Social Democracy: The Enemy Within 187461301X, 1874613001, 1874613028, 1874613036, 1874613044, 1874613052

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SOCIAL DEMOCKAC

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY CRACY L DEMO SOCIA The Enemy Enemy Within Within The nikohet nomi bodaildug ter ever dobro. Las oflegalt ed

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Harpal Harpal Brar Brar

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Also by the same author Also by the same author

PERESTROIKA -- The The Complete Complete Collapse Collapse of ofRevisionism PERESTROIKA Revisionism ISBN ISBN 1-874613-01-X 1-874613-01-X [pbk] [pbk]

_ ISBN ISBN 1-874613-00-1 1-874613-00-1 [hbk] [hbk]

TROTSKYISM TROTSKYISM OR OR LENINISM? LENINISM ?

ISBN 1-874613-02-8 1-874613-02-8 [pbk] [pbk] ISBN

ISBN 1-874613-03-6 1-874613-03-6 [hbk] [hbk] ISBN

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First in Great Great Britain Britain Firstpublished published in by Harpal Harpal Brar, Brar, London, London, 1995 1995 by Copyright Brar 1995 1995 CopyrightHarpal Harpal Brar

ISBN 1-874613-04-4 [pbk] ISBN 1-874613-05-2 [hbk] [hbk] ISBN 1-874613-05-2

ISBN 1-874613-04-4 [pbk] eee pe al 7878 RB Ges [AQIH Bi a

PrintedininIndia India Printed bybyProgressive ProgressivePrinters Printers Delhi 110095 110095 Delhi India India

All AllHarpal Harpal Brar Brarpublications publicationsare areavailable available from from E.J.Rule, 1414Featherstone FeatherstoneRoad, Road,Southall, Southall,Middx. Middx.UB2 UB2SAA 5AA(UK) (UK) E.J.Rule, Chequespayable payabletoto ’E.J.Rule’, 'E.J.Rule',please. please. Cheques

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Dedicated to Dedicated to

Frederick Engels Engels Frederick Co-founder of scientific scientific socialism, socialism, who through his his writing writing rendered rendered an an Co-founder of who through undying service to to the the British working class, class, and and whose whose analysis analysis of of the the undying service British working conditions working class been key key to to aa Marxist Marxist understanding understanding conditions of of the the working class has has been of social democracy Britain of the the development development of of social democracy in in Britain

In Anniversary of of his In commemoration commemoration of of 100th 100th Anniversary his death

Contents Contents

16ods.be tooko

page page

(i)(i)

Preface Preface

(xiv) (xiv)

Postscript to Pref Preface Post script to ace 20/2300

Part One

Part One nola16

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE SOCIAL DEMOCRAC Y && THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARI AT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT

121

9814 DNI

60 saho ayet /11

Historical Conditions Conditions Preceding the Birth Birth of of the the Labour Historical Preceding the Labour Party Party

HORD

3

Organisational Breach Organisational and the the Liberal Breach between between labour labour and Liberal Party Party -Formation Party Labour Party the Labour of the Formation of

16 gross alyserand an 16

Lenin's Lenin’s Advice Advice to to British British Communists Communists and and the the Reasons Reasons Therefor ThereforTrde MUM

38 38

Party moto Haurem 53 Capitalist Party Third Capitalist the Third as the Unmistakably as Out Unmistakably Comes Out Labour Comes 53 Labour Labour War World War Second World the Second Since the Labour Since

fast

shan gaditat e foole

Democracy ab of me Social Democracy for Social fig-leaf for ‘left’ -- aa fig-leaf Trendy-Troto 'left' Trendy-Troto

Witte M

Embellishment CPB the CPB of the Revisionists of the Revisionists by the Democracy by Social Democracy of Social Embellishment of NCP's Democracy Social Democracy to Social Capitulation to NCP’s Capitulation

71 71 82

1995

105 vodelache 105

Part Part Two Two Bad binata

a

ON ON THE THE REVISIONISTS' REVISIONISTS’ & & TROTSKYITES' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL OF OF

THE MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

137

THE MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

137

1

The The Marxian Marxian Teaching Teaching on on the the State State

astilbs

139

139

kick to kick The Election to General Election “A General Slogan: "A the Slogan: and the CPGB and Revisionist CPGB The Revisionist left out to left committed to Government committed Labour Government elect aa Labour to elect and to Tories and the Tories out the policies" policies”

so? redhA No al 149 149

THE ENEM ENEMY WITHIN N Y WITHI SOCIAL DEMOCRACY CRACY - THE L DEMO SOCIA

Trotskyites and and the the Slogan: Slogan: ‘“‘A "A General General Election Election to to kick kick out outthe the Trotskyites 172 172

Tories and and to to elect elect aa Labour Labour Goverment Government committed committed to to left left policies” policies" Tories Part Three Three Part

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

191 191

Tories secking seeking confrontation confrontation with with the the miners miners Tories

193 193

Government declare class class war war on on the the miners miners Government && NCB NCB declare

195 195

May Day Resolution -- Support Support the the miners miners May Day Resolution

201

201

111 days Coal Strike Strike 111 days of of the the Coal

205 205

.

1120RAWOT TAULATSOORT

Resolutely enemy within within Resolutely support support the the miners miners -- fight fight the the enemy

213 213

TUC Conference support the 220 TUC Conference must must support the NUM NUM -- Dockers Dockers open second front frontto/20/220 open second

Miners historic victory victory -- signs signs of panic Arcaning Miners poised poised for for aa historic of disintegration disintegration & & panic AROUND227 227

in in the the bourgeois bourgeois camp camp

a 233 233

The daun of old The NUM NUM strike strike and and the the renegade renegade Jimmy Jimmy Reidung Reid

09243 243

Contempt ofcourt court proceedings against the the NUM Contempt of proceedings against NUM Mr. democracy Mr. Steel's Steel’s humbug humbug on on democracy

246 fi inloee not last-git 6 - Not arost-VO246

NUM strike -- aa fight fighttoto the thefinish finish NUM strike Whose Whose Libyan Libyan connection? connection?

W thoW broo02 sili soni2 100245 245

251 od v posao Istoo? To kodai 251

95

Time back-to-work IOUs - NCB’s back-to-work its IOUS-NCB's redeem its to redeem movement to labour movement for labour Time for

” 255 255

abysmal abysmal failure failure Hammer collapses pound collapses home -- pound hit home strike hit miners’ strike the miners' of the blows of Hammer blows &

OWTICS. 265

265

Taoliy A BETTE

NUM calls off off the Strike on defiantnote note DMIHDAIT MAIKRAM, 272 NUM calls the Coal Coal Strike on aa defiant 12

274

The The British British Coal Coal Strike Strike of of 1984-85 1984-85

Facts Facts and and figures figures Scabs Scabs out out to to form form aa bosses' bosses’ union union

274

10612 ods no gaidonsTel

283

283

DA" sagot2 ad bus 80% binosivul 284 284

Hands Heathfield Peter Heathfield and Peter Scargill and Arthur Scargill off Arthur Hands off

287

29287

Only mass shoulder to shoulder Only mass mobilisation mobilisation can can win win victory victory -- fight fight shoulder to shoulder with with the the miners miners

Support Support the the miners miners -- fight fight this this deliberate deliberate industrial industrial vandalism vandalism

291

291

6h MUM

1 297 297

Part Part Four Four

SOCIAL ECONOMIC STRUGGLES SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & & OTHER OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

309 309

The The People's People’s March March for for Jobs Jobs

311 311

TUC TUC Betrayal hospital Betrayal of of hospita l workers workers

odpad

TUC leaders leaders capitulate capitulate to TUC to Tory Government Tory Govern ment

315 315 319 319

Support the Support bourgeois offensive offensive against against the the the NGA NGA -- smash smash the the bourgeois trade-union movement trade-union movement

323 323

NGA in legal legal cretinism NGA dispute dispute drowns drowns in cretinism

326 326

Liverpool showdown showdown - -the Liverpool the collapse of collapse of of Trotskyite Trotskyite dreams dreams of 'socialism city’ one city' in one “socialism in

333 333

Wapping Wapping -- unions unions confronted confronted

349 349

Wapping the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie Wapping -- frenzied frenzied violence violence of of the

354 354

Attempts to Attempts to terrorise terrorise teachers teachers

360 360

Part Five

Part Five

SOCIAL WAR, AGGRESSION AGGRESSION SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && IMPERIALIST IMPERIALIST WAR, AND OCCUPATION OCCUPATION AND

363 363

Support Liberation Struggle Struggle of of the the Irish Irish people people Support the the National National Liberation

365 365

Hands off the Malvinas Argentinas Argentinas Hands off the Falklands Falklands -- Las Las Malvinas

383 383

London show British British people people opposed opposed to to Gulf Gulf War War London demonstrations demonstrations show

389 389

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

Scargill nails bourgeois lies Scargill nails bourgeois lies

397 397

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE - THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

of able bit-viotoly niw un nouseilidom 2ast vin 213nim or 403 Lalkar Pitt, 6th Lalkar interviews interviews Malcolm Malcolm Pitt, 6th October, October, 1984 1984 Kent Kent NUM NUM leader's leader’s speech speech toto IWF IWF Rally Rally dilabad ingil-monun alt moge410 414 Lessons of the NUM NUM Strike (Malcolm Pitt talks to to Lalkar) Lalkar) Lessons ofthe Strike (Malcolm Pitt talks 414 1007 DAT

419

Miners' Miners” Strike Strike of of 1984-85 1984-85 -- Malcolm Malcolm Pitt Pitt sums sums up up

419

Can the the Labour Labour Party Party bring bring us us our our economic economic salvation? Can salvation?

423

423

adol not dons

Bibliography

Bibliography

Index

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431

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435

Index

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PREFACE PREFACE

With honourable exceptions, for the left in With some some honourable exceptions, what what passes passes for the revolutionary revolutionary left in Britain regards the the Labour Labour Party Party (the (the representative Britain regards representative of of social social democracy democracy in in Britain) as as aa party party of of the the British British working potential toto unify Britain) working class class with with the the potential unify the the

British for social social emancipation, British proletariat proletariat in in its its struggle struggle for emancipation, maintaining maintaining that that LaLa bour an instrument for the attainment of of socialism socialism in in Britain. The bour can can be be an instrument for the attainment Britain. The present opposite view, view, maintaining that Labour present writer, writer, however, however, isis of of the the opposite maintaining that Labour never never has been, is not now, be, aa party of the the British British propro has been, is not now, and and will will never never in in the the future future be, party of letariat; that it formed to defend the interests of of the the privileged upper letariat; that it was was formed to defend the interests privileged upper stratum (at the the time of skilled workers organised organised in in craft craft unions, unions, stratum (at time composed composed of skilled workers which minority of of the of the working which at at the the time time embraced embraced aa tiny tiny minority the workforce) workforce) of the working class; position of of this this upper upper stratum stratum -- this class; that that since since the the privileged privileged position this aristocracy aristocracy of the loot the extraction extraction of of imperiimperi of labour labour -- depended depended on on the loot from from the the Empire Empire and and the alist from its its inception committed to to the the alist superprofits superprofits from from abroad, abroad, Labour Labour from inception was was committed defence of the imperialism alike alike -- for for it it could could not defence of the British British Empire Empire and and British British imperialism not

defend (the privileges privileges of of the labour aristocracy) aristocracy) without defending the defend the the one one (the the labour without defending the other imperialism); that, therefore, Labour has, throughout its existexist other (British (British imperialism); that, therefore, Labour has, throughout its ence, record over century amply proves, been an imperialist imperialist ence, as as its its record over nearly nearly aa century amply proves, been an party labour party", profound exex party -- aa "bourgeois ‘bourgeois labour party”, to to use use Engels' Engels’ remarkably remarkably profound pression. pression.

The set myself book is is to to prove, prove, by reference to to The task task II set myself in in this this book by reference

irrefutable and contemporary, the correctness this irrefutable evidence, evidence, both both historical historical and contemporary, the correctness of of this assertion this tmath truth known among the the lower lower stratum, stratum, the the vast assertion and and to to make make this known among vast

masses, whose interests interests the the Labour Party has has never masses, of of the the British British proletariat, proletariat, whose Labour Party never championed now. The Party has has al championed in in the the past past and and does does not not champion champion now. The Labour Labour Party al-

ways interests of of British imperialism and and of the privileged privileged ways defended defended the the interests British imperialism of the sections working class this of this composition of The composition aristocracy. The labour aristocracy. the labour class -- the the working of the sections of

labour several decades, decades, over several change over remarkable change undergone aa remarkable has undergone aristocracy has labour aristocracy

but as such times it composed was composed it was former times If inin former remains. If such remains. aristocracy as labour aristocracy the labour but the

of skilled white-collar workwork skilled white-collar of skilled largely of consists largely it consists today it workers, today craft workers, skilled craft of

and those ers, functionaries, and those inin trade-union functionaries, and trade-union labour and administrators, labour ers, administrators,

supervisory and and managerial managerial positions. positions. But But what this new new labour aristocracy supervisory what this labour aristocracy

dethe poor, for the shares its total total contempt contempt for poor, the the de is its aristocracy is labour aristocracy old labour the old with the shares with the for the abroad, its and abroad, at home prived home and itstotal total disregard disregard for downtrodden at the downtrodden and the prived and

plight the most exploited sections the of the sections of cruelly exploited most cruelly and most disadvantaged and most disadvantaged of the plight of

the simple for the And this, world. And the world. of the rest of the rest in the or in population this, for simple Britain or in Britain here in population here

iiii

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

Que

reason that that such such destitution destitution -- the the existence existence of of aa “functional "functional underclass’’, underclass", to touse use reason

Galbraith's terminology, terminology, isis aa necessary necessary condition condition for for the the maintenance maintenance of of its its Galbraith’s privileged and and parasitic parasitic existence, existence, which which explains explains its its philistinism, philistinism, the the depth depth of of privileged its vilest vilest subservience subservience to, to, and and its its contemptible contemptible sycophancy sycophancy inin the the service service of, of, the the its imperialist bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. imperialist

Secondly itit isis my my task task inin this this book book toto prove prove the the continuing continuing validity validity of of the the Secondly Leninist thesis thesis concerning concerning the the very very profound profound economic economic connection connection between between imim Leninist perialism and and opportunism opportunism inin the the labour labour movement. movement. Imperialism Imperialism engenders engenders aa perialism split in in the working class, class, for for itit has has singled singled out out aa handful handful of of exceptionally exceptionally rich rich split the working and powerful states who who plunder plunder the the whole whole world world and and who who are are able use aa and powerful states able toto use portion of the the superprofits superprofits thus to bribe bribe the the labour labour leaders leaders and and the the portion of thus derived derived to

upper stratum the working or per stratum of of the working class. class. “This "This stratum stratum of of bourgeoisified bourgeoisified workers, workers, or the ‘labour 'labour aristocracy', who are quite philistine philistine inin their their mode mode of oflife, life, inin the the size size the aristocracy’, who are quite of their their earnings and in in their outlook, ... is is the of earnings and their entire entire outlook, the principal principal social social ...... prop prop of of the For they they are are the the real real agents agents of bourgeoisie in in the the workwork the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. For of the the bourgeoisie ing-class movement, movement, the the labour lieutenants of of the the capitalist real ing-class labour lieutenants capitalist class, class, real channels Preface to the French channels of of reformism reformism and and chauvinism." chauvinism.’ (Lenin, (Lenin, Preface to the the French and and to

German highest stage ofcapitalism). German editions editions of of Imperialism, Jmperialism, the the highest stage of capitalism).

obno od bnslob

The chief chief function function of of this this bribed, bribed, and and therefore therefore opportunist, opportunist, stratum stratum is is toto The act movement. act as as the the watchdogs watchdogs of of capitalism capitalism and and the the corrupters corrupters of of the the labour labour movement. On On the the basis basis of of its its monopoly monopoly profits, profits, and and the the bribing bribing of of its its labour labour aristocracy, aristocracy,

seand se nurtured and ago begot, long ago the begot, nurtured country long imperialist country each imperialist of each bourgeoisie of the bourgeoisie cured cured for for itself itself aa bourgeois bourgeois labour labour party. party.

The The British British bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, since since

seto se first to the first was the monopoly elsewhere, was than elsewhere, Britain than in Britain earlier in much earlier developed much monopoly developed

labour “bourgeois labour such aa "bourgeois precisely such was precisely Party was Labour Party The Labour party. The such aa party. cure cure such chauvinsocial chauvin and social opportunism and of opportunism party of been, aa party has been, always has as itit always party." is, as party.” ItItis, unless aa ism, and unless proletariat, and revolutionary proletariat, the revolutionary to the alien to totally alien which isis totally ism, which determined determined ruthless ruthless struggle struggle isis waged waged against against this this party, party, itit isis pointless pointless and and

Marxismabout Marxism imperialism, about against imperialism, struggle against the struggle about the talk about to talk cant to hypocritical hypocritical cant Leninism, revolution. proletarian revolution. about proletarian or about movement, or labour movement, socialist labour the socialist about the Leninism, about

capitalism British capitalism of British history of entire history the entire in the Historical that in confirm that fully confirm facts fully Historical facts during periods during brief periods two brief from two apart from class, apart working class, the working in the there split in been a a split has been there has upper the upper of the position of privileged position the privileged sustaining the while sustaining capitalism, while which British capitalism, which British living adequate living provide adequate to provide able to nevertheless able was nevertheless stratum class, was working class, the working of the stratum of were, periods were, exceptional periods standards These exceptional class. These working class. the working of the mass of the mass to the standards to

to movement to Chartist movement the Chartist of the first, defeat of the defeat from the is, from that is, 1848-1868, that years 1848-1868, the years first, the posBritain pos when Britain century, when 19th century, the 19th nearly of the decade of seventh decade the seventh of the close of the close nearly the

PREFACE E PREFAC

ili

III

sessedthe the largest largestEmpire Empire and andenjoyed enjoyedcomplete complete monopoly monopolyininthe theworld worldmarket market sessed and could, could, therefore, therefore, rightly rightly be bedescribed describedasas‘the 'theworkshop workshopofofthe theworld’. world'. DurDur and

ingthese theseyears years Britain Britainwas was not notjust justthe thebiggest biggestact actinintown, town,ititwas wasthe theonly onlyact acting

was the the town. town. This Thismonopoly monopoly position positionyielded yielded enormous enormous profits profits totothe theBnitBrit itit was ish ruling ruling class, class, thus thus enabling enabling itittoto treat treatthe theworking workingclass class rather rathermore moreleniently. niently. ish

Because of of these these exceptional exceptional circumstances, circumstances, after afterthe the defeat defeat ofofChartism, Chartism, there there Because existed nono party party toto defend defend the the interests interests ofof the the working working class class - - not not even eventhat that ofof existed its privileged privileged upper upper stratum, stratum, which which found found itit satisfactory satisfactory toto safeguard safeguard its its interinter its ests through through craft craft unions unions and and inin alliance alliance with with the the bourgeois bourgeois Liberal Liberal Party Party -- the the ests lib-lab lib-lab alliance. alliance. From From the the 1870s, 1870s, Britain’s Britain's monopoly monopoly position positionwas was increasingly increasingly under under challenge, challenge, especially especially from from Germany Germany and and the the United United States States ofof America, America, and by by 1890 1890 this this monopoly monopoly was was gone gone forever. forever. With With the the disappearance disappearance ofof this this and monopoly, monopoly, the the British British bourgeoisie bourgeoisie could could no no longer longer afford afford its its earlier earlier leniency, leniency, and was was thus thus forced forced toto attack attack the the living living standards standards ofof the the working working class, class, includinclud and

ing those those of of its its upper upper stratum. stratum. Finding Finding itself itself under under attack attack from from its its former former ally ally ing (the liberal liberal bourgeoisie), bourgeoisie), and and being being no no longer longer able able toto defend defend its its interests interests (the through Liberal Party, Party, the through the the Liberal the labour labour aristocracy aristocracy effected effected the the first first organisaorganisa tional breach in the hitherto hitherto existing existing notorious lib-lab alliance, alliance, with with the the tional breach in the notorious lib-lab formation in in 1893 1893 of of the the Independent Independent Labour Labour Party Party (ILP), (ILP), and subsequently the formation and subsequently the

Labour in 1900, which from 1906 began began toto be be rere Labour Representation Representation Committee Committee in 1900, which from 1906 ferred to to as as the the Labour Labour Party. Party. However, However, this this organisational organisational breach in no no way ferred breach in way

affected to the day. affected its its lib-lab lib-lab politics, politics, which which have have continued continued up up to the present present day. Secondly, Secondly, the the 30 30 years years following following the the end end of of the the Second Second World World War War (1945 (19451975), when when post-war post-war conditions conditions of of boom boom produced produced the the Keynesian Keynesian consensus, consensus, 1975),

leading to to the the reconstruction reconstruction of of British British imperialism imperialism at at the the expense expense of of the the in inleading

of institution of the institution peoples, the colonial peoples, the colonial of the creased oppression of and oppression exploitation and creased exploitation the the National National Health Health Service, Service, universal universal benefits, benefits, full full employment employment and and aa rising rising standard class. working class. entire working the entire for the living for of living standard of

last the last in the position in monopoly position Britain’s monopoly Just challenge toto Britain's successful challenge the successful as the Just as likewise period, likewise that period, of that consensus of the consensus to the end to quarter an end put an century put 19th century the 19th of the quarter of

comin com the deteriorating its relative decline in relative decline imperialism - -its British imperialism of British condition of iorating condition the deter

the of the parison breakdown of the breakdown caused the has caused powers -- has imperialist powers rival imperialist its rival with its parison with

beneKeynesian universal bene employment, universal full employment, end toto full the end with itit the and with consensus, and Keynesian consensus, No form. No existing form. rto existing fits and the hitherto its hithe least inin its Service, atat least Health Service, National Health fits and the National r the uppe of the conditions of privileged conditions the privileged sustain the longer upper imperialism sustain British imperialism can British longer can time same time the same while atat the stratum of the working class and the the petty bourgeoisie bourgeoisie while stratum of the working class the vast masses for the vast masses ae for of living standard of g, standard providing rising, alone aa risin let alone adequate, let an adequate, providing an

the end since the case since been the has been d indee as on, ofofthe working class. From now on, as indeed has the case end now From class. ing the work

iv

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

iv

of the 1970s, the the privileged of the the former former can can only only be be maintained maintained at of the 1970s, privileged conditions conditions of at the expense of of the the increased increased exploitation, exploitation, poverty and misery misery of of the the latter. latter. the expense poverty and What was not so so long already happening. Every What was considered considered unthinkable unthinkable not long ago ago is is already happening. Every one of the gains of the post-war period (gains (gains which which the the Trotskyite and revirevi one of the gains of the post-war period Trotskyite and sionist still continue continue demented attribute to the sionist coteries coteries of of renegades renegades still dementedly toto attribute to the 'socialist' Attlee government) employment, universal universal benefits, benefits, the the NaNa ‘socialist’ Attlee government) -- full full employment,

tional Health Service - is under attack.

tional Health Service - is under attack.

The result an increase increase in in poverty, poverty, aa widening widening of of the the gap gap between between rich rich The result isis an and an intensification intensification in the split split in the working working class. class. The The recently recently and poor, poor, and and an in the in the published wealth by the Joseph Joseph Rowntree Rowntree Foundation Foundation published Inquiry Inquiry into into income income and and wealth by the bears eloquent eloquent testimony testimony to analysis of of bears to this this phenomenon. phenomenon. This This report, report, in in its its analysis wage period of years, covering the last last 22 years years of Labour govgov wage trends trends over over a a period of 18 18 years, covering the of Labour ernment and and the years of of Conservative Conservative administration, administration, says: says: ernment the subsequent subsequent 16 16 years

"After 1977 between low high wages wages grew, grew, the the experi “After 1977 the the gap gap between low wages wages and and high experiences of the the distribution distribution diverged; diverged; wages wages for for the the lowest lowest paid paid ences of of three three parts parts of hardly changed, and by were lower lower inin real than inin 1975; median hardly changed, and by 1992 1992 were real terms terms than 1975; median wages per cent; cent; but but high grew by 50 per per cent. wages grew grew by by 35 35 per high wages wages grew by 50 cent.” ""

Commenting this trend trend with onset of the Commenting on on the the accentuation accentuation of of this with the the onset of the

Thatcher administration in the report Thatcher administration in 1979, 1979, the report states: states: "TO]ver the period period 1979 ofthe the populapopula “{O}ver the 1979 to to 1992 1992 the the poorest poorest 20-30 20-30 per per cent cent of

tion failed to to the rest of of the the tion failed to benefit benefit from from economic economic growth, growth, in in contrast contrast to the rest

post-war period, period, when when all all groups benefited during rising living post-war groups benefited during times times of ofrising living standstand ards." ards.”’ From 1992 there of wealth from the the poor poor to to From 1979 1979 to to 1992 there was was aa massive massive transfer transfer of wealth from

the the average income after housing costs costs rose rose after housing average income while the years, while these years, During these rich. During the rich. by the earning earning of of the the upper upper by 36%, 36%, this this only only served served to to hide hide the the fact fact that that whereas whereas the 10% 60%, those of the bottom 10% down by by 17% 17% in in real real went down 10% went the bottom those of by 60%, up by went up 10% went

the working of the terms. The report that an an increasing working class class are are now now ratio of increasing ratio says that report says terms. The earning of the average household household income income the average half of mere half week -- aa mere per week £127 per than £127 less than earning less -- with people: te black people: among black poverty among of poverty concentration of particular concentration with aa particular

the averthan half less than with less "Since halfthe aver population with the population of the proportion of the proportion 1977 the “Since 1977 age trebledfrom from 7 per cent.' cent.” 24 per to 24 7 to than trebled more than has more income has age income

And: “Ethnic incomes tend tend to be lower lower than than those those of of the the rest And: "Ethnic minority minority incomes to be rest of of the population. population. the

by sursur Whereas only only 18 18 per per ce cent of the population populatiqn classified classified by cent ofthe cl Whereas

vey interviewers interviewers as as 'white' ‘white’ was was in in the the poorest poorest fifth of the the whole whole population, vey fifth of population, 10363

YOU

more was in more than than a a third third of of the the 'non-white' ‘non-white’ population population was in the the poorest poorest fifth. Jifth. ....you you ...

