered from it. The jury in lowa, USA, found the company negligent after the woman had used its Rely tam-
Morality new style USA 2 A MAN in Washington DC received only 90 days in
year ora giri. Ine light sentence was because in the judge's view the girl
when she jumped on top we have an unusually sexually promiscuous young
'The judge's explanation for her 'promiscuity' was that she had
By S Weller
Even at supposedly ist, patronising attitudes still prevail.
As I am 15, I had to see a counsellor, which was a farce in itself. 'But dear, sexy do you wauso ine sex? just quisitiveness? Are you sure you're not being pressured?'
It was not enough for me to say that I wanted to have sex because I wanted I had to justify
large bits of the nationalised industries.
experiences of Liverpool City Council, led by the Liberals, follow the same path as the Tories.
WHATSAN IF YOU are under 16 and want contraception, there's no problem — unless you're a woman.
'progressive' clinics, sex-
myself. I was asked if a two month long relationship was sutticient for me
why don't vou wait till you're 16, dear?' The counsellor looked mitted when I said that I wouldn't be going out with him then!
There was also the warning against the perils of
The Tories are not alone in these plans. The
indicate that the Alliance will
But the labour movement is fighting back.
STOP THE CUTS. SAVE SUBS!
...but were British
'casual' sex and the pressure on me to tell my mother. My experience in at cue cout med to me that this society is totally
women and youth to rule our own lives. No wonde so many young become pregnant.
There continual threats to our abortion rights. The aim is obviously to put us at the mercy of our own bodily functions, with no right to
Last week Socialist Challenge developments in
we examine events
Merseyside itself - and in Bury, Greater Manchester.
Bury,
By lan Stephenson, Bury NALGO branch secretary and Mark Hackett, Bury NALGO president THE LONG running dispute on who runs the refuse collection and associated services in Bury is in moth balls and may be dead for ever. Strong united trade union action has halted the plans of the council to follow in the footsteps of Southend and privatise Bury's services,
From day one that the plans became known all
NALGO, TGWU, AUEW & NUPE-joined together
the scheme. refused operate with the contracting out of public services. Any member threatened WITh victimisation was promised full suppor: Irom the Joint Ünion Committee.
Leader of the council,
Socialist Challenge
I DUNNO ASK YER FATHER,
control our bodies. I don't want to live fear pregnancy want the right to live my own life the way I choose.
That's why I'll be a the Women's restiva organised by the Labou Party on 5 June - fighting for a Woman's Right i Work and Woman's Right to Choose. We defeated the Tories over the Corrie Bill. We can do it again.
looked at the London Borough of Wandsworth (latest situation p14). This week
in two districts of the Wirral and Liverpool city Greater Manchester
Albert Little, ignored the views and advertised tor tenders • LO refuse coliection unions issued a statemen: that they would call al their members out on definite strike the department affected the council's proposals The prospect of rubbish accumulating in the streets in the middle of ar election prompted the councillors INCC - for the first time on this issue After eight negotiations agreement was reached lust a dav before the striki was due to start.
The Council has suffered a humiliating defeat They have been forced to retreat on a definite com mitment privatisation
stronger than ever before
TACH ancau 29 April 1982 page 13
Page 14 scan of this page
Bob Moody, NUM Notts Area Executive (in personal capacity) This Tory Government has no interest in the health of working class people, a fact underlined by its proposed 'reform' of the Industrial. Injuries Scheme. The Tories' Green Paper, currently stage, which would juries benefits and Special Hardship Allowance.
The basic effect of Special Hardship Allowance is to partially Hallllalli lne carllllss workers who have been torced to take less well-paid jobs as a result of inurles sustained at work In the mine, for example, a face worker who is injured and redeployed to a lighter job could lose more than
week i waces.
Special Hardship Allowance gets him maybe £10 a week on top of his new, lower, wage. I. Taie Num is com- isn't ideal. The mitted to tull rate protection - no one should lose
as a result ot industrial injury. What is more, Special Hardshin
UMOWERS TMON
CMWU:
Photo: Morniny Sta
branch NUPE in his personal capacity
COUNCIL workers Wandsworth, South London are continuing their strike against the Tory council plans to privatise the 'dust' and other services.
Tory leader, Christopher
has brought in scab rivate contractors to collec c us dumne ine asoulc •a: Dickeune nas been so el active that inev and prit
rivie co pany
i ready operating
calisie service, Have lu 2 a lal as uravesena over " -iles away. - to dispose of :neir rubbish.
Impressive unity has been
. between manual * hite collar workers in the -soule. s ne local milled nio its Fulled out :elephonists
- remonts gie tery
nones
...reals or suspension.
Coun have es sed her
-05 pies e hanes.
A one dav all-London •'TIke against privatisation Mandi solir solidaritv with
dior i0 eas al
:eing proposed for -e London Local Authoril! eint Union Shoo mee bee Tr ocali response .an! Labour Party rembers. belie the strike - astile. that the : unci workers had tallen in •• a lory wap oy laking In austrial during the
period and thereb! eopardising Labour's irances of winning.
noweler mme bary nas zeen forced to take sides and Socialist Challenge 29 April 1982
latest move is a
at the Committee decimate industrial ineffectively abolish the
Allowance stops at retireIncill. As though a miner stops being disabled when he is 60 or 65!
Nevertheless, Special Hardship Allowance is a hard won gain for miners and all industrial workers.
Maybe 1 in 20 .n al my pit rely on it. Su ii is a gain that cannot and will not be easily surrendered.
Notts Area NUM has
the past been called "moderate' and 'parochial'. Given the right leadership, that can be changed. Rank and file Notts miners and some Area Council delegates are calling for a mass lobby of Parlament as a first step towards action against this allack on workig clas
JOBS
Wandsworth 'dust'
strike gains support
By D Benlow, branch secretary Wandsworth
candidates. cluding Belton the
of the Labour and three Labour GLC coun-
Have IUW issued stalemenls oi subporl
wwd vcc c. Party por he stie abour Party . strike rather than concentration on routine CieCl WUlk Only by doing this can
Labour cleariv olterenilale itself from the SDP/Liberal Alliance. who are taking a SELLERS' SUBSCRIPTIONS
Do you regularly buy
from one of our sellers? If you do why not take out
one of our Sellers' Subscriptions.
don't have to pay postage we are able to offer
subscriptions at a lower rate - £9.50 for a year or
£5.50. for six months.
below and return it with the money to SCD, PO
Box 50, London NI and your seller will then
deliver it to you each week.
I wish to take out a SELLER'S SUB to Socialist
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I want a 1 year /6 month sub*
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Name ...
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Town ... *Delete as necessary.
page 14
Tories attack injury benefits
Handrdso)
4R8E3 BY THOSE WHO HELD THEIR HEALTH
SO living standards.
The scrapping of Special Hardship Allowance and the general attack on industrial injuries benefits is an attack on all industrial workers. This must be taken up by all the unions concerned
coal. rail, steel, dockers. Given the right lead we can resist, oppose and finally defeat the demagogic anti-privatisation stand while of course keeping d mcl opuons obell.
Last week's SC renort erroneous/y Cine nal chard's had sacked 58
after three vears of operation.
fact, they have sacked over 700 WOrKeN Or WO thirds of their workforce since they started on I February this year. your Socialist Challenge
Because we
All you have to do is to complete the form
News
= o) Desuvis Kalloy wi Siss
miners Jenon Vilt
PNEUMOCONIOSI
THE DEADLY DUST
THEY TOLED TO DIC THE NATIONS COAL DREATHED THE DEADLY DUST. BE TRAYÉD ONCE MORE DENIED THE DOLE
THEIR TRUST THEY ARE NOT HERE AMIDST THE THRONG
TOO IMPAIRED WE MARCH FOR THEM TO RICHT THE WRONG THAT THEY MAY BE SPARED
'reforms'. Hopefully this will be part of : a national canalen arals LNUS government and to further the interests of WOlNIs class people.
Workers should make
this simple comparison.
Compare how the Tory Government treats injured or disabled workers with how it treats the chairpeodelegate to the AUEW National Committee
TERRY DUFFY's opening
engineering union conference in Eastbourne
set the character of the whole National Com-
mittee. He made preposterous claims that he
and other right wing leaders had done every-
thing to meet Thatcher's attacks on the work-
ing class
the actual record of capitulation.
This scabbing record of the Duffy leadership in numerous battles where the membership was raring TOT example British Leyland, Fords and esocc duv LaU CuCC Scott's seems escaped the attention of the right wing majority.
The right wing voted like clockwork' explained Cliff Williams, youth delegate to the National Committee. The youth unfortunately are not allowed a vote. 'A typical example of Duffy's approach was his explanation of the union's attitude to Tebbit's anti-union laws. He was once endore milane great distance union andors te 1971 h- endorsed dustrial Relations Act. "Many of you will recall
that we had tremendous
ilariliclalvll in the batclaimed Duffy. But this was not the way that the rest of the world recalled the events. Militant action actually smashed the Act. This, course, is what Duffy wants desperately to avoid. Duffy's support for "unity" is support to do nothing.
The tactics of the left in
most cases played into the
"The
strategy of the left is based
v ryle wale ci
wing to supporting some of their resolutions. The
therefore have to lean over
backwards to ensure they
don't upset the right wing.
ple of dustries and its top civil servants. Whist we are to
deprived of benefits after a lifetime in our industry, the chosen few enjoy tax free perks, golden handshakes and index-
Maggie certainly looks after her own. And so should we.
Duffy blames
address to the
- and blamed the membership for
This is disaster. The only way to divide the right wing Is to stand on the shoulders of the mobilisations and militant actions of the membership. This means putting the emphasis on organising the ranks, not manoeuvring at
Accordingly, on most Issues. the right 56 to 35. its majority of 56 to 'However, dil issue where there is clear mass resistance — like for example against any witch-hunt in the Labour Party - the right wing block was broken, ' explained Cliff. Duffy's resolution calling for the re-introduction of the proscribed list was passed only by the slenderest of majorities.
'The left failed to centre in on the membership's discontent over the scabbing on the Laurence Scott dispute. allowed the right wing to rest on its record over Plessey's. The official backing extended here was a direct result of the Laurence Scott battle. But worse, by not focussing on Laurence Scott, the left allowed the question • wares lo og separated out from that of fighting unemplovment. Dutty ha: played on the unemployed situation to avoid a wages fight over the past two years.
The left's push for a concrete figure of £15 for skilled grades was predictably defeated in favour of a vaguely worded resolu-
Battersea Park, London from noon
Rally * Music * Forums* Stalls
Theatre* Children's Events
Refreshments * Creche available *
the membership
Duffy the wages front
tion for a 'substantial increase'. This formula gives the right wing room to accept a wage cut for the third year running.
Duffy was quite plicit: "This decision gives me the elasticity I need bargaining with the Engineering Employers Federation. We know that
the present economic circumstances the bargaining will be tough
*This need for "leeway". for Duffy was backed up by une right wing delegates in speeches, said Cliff. the economic climate has been allowed to develop through the sort of inaction and stabs in the back that Duffy and his have been guilty of. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Nothing Lali be expected from the right wing
WOMEN'S
FESTIVAL
Saturday 5June
ABDUR
WOMEN'SRIGHTS TOJOBS & EQUALITY , - using unemployment to avoid a fight on
leaders the Tories. But Duffy's attempts to claim a fighting record, and statements that he will I go for a claim *at least in line with infla tion show that the pressure of the member ship is on them.
'What this NC has shown so far', Cliff conCIUCUr that passing resolutions is not the be all-and-end-all. The has to. use the National :as a platform LONIEIELC. from which they can have a political discussion with membership. This means we need clear radical and distinct policies based on fighting to mobilise for mass action and backing any fight that aLVeIODs These should then be used to rebuild the left in the union.
Page 15 scan of this page
Mass support for Kigass strikers
Scottish TUC declares solidarity with Solidarnos By Pat Brown
THE THIRD WEEK of strike action by 120 women workers for union recognition and improved pay and conditions at Kigass works in Leamington brought excellent
Lets ganised ay ase
picket organised Coventry West District Committee the engineering union, AUEW
supported by 100 Was trade unionists including representatives of the Rolls Royce Joint Shop Stewards Committee and shop stewards trom the Talbot car factory. in Coventry.
display of solidarity caused the boss,
to rush about taking a and tape recording of pickets trying to prevent about ten scab workers entering the plant.
During the week, trade union support has increased with blacking of Kigass products, workplace colechons and recua visits to the picket line. AUEW SIOU stewards Automotive Products Have decided to hold weekly collection which has already raised f400.
Total donations from the labour movement the strike fund now top £1000.
THE HIGH POINT of the Scottish TUC at its annual meeting last week was its decision to back solidarity with Solidarnosc, the independent Polish trade union, and reject right wing attempts to ban contacts with East European trade unions in protest against the military regime.
discussions on the fight against the Tebbit Bill, nuclear disarmament, women's rights and the Scottish Assembly
The STUC is different from the British TUC in that about 1.00 of the 580 delegates are elected from Trades Councils, who, being more closely in touch with the rank and file of the labour movement tend
become minority voice conterence.
The leadership of the STUC continues to reflect the close political relationship between the Communist Party and the Labour Party left. The platform therefore generally gets its own way, using the block vote and getting remitted anything which it doesn't feel contident in winning.
Torv attacks the unions through the Tebbit Bill attracted the greatest number, of resolutions and followed STUC conference earlier in month of 2,200 shop stewards and onel ficials which launched its campaign against the Bill.
Accordingly, the STUC went somewhat further than the TUC plan of (in) action adopted in early April. Thus, although it did not make any calls for action, it did all for the withdrawal of union representation from tripartite industrial bodies
mand to withdraw from all DOCTO the government).
Miners' leader, Mick MiCiahey again warned the Coal Board that if they bring unionist into the industry that will be their full man-
engineering
and Warwick has support from the local
In response to this support Wardman has offered an extra f8 per week, still f9 less than the emplovers Federation standards rate. The strikers have responaed by demanding union recognition and living wage. The Equal Opport-
Commission has now approached the
after Hallasculicill LUll plaints of discrimination
the women workers.
The women, who joined the AUEW in the last
are now involved in their second strike within two months and this time they are determined to win. The AUEW has made the strike official and has attempted black the firm's products, which are made on sub-contract basis for Fords and Rolls Royce, amongst others.
The women have a list major callas cluding wages, health and
and canteen salCly facilities. Current Take home pay ranges from £32
Polish
In addition the STUC took major policy
incomes policy,
*agitation anu aggressive action'.
Bob Gillense of the print union, SOGAT, said that not everv union was as close knit as the Scottish milets. but Mr McGahey was right, that all should be getting ready to involve their members in industrial action against the legislation. One of the big let for next Labour government is the attitude of the unions incomes policy. The STUC left no doubt about its position.
The motion opposing all forms of incomes policy and supporting high wages was overwhelmingly supported with some vigorous
right wing leaders.
They were slammed for 'audacity' "arrogance' and 'divisiveness' for trying to drag incomes policy back onto the labour movement's agenda.
Particularly attacked was Weighell of the railworkers union.
One delegate said: 'It is a disgrace that some peobie are Dosinvey pleading for unity are at the same time saddle us again with pay
and when workers are suffering the worst onslaught they have ever faced. from the Tories.
Mortimer, Labour's gerferal
new secretary. appealed for unity around a four point campaig! WIlICE could win the next general
the firm member of the Engineering Employers' Federation it doesn't pay the Federa
rate of £69 per week tion and is refusing give recognition rights to the
None of the women had ever been on strike before these two strikes and have background of union activities. They have quickly organised effective picketing during the day, a strike committee and strike fund.
significant dispute in many ways:
the owner nas record of anti-trade unloisi, Havine lousal d long and bitter dispute with members of ASTMS and TASS at another of his factories three years ago. Secondly, it is very noticeable that the strikers are all women and every day about 12 skilled male workers cross the picket line, showing that women can be at the forefront of trade union fights, as has been shown at Lee Jeans and Plessey.
Messages support ano donations Mrs ₺ stan ford, Helens Road, Leamington Spa, Warks.
election.
These were the alternative economic policy; the repeal of the Tebbit
trade union rights; 'left the snackies Market's Treaty of Rome;
_lucical disarmament.
The National Union of Mineworkers delegation remitted a motion criticising the current investigation of left groups within the Labour Party.
The motion had condemned 'witch-hunts' as a "recipe for alsaster and pledged support for progressive policies.
Withdrawing such
resolution on the spurious grounds of avoiding a split in ine slut is lo lan inio the trap set by the Bishop Stortford freedom to the right wing while gagging the left.
Duffy had no such qualms at the engineering union's national commitICC last week (reported elsewhere in this issue).
Against the background of the naval fleet steaming south to the Malvinas, conference adopted policy calling for the withdrawal of Argen tine troups, the recall of
administration the islands undertaken by the United Nations until the issue of sovereignty was resolved.
Reflecting the mass building up
ehind the anti-nuclear Moveme Coccice was pressed to pledge itself to a tremendous turnout by unionists with banners
- for the CND march on 20,000 June. Al Easter over
had marched behind the SCAT banner - the Scottish campaign against Trident.
A six-point plan was approved, seeking cancellation of Cruise and Trident, removal all nuclear bases from Britain, a nuclear-free zone in
News
Europe, affiliation to the World Disarmament Campaign and backing scottish local authorities declaring nuclear-free
It will oppose with 'utmost vigour a NATO base
Stornoway, Isle OI Lewis.
The fight for women's rights was a key issue at the STUC, with an excellent policy statement on positive action proposed by NALGO being adopted.
Railworkers:
prepare for battle
industry, writes BRIAN GROGAN.
British Rail has threatened the axing of 0.00 Jobs over the next two years in the railway engineering workshops. Engineers who have immediately responded with calls for determined action
BR's plans will include workshops at Shildon total shutdown County Durham and al Horwich in Lancashire.
Given the militancy of the response, it is clear that the engineers can give BR a bloody nose in the same way as the Tall But this will need unity. widtever. MacCarthy reports this week, BR has made it clear that it will carry through its attacks 01 drivers. It is already pushing through flexible rostering on the guards and other staff.
Dennis Green, works assistant secretary at Horwich spell-
the conclusions: 'We want a national rail strike and the invoking of the triple alliance. This is
HUEW
OFFICINO
STRIAN None of the Kigass women have been on strike before
Although the fight that had been going on for Many years get scals reserved for women on the general council was tinall successful this was undermined bythe machinations of the transport union and the general workers union
They did a deal which resulted in at least one woman being elected who has no record whatsoever on women's rights.
Not elected was Mary Harrison, former AS RAILWORKERS await the publication of the MacCarthy report on flexible rostering for drivers, British Rail continues its attacks on the
not just Horwich we are fighting for. We are facing the slow strangulation of the nationalised industry by the Thatcher government.'
Meanwhile in the Docks...
Flushed with victory at the climbdown of the National Dock Labour Board (NDLB), dockworkers have warned of an all-out
from May.
Threatened with all-out
NDLB withdrew proposals to go onto the first stage of an assault against the guaranteed work week and job security of the dockers.
Now the dockers . are demanding the extensions of these provisions to all other docks envisaged in the 1976 Dock Work Regulations. They have got official backing for an all-out strike unless the employers comply.
chairperson of the Scottish Womens TUC, one of the most prominent and consistent fighters for women's rights
All in all, the 1982 STUC reflected most of the key issues affecting the
The Secretary, Coventry
With
Malcolm X
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British labour movement international duestions o working class solidarity: offensive union rights; the need for women's rights; and the neea lor an answer nuclear madness. Labour movement
conference
against racism
organised by Coventry Trades Council
Saturday 8 May at Coventry (Lancaster) Polytechnic, Priory St, Coventry For further information please contact:
c/o The Tom Mann Club, 34 Stoke Green, Coventry truces counci.
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Socialist Challango 29 April 1962 pago 15
Page 16 scan of this page
Pay the health
6 MAY VOTE LABOUR
Socialist
Challenge
fund no
Fort it COMSE demands a better dod for ALL k COHSE® A FAIR WAGE IS ALL WE NEED sith S Printed By East End Offset (TU) Ltd, London E2. „mistered as я newsnaner with the Post Office Pulished by Cardinal Enterorises. •0 lox .!. London N1
By Tessa van Gelderen
true,
been sent
of cost
tion' which,
terms.
Yet
service, the
workers
split NHS workers.
pay is appalling.
A catering home £59 week.
while hospital were taking country to
But the this day of 'explanation' call be gauged trom the maoing available entitled: booklet which 'Put your employer on the spot. The TÙC is to try to win the support of the mobilising ship for tion.
Yet, as the proached its third reading, Tebbit has announced a significant tightening in its provisions under pressure
the organisations.
New clauses have been introduced make it even easier to sack strikers Bill demanded that notice
to return they could be sacked. Tebbit has now changed this section to allow strikers to be sacked without notice.
In addition, Bill had demanded that all strikers be treated equally, the employers discriminate choose. This will be a blow to the unity which is essential to an effective action
TORY BRITAIN showed its treet The task force this colours this
to the South Atlantic with 'no estimation
although it's it. rumoured to be at around f1bn. Thatcher's concern is the 'success of the opera-
she claims, can't be measured in cash
when it comes saving lives, putting much needed money into a rundown and decrepit health
Tories claim there is no money. Hospital
are being offered from between 6.4 to under 4 per cent - the lowest paid to receive less in an effort to
Their present levels of real
A state enrolled nurse receives £337 a month before deductions.
assistant takes for a 40-hour
But all is not gloomy on the wages front. Last week.
workers to industrial action in support of their 12
against Tebbit
THE TUC has declared 10 June as 'union day'. It is urging trade union activists up and down the
distribute leaflets meaning of the Tebbit anti-union laws.
character of
they
approach bosses rather than memberdetermined acBill which will
• strıker: to work before
where the tions into work can now leagues. they will now workers taking
workers
per cent claim, a Mr
wardes received a small pay rise of 46 per cent to a mere £95,500 And he didn't even have to go on strike to get
All he had to do was sack 80,000 car workers in
British Leyland. Of course, it must be remembered that poor Edwardes will be leaving BL before the end of the year. The massive wage increase will enable him receive a massive handshake, estimated to be in excess of a quarter of a million pounds. Nice going for some.
In the meantime, hospital workers are left to struggle alone. taken this week was a good response given the lack of a
lead from the leaders. Hospitals disrupted as members the Confederation of Health Service Employees part in two-nour
Mass meetings were held in many hospitals and COHSE members are now refusing
look after private patients.
Public sympathy is with
TUC calls 'union day'
bans.
explaining the
tie salute by intimidating some sec-
returning without their colThe threat of sackings ensure
asO • extend
solidarity possible
Ed- them, until they dustrial labour make it clear:
lives are the
As
and now the people are because to
golden because
waiting lists
and so on. unemployed
Yes, this Action shown the where
union were will the of the losers. took The labour
strikes. has to
vices.
mand, so be it. a strike, such as overtime
he determinatior of the Tories to get the Bill on
books sharp contrast to the waitand-see line of the TUC. They will be imposing guillotine in parliament to
that the Bill becomes law as soon
Then it will be rushed through the final
take inaction. But the movement has to the people responsible for the loss of
Tories. They have allowed the health service to be cut to the bone.
they spend millions
pounds on armaments,
task force, literally dying aren't there enough kidney machines,
there are long for beds hospitals are closed down
And 4 million doesn't improve the nation's health.
week has world exactly Thatcher's priority lies. As her popularity appears to be increasing, so it
nurses and hospital porters who will be
movement demand that the government pay the 12 per cent, without cuts in ser-
And if other trade unionists have to defy Tebbit in support of that de
by Pat Hickey
procedures and probably be on the statute books by Juilt.
The TUC are waiting to see what develops, intending to use the courts to fight the law and relying
There is so prospect s
deteating the Bill this way.
If employers are sullic Wild the Bill this is solely as a result of the possible reaction of the unions to any attempt to implement it: provisions.
But the more the TUC plays down the use of industrial muscle, the more likely it is that the bosses will be strengthened their endeavour And Tebbit is by no means finished. The government already preparing further legisla tion which will make secre compulsory will attack the political levy to the Labour Party introducing contracting-in rather than the present contracting-out system Militants should be campaigning to turn the 10 June 'union day' into a day of strike action making the first 'unlawful' action under the Bill's provisions.
← Socialist Challenge No. 242, 21 April 1982Socialist Challenge No. 244, 6 May 1982 →