Socialist Challenge No. 54, 20 July 1978
The scan: sc-n55-jul-20-1978.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
No s5 20 July tere
Socialist Challenge
Message from East End strike against racism is
WE WANT YOU
WITH US EVERY
SUNDAY'
The sit-down on Sunday that kept the fascists out of Brick Lane INSIDE: Eric Heffer, Bob Rowthorn, Alex Callinicos discuss Eurocommunism - P 7-L0
Roger Protz on "The Limits of Media Liberalism' - p 15
Page 2 scan of this page
beginning to turn?
OUR POLICIES 2
EDITORIAL
spread throughout the country.
lower profile.
occasions, become a day of racist attacks and terror.
backed by all anti-fascists in London.
NAZIS IN BRICK LANE.
second unniversary.
immigrant and forward for winning the strike.
- wanted to win the strike,
because of the weapons they chose.
nature of their reformist politics.
it was in
were on display forces and Institutions of legality. services could have won the strike
came very near to Government.
postal boycott was stopped.
deliver the
also do some thinking.
strikers a tremendous debt.
price will remain the same.
If you agree with these principles and want
lo be involved in activities by Socialist
Challenge supporters in your area, fill in
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Send lo Socialist Challenge, 328/9 Upper St, London Nt:
Editorial 01-358 518019. Distribution/ Advertising 01-359 8371. 328/9 Upper Street. London Sunday against the Nazis THE EVENTS which took place in Brick Lane last Sunday and Monday are remarkable on many codets. The unity in action on the Sunday kept the Nazis away from the area. The strike on Monday and the subsequent events were not a 'white left adventure", as some diehard sectarians had thought, hat turned out to be a truly historic occasion. Its lessons must be leurnt and What is now a vital task is to keep Brick Lane safe on Sundays, The police had originally stated thut they showed no favouritism towards the Nazis, It was simply a question of 'first come, find served', But when anti-fascists turned up at 5.30um they subjected to constant harassment. There were five arrests. It was only when the Bengali youths arrived that the police adopted a
What this means is that every Senday must become u day of action against the fuscists and racists in Brick Lane. This is not an easy task. For all working people Sunday is a day off and a day to be enjuyed. Bat for the Asiuns in Brick Lane it has, on many
The local Isbour movement must now demonstrate that all it anti-racist talk is not just empty chatter. Labour Party activists and trade unionists must treat Brick Lane on Sunday as an urgent priority. The Anti Nazi League's local organiser has already stated that the ANL will be mobilising every week. This initiative must be
What we are confronting is a gang of racist toughs who aim to secure thousands of votes in the East End hy demonstrating their prowes in terrorising the ethnic minority. We have to treat this as a serious test of our strength, both politically and in terms of our capacity to organise. So the slogan for the sammer in London is short and simple: OUT EVERY SUNDAY AGAINST THE
Grunwick - the end
THE GRUNWICK strikers finally admitted defeat last Friday when they called off their Industrial action as it approached its
-It was Important because of the issues Involved: first, the century-old battle for the right of workers to organise a trade union; secondly, the contemporary significance of the struggle of importance lay in the battle between conflicting strutegies par
There is no doubt that the leadership of the union involved -
as did the leadership of the TUC. If trade union leaders cannot deliver on such a basic issue as recognition, then they lose credibility in the eyes of working peOple reason the union leaders could not deliver at Grunwick was enquiries, the courts, and the 'sense of fair play" of the employer. They chose those weapons because a reliance on good sense, "Impartial" courts, and compromise through negotiutions is in she deliberately blunted and sabotaged the alternative weupons which of their polities that ther
- the weapons of mass uction involving tens of
housands of workers caring little if they were in conflict with the
Mass picketing, continued boycotts, cutting off supplies and
that is indispetable: they winsing the strike. Victory was dealed because the leadership of APEX and the TUC, urged on by a Laboer
became more frightened at the prospect of direct
Those who speak of relying on union leaders — left or right — to
goods will now need to do some explaining over
Grunwick. But it should also he suid that those who believe that
these leaders can be someliow ignored or simply vilified should
Grunwick was the rank-and-file in uction, It was the rebellion of
the runk-and-file. In the end ull the militancy, all the muss action,
was not enough to get round the sabotage of the trade union
leaders. In short, the bureuncracy is strong and cannot be wished
or insulted awas. Thes weed to he taken on politicaily.
But Grunwick did show the immense possibilities of unity in
action und for that, as for many other things, we all one the
Summer schedules
As from next week Socialist Challenge will revert to its summer
sebedule. The next five issues will consist of 12 pages, tbough the
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 Page 2
N1 were racism, writes TARIQ ALI.
All the major initiatives on
bourgeols politicians. We have From 0I
sen the growing attacks on
ack poople by racist thugs. We have heard the incitements to racial hatred from Enoch
We have SOCI Thatcher on "World in Action' sympathising with the 98 per cent of whites in this country who feel that they "rather swamped' by 2 per cent of blacks.
DRACULA
We have seen the Dracula of Southall (otherwise knowi Syd Bidweil proudly informing the modin that he not olly voted for the Select Committee
Report on Inmigration, our was actually drafting the disgusting docu ment: crucial And in response we have
observed the reassurances of
Merlyn Roes
Callahodge 10
population:
Don't be have said. "We've virtually pur
i stop to any blacks
allowed inte the country. True, chose impurtial there are a few dependants we let in, but we make life bell for
them in ose embasales abroad
and ar Heathrow. Soon they'll
stop applying.
All these promises
wards of comfort, are intended
for the overwhelming majority
of this country's popwanon
feeling, as it is, the stresses and
strains of an coonomic system
resolutionary socialists wres
THE FIRST WORD
REGULAR READERS of this paper will have noticed that over the last year a large number of our covers as well as inside coverage have been devoted to attacking
in crisis. come from the and Bsolated
Margaret Labour policians.
Jane being cynical and out to ger votes.
There by being bold.
Why
black oppression two centuries in States. responsible for dillerent
FATALISM and white alarmed, ' they cians (inchiding democrats) have being the country as a attempl apainst it. has paralysed mavement. these
| the major criminal Patrick Kodikara leads marchers off after Brick Lane sil-down on Sunday
Caplinliem is in cred. The lenders of the Labour Party and the Irades union
after solutious. that are in theintensas, not of the worker, but of the capitalist
Sociain Challengr believes that the imn seal taski confrontine
in character grouping logriber militant holding a wide range of political views
- To begin to fight for the encatiun of a unified and democratic revolutinnery
socials urginisation which can, through an application of united front tactie
begin te be seem at an sliemative be thorands of worken engaged in sarver
Such an organisation shodd he based on the understanding that: The sareggie for socialem sepks to waile the slight of the morkers against the bosses with that of wher oppressed lagen of sicily a momen back peuple gest wriggling for their liheraties. This chim ce unly he schleyril ly creating dew urgans of power and defeating wish all
ecesary means the power of the captatist stake.
Is the racist tide
regard
remarks Bat what about the harassed
back/Asiai communities in this country?
They are the scaperoils, Ebo Asian on the altars of British capital. sacrificial rams to be sacrificed policensen,
journalist recently told me that he was amared by the cowardice of
In the States we have racisE
The sald, PROVED save oqually cough anti-racist polilicians. Of course both are
But why doesn't Labour realise that and it could sew up the ethnic vore employment.
never one loosEr could be that the history of
and the resistance to it stretches hack wardens,
the United Britain it relatively recent phenomenon. les origins are situated in phase the area in development of capitalism not exist.
upper
In addition, Labour politi-
left socialIn it recently been too frightened by the extent of racist prejudice in
witole to revealed, fight A Fahian Tatalism SCIOUS racist as ever. lahour
It is certainly the case that racism seeps out of every pore of capitalist Britain. There is
the racism of the state and t problem
institutions. The police force is
in this paralysis
Te is a fact that there is a great agitation deal of sympathy for the NE in sections of the police. A wider laver are open racisis. -Their
Grunwick picket line, at Lewisham. and at Ladywood give the game away
The police chiels are aware
and STAIRS but withou. 100 much success. For, as Vorster
much more effective to get black cops to deal with black rebel
history.
There is the openly admitted
acknuwledged This has been FALSERIE
statistically proved and doct ward:
mented by the important PEI report of a few years ago
we have prisor magistrates. Judges doctors, and yes, some teachers as weil, It is certainly easier 1o a camel to pass through the cyc of a needle than to discover an
British social and political life where racism does
Exe reaches e in the
reaches British society, where the advent of
petrodollars and Aran capila
bas mean, that the flunkeys in tbe Mayfair hotels and Harrods
are extru careful. Though even here, as Sir Richard Dobson
the discuasion in
private clubs is as virulently
So the obstacle appears so be
formidable. Many well-nical-
ing social democrats opposed
so raciem get so depressed and
demoralised by the extent ofthe
that the result
usually a self-induced political
Dur socialism wilt be infinieels more ile
In the egesuf the millions of workers thronghout the morld, We ane apposed in
them aed will offer felt support in aft hose fighting for socinied democracs
In Briesia It implies demanding che immediate withdrawal of Brich troops from Ireland a letting the trish people determine their own funer
are mone favourable than aver the preceding three decades let such parlies cor unly be buis to rejecting sectarianism and seeing barrel dermiracs wot no Insury but as a vital necessity, This weans the right in orinnie factions an indencies.
In contras it has been the
propaganda, and actions of revolutionary socialists that has led to a small but perceptible change in
In this tegard the Anti Nazi 1.eague initiative has had a major impact.
The carnivals, the meetings. the agitation, the mobilisations to defend black people have, at last, hegun to turn the tide. It is srill a small beginning, but with
is possibiliti
be growing mobuisanon the back community in the East End has led to the first strike against racism in British
The decision af the Coventry busworkers to strike over police brutality and racis against a black bus driver is another Important step for
The resolutions at numerous trade union conferences against fascism and racim, SPILTEL with the decision by a number of unions to affilinte to the ANL, reflect a growing desire to fight back
OK, so we shouldn't get 100 escited. Wehave a long way 1D
go. Bus we can take some hear
from the fact that consiscent opposition to raciśm can lead to mobilisations of broader forces in the laboer movement. UNITY
The problems sLiLl
enormous and not least
within the black communities
-but they can be overcome by
action and
mobilisations Tor chere is no real material
basis for working class racism
today the
accumulated ideological pro
duct of Britain's past. Unless it
Er eradicated there will be no
socialist future painst the sialist sate, The Stalinit madris of 'emialism' se ibe LISSR and Tastern Furope hate discredited satalism
The infests of wotkers and capitalise are amonellable on a world sadalist parties are mure astessary than ever before. Condisons toda
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It's carnival time
HOME NEWS
Nazi
Northern Carnival held
Manchester on Saturday was
another spectacular success for
the writes MARTIN COLLINS. MA-TASERI IF CIRCIE.
Around 30,000 marched and
pogoed through the
strceis where only a tew days
before rain-soaked Labour Party canvassers had tried 1o
sell the sorry record Labour Covernment 1a tac
Most Side by-election.
Then Labour crawled victory: Saturday anti-tascists ran and sang to victory — marchers of all ages
and colours.
The National From could
only muster six worm troopers
parade under the The cops hauled tbeat off 1 Disgraced Moss Side
Disgraced LUNCHIE Herbert Andrew didn't show. He was probably still trying to figure out how to hang onto his job after last Friday's picket of lis school, where school kids explained 1o their mates inside how to treat lascist teachers.
The music of Exodus, Steel Pulse, China Street and the BUZZLOCKS drifted Alexandra Park as thousands trom all over the North made it clear which side they were on. The badges against racism and immigration con trols sold by Socialist Chullenge supporters underlined
But there is more to lighting Test ten wore a bauc The aim now is to turn the euphoria of the carnival into a sirony organisation against TaLism and Iseem - n the estates. workplaces, colleges and schools.
Already tenanes in the Hulme district of Manchester have backed the organisation black self-defence groups in the area. Tha: 'sone example — the Norther ANL carnival wil make it and many similar ones
MANCHESTER IN CARDIFF caster to follow League LAST SATURDAY
Cardit's first Carnival against Racism. The organisers promJONES reports.
There were the usual banners. Communist Party, Socialist Workers Party, Socialist Unity, ANL beautifally painted large ones from minerslodges, like murals of the fluttering
thousand people rallied there mainly trade students. and Агіно the contingent of
the local heid banner. 0000S and punks
There was a brass Union leading the demonstration and
by its side a 60-ycar-old West Indian dancing to its rhythm. A Neel band followed from the There was music interspersed with slogans all along the route Tron the docks Gardens through Larue numbers bystanders applauded cheered. There were no Nazis in sight.
Al Sophia Gardens there was across a rally. Neil Kinnock MP.
Davies Executive. and Taria Editor of Socialist Challenge. stressed the need for a united fightback against racism.
Kinnock and Ali also pointed out the sia decessiv to bind and extend ite ANt in every sphere of work and activity. There wat dancing reggae music, bookstalls, jumble and other amesements, General verdict: a goud cart, but bor enough kids IN WALTHAM FOREST of
COLPLE of lossand people exbected Walthan Forest Against Racialism Carnival on
Slin 22 be arE 14 Ipm in Selborne Park. tral Tube) its attractions will BELT include groups such at Black
Slate and Leyton Broadside Theatre, deshows, food and malk for ANL, AND IN with three
SOUTHALL A CARNIVAL so is being held Park on Satorday 22 July, It is J0L335S. being organised
powerful
CELEILEISE Committee which Anti-Apart- Rock Southal Fouch Mercinent, the The number of
ANL, and the Indian Workers Association band The Carnival starts at 12 ranging from respac, dances and theatre BUT NOT IN EDINBURGH to Sophia EDINBURGH ANL. iscontinuthe city ing its fight against the police
and local authorities to hold a and Scollish Carnival Against the Nazis in Edinburgh on August 5, wrile HERNEY.
Ben The fiest sechack in
NUM organisation al the carniva.
AL. came with the refusal of the Tory-controlled district council pallow the use of a large parkie The centre of Leith. an area of high immigrant population Their reason, according to a SODA SOLEND CASTE unwillingnest to see pop music and Tood alls. people to politics!
• TiLes Campaign organised in
Leading meibers
Nitional Union warkers and the leadership of the STUC lent their weight to the campaien, and the Lathian regional council, controlled by Campaign Labour wastersuader eas
the mic of theil premises in
Leith
Buzzard, block dancers,
SWP. Socialist
Tanks,
Against Rac
by
Racism are not laken away.
NOR IN
Racism, COVENTRY
entertainment
punk
groups.
The Caveniry view of the pres
League
PAULINE and DES
the city centre. the
its fel support,
Tories'
discriminațory was the labour police.
ban
DE Mine
ahead!
outpatient.
Health Act.
by the Act.
calm rebellion.
Hut the enemies of the AND. were not finished. The tune the police registered their opposi lion, as the new coute would
traffic on ronds and it Bexley would by pass a crematoniura!
It so happens the roads were had had s allow the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards to marde is Chieftain
cars and troop carriers around the city:
Onceagain ANL activitiesare geared for a campaign to make sure that our democratic rights to assemble and enjoy ourselves conducting
to drive? -THE CARNIVAL me don't need' is how the local press in Coventry beadlined its opposition to a planned anti-racist event, reports ANNA REESE from the carnival organising Tor which share in proposing that the carniva planned by the city's Anti Naz
tind the Committee against Racism and Fascism should be held six miles froe
The appasition uf the Tacies has concentrated support for the carnival Over 150 people piek cred a conned meetine, and the Labour group has promised
Lar wock i report by a community relutions council officer was banded because among other things, it accused a number of major em plasers
area of aaving a recruitment
The lin incladed Coventry cily council. Warle the right Tarts a blind exe to racism, and
don is best to counter anti-racist activities, a onc-day racist assacis on bus drivers.
And the carnival will po
*They say
I'm mad
BUDDY LARRIER conducted and then drove buses for Landon Transport for about twelve years without much incident. Last May he went sick with a cut tendon in his right hand little finger, for which he received treatment at Lewisham
One day he was leaving the hospital with his sister, who was over from Canada on a visit, when a dramatic looking row broke out between them. Someone called the police. Buddy was dragged back into the hospital. Injected and he passed out. He woke up in Bexley mental hospital.
he watchere, other than that he had been detained for 28 days under section 25 of the Mental
Buddy swears that he didn't know either of the doctors or the social worker who signed him in, although this is required
The drugs they gave him to
This nerves made him
procedure under the
days would he up hefore the appeal would be heard.
The doctors were in total control, responded to questions with anger, and only sent him
Ircalment as an outpatient
CELETECLLEL TOLS
When there he managed to persuade a doctor there to give
him fir to drive. Unknown 1o
him the letter also claimed he had had a psychiatric illness of wicertain nature и туре от religious experience'.
When the Garage Manager broke the seal and read this to lessons on English history and him it was the first tune lie had heard any reason for what had happened to him
hospital informed the LT doctor that be
psychotic experience, though admitting that tests the diagnosis remains uncer tain, Driving was out
The union's full time officer made no alleript to investipate Buddy's stars independently.
He advised Buddy 1p accep
ULTEI huck
But wouldit'l this he an admission of guilt? Moreover, I he was sane enough conduct, wasn't be sane enough
Abandoned by the bealth service he had raid his taxes tor, by the employer he had kept is business, and the union he had paid bis subs to, Buddy finally accepted retirement on modical grounds last Septem ber. He was 34 years old
He has since taken London Transport to an indastrin
Hospital as an pension benefit to which he claims he is entitled
His licence to drive a bas may aisa be withdrawn as Buddy is still out of work. The stems of
hospital Ls J301 enduring than that of prison and much more insidious
You can rob a bank and not go short on love and friendship
but could vou share vour life with someone who might just be a psycho? Could you ever really trust them?
A union. like a suit of weakest link. This is Buddy
but I didn't write it for bis sake; 1 wrote it for yours and mine
#M you understand that then you'll want to do something about it.
Buddy Larrier was a tailor in Barbados when, at a time of acule Mall shortage, LT were recruiting in the West Indies
For months Buddy attended I cucniog classes and was given
English language: be was even taught how he was supposed to hehave in public? No mention
fares was made until his final week
Fie passed a whole pattery o
and interviews They mate at sound all 1 was goi
wack in Buckingham Palace', he recalls.
During his first week as a conductor a bassenger knat ai him He went driving because of the racist abuse that built up at the tinse of Enoch Powell's first speech on immigration in 1968. He swore never to go conducting again.
"didn't just come here", say Buddy, 'I was brought here. They needed me. But aftei Iwelve years a doctor's report was chough for then to give me the push.
• This article is reprinted from the Summer 1978 Issue of The Platform, paper of the Londor Trunsport Rank File Orgunisation.
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page 3
Page 4 scan of this page
LOOKING FORV Sugarea forthe adi. On Monday here was rame a 8,000 strike against SHERIDAN, JUDE WOODWARD and COL racism in the East End
"We've got NF supporters in our school. I hate them.'
TALBOT were there. SUNDAY
Al 5,30am on Sunday morning the first paper sellers arrived in Brick Lane. They were not Nazis but comrades from the Socialist Workers Party.
As the minutes passed they were joined by more and more anti-fascists. Bengali youths, ANI. activists, Socialist Unity supporters began to swell the
Five hours later Brick Lane
vas a bo-go area for thi
lational Front. The mood wa militant. Spirits were high Months of harassment and attacks were at last being answered, Everyone was
§ UNITY
Speeches were made. They all stressed the same cheme. Unity is strength. This was only the beginning. We would be back every Sunday.
The Bengali speakers plained what been
appening in Brick Lane fo
action. They had had enough WIEUS. Words
to R: Karen, Cathy, Lisa,
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page 4
ANTI-RACIST NEWS
IT WASaglorious twodaysfor London's East End. On
no-go area for the Nazis. On Monday there was the first ever strike in this country against racism. GEOFFREY
exwords of patience, peaceand calm. They wantedno
Andthey proved that this was closed in protest at racism on
BENGALIS and white anti-racists sitting in occupation of the Front's paper sellers' pitch in Brick Lane last Sunday. The Front were forced off the streets for the day MOTOS OT what they
willory. There was no pollutiot
in Brick Lane on Sunday 16
July
Towards the
already discussing the strike
scheduled forthenestday. How
successful wouldirbe? Had they
overstretched
Would they get support fron
outside Brick lane!
MONDAY
You can feel the excitement in
the air. Brick Lane and its
environs are full of young
Bengali workers
amongst theiscives. These ane
the pioneers.
They divide the area amongst
themselves to organise pickets
One group hearsenatin street x the protest harassment.
Rosemarie: 1 was chased by the National Front last week. 1
bosfriend's and near London Fields someone shouted there was NF, so I had to climh over walls anG things to sal awas.
Some of them were wearing arm bands saying Nº. and they were shouting "black bastards' There's a few of the white boys who go around with coloured girls, so the Front were trying to get them as well
Someone said they heard a gun go off, but I wasn't sure because 1 was crying and that. Il's not sate for people to go out at right.
Calhy: The police do nothing about it, people up for anything. got my friend who's black cold him to take his hat off, He was just walking along.
They pulled his hat off and kicked him. They broke his toe and when he told them it was
meant It was a ruth in its direction
end of the
themselves
discussing
a few shops are still open. They i THE two Bengalls arrested for arguing with a tascist
THE LOUDEST applause at the midday rally in Hackney on Black Solidarity Day was for the school students - black and white — who spoke.
And the largest contingent among the 150 or so gathered in front of the town hall were a dozen women students from Clapton School.
Three 4th Formers — Rosemarie, a West Indian, and Cathy and Karen, who are white — spoke to Socialist Challenge' about the experiences that led them to join
against racist violence
broken they
to us, the poor little sod.
"Eing, tact, nigger lover pet it all the time
those niggers *She needs a good slap We go with black because ALTUSE they're. boen Enelish - think so
They
and only channe shout NE Halfway there they nicel Karen
much.
and police
said "So what, they do it black bastard. He came crying
Karen: Because we so arpend with black people we get called
we
Twasover the lide in Victoria Park and this lifeguard went
One Look at that slag there with all
people
i set happines 3t
There, tbey're
Rosemarie: Ir's all bes about black peoplecausing unemploy ment and had housing. When they offered blacks johs on the buses and that it was because whites wouldn't take them.
Some johs they don't take you for because of your colour.
The racists degrade us. Some - kids look ar newspapers and them up?
some coticades from lie other
side. No need to worry. The
shops are shut. Grins and loud
cheers all round.
The Naz Cluema bas been
turned over to the organisers of
ine day sereis - Ene muckne
and Tower Hamlets Defence
Committee
workers are assembling outside
INDIA OUETTE OUR IL
after they have
MILITANT
At the same time scores of
schoolkids begin to arrive
slogans, Demiah from Dane
Bethnal Green Road rells us:
AL SCHLENCE TENEEC
det us go. He threatened us. Bur
pur para superce us a
said we couldrake the day offte
fighteeninstrucimendine N
There are hundreds of racists
41317231 20100IC0a 1
do nothing about it. Some kids
break and chalk racist slogans.
When you complain to the
Headmaster he puts all che
Three of my
friends have left the school in
despair. Today thereare50of us
here. It's great!'
Ar Robert Montefiore there
theschoolstudents to leave. But take up what other people say They hear about Nazis and they copy it. H's just stupid.
We've goc NF supporters in school and some of them wear hadges. We get a lot from Hoston.
Cathy: We don't talk to them
Karen: I haie them. In school we talk about racist in Enghsh. Rosemarie: We talk about what people do to people and why
Calby: And abour programmmes they have on the teily
Rosemarie: Teachers gave out leaflets for today, about black and white unite and fight. Bu: we had to bide them so the deputy head wouide LInE DUL
gir! was reading the leaflet and the depury head took it away and tore it up. She suid: •Don'trend that in school. Wait until you get bome."
Kuren: Most of the teachers are far us coming out today. Some ofthem willbe on the march this cremine. its a good locate strike, to show that we've got a groupto tight against the Front That it's not just individuals.
Rosemurie: If the police aren't going to do anything about the Front, then why can't we bave a group to go round beating
they did anyway, and hundred arrived at the Nar Cinema
There were a number of whit kids as well from the Towe
decided to join the strike afte receiving leaflets from Carolin Freedman, a local IMG militant.
Naz Cinem information was provided as to the success of the strike Alo Biswas, a Bengali militant an SWP member, announced tha support was growing Even:
section aEworkersin Fond's h conseoul. Cheers, applause an slogans
Atthe beeling after lunch th cinema was pecked to capacity Ir was an amazing occasion. Th Brick Lane sovict was in sessio - Fariq All declared:
are making histor Newsb! the wilspread calith chemos in the country. Ja Ala Side, in Bradions nimagha and Wolverhampton they wi hear of what happened in BLi Lane tus day and they wil lat beast.
ORGANISE
'But we mast build or ch saccess and organise. Organi both scif-delence and in th trade amiens. Fight exploiter.
Span crowds
patheting pulside the cinem: Dave Albery, the East Lond ANL organiser, arranged imprompta march around d STICKS ULTINS support and arrived back Brick Lane at 5.30
The workers inside poured THE ARRESTS led to a ma sit-down outside the Bethn Green police station - unti
Page 5 scan of this page
ARD IN ANGER
numbers. When the march started there were 2,000 people on it.
As it was marching down Mare Street a local Hoppe nis car and spoutco *Paki bastards. Get back to where you belong? As three members wentio argue with him
Theprovocateur was allowed to
Tempers. This intolerable'. shouted Alok Biswas at the police chiefs escorting the march his is what we are protesting against today."
The obscenity of the police was answered outside Bethnal Green police station. There was a mass sit-down by a demo which was now at least 3,000 strong. We aren't moving. they shouted, "till the brothers use released.
Alok Hiswas, Tarig All, and Dave Albery discussed with the police bosses. The police refused to release the prisoners. The march sayed put.
After half an hour the Hackney march arrived (about 200 strong) led by Patrick Kodikara They joined sil-down.
The police denied that the arrested brothers were in the station. Half an hour later they released them after they had
-DEs Patrick Kodikara leading the Hackney contingent were made, it had bon a areat day. An important day.
An old Bengali said: T've waiteda long smelorthis We'll do it again if the racist violence doesn't Hop.
Above all, no one went away feeling that this was the end. Rather a beginning, which had
a be repeated. se two Bongalis were let oul ight]
the
Wall of silence
papers underplaved the event.
THE MASS mediu was true to form. The TV coveruge showed Bengalis arguing amongst themselves. The
The bulk of the loles report concentrated on Merivn Rees's discussions with the Bangladesh High Commissioner! Ibe Mirror did not mention the day's
events. Nor did the Sun and the Mail.
clanhes".
The Express had four tiny paragraphs on page 5 which described the police arrests as the eruption of 'racial
The Morning Star was the oniy daily paper to have the SEPT OR Es STOm page as the sea, eason Betwe We rest of the dailies and led on the Heathrow security
measures*.
the photographs were good.
papers and meetings and word of mouth.
It did have a centre-spread on Brick Lane, though, and
Why this wall of slence by the bourgeois media
lecause the lessons must not be spread. Blacks readin about these events, might decide to imitate them.
So the self-censorship of the Bricish media operates once again. But the message wit spread, Through our
BOGLALSY CHALLENGE Z0 wy tara page -
Page 6 scan of this page
HOME NEWS
its view
Labour Government.
GEOFFREY SHERIDAN.
The White Paper on a Phase 1 to zero. Four pay policy, presently in
form, allowance for the 35-hour week, specifying that it should only be encouraged if it does
The CBI, of course opposed to any cut in hours, and its contidential document on what would be involved neatly uncovers the meaning of the White Paper's proposals, to be published next Tuesday.
The bosses' document cludes: "If the aim of the shorter working week is creale employment, then this must lead to ibcreased labour costs unless income is shared.
The only method TOUCINE! COSES improve productivity without a compensating incicose in pay. But this would reduce the scope
The Government's scheduled for discussion with TUC and CBE lenders week, would reduce that scope Anti-racist's house attacked DAVESTEVENS, the Wolver-
anti-rucist militant who faces a possible three years in jail, had his house altacked last Sunday night.
The atrackers threw bricks through the windows of the dow astairs room where Stevens was watching the television, and also through an upstairs window. The missiles missed Dave by inches.
is in no doubt that National Froht members are responsihle. Last year his house wal daubed with NF graffiti and he has received threatening lesters.
LAYE, MIDIS LEASTET CHIC Wolverhampion Anti-Racist
demonstration
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 197B page B
Government states
135 hours
- workers
must pay'
THE CONFEDERATION of British Industry has an unfortunate habit of letting down its friends in the
The bosses have just spelt out the implications of the Government's proposals for a 35-hour week,
The Post Office engineers an who are aow taking industrial action to secure week, with no loss of pay, quite correctly this as a of detending against the introduction of new lechnology The union conferences tha have nailed their colours to a shorter working week regard this as a crucial weapon in the fight to shorten the dol SUIE
PROFITS The Government's concern, however, isthe preservation of of profits, and it has tailored its CLU proposals to meet this requirement.
Ar the CBI reducing hours while maintaining costs can only be achieved CUES this productivity. Either way, not a single now job will be created.
Members of the National Union of Journalists are still on strike at the Richmond Heraid In Surrey to demand that no jobs are lost
ANTI-RACIST NEWS
the West Midlands in March He has been charped breach of the COUMIS 01 constables, and one of assault Inspector. endine actual bodily harm. guilty he could be sent to jail for
The Anti-Racist Conmittee raking this threat scriously, It organised a picker of the conunitial proceeding: last and occasion to appeal for national defence That call must be answered.
Thugs put boot in THUGS, one of them wearing a National Front budge, attacked five people leaving a Gay Pride disco in London a fortnight ядо.
The proposal is intended to be -sop l0 bureaucracies; to make their BYES much conveying the harsh realities of writes Latiour's projected Phase Four
in the run-up to the General
Real incomes will be down again, will 35-hour predicted to be half the present
10 percent, and a continuation
vital of tbe 12-month rule.
Not that the Government is
jobs deigning
NOTS DEECHIES As with Phase Three, it aims 1o Lay down is own limits for
also the public sector and threaten
Tinancial penalties if they meet union demands that exceed this level.
Callaghan's
Tamiliar down inflation, so smile all the
Thatcher will
Never mind that the cause of
indicates, system tiar regulates produc
that forcing higher class living standards is the best
way of slicing Labour's vote. Restoring those living stanGlenn Sutherland, a Socialist
with Challenge
three member of Wandsworth Anti police Nazi League, ended up with a
broker foot and bruised ribs, Another comrade got a boot in I found the balls.
Six or seven white youths in leather jnckets were waiting in
very the tube starion.
Pancras Town Hall where the disco was held. used the comrades
youths said: campaigo. bastards, let's set them."
The conrades beat them off, but in a second atrack they got Glento the ground and put the
Bengali call LEICESTER Bengali Youth League has taken an Important
Last Tuesday's march in London when 30,000 PO engineers stopped work
union
sectors prevents
their action.
pay BotT
of living
negotiate over ACTION
employers with
unionists over packaging over into enought he's holding
pawnbrokers or make in even Association lobby of the
demand
down working
paT. with the conversion of the paper Into a free advertising sheet. They are shown here picketing delivery vane last Friday night.
supporter and of Bengali PAUL CURTIS reports.
cultural anti-racist LICOCTOI
outside on the organisation,
approached the
*Here are the
They. relied
shango (youth
dards means opposing all forms of wage control, not least the 12-month rule, which in many
workers in different jobs and even grades linking their claims and hence
There is one sure way of keeping pace with risine prices, and that is adding to claims the demand that any rise in the cost
index should automatically bring an increase Dt the same percentage in pay.
The fact that the Govern ment feels forced to bow in the direction of the 35-hour wock 1s a sign that the anger of trade
level o unemployment could well spill
concerted action.
That is why support for the Post Office enginicers i vital.
The Civil and Public Services
has called for a Union
Phase Four* Supper for that lobby
July needs to be built now, coupled with demands for the right to work — particulacly that for a 35-bour wock with no loss of
headquarters Office Last
disreption.
Government
Initlative In calling for the itself, which formation of a national council
organisations.
The call was made at
event in Sunday 2 July where, in addition to cultural events, there was also a debate
future of Bengali
The ciders of the Bengali community and representatives
Equality called for moderation.
COn 'cleansing'
existing organisations rather than attempting to build an 1971 autonomous youth movement.
The Leister Bengali Jubo- - his mother who was seriously ill
organisation) pointed to the lack of cohesion within the Bengali community
FOR SOCIAL AND
E TECHNOLOGICAL PROGREE
PO Engineers insist
Shorter
hours
mean
more jobs
THIRTY THOUSAND Post Office engineers in London stopped work in support of their demand for a 35-hour week on 11
reporis CHRIS MULLINS of Horsham
With the saion's overtime han now entering its third wee the membershop remains united behind the clam
Die 3,000 0k part in a demonstration held dising the one-day stoppace and marched past Congress House and the
Vol Thre Post of -tho overtime ban to a work-to-rule Is now on the agen the
DISRUPTION
week work-to-rule pamphlets were distributed li POFU branche - and there is no doubt that even the present
Sales, repairs and installa lions are ale sultering severe
The attitude of the Labour
towards the principle of the 35-hour week
Weakened against racist attacks, Withoul our own utily there will be no anily of back and white.'
"Prisoner of Race"
SAEED RAHMANis one ofeight prisoners of race' currently facing deportation in Leeds jail.
La polica. from Pakistan. He went back to Pakistan in 1969, but returned to Clis country as a student in
Apart fromeo short visits to Pakistan sincethen — one to ser
with tuberculosis — he has been in Britain ever since.
Rahman applied for UK
will be tesred next woek wlien Lord McCarthy is due to repor! his findings on the POEU claim
Industry Minister Eric Varley
COSE BILL LISA HAEL Toward a 35-bour wock should be encouraped.
MEMBERS
What McCarthy says or the POEU claim and how Varley repets to MeCarthy will be one indication what these
warking week mean in practice.
Ir is the membership of the POEU rather Lian the union's national executive who have led
curreat industrial action BONE MES UP HCB DO on the look-out for
Why McCarby and Varley.
The need now is to ensure that if the 35 hour week granted it is not accompanied hy any productivity deal c wage cut
The aim of the industrial action is to create jobs - Dot increase the workload or cut the living standard of those who I have them.
it citizenship in 1973, He had to wait for four years until he was granted an intervies: A second interview was arranged for 14 June this year.
He arrived at Hull for the intervice with Home Office officials and war innediately arrested and charged with being an illegal immigiant. Ralunan has been in jail ever since and is now facing deportation
Rahman, who owes a bouse in Bradford, is a textile worker, in active trade unionist, and a
social warker
Saced Rahman hasbeen in the EK fornine of the past 11 sears,
racist immigratices laws, he muss go.
Saced Kabman is the first sabject of the Prisoners of Race columa. If uny render cun supply details of other prisoners o race, sease send saem le Socialist Challenge.
Page 7 scan of this page
EUROCOMMUNISM -A DISCUSSION
OPEN FORUM
Eric Heffer
whether Prior is right or wrong.
The Communist
at 10.30pm 011
newspaper.
The CP leadership agreed that Granada could film any inner-party discussion precoding the last
The EurocommueisE 00 doubt helped to implement this decision by going out of their way to ensure that the TV PELSIESE SABL BROH COHEELions.
The technique ot the producer is to avoid virtually any commentary at all. The different strands of the CP speak for themseives. What emerges is the contradictions of a perty undergoing different pressures.
The link with the graphically demonstrated arrival of top-ranking Politburo member for the Congress: a
which compeis the DESCA Icadership 10 references to the Soviet Union from a previously agreed statement.
This leads to a clash with the Eurocommunists, headed hy Martin Jacques, In the end the undemocratic struchures ensure thai the Turocommunisis
There has been a growing discussion on the left as a whole about the meaning and limits of "Eurocommunism'. New Left Books have now published an important contribution to this debate: :From Stalinism to Eurocommunism', by Ernest Mandel (NL.B, E2.95). "Sociulist Challenge' asked for comments on the issues raised in the book from representatives of four different currents on the left — Eric Heffer,
Star wars in the CPGB
IN LAST week's "Socialist Challenge', Mike Prior argued that there was no real democracy in the Communist Party, For the next three Tuesdays, the rest of the left will be able to decide
Party is programmes by Granada TV, the first of which goes out on ITV
25 July. The result is programmes should be compulsory viewing for all readers of this
butwilted.
party
The stars of the show are cameras were doubt Bert Hrennan Both experienced
out against their respective nenis.
USSR is by the CPSU worth remembering.
party critical
CP! Socialist who are spear- watching the programme
are
examined in three lengthy
Tascinating. The
Tasks Hiene Brconso mr-a memorable aside, tall this discassion HIE HC-EULUHCINESTAEHLE than curs in social expenditare?
without Ramelsor and - Irene obviously in the art of manipulation; both are irritated by persistent opposition, hut both win
DPPD
It will be casy for members of the Tar left to satirk while all this is going on, but we have our frene Bretans atid Bert-Ramcisons as well, a fact
More to the point, our versions wauld probably have been opposed to the filming in the first place, as Sid French and his supporters were in the
CHAIEDye TECILE would be welt advisce to re-cesd Mike tor's article before chey sit and watch sonse
would brush it aside without consideration. the boviet Union.
It has, therefore, both negative and
rositive sides: a point stressed b
Mandel: On the one hand it contain
solicies of accommodation to th
UCNC MIRO CaR OC H Pad not worse, than right-wing social democracy.
On the other hand it hesita ingly, bul positively, develops a critique ol Soviet society which Call strengthen the fight for socialism antonest the workets in the advanced capitalist countries in particular.
The reality is that when the Ocrober 1917 Rusian Revolution took place
W.43 universally supported socialist workers fiacluding British Labour Parly workerst throughout the cotire world.
IMPOSSIBLE
Slowly, and often reluctantly fa reluctance still prevalent among sonte militant workers), that the revolution had deteriorated and that it
enuline socialist society that they had
oped for. Mandei argues that this is because socialem in onc country in imposible anyway, a view 1 totally Irene Brennan in action in th
butions are printed below.
A new phenomenon
MANDEL/'S BOOK is of great importance. One does not have to accept his analysis totally, and only the ungracious and dishonest
Eurocommunism is an entirely new phenomenon. Whilst its origins can be traced to the Popular Front days of the 1930s, it is fundamentally different from the Popular Front because it has an entirely new element in it, f.e. the element of criticism and the distancing of Communist parties from the Communist Party of
NEETSIVE TeNTEIRE Union has undoubtedly acted as a DAC TU SORESEL UL LE SASELT Western capitalist countrics.
FREEDOM
Workers who have formed their pan trade unions, who have created only their own political parties, who have fought for and
Irecdon to speak, to organise, to 10
despite their suppoil lor lhe Russian revDiution reacted badly burcaucratic regime in rhe Communist-controlled countries undoubtedly had its cifect on the postion af the Communiss parties:
The move away surpart for the Soviel adherence to the Coconnoms pates i anae redly a concession (correct in my view) to the mass of the European working clustere t sould differ from Mandel is paruly in his analysis, bur also in bis conclusion, that Eurocommunism is but Station. e conterence arrangements committer
Labour MP and a member of the Labour Party NEC; Bob Rowthorn, a member of the Economic Commitlee of the Communist Party of Great Britain; Alex Callinicos, a member of the Socialist Workers Party and editor of "Socialist Review'; and Tarig Ali, member of the Political Committee of the International Marxist Group and editor of this newspaper, Their contri-
International',
of Trotsky.
Having
the releteisce
courageous
obiained their
participate in
initial aympathy and
the one-party
NCHOE CA Tenin
from tincritical savs that UniN ang CPSU hy the CELTAUSN For
the bietarorsbi
Camminee European Communist
conununists there is no other road than Leninism, the road of the Fourth
Lel me at once say thal. albouch | have never been a Trotskyist, I have a great deal of sympathy with the views
LEIL read Leopold Trepper's book The Great Game, and
Trepper Trocskvists io Russia during the Stalinist purges in che Thirlies (a reference quoted by Mandel), it is clear that from within the Communist Party the Trorskyists were the most
and clear in tbeit opposition to Statinism
Ernest Mandel says little or nothing ol tc opposooo o saossp nob-CP groups, Yer that opposition
•LACY ACTE HEROY means, all defenders of capitalism That is why 1 think it is too simple to brush aside the argument that the seeds of Stalinism were not set in the ECTUST CUDCEDE
For example, Mandel, In arguing against the French C.Per Elleinstein, who he believes is drifting lowarus the
ROINILIOM DE TErOLn and The Bolsheviks MarInar Dpore Bor SaUDISIE
Stalinism i aot the TRUDEL CESOLE OLEIHUS
"No, a thousand times no", lie savi,
dictatorship, Stalin had to destroy the PaY OE CeE Psa sourte is true, but although it in true it does not invalidate the argument That Cie soods ol Stalinisa were there, heçause of the democratic centralist organisation of the parly
I was none other than Trotsky, ir his polemics witb Lenin at the tune of
creation of the Russian Social-Democratic Party. splits berween the Bolsheviks and MC CUIS AnG CCIR DOnidE BIE the dangers inferent in that type of SSSH OTELHOH
Rosa Luxemburg also, particular in ber pamphlet 1L01505S Revolution. made it very cloar that th Bolsheviks were driftine towards the
,not of the proletariat
sur fiest of the party, and then of th Central Committee, and then of the strong men wichin the Ceatra
Socialist democracy means not just
he ti tre Tauril tep
national, but it actually demands genuine control by Lie rank-and-file who alfect the decisions ot the party by actions from below, as much a those policies conting down trom the
parties Despile the movement away from accepra noe of Soviet leadership despiie che criticisms of the Enst
regines despite the protest anout Lissdenl •CLL..LE internal structure of the Communst perties remains basically the sam
T'he leadership, through centralisc control, determines policy.
However, there are hoperu signs that this may bebeginning to break up as the present discussion in the French
Parly, following the defeal of the leli in the French elections. las shown.
Eveniso, the debales in the maio are conducted outside the party press, and the party leadership tends to
Continued over
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 pace ]
Page 8 scan of this page
EUROCOMMUNISM -A
OPEN FORUM
pretend that the discussion is not taking place.
Ernest Mandel is absolutely right in
both a positive and a negative side to
as he does, that doctrine at Eurocommunism E doctrine of demobilisation and defeat of the European proletariat on the eve explosions hat are now Toninionary must be vigorously fought if the brcakthrouch of the socialist revolution in West Europe is to be assured."
tical poplins to some of th
olitical positior Commune tar in paracuar are well to the right of the British Labour Party, the develooment of Burn. communism creates enormous possi bilities for the European working
The splits which developed as the result of the First World War and the rise of the Third International can now be overcome. It does, of course, require the rejection on the part of the Socialist social-democratic
Jemocratic views
It also means that the Communist parties, by becoming independent of the Soviet Union, merge with the Socialist parties; and Marxism, based on 105 democratic and revolutionary aspects, can again become the accepted philosophy of the labour and socialist BROY COC
therefore see things rather differently to Mandel, Obviously this
to my nos-Fourth position, and despite the
reaknesses, etc., the very positive possibilities that Eurocommunium creates.
I welcome this discussion, and 1 regret that space prevents me from developing my ideas at length, but whether Eurocommunism approved or not, serious socialists cannot ignore it.
Camillo and 'La Pasionaria" (Sell] at Spanish CP congress
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page B
picture.
which deserves to be taken seriously.
LACk 01 Space prevents me from considering the many questions raised by Mandel and I shall confine myself to some brief comments on two subjects: democracy and eradualismo
Mandel gives an extensive and fair description of how Eurocommunist views on democracy have developed. But his explanation of why these changes have occurred is crude beyond
уду ша водіння Stalinism had objective rools in Soviet Soviet bureaucracy so bitterly? Why have the Eurocommunist parties laid increasing stress on democracy and pluralism?
PAINFUL
According to Mandel, this growing criticium of the Soviet bureaucracy is a European working class.to anti-t sureaucratic components of the hyen of worken Or, In lain English, consciousness of the combative Stalinism is no longer popular, so in their normal cynical way Communist
I find it incredible that a person of Mandel's intelligence can really believe
Getting the question right
*FROM STALINISM to Eurocommunism' is an impressive attempt to locate "Eurocommunism' in the grand sweep of modern history, and to analyse its theoretical and practical significance. It contains many profound insights into the dynamics of class struggle and some telling criticisms of Western Communist parties.
Unfortunately, it suffers from several major defects. It is, as the cover notes say, 'written in the nolemical tradition of Trotsky' and, like all polemical writing, it aims to destroy an opponent, in this case Eurocommunism, rather than provide an accurate or balanced
And running through it there is a utopian thread which prevents Mandel from coming to grips with some of the most difficult problems facing our movement. Even so, this is an important book
and painfal
entirely considerations, and that,
that
every level in Western
they crificise the Soviet
Wes the
not a cynical electoral manoeuvre.
gradualism. power?
workers state?
principles of revolutionary Marxism -
apparats. this. He argues that Eurocommunism, despile the avowedly reformist strategy which it involves, GOVEDDIE
countries and democratic characier of the trans too
components of the average consciouswarkers."
DEMOCRACY
Europe have succeed in challenging the Communist parties hold over workers.
democracy than either the bureaucratic
parhamentary West SO Tar so good
cratic rights (froodom assembly democratic Institutions (c.p. parlia ment, ere.)
this. He completely ignores the long
self-criticism which is taking nace as Communists come do terms with their own heritage of ideas
He implies that their leaders an the upper hand
electoral should the occasion arise, they would be quite happy to return to their old position of slavish support for everything Soviet.
This is not only insulting; it is also
*Di course, there are opportunists at
sireneth aller another Communist parties, but they are not the moving HEAD-ON force behind the new line. It is crysta clear that Carrillo, Berlinguer, and the others really mean what they say when
Union and stress the importance of democracy.
And they are only the tip of the iceberg. At every level in Communist parties working class is the
there is intense debate on the cuestion of democracy. What we are witnessing Is an historic shift in consciousness and
revolutionary party rade it now conster becomin
Eurocommanist
socialism as a long drawn-out affair in which the working class gradually gets
Right - wing policies
THE MAIN issue raised by the development of Eurocommunism is that of the nature of the transition to socialism. Can the capitalist state be gradually transformed into an instrument of working class
Are the institutions and mechanisms of bourgeois democracy [parliament, universal suffrage, the independence of the judiciary] an essential bulwark against the development of Stalinism within a
Ernest Mandel addresses himself to these questions. Much of what he says is simply the reiteration of the classical that socinlist revolution requires the destruction of the bourgeois state Eurocommunists
limication
However, Mandel goes further than
15 a posilive AMBIGUOUS
The Western European Communist
'socialise in stressing the to socialism in their own countries, are
anti-hereaucratic name of "democrac
ness of the combutive lagers of the
First of question of
In other words, workers in Western calmly discuss
decisively Staliniam. I revolutionaries are to
socialist democracy. bave to sbow that the revolutionary However,
greater
CRIST democracies the that the workers
Mandel distinguishes between denio- councils,
and bourgeois between the prolecariat
CREDENTIAL
Bob Rowthorn
Naturally, this is not a smooth process and is accompanied by periods of conflict and great tension, but there a no precise moment in waica Lie bourgeoisie is actually overthrown. Kather, the enemy is slowly beaten back and dislodged from one position of
Mandel thinks this is all very defeatist. In his view the left should mobilise its foroes and build up to a head on collision with the bourgeoisie.
In Westerti countries, he argues, the
overwhelmin! majority of the population and could disintegrate and progressively paralyse the military repressive apparatus and
'under the leadership of a
This raises two questions. Is b correct in describing the overwhelming And, if he is correct, does it follow that they can be united through a policy of
He argues that socialist democracy based upon workers councils would involve the extension of the former, while bourgeois parliamentary demo cracy of the sort espoused by the
rests because it involves the exclusion of the masses from active participation in political life.
Now, as it stands, this distinction B absolutely valid. It is an important DULLESS BUSE CALUE not Spanish and italian CPs are supporting
'anti-terrorist laws" in the
However, Mandel is either ambigu bus or silent on two crucial questions.
all, he leaves open the 1975 whether parliamentary institutions are compatible with the existence of a workers state: "We can
whether or not aD assembly clected by universal sulfrage is necessary, alongside a congress of workers councils, in the framework of a
the experience of the TULAR DUESS IS UNILED! countries — Russia 1917-18, Germany the 1918-19, Portugal 1974-75
ob-existence of organs workers eiz.) and purliamentary institutions represents only a tempor ary and extremely fragile compromise
bourgeoisie and the
head-on collision?
Contracy to what Mandel says, same Communist parties. like the British, agree with his definition of a worker a anyone compelled to sell their labour power, and thus accept his view that WOTACT overwhelming majority. But this does not solve the
DIVISIONS
There are deep divisions within what Mandel calls the working class, and a policy of direct confrontation, such as he advocates, may well exacer bate these divisions. Moreover, the millions of vote receiveo Dy Conservative and Centre parties throughout Europe
support for the bourgeoisie from white collar workers
Mandel chides Amendola for saying that the majoricy of the Malian people are not convinced tbat the transition to earth does he think the enormous voles Last for the Christian moman thr Tascist MST, and other right-wing parties signity?
And does he really believe their support would just fade away if the left provoked a bead-on collision with the bourgeoisie? Does be not recognise the stil immense power of reactionary forces in Italy, France, and other European countries?
The trouble is that Mandel never takes the right seriously and seems considerable reserves of active and BULLET support. confrontation leads inevitably contic and sonomic distocation
In such a situation there is no guarantee that the left will win new supporters. On the contrary, waverers
sympathisers, including trade unionists, may swing over to the right in response to what they see as the disruptive tactics of the lett.
And, even if the left does win new HOMICICIT process confrontation, the right will not stand idly by as its own support ebbs away. It
socialist
REVIEW
Alex Callinicos
In each af those cases, reaction did
operate openly because of the revolutionary mohilisation of masses, but concealed itself behind the parties and institutions of bourgeois democracy
In Germany in 1919 and Portugal in
it was social-democratic nonucins achne in the parliament and universal suffrage who provided the ideological and political focus for the counter-revolution.
The only way open to revolutionaries in such a situation is the long, patient process described by Rosa Luxemburg in her speech to the first congross of the German Communist Party in 1918, o proving to the masses in practice that
solution to both their material probiems and political aspirations Bes through taking power, which inevitably
the institutions of the capitalist stase, Jocturns paradoct
Mandel's response, by contrast, is a dADOCTOU CODCCSSIOO LO COL ICEE WINS of Eurocommunism - those like
Page 9 scan of this page
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Page 10 scan of this page
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Page 11 scan of this page
HOME NEWS
Bilston
steel closure
threat
Plan
jobs
conference issued a national threatened closure.
The management letter
The Bilton works, located
wovcrnamploom Ine
locally nationally
DISASTER
Locally, the closure would be disastrous. The Bilson Works
that anemployment in Wolver-
heavily products, would be pushed well into double figures - at least 12% per cent.
Alter 15 company closures in rocent years, with the direct loss of 7,000 jobs, and at least 5,000 others lost through curbacks, there is now growing determinationto take a stand and fight.
The Trades Council, ingether with the Works Action
of'action on 11 September, with a work stoppage from bam 1o 2pm, to begin a fight back against the closure of Buston Steel and the spiral of closures
arca
Bilston i We portant nation. ally particularly because it is the first of the plants threatened by the British Steel Corporation which was not earmarked for closure in the 1975 Beswick Report. Tis closure would be a precedent for many odiers, so it is vital to build national campaign around the struggle of Belston workers.
PROBLEMS
Their struggle raises problems which socialists soust not only give answers to. but also Icarn from in order to develop our programme and erisure that it can provide a practical guide TO ALER
Consaltation and partici-
redundancies
long-standing strategy, and the
LOUDE willing partner in the leadership of the Iron and Steel Trades Confoderation.
Neither the ISTC nor the TUC did anything whatsoever in support of Bilatoo until the issue was forced into the open
needed
to save
BILSTON STEEL leapt into the headlines at the end of June when the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation
strike
which provoked unaccustomed militancy has now been withdrawn, but the steel bosses have not changed their plans to close the plant. BRUCE YOUNG, an executive member of Wolverhampton Trades Council, argues that a long and difficult struggle lies ahead of both local and national importance. He writes in a personal capacity.
at the ISTC and then Confederation Icadership strongly objected to was that the closure was being proposed without proper consultation!
In fact, Bill Sin, the general and secrelary of ISTC, informed of the Bilston closure
At the Piancial Times (BSC) clearly feels that Mr Sirs respond to its invitation to talk steel somewhat disingenuous calling down a storm a month aher the proposals were pur before him.
TARGET
It is hardly astounding that the ISTC was singled out in a recently: leaked Tory document as a particularly soft target in any confrontation. No doubt Eric Varley, mind with his present offer of Corporation's main board. that trade unions should light the interests of their members, instead 01 as a trade-bit for concessions which contradict
The Steel Corporation was proposing to close Bilston hy
the
EMPLOYEES PROFIT
in tonnes
26 STEEL PRODUCTION
24
22
over its 20
this 18
1969
conference last next March, what the Icadership
committed itself to oppose this The problem for the TUC Steel Committee is that it doe not have a clear policy on slee because bas had been whatsoever for the future of the
industry:
NATIONAL
July:
This being 80. produce such a plan even agreement is made with BSC discussed and agreed upon by the workforce.
More generally, what socialsk have to inseparable points.
First, that the struggle which the Biston workers Tace shows absolute
Party intervention at national level, in
the ISTC and TUC that it is utopian to rely on the Secretary union bureaucracies to produce
the proposals that are needed if they are left 10 the BUSINES What is needed
achieve rank-and-hile bilates Interventions at national level.
The Buston struggle raises a series of questions
are (mis)managod and the issue nE workers control
BRITISH STEEL CORPORATION
£50m
E3m l
1970/71 1971/72 1972/73 1973/74 1974/75 1975/76
For instance. has in no way
private sector plan
a central chern,
The ISTC in the SiT Charles
produced, and
B very important.
CONTROL
need for
private
Secondly
workers control.
their oWn
-no matter
to combine
with
abour the event of closure.
enterprises
perfect economic skulünggery, the whole purpose
artilicially into the red. ECONOMY
steel. which
for the whole economy, It B the
Bilston.
thousands - 260
- 240
- 220
-200
180 E95m E255m
E443m
1976/77 1977/78
on Suburdas From some
CEnE Action North CLP. DUVEEN Committee's research indicates that if Histon closer most Fine orders will he transferred not to irself
Nationalisation in srool, e elsewhere, has from the start been subordinated to private
broug! private industry, brought the Idcas of private industry with
conference's demand for the resignation of
Villiers, chair-
West Midlands supremo Pennington
It should be taken up within the broader framework of a demand for the nationalisation Workers
-steel and the meeting re-organisation of BSC under
Thornelt
Bilston's fate illustrates the
Cowley plant. irrationality and inefficiency of the present management patlern, even in canilalist terms.
The Action Committee has calculated, for example, that musing the E13m investment it is calling sleware
consultation than the expenses the govern-
And the closure of the blast written by furnace Elizabeth, which took place at the end of last year, is n Secretary
illustration of Since tive Group. this mandeuvre was to push Bilson
The Bilson issue makes in Clear that the problem can be solved caly at national level, alternative national pran lar requires
given the Tor specific natore of the product
implies an alternative plan
Transnarl overall logic of capitalism which forces BSC to
was the kind of "local' irrational. ities which mark its policies in
busworkers
The field is open to socialists to produce their own alterna.
audience andig sed attir Transpore was neal
audience among steel workers
Workers
Socialist conference
for Labour victory
LABOUR VETOR Ted Knight addressing Saturday's meeling THE FIRST conference of the | those outside the party; and lc
USE Tubour Victory was attended
by 200 people constituencs Labour Parties, reports JON
Irom Hackney
The conference committed
to a programme which inchides the repeni of the '68 and *71 Immigration Acts, for black self-defence, troops ou of Ireland, and support for the National Abortion Campaigi trade union conference.
BIL IDDI
Socialist Challeneo supporter called for the need co organise the
want to see the return of a Labour goverament, including
Bosses understanding
with union on Thornett
THE REGIONAL. Committee of the Transport and General
TOLER to consider the so-called charges against Allam
Fund eight other chewurts al Balist Levand's
But new evidence has clearly established that the campaigo
Thornett as a senior conducted with the leadership of the TOWU
The information is containec in a letter dated 7 April 1978
Leyland management to G Hawley, National
the TGWU/ Vehicle Building and Automo
Bus driver sacked for
Gay badge
LANCASHIRE hus driver Mary Winter has been sucked
wearing *Lesbian terey and Pendie Joint
Burley and
superintendent David Greenwood told her to
because 1 of 'causing offence passengers'. But Mary relused uniess otber badges worn by
-reading 'Give me a French Kiss' — were 3x0 removed. On i June she
Union branch and
La way building local caru paigns issues such as the cuis and anti-racism.
It also demanded accountabilty of Labour candidates through re-scloction and regular local motiogs
A recall conference of the campaign is to be held after the General Election. Details of SCLV, c/D 182 Upper Street, London NI.
Fished lest week, we secretary of
Haggerston Ward af CRIBEI constituency -Socretary as SWEET
In this letter the company's director of personnel and administration writes:
*It was our clear understand ing, as 1 recorded in my letter co Moss Evans dated 5 June 1974 concerning A. Thorner, that the TOWU was no longer questioning that Mr Thornett would not under any circumstances be granted facilitics co act as a sebior steward, deputy senior steward or in any similar capacity at Cowicy Assemol Plant.
This letter proves beyond any doubt that as early as 1974 thi leadership of the TGWU was attempting with management to deny Cowley worker the right
determine their representatives. shop officials have refused to back their victimised member Acording to Mary her shop sreward argued that lesbian" 1 'an obscene word.
But Mary has been backed by the local women's movement and on B July a 40-strong picket
Burnley bus station was
Mary's supporters are appealing for ail the heip the can ger. They can be contacter Cro Mars Winter, 23 Masor Street, Colne, Lanes. As Mary says, '1 am being discriminated against because sexuality',
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page 11
Page 12 scan of this page
For that reason alone it is important that Western socialists defend these so anxious to defend. Watching the bureaucrats break their own laws
THE Moscow Monitoring
after the Soviet party leader-
SAID NO DODEBE ETE
the Helsinki Accords, signed by
Albania] and the USA and
Helsinki
Conference European
and Co-oberation in
1975. OLIVER MaDONALD
These Accords included a
freedon of Information,
from arbitrary arrest, freedom o Ten Capico cie
Many socialists in the West regard LICI COLEST
'intellectuals" with 'intellectuals
problems*.
But the Helsinki activists could better be dependicat
ex-political
prisoners, long since cut off
From the mainstream of the
Soviet intelligentsia, which has gone into political hibernation
after the heavy, repression of the late 1960s and carly 1970s.
PRISONERS
The constituency of support for the monitoring groups came largely from outside
prisoners in the camps, from
the overwhehmingly class religious minorities, and from such ethaic minori the Crimcan Tartars.
The monitoring received support from quarters because the
Helsinki Accords.
Many people felt that the Soviet THE CAMPAIGN for - rehabilitation of Babhevik leader Nikolai Bukhurin B winning worldwide support.
As we reported last week.
Yuri Larin. has written an open letter to the general secretary of the halian Communist Party, Enrico
enlist backing.
This followed a definitive refusal to rehabditate Bukharin from the Central Control Commission of the Sovie Communist Party, LEADER
Bukharin was a leader of the Russian Revolution and one of the central theoreticians of tbe Bolshevik.
Party. He was esecuted Stalin in 1938 after the trial of the "Right-Trotskyist Bloc',
Eike many of the Moscon Trial defendants Bukharin
charges against him. SEt. widely believed at the time that chis was in exchange for the life of his wife, A.M. Larina, and their baby son.
and ber son have
pent the best part of OCEANCA campaigning Bukharin's rebabilitation and restoration to party member-
SOCIALIST CHA
INTERNATIONAL
LAST week's sentences on Soviet oppositionists accused of espionage were predictable — but no less scandalous for that. It is a strange sort of socialism which hasto use the courts to silence dissenting voices, particularly when allthose voices are demanding is that the 'socialist' state Implement its own international agreements.
[except ALEXANDER GINZBURG open to pressure because of their signature of the agree ments.
The general appeas to abstrgct moral principles bisted by the intellectual dissidents in earlier phases of the civil rights movement must have lacked credibility among the masses.
But an international treaty signed by (the carried a lot more weight in their eyes.
Socialists in the West should not deride attempts to struggle for the implementation of legal agreements.
adopted by Charter
of severe repression possible mechanism for open legal struggle must be used.
PRESSURE such Soviet Where the Moscow Helsinki Monitoring Group
method of struggle.
A victim of the Moscow trials
40 years on
the his by
was
tWO for
20 July 1978 page 12
While Charter 77 has sought to mobilise mass support inside
petition campaign against the
powers to put pressure on the Soviet government trom out
It has thus told its supporters in the USSR that they should trust not in the rown capacities to struggle collectively for the implementation of the Helsinki Accords, but in the capacity of Washingion to do the iob for
The group's
collecting travelling USSR, and then sending it to Western embassies in Moscow:
Such an whut the Ds differed wanted. Ir enabled President Latter to nresent himselt as the hera of
ANATOLI SHCHARANSKY
LIC SOC through appeals
CHESTE attempt to international imperialist
Bahro
work
Information throughout the
THE sentence -approach was Just
WAS
around the case the human rights
oppositionists.
The Daily National Freedom Jimmy
The is a Marxist.
quite the reverse.
Cours
thar he
time
farher said "den't
want my
oppositionists regardless of their political views.
ега.
The
jailing
to Link up
But
other facts
Medveder Turchin
mosement in the USSR and to intervene
Monitoring Group's an ideological weapon in US imperialism's and
refurbish its Shcharansky the post-Victnam, post-Warergate | Pyotr Grigorenko appealed to!
never saw
- elght years CABLET Ginzburg's. The only differ- Association. ence was the lack of ballyhoo Detence
oF Rudell
sentenced For spying in a case as
SOCORICS
Telegraph, the USE Association for oppositionists Carter none of these are interested in paradoxically taking up Bahro's case because
That is, unlike many of the challenge Soviet dissidents, he does noc bureancrucies. want to see the restoration of capitalism in Eastern Europe
For the same reason these right-wing defenders of freeshin his letter to Berlinguer,
SURESHI Latin explains the importance of this campaign: "In a country
where the greater part of thi
population have been brough
p on the mendacioas Shor he appealed
there are many who son consider my valet as 2 crimes" traitor and hireling of Hitler althouch in reality the truth s
was an burstanding fighter against fascism and in his last years he devoted all his Central enereis to the exposure or Party: fascism and to warnings against the growing fascist threat.
Plenum
February/March 1937 (from which he never returned) ins
to my mother become embittered: there are sad errors in history. I
Belshevi san to grow up as a
Russell
'He looked on the events which had occurred as tragic SOLIDU. hur transient; be believed in the
On this page we look at what exactly those views are; we report on a campaign to rehabilitate one of the victims of a former Moscow trial, 40 years ago; and we examine the case of the Fast European oppositionist whom the Western press is not
This approuch will not open up the kind of mass movements
bureaucracy that are necessary in the struggie for democratic and working class rights
штенистасу has had Jitle domestic difficulty in
Shcharansky STIL Ginzburg as people who sought
with Imperialism: against the Soviet Union
those wishing understand the Helsinki activits should not forget some
At the end of 1976 Roy
appealed the Western socialist movement tr
with the Soviet
The appeal fell on deal cars
people like Orlov, and Ginzbure were arrested. In spring 19T.
The man they
dom' will not Hft a finger to ! defend the Soviet Trade Undon
trade rights, defenee of the freedom ASSELS GES HEETUL ring true for the cold
Imperialism is happy enough
TELE for 1145 own But, there mainstream Western politician prepared to risk a real political
That is why we must uncover their prelension to stand for defence of democratic rights in Eastern Europe.
And that can only be done if
ultimate victery of the forces of
Not long befere his death Nikolai Ivanovich wrote a letter *to the future generation of leaders of the Party" in which
Other "Lo unravel the monstrous tangle of
My mother learnt the test of this letter by heart in the darl days and after her rehabilita tion she passed it on to the
Commitlec of the
The letter ended with the words: "Know, comrades, that on the banner which you will carry in your victorious march towards communison there is a drop of my blood?
Labour movement figures and academies Douchout the world have sigued the Bertrand
PEace Foundation's appeal for Bukharin's rehabili-
They include Louls Althusser
the Western Communist parties for support. The only paper to publish the appeal was Socialist
At the instigation of the
Helsinki Group 85 intellectuals 1n Moscow
TO THE wprkers in France for help, The
apperatis in Renaul blocked
Marxists in the plants to raise
Ukrainian: buban rights activists SO OLESLU Canadian Commutist Party. No response came.
And meanwhile the siren voices of Radio Liberty and the Voice of America droned on.
Little wonder that people like Shcharansky, Grigorenko and Ginzhurg should have become disorientod and have turued away from the forces struceling
better future for humanity. we pluce no politicul precondiHON TOOLICE DESIRE TREES
Nevertheless, defence of
moment, if only hecause me are LIC BE CHEE HEL
Copies of the Open Leller W Fast Germun party boss Erich Honecker, demanding Hahro's release, are still available tron Bahro Defence c/o Socialist Chullenge. PO Box 50. London NI 2XP
Protests should also be sent to: Enabassy of the German Democrutic Republic, 34 Belgrave Square London SWIX BOB; with copies fo: Halro Defence Committee, ero
Minneru Folkestone
Coad. Copior, Portsmout HaBEs
from the French Communist Party and Paolo Spriano from the italian. It wis Spriano who,
rocent newspaper
rehahilication of Trotsky.
signatories inchude Czechoslovak dissidents Eulari Goldshicker and fir Pelikan, Simone de Beauvoir,
Papandreou, the leader of thi PASOK parts Fernando Claudin, formerly o the Spanish Communist Party Ernest Mandel from the Fourth International, and Joseph Hansen from the US Socialist Workers Parry,
British signatories include a bunber Labour MPS (Buchan, Edge Flannery, Hefter. Lestor. Madden, Maynard. Newers. Wise) Stuart Holand Stoppard, Trevor Griffiths, Tom Moshe Lewin. Monty Jobstone from the Commun ist Party
Page 13 scan of this page
Death in the Afternoon
An everyday story of Arab women
death.
for the funeral of German
KOUTTEE Ou
whole of Pamplona had.come
TOa Mann OCHA LCDHC
armed police who still hovered
around the scene of their crime,
always threatening to attack
BARRICADES
The barricades which had
been thrown up throughout the
town after the killing had been
taken down. But they were
soon to spread throughout the Basgee Tovmcca, ioag witn
Workers bocked the min Irun-Madrid rade of the Revolutionary
Communist League.
quarler past
darge Mo the bile
nec, several tuusand or us sel
ull lowards the Civil Gover-
nor's building.
German was very uptight, very angry. in the ball-ring he had seen a child with its head spar opce or a nse Duntl. E cones THE tragic story of Dalila Zeghar, an Algerian woman who has been kidnapped by her reactionary brother, is experienced by thousands of HAHNENa wiles MUNA KHALIL.
She was drageed and taken from Montrcal, Canada, and is now in captivity at one of ber brother's properties in Eulma, A gerie, WISHES
Her crime was to marry, gainst her brother's wishes, a man she had mel at University of Algiers. Denis Maschino, who is non-Moslem
They lad to goto Paris to get TEILES aud men bane to Canada afler being terrorised
EECUUSU ber broler, Massoud Zeghar. Leghar theu hrongh n 300 000 house 1 Montreal and moved the rest of the tamily over
Two and a half years later. now apparently reconciled and only two monchs before Dalila would be granted Canadian nationality, she was invited over to dinner on 24 Anril
Denis cried to phone the next morning alter Dalila had not reiurned. There was no answer and the house was found locked
INTERNATIONAL
Franco's police live on
FRANCO may be dead, but his police live on. And last week they went on the rampage through the Basque country. First they attacked a Basque nationalist protest during the festival of San Fermin in Pamplona, killing German Rodriguez, a young Trotskyist.
When the Basque workers movement responded in anger police went on the rampage again, shooting their way through San Sebastian, and killing another.
Here we pay tribute to German Rodriguez and print an eyewitness account of his murder. And we look at how the protest movement has spread since German's
MORE than 30,000 turned out| the course of last week
the San Sebastian industrial belt to the West hank of the Nervion in the industrial heartland of Vizcaya.
The scenes in Pamplona were
next day when police shot 19 VUH-URANO BAIR GRENTT factories closed TELU weHE IOU the town.
E'monstrators only to face anotber violent polloc cha Te from directions, two Cought inch by inch through the city's old quarter.
Laler mn the evenng th armed police drove through the lown fring al any house which several points. All the major , displayed the Basque Mag or a
other tisce | black flag of mourning.
The press would like to give Te atea a me place woeie the Civil Governor's boilding
They started to fire at us with rubber bullets grenades. look
They opened Tire with their pistols, withoet people knowing exactly what was going en.
Thes gradually managed to drive us back. The wounded began to fall.
When we arrived al the of Navarra.
The case of Dalila Zeghar
then taken to the airport where her took her and the rest of the Arab family to Algeria.
AL- Massoud Zeghar: anather pasport for with a Canadian tourist visa lampedoa is, although she ha been living in Canada for two and a half years In "socialis!" Alperia, warnen are subject to rofoundly reactionary law hey cannor wor) choose their own busband without the consent of citbe the father, beother or husband.
A Moniem woman may not marry a nan Moslem, altbough a. Moslem man may marty a nob-Moslem woman Dalila's casc, chis simply used as an excuse to nullify the marriage To avoid this problem, Denis Maschino twice applied convert to Islam. applications were rejected.
POLICE
made miltionaire involved property; petrol and suppiying weapoas lo the Algerian army, He 1s a close friend Boumedienne LAND Rockefeller and has links with
which Pamplona provincial capital, i Spain's "Uster' factions which or anti-Basque, But the W'RE CIENTIY week. As well as the genera SILAC, LUCIe Was LIC TeaCEOn DI the organisers of the festival of
This festival, popularised by Hemingway, is onc of Spain's biggest Inwend ot beine contined to sh arena the bulls ron down the SULLI Like so many times in recent ycars the festival was chosen as the occasion for apainst government refusal to recognise Basque mination and is continued and detention of Basque political prisoners. asembled, FESTIVAL
This time sides organisers called off the festival in response munder. They said that the Testval would only resume with sacking governor, the removal of the police forces from the town, ant the tetase oe Lemon.
A comrade dies
managed at last to push back| the cops. I was 10 o clock in
We continued to advance. As CANTEL Avenue the ind irun fence. police) got back in their Jeeps
and hises. The demonstrators followed them, Jumping for Joy.
But suddenly they stopped in Roncevaux Avenue and got out agaln. They fired this eime BUIT SHET ERCI CaraS REM think I heard several hursts of Dalila had been drugged and | the Algerian secres police
Denis Maschino's ground presents
itune piscio i a weri
had Dali known French
fought with the during their war of independence MELI- D UDA mace
Adels katar nes sep-
Adela M'Rabai JULIS mother. is Tienton Movemen Setas militant study or
written a book on the oppression ol women in Algeria.
FORCIBLY
Dalila Zegbar bas now been forcibly marnicd to a Moslem. law was She is not the first woman to be
forced inso a marriage against. ner wishes The fate of women all over the Arab world is determined T'wice his by the close links beween the
stale and religion, which botb define and enforce the family structure.
Other examples of women's oppressicn are COR3 01 bODour gas, Middle East unchalienged. A waran could be killed if she is suspected of President meeting a man.
David The reil,
I BEanciaNy arraneed marriages
the impression that Navarre, of | fescivul.
115 the
divided between
are pro
Basque sentiment
uppermost last was
measure,
SACKING
attractions.
BEAS
WOTECIS.
La protest up this demand.
self-deterafter German
statement
the festival All but the ponce
bf the civil barricades as rather
Important,
Garcia, can arrested during the expected the storm he caused.
asspult rifle].
Roncevaux more. died IR TON reached hospital. back-
is a well
militant who. suppression of
Algerians
against the French. He is France
well known Algerian mimerous. in the aften pass
forced and
Frightened hy the popular reaction to this brutality, the government was forced to give way to the first demand. The bead of the Pamplona police chief, Avila, a known fascist,
thrown in tor good
But one of the demands of the Basque workers movement
not eel been meln the sacking of the Interior Minister.
KOUDU SELEER LIE WAS not for want of militancy by the
COU LACHUS DE EnC failore of their leaders to lake
Martin Villa put a motion to the Cortes (parlancoEr Eue day
Rodriguez's fumeral. This rather pompous
the moral rectitude of the police was seen as a vote of confidenice in He Martin Villa and the right-wing
one deputy, Socialist, voted for. The far left deputies were not in the Corles, since they saw being on the
MIANE
The one dissident. Jello
hardly have | fire from Celmes la Spanish
fired like this for several minutes, at demonstra-
German was more that 100 when a bullet hit him in thi forchead. He Immediately lost
Westopped a car to take him ETA(VE, то пории то son E orei
"Garin* mayement. he and iccimion are only a few aspect of women's suffering
Countries like Algeria, which claim to be socialit, highlight the separalion, isplation and Dalila,
indicate ore cleariy the class nature of these governents,
of
CARI.
strike began when police ussaulied some of the wonen.
pleasure in sadistic freatment of women. Rape Is a frequent metbod of torture.
the hunger strikers, Same 70 people turned up.
Head of the funeral procession for German Rodriguez
pointed he was simpls following his theit solidarity with Garcia party's line, formulated after (hough a bit lare to make any one of their own deputies had - difference). heen bearen up by police.
Sensing which way the wind was biowing, orber Socialist the government
German
Rodriguez
GERMAN Rodriguez Sainz
Lnosa tn his comrades as
"Carin - was a member of the
Revolutionary
League, the Spanich section of
the Fourth International.
He had been in the puriy und
its predecessurs since 1971. He
played u prominent part ln the
fusion between the LCR and
the revolutionary
wing of the Basque nationalist
German was un ache Algerian wonen, with other
WOEIE démonstration of 300 people 10 protes tae unansonmen
and lo demand her
London there are number of Arab wonen whe
startug organise SEVENTY-three women politicul prisoners are on hunger strike at Oasr prison in Tehrun, Irun. The
Treatmeat of women prisoners in Iran is particularty bad. Secret police and guards take purticular
Our picture shows a picket outside the franion embassy in London last Saturday in solidurity with
that deputies rushed to proclaim
No such doubs amicted the Communist Pary which remained solidly behind of the Workers
kaown asa cenisal leader of ibe Pumplomu general strike in 1973. He spent twe and s half Pears in jail for his part in thus
recenily he - the
German's desth was not just a political blow, but a grave loss for all those who knew him.
themsclves. They wish to get mobilised a other Arah women involved
and aware of the issues they are UC MIET If you want to get in touch
by contacting Sociulist Chal lenge.
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page 13
Page 14 scan of this page
Socialist Challenge helps nail the killers Yellow Card defied again
What did you do in the war, daddy?
RELAND
reports GEOFF BELL.
Much of the protest is based an catte nadc dE-G Army have ignored their own Tlala un wici u urcn fire, printed in the Yellow Card given to soldiers serving in treland.
It wan three wecks ago that Socialist Challenge printed the Yellow Card and revealed how the Army continually ignoring ils owa rules. material. The quotes below give the flavour.
Misht is still night. To tho Army, the solation of the Irish problem is the same as it always was. It is identical to the approsch we adopted in Cyprus and employed again in Aden.
For despite all our protests to the contrary, the war we are fiehting in the Narh. essentially il colonial one.
Sucpessive army COTI HELE: and Secretaries of State have refesed to admit this.
And yer. the comparison with De Caulle's Algeria is still 100 cicar: we have settlers, nwves and now. of colrse. thE Ae Nor ahe boromin - Sadly the campaign in incteasnely more raciabst in
The soldiers of the worlds moit vaunted democracy are unable to accept thal anyone exercising his , constitutional rights 1o disagree can
ary hispan e motre
susmician Dr -BOst likely, a subversive.
serving British officer, January 1977.
Part of my duties consisted of being at the Reception Centres Holywood Curdwood barracks.
Here I saw many young men Brighered and bewidered, and brought the Army. as far as 1 could soe, their only crime being that they males ased berween 15 and 50, L Pf
Kojak
In
Ireland
image of good old British Tommy
the game even when adversaries don'l.
showing.
Spearhead is not a decamentary or even a semi-documenTaTY. meTCE C Tacs oETe Ble don'i have to be faced.
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20 July 1978 page 14
THE KILLING of 16-year-old John Boyle by British soldiers at Dunloy, County Antrim, on 11 July has produced a storm of protest in the North of Ireland.
I a this poblication which bas ahowed allenton 1o oe drawn to the way soldiers aguin UC E TEOW CATawner 1 Wnen shot Bayle. printed the card onty the Daily Mirror reDorEed ChEr CHabene to the Official Socreis Acr. But in relanu wioc coverapc wal given to the exposure.
The Socialist Challenge story ! "British Soldiers Speak Out on Ireland'* is the title of | an excellent new pamphlet produced by Information on Ireland. At 30p and with 32 pages packed with information and graphics, it is superb agitational
lived in a certain area, and were af a certain religion.
I saw a lot of insustice and discrimination, but DUSOC IO COET HIEBO-UHE 1 could only help where wasn'i noticed and eventualls as a submission to my feelings 1 went ahsent to several days and returned on
1 was posted immediately to England to finish my remaining year there und I have watted over a year to he whiere 1 am haw on a the temoval from Ireland! fram ex-soldier in Fulhum Hall, London, October 1974
Ironly the Britsh public, especially the parents of soldiers serving over the water. be terrorise the local people. do CETEKI people. They homes nt 4 0 cinck in the morning, simply because they are bored with the foot patrol, or they just want to pass the and LUIL.
And, Last but nor least, they đo terrorise the communic because they are methodically brainwashed with propaganda of alltypes before they do their four-month tour ¿uty over there, WITH RECENT exposures reducing the image of the Brilish Army in the North of Treland to rock bottom. Southern Television has set out to reconstruct the
always in the firing line, but bravely battling on, keeping the rules of
The first episode of its new series, 'Spearhead', went out on Tuesday. JAN TAYLOR, who served in the Royal Signals from 1961-70, went to the
What the producers have done is to crente ditomtet images that beat ln s resenhlance
was reported on the front pages of the Irish press, republished in Republican newspapers, and a member of the paper's staff WOS JELI ILACO Dn IES TELI Even the Irish Embassy has ordered a copy of the Socialist Challenge carrying the story,
PUBLICITY Ir was this publicity which neTe TOTe nE ARU OCI! killing of Boyle
over a prave in which tirearmi lies are Provos.
Royal Greenjackets, 1976
One of the most things I remember about Northern Irelanu was a chat 1 had with a couple of biber was black soldiers who had just
returned trom a house scarch. They had felt and disgusted with the whole thing in Treland that they •Dublin For
house they had just smashed up.
They had gone to this house. bursi dowe lhe trunt door. ripped up all the matresses on orlatron Tor floorboards, LL.1. TITOLU troops 9 cintern in the toilet, fooded the Towa had found wat a kidi caiapulr
and a rubber ballet that was fired through the front window by a soldier.
This is the sort of thing that gocs on all the time. black person, no working class person, should he part of
do smash up Lloyd Hayes
soldier, May 1977
The pamphles, Soldiers Speak Out on Ireland, is available for 30p Catholic Outer, Bordon, or trampe
publishers, c/o 1 North End Rd. London W14. Add 10p fo nackage and postini. into
situation. They have de-pol ficised the imperialist presence in Ireland and the #gainst it.
The first epispue concerned a sake-out by kalared farmhoute Antrin. A coung Irish wpeian h suspected of being a carrict of Beseb, for Frank the bonber. That is all we ever pet to know of them. speaks. onl saldiers. sullen; hardiy surprising when trapps
She has no name, and there is no explanation of a relacionship berecen her and Frank.
ISOLATED Not only relation hup becween Frank and the woman, but they bave Bo relationsbip with the rost or the communicy. This is symbolsed Dy ane obca annobse Frank never press chnipse aum once,
finle we get te know abort him comes oniy through the mouths intues, of hie pursuers.
tea British are slowa as indis
BrIs sTm3The CAMER SOLS
Then they
when shot.
The young this versjon.
With ViVE
so ashamed
felr
smashed the
and no
former black
British
al The and personal identiy. struggle
Ircops bi
Th South
IMAGES
The womar
to British She is agressive and
rantacking
nid even a hack undicr robbers and there п0
the truth:
in particular,
speaks, produce a soldier
and what
tion these deprived the orner band, the
Boyle himself had reported the finding of these ames to the
British offered two First. they insisted that Boyle was one of
men who ta0 COULT attempting to recover the gurs.
Gerry Firt. changed their saving that Boyke had been handling an Armalite rifle RESIGN
The other two men disappeared in
Norrhern such a history Lof
deception, few in the North eaqairy how are prepared tn accept the : duals, cach with his nwn namie
They relate to one shother tor attempr ro, the qualiy of acting is a bout one nolch aborc Crossmait-), and une even lias his wife with him to eire the ineritable romantic flacour.
All the personnel of a typical Arny barrack room are there:
ageressive bully, the guset one.
So the images are created, che Brits are the tea peone t bomhers are superficial, desoid
The sincason is noe political, the hossbers could be bank
the troops ordinary policenten. Just like in Kojak or Dixon of Dock Green.
-LITEU BCTEETSNILA
Amty training in general, and infantey training ACHTE
is designed to who dependent pr orders from his superiors, who doesn't ques-
Borders, who of his individualios and betomes one of the squaci. ask ed
The Trish man or gomar
Army's second version
Even the Guardian has now
reprinted the relevant section of the Yellow Card and sugested that Boyle's killers ignored the tucs. unc caru was aise gucioy In Parliament last Thursday by the SDL PMP For West Belfast,
LICI
Sach pressure nat forced
Ircland Socrerary
Roy Mason to promisc a publi:
Boyle's killing Bur the SDLP spokesperson on plantine benebs is part of a mass arti-imperialist move-
nor Issatet trom the nationals community bia part oF that cominuniy
Yel why they risk ther lives to plant homhs is a quescion Spearheud never answers indeed the question is mever
It mould be tepling te
and order, Michacl Canaxan, has called for the resignaton of Mason.
Mason's rosigpation would CIANCSuMO COnTESH certainly be somie coripensa
for the friends STIL relatives of John Boye, hut defiance of the Yellow Card has bot boen restricted co Mason's reign in Ircland.
There is only one way to ensure there are no more Jolm Boyles the "respuation" from treland of the Britash Anny disnes the series as hokum. Unforturately many working class prople in tims coontry wil
and be lett w.tl. the PESCI TRE BECE DOIS IE uniform' are deate a thankles lask dea ine www psychopatiic killers"
LET SE ALDIE OLELSHUS be couttered at every oppor-
Page 15 scan of this page
Limits of liberal journalism
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE EVENTS
breakthrough for investigative journalism.
In fact, itis unlikely chat such a programme could have been cen on BBC: NF leader John Tyndall's refusal interviewed would certainly have been used by the BBC hierarchy as the reason to ban a lone-sided documen World in Action proved - difficult
condone the literally murder our activities of their local activists:
LIMITS
The programine was also a useful antidote to the easy attitude adopted by some on the left thar the media is a simple, ruling class conspiracy
hoodwink and mislead working people.
In reality, the owners and
controllers of newspapers and
radio and TV stations use their
considerable power to project
their views-of the world. Most
of those views are increasingly
libera
throug:
liberal
was. powerfal television tha B
NORTH WEST
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MANCHESTER Challenge clange Challenge Gener
UNDER REVIEW
World in Action exposes NF
IN ONE Important respect, World in Action's recent programme on the National Front marked a
World in Action broke out of the straitjacket of 'balance" and 'impartiality" used by most television
executives to de-gut any topic deemed by them to be
"difficult' or 'controversial", writes ROGER PROTZ.
showed the weaknesses and limits of the liberal school of journalism. almost That is not meant to be a churlish or sectarian point: 1 have nothing but admiration for the journalists who spent long and for those still in need of proof their programme and who have
-that the Front is led and undoubtedly earned themselves orchestrated by hardliners who a place on the National FrOBE'S
boycott list for their pains.
But if the growth of the Front and its violent intimidation of black peopie effectively countered, analysis of the must be beyond the they are nasty, rough typer variety.
The political importance of fascist organisations cannot b measured salcly in clectora terms: the votes won by the Front in recent by-clections and council elections shown a relative decline over previous years, but in other, more squalid, areas they have achieved greater success To the disquiet even of the populist section of the Front,
Leeds and Manchester, as we
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as socialist and trade unionist opponents of racin, The populists may squea but Tyndail, cronies. well-versed in history, know that bulding an organisation based on fear and intimidation and anti-racist movement, it also | simple ballor-box appeal is vital
if they are to attract financia. and political backing from big business in any future period of neute crisis.
World in Action's hatchel job horrified opponcats of the Action Front its message to those who detest violence was
compiling Front is led by practitioners in
violence. But it stoppeu snon dangerously short attempting to uproot the evil weeds al Tascist
ANALYSIS then organisation Leon Trotsky
described the differences betwcen fascism and socialism: the Nari Party, be said, was the party of counter-revolutionary despair, the Marxist purly the party of revolutionary hope.
The despair and frustration felt by millions of people within capitalist society - the despair created by posers, the dole queue, lousy housing and even well-paid but hosing and repetitive jobs are Teeding
shorn of a clear-cut analysis che polities of fascism, suci
CAVE HIMAN TRI
GAMIER SOCINIS
Some Camera i regular meetings sherily
TOWER. HAMLETO
HACKNEY Socialis
Challenar Macond
NDON CPSA Socinint Challenge in ur colablishing a i
iN 10055000500:90030
simplistic
Webster and supporters who are squnlic fascist
not JUS
excuses for such activities
political valence. interviewed members,
views are today. oF
ideologs:
Braphically agonisingly
growds for HIM AN IRISH BACKO ROUND AL FROM THE AND COME BEST ONES
HELP
Sorters sell capers every Saturday Insemess Bt marker in Canoen w
branch, Chal
YOAK
GREENWICH: LEWISHAM Socialial
Alicy For Lande en
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suoporints group ingets Challenge sea Workay s 130pm Annet Damundy Cortin, Venin
Or Capham Common sutrey-
allack - the National Front could, unwit tingly, help attract it new
There is a simple, short-term solation to frustration: it is to clout somebody on the head: and the Front presents Iself as the movement that will both heip choose the people 1o clour and provide the grubby done in
World in Action did no tackle the appeal of fascismand
While geet-produced. former the programme failed to probe the reasons why thes joined it and what their
..OUT OF ORDER
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Are they now Tories or haverhey been won to anti-racist and socialist politics? If'at is the latter, then their arguments could be a powerful barrier to stop others from joining the From
Of course, World in Action's journalists will argue that there are strict limits to what can be dane. But even in thar shout space, the programme managed to be repetitive and even
Tighter editing could have left time for some attempt at analysis, to point to the socia conditions that drove some of the Front memhers to commit Italy:
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mainstream| their acts of unspeakable violence.
Much-pullicised terror did coL deser thousands and alimatel millions from Bucksee to the ugly banners of Hitler and Mussolini
Unless socialists in the modin begin to push hack the roamers of what tis permissible to write about or televise; unleas they battle with all their collectiv micht to sirip away the political pretensions of fascism 1o solve people's problems, then we. too, could beswept away by the organised despair destroyed the working class movements of Germany and
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7eb thighech SOCIALIST CHALLENGE 20. July 1978 page 15
Page 16 scan of this page
Nationality?'-Prisoner!'
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Registered with the Pos Office as u newspaper. Published by Reigoerest Ltd. for Socialist Challenge 328/9 Lipper St, London N1. Printed by Goodhend Press Eid., 25 Murdock Rd, Miceiter.
him: "Nationality?' 'Prisoner!"
When of accused, Viktor Piatkus,
carried out of the court. The nothing to learn from Stalin.
ADE THE YELLE DECLIN was guilty. Could there ever have been a shadow of a doubt?
LUDICROUS
The whole affair had been so ludicrous to provoke denanciations from every side.
Not just the conventional cold warriors, but also the Freach, Italian and Spanish Communist Parties attacked the new Moscow trials.
The ostensible crime was espionage. Alongside the three well-known oppositionists, Shicharansky, Ginzburg anc Piarkus, they hamled! Anatoly Filatoy — a man who may well have been a real spy -just to give the procedings a gloss of reality.
It may be that the dissidents did, anwittingly, receive CIA moncy.
But that is just a sad reflection on the bureaucrats' style of "socialism'
For their real crime was lo monitor the performance of the to the Helsinki Accords int in stickine
A FURTHER £222.29 brings our fund drive total to over t500 in the space of two weeks. This is a great start to the summer but mast be muintained if our target of 12,500 is to be reached.
A large part of this week's money came from the proceeds of the Brent Socialist Challenge Group barbecue. ES0 was raised in a single evening.
While there was no roast pig or duck with orange sauce. hee burgers and sausages were provided in abundance. Swilled down with keg bitter or the evening went off well. the disco was about to finish with an old tavourite.
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Ginzburg answers his accusers
THE SCENE was reminiscent of the 1930s. They marched Alexander Ginzburg into the court and asked
In other words, it is a punishable offence to demand That the regime sticks to its own laws.
In any rcal democracy the CIA would not
would be no such thing an
Anyone would have the right
political party.
That why Challenge defends Ginzburg and colleagues regardiess of our chormous political difference with them, and regardless of have the fact that they have become a rallying point for all the most reactionary elements in the West.
The only way to undermine these reactionaries is to show we defend up them.
MODEL And hy making no discrimi Freedom of expre dare ve hold nation in out defence up a model of socialism far superior to Scalinism. • Tura to page 12 lor detais on the Helsinki monitorine arouns and the campaigns lo release Bahro and rehabilitate Bukharin.
OUR FUND DRIVE
should are butthe old Bl
themselves. They were not so amused the neighbours had complained ahout the noise.
The moral of the story. Next time do not he so loud and get in some real ale!
However, the real lesson of this episode for our supporters TELEVIE-RICANTE doing the same? OK, so it needs some eifort, but think of the rewards!
Our friends in Followed last week's gift of a calculator with a lew cheques.
One was froal a Japanese reader, employed very badly, in Tokyo, by a British firm. The "The money was sent to help change
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The Japanese supporters also scut a packet of stamps. Here is Readers and fore our mea Tenders and subserihers. not cut the stamps off your letters and send them to us?
We can assure tamps from the Americas can be profitably sold surind campien for regular The campaign donations via bankers orders is
Japan also steaming ahead. In June
we had EI07.50 from source. In July we are expecting August E222.83.
Our goal has to be to double that August figure. We will not
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This week our thanks 10: SCoffe
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receiving Socialis: aunts weck during this page the summer. At that timeit may Soundly. be diflicult to obtain the paper
BRITAIN's dissidents? During a picket of the Royal Touraument hy the United Troops Our Movement and the British Withdrawa From Northern Ireland Compaign, an ex-soldier bought a pamphlet written by ex-soldiers
The man wasn't sympathetic to the immediately stopped and searched accompanying him.
5.00
5.00
10:00 Raffle of old ISJ 2.00 Transport worker 3.00
1,00 2.50 3.22 10.00
Next week: The amazing story of the Hacksey jumble sule! to
Still in need OUR APPEAL. For equipment has brought useful resulls. The
Statesman's new editor has furnished his editorial staff
regularly because our sellers or you may be on holiday.
FISH, luke our a special cheap subscription. t2 for 3
Till in the form on
place an with your local branch of W.
picket. •bul ponc him and the
with electric typewriters.
their old hut excellently functioning manual- machines buve heer donated to Socialis: Challenge.
Thanks also lo the comrades who hare brought in stencil. envelopes, and sufficient scrap paper for us to type on this side of the revolution.
We still badly need office materials everything How'd expert an efficient newspaper
have: tspewriter ribbons, sanese rupe, pens. coreopes folders — the works; TransporI. Saill, through a procedure culled 'Castomers Sperial Order This operutive Brough most hranches Smiths, However, us they hove no brasches in Scotland it anly applies to our English and Welsh readers.
← Socialist Challenge No. 6, 14 July 1978Socialist Challenge No. 56, 3 August 1978 →