PREFACELSOMEO PREFACE

14062

v

are twice twice as as likely likely toto be be poor poor ififyou you are are black black than than ififyou you are are white." white. ”’ are Council estates estates are are increasingly increasingly becoming becoming the the dumping dumping grounds grounds for for the the Council poorest poorest sections sections of of the the population: population:

“In the the 1960s 1960s and and early early 1970s 1970s fewer fewer than than half half of of the the individuals individuals living living in in "In council housing housing were were in in the the poorest poorest 40 40 per per cent cent of of the the population; population; by by 1991 1991 the the council

proportion was was three-quarters.' three-quarters. ”’ proportion ""

The report report goes goes on on to to highlight highlight the the fast-deteriorating fast-deteriorating employment employment pros prosThe

pects for for the the young, young, linking linking these these prospects prospects to to educational educational success success at at school school pects

and and at at higher higher levels levels of of education. education. In In the the circumstances circumstances of of the the continued continued decline decline of British British imperialism, imperialism, the the erosion erosion of of its its manufacturing manufacturing base, base, with with the the resultant resultant of bleak employment employment prospects, prospects, the the government's government’s education education policy policy is is tailor-made tailor-made bleak to produce produce not not just just the the successful successful ones ones needed needed by by capital capital for for its its self-expansion, self-expansion, to but bottom one-third, but also also the the unsuccessful unsuccessful fated fated for for the the ranks ranks of of the the bottom one-third, sur sur-

rounded rounded by by conditions conditions of of dire, dire, unrelenting unrelenting and and absolute absolute poverty, poverty, shut shut up up in in

deprived/problem working-class working-class estates estates attending attending problem problem schools schools starved starved of of deprived/problem

resources.

resources.

Yet 'left', grouped grouped in (both inside Yet the the so-called so-called ‘left’, in various various Trotskyist Trotskyist (both inside and and out outside revisionist organisations, organisations, these "philistines in side of of the the Labour Labour Party) Party) and and revisionist these ‘“philistines in

nightcaps’’, to use use Lenin's Lenin’s very expression, possessed of an nightcaps", to very apt apt expression, possessed of an inordinate inordinate amount and imbued servility to to the the bourgeoibourgeoi amount of of inept inept pedantry, pedantry, and imbued with with a a spirit spirit of of servility sie, continue continue to the existence existence of above split split in in the the working working class. class. The The sie, to deny deny the of the the above denial of this this split split isis absolutely absolutely essential essential to to their their support support for for the the Labour Labour Party Party denial of the party party of of the the entire entire working working class, class, for for the the recognition of the the split split in in the the asas the recognition of working class class cannot cannot fail fail to to force force on on them them also also the the recognition recognition that that Labour Labour reprep working resents the the interests interests of of British British imperialism imperialism and and of of the the privileged privileged layers layers of of the the resents working class. class. InIn denying denying this this split, split, these these ignorant ignorant country country yokels yokels also also deny, deny, working

albeit implicitly, implicitly, the the imperialist imperialist character character of of British British capitalism. capitalism. Just Just asas the the concon albeit

temptible scoundrelly gentry ofof the the Labour Labour Party, Party, cringing cringing before before the the temptible scoundrelly gentry bourgeoisie, adapt adapt every every line line ofof their their programme programme toto the the requirements requirements ofofBritish British bourgeoisie, imperialism imperialism and and that that ofof the the labour labour aristocracy aristocracy and and the the petty petty bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, inin the the same measure measure our our Troto-revisionist Troto-revisionist ‘left’, 'left', which which fancies fancies itself itself toto be be revolutionrevolution same ary, ary, increasingly increasingly cringing cringing before before social social democracy, democracy, adapting adapting itself itselftoto bourgeois bourgeois

parliamentarism, parliamentarism, adjusts adjusts itself itself toto the the imperialist imperialist Labour Labour Party Party and and the the latter’s latter's electoral requirements. requirements. Treating Treatinghistory history and and reality reality like likeGogol’s Gogol's Petrushka, Petrushka, our our electoral representatives representatives ofof lackey lackey science science that that they they are, are, our our ‘left’, 'left', continue continue chanting chantingthe the

mantra that that the the Labour Labour Party Party isis aa mass mass party party ofof the the British British working working class. class. mantra

Their stance, stance, their their scorn scorn for for historical historical facts, facts, their their disdain disdain for for reality, reality, isis distindistin Their

vi

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE -

Suished guished by by such such aa “sweet "sweet naiveté, naiveté, which which would would be be touching touching inin aa child child but but isis rere pulsive pulsive inin aa person person who who has has not notyet yet been been officially officially certified certified as asfeeble-minded,” feeble-minded, " to use use Lenin’s Lenin's observation observation apropos apropos Kautsky. Kautsky. to The entire entire history history of of bourgeois bourgeois democracy democracy shows shows that that bourgeois bourgeois democrats democrats The have always always practised practised deception deception and and trickery trickery on on the the masses. masses. They They have have always always have advanced, advanced, and and still still advance, advance, all all manner manner of of slogans slogans inin order order toto trick trick the the proletarproletar iat. iat. The The Labour Labour Party Party isis no no exception. exception. Throughout Throughout its its existence existence itit has has advanced advanced demagogic demagogic slogans slogans toto hoodwink hoodwink the the proletariat, proletariat, toto lull lull toto sleep sleep the the Simple Simple Simons Simons among among the the socialists, socialists, while while serving serving imperialism imperialism single-mindsingle-mind edly. The The task task of of the the socialists, socialists, therefore, therefore, isis not be satisfied satisfied with with the the edly. not toto be slogans, with with idealistic charlatan phrases, but to to get class reality reality and and test test slogans, idealistic oror charlatan phrases, but get toto class

the sincerity sincerity of a compare their the of those those putting putting forward forward the the slogans -- toto compare their words words with with their deeds.

their deeds.

Today, relative decline of British British imperialism Today, however, however, the the continuing continuing relative decline of imperialism isis increasingly forcing those of Labour increasingly forcing the the bourgeois bourgeois democrats, democrats, including including those of the the Labour Party, and to confront the mass of of the the working working Party, to to shed shed much much of of the the sloganising sloganising and to confront the mass class withhideous hideousclass classreality reality inin the the form form of ofan anassault assault on onthe thegains gainsofofthe the class with post-war workforce has has post-war period. period. During During the the past past 25 25 years, years, the the manufacturing manufacturing workforce been been nearly nearly halved halved (down (down from from 88 million million to to 4.5 4.5 million), million), while while the the number number of of those those employed employed in in banking banking and and insurance insurance has has nearly nearly trebled. trebled. Between Between 1979 1979

and by in and 1989 1989 alone, alone, while while investment investment in in banking banking services services went went up up DECAET by 125%, 125%, investment by a vestment in in manufacturing manufacturing over over the the same same period period went went up up by a mere mere 13%. 13%. No No wonder wonder then then that that during during those those ten ten years years employment employment in in banking banking and and financial financial

1% was 1% output was services manufacturing output 1992, manufacturing In 1992, million. In one million. over one by over up by went up services went above of that of below that actually below was actually investment was manufacturing investment while manufacturing 1979, while of 1979, that of above that 1979. 1979.

Within are ac acjobs are manufacturing jobs ten manufacturing in ten one in itself, one mannfacturing itself, Within manufacturing

counted British twenty British top twenty the top of the Eleven of armaments. Eleven of armaments. manufacture of the manufacture by the for by counted for companies in the the manufacture armaments. of armaments. manufacture of in involved are involved companies are

Withsuch suchan aneroero With

sion of of its its manufacturing manufacturing base, and with with such such heavy heavy reliance reliance on on the the base, and sion manufacture of of the the merchandise death, how British imperialism imperialismable ableto to how isis British of death, merchandise of

marmufacture in unproductive involved in support of the the population unproductive population involved proportion of increasing proportion the increasing support the The labour the vast vastparasitic parasitic layers no wealth, wealth, no nosurplus surplusvalue? value? The produce no who produce layers who labour--the earnings export ofofcapital answer, the m must be be found the export capital and andthe the earnings found inin the m n,n, must in the answer, in from it. from it.

For instance, in earnings from capital in infrom capital overseas eamings Britain’s overseas 1990, Britain's in 1990, For instance,

profit all profit of all 36% of represented 36% which represented vested billion, which £26 billion, to £26 close to were close abroad were vested abroad Britof Brit profits of the profits of the proportion of high proportion such aa high made With such year. With that year. in that Britain in in Britain made in banking why banking see why can see one can capital, one ish of capital, export of the export on the dependent on imperialism dependent ish imperialism (the gigantic dimensions, dimensions. monstrously gigantic such monstrously assumed such have assumed militarism have and militarism City) and (the City)

PREFACES PREFACE

vii vii

In these these conditions, conditions, ifif British British imperialism imperialism isis toto continue continue its its parasitic parasitic existence existence In (and itit can can have have no no other other existence), existence), ifif itit is to continue continue to to provide provide privileged privileged (and is to conditions for for the the petty petty bourgeoisie and the the labour labour aristocracy, aristocracy, every every governgovern bourgeoisie and conditions

ment policy policy must must be be subordinated subordinated toto the the robber robber barons barons of of of the interests of the interests ment finance capital; every every military finance capital; military adventure adventure abroad abroad must must be be fully fully and and enthusiastienthusiasti cally supported supported in order to to make sure of of the the continued continued flow flow of of tribute tribute from cally in order make sure from abroad. The support given by by all all bourgeois bourgeois parties, including Labour, Labour, to to the the abroad. The support given parties, including genocidal war war against against Iraq Iraq is but one one of of the the scores scores of of examples examples one one could could cite cite genocidal is but in connection. in this this connection.

Notwithstanding extraction of superprofits from from abroad, abroad, the the inexorable Notwithstanding the the extraction of superprofits inexorable

relative continues apace apace on on all all fronts fronts -- industrial, industrial, relative decline decline of of British British imperialism imperialism continues financial capital has has come under severe severe pressure pressure financial and and political. political. British British finance finance capital come under from German and Japanese Japanese finance finance capital capital and Tokyo isis increasingly increasingly replacing replacing from German and and Tokyo London as the question, British capital is is London as the global global financial financial centre. centre. Without Without question, British capital fighting and, figures with some some degree of success, success, to to maintain maintain its its fighting hard, hard, and, figures suggest suggest with degree of parasitic privileged position. position. Between and 1990, 1990, its its overseas overseas investments parasitic privileged Between 1986 1986 and investments ran bn. per per annum. annum. Although Although 1991 witnessed ran at at the the rate rate of of approximately approximately $28 $28 bn. 1991 witnessed

in these investments, the following years aa sharp sharp decline decline to to $17 $17 bn. bn. in these investments, the following years saw saw aa steady bn., in 1993 to to $27 $27 steady recovery. recovery. In In 1992 1992 Britain's Britain’s investments investments rose rose toto $20 $20 bn., in 1993

bn., bn. -- the second largest largest over bn., and and in in 1994 1994 to to $30 $30 bn. the latter latter figure figure made made her her the the second overseas bn. abroad in the same year) in seas investor investor (after (after the the US, US, which which invested invested $58 $58 bn. abroad in the same year) in 1994. from the general trend the dede 1994. These These figures figures do do not, not, however, however, detract detract from the general trend of of the

cline over a cline of of British British monopoly monopoly capital capital taken taken over a long long period period of of time, time, particularly particularly in base. What do reveal reveal is in the the light light of of the the erosion erosion of of its its manufacturing manufacturing base. What they they do is

that space, that in in the the crowded crowded global global market, market, each each imperialist imperialist power power is is fighting fighting for for space, for the sun sun - a mostruthless ruthless war with no noholds holdsbarred; barred; and andthat that the the for aa place place ininthe a most war with City, with 3 centuries of cunning and and exex City, this this symbol symbol of of British British finance finance capital, capital, with 3 centuries of cunning

major player still aa major is still Britain is perience player in in that Britain pushover, that no pushover, be no will be behind it, will perience behind this even success success in in that even is that however, is problem, however, The problem, carve-up. The global carve-up. for aa global fight for this fight this the hand, the one hand, the one On the crisis. On deepening crisis. its deepening further its to further serves to only serves field only this field On the superprofits. On of superprofits. inflow of the inflow greater the greater the the greater abroad, the investment abroad, the investment greater the home, at home, investment at the investment less the the less abroad, the other investment abroad, the investment greater the the greater hand, the other hand, closures atat more closures base, more with manufacturing base, the manufacturing of the erosion of further erosion resultant further the resultant with the

overproof overpro crisis of the crisis of the exacerbation of further exacerbation and aa further unemployment and more unemployment home, home, more

duction. duction.

The manufacturing and and in manufacturing investment in domestic investment between domestic gap between The gap

investment. foreign investment. of foreign favour of in favour year in by year investment year by increasing year is increasing abroad is investment abroad of the 113% of of 113% was the 1980 was While the equivalent equivalent of the in 1980 investment in overseas investment direct overseas While direct

in 370% in and 370% 1985 and in 1985 250% in to 250% rose to manufacture, itit rose in manufacture, investment in domestic domestic investment

Vili

viii

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -

the reveal the which reveal figures, which These figures, 1990. These in 1990. 164% in to 164% down to 1989, coming down before coming 1989, before and loans and bank loans include bank not include do not capitalism, do British capitalism, of British truly character of parasitic character truly parasitic figures investment figures direct investment the direct which the with which portfolio comparison with in comparison investment, in portfolio investment, direct 1986, direct and 1986, 1980 and assume between 1980 instance, between for instance, If, for look. If, dwarfish look. rather dwarfish assume aa rather bn., £75 bn., was £75 investment was overseas portfolio investment bn., portfolio £46 bn., to £46 amounted to investment amounted overseas investment and bn. £200 bn. loans £200 bank loans and bank

Consequent Consequent upon upon the the erosion erosion of of Britain's Britain’s manufacturing manufacturing base, base, it it is is con confronted fronted with with a huge huge balance balance of of trade trade deficit deficit on on manufactured manufactured goods goods (currently (currently running running at at the the rate rate of of £20 £20 billion billion aa year). year). The The problem problem is further further exacerbated exacerbated by by the the dramatic dramatic decline decline in in North North Sea Sea oil oil revenues, revenues, which which are are but but aa meagre meagre pro pro-

portion slump, with portion of of their their peak peak in in the the early early and and mid-1980s. mid-1980s. The The continuing continuing slump, with the the consequent consequent rise rise in in unemployment unemployment (currently (Currently just just under under 33 million million even even ac according the Public cording to to the the much-massaged much-massaged official official figures), figures), has has sent sent the Public Sector Sector

Borrowing Borrowing Requirement Requirement (PSBR) (PSBR) soaring soaring sky sky high high and and constantly constantly rising rising further further still. still.

Faced British imperialism imperialism isis intensifyintensify Faced with with this, this, the the worst worst post-war post-war crisis, crisis, British ing attack on class. Nearly of all all ing its its attack on the the poorer poorer section section of of the the working working class. Nearly half half of employees than the with employees in in Britain Britain earn earn less less than the European European Decency Decency Threshold, Threshold, and and with the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie now now bent dismemberment, if not the dismantlement, of of the the the bent on on dismemberment, if not the dismantlement, National Service, and and the the abolition abolition of of universal universal benefits, benefits, we are poised poised National Health Health Service, we are

for aa massive increase inin poverty the split for massive increase poverty and and the the widening widening of of the split inin the the working working class. “contented majority’ class. Increasingly Increasingly the the 'contented majority' isis turning turning into into aa minority, minority, and and for for the first time of the of the workthe first time since since the the end end of the war, war, the the overwhelming overwhelming majority majority of the work ing hopelessness and ing Class class are are being being sucked sucked into into the the abyss abyss of of absolute absolute poverty, poverty, hopelessness and misery. misery. Labour it will Labour will will not not give give voice voice to, to, it will not not represent, represent, this this vast vast mass mass ofof the the destitute. Labour Labour has has lost lost four four elections elections inin succession succession for for the the reason reason that that the the destitute. privileged privileged stratum stratum ofof the the working working class class deserted deserted toto the the Tories. Tories. To To win, win, Labour Labour needs, needs, inin addition addition toto the the votes votes ofof the the lower lower proletarian proletarian stratum, stratum, the the electoral electoral support support ofof the the upper upper stratum stratum asas well well asas aa section section ofof the the petty petty bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. Since, Since, asas aa result result ofofthe the breakdown breakdown ofofthe the Keynesian Keynesian consensus, consensus, itit isis nono longer longer possible possible for for itit toto reconcile reconcile the the interests interests ofof the the labour labour aristocracy aristocracy and and ofof the the lower lower stratum, stratum, Labour Labour has, has, after after each each election election defeat, defeat, moved moved away, away, distanced distanced

itself, itself, from from the the lower lower layers layers-- wooing wooingthe the upper upperlayers layersand andthe thepetty pettybourgeoisie bourgeoisie has become become itsits main main concern. concern. Labour Labour lost lost the the 1992 1992 election electionbecause because itsits comcom has mitment mitment toto aa mild mild increase increaseininspending spending ononthe theNational NationalHealth HealthService Service (£1 (£1 bn.) bn.) and education education (£600 (£600 million) million) proved proved unacceptable unacceptable toto the the petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois ang and and

the stratum of class. the upper upper stratum of the the working working class.

a

PREFACE PREFACE

bete

ix 1x

As aa result, result, Labour dropped all all As Labour has has dropped

such commitments.

such commitments.

The has moved much to to the the right the bebe The present-day present-day Labour Labour Party Party has moved so so much right that that the wildered are forever their clothes. wildered Tories Tories are forever accusing accusing the the Labour Labour Party Party of of stealing stealing their clothes. And media mogul Murdoch, has And that that arch-reactionary arch-reactionary union-buster, union-buster, media mogul Rupert Rupert Murdoch, has gone La gone on on record record as as saying saying that that "I ‘7 can can imagine imagine myself myself supporting supporting the the British British La-

bour Tony Blair." Blair.’’ Only bour leader, leader, Tony Only aa few Blair travelled, travelled, in few weeks weeks ago, ago, Tony Tony Blair in fittingly servile fashion, to to Australia's Australia’s (all (all expenses fittingly servile fashion, expenses paid, courtesy Mr Mr Rupert Rupert paid, courtesy Murdoch) Hayman Hayman Island, Island, off off the Murdoch) Queensland coast, coast, to to speak, speak, and explain LaLa the Queensland and explain bour’s policy policy to to Murdoch's Murdoch’s media executives at bour's media executives at a organised by by a Conference Conference organised Murdoch's characteristic fashion, he delivered Murdoch’s News News International. International. In In characteristic fashion, he delivered a a vacu vacu-

ous speech, speech, the the contents ous not concem concern us, no other other reason than contents of of which which do do not us, if if for for no reason than that it it was was devoid of all all content content except except for that devoid of for aa cringing plea, worded in suitably suitably cringing plea, worded in servile language, servile language, to to be asa a faithful of imperialism one of of be accepted accepted as faithful lackey lackey of imperialism by by one the most most ruthless ruthless monopoly monopoly capitalists. the The important to note note is that capitalists. The important point point to is that Blair, who Blair, admission and bourgeois standards standards is no more more who even even on on bourgeois bourgeois admission and by by bourgeois is no than third class class mediocrity, introduced at at the conference by by Mur than a a third mediocrity, was was introduced the above above conference Murdoch of the most outstanding political leaders the world world doch himself himself as as one one of the ‘‘most outstanding political leaders inin the

today.’’ This This reminds one of today." reminds one following observation observation made by Marx apropos of the the following made by Marx apropos John Stuart Mill:

John Stuart Mill:

"On she the level level plain, mounds look look like like hills; and the imbecile flatflat “On plain, simple simple mounds hills; and the imbecile ness present bourgeoisie bourgeoisie is be measured the altitude of its its great great ness of of the the present is to to be measured by by the altitude of intellects" intellects’’ -- and and by by its its leaders, leaders, we we might might add! add!

As being written, from within within As this this preface preface isis being written, Blair, Blair, in in response response to to criticism criticism from

his veteran right-winger right-winger Hattersley, Hattersley, who who for for his own own Party Party -- including including from from the the veteran

years hatchetman for for that (who stabbed the miners miners years acted acted as as hatchetman that windbag windbag Kinnock Kinnock (who stabbed the in effect that poor and and that that Labour Labour under under in the the back) back) -- to to the the effect that he he was was forgetting forgetting the the poor his has no definable ideological bearing, has has responded responded by by saying saying ideological bearing, no definable leadership has his leadership

that wooing the the votes of the class' and and that he had had that he ‘middle class’ the 'middle votes of unashamedly wooing was unashamedly he was that he that. for that. no apologise for to apologise need to no need

revisionist er-revolutionaries and In spite of the Trotskyite counter-revolutionaries and the the revisionist Trotskyite count this, the of this, In spite

the harping on revolutionaries, are renegades are still still harping on the be revolutionaries, professing toto be while professing alike, while renegades alike, rnment under ur gove theme and electing Labour government under prespres electing aa Labo out and Tories out the Tories kicking the of kicking theme of show that ly goes This mere ies. This sure implement socialist policies. merely goes toto show that the the list polic ement socia to impl sure to

cracy and wing of but the y are Trotskyite/revisionist gentry are but the ‘left’ 'left' wing of socia sociall demo democracy and are are skyite/revisionist gentr Trot

cull-democratic cul themselves saturated with the the filthy filthy socia social-democratic through with and through through and ated through selves satur them t of the pligh ious to ture of corruption, them obliv oblivious to the plight of the the poor poor atat home home and and making them ption, making of corru ture

x

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN - THE THE ENEMY

abroad, andthe theobjects objects of of whose concerntoo tooare arethe the upper upper stratum the abroad, and whose main main concer stratum ofofthe

working the petty petty bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. working class class together together with with the

In let down down by, by, and disgruntled with, with, Tories Tories In the the conditions conditions in in which, which, being being let and disgruntled and working class class is abstaining from from and Labour Labour alike, alike, aa significant significant minority minority of of the the working is abstaining

voting the media media blitz blitz inviting inviting them to take take part part voting at at elections elections (notwithstanding (notwithstanding the them to in exercise), regarding regarding them them as as aa charade charade and and aa contest contest in this this great great 'democratic' ‘democratic’ exercise), between two bourgeois parties parties with with almost almost identical identical propro between two indistinguishable indistinguishable bourgeois

grammes, Vote Labour of the 'left' carries carries the the additional additional risk risk of of grammes, the the Vote Labour campaign campaign of the ‘left’ directing of the into the arms of of various various directing this this disgruntled disgruntled section section of the working working class class into the arms

fascist who do do assert assert in in their their propaganda propaganda that that Labour Labour and and Tory Tory fascist organisations organisations who are (or bad) as each each other, other, and do make make demagogic anti-capitalist are as as good good (or bad) as and who who do demagogic anti-capitalist noises service of of crisis-ridden noises -- all, all, of of course, course, in in the the service crisis-ridden imperialism. imperialism.

Labour does not support the the economic, trade-union, struggles struggles of of the the Labour does not even even support economic, trade-union, working of the the proletarproletar working class, class, let let alone alone the the question question of of the the social social emancipation emancipation of

iat. The trade-union by and and large of the the privileged privileged upper upper iat. The trade-union leadership, leadership, composed composed by large of stratum class, is from the the collective collective stratum of of the the working working class, is increasingly increasingly moving moving away away from

representation the working class to to concentrate concentrate on provision of of personal personal representation of of the working class on the the provision services higher-than-average incomes. incomes. services which which can can only only benefit benefit those those enjoying enjoying higher-than-average

This plague any might transcend transcend This same same leadership leadership fears fears like like the the plague any action action which which might the anti-working class class legislation legislation put put on on the the statute statute the boundaries boundaries of of Draconian Draconian anti-working book its parliament years. Most Most book by by the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie through through its parliament over over the the last last 15 15 years.

significant industrial in the the face face of of police police violence, violence, or or collapsed in have collapsed struggles have industrial struggles significant drowned cretinism or been simply simply betrayed betrayed by by the the drowned under under the the weight weight of of legal legal cretinism or been

strike of TUC leadership. One One exception was the coal strike of 1984-5. 1984-5. heroic coal the heroic this was to this exception to TUC leadership. During by the the most most courageous, courageous, the the most most During this this year-long year-long strike, strike, the the miners, miners, led led by militant incorruptible leadership, leadership, carried the torch torch of of struggle on bebe militant and and most most incorruptible carried the struggle on

half of the entire entire working and for for better better half of the working class class against against unemployment unemployment and

so much capital to of capital the power conditions, and power of to treat treat workers workers as as so much disdis challenged the and challenged conditions,

posable trash. posable trash.

In doing they revived revived all all that that is noble, heroic heroic and and In doing so so they is noble, self-sacrificing spiritofcollectivism - in the the long long history history of of the struggle of of self-sacrificing -- the the spirit collectivism - in the struggle the same act, act, they roused the the frenzy frenzy of of the the bourbour the British British proletariat. proletariat. But, But, by by the the same they roused

geoisie, interest. More than that, that, they they roused roused the wrath of of geoisie, the the Furies Furies of of private private interest. More than the wrath

the death the miners' victory, victory, for the Labour Labour and and TUC TUC leaderships, leaderships, who who feared feared like like death the miners’ for by other sections of the the working working by their their example example the the miners miners threatened threatened toto infect infect other sections of class with with aa spirit spirit of of defiance class defiance and and rebellion rebellion against against the the dictates dictates of of monopoly monopoly

joined forces leadership joined capitalism. So the Labour/TUC forces with with the the Thatcher Thatcher Labour/TUC leadership So the capitalism. government, the Board, the police and and intelligence intelligence services, services, the the government, the National National Coal Coal Board, the police

judiciary, the the bourgeois media, and and the blacklegs from judiciary, bourgeois media, the blacklegs from the the Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire

PREFACE

PREFACE

xi

coalfields, xotic' coalfields, in in order order to to isolate isolate and and defeat defeat the the miners. miners. In In the the end end this this 'e‘exotic’ range range of of forced forced arrayed arrayed against against the the miners miners proved proved too too much; much; the the miners, miners, de de-

serted by by other other sections sections of of the the working working class, class, thanks thanks to to the the treachery treachery of of social social serted democracy, democracy, were were starved starved and and beaten beaten -- literally literally beaten beaten -- back back to to work. work.

In In view view of of this, this, itit isis perfectly perfectly clear clear that that Labour, Labour, far far from from being being the the mass mass

party party of of the the working working class class (as (as the the Troto-revisionist Troto-revisionist outfits, outfits, these these contemptible contemptible scoundrelly renegades renegades to scoundrelly to socialism, socialism, would would have have us us believe), believe), is, is, on on the the contrary, contrary, the party party of of imperialism imperialism and and aa privileged privileged stratum stratum of of the the working working class, class, which which the supports imperialism imperialism to to the the hilt, hilt, for for its its privileges privileges and and conditions supports conditions of of existence existence depend on on the the extraction extraction of of superprofits superprofits from from abroad abroad and depend and the the intensified intensified exploi exploitation of of the the vast vast lower tation lower layers layers of of the the proletariat proletariat at at home. home. The The task task of of the the communists -- revolutionary communists revolutionary Marxist-Leninists Marxist-Leninists -- is is to to recognise recognise the the split split in in the the working class, class, to to fight fight against against the the "bourgeois working ‘bourgeois labour labour party," party,” and and "to “to go go down down lower real masses," the whole lower and and deeper, deeper, to to the the real masses,” for for "this “‘this is is the the meaning meaning and and the whole content of of the the struggle struggle against against opportunism." opportunism.”’ It content of revolutionaries It isis the the task task of revolutionaries to "explain “explain to to the necessity necessity of with to the the masses masses the the inevitability inevitability and and the of breaking breaking with opportunism, to to educate educate them opportunism, merciless struggle against them for for revolution revolution by by a a merciless struggle against

opportunism”’ and and toto unmask opportunism" unmask “the "the hideousness National-Liberal-Labour hideousness of of National-Liberal-Labour politics and not to cover cover them politics and not to them up," the only only Marxist-Leninist Marxist-Leninist line line to to up,”’ for for this this isis the be followed followed in in the the British, as well as the the world, world, proletarian movement. (All (All be British, as well as proletarian movement.

quotations paragraph are are from pamphlet, Jmperialism Imperialism and and the the quotations in in this this paragraph from Lenin's Lenin’s pamphlet, Split in in Socialism). Split Socialism).

Under attack, the vast masses of of the the working working class class are are bound bound toto fight back. Under attack, the vast masses fight back. the job job of of the the communists communists to to organise organise them them outside outside of, of, and and inin opposition opposition ItIt isis the

to, social social democracy. democracy. This This isis not not aa job job that that can can be be trusted trusted toto the the ‘left’ 'left' wing wing ofof to, social democracy, democracy, toto wit, wit, the the Trotskyite Trotskyite and and revisionist revisionist gentry, gentry, who who are are marked marked social by by aa staggering staggering accumulation accumulation ofof corruption corruption and and filth filth through through decades decades ofof opporoppor tunism and and compromise compromise with with social social democracy, democracy, and and whose whose objects objects ofof concern, concern, tunism

too, are are the the privileged privileged sections sections ofof the the working working class class and and the the petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois too,

strata. ItIt isis aa job job that that can can only only bebe accomplished accomplished byby making making aa definite definite break break strata. with the the ideology ideology and and organisational organisational forms forms ofof social social democracy. democracy. Marxist-LenMarxist-Len with

inists alone alone are are capable capable ofof accomplishing accomplishing this this task. task. They They can can dodo itit -- they they must must inists

do it.it. The The formation formation ofof aa truly truly Marxist-Leninist Marxist-Leninist party party ininBritain Britain would would bebeaa do first, first, and andvery very important important step, step, ininthe the accomplishment accomplishmentofofthis this historic historictask. task. nts of Nowa a few few word words about the conte contents ofthis thisbook. book. t the s abou Now

d inin govur Party tion ofof the Part One One trace traces the forma formation the Labo Labour Party and and itsits recor record gov s the Part of ry histo a it intended to be, ernment as well as in opposition. It is not, nor is

ernment as well as in opposition. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a history of

xn

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

\

the Labour Labour Party; Party; it it merely merely concentrates concentrates on on the the most most significant significant economic economic and and the

political questions questions and events, at at home home and and abroad, abroad, with with which which British British imperial imperial political and events, policy had had to to grapple grapple -- and and Labour’s Labour's attitude attitude towards the same. same. On On every every imim policy towards the portant questions Labour’s Labour's view view was was identical identical with the views views of of the the British British portant questions with the

ruling ruling class. class. Part deals with with the the distortions by the the revisionists revisionists and and Trotskyites Trotskyites of of Part Two Two deals distortions by the Marxian Marxian teaching teaching on the question question of of the the state. state. This This is is essential essential for for demoldemol the on the

ishing illusion that that socialism can be be secured secured through through parliament parliament by by electing electing ishing the the illusion socialism can a Labour government government ‘‘committed "committed to to socialist socialist policies,’’ policies," or or aa Labour Labour governgovern a Labour ment pressure to to implement implement socialist policies," without the need need for for aa ment "under ‘‘under pressure socialist policies,’ without the proletarian revolution -- without without smashing smashing the the bourgeois bourgeois state state machine machine and and eses proletarian revolution tablishing dictatorship of of the tablishing the the dictatorship the proletariat. proletariat. Part running commentary on the coal strike strike of of 1984-5, 1984-5, Part Three Three isis aa running commentary on the historic historic coal revealing one hand the moral of the working-class movemove revealing on on the the one hand the moral regeneration regeneration of the working-class ment that strike the other other hand the hideous hideous ment which which that strike helped helped to to bring bring about, about, and and on on the hand the

class of capitalist capitalist society, misery class reality reality of society, which which inflicted inflicted such such horrific horrific violence, violence, misery

and their families, families, as as well well as as the the truly truly revolting revolting and starvation starvation on on the the miners miners and and their nature forces of of the imperialist state nature of of social social democracy, democracy, which which joined joined the the forces the imperialist state toto defeat as it done nearly six decades decades earlier earlier to defeat the the defeat the the miners, miners, just just as it had had done nearly six to defeat General Strike of General Strike of 1926. 1926.

Part with some significant economic struggles over over the the Part Four Four deals deals with some other other significant economic struggles

last again to treachery of of the Labour the Labour the treachery to the thanks again lost thanks been lost have been which have years which 15 years last 15

Party-TUC Party-TUC leadership. leadership. Part imperialist war and imperialist imperialist ococ war and of imperialist question of the question upon the touches upon Five touches Part Five

of the cupation in particular question of the the question with the deals with particular itit deals land; in people’s land; other people's of other cupation of six connection with the hunger which British British strike, inin which hunger strike, with the in connection Ireland in of Ireland counties of six counties

imperialism, imperialism, with with the the total total and and unreserved unreserved support support of of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, claimed claimed

status the them the political status the political denying them by denying comrades by his comrades and his Sands and Bobby Sands of Bobby lives of the lives

they Like other other bourgeois they claimed claimed and and so so richly richly deserved. deserved. Like bourgeois parties, patties, the the ossified ossified “tersimple ter than simple other than patriots other Irish patriots the Irish in the nothing in Labour see nothing could see too, could Party, too, Labour Party, rorists' by the the Irish rorists’ -- totally totally ignoring ignoring the the terror terror practised practised ‘by the British British state state on onthe Irish people people over over so so many many centuries. centuries.

The final final part part is is an an Appendix, Appendix, to to which ‘which are are consigned statements of, of, The consigned statements the reader the the reader give the they give for they leaders, for miners’ leaders, with, miners' interviews with, speeches and interviews by, and speeches by,

which pemmeates collectivism, which of collectivism, spirit of the spirit moods, the flavour permeates the moods, ideas, the the ideas, of the flavour of those working class, those who who stand stand up up and and fight fight for for the the interests interests of of the the working class, something something

which sets sets them them apart apart from from the the run-of-the-mill run-of-the-mill insipid, insipid, law law abiding abiding and and servile servile which

PREFACE PREF ACE

xii

the article Can lackeys Appendix also also includes includes the the article Can the The Appendix democracy. The social democracy. of social lackeys of Labour economic salvation, for it unmasks the absurdity bebe the absurdity it unmasks salvation, for our economic us our bring us Party bring Labour Party

hind hind the the idea idea that that with with the the election of aa Labour Labour government government (and (and without without election of

bothering capitalism) we shall somehow somehow quite painlessly get get rid rid of of quite painlessly we shall rid ofofcapitalism) get rid to get bothering to

all our our economic economic difficulties, difficulties, ranging unemployment to all ranging from from unemployment to run-down run-down social social s and services, homelessness and poverty. poverty. This This article, article, as as well three others, others, two two as three well as Services, homelessnes

appearing Four, under under the the titles titles Liverpool Liverpool Showdown Showdown -- the the collapse collapse of of Part Four, in Part appearing in the city' and to terrorise terrorise teach teachAttempts to and Attempts one city’ ‘socialism inin one of socialism dreams of Trotskyite dreams the Trotskyite

ers respectively, Tespectively, ers

and appearing inin Part and the the third third appearing Part Five Five entitled entitled London London

demonstrations show show British British people people opposed demonstrations opposed to Gulfwar, were written by my my to Gulf war, were written by comra and friend comrade andde friend Ella Ella Rule. Therest rest were werewritten writtenby by me meininthe the form formofofartiarti Rule. The cles for for Lalkar, Lalkar, the the paper cles paper of of the Association (GB). (GB). The The dates dates the Indian Indian Workers' Workers’ Association of are oftheir theirpublicati publicationon areindicated indicatedatat the the beginning beginningofofeach eacharticle. article. There Thereisis one one exception to exception material contained Part Two, distortions of of to this: this: the the material contained inin Part Two, concerning concerning distortions on the the Marxian the Marxianteaching teaching on thestate, state, appeared appeared originally originally as as aa pamphlet pamphlet which which II was the Association Association of of Communist Communist Workers Workers (ACW) (ACW) to write on on was instructed instructed by by the to write the with the the general general election election of of 1974. 1974. the latter's latter's behalf, behalf, in in connection connection with I| take thank my close comrades and collaborators, with take this this opportunity opportunity to to thank my close comrades and collaborators, with-

out support -- ideological, ideological, political, political, material material and and technical technical -out whose whose unstinting unstinting support this been a acknowledge with with gratitude gratitude this book book would would have have been a near near impossibility. impossibility. II acknowledge the Trevor Rayne, Rayne, discussions with whom con the help help generously generously given given to to me me by by Trevor discussions with whom concerningthe thesignificance significance of thestatistical statistical data usedin inthis this book found cerning of some some ofofthe data used book IIfound invaluable. the fact that the Workers' AssoAsso invaluable. IJ also also wish wish to to put put on on record record the fact that the Indian Indian Workers’ ciation (GB), organisation of origin, and ciation (GB), although although aa mass mass organisation of workers workers of of Indian Indian origin, and not not a throughout its existence supported supported proletarian-revolutionary a party, party, has has throughout its long long existence proletarian-revolutionary and as well well as as the national-liberation and and anti-imperianti-imperi the national-liberation struggles, as working-class struggles, and working-class alist Its stance stance has been genuinely genuinely proletarian and proletarian and has been over. Its world over. the world movements the alist movements

internationalist, working people could be be justly proud, and and from from justly proud, people could which working of which internationalist, of which be revolutionary revolutionary could could learn great deal. deal. For For my my own own leam a a great to be claiming to many claiming which many part, Association (GB)'s steadfastly internationalist internationalist outout (GB)’s steadfastly Workers’ Association Indian Workers' the Indian part, the

look has been been aa tremendous tremendoussource sourceofofstrength strengthand andhas has helped helpedme mesustain sustainmy my look has

Workers’ Association bearings in The Indian Indian Workers' Association (GB) (GB) must must times. The difficult times. some difficult in some bearings while, needless share the the credit credit for for all all inin this book whichisis creditworthy creditworthy while, needlesstoto book which share my own. isisentirely say, the the blame for any any weaknesses entirely my own. weaknesses for blame say, Harpal Brar, Harpal Brar,

5th August, 1995 oriledo oz novo adatosoidusta la 5th August, 1995

-Th

bai easiq oft

80

xiv

xiv

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

Post Post Script Script to to Preface Preface

As areabout about to to go print, newly releasedpapers papersatat the the Public Public Records Records As weweare go totoprint, newly released Office show the Attlee of the Trotskyite, revision Office show that that the Attlee government, government, that that darling darling of the Trotskyite, revision-

ist and 'left', set anti-communist unit, unit, allegedly allegedly in in response response ist and Labour Labour ‘left’, set up up aa covert covert anti-communist to communist threat threat to to the the whole whole fabric fabric of civilisa to the the developing ‘developing communist of Western Western civilisation, imperialism]". This unit was the Information Research tion, [i.e., [i.e., imperialism]”. This unit was known known as as the Information Research Department Labour politicians politicians and and TUC TUC Department (IRD). (IRD). Among Among others, others, highly highly placed placed Labour leaders, Mayhew, Denis and Vic Vic Feather, leaders, including including Attlee, Attlee, Christopher Christopher Mayhew, Denis Healey Healey and Feather, were the IRD misinformation on former USSR, USSR, the the were used used by by the IRD to to disseminate disseminate misinformation on the the former

East and against communist parties of the the East European European People's People’s Democracies, Democracies, and against the the communist parties of West, notably those of Britain, France and Russell, the the philosophiloso West, notably those of Britain, France and Italy. Italy. Bertrand Bertrand Russell,

pher, and poet willing tools tools in in the the IRD’s IRD's pher, and poet Stephen Stephen Spender Spender also also acted acted as as willing anti-communist anti-communist drive. drive.

These papers reveal that that Healey, Healey, who who at at the time was was These papers reveal the time

the International Department, supplied the IRD the Secretary Secretary of of the the Labour Labour Party's Party’s International Department, supplied the IRD with of social-democrat Hungary with the the names names of social-democrat émigrés émigrés from from Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia and and Hungary for campaign. for use use in in this this campaign.

The be even even The documents documents reveal reveal the the Labour Labour Party Party to to be

more rabidly anti-Soviet of stupidity, stupidity, than more reactionary, reactionary, rabidly anti-Soviet to to the the point point of than the the anti anticommunist for in January 1949 1949 the the IRD IRD communist diehards diehards manning manning the the IRD, IRD, for in January commented anti-Soviet leaflets in the the Labour Party's Talking Points sese commented on on the the anti-Soviet leaflets in Labour Party’s Talking Points ries connection, the Guardian of Friday 18 18 August August ries suggesting suggesting changes. changes. In In this this connection, the Guardian of Friday

Labour’s critithat Labour's Healey that told Mr IRD] told the IRD] says: Mr Watson Mr Healey criti [of the Watson [of “Tronically, Mr says: "Ironically, cism exaggerated, and suggested and suggested was exaggerated, US, was the US, of the support of and support Russia, and Stalin’s Russia, of Stalin's cism of

the US changes. For example, the Labour leaflet wrongly wrongly claimed claimed that that the US had had ofof Labour leaflet example, the changes. For fered to 'world authority". Jered to surrender surrender control control of of its its atom atom bomb bomb to to aa ‘world authority’”’.

official, Christopher Warner, told told his colleagues: AA senior senior Foreign Foreign Office Office official, Christopher Wamer, his colleagues:

"We must not not become become general, general, public, “We are are under under rigid rigid instructions instructions that that itit must public, knowledge HMG are are themselves anti-communist propapropa knowledge that that HMG themselves conducting conducting anti-communist

ganda. The The papers papers prepared prepared by by IRD... IRD ... have have aa covering covering slip emphasising that that ganda. slip emphasising although may be be given people who who will be interested, they must must be be although they they may given toto people will be interested, they given given quite quite unofficially." unofficially.” Staffed 300 officials, most of of its its misinformation Staffed by by 300 officials, the the IRD IRD channelled channelled most misinformation

through the ever so 'objective' the press press and and BritBrit through ministerial ministerial statements, statements, the ever so ‘objective’ BBC, BBC, the

PREFACE

XV

XV

PREFACE

ish diplomatic ish diplomatic missions missions abroad. abroad.

In one one of of its its earlier earlier reports, reports, the the IRD IRD claimed claimed that that the the CPGB CPGB had had "bored “bored its its In way into into the the structures structures of of British British trade trade unionism, unionism, "”’ that that it it had had aa membership membership of of way

39,000 and and two two MPs, MPs, adding: adding: 39,000

“One of of the the characteristics characteristics of of the the British British isis their their "One

distrust for for and and laziness laziness in in politics. politics. The The communists communists have have seized seized on on this weakdistrust this weak ness.

ness.

“Activity in in agitation, agitation, support support of of grievances, "Activity grievances, consequent consequent election election as as shop shop stewards, tireless tireless attendance attendance at at meetings, meetings, pre-arranged pre-arranged block block voting voting -- these stewards, these and other methods have gained and other methods have gained them them control." control.”

Interviewed on on the the day day these these revelations Interviewed light (i.e., revelations came came to to public public light (ie., 17 17 Au August 1995), 1995), Healey, Healey, who who was was aa member member of of the the CPGB CPGB during gust his days during his days as as a a student at Oxford, said that it was his job as Labour’s student at Oxford, said that it was his job as Labour's internationa international secretary to l secretary to fight communism because "Russia ‘‘Russia was was deluging deluging the fight communism because world with anti-capitalist the world with anti-capita list propaganda." propaganda .”’ Writing on on page page 99 of Writing of the issue of of the an the same same issue the Guardian, Guardian, Stephen Stephen Dorril, Dormil, an anti-commun ist who who is is nevertheless nevertheless an an opponent opponent of anti-communist of secrecy, secrecy, says the says that that on on the prompting of of the the IRD, IRD, "Alleged “Alleged communist communist front prompting groups were front groups were attacked attacked and and conferences Material was conferences disrupted. disrupted. Material handed over trade union union anti-commu was handed over to to trade anti-communist fronts fronts such nist such as Industrial Research Information Service Service and and Common Common as the the Industrial Research Information Cause. Trade Trade union union and senior Labour Cause. and senior Labour Party Party officials receipt of ofbrief officials were were inin receipt brief-

ings which, inin the ings which, formed the its Proscribed Proscribed List List of of the case case of of Labour, Labour, formed the backbone backbone of of its organisations and and was influential in the selection candidates." (The (The puppet puppet organisations was influential in the selection of of candidates.” masters). masters).

Instead conduct to to its its anti-communist anti-communist and and pro-impro-im Instead of of attributing attributing Labour's Labour’s conduct perialist stance (presumably because because he he is is in in agreement agreement with this stance), stance), Mr Mr perialist stance (presumably with this Dorril his article article with with the the following following apology apology for for Labour Labour and and aa lamlam Dorrmil concludes concludes his entation shows no signs of of wanting wanting to to reform reform the the secret secret state: state: entation that that Labour Labour shows no signs

"The reality the members members of ofthe 'secret state’ state' have always been been exex ‘The reality isis that that the the ‘secret have always tremely successful manipulating the Labour Party. Party. Labour Labour MPs MPs know know very very the Labour at manipulating successful at tremely little about about the the workings workings of ofthe security services services and and invariably invariably leave leave matters matters toto the security little the officials. officials. the

"The pity pity isis that that the Blair team team appears appears toto be be heading heading inin the the same same direcdirec the Blair ‘The seen, aa policy tion with not, as far as can be be seen, policy on on reforming reforming the the secret secret state.” state. as can as far with not, tion No, Mr Mr Dorril! not as as innocent innocent asas you you make make itit out out toto be; be; itit isis not not Labour isis not Dorril! Labour No, ""

to be. as ignorant ignorant of of the the workings workings ofof the the security security services services asas you you imagine imagine itit to be. ItIt as ated figures never any dearth dearth ofof quite quite sophistic sophisticated figures well well versed versed inin the the art art of of had any never had

xvi Xvi

SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY

anti-communism. anti-communism.

If throughout co-operated co-operated with with the the security If Labour Labour has has throughout security

forces, due to its hatred hatred of anything working working class; class; and forces, it it has has mainly mainly been been due to its of anything and ifif Labour the same direction, itit is is because wants to, knows Labour is is heading heading in in the same direction, because it it wants to, and and knows

how this outmoded capitalism.wbang Balit how to, to, protect protect this outmoded system system of of production production -- capitalism. None of the as aa surprise, in our our view None of the above above revelations revelations come come to to us us as surprise, for for in view nothing from an imperialist party party such such as as Labour. Labour. nothing better better can can be be expected expected from an imperialist

But But

the will doubtless excuse for all this this and carry the Troto-revisionist Troto-revisionist 'left' ‘left’ will doubtless find find some some excuse for all and carry

on, with kicking the out and and the on, with intensified intensified vigour, vigour, its its campaign campaign for for kicking the Tories Tories out the election of a under pressure pressure to implement socialist socialist policies policies election of a Labour Labour government government under to implement

-- and and to to work work for for affliation affliation to to the the Labour Labour Party! Party! BBC an MI6 BBC an MI6 Front Front

odw, vainali (ERCE Jang

We have always always known the BBC BBC is is one one of of the the most im We communists communists have known that that the most im-

portant propaganda propaganda arms arms of British imperialism. is portant of British imperialism. Now Now the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie is obliged to beyond this and admit that the the real real controllers controllers of of BBC BBC policy policy are obliged to go go beyond this and admit that are not the journalistic fraternity but the the British British state’s state's secusecu not the pompous pompous and and inflated inflated journalistic fraternity but rity services. The The following article, written for the the Guardian Guardian of August rity services. following article, written for of 1818 August 1995, the release papers by by the the Public Office, by by 1995, in in connection connection with with the release of of papers Public Records Records Office, Seumas tells the the story story so so well well that thatwe we repro Seumas Milne Milne and and Richard Richard Norton-Taylor, Norton-Taylor, tells reproduce full: duce it it here here in in full: nost sbbs 4

"A decision to to set set up up aa covert covert anti-communist “A notable notable casualty casualty of of the the decision

t anti-communist

propaganda unit unit was was the the fragile fragile independence the BBC, BBC, which allowed itself propaganda independence of ofthe which allowed itself to be manipulated IRD after broadcasting executives were told told co-op to be manipulated by by the the IRD after broadcasting executives were co-operation stem the advance of of communism communism in in Europe. Europe. eration was was essential essential to to stem the advance

"Shortly IRD was created in in 1948, 1948, Ralph Murray, its its first first head, head, ‘Shortly after after the the IRD was created Ralph Murray, Cas

20

set the unit's broadcasting policy: policy: ‘Our 'Our situation situation is is now now such such that that itit seems seems set out out the unit’s broadcasting essential should approach approach the BBC and and cause cause them, them, by by persuasion persuasion if essential that that we we should the BBC if

possible, to programme developments developments as as might might help help us.’ us. possible, to undertake undertake such such programme

9

"It was ask the BBC to to include include ‘a'a speaker speaker on on labour labour affairs, affairs, aa “It was agreed agreed to to ask the BBC labour trade union quarter-hour' in foreign broadcasts broadcasts to to ‘al'al labour correspondent, correspondent, aa trade union quarter-hour’ in foreign low us to our own view' to to working class audiences. audiences. low us to put put over over our own view’ working class

If the BBC BBC If the

accepted, he went on, would automatically that they they would echo the accepted, he went on, ‘it ‘it would automatically follow follow that would echo the

developments of developments ofpolicy policy expressed expressed in government statements.’ statements. in government

"

“A was held held in "A meeting meeting was in February February 1948 1948 between between Murray, Murray, aa senior senior FO FO offioffi

cial, and and Major Major General cial, General Sir Sir Ian Ian Jacob, Jacob, director the BBC BBC Overseas Overseas Service, Service, atat director of of the which the the IRD's IRD’s 'scheme ‘scheme of of priorities’ which priorities' was was ‘approved’. 'approved'. Sir Sir Ian lan asked asked for for five five

copies of everything everything the the IRD IRD produced copies of produced and and arranged arranged for for members of the the FO members of

PREFACE PREFACE

xvii xvii

unit to to discuss discuss co-operation unit BBC controllers. controllers. co-operation with with BBC "The was not not only concerned about about overseas overseas broadcasts. “The IRD IRD was only concerned broadcasts. Sir Sir Maurice Maurice

Peterson, the the British in Moscow, Peterson, British ambassador ambassador in Moscow, complained complained to to Christopher Christopher Wamner, the the FO FO official official overseeing the propaganda Warner, overseeing the propaganda unit, unit, early early in in 1948 1948 about about aa

Home Service Service broadcast broadcast regarded regarded asas ‘soft’ Home 'soft' on on Soviet Soviet communism. communism. The The propro

gramme about the the availability availability of of women’s women's hairdressing hairdressing gramme had had talked talked 'nonsense' ‘nonsense’ about in Moscow, failed to to make in Moscow, failed make clear clear that that many many flats were communal communal and and wrongly wrongly flats were implied implied that that central central heating heating was was reliable. reliable.

“It is not good our planning anti-communist "It is not much much good our planning anti-communist psychological psychological warfare warfare

if we we are are going going to let communistinspired drivel drivel of if to let communist-inspired ofthis this kind kind into into the the inmost inmostforfor tress of of the tress Sir Maurice. Maurice. the BBC, BBC,’ ' thundered thundered Sir

“IRD gave gave advice the BBC propaganda broadcasts "IRD advice to to the BBC about about propaganda broadcasts to to the the Soviet Soviet Union itself. one IRD official warned: warned: ‘Phrases 'Phrases like like ‘“‘the "the IRD official Jacob, one to Jacob, memo to In aa memo itself. In Union Kremlin" never be used. The The Kremlin Kremlin is is an an evocaevoca Kremlin” in in a a hostile hostile context context should should never be used. tive symbol symbol toto most most Russians. tive Russians. Wicked Wicked things things done done in in Poland, Poland, Korea, Korea, ete. etc. should not attributed to to ‘Russian should not be be attributed Russian imperialism’ imperialism' but but toto an an international international concon spiracy of of oppression oppression spiracy

using Russian using Russian

troops. troops.

Russian Russian

revolutionary revolutionary

anniversaries should be make the occasion occasion for anniversaries should be make the for references references to to Trotsky, Zinoviev, Trotsky, Zinoviev, Bukharin and other “close "closefriends friends of of Lenin”’.’ Lenin"." and other Bukharin

"This was not the first first time time the BBC became became aa tool of government government foreign foreign “This was not the the BBC tool of policy; it it had policy; had been been overtly overtly directed by the the government during the the war, war, and and papa directed by government during pers disclosed yesterday clearly show show it intended to to use use the the corporation in the the pers disclosed yesterday clearly it intended corporation in event event of of another another 'emergency'. ‘emergency’. "And IRD was subverting the BBC at at home, home, British British intelligence intelligence "And while while the the IRD was subverting the BBC was running an an influential Arabic radio radio station. Senior BBC BBC staff staff concon was secretly secretly running influential Arabic station. Senior

nived the government’s government's decision decision to to convert convert the the station station into into an an open open nived in in the

propaganda weapon. weapon. propaganda "The had the of aa commercial commercial station, station, cover of the cover Sharg-al-Adna, had station, Sharq-al-Adna, radio station, “The radio

transmitting commentary and and readings readings of of the the Koran Koran interspersed interspersed anti-Israel commentary transmitting anti-Israel

with Suez crisis crisis itit became the Voice of Britain, broadcastBritain, broadcast Voice of became the the Suez During the music. During with music.

BBC director now BBC Ian, now bulletins. Sir ing sanitised BBC news bulletins. Sir Ian, director BBC newS with sanitised propaganda with ing propaganda idea. the idea. with the general, went along with went along general, the committee recorded cabinet committee "But all staff recorded atat the compliant. AA cabinet were compliant. staff were not all “But not time staff ‘so 'so obsessed obsessed by by the the notion notion of of BBC staff some BBC with some frustration with Whitehall’s frustration time Whitehall's deep cuts neutrality'. The cuts inin BBC BBC grants.” grants." (BBC (BBC was was threatened deep government threatened The government ‘neutrality’. crusade). conscripted anti-communist crusade). MI6’s anti-communist into M16's conscripted into

xviii

xviii

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

-

The The Unit Unit was was supposed supposed to to have have been been abolished abolished in in 1977, 1977, but, but, knowing knowing what what believed. be believed. to be hardly to that isis hardly Within, that Enemy Within, The Enemy book, The we Milne’s book, Mr Milne's from Mr do from we do durdid dur it did as it today, as work today, dirty work its dirty continues its unit continues similar unit name, aa similar Under another name, Under another

ing ing the the NUM NUM Coal Coal Strike Strike inin 1984-5. 1984-5.

fodiya sit

BBW 20

11

Part Part One One

Social Social democracy democracy

and

and

The the Proletariat The Attitude Attitude of of the Proletariat Towards it Towar ds it

"The fact fact isis that that ’bourgeois 'bourgeois labour labour parties’, parties', as as aa political political phenomenon, phenomenon, "The have been been formed formed in in ALL ALL the the advanced advanced capitalist capitalist countries countries and and unless unless aa have determined ruthless ruthless struggle struggle isis conducted conducted against against these these parties parties all all along along determined

the line line... useless talking talking about about the the struggle struggle against against imperialism, imperialism, ... itit isis useless the about Marxism, Marxism, or or about about the the socialist socialist labour labour movement". movement". about

sm) Lenin (Imperi (Imperialism and the the Split Split inin Sociali Socialism) alism and Lenin

LALKAR January/February January/February 1995 1995 LALKAR

I

Historical Conditions Preceding the ing the ions Preced cal Condit Histori Birth of of the the Labour Labour Party Party Birth 1

Introduction Introduction

Ever since the the foundation foundation of of the the Communist Communist Party Party of of Great Great Britain Ever since Britain (CPGB) in in 1920, 1920, the the question question of of the the attitude attitude of of Communists Communists to to the the Labour Labour (CPGB) Party (the of social social democracy democracy in in this this country) country) has has aroused aroused much much Party (the main main party party of

passion and heated controversy. Once Once again again this this issue issue has has come come to to the the fore fore passion and heated controversy. consequent, first, the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Soviet Union Union and and the the PeoPeo consequent, first, upon upon the collapse of the erstwhile ple's Eastern Europe Europe and and the the tremendous tremendous changes changes in in the the ple’s Democracies Democracies of of Eastern balance of world wrought by by this this collapse. collapse. The The liquidation liquidation of of the the former former balance of world forces forces wrought CPSU disintegration of USSR has has given to two two contradictory CPSU and and the the disintegration of the the USSR given rise rise to contradictory trends. impact of triumphant imperialist imperialist propapropa trends. On On the the one one hand, hand, under under the the impact of triumphant

ganda USSR as the final of ganda which which represents represents the the collapse collapse of of the the USSR as the final collapse collapse of

communism, renegacy colossal renegacy train colossal its train in its brought in has brought it has Marxism-Leninism, it of Marxism-Leninism, communism, of and counter-revothe counter-revo of the aftermath of the aftermath In the doom. In and doom. gloom and of gloom deluge of dreary deluge and aa dreary lution lution in in Eastern Easter Europe, Europe, aa number number of of parties, parties, hitherto hitherto at at least least nominally nominally communist, have counter-revothe counter-revo embraced the openly embraced and openly themselves and liquidated themselves communist, have liquidated lutionary and Marxism-Leninism and renounced Marxism-Leninism democracy, renounced social democracy, of social ideology of lutionary ideology

declared hisof his mistake of "a mistake been "a have been to have Revolution to Socialist Revolution October Socialist Great October the Great declared the toric proportions." proportions." On On the the other other hand, hand, the the same same collapse collapse is toric is making making it it possible possible conseterrible conse the terrible for clearly the realise clearly to realise proletarians to of proletarians number of increasing number an increasing for an its in its quences is in revisionism is what revisionism is what that is (for that departures (for social-democratic departures of social-democratic quences of essence) Marxism-Leninism. from Marxism-Leninism. essence) from

the how the They realising how increasingly realising are increasingly They are

wholesale revision, field the field in the Marxism-Leninism in of Marxism-Leninism distortion, of downright distortion, and downright wholesale revision, and

of political political economy, economy, philosophy philosophy and and class class struggle, struggle, that that was was committed committed by by the the of

20th the 20th since the CPSU ever since revisionism ever Khrushchevite revisionism of Khrushchevite influence of the influence under the CPSU under to led to three decades, than three of more period of over aa period Party more than decades, led have, over 1956, have, in 1956, Congress in Party Congress

the Lenin, the of Lenin, Soviets, the of the land of the land in the capitalism in the the Soviets, the land land of of capitalism restoration of the restoration

land of once triumphant socialism: they are increasingly becoming aware how

land of once triumphant socialism; they are increasingly becoming aware how

their and their countries and imperialist countries 14 imperialist of 14 armies of the armies beat the which beat USSR, which same USSR, the same the

4

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY -

stooges during during the the war war of of intervention intervention (which (which followed followed the the successful successful October October stooges revolution) and which during the the Second Second World World War War broke broke the the back back of of the the and which during revolution)

Nazi war war machine machine how how this this same same USSR USSR collapsed collapsed so so ignominious ignominiously under the the ly under Nazi

impact of of revisionism, revisionism. impact Secondly, the the changes changes within within the the Labour Labour Party Party over over aa long long period period of oftime, time, Secondly, culminating in in the the accession accession of of Tony Tony Blair Blair toto its its leadership, leadership, and and the the decisions decisions culminating of the the last last Labour Labour Party Party Conference Conference (held (held in in Blackpool’s Blackpool's Winter Winter Palace Palace from from 33 of October, 1994), 1994), have have helped helped to to push push this this question question to to the the top top of ofthe the agenda. agenda. toto 77 October,

Communists can can no no longer, longer, ifif they they ever ever could, could, avoid avoid discussing discussing this this quesques Communists tion, and and reaching reaching conclusions conclusions on on the the basis basis of of aa sober, sober, serious serious and and all all sided sided tion, consideration of of the the facts, facts, discarding discarding dogmatism, dogmatism, opportunism opportunism and and sectariansectarian consideration ism alike. alike. This This debate debate must must be be frank frank and and fearless, fearless, yet yet comradely, comradely, for for what what isis ism stake isis the the very very existence this country country of of the the ideology ideology of of the the modern modern propro atat stake existence inin this letariat and and its its organisational organisational form, form, namely. namely. Marxism-Leninism Marxism-Leninism and and aa letariat Marxist-Leninist Moreover, this this question question isis relevant relevant not not just just in in this this Marxist-Leninist party. party. Moreover, country, country too too the the revolutionary revolutionary proletariat proletariat isis faced faced country, for for inin every every other other country

with question of of its its attitude its °own’ 'own' social social democracy. democracy. By By way way of of with the the same same question attitude toto its our debate and and toto the of this this extremely extremely important important our contribution contribution to to this this debate the resolution resolution of question, this series series of articles. question, we we present present our our views views in in this of articles.

We that, in in our judgment, there there is is absoabso We state state at at the the very very outset outset that, our considered considered judgment, lutely now, if there was was during during aa much much earlier earlier period, period, for for lutely no no basis basis now, if ever ever there

the elecof working Party, of Labour Party, maintaining working for for the elec the Labour supporting the of supporting stance of the stance maintaining the tion 'committed to policies'. tion of of aa Labour Labour Government Government ’committed to socialist socialist policies’.

In order What viewpoint of of ours. ours. In order to to do do this viewpoint of this substantiation of follows isis aa substantiation What follows justice of instance of first instance in the the first ourselves in remind ourselves to remind important to issue, itit isis important this issue, to this justice to

to, as prior to, Britain prior in Britain the prevailing in as conditions prevailing the conditions and the circumstances and historical circumstances the historical

rendered This isis rendered Party . This Labour Party. of the birth of well the Labour the birth preceding, the immediately preceding, as immediately well as

movethe proletarian into the particularly proletarian move entrants into young entrants that young fact that the fact by the necessary by particularly necessary

the older from the history and this history of this ignorant of large ignorant and large by and are by ment are ment and those those from older

in generation history in labour history their labour learnt their having learnt them), having of them), majority of the majority least the (at least generation (at diverse distorted, onesided onesided an extremely extremely distorted, have an outfits, have Trotskyist outfits, and Trotskyist revisionist and diverse revisionist

and history. of this this history. view of opportunist view and opportunist

, Historical Historical background background since since the the defeat defeat of of Chartism Chartism Rise abour aristocracy' Rise of of the the 'l‘labour aristocracy’

_Afler the final final defeat defeat of of the the Chartist Chartist movement movement in After the in 1848, 1848, there there followed followed aa

period during during which which British British capitalism capitalism had had at at its its disposal disposal not not only only aa vast vast colo coloperiod

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OFTHE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIATTOWARDS TOWARDS ITIT

55

nial nial empire empire but but also also aa monopoly monopoly inin the the world world market, market. The The rapid rapid expansion expansion ofof industry industry consequent consequent upon upon the the above, above, enabled enabled British Britishcapitalism capitalism toto ease ease the the concon dition dition ofof the the working working class. class. Between Between 1850 1850 and and 1875, 1875, wages wages rose rose considerably, considerably,

byby almost almost aa third. third. The The major major beneficiary beneficiary ofof this this rise rise was was doubtless doubtless the the labour labour aristocracy, consisting consisting ofof skilled skilled workers workers and and craftsmen craftsmen - these constituting aristocracy, these constituting

between between 10% 10% and and 15% 15% ofof the the working working class. class. Their Their weekly weekly wages wages were were nearly nearly double double those those ofof unskilled unskilled workers, workers. This This privileged privileged stratum, stratum, increasingly increasingly asas

suming suming the the leadership leadership ofof the the working working class class and and turning turning its its back back on on Chartism Chartism (which (which was was undoubtedly undoubtedly revolutionary revolutionary for for its its time), time), got got on on with with the the job job ofof

building craft unions building craft unions designed designed toto protect protect their their trade trade and and craft craft privileges privileges inin order order to better the the conditions conditions for for the the sale sale of of the the labour labour power power of of their their members members within within to better the capitalism. Let Let alone alone working working for for the the abolition abolition of of the the wages wages of capitalism. conditions of the conditions system, this this upper stratum increasingly increasingly acquired acquired aa stake stake in in this this system, system, became became upper stratum system, infected with bourgeois bourgeois respectability respectability and and a downright contempt contempt for for the the mass mass infected with a downright working class, class, the the vast majority constituting the unskilled unskilled workers. workers. constituting the vast majority the working ofof the Engels craft outlook outlook and and bourgeois bourgeois respectrespect narrow craft prevalent narrow then prevalent the then describes the Engels describes ability, especially of of the upper stratum working class, these vivid vivid in these class, in the working of the stratum of the upper ability, especially

terms:

terms:

‘respectability’ bred s 'respectability' "The thing here bourgeois bred into into the the here isis bourgeoi repulsive thing most repulsive "The most bones workers. the workers. of the bones of

gradaThe innumerable grada into innumerable society into of society division of social division The social

but also each with tions, with its its own own pride pride but also question, each without question, recognised without each recognised tions, each

the that the established that so firmly is so s’, is inborn uperiors', firmly established and 's‘superior ‘betters’ and its 'betters' for its respect for inborn respect Sorge, 77 to Sorge, (Letter to accepted..." (Letter bourgeois bait accepted..." their bait get their to get easy to pretty easy it pretty find it bourgeois find December 1889). December 1889).

Tail Tail end end of of the the Liberal Liberal Party Party

In In these these circumstances circumstances it it isis hardly hardly to to be be surprised surprised at at that that no no workingclass workingclass party arose arose which which had had the the ability ability and and willingness willingness to to represent represent the the interests interests of of party that that class. class. In In an an article article dated dated 22 22 February, Febmary, 1874, 1874, on on The The English English Elections, Elections,

Engels captures captures the the depressing depressing political political scene, scene, characterised Engels characterised by by corruption corruption and and the labour leaders': the sickening sickening bourgeois bourgeois respectability respectability of of the the '"labour leaders’:

“As regards regards the the workers workers itit must must be be stated, stated, toto begin begin with, with, that that no "As separate no separ ate politi cal working-class party party has has existed existed in in England England since since the the downfall political working-class downfall of of the the Chartist Party Party ...... This This isis understandable understandable in in aa country country in in which which the Chartist the working working class class has

shared more than anywhere else in the advantag es of of the has shared more than anywhere else in the advantages the immense immense expan ex. sion of its large-scale industry. Nor coul have been sion ofd itsthat large-scale industry. Nor couldd itit have been otherwise otherwise in nean an Englan that ruled England ruled the the world world market market ...

...

6 6

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE + THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

"Whenever "Whenever the the workers workers lately lately took took part part in in general general politics politics in in particular particular or or-

ganisations, ganisations, they they did did so so almost almost exclusively exclusively as as the the extreme extreme left left wing wing of of the the 'great ‘great Liberal Liberal Party"" Party’" (Marx (Marx & & Engels, Engels, On On Britain, Britain, Moscow, Moscow, 1953, 1953, p.466). p.466). Even Even after after the the Electoral Electoral Reform Reform Act Act of of 1867 1867 had had "opened "opened the the door door of of Par Par-

liament liament to to at at least least 60 60 working-class working-class candidates," candidates," continues continues Engels, Engels, "in "in order order to to get first place, get into into Parliament, Parliament, the the 'labour ‘labour leaders leaders’ had had recourse, recourse, in in the the first place, to to the the votes of votes and and money money of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and only only in in the the second second place place to to the the votes votes of the the workers workers themselves. themselves. But But by by doing doing so so they they ceased ceased to to be be workers' workers’ candidates candidates and appeal to and turned turned themselves themselves into into bourgeois bourgeois candidates. candidates. They They did did not not appeal to the the working-class working-class party party that that still still had had to to be be formed formed but but to to the the bourgeois bourgeois 'great ’great lib liberal eral party"" party”" (ibid, (ibid, pp.467-68) pp.467-68) Earlier way Earlier in in the the same same article, article, Engels Engels remarked remarked that that the the "" ... shortest shortest way MOTORS

would strong workers' would have have been been to to proceed proceed at at once once to to form form anew anew a a strong workers’ party party with with

aa definite definite programme, programme, and and the the best best political political programme programme they they could could wish wish for for was name was in bad was the the People's People’s Charter. Charter. But But the the Chartists' Chartists’ name was in bad odour odour with with the the bourgeoisie theirs had had been been an an outspoken outspoken proletarian party, bourgeoisie precisely precisely because because theirs proletarian party, and continue the labour and so, so, rather rather than than continue the glorious glorious tradition tradition of of the the Chartists, Chartists, the the ‘labour leaders' preferred to aristocratic friends friends and and be leaders’ preferred to deal deal with with their their aristocratic be 'respectable', ‘respectable’, which acting like "(ibid, p.467) which in in England England means means acting like a a bourgeois. bourgeois."(ibid, p.467)

Four his letter letter to 11 Feb Feb 1878, Marx exex Four years years later, later, in in his to W.Liebknecht W.Liebknecht dated dated 11 1878, Marx presses his at the of the the English English working class by presses his total total disgust disgust at the demoralisation demoralisation of working class by the period and the of the the trade-union trade-union leaders: leaders: the period of of corruption corruption and the venality venality of "The English working class had had been been gradually gradually becoming becoming more more "The English working class more and and more

deeply demoralised by the the period period of of corruption corruption since since 1848 1848 and and had had atat last last got got deeply demoralised by to the the point point when when itit was was nothing than the the tail tail end of the the Great Great Liberal Liberal to nothing more more than end of Party, i.e., its oppressors, the capitalists. capitalists. is Its direction direction had had passed passed comcom oppressors, the of its i.e., of Party, pletely into the hands of the venal venal trade-union trade-union leaders leaders and and professional professional pletely into the hands of the

agitators. These Thesefellows fellows shouted shouted and and howled how led behind behind the the Gladstones Gladstones ...... and andthe the agitators.

gloriam [to in majorem owners ... in of factory whole factory owners majorem gloriam [to the the greater greater glory] glory] of of gang of whole gang

j

...

the tsar tsar as as the the emancipator emancipator of of nations, nations, while while they they never never raised raised aa finger finger for for the

their own brothers in South Wales, condemned by the mine-owners to die of starvation. Wretches!"(ibid, p.516). p.516) ondemned by the mine-owners to die of starvation. Wretches!"(ibid, their own brothers in South Wales,

SUBIECOR

"Do a: "Do 22nd On 1883, Engels, Engels, inin aa letter letter toto Bebel, Bebel, writes, writes, inter inter alia; alia: August, 1883, 30 August, On 30 bamboozled into whatever let not onon any any account account whatever let yourself yourself bebe bamboozled into thinking thinking that that not

is trying there is a real proletarian movement going on here, I know Liebnecht case." the case. t this, ld abou delude himself andall all the the wor world about this, but but itit isis not notthe elf and de hims toto delu

there is a realproletarian movement going on here. I know Liebnecht is trying "1

$183

"labour and the the vena venality the 'labour lity ofof the and sm uni ort opp the ain expl to we are how So, how are we to explain the opportunism So,

fr

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS ITIT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

7

7

leaders’ of leaders' of that that time? time? How How are are we we toto explain explain the the phenomenon phenomenon of of the the non-exist non-exist-

ence of of aa "strong "strong workers' workers’ party party with ence with aa definite definite programme"? programme"? The The answer answer must be be sought sought inin the the British British monopoly monopoly of must of the the world world market, market, and and the the connec connection between between that that monopoly monopoly and and opportunism opportunism inin the tion the British British workingclass workingclass movement. movement. British British monopoly monopoly of of the the world world market market and and its its effects effects on on the the working working class class One cannot cannot even even begin begin to to understand understand the the history history of of the the labour labour movement movement One

this country country without without acknowledging acknowledging the the effects effects on on the the working working class class of of the the inin this monopoly exercised exercised by by the the British British bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in in the the field field of of colonies colonies and and the the monopoly world market market throughout throughout the the 19th 19th century. century. From From the the superprofits superprofits resulting resulting world from this this monopoly, monopoly, the the British British bourgeoisie bourgeoisie was was able able successfully successfully to to bribe bribe and and from corrupt aa significant significant minority minority (an (an "aristocracy "aristocracy of of labour" labour" composed composed of of skilled skilled corrupt one the one on the causing on thus causing class, thus working class, the working of the unions) of craft unions) in craft grouped in workers grouped workers proletarian stratum) lower proletarian (the lower masses (the class masses working class the working between the split between hand aa split hand stratum) (the stratum (the upper stratum opportunistic upper and opportunistic corrupt and bribed, corrupt this bribed, hand, this other hand, the other on the and, on and, the side constantly deserted leaders constantly labour), whose of labour), aristocracy aristocracy of whose leaders deserted toto the side ofof the the who Engels, and indirectly in or indirectly directly or were directly and were bourgeoisie and bourgeoisie in their their pay. pay. Marx Marx and Engels, who phenomenon, this this phenomenon, to 1892 1852 to from 1852 from 1892 traced traced this this connection connection between between monopoly monopoly of opportunism and the rise of opportunism among among the the privileged privileged sections sections ofof the the working working class, class, the rise and workthe to traitors as them earned the hatred ofof these scoundrels for for branding branding them as traitors to the work these scoundrels the hatred earned ing ing class. class.

"It must must be be observed,” observed," remarked remarked Lenin Lenin apropos àpropos the the question question under under discusdiscus "It sion, sion, "that "that inin Great Great Britain Britain the the tendency tendency ofofimperialism imperialism toto divide divide the the workers workers inin this way, way, toto encourage encourage opportunism opportunism among among them, them, and and cause cause temporary temporary decay decay this

the working working class class movement, movement, revealed revealed itself itselfmuch much earlier earlier than than the the end endofofthe the inin the 19th and and the the beginning beginning of ofthe the 20th 20th centuries; centuries;for for two two important importantfeatures features of ofimim 19th perialism perialism were were observed observedinin Great GreatBritain Britain inin the the middle middle ofofthe the 19th 19th century, century, viz., viz.,

vast colonial colonial possessions, possessions, and and aa monopolist monopolist position position inin the the world world markets. markets. vast Marx Marx and and Engels Engels systematically systematically traced traced this this relation relation between between opportunism opportunism inin

the the labour labour movement movement and and the the imperialistic imperialisticfeatures features ofofBritish British capitalism capitalismfor for Capitalism) of decades."(Imperialism (Imperialism the theHighest HighestStage Stage of Capitalism). decades."

Bou rgeoisification ofofthe Bourgeoisification thewor working-class movement king-class mov ement This systematic treatment, referred to by Le nin, the se pr This systematic treatment, referred to by Lenin, these pronouncements

onouncements byby Marx and Engels, are extremely instructive for an yone dedesiring Marx and Engels, are extremely instructive for anyone siring totogagain an un

in an ynrtunism inin thethe BrBritish itish

derstanding of the material {Cconomic) basis po derstanding of the material (economic) basis ofofopopportunism

working-class movement. movement. We We now turn to to some some of of the most important pro working-class now turn the most important pro-

nouncements of in this this regard period of of several several decades. decades. over aa period regard over Marxism in of Marxism nouncements On October 1858, wrote to to Marx: On 77 October 1858, Engels Engels wrote Marx:

"The English English proletariat proletariat is is acac "The tually becoming more more bourgeois, bourgeois, so this most most bourgeois bourgeois of of all all tually becoming more and and more so that that this nations is is apparently ultimately at at the possession of bourgeois arisaris nations apparently aiming aiming ultimately the possession of aa bourgeois

tocracy proletariat as as well well as as aa bourgeoisie. Of course, this is is tocracy and and a a bourgeois bourgeois proletariat bourgeoisie. Of course, this to aa certain certain extent for a exploiting the whole world." world." to extent justifiable justifiable for a nation nation which which is is exploiting the whole

(op cit, (op cit, pp.491-92). pp.491-92). Nearly quarter of of aa century dated 11 11 August, August, 1881, Nearly aa quarter century later, later, in in aa letter letter dated 1881,

Engels speaks speaks of of "the "the worst type of of British trade unions, unions, which which allow allow themthem Engels worst type British trade selves to been bought bought by the capitalists, capitalists, or or at at least least are are selves to be be led led by by men men who who have have been by the in pay." in their their pay." Further, in a Kautsky dated dated 12 1882, Engels Engels wrote: wrote: Further, in a letter letter to to Kautsky 12 September, September, 1882, "You what the English workers colonial policy? policy? "You ask ask me me what the English workers think think of of colonial

Exactly the the Exactly

same they think about politics general, the same as as what what the the bourgeois same as as they think about politics in in general, the same bourgeois think. think.

There no working working class party here, there are Conservatives and There isis no class party here, there are only only Conservatives and

Liberal Radicals, workers gaily of England’s England's monopoly monopoly Liberal Radicals, and and the the workers gaily share share the the feast feast of of and the the colonies" p.514). of the the world world market market and colonies" (ibid, (ibid, p.514). Bourgeois Bourgeois respectability respectability

Disgusted respectability with with which Disgusted by by the the spirit spirit of of bourgeois bourgeois respectability which the the British British working class had become in his to Sorge Sorge dated working class had become infected, infected, Engels, Engels, in his letter letter to dated 77 De December the bourgeois cember 1889, 1889, complains complains bitterly bitterly "the "the most most repulsive repulsive thing thing here here is is the bourgeois

'respectability'. instance, that John Burns not se ‘respectability’ ...... II am am not not at at all all sure, sure, for for instance, that John Burns isis not secretly of his Lord Mayor and cretly prouder prouder of his popularity popularity with with Cardinal Cardinal Manning, Manning, the the Lord Mayor and the popularity with his own class. the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in in general general than than of of his his popularity with his own class.

...Even Even

...

Tom Mann, Mann, whom whom II regard regard as as the the finest finest of of them, them, is is fond of mentioning mentioning that Tom fond of that he he will lunching with this with will be be lunching with the the Lord Lord Mayor. Mayor- If If one one compares compares this with the the French, French, one for, after pp.522-23). one can can see see what what aa revolution revolution is is good good for, after all." all." (ibid, (ibid, pp.522-23). In In March March 1891 1891 Engels Engels refers refers to to the the old old skilled skilled unions unions as as "rich "rich and and there therefore unsuccessful attempt fore cowardly;" cowardly," and, and, six six months months later, later, exulting exulting at at the the unsuccessful attempt of of

the TUC TUC to to reverse reverse the the decision decision of of the the Congress Congress the the year year before before to to campaign campaign the for for an an 8-hour 8-hour day, day, he he says: says:

"The textile workers at their "The old old unions, unions, with with the the textile workers at their head, had had exerted exerted all all their their strength strength towards towards overthrowing overthrowing the the 8-hour 8-hour decision decision head, of 1890. 1890. They They came came to to grief... grief ... and and the the bourgeois bourgeois papers papers recognise recognise the defeat of the defeat of the bourgeois labour party." party." (Letter, (Letter,14.9.91,cited in Imperialism Imperialism and of the bourgeois labour 14.9.91,cited in and the the Split Split Split in in Socialism, Socialism, Lenin, Lenin,1916) (Engels’ emphasis). emphasis). Split 1916) (Engels'

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT

Commenting on these these profo profound pronouncements of Marxism, Lenin says: Comm enting on und prono uncements of Marxism, Lenin says:

"Here y indic "Here are are clearl clearly indicated the cause causes and effects effects. ated the s and . "The are: "The causes causes are:

"(1) The exploitation of ofthe whole world by this this country country [i.e., [i.e., Britain]. Britain]. "(1) The exploitation the whole world by "(2) Its monopolist monopolist position position in in the the world world market. market. "(2) Its

"(3) Its colonial "(3) Its colonial monopoly. monopoly. "The effects are: "The effects are: "(1) A section of ofthe proletariat becomes becomes bourgeois. bourgeois. British proletariat the British A section "(1)

people who itself toto be "(2) A ofthe permits itself be led led by by people who are are proletariat permits the proletariat section of A section "(2) bought by by the bourgeoisie, or or at at least their pay." (Imperialism, the bought the bourgeoisie, least are are inin their pay." (Imperialism, the Highest Highest Stage Stage of of Capitalism). Capitalism). Engels expressed these these ideas, ideas, repeated repeated for decades, in in his preface Engels publicly publicly expressed for decades, his preface to edition of of his Condition of of the Class in England. In In this this to the the second second edition his Condition the Working Working Class in England.

preface, in 1892, speaks of of the minority" of of workers workers as as preface, written written in 1892, he he speaks the "privileged "privileged minority" opposed bulk of workers". opposed to to the the "great "great bulk of the the workers".

"A small protected mimi "A small privileged privileged protected nority" class, writes Engels, "permanenily "permanently benefited" benefited" from the nority" of of the the working working class, writes Engels, from the exceptionally during 1848-68, 1848-68, whereas whereas “the "the exceptionally privileged privileged position position of of England England during great share now now and then." This This is is why why he he great mass mass had, had, at at least, least, a a temporary temporary share and then." says: monopoly says: "The "The truth truth isis this: this: during during the the period period of of England's England’s industrial industrial monopoly the to a shared in the benefits benefits of ofthe the English English working working class class have, have, to a certain certain extent, extent, shared in the the monopoly. parcelled out the monopoly. These These benefits benefits were were very very unequally unequally parcelled out among among them; them; the privileged great mass had, at at least, least, aa temtem privileged minority minority pocketed pocketed most, most, but but even even the the great mass had, porary the reason since the dying out of porary share share now now and and then. then. And And that that isis the reason why, why, since the dying out of

Owenism, no socialism England." With With the end of of English English Owenism, there there has has been been no socialism inin England." the end

monopoly in sight, expresses himself in the optimis monopoly already already in sight, Engels Engels expresses himself in the following following optimis-

tic terms:

tic terms:

"With English working working class will lose "With the the breakdown breakdown of of that that monopoly, monopoly, the the English class will lose its privileged minority minority not not its privileged privileged position, position, it it will will find find itself itself generally, generally, the the privileged excepted, on on a a level level with excepted, with its its fellow abroad. And And that reason fellow workers workers abroad. that isis the the reason why England." in England." again in socialism again be socialism will be there will why there We

New New Unionism. Unionism.

And was the And Engels Engels had had good good reason reason to to be be optimistic, optimistic, witnessing witnessing as as he he was the re revival had become home of 'New vival of of the the East East End End of of London, London, which which had become the the home of ’New Unionism', great mass of unskilled Unionism’, that that is is to to say, say, of of the the organisation organisation of of the the great mass of unskilled workers. "essentially different workers. The The new new unions, unions, says says Engels, Engels, were were "essentially different inin charac charac-

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

10 10

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

-

at aa founded at were founded they ”... were latter, they the latter, unlike the that, unlike ter" in that, unions in old unions the old from the ter” from shaken; severely shaken; was severely system was wages system the wages of the eternity of the eternity in the time faith in the faith when the time when feeling; by feeling; or by consciously or either consciously Socialists either were Socialists their promoters were and promoters founders and their founders looked neglected, looked rough, neglected, were rough, strength, were them strength, gave them the adhesion gave whose adhesion masses, whose the masses, advanimmense advan this immense had this they had but they aristocracy; but workingclass aristocracy; down the workingclass by the upon by down upon better

the

of

brains

the

'

'

inherited the inherited from the free from entirely free tage, soil, entirely virgin soil, were virgin minds were their minds that their tage, that hampered

which

prejudices

bourgeois

respectable

‘respectable’ bourgeois prejudices which hampered the brains of the better situated unionists.." old’ unionists.." situated 'old'

unionism, old unionism, representatives of the representatives with the He of old Unionists with New Unionists these New contrasts these He contrasts the working of the s of being member their being forgiven their are forgiven that members working who are people who "those people is, "those that is, being of being quality of their quality to drown like to would like class drown their themselves would they themselves because they class because workers liberalism." their liberalism." of their ocean of the ocean in the workers in

with his declare with as to nt as And development to declare his this developme at this Engels at was Engels exhilarated was so exhilarated And so

EnEast En the East [by the the faults all the for all ”... for that "... characteristic faults committed committed [by joy that youthful joy characteristic youthful London the East the revival and future, ders] present and future, the revival of of the East End End of of London past, present the past, in the ders] in

proud II and proud and glad siécle, and fin de this fin of this remains facts of de siècle, glad and fruitful facts most fruitful the most of the one of remains one am to have lived to see it."

am to have lived to see it.

11

Why was shortlived shortlived Why Engel's Engel’s optimism optimism was

In addition emergence of of imperialism imperialism (monopoly (monopoly capitalism), capitalism), which which the emergence to the addition to In Marx and Engels not live live toto witness, witness, and and of which much much more more anon, anon, two two of which did not Engels did Marx and things things happened happened to to disprove disprove Engels’ Engels' optimism. optimism.

First, although although Britain’s First, Britain's industrial industrial monopoly monopoly had had disappeared disappeared by by the the end end of 19th century powerful competition of the the 19th century owing owing toto powerful competition from from the the US, US, Germany Germany and and France, its colonial colonial empire empire was was larger larger than than that that of of its its rivals, rivals, and and larger larger than than France, its ever as aa result result of of new acquisitions in in the the last last two two decades decades of of the the century, century, espeespe ever as new acquisitions

cially cially during during the the scramble scramble for for Africa. Africa. The The empire empire acted acted asas aa shock shock absorber absorber against the rough rough and tumble of of the the competition competition from from its its rivals. rivals. Not Not only only did did against the and tumble

the the empire ample opportunity opportunity for for direct, direct, undisguised, undisguised, straightforward straightforward empire provide provide ample

plunder, represented aa source plunder, itit represented source of of cheap cheap raw raw materials materials and and an an avenue avenue of of exex tremely tremely lucrative lucrative investment, investment, ie., i.e., export export of ofCapital. capital.

The ve declin e ofof Britis The relati relative decline British industry, its relati relative lack ofof compe competitive h indust ry, its ve lack titive-

ness, ly did, ness, were were bound bound to, to, and and actual actually express themselves declining rate of of did; expre ss thems elves inin aa decli ning rate profit on ment atat home, g Britis h capit profit on invest investment home, thus thus forcin forcing British capitalism look for for profi profit alism toto look table investment abroad. And the empire provided able investment abroad. And the empire provided aa ready ready-made arena for such -made arena for such inves unent , result ing in vast overse as capita l ulation. There investment, resulting in vast overseas capital accum accumulation. There was was aa dradra malic rise in the accum ulati on eas inves tment asas aa perce matic rise in the accumulation ofof overs overseas investment percentage of GNP GNP. ntage of WISKIEM

11 11

SOCIAL DEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY Y && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE OF THE THE PROLETARI PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT AT TOWARDS THE ATTITUDE OF IT

Robert in his Party Fit Fit for for Imperialism, Imperialism, has has this this to to say say in in Robert Clough Clough in his Labour Labour -- A A Party

this this regard: regard:

"Accumulated overseas "Accumulated overseas investment investment rose rose as as aa percentage percentage of of GNP GNP from from 73 73 per cent in in 1870 to 139 cent in in 1890, and 164 per cent per cent 1870 to 139 per per cent 1890, and 164 per cent in in 1910, 1910, by by which which time it amounted third of of domestic time it amounted to to aa third domestic capital capital investment investment ... ... Nabudere Nabudere estiesti mates the years 1870 to to 1913 mates that that the years 1870 1913 saw saw aa capital capital export export of of £2,400 £2,400 million million yielding of £4,100 £4,100 million, and that that Britain was able able to to finance finance yielding a a net net income income of million, and Britain was new ofthe return on on the old investment." investment." (pp. (pp. 16-17). 16-17). new investment investment out out of the return the old

Robert Clough reproduces reproduces from from Nabudere's The Political Political Economy Economy of ofImIm Robert Clough Nabudere’s The

perialism, the the following following table table representing perialism, representing British British accumulated accumulated capital capital abroad: abroad:

L

Accumulated Accumulated capital capital abroad abroad

Year Year

£000,000 £000,000

1870

1870

692

1880

1880;

1,189 1,189

1890

1890

1,935 1,935

1900

1900

2,397 2,397

1910

1910

3,371 3,371

1913

3,990 3,990

1913

692

than

forsvob

Furthermore, exercise aa maritime maritime monopmonop Furthermore, British British imperialism imperialism continued continued toto exercise oly, as a the area of finance and insurance, insurance, which which resulted resulted oly, as as well well as a monopoly monopoly inin the area of finance and

in increment in in invisible earnings. in an an ever-rising ever-rising increment invisible earnings.

By the the year year 1913, 1913, invisible invisible By earnings abroad as as aa percentage percentage of of GNP GNP equalled equalled gross gross private private trading trading earings from from abroad

profits, 13.6% and and 14.2% 14.2% respectively. profits, the the figures figures being being 13.6% respectively. During from 1879 characterised as as itit was was by by the the During this this whole whole period period from 1879 to to 1913, 1913, characterised relative decline of as an an industrial industrial power power and and the the disappearance disappearance of of its its Britain as of Britain relative decline

the surindustrial trade deficit was nullified nullified by by the sur trade) was (visible trade) deficit (visible the trade monopoly, the industrial monopoly, plus earnings, thanks Britain of of aa vast vastcolonial colonial by Britain possession by the possession to the thanks to invisible earnings, on invisible plus on empire. the disappearance disappearance of of the the British British industrial industrial momo notwithstanding the Thus, notwithstanding empire. Thus,

12

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

and y and colonial monopol her colonial to her thanks to position, thanks in aa position, was in class was ruling class nopoly, monopoly her ruling nopoly, her

to services, to financial services, and financial insurance and shipping, insurance abroad, shipping, earnings investment abroad, from investment eamings from become had become latter had the latter which the to which maintain conditions to the conditions in the aristocracy in labour aristocracy its labour maintain its

accustomed Real wages rose wages rose monopoly. Real industrial monopoly. Britain’s industrial of Britain's period of the period in the accustomed in

throughout the the period period from from 1879 1879 toto 1900. 1900. ItIt goes goes without without saying saying that that the the chief chief throughout

beneficiary beneficiary of of such such rises rises was was the the upper upper stratum stratum (the (the labour labour aristocracy) aristocracy) com com-

posed of of skilled skilled workers, workers, whose whose weekly weekly average average earnings earnings of of 40 40 shillings shillings posed compared rather rather favourably favourably with with the the miserable miserable wage wage of of 20-25 20-25 shillings shillings for for un uncompared skilled workers, workers, and and 15 15 shillings shillings for for female female and and agricultural agricultural workers. workers. In In 1911 191] skilled

required aa minimum minimum of of 30 30 shillings shillings for for aa family family to to maintain maintain an an adequate adequate ex exitit required

istence, istence, vet vet 5 million million out out of of a total total of of 88 million million male male manual manual workers workers earned earned on on average only only 22 22 shillings shillings aa week. week. In In his his 1905 1905 study study Riches Riches and and Poverty, Poverty, Sir Sir average Leo Chiozza-Money Chiozza-Money concludes Leo people in concludes that that 33 33 million million out out of of 43 43 million million people in Brit Britain Thus ain lived lived in in poverty, poverty, and and 13 13 million million of of these these 33 33 million million in in destitution. destitution. Thus

there is is no no question question but but that that while while benefits benefits of of the the empire empire flowed flowed in there in the the direction direction an of the the labour labour aristocracy, aristocracy, the the lives lives of of the of masses (the lower proletari proletarian the vast vast masses (the lower on. In stratum) presented presented aa picture of poverty poverty and In view the pettystratum) picture of and destituti destitution. view of of the petty cy, who bourgeois conditions conditions of of existence the labour had assumed bourgeois existence of of the labour aristocra aristocracy, who had assumed

p of g that the leadershi of the the working is not under the leadership working class, class, itit is not surprisin surprising that the the period period under discussion was was marked by demoralisation demoralisation of discussion marked by of the the working working class, class, by by the the corrupcorrup tion of the the trade-uni trade-union leaders, the the absence absence of of aa workingworking-class on leaders, class tion and and venality venality of . Robert party Robert Clough party and and political political stagnation stagnation. Clough correctly correctly remarks: remarks: "This "This period period 00] was n. British ism could [1870-19 [1870-1900] was one one of ofpolitical political stagnatio stagnation. British imperial imperialism could still still afaf ns toto labour cy, inin return ford ford toto make make concessio concessions labour aristocra aristocracy, returnfor for which which itit expected, expected, and usually got, and usually got, social socialpeace." peace." (ibid. (ibid. p.21). p.21). There There were were the the odd odd exceptions exceptions of of course, course, one one of of them them being being New New UnionUnion ism, ism, i.¢., i.e., the the organisation organisation ofof the the great great mass mass of of the the unskilled unskilled workers, workers, aa development development on on which which Engels Engels had had pinned pinned soso much much hope hope and and ofof which which hehe had had spoken spoken so so enthusiastically. enthusiastically.

This This brings brings us us toto the the second second reason_as reason as toto why why Engels’ Engels' optimism optimism proved proved so so short-lived . The short-lived. The New New Unions, Unions, far far from from being being helped helpedby by the the old old unions, unions, actuactu

ally_had n by ally had toto contend, contend, owing owing toto the the latter’s latter's dominatio domination by the the labour labouraristocrac aristocracy y

with with its its narrow narrow craft craft outlook, outlook, bourgeois bourgeois respectabil respectability and Lib-Lab Lib-Lab politics, politics, ity and

with with their their hostility. hostility. Such Such was was the the ferocity ferocity with with which which the the combined combined forces forces of of

the e and ass movement the bourgeoisi bourgeoisie and its its agents agents inin the the working-cl working-class movement, the labour labour arisaris , the

tocracy, tocracy, attacked attacked the the New New Unions, Unions, that that the the latter latter came came toto lose lose most most of of their their

membershi p within membership within a a period period ofof 3 3 years, years. IfIf their their membersh membership was 300,000 300,000 inin ip was 1890, 1890, by by 1896 1896 itit had had dwindled dwindled toto aa mere mere 80,000. 80,000. IfIfin in 1890 1890 the the New New Unions Unions

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT

13 13

represented represented aa quarter quarter of of TUC TUC membership, membership, by by 1900 1900 they they were were aa mere mere 10% 10% ofof Moreover, under under pressure pressure from from the the ruling ruling class, class, the the leadership leadership of of the the New New it.it. Moreover, Unions, Unions, unable unable to to resist resist the the prevailing prevailing climate climate of of bourgeois bourgeois corruption, corruption, itself itself

began to to follow the footsteps footsteps of of the the political political and and organisational organisational modus modus operoper began follow inin the andi of of the the old old craft craft unions unions even even to to the the extent extent of of refusing refusing toto recruit recruit unskilled unskilled andi and casual casual workers. workers. and

Development of of Marxian Marxian analysis analysis by by Lenin Lenin Development

But neither neither Marx nor Engels Engels lived lived toto see see the the emergence emergence of of imperialism. imperialism. But Marx nor

Instead of England's England’s monopoly monopoly disappearing Instead of disappearing in in the the conditions conditions of of imperialism, imperialism, merely gave gave way way to monopoly of of aa handful handful of of financially financially rich rich and and powerful powerful itit merely to aa monopoly countries. ItIt fell Lenin to to apply apply and and to develop further further the the Marxist Marxist analysis analysis countries. fell toto Lenin to develop the conditions of the the epoch of imperialism imperialism and and inter-imperialist inter-imperialist rivalries. rivalries. inin the conditions of epoch of Arguing against how Lenin Lenin describes describes the the change change from from the the situsitu Arguing against Kautsky, Kautsky, this this isis how ation alone enjoyed enjoyed aa monopoly monopoly to to that that in in which which aa handful handful of of ation in in which which England England alone

powerful and rich countries, powerful and rich countries, including includingEngland, England, managed managed toto develop develop monopmonop oly. oly.

"Imperialism monopoly capitalism. capitalism. “Imperialism is is monopoly

Every cartel, cartel, trust and syndicate, syndicate, Every trust and every gigantic gigantic bank, is monopoly. Superprofit has not disappeared, disappeared, itit has every bank, is monopoly. Superprofit has not has rere mained. The rich, mained. The exploitation exploitation of of all all other other countries countries by by one, one, financially financially rich, country and become handful of countries ...... country has has remained remained and become more more intense. intense. AA handful of rich rich countries have superprofits amounting amounting have developed developed monopoly monopoly to to vast vast proportions, proportions, obtain obtain superprofits

to even billions, on the backs' of and hun to hundreds hundreds of of millions, millions, even billions, 'ride ride on the backs’ of hundreds hundreds and hun-

dreds of of millions millions of of the the populations populations of of foreign fight among among each dreds foreign countries, countries, fight each other for for the division of of the the particularly particularly rich, rich, particularly particularly fat fat and and particularly other the division particularly easy October easy spoils." spoils." (Imperialism (Imperialism and and the the Split Split in in the the Socialist Socialist Movement, Movement, October 1916). 1916).

In the following terms the In the the same same article, article, Lenin Lenin develops develops in in the following terms the Marxist Marxist

analysis analysis of of the the connection connection between between monopoly monopoly and and the the growth growth of of opportunism opportunism among 'upper stratum', 'ar among aa significant significant minority minority of of the the working working class, class, the the ‘upper stratum’, the the ’aristocracy the working istocracy of of labour', labour’, of of aa given given country, country, and and resultant resultant split split in in the working class:

class:

"The posi "The bourgeoisie bourgeoisie of of aa 'Great' ’Great’ imperialist imperialist Power Power is is economically economically in in a a posi-

tion to bribe tion_to bribe the the upper upper sections sections of of 'its' ‘its’ workers workers by by devoting devoting for for this this purpose purpose one one or or two two hundred hundred million million francs francs aa year year since since its its superprofits superprofits amount amount perhaps perhaps to a billion." to a billion.”

14 14

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -

and Aristocracy and Labour Aristocracy its Labour bribes its power bribes Every Imperialist power Every Imperialist Crushes Stratum Lower Stratum the Lower Crushes the

mothe mo to the way to gave way monopoly gave colonial monopoly and colonial industrial and English industrial When the English When the Imperialist Great Imperialist these Great of these one of each one countries, each imperialist countries, of imperialist handful of of aa handful nopoly of nopoly countheir coun in their workers in of workers stratum of upper stratum the upper bribe the position toto bribe was inin aa position Powers was Powers tries: "Formerly could be country could one country be bribed "Formerly the class of of one working class the working bribed and and tries: does and does can and Power can imperialist 'G'Great’ now "e"every but now Lenin, but said Lenin, corrupted,” said corrupted," very imperialist reat' Power aris‘labour aris the labour of the strata of England) strata 1848-68 inin England) with 1848-68 (compared with smaller (compared bribe smaller bribe continues: Lenin continues: expression, Lenin apt expression, remarkably apt Engels’ remarkably upon Engels' Seizing upon tocracy’". Seizing tocracy". exprofound ex remarkably profound Engels’ remarkably use Engels' to use party’, to labour party', "bourgeois labour "Formerly aa 'bourgeois "Formerly

could be pression, could formed only be formed one country only in in one country because alone enjoyed enjoyed aa because itit alone pression, and enjoyed monopoly, and enjoyed itit for "bourgeois labour party’ long period. Now the labour party' for aa long the 'bourgeois period. Now monopoly, for all inevitable and typical for all the is inevitable and typical imperialist countries." the imperialist countries." (ibid) (ibid) is

of aa handful pemnits of handful of bribed, it While monopoly at monopoly permits upper strata being bribed, of the it at the upper strata being While than ever the same oppresses, crushes, time more more than same time ever oppresses, ruins and crushes, ruins and tortures tortures the the masses masses the

through high semi-proletariat through proletariat and of the the semi-proletariat the proletariat and the hunger, depriva of high prices, prices, hunger, depriva ist wars. ting sness and and the tion, homeles misfortune of tion, homelessness the misfortune of the the imperial imperialist wars. Contras Contrasting es, the these two two tendenci opportunists toto the ingly oppress ed masses, these tendencies, the opportunists the increas increasingly oppressed masses, Lenin to state: Lenin goes goes on on to state: "The the labour "The history history of ofthe labour movement movement will willfrom from now now on on inevitably inevitably develop develop

as as the the history history of of the the struggle struggle between between these these two two tendencies: tendencies: for for the thefirst first [op[op The portunist] portunist] tendency tendency isis not not accidental, accidental, itit isis ‘founded’ founded' onon economics. economics. The

bourgeoisie bourgeoisie has has already already begotten, begotten, nurtured, nurtured, secured securedfor for itself itself ’bourgeois 'bourgeois lala bour The important bour parties’ parties' of ofsocial social chauvinists chauvinists inin all all countries countries... The important thing thing isis that that the the economic economic desertion desertion of ofaastratum stratum ofofthe the labour labour aristocracy aristocracytoto the theside side of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie has has matured maturedand andbecome become anan accomplished accomplishedfact. fact. And Andthis thisecoeco nomic nomic fact, fact, this this change change inin the the relations relations between between classes, classes, will willfind findpolitical political expression expressioninin one oneform formororanother anotherwithout withoutmuch much ‘difficulty’". 'difficulty". (ibid) (ibid)

Split Splitirrevocable irrevocableand andthe the need needtotobreak breakwith with opportuni opportunism sm

ByBy wav way ofofemphasising emphasising the the irrevocability irrevocability ofofthis thissplit, split, Lenin Leningoes goes onontoto

say: say: "The "Thesocial socialchauvinist chauvinistoror(what (whatisisthe thesame samething) thing) opportunist opportunisttendency tendency can totothe canneither neitherdisappear disappearnor nor ’return’ 'return' therevolutionary revolutionaryproletariat." proletariat."

And Andfurther, further,underlining underliningthe theinextricability inextricabilityofofthe thefight fightagainst againstimperialism imperialism and and the thefight fightagainst againstopportunism, opportunism,hehecontinues: continues: "The "Thefact factisisthat that"bourgeois 'bourgeois labour labourparties’, parties', asasa apolitical politicalphenomenon, phenomenon,have havebeen beenformed formedininallallthe the adad

15 15

SOCIAL & DEMOCRACY & SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

IT TOWARDS IT THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS THE PROLETARIAT OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE ATTITUDE

conis con struggle is ruthless struggle determined ruthless unless aa determined and unless countries and capitalist countries vanced vanced capitalist the about the talking about useless talking is useless it is line ... it the line along the all along ducted parties all these parties against these ducted against ...

labour socialist labour the socialist about the or about Marxism, or about Marxism, struggle imperialism, about against imperialism, struggle against movement" (ibid). movement" (ibid).

Furthermore, bedistinction be draws aa distinction "Engels draws struggle, "Engels this struggle, in this Lenin, in says Lenin, Furthermore, says

privileged the privileged the

unions, trade unions, old trade the old of the party’ of labour party' the '“bourgeois tween the tween bourgeois labour

latter the latter to the appeals to he appeals and he majority, and real majority, the real mass’, the the '‘lowest and the minority and minority lowest mass', of essence of is the This is respectability’. This ‘bourgeois respectability. by 'bourgeois infected by not infected are not who are who the essence Marxist (ibid). tactics!" (ibid). Marxist tactics!"

Stating Stating that that the the opportunists opportunists and and social social chauvinists chauvinists represent represent only only aa minor minority, ity, he he goes goes on: on: "And "And it it isis therefore therefore our our duty, duty, if if we we wish wish to to remain remain socialists, socialists, to to go lower and and go down down lower and deeper, deeper, to to the the real real masses. masses. This This is is the the whole whole meaning meaning and whole purport purport of of the the struggle struggle against against opportunism. opportunism. By By exposing the fact fact that whole exposing the that the chauvinists are betraying and the the opportunists opportunists and and social social chauvinists are in in reality reality betraying and selling selling the interests of the they are temporary privileges of a interests of the masses, masses, that that they are defending defending the the temporary privileges of a minority that they they are are the the vehicles of bourgeois ideas and minority of of the the workers, workers, that vehicles of bourgeois ideas and influ influences, that that they they are are really really allies allies and and agents agents of bourgeoisie, we the ences, of the the bourgeoisie, we teach teach the masses political interests, fightfor socialism and and for for the revolution masses their their true true political interests, to to fight for socialism the revolution "The labour movement movement is explain to to the the "The only only Marxist Marxist line line inin the the world world labour is to to explain

masses masses the inevitability and and necessity necessity of ofbreaking the inevitability breaking with with opportunism, opportunism, toto educate educate them revolution by waging aa relentless them for for revolution by waging relentless struggle struggle against against opportunism, opportunism, to to utilise the experience experience of utilise the of the the war war for the purpose purpose of of exposing exposing all all the the vileness vileness of of for the national politics, and ofconcealing it." (Ibid.) (Ibid.) national liberal-labour liberal-labour politics, and not not of concealing it."

Accusing Accusing the the Kautskyites Kautskyites of of "fawning on the the opportunists, opportunists, who who are are alien alien "fawning on to to the the proletariat proletariat as who are are the the servants, servants, the the agents ofthe bourgeoisie as aa class, class, who agents of the bourgeoisie and the vehicles vehicles of of its its influence," he goes goes on on to to stress stress that that ""... unless the lala and the influence," he unless the ...

bour movement movement rids rids itself itself of of them, them, itit will remain aa bourgeois bourgeois labour labour bour will remain movement." (Ibid). (Ibid). movement."

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basiers

loquo ben

LALKAR March/April March/April 1995 1995 LALKAR

II

Organisational Organisational breach breach between between labour labour and and the the Liberal Liberal Party Party

-- Formation Party Formation of of the the Labour Labour Party Although, as as pointed pointed out out earlier, earlier, the the privileged privileged workers workers continued continued to to act act as as Although,

the an extreme of the the Liberal rightup up to the end the tail tail end end -- an extreme radical radical wingwing - of Liberal Party Party right to the end of the the ninth ninth decade decade of of the the last last century, century, the the early early 1890s 1890s witnessed witnessed aa change change in in of this this state state of of affairs. affairs. The The first first organisational organisational breach breach in im this this hitherto hitherto existing existing alli alli-

ance took place ance -- between between the the Liberal Liberal Party Party and and labour labour - took place in in 1893 1893 with with the the founding founding of of the the Independent Independent Labour Labour Party Party (ILP). (ILP). This This breach breach was was the the direct direct re result stiff foreign foreign competition, in the the face face of of which which the the liberal liberal bourgeoisie, sult of of stiff competition, in bourgeoisie, which dominantly represented in the mining industries, industries, proved which was was dominantly represented in the textile textile and and mining proved to be be just just asas ruthless ruthless as Tories. The The defeat defeat inflicted by the the employers employers during during to as the the Tories. inflicted by the 1892 textile industry of aa catalyst catalyst inin the the formaforma the 1892 strike strike in in the the textile industry played played the the role role of

tion of of the the ILP. The founding conference ofof the ILP (1893) (1893) left left no no one one inin doubt doubt tion ILP. The founding conference the ILP that its its leadership, leadership, inin particular particular Keir Keir Hardie, Hardie, who who was was the the moving moving spirit spirit behind behind that the formation the ILP, ILP, though though inin favour favour ofof the the organisational organisational independence, independence, the formation ofof the was was not not inin favour favour ofof the the political political independence independence ofofthe the ILP. ILP.

ae

other words, words, inin the the sphere sphere ofof politics, politics, the the Lib-Lab Lib-Lab alliance alliance was was toto concon InIn other tinue tinue undisturbed. undisturbed. ItIt was was precisely precisely for for this this reason reason that that the the founding founding conference conference refused refused toto call call the the new new party party ‘Socialist 'Socialist Labour Labour Party’. Party'. Instead Instead itit was was toto be be called called the the “Independent 'Independent Labour Labour Party’ Party' on on the the flimsy flimsy excuse excuse that that the the party party had had toto appeal appeal toto the the mass mass ofof workers workers and and not not merely merely toto socialists. socialists. Translated Translated into into ordinary ordinary language, language, the the masses masses toto whom whom the the ILP ILP appealed, appealed, and and who who comprised comprised itsits constituency, constituency, were were none none other other than thanthe theupper upperstratum stratum of ofthe theworkers, workers, organorgan

ised ised inincraft craftunions, unions,characterised characterisedby by a anarrow narrow outlook, outlook,bourgeois bourgeois respectability respectability and and a acontempt contemptfor forsocialism. socialism. This This isis how how Lenin Lenindescribes describes this this stratum, stratum, and anditsits

political politicalrepresentative representative- -the theILP. ILP.

‘‘.. ois craft "... the thepetty pettybourge bourgeois craftspirit spiritthat thatprevai prevails amongthis thisaristo aristocracy ls among cracy ofof labour , which ed itself labour, whichhas hasdivorc divorced itselffrom fromitsitsclass, class, has hasfollo followed theLibera Liberals, and wed the ls, and

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF THE OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

17 17

contemptuously sneers at socialism socialism as 'utopia'. The Independent Labour Labour contemptuously sneers at as aa ‘utopia’. The Independent

Party is is precisely precisely the the party party of of Liberal-Labour Liberal-Labour politics. justly said Party politics. It It is is quite quite justly said that party isis 'independent' ‘independent’ only only of of socialism, socialism, and very dependent that this this party and very dependent indeed indeed upon liberalism" liberalism” (Liberal-Labour (‘Liberal-Labour Policy', Policy’, Oct 1912, CW Vol. 18, p.360). upon Oct 1912, CW Vol. 18, p.360).

Further, in in his his article article ‘Exposure British Opportunists', Opportunists’, written July Further, Exposure of of British written in in July

1913, parliamentary by-election by-election inin recently-held parliamentary then recently-held the then reference toto the by reference Lenin, by 1913, Lenin, Leicester, gives gives a detailed and vivid account account of alliance Leicester, a detailed and vivid of ILP's ILP’s opportunism, opportunism, its its alliance with, and on, Liberalism. was aa twotwo with, and dependence dependence on, Liberalism. Leicester, Leicester, like like aa few few others, others, was member constituency, constituency, but, these constituencies constituencies were, member but, these were, says says Lenin, Lenin, “ "6

particularly favourable favourable for concluding aa tacit tacit bloc (alliance) between between the the soparticularly for concluding bloc (alliance) so cialists and the Liberals.... It such constituencies constituencies that that the the cialists and the Liberals. It was was precisely precisely in in such ...

prominent (independent of of socialism, prominent leaders leaders of of the the so-called so-called Independent Independent (independent socialism, but but

dependent on Party were were elected. dependent on liberalism) liberalism) Labour Labour Party elected. Keir Keir Hardie, Hardie, Philip Philip Snowden Ramsay MacDonald, leaders of of the the Independent Labour Snowden and and Ramsay MacDonald, the the leaders Independent Labour Party, were constituencies. Party, were elected elected in in such such constituencies.

"And these constituencies, who are are predominant, predominant, advise “And in in these constituencies, the the Liberals Liberals who advise the one vote for the the Socialists Socialists and one for for the the Liberals, Liberals, that that is is the electors electors to to give give one vote for and one of course, ifthe reasonable', ‘moderate’, 'moderate', 'independent' and not not of course, if the Socialist Socialist is is aa ‘reasonable’, ‘independent’ and an Social-Democrat [this [this was was written written before the First First World World an irreconcilable irreconcilable Social-Democrat before the War when when Social-Democracy revolutionary Marxism-Leninism] War Social-Democracy stood stood by by revolutionary Marxism-Leninism] whom the less than abuse as as whom the English English Liberals Liberals and and liquidators liquidators no no less than the the Russian, Russian, abuse being being anarcho-syndicalists. anarcho-syndicalists. "What place, therefore, conclusion of alliance bebe “What actually actually takes takes place, therefore, is is the the conclusion of an an alliance

tween Liberals and opportunist Socialists. the tween the the Liberals and the the moderate, moderate, opportunist Socialists. Actually, Actually, the English independents' (for liquidators have tender feelings) feelings) English ‘independents’ (for whom whom our our liquidators have such such tender depend Liberals. The The conduct conduct of 'independents' in in the the English English ParliaParlia depend on on the the Liberals. of ‘independents’ ment confirms this (CW, Vol. 19, pp.272-73) ment constantly constantly confirms this dependence" dependence’’ (CW, Vol.19, pp.272-73) Lenin, how the of the ILP, hand hand in in Lenin, having having given given an an account account of of how the opportunists opportunists of the ILP,

glove the bourgeois Liberal Party, conspired successfully successfully in in the the defeat of glove with with the bourgeois Liberal Party, conspired defeat of

the revolutionary socialist Hartley, concludes: the revolutionary socialist Hartley, concludes: "Class-conscious often adopt 'tolerant' atat ‘‘Class-conscious workers workers in in various various countries countries often adopt aa ‘tolerant’

titude great mistake. mistake. The betrayal of the titude toward toward the the British British ILP. ILP. This This is is aa great The betrayal of the workers' Leicester by ILP is no accident, accident, but but the the result of the en workers’ cause cause inin Leicester by the the ILP is no result of the en-

tire Party. The sympathies of ofall tire opportunist opportunist policy policy of of the the Independent Independent Labour Labour Party. The sympathies all

real those who are determinedly determinedly combating combating real social-democrats social-democrats should should be be with with those who are the Liberal corruption workers by Party in in Brit the Liberal corruption of of the the workers by the the Independent Independent Labour Labour Party Britain" (ibid). ain”’ (ibid).

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WITHIN SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

opportunism Fabian opportunism of Fabian Important role of Important role

Ramand Ram Hardie and Keir Hardie such asas Keir ILP, such the ILP, of the Since leaders of important leaders most important the most Since the

Fabian the Fabian that the surprising that not surprising Fabians, itit isis not prominent Fabians, were prominent MacDonald, were say MacDonald, say ILP, the ILP, first the providing, first in providing, role in significant role such aa significant played such have played should have Society Society should programmes policies, programmes facts, policies, detailed facts, with detailed Party, with Labour Party, the Labour and subsequently the and subsequently

educational, primarily educational, numbers, primarily in numbers, small in always small 1884, always Formed inin 1884, theories. Formed and theories. and

inand in careerists and with careerists full with stuffed full socialists, stuffed middle-class socialists, of middle-class organisation of this organisation this socialism, municipal socialism, of municipal love of its love by its characterised by was characterised excellence, was par excellence, tellectuals tellectuals par Marxof Marx therefore of and therefore struggle, and class struggle, of class hatred of class, hatred working class, the working for the contempt for contempt

three In three liberalism. In bourgeois liberalism. of bourgeois extension of an extension but an was but socialism was for itit socialism and for ism, and ism, setof set way of by way 1893, by November 1893, and November 1892 and September 1892 between September written between letters written letters be to be never to following, never the following, gives the Engels gives Fabians, Engels the Fabians, with the accounts with tling accounts tling 4, (September 4, Kautsky (September to Kautsky letter to his letter In his gentry. In this gentry. of this characterisation of forgotten, characterisation forgotten, .

writes: Engels writes: 1892), Engels 1892),

“You see see something something unfinished unfinished in in the Fabian Society. this "You the Fabian Society. On On the the contrary, contrary, this crowd is is only too finished: of bourgeois bourgeois ‘socialists’ diverse calicrowd only too finished: aa clique clique of 'socialists' of of diverse cali bres, careerists toto sentimental sentimental socialists bres, from from careerists socialists and and philanthropists, philanthropists, united united only only by their the threatening workers and by theirfear fear ofofthe threatening rule rule ofofthe the workers and doing doing all all inin their their power power toto spike spike this this danger danger byby making making their their own own leadership leadership secure, secure, the the leadership leadership exex ercised ercised byby the the ‘eddicated’. 'eddicated'. IfIf afterwards afterwards they they admit admit aa few few workers workers into into their their central central board board inin order order that that they they may may play play ...... the the role role ofofaa constantly constantly outvoted outvoted

minority, minority, this this should shouldnot not deceive deceive anyone. anyone.

““The "The means means employed employed byby the the Fabian Fabian Society Society are arejust justthe the same same asasthose those ofof

the the corrupt corruptparliamentary parliamentary politicians: politicians: money, money, intrigue, intrigue, careerism. careerism. ...... These Thesepeopeo ple ple are are immersed immersed upup toto their their necks necks inin the the intrigues intrigues ofof the the Liberal Liberal Party, Party, hold hold Liberal Liberal Party Partyjobs, jobs,asas for forinstance instance Sidney Sidney Webb. Webb. ...... These Thesegentry gentrydodoeverything everything

that thatthe theworkers workershave havetotobebewarned warnedagainst” against"(op (opcit, cit, pp.530-31). pp.530-31).

ing: ing:

InInhis hisletter lettertotoSorge Sorge(January (January 18,18, 1893), 1893),Engels Engelsreturns returnstotothe thesubject, subject,saysay

: “The "TheFabians Fabianshere hereininLondon Londonare area agang gangofofcareerist careerists whohave haveunderunder s who

standing standing enough enough totorealise realise thetheinevitabil inevitability socialrevolutio revolution; butnot not ity ofofthethesocial n: but trusting trusting this thisgigantic gigantictask tasktotothethecrude crudeproletari proletariat alone, they theyare aregracious gracious at alone,

enough enoughtotostand standatatthethehead headofofit.it.Their Theirfundamen fundamental principleisis fearofofrevolurevolu tal principle fear

tion. uals’ par tion. They They are are ‘intellect intellectuals' par excellence excellence. Theirsocialism socialism is is municipal . Their municipa l socialism ; the municipal ity and not the socialism; the municipality and not thenation nationshould, should,atat first,atatany anyrate, rate,take take Jirst,

over productio n. They overthe themeans meansofof production. Theydepict depicttheir their socialismasasananextreme extremebut but in socialism in-

19 19

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS RIAT TOWARD S IT IT THE PROLETA ATTITUDE OF THE

evitable of bourgeois liberalism. Hence Hence their their tactics: tactics: not not toto wage wage evitable consequence consequence of bourgeois liberalism. as opponents, the Liberals determined against the Liberals as opponents, but but toto push push them them toto struggle against determined struggle wards conclusions, i.e., to permeate permeate liberalism liberalism with with them, to hoodwink them, to hoodwink i.e., to socialist conclusions, wards socialist

to foist Socialist candidates up Socialist to put not to socialism, put up candidates against against the the Liberals Liberals but but to foist socialism, not

them to get get them But, of of course, them on on the the Liberals, Liberals, i.e., i.e., to them elected elected by by deception. deception. ...... But, course, they fail to that inin doing doingsothey are either either lied lied toto and and deceived deceived they are understand that to understand they fail themselves or or else else misrepresent misrepresent socialism. themselves socialism.

have published "Besides lot of published several several good good works works Fabians have the Fabians rubbish, the of rubbish, Besides aa lot

which the the kind the best nature, inin fact of fact the best of of the kind which the English English have have propagandist nature, a propagandist of a

on toto their soon as produced. as soon as they they get get on their specific specific tactics tactics of ofhushing hushing up up the the But as produced. But y the class Because of putrid. Because class turns putrid. of the class struggle, struggle, they theyfanaticall fanatically all turns it all struggle it class struggle hate and all hate Marx Marx and all of of us. us.

"The ofcourse, many bourgeois adherents and and that that isis why why bourgeois adherents have many course, have Fabians, of “The Fabians, they money. ... of money.... lots of have lots they have

"These people have, have, of many bourgeois bourgeois adherents, adherents, and and therefore therefore course, many of course, “These people money" pp.532-33). (ibid, pp.532-33). money” (ibid,

Towards the of 1893, letter to to Sorge, Sorge, Engels Engels describes describes the the further letter in aa further 1893, in end of the end Towards volte face volte face of on the question of the independent activity of of of the the Fabian Fabian Society Society on the question of the independent activity the working class, conversion to to the the idea idea of of aa separate separate workers’ workers' party, party, its conversion and its class, and the working thus: thus: "These declaredfor for years years that that the emancipation “These gentlemen, gentlemen, after after having having declared the emancipation

of the the working only be of working class class can can only be accomplished accomplished through through the the Great Great Liberal Liberal Party, after after having having decried decried all Party, all independent independent election election activity activity of of the the workers workers inin respect Liberal candidates also as as disguised disguised Toryism after having having propro respect to to Liberal candidates also Toryism and and after claimed of the Liberal Party Party by by socialist socialist principles principles as as the the sole sole claimed the the permeation permeation of the Liberal life the Liberals Liberals are traitors, that that nothnoth life task task of of the the Socialists, Socialists, now now declare declare that that the are traitors,

ing and that that in next elections elections the the workers workers should shouldput put ing can can be be done done with with them them and in the the next

up own, regardless of Liberals Liberals or or Tories. Tories.... It complete up candidates candidates of of their their own, regardless of It isis aa complete ...

admission of committed by by these overweening bourgeois, bourgeois, who would gragra admission of sins sins committed these overweening who would ciously to emancipate the proletariat proletariat jrom from above above if if itit would would only only be be ciously deign deign to emancipate the sensible enough to realise that that such uneducated mass mass cannot cannot alone alone sensible enough to realise such aa raw, raw, uneducated

emancipate and cannot cannot achieve emancipate itself itself and achieve anything anything except except by by the the grace grace of of these these clever lawyers, writers writers and and sentimental old women" (ibid, p.534). p.534). clever lawyers, sentimental old women’”’ (ibid, The last two letters letters were were written written following following the the formation formation of of the the ILP. ILP. The last two Engels' that some good may may come come out out of of the organisational indeinde Engels’ expectation expectation that some good the organisational pendence of of the class in in Britain not justified justified by the ILP, ILP, whose whose pendence the working working class Britain was was not by the

activities assumed aa decidedly decidedly opportunist opportunist and and anti-Socialist anti-Socialist characcharac activities very very soon soon assumed

—s

. Auli oh mM

20 20

|

eye

=

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

ter. "It ‘Tt is is quite quite justly justly said", said’, to ter. to repeat repeat Lenin's Lenin’s just just remark, remark, that ‘‘that this this party party is is 'independent' only of Socialism, but very dependent indeed on Liberalism". ‘independent’ only of Socialism, but very dependent indeed on Liberalism”. Anyone who who would would doubt doubt the the veracity veracity of of the Anyone the observations observations of of Engels Engels or or Lenin him find out the truth through the Fabian's mouth. In Lenin on on the the Fabians, Fabians, let let him find out the truth through the Fabian’s mouth. In 1895, Beatrice Beatrice Webb 1895, thus: "Judg Webb expressed expressed her her contempt contempt of of the the working working class class thus: “Judging from from our our knowledge knowledge of ing from of the the labour labour movement movement we we can can expect expect no no leader leader from the working working class. class. Our Our only the permeating the young middle-class only hope hope is is in in permeatin g the young middle-cla ss man ”’ (Quoted (Quoted in in J.Callaghan, J.Callaghan, 'Socialism man" ‘Socialism in in Britain', Britain’, p.37). p.37).

And further: further: "What And hope from from these of deficient deficient minds minds “What can can we we hope these myriads myriads of

and deformed and cities -- what can we hope but but brubru deformed bodies bodies that that swarm swarm our our great great cities what can we hope tality, madness madness and tality, 'The Labour Labour Party Party and crime" crime” (Quoted (Quoted in in Cliff Cliff and and Gluckstein, Gluckstein, ‘The -- a 18). p.18). History’, p. Marxist History', a Marxist

Formation Party: opportunism unabated Formation of of Labour Labour Party: opportunism continues continues unabated

Although the ILP was opportunist in character, immersed immersed inin Although the ILP was thoroughly thoroughly opportunist in character, Lib-Lab and in in no no way way opposed opposed to political alliance with the the LibLib Lib-Lab politics, politics, and to the the political alliance with

eral Party, Party, it eral nonetheless encountered hostility on on the the part part of of the the old old unions unions it nonetheless encountered hostility who did who series of of bureaucratic measures, ranging ranging from from the the adopadop did their their best, best, by by aa series bureaucratic measures, tion block vote ending trades council representation (solely because because tion of of the the block vote to to ending trades council representation (solely the ILP dominated smaller smaller unions and trades trades councils), to isolate isolate it. it. The The ecoeco the ILP dominated unions and councils), to nomic reality, reality, however, however, was was inexorably inexorably making making itit impossible impossible to to preserve preserve the the nomic Lib-Lab as that that alliance alliance no no longer longer could could guarantee guarantee the the privileged privileged Lib-Lab alliance, alliance, as status of of the upper stratum stratum of of the the working class. Faced with stiff stiff competition competition status the upper working class. Faced with from abroad, British British capitalism, capitalism, throughout throughout the last decade decade of of the the 19th 19th century, century, from abroad, the last forced on the the unions unions several several confrontations, confrontations, inflicting inflicting bitter bitter defeats defeats on on the the latlat forced on ter. In face of of this this sobering sobering reality, reality, at its 1899 1899 Congress, Congress, the the TUC TUC felt felt ter. In the the face at its

obliged to to decide decide in in favour favour of of convening convening aa conference conference toto form form aa Labour Labour RepreRepre obliged sentation Committee Committee (LRC). (LRC). The The said said Conference Conference took took place place in in February February 1990 1990 sentation and was was attended attended by by 65 65 delegates delegates representing representing unions unions with with aa combined combined memmem and

bership of of 568,000, 568,000, as as well well asas by by representatives representatives of of political political organisations organisations such such bership as the the ILP, ILP, the the Fabian Fabian Society Society and and the the Social Social Democratic Democratic Federation Federation (SDF). (SDF). as The Conference Conference had had little little difficulty difficulty inin rejecting rejecting the the SDF SDF formulation formulation that that the the The

new new organisation organisation ought ought toto be be aa “party "party organisation organisation separate separatefrom from the the capitalist capitalist parties parties based based upon upon aa recognition recognition of ofclass class war”. war". Instead, Instead, itit went went on on toto accept, accept,

by by aa majority majority of of 102 102 votes votes against against 3,3, the the motion motion worded worded by by Keir Keir Hardie Hardie toto the the effect that “this effect that this Conference Conference isis ininfavour favour of ofworking-class working-class opinion opinion being being reprerepre sented sented inin the the House House of of Commons Commons by by men men sympathetic sympathetic with with the the aims aims and and demands of ofthe the labour labour movement movement". demands ”’.

.

)

dobil

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

21 21

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

IT

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

From the the very very outset, outset, not not only only was was the the LRC LRC intended intended to to be be aa parliamentary parliamentary From

body, first first and and foremost, foremost, itit also also excluded excluded nine-tenths nine-tenths of of the the working working class, class, body, formed as as itit was was by by the the craft craft unions unions to to protect protect their their interests, interests, in in and and outside outside of of formed parliament, better better than than was was possible possible under under the the old old Lib-Lab Lib-Lab alliance, alliance, now now renren parliament,

dered obsolete obsolete by by the the changed changed economic economic reality. reality. In In 1882, 1882, only only 1.5 1.5 million, million, out out dered of aa total total workforce workforce of of 14 14 million, million, belonged belonged toto any any trade trade union, union, and and even even fewer fewer of (less than than aa million) million) belonged belonged to to unions unions affiliated affiliated to to the the TUC. TUC. This This ratio ratio of of the the (less trade-union membership trade-union membership toto the the total total workforce workforce hardly hardly underwent underwent any any change change until just before the commencement of the First World War. The unions which until just before the commencement of the First World War. The unions which set up the LRC were were overwhelmingly overwhelmingly the the organisations organisations of of the the aristocracy aristocracy of of lala set up the LRC bour. At At the the time time of of the the setting setting up up of of the the LRC, LRC, out out of of aa total total of of 10 10 million million bour. unskilled workers, aa mere mere 100,000 were organised organised in in trade trade unions. unions. What What isis unskilled workers, 100,000 were more, at at aa time time when majority of of the the workers workers had had no no vote vote (in addition to to more, when the the majority (in addition

women vote, there there was was no no universal universal male male suffrage suffrage either), either), the the women not not having having aa vote,

electorate, be the the constituency the LRC, LRC, was largely drawn drawn electorate, which which was was toto be constituency of of the was largely from of the working class. class. from the the upper upper privileged privileged stratum stratum of the working

The turn of of the such aa decline The turn the century century brought brought with with itit such decline in in the the competitivecompetitive ness of of British British capitalism capitalism as as to to threaten the conditions ness threaten the conditions of of life life even even of of the the upper upper stratum of of the the British British working class. Unemployment stratum working class. among members members of of the Unemployment among the unions (remember unions mainly confined confined toto the skilled upper upper (remember that that unionisation unionisation was was mainly the skilled

layer) rose layer) per cent decade of rose from from 2.5 2.5 per cent to to 88 per per cent cent in in the the first first decade of the the 20th 20th cen century, while while wages wages fell fell by by 66 per tury, same period. period. To To these these per cent cent during during the the same deteriorating was the that of deteriorating conditions, conditions, the the response response of of the the unions unions was the same same asas that of the the

present-day trade-union trade-union leadership leadership (with (with the present-day exception of Scargill the honourable honourable exception of Scargill and the and Strikes fell, the NUM) NUM) to to the the attack attack of of Thatcherism. Thatcherism. Strikes fell, this this being being further further rein reinforced by by the the removal removal of of trade-union trade-union immunity forced consequent immunity for for strike strike action action consequent upon upon the the 1901 1901 Taff Taff Vale Vale judgement¹. judgement!,

In In the the face face of of these these attacks, attacks, during during this this entire entire decade, decade, the the LRC LRC and and from from 1906 the the Labour Labour Party Party (as (as the the LRC LRC came came to to be be called called from from this this year) year) continued, 1906 continued, as the tail as isis clear clear from from Lenin's Lenin’s observations observations cited cited above, above, to to act act as as the tail end end of of the the

1

1

of Society of Amalgamated Society Co. v.v. Amalgamated This Railway Co. Vale Railway Taff Vale of Taff case of the case to the reference to This isis aa reference

in UK) in the UK) in the appeal in of appeal court of highest court (the highest Lords (the of Lords House of the House by the decided by Servants decided Railway Railway Servants

1901. 1901. This This case case decided decided the the union union could could be be sued sued by by the the employers employers with with aa view view to to the the latter latter

recovering this House recovering compensation compensation for for damages damages caused caused by by industrial industrial action. action. The The effects effects of of this House of of of Act Disputes Trade the passing Parliament by reversed Lords decision were to some extent reversed by Parliament passing the Trade Disputes Act of extent some to were Lords decision 4. 1906, section 4. its section especially its see especially 1906, see

22 22

HIN ENEMY WIT THE ENEMY SOCIAL WITHIN DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -

the not the with not latter, with the latter, with the pacts with electoral pacts secret electoral Liberal concluding secret by concluding Party by Liberal Party Party, Labour Party, the Labour parliament, the In parliament, independence. In political independence. slightest attempt atat political slightest attempt

as an merely as acted merely balance, acted the balance, held the which an adad and held MPs and 40 MPs nearly 40 had nearly 1910 had by 1910 which by such that t pretex that such the pretext on the latter on the latter oppose the to oppose refusing to Party, refusing junct toto the Liberal Party, the Liberal

the by the replacement by its replacement and its Government and the Government of the fall of the fall action in the result in would result action would

topical!). sound topical!). Tories not itit sound (does not Tories (does artihis arti in his Lenin in by Lenin captured by is captured Labour is of Labour This opportunism of Parliamentary opportunism This Parliamentary he which he in which 1912), in cle (October 1912), Policy’ (October Labour Policy' Liberal Labour on Liberal Britain on in Britain ‘Debates in cle Debates 27 May 27 on May Merthyr on at Merthyr held at ILP, held reviews the ILP, of the Conference of Annual Conference 20th Annual the 20th reviews the

the on the Conference on that Conference at that debate at and the debate upon the commenting upon especially commenting 1912, especially 28. 1912, and 28, supagainst sup resolution against moved aa resolution MP, moved Jowett, MP, Labour. Jowett, of Labour. policy of parliamentary policy parliamentary

average “The average said: "The resolution, said: the resolution, seconded the who seconded porting Conway, who Liberals. Conway, the Liberals. porting the worker worker is asking asking the the question question whether whether the the Labour Labour Party Party in in Parliament Parliament has has aa r Party view the Labou Labour view of of its its own. own. ...A A feeling feeling is is growing growing in in the the country country that that the Party isis simply aa wing wing of of the the Liberal Liberal Party". Party”. simply ted Jowett, ts McLachlan, supported had this this to say: “‘What "What are are the interests McLachlan, who who suppor Jowett, had to say: the interes al party? ts of of aa politic party? Are the interes of the the party by retainof political Are the interests party merely merely toto be be served served by retain

ing men in the the House of Commo Commons? If the interests of the the party party are are toto bebe ts of ns? If ing men in House of the interes considered, then the the men men and and women women who who are are outsid outside Parliament have as as ered, then e Parli ament have consid much right toto be considered as the the men men inin Parlia Parliament. As aa social socialist organisa ment. As ered as saist organi much right be consid ies” ples inin our cal activit tion we we should should try try toto give give effect effect toto our our princi principles our politi political activities" tion d by (Quote (Quoted by Lenin, Lenin, CW CW Vol.18, Vol. 18, p.363). p.363). McLachlan McLachlan went went on on toto say: say: “Even "Even ifif we we lost lost every every seat seat inin the the House House through through upholding upholding our our principles, principles, itit would would do do more more good good than than attempts attempts toto coax coax Liberal Government Government toto make make concessions”’ concessions" (ibid, (ibid, p.364). p.364). aa Liberal The entire entire leadership leadership of of the the ILP, ILP, including including Kvir Keir Hardie Hardie and and Philip Philip SnowSnow The den, den, both both MPs, MPs, opposed opposed Jowett’s Jowett's resolution. resolution. Snowden, Snowden, “one "one of ofthe the most mostrabid rabid opportunists, opportunists, wriggled wriggledlike like anan eel”’ eel" (Lenin, (Lenin, ibid) ibid) and and said said that that ififLabour Labour did didnot not take take into into consideration consideration the the consequences consequences ofof voting voting inin parliament parliament on on the the forfor tunes tunes ofof the the government, government, such such aa ‘policy "policy would would necessitate necessitate repeated repeated General General

Elections Elections and and nothing nothing isis more more irritating irritating toto the the public public than than such such contests. contests. ... Politics Politics means means compromise”’ compromise" (ibid). (ibid). Needless Needless toto say, say, Jowett’s Jowett's resolution resolution was was thrown thrownout outbyby aamajority majority ofof 195 195 against, against, with with7373 ininitititsits favour. favour. And AndLabour’s Labour's

reward reward for for its its political political subordination subordination during during this this period period toto the the Liberal LiberalParty? Party? Crumbs Crumbs ininthe theform formofofthe theTrade Trade Disputes Disputes Act Act 1906, 1906, which whichdid didaway awaywith withthe the Taff Vale Taff ValeJudgement Judgementby by restoring restoringtrade-union trade-unionimmunity immunityfor forindustrial industrialstrikes. strikes.

InInthe the same same article, article, Lenin Leninmakes makesananobservat observation, whichisisofofgreat greatinterest interest ion, which

SOCIALDEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY&& SOCIAL

2323

THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDEOF OF THE THEPROLETARIAT PROLETARIATTOWARDS TOWARDSITIT THE

us concerning concerning the the composition compositionof ofthe the Labour LabourParty. Party. ‘Jt "Itshould shouldbe beobserved”’, observed", toto us says Lenin, Lenin, ‘that "that the the Parliamentary Parliamentary Labour Labour Party Party consists consists not not only only ofofILP ILP says MPs, but but also also of ofMPs MPssponsored sponsored by by trade trade unions. unions. These Thesecall callthemselves themselvesLabour Labour MPs,

MPs and and Labour Labour Party Party members, members, and anddodo not notbelong belong toto the the ILP. ILP. The TheBritish British opop MPs portunists have have succeeded succeeded inin doing doing what what the the opportunists opportunists inin other other countries countries portunists arefrequently frequently inclined inclined toto do, do, namely, namely, inin combining combining opportunist opportunist ‘socialist’ 'socialist'MPs MPs are with with MPs MPs of of allegedly allegedly non-party non-party trade trade unions. unions. The The notorious notorious ‘broad 'broad labour labour party', of of which which certain certain Mensheviks Mensheviks spoke spoke inin Russia Russia inin 1906-7, 1906-7, has has materialmaterial party’, ised inin Britain Britain..." (ibid, p.361). p.361). ...”’ (ibid, ised These words words of of Lenin Lenin need need to to be be especially especially memorised memorised for for we we shall shall frefre These quently meet meet with with the the opportunist opportunist argument argument that that the the Labour Labour Party Party isis aa “broad 'broad quently workers' party’, party', aa ‘Party 'Party of of the the working working class’, class', and and soso on on and and soso forth. forth. ItIt isis workers”

clear, however, however, that that Lenin Lenin regards regards such such views views as as liquidationist liquidationist and and treats treats them them clear, with utter utter contempt. contempt. with Sharpening Struggle Struggle and and Labour’s Labour's Response Response Sharpening

The four the war war witnessed witnessed aa rise rise in in the working-class movemove The four years years before before the the working-class ment, with with marked marked resistance ment, resistance to to the the capitalist capitalist offensive. offensive. Millions Millions of of workers workers took seamen and and dockers' strike of of 1911, and that of the the took to to strike strike action. action. The The seamen dockers’ strike 1911, and that of

railway men and in 1912, marked a development of of the the railwaymen and miners miners in 1912, marked a high high point point in in the the development working-class its to working-class movement. movement. The The Labour Labour Party Party earned eamed notoriety notoriety for for itself itself by by its to-

tal strike movement. movement. J.R.Clynes tal condemnation condemnation of of the the rising rising militant militant strike J.R.Clynes declared declared atat the 1914 1914 Labour Labour Party Party Conference: Conference: "too “too many many strikes strikes caused caused aa sense sense of of dis disthe gust, of of being being aa nuisance nuisance to to the the community" community’’ (Quoted (Quoted inin R.Miliband, R.Miliband, gust, 'Parliamentary ‘Parliamentary Socialism', Socialism’, p.38). p.38). War War and and Labour Labour

The The only only time time that that aa significant significant section section of of the the British British labour labour aristocracy aristocracy came came close close to to adopting adopting aa stance stance opposed opposed to British British Imperialism Imperialism was was during during the the Boer Boer War. War. Under Under the the influence influence of of radical radical liberals, liberals, representing representing industrial industrial capi capital, aa large large section section of of the the labour labour aristocracy aristocracy opposed opposed the the war war as as one one waged waged by by tal,

financiers financiers for for the the control control of of the the goldfields goldfields of of the the Rand Rand and and the the Kimberley Kimberley dia diamond mond mines. mines. Following Following the the lead lead of of the the Liberal Liberal J.A.Hobson, J.A.Hobson, the the ILP ILP opposed opposed this this war. war. Keir Keir Hardie Hardie denounced denounced the the Boer Boer war war as as "a ‘‘a capitalists' capitalists’ war, war, begotten begotten by by capitalists' capitalists’ money, money, lied lied into into being being by by aa perjured perjured mercenary mercenary press, press, and and fa fathered thered by by unscrupulous unscrupulous politicians, politicians, themselves themselves the the merest merest tools tools of of the the capitalists" capitalists’ (Quoted (Quoted in in B.Porter, B.Porter, Critics Critics of of Empire Empire -- British British Radical Radical Attitudes Attitudes to to Imperialism Imperialism in in Africa Africa 1895-1914, 1895-1914, p.128). p.128).

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

24

the population of the majority of overwhelming majority the overwhelming fate ofof the the fate about the Forgetting population Forgetting about on went on ie Hard le, peop k blac d nise colo us geno indi its y, namel its indigenous colonised black people, Hardie went ofof South Africa, namely, South Africa, to be with the Boers”’ (ibid).

"As Socialists our sympathies are bound to be with the Boers" (ibid).

say: “As Socialists our sympathies are bound toto say:

aristoclabour aristoc British labour the British in the those in of those Most of Hardie this. Most alone inin this. not alone was not Hardie was

in majority in black majority oppressed black the oppressed for the fig for not aa fig cared not war cared the war racy opposed the who opposed racy who South Africa.

South Africa.

its middle, its the middle, in the right in split right aristocracy split labour aristocracy the labour was the only was Moreover, not only Moreover, not British of British side of the side on the solidly on stood solidly Society, stood Fabian Society, the Fabian leadership, the ideological ideological leadership, and hypocritical and sickeningly hypocritical the sickeningly of the flavour of reader aa flavour the reader give the To give Imperialism. To Imperialism. the reproduce the we reproduce socialism, we of socialism, name of the name in the allegedly in logic, allegedly imperialist logic, twisted twisted imperialist Party Labour Party prominent Labour and prominent Fabians, and leading Fabians, the leading from the quotations from following quotations following leaders, of of the the day. day. leaders,

the that the stated that having stated G.B.Shaw, having Empire’, G.B.Shaw, and Empire', ‘Fabianism and In pamphlet Fabianism his pamphlet In his

to on to went on Empire”, went the Empire", of the organisation of social organisation “effective social the "effective at the aimed at Fabians aimed Fabians its with its what it do what to do right to a right has a nation has that aa nation notion that “The notion thus: "The reason thus: reason it pleases pleases with own terrify, terri‘. ., without without reference reference toto the the interests interests of of the the rest rest of of the the world, world, isis no no own than the notion view ... than the notion international socialist the international from the tenable from more tenable more socialist point point of ofview

reference with his he likes what he right toto do has aa right landlord has that do what likes with his estate estate without without reference that aa landlord to the the interests interests of of his his neighbours” (Porter, ibid, to neighbours" (Porter, ibid, pp.116-17). pp.116-17).

Ramsay MacDonald was was even even more more candid, candid, declaring declaring that that “‘so "so far far asas the the Ramsay MacDonald underlying underlying spirit spirit ofof imperialism imperialism isis aa frank frank acceptance acceptance ofofnational national duty duty exerexer for cised beyond the cised beyond the nation’s nation's political politicalfrontiers’’, frontiers", itit “cannot "cannot bebe condemned”, condemneď”, for “the "the compulsion compulsion toto expand expand and and toto assume assume world world responsibility responsibility isis worthy worthy atat itsits origin’. origin". And And further: further. “The "The question question ofofEmpire Empire cannot cannot bebe decided decided ononfirst firstprinprin

ciples, ciples, soso far far asas this this country country isis concerned. concerned. We We have have aa history, history, and and itit isis anan Imperial Imperial one”. one". (Porter, (Porter, pp.185-86 pp.185-86 and and p.189),. p. 189).

AA more more benign benignattitude attitude towards towards British BritishImperialism Imperialismwould wouldbebe hard hardtotofind. find. InIn view this viewofof this itit isis hardly hardly toto bebesurprised surprised atat that thatatatthe the 1907 1907 Stuttgart StuttgartCongress Congress ofof the the Second Second International, International, MacDonald MacDonald should should find find himself himselfononthe the side sideofofthe the ‘socialist’ 'socialist' opportunists opportunistssupporting supporting ‘socialist 'socialistcolonialism’. colonialism'.

AtAt a amuch much later laterdate, date, inin 1921, 1921, ininhis his ‘Labour 'Labour and andthe theNew New World’ World'(hasn't (hasn't the the title title got gota astrange strange resemblance resemblancetoto the thecontemporary contemporary ‘New 'New World WorldOrder’!), Order'!),

Snowden, Snowden, byby reference reference toto China, China, was was toto assert assert the the existence existence ofof “inexorable "inexorable

limits limitstotothe theright rightofofself-determination””, self-determination",consequent consequentupon uponwhich whichlimits, limits,China China

had hadnonoright righttotodeprive deprive “the "therest restofofthe theworld world[read [readBritish BritishImperialism Imperialism-HB] -HB]ofof

acce ss totoher rial reso urces”’ ; and access hermate material resources", andconc conclude, language dissimilar lude, , ini inlangu age notnotdis r to issimisimilato

that thatused usedbybyShaw Shaw(see (seeabov above): e):

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

25 25

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

"By no no moral moral right right may may the the ownership ownership and and control control of ofthe the natural natural and and mama “By terial resources of aa territory territory [unless [unless of of course course such such territory territory was was under under the the terial resources of ownership and control control of of British British Imperialism Imperialism -- HB] HB] be be regarded regarded as as the the absoabso ownership and lute of the the people people [unless [unless they they are are British, British, isis the the implicit implicit assumption assumption lute monopoly monopoly of again -- HB] HB] who happen to to be be settled settled there’’ there" (P.Snowden, (P.Snowden, ‘Labour 'Labour and and the the who happen again New World', p.289). New World’, p.289). The Boer war was prove to to be be the the solitary solitary occasion occasion on on which which aa fairly fairly The Boer war was toto prove large labour aristocracy aristocracy took took aa position position in in opposition opposition to to British British large section section of of the the labour Imperialism. the words words of of Robert Robert Clough, Clough, ‘‘The "The Radical Radical Liberals Liberals crecre Imperialism. And, And, inin the ated the for this this in in their their denunciation denunciation of of British British financiers. financiers. It It was was ated the space space for however their swansong. of banking however their swansong. The The growth growth of banking capital capital and and its its merging merging with with industrial capital was was already already undermining undermining the the Liberal Liberal Party Party as as the the reprerepre industrial capital sentative of manufacturing industry. The The future future of of the the Radicals Radicals lay lay in in an an sentative of manufacturing industry. alliance with with the the labour in conditions alliance labour aristocracy, aristocracy, but but in conditions where where British British ImperialImperial ism's colonial colonial monopoly would be be increasingly increasingly under under challenge. challenge. In In these these ism’s monopoly would

circumstances, neither themselves the circumstances, neither could could afford afford themselves the luxury luxury of of such such demonstrademonstra fions opposition; their position was tions of of opposition; their privileged privileged position was mortgaged mortgaged to to British British Imperialism” Imperialism" (op (op cit, cit, pp.42-43). pp.42-43).

Their was to to prove prove this. this. Their attitude attitude to to the the First First World World War War was First World First World War War

Long World War broke out, out, socialists of all all countries, countries, at at Long before before the the First First World War broke socialists of

the time grouped war was an ineviinevi the time grouped in in the the Second Second International, Intemational, recognised recognised that that war was an

table concomitant concomitant of of capitalism, capitalism, that that the then coming table the then coming war war was was an an imperialist imperialist

war waged waged by by two two groups groups of of giant giant monopoly monopoly capitalist coalitions, not in the war capitalist coalitions, not in the inin terests markets and and terests of of freedom, freedom, but but for for the the re-division re-division of of the the world world -- colonies, colonies, markets

Overseas investment investment -- and and strangulation nations; that overseas strangulation of of small small nations; that therefore was therefore itit was the duty duty of of the the socialists socialists in in all all the the belligerent belligerent countries countries toto oppose such aa war the oppose such by war by refusing toto vote vote for for war war credits credits and and mobilising mobilising the refusing the workers of all all countries countries workers of against such such aa war. war. Thus Thus in in 1910, 1910, aa whole whole four four years against before the war broke broke out, out, years before the war the in the Copenhagen Copenhagen Congress Congress of of the the Second Second International International resolved resolved that that socialists socialists in parliament should should vote against war parliament vote against credits. At the time the Balkan War of of war credits. At the time of of the Balkan War 1912, the the Basle Basle World World Congress Congress of of the the Second Second International International declared 1912, declared that that the the workers another for sake workers of of all all countries countries considered considered it it aa crime crime to to shoot shoot one one another for the the sake

of increasing increasing the the profits profits of of the the capitalists. capitalists. That of said in in their That is is what what they they said their resolu resolutions. tions.

But when, when, with with the the outbreak outbreak of of the But time came came to to put the imperialist imperialist war, war, time put into

26

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

26

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN

effect effect these these resolutions, resolutions, the the leaders leaders and and parties parties of of the the Second Second International, International, with with the the sole sole honourable honourable exception exception of of Lenin's Lenin’s Bolshevik Bolshevik Party, Party, proved proved to to be be traitors, traitors, betrayers betrayers of of the the proletariat proletariat and and servitors servitors of of the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. Instead Instead of of

opposing war, war, they they became became the the supporters supporters of of this this imperialist imperialist butchery. butchery. On On Au Auopposing

gust parliament voted gust 4th 4th 1914, 1914, the the German German Social-Democrats Social-Democrats in in parliament voted for for the the war war credits. So So did did the the overwhelming overwhelming majority majority of of the the socialists socialists in in France, France, Great Great credits. Britain Britain and and many many other other countries. countries. As As aa result, result, the the Second Second International International ceased ceased to exist; exist; itit broke broke up up into into separate separate social-chauvinist social-chauvinist parties parties -- each each warring warring to against the the other. other. Adopting Adopting aa social-chauvinist social-chauvinist position, position, and and betraying betraying the the pro proagainst letariat, the the leaders leaders of of socialist socialist parties parties became became defenders defenders of of the the fatherland, fatherland, i.e., i.e., letariat, the the defenders defenders of of their their respective respective imperialist imperialist bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, for for to to "a ‘a Great Great Power Power ‘defence of of the the fatherland' fatherland’ means means defence defence of of the the right right to to share share in in the the plunder plunder'defence ing of of foreign foreign countries" countries”’ (Lenin, (Lenin, 'The ‘The Collapse Collapse of of the the Second Second International', International’, ing

May-June 1915).

May-June 1915).

In In aa series series of of articles articles and and pamphlets pamphlets written written during during the the war, war, Lenin Lenin exposed exposed the treachery, treachery, the the falsity falsity and and the the hypocrisy hypocrisy of of the the slogan slogan of of defence defence of of the the fa fathe therland that particular of ‘‘the "the therland in in that particular war. war. He He insisted insisted on on the the recognition recognition of necessity of of an an historical historical study study of each war" war’’ (Socialism and War), War), and and the the tecnecessity of each (Socialism and rec ognition just and and unjust wars, wars of national ognition of of the the distinction distinction between between just unjust wars, wars of national neje liberation wars for for the exploitation and and strangulastrangula liberation and and imperialist imperialist wars the oppression. oppression. exploitation tion for the division of the booty booty and the re-division of colonies. colonies. tion of of nations nations and and for the division of the and the re-division of War isis the the Continuation of Politics Politics by Other Means Means War Continuation of by Other

Following the profoundFollowing Clausewitz, Clausewitz, whom whom he he justly justly described described asas ‘‘one "one of of the profound est est writers writers on on military military questions’, questions", Lenin Lenin insisted insisted that that ‘‘war "war isis politics politics continued by by other other (i.e. (i.e. forcible) forcible) means’. means". Every Every war, insisted, must must be be anaana continued war, hehe insisted, lysed lysed by by the the point point of of its its substance: substance: “.. "... ifif the the ‘substance’ substance' of of aa war war is,is, for for example, the the overthrow overthrow of ofalien alien oppression oppression ...... then then such such aa war war isisprogressive progressive example, as far far asas the the oppressed oppressed state state oror nation nation isisdéncerned. concerned. If, If, however, however, the the ‘sub'sub as stance' of ofaa war war isis re-division re-division of ofcolonies, colonies, division division of ofbooty, booty, plunder plunder of offoreign foreign stance’ lands (and (andsuch such isis the the war war of of1914-16), 1914-16), then then all alltalk talkof ofdefending defendingthe thefatherland fatherland lands

isis “sheer 'sheer deception deception of ofthe the people’. people'. “How, "How, then then can can we we disclose discloseand anddefine define the thesubstance substanceofofaawar? war? War War isisthe the

continuation continuation of ofpolicy. policy. Consequently, Consequently, we we must must examine examine the the policy policy pursued pursued prior prior toto the the war, war, the thepolicy policy that that led ledtoto and andbrought brought about aboutthe thewar. war. IfIfititwas wasanan

imperialist imperialistpolicy, policy, i.e., i.e., one one designed designedtoto safeguard safeguardthe the interests interestsof offinance finance capicapi

tal taland androb rob and andoppress oppresscolonies coloniesand andforeign foreign countries, countries, then thenthe thewar warstemming stemming Jrom from that thatpolicy policy isisimperialist. imperialist. IfIfititwas was a a national-liberation national-liberationpolicy, policy, i.e., i.e., one one

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

27

27

THE TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

war the war expressive the mass oppression, then then the national oppression, against national movement against mass movement of the expressive of national liberation. war of is aa war policy is that policy from that stemming from stemming ofnational liberation. "The philistine does does not that war war is 'the continuation continuation of of policy’, policy', “The philistine not realise realise that is ‘the

and consequently consequently limits limits himself himself to to the the formula that ‘the and formula that 'the enemy enemy has has attacked attacked issues what issues to think without stopping country’, without us', 'the enemy has invaded invaded by by country', stopping to think what enemy has us’, ‘the are are waging it, and and with with what what political political waging it, classes are which classes war, which the war, in the stake in at stake are at objects.... objects. ...

armies stand, "For important thing where the the armies stand, who who is is thing isis where the important philistine the the philistine “For the winning at at the the moment. moment. For For the the Marxist the important thing isis what issues are winning Marxist the important thing what issues are at which first first one, then the the other army may be on on top. top. at stake stake in in this this war, war, during during which one, then other army may be

‘What is is the the present war being ... England, England, France "What present war being fought fought over? over? ... France and and RusRus sia seized. ... ... Germany fighting to to sia are are fighting fighting to to keep keep the the colonies colonies they they have have seized. Germany isisfighting

take over these of the present war war is is not not national take over these colonies. colonies. ... The The real real nature nature of the present national

but beingfought fought to one side side to to overthrow overthrow national but imperialist imperialist ... ... it it is is not not being to enable enable one national oppression, which the other trying to maintain. It It is war between between two two oppression, which the other side side is is trying to maintain. is aa war

groups of oppressors, between between two two freebooters the booty, groups ofoppressors, freebooters over over the the division division of ofthe booty, over shall rob and the the colonies. over who who shall rob Turkey Turkey and colonies. "The social-chauvinists plead plead self-determination self-determination in in order order to to present present this this “The social-chauvinists war only one of combating combating them: them: we we war as as a a national national war. war. There There isis only one correct correct way way of

must that the war is being fought fought not not to nations, but but to to determine must show show that the war is being to liberate liberate nations, determine which will oppress nations" (‘A (A Caricature Caricature of ofMarxMarx which of of the the great great robbers robbers will oppress more more nations”’ ism 1916, CW. Vol 23, 23, pp.28). ism and and Imperialist Imperialist Economism', Economism’, Aug-Oct Aug-Oct 1916, CW. Vol pp.28).

In article, Lenin on to to expose expose Kautsky's betrayal of of the the propro In the the same same article, Lenin goes goes on Kautsky’s betrayal

letariat, of Marxism, Marxism, of revolution and of proletarian proletarian letariat, his his renunciation renunciation of of revolution and of

internationalism, internationalism, by by counterposing the Marxist Marxist (pre-war) counterposing Kautsky Kautsky the (pre-war) toto Kautsky Kautsky the the social-chauvinist social-chauvinist (after (after the the war thus: war began) began) thus:

"Up to War Karl Kautsky was was aa Marxist and his his major major writwrit “Up to the the 1914-16 1914-16 War Karl Kautsky Marxist and

ings and and statements statements will will always always remain remain models ings models of ofMarxism. Marxism. On On August August 26th, 26th, 1910, Zeit, in reference to to the the imminent imminent war: war: 1910, he he wrote wrote inin Die Die Neue Neue Zeit, in reference

‘In a war war between between Germany and England England the not democracy, "In a Germany and the issue issue isis not democracy, but but world world. That That is is not not an an issue issue on on which which world domination, domination, i.e., i.e., exploitation exploitation of of the the world.

social-democrats can can side with the the exploiters their nation’! social-democrats side with exploiters of oftheir nation'! "There you an excellent excellent Marxist formulation, one one that thatfully fully coincides coincides ‘There you have have an Marxist formulation, with our our own own and with and fully fully exposes exposes the the present-day present-day Kautsky, Kautsky, who who has has turned turnedfrom from Marxism to the defence defence of ofsocial ... It It is is a formulation that that clearly clearly Marxism to the social chauvinism. chauvinism. ... a formulation brings the principles principles underlying underlying the the Marxist Marxist attitude attitude towards towards war. war. War brings out out the War is

28 28

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

subthe sub briefly, the put itit briefly, to put is, to Domination’ is, ‘World Domination' policy. ...... 'World of policy. the continuation of the continuation continuation. the continuation. is the war is imperialist war which imperialist of which policy, of imperialist policy, of imperialist stance stance of rejecting i.e., rejecting war, i.e., democratic war, in aa democratic fatherland’ in the fatherland' of the ‘defence of the 'defence of the Rejection of Rejection with common with in common nothing in has nothing that has absurdity that an absurdity war, isis an such aa war, in such participation participation in Marxism. To To embellish embellish imperialist imperialist war war by by applying applying to to itit the the concept concept of of 'defence ‘defence Marxism. of the the fatherland', fatherland’, i.e., i.e., by by presenting presenting itit as as aa democratic democratic war, war, is is to to deceive deceive the the of workers and and side side with with the the reactionary reactionary bourgeoisie" bourgeoisie’’ (ibid). (ibid). workers

imperialthis imperial in this participation in justifies participation “whoever justifies Lenin that "whoever insisted that rightly insisted Lenin rightly ist war war perpetuates perpetuates imperialist imperialist oppression oppression of of nations. nations. Whoever Whoever seeks seeks to to use use the the ist present difficulties difficulties of of the the governments governments in in order order to to fight fight for for a a social social revolution revolution present is fighting fighting for for the the real real freedom freedom of of really really all all nations, nations, aa freedom that can can be be real realis freedom that

ised only only under under socialism" socialism” (Socialism (‘Socialism and and War', War’, August August 1915). 1915). ised

In regard regard to to the the six six imperialist imperialist powers, powers, England, England, France, France, Russia, Russia, Germany, Germany, In Japan and and the the USA, USA, and and by by reference reference to to the the most most incontrovertible incontrovertible figures, figures, Japan

showing that between between 1876 1914, the the six six 'great' ‘great’ nations grabbed owing that 1876 and and 1914, nations grabbed

25,000,000 square square kilometres, kilometres, i.e., i.e., aa territory two and and aa half half times times the the size of 25,000,000 territory two size of n Europe; that these these six nations held more than than a_half-billio a half-billion Europe; that six nations held enslaved enslaved more (523,000,000) of of colonial colonial people; people; that every four inhabitants of (523,000,000) that for for every four inhabitants of the the ‘great’ 'great' nations, in ‘their’ 'their' colonies, Lenin goes to say: say: nations, there there are are five five inhabitants inhabitants in colonies, Lenin goes on on to

"Everybody knows that the the colonies colonies were conquered by by fire fire and and sword, sword, “Everybody knows that were conquered that the that the colonial colonial populations populations are are treated treated inin aa barbarous barbarous fashion, fashion, that that they they are are h bourgeoisie exploited inin aa thousand thousand ways. The Anglo-Frenc exploited ways. ...... The Anglo-French bourgeoisie isis deceiving deceiving the the people people when when itit says says that that itit wages wages war war for for the the freedom freedom of ofpeoples, peoples, including including Belgium; Belgium; inin reality, reality, itit wages wages war war for for the the sake sake ofof holding holding on on toto the the colonies colonies which which itit has has stolen stolen on on aa large large scale. scale. The The German German Imperialists Imperialists would wouldfree free BelBel

gium, gium, etc., etc., forthwith, forthwith, were were the the English English and and French French willing willing toto share share with with them them the colonies colonies on on the the basis basis of of ‘justice’. justice'. ItIt isis aa peculiarity peculiarity of ofthe the present present situation situation the that the thefate fate of ofthe colonies isis being being decided decided by by war war on on the the continent. continent. From From the the that the colonies standpoint bly have standpoint of of bourgeois bourgeoisjustice justice ...... Germany Germany could could unquestiona unquestionably have aajust just

claim claim against againstEngland Englandand andFrance, France, because because itithas has been been ‘wronged’ wronged' as asfar far as as its its

share share of ofcolonies colonies isis concerned, concerned, because because its its enemies enemies are are oppressing oppressing more more nana

tions tions than than Germany. Germany. ...... Germany Germany itself, itself, however, however, isis waging waging war, war, not notjor for the the

liberation, but for the oppression of nations. It is not the business of Socialists

liberation, butfor the oppression of nations. It is not the business ofSocialists

toto help d fatter help the theyounger younger and andstronger strongerrobber robber (Germany) (Germany) toto rob rob the the older older and and fatter

bandits, bandits, but but the the Socialists Socialists must mustutilise utilisethe theStruggle struggle between between the the bandits banditstoto overover throw throw all all ofofthem. them. For For this this reason reason the theSocialists Socialistsmust must tell tellthe thepeople people the the truth, truth, namely, that this war is in s for namely, that this war is inthree threesenses sensesaawar warofofslave-holder slave-holders forthe thestrengthstrength

29 29

SOCIAL DEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY Y && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARI PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT IT AT TOWARDS THE

ening of ofthe worst kind kind of ofslavery. slavery. ItIt isis aa war, war, first, first, for for the the strengthening strengthening of ofcoco ening the worst lonial slavery slavery by by means means of ofaa more more ‘equitable’ 'equitable' division division of ofthe the colonies colonies and and more more lonial team work' their exploitation; exploitation; itit is, is, secondly, secondly, aa war warfor for the the strengthening strengthening of of ‘team work’ inin their the oppression oppression of of minority nationalities inside inside the the ‘great’ 'great' nations nations..., third, the minority nationalities third, itit isis ...

war for the strengthening strengthening and and prolongation prolongation of of wage wage slavery, slavery, the the proletariat proletariat aa war for the being divided divided and subdued while while the the capitalists capitalists are are gaining gaining through through war war profprof being and subdued

its, through through fanning fanning national national prejudices prejudices and and deepening deepening the the reaction, reaction, which which has has its, raised its head head in all countries, countries, even the freest freest and and republican’”’ republican" (ibid (ibid raised its in all even inin the

CW. Vol.21, p.303). CW.Vol.21, p.303). At the the end end of of May just four four months months before before the the October October Revolution, Revolution, At May 1917, 1917, just

in his his lecture on war war entitled entitled ‘War 'War and and Revolution’, Revolution', Lenin Lenin returns returns to to the the topic topic in lecture on insisting that one must must never forget ‘‘the the class class character character of of the the war; war; why why the the insisting that one never forget war broke out; out; the the classes classes that are waging it; the the historical historical and and historico-ecohistorico-eco war broke that are waging it;

nomic that gave gave rise rise to it", for 'war isis aa continuation continuation of ofpolitics politics by by nomic conditions conditions that to it’’, for ‘war

other means. Every Every war other means. war is is inseparably inseparably connected connected with with the the political political system system which gave rise to politics which which aa certain certain country, country, aa certain certain class, class, purpur which gave rise to it. it. The The politics

sued for a period before inevitably pursued pursued by by that that very very same same sued for a long long period before the the war, war, are are inevitably class itsform form of of action’’ action" ((pp.398 class during during the the war; war; itit merely merely changes changes its pp.398 && 400). 400).

Continues "War is continuation of ofpolitics politics by by other other means. means. When When Continues Lenin: Lenin: ‘‘War is aa continuation the French French revolutionary revolutionary citizens and revolutionary the citizens and revolutionary peasants, peasants, at at the the end end of ofthe the eighteenth monarchy by means, eighteenth century, century, after after overthrowing overthrowing the the monarchy by revolutionary revolutionary means, established republic, and their accounts with their their established a a democratic democratic republic, and having having settled settled their accounts with monarch revolutionary manner manner with landlords -monarch also also settled settled accounts accounts in in a a revolutionary with their their landlords these politics could could not not but but shake the rest rest of of autocratic, these revolutionary revolutionary class class politics shake the autocratic, tsarist, foundations. And And the the inevitable tsarist, monarchist, monarchist, semi-feudal semi-feudal Europe Europe to to its its foundations, inevitable continuation politics of victorious revolutionary revolutionary class class in in France continuation of of these these politics of the the victorious France

was war, war, in in which, which, pitted pitted against against the the revolutionary were all all the was revolutionary class class were the monarmonar chist formed their their notorious coalition, and chist countries countries of of Europe, Europe, which which formed notorious coalition, and waged waged aa counter-revolutionary counter-revolutionary war war against against France" France”’ (ibid). (ibid).

By way way of of aa refutation refutation of of the the attempts attempts on on the the part part of of the the capitalist capitalist press press to By to read could not, did read into into the the First First World World war war aa historical historical meaning meaning which which it it could not, and and did imperifirst imperi the first not, regarding the observation regarding this observation make this to make on to goes on Lenin goes possess, Lenin not, possess, alist alist war: war: | powers capitalist powers of capitalist "Today, groups of two groups by two confronted, .... by are confronted, we are however, we ‘Today, however, unceasing ecoof unceasing consisted of eco decades consisted of decades number of a number Jor a which for of which politics of the politics ... the secure ... to secure... nationalities, to nomic small nationalities, strangle small to strangle supremacy, to world supremacy, for world rivalry for nomic rivalry

...

tenfold the in the world in whole world the whole enmeshed the has enmeshed which has capital, which bank capital, for bank profits for tenfold profits

30 30

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

chains chains of of its its influence. influence.

‘‘.. On On the the one ".. which owns owns a great part part of one hand hand there there isis England, England, aa state state which a great of the globe; the the wealthiest the world; world; which created this wealth, not not so so the globe; wealthiest state state in in the which created this wealth, much by by the the labour labour of much exploitation of ofvast colonies, by the of its its workers workers as as by by the the exploitation vast colonies, by the vast power power of of the the English English banks banks which, which, constituting vast constituting a numerically insignificant a numericall y insignifican t group of of three, three, four four or or five five giant giant banks, group the head head of all other other banks, banks, banks, stand stand at at the of all controlling hundreds hundreds of of billions billions of controlling such aa way way that that of rubles, rubles, and and controlling controlling in in such we can without exaggeration: exaggeration: there we can say say without there is spot on on the whole globe globe that that is not not aa spot the whole

this capital capital has has not not laid laid its this hand on. on.... By the end end of of the nineteenth and and its heavy heavy hand By the the nineteenth ...

beginning of of the the twentieth beginning this capital capital had had grown grown to to such such enormous enormous twentieth centuries centuries this proportion s that that its proportions far beyond beyond the the frontiers frontiers of of aa single single state state its activities activities extended extended far

and created aa group group of and created ofgiant possessing incredible incredible wealth. Pushing this this giant banks banks possessing wealth. Pushing insignificant number insignificant banks to to the thefront, front, itit enmeshed the whole whole world world in in this this number of of banks enmeshed the net of hundreds hundreds of of billions billions of of rubles. rubles. This net of This is is the the main thing in the economic economicpolpol main thing in the icy of England England and and the economic policy of France... France ... icy of the economic policy of "On this group, group, mainly mainly Anglo-French, Anglo-French, stand stand ““On the the other other hand, hand, opposed opposed toto this another capitalists, even predatory and and more more piratical piratical -- aa group group another group group of of capitalists, even more more predatory

which the capitalist capitalist banqueting table when when all all the the places places had had been been which came came to to the banqueting table taken methods of of developing developing taken up, up, but but which which introduced introduced into into the the struggle struggle new new methods

capitalist better technique, technique, incomparable organisation, which which transtrans capitalist production, production, better incomparable organisation, formed capitalism, the the capitalism capitalism of of the the epoch epoch of of free competition, into into formed the the old old capitalism, free competition,

the gigantic trusts, syndicates and and cartels. cartels. This This group group introduced introduced the capitalism capitalism of of gigantic trusts, syndicates the of state production, uniting uniting the the gigantic gigantic forces forces of of capitalcapital the principle principle of state capitalist capitalist production, ism with the gigantic forces state into one mechanism, mechanism, and and amalgamating amalgamating ism with the gigantic forces of of the the state into one tens of people into aa single single organisation organisation of of state state capitalism. capitalism. This This isis tens of of millions millions of people into

the the diplomatic diplomatic history history of of aa number number of of decades decades the economic economic history, history, this this isis the which alone provides provides the the correct correct solution solution to to the the problem problem of ofwar war and and leads leads us us which ... ... alone conclusion that the present present war war is is also also the the product product of of the the politics politics of ofthe the toto the the conclusion that the classes which are now this war; war; the the politics politics of of the the two two great great giants giants classes which are now atat grips grips inin this who long the war war had had enmeshed the whole whole world, world, all countries, in in their their who long before before the enmeshed the all countries, nets of of financial financial exploitation, exploitation, and and who who before before the the war war had had economically economically didi nets vided the the world world among among themselves. themselves. They They had had to to come come into into collision collision because, because, vided from the the point point of of view of capitalism, capitalism, the the redivision redivision of ofthis this supremacy supremacy became became from view of inevitable. inevitable.

“The old division was based "The old division was based on on the the fact fact that thatfor for several several hundreds hundreds of ofyears years England crushed her her competitors. By means England had had crushed competitors.... By means of ofprolonged prolonged wars wars EngEng ...

land, the basis land, on on the basis of ofher her economic economic power, power, of ofher her merchant merchant capital, capital, established established

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

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THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT

her new robber 1871, her unchallenged unchallenged rule rule over over the the whole whole world. world. A A new robber appeared. appeared. In In 1871, than Engmuch faster so much ever so developed ever which developed arose, which aa new faster than Eng power arose, capitalist power new capitalist

land.... the development development of land. ... This This rapid rapid development development of of German German capitalism capitalism was was the of young and and strong strong robber, robber, who who came came before before the the league league of of European European Powers aa young Powers the half the taken half and you defeated you have have taken France, you defeated France, Holland, you ruined Holland, ‘You ruined said: 'You and said:

world -- please please give give us us our our share'. share’. world "... of the the politics of annexations, that is, is, con ‘«_ this this war war is is the the continuation continuation of politics of annexations, that conquest, robbery, on the part part of of both engaged inin quest, capitalist capitalist robbery, on both both sides, sides, on on the both groups groups engaged the the question which of of these robbers the war. war. Hence Hence it it is is clear clear that that the question as as toto which these two two robbers first no significance significance for for us whatever. Take the history history of ofthe first drew drew the the knife knife has has no us whatever. Take the the naval groups during the past past decade, decade, take take the the naval and and military military expenditure expenditure of of both both groups during the history little wars wars they big one one -- ‘little’ 'little' bebe history of of all all the the little they have have waged waged before before this this big

cause, in those those wars, of the nations who who were were cause, only only a a few few Europeans Europeans died died in wars, but but of the nations strangled, from the of view view were were not not even even nations nations strangled, who who from the European European point point of (Asiatics, are these these nations?) of thousands died; the the kind kind (Asiatics, Africans Africans -- are nations?) hundreds hundreds of thousands died; of war against them was as as follows: follows: they they were were unarmed, unarmed, and and of war that that was was waged waged against them was they shot down down with machine-guns. Do Do you you call that war? war? Why, Why, strictly they were were shot with machine-guns. call that strictly speaking, this is is not and one may be be permitted permitted to to forget forget about about it. it. That That is is speaking, this not war, war, and one may how they deceive deceive the how they the masses masses wholesale. wholesale. "This continuation of of the the policy policy of of conquest, conquest, the the shooting shooting down down “This war war isis the the continuation of of incredible atrocities, which which were were committed committed by by the the of whole whole nationalities, nationalities, of incredible atrocities, Germans and by the the English English and and Russians Russians in in Persia Persia ... ... for for Germans and English English in in Africa, Africa, by which the German regard them them as as enemies. enemies. They They said said in in effect: effect: you you which the German capitalists capitalists regard are strong strong because you are are rich! rich! We We are are stronger than you, you, therefore therefore we we have have are because you stronger than the same 'sacred'right right to to rob as you you have. This is is what what the the real real history history of ofBritBrit the same ‘sacred’ rob as have. This ish and and German finance capital capital for decades preceding preceding the the war war amounts amounts to to .... ish German finance for decades ....

This provides the the key to an an understanding understanding of of what what the the war war isis about” about" (War (War and and This provides key to Revolution, Revolution, pp.402-6). pp.402-6).

Elsewhere, makes aa similar similar observation: observation: “Comparing "Comparing the the ‘continu'continu Elsewhere, Lenin Lenin makes ation of politics' of of combating combatingfeudalism feudalism and and absolutism absolutism -- the the politics politics of ofthe the ation of the the politics’ bourgeoisie in in its its struggle struggle for for liberty liberty -- with with the the ‘continuation 'continuation of of the thepolitics’ politics' of of bourgeoisie

decrepit, i.e., i.e., imperialist, imperialist, bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, i.e., i.e., of of aa bourgeoisie bourgeoisie which which has has plunplun aa decrepit, dered the entire world, world, aa reactionary reactionary bourgeoisie bourgeoisie which, which, in in alliance alliance with with dered the entire

feudal landlords, landlords, attempts attempts to to crush crush the the proletariat, proletariat, means means comparing comparing chalk chalk and and feudal

cheese. cheese. It It is is like like comparing comparing the the ‘representatives representatives of of the the bourgeoisie’, bourgeoisie', RobeRobe spierre, Garibaldi Garibaldi and and Zhelyabov, Zhelyabov, with with such such Spierre,

representatives of of the the ‘representatives

bourgeoisie as Millerand, bourgeoisie as Millerand, Salandra Salandra and and Guchkov. Guchkov. One One cannot cannot be be aa Marxist Marxist ...

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without without feeling feeling the the deepest deepest respect respect for for the the great great bourgeois bourgeois revolutionaries revolutionaries who who

had their respective fatherlands', and, had an an historic historic right right to to speak speak for for their respective bourgeois bourgeois ‘fatherlands’, and, in of people people in in the new na in the the struggle struggle against against feudalism, feudalism, led led tens tens of of millions millions of the new nations feeling tions towards towards aa civilised civilised life. life. Neither Neither can can one one be be aa Marxist Marxist without without feeling

contempt for for the contempt de the sophistry sophistry of of Plekhanov Plekhanov and and Kautsky, Kautsky, who who speak speak of of the the ‘defence Belgium by Jence of of the the fatherland' fatherland’ with with regard regard to to the the throttling throttling of of Belgium by German German imperialists, imperialists of of Britain, Britain, imperialists, or or with with regard regard to to the the pact pact between between the the imperialists France, plundering of (Lenin, The The France, Russia Russia and and Italy Italy on on the the plundering of Austria Austria and and Turkey" Turkey” (Lenin, Collapse 1915, p.221). Collapse of of the the Second Second International, International, May-June, May-June,1915, p.221). Since sides, as Since the the First First World World War War was was an an imperialist imperialist war war on on both both sides, as isis con conclusively Clusively

proved proved

by by

Lenin, Lenin,

and, and,

indeed indeed

as it was recognised by the the recognised by it was as

overwhelming before the the war broke out (as, for for in inout (as, war broke socialists before the socialists of the majority of overwhelming majority stance of the Second International), one to to how isis one International), how the Second Resolution of Basle Resolution the Basle in the stance in

explain scale, of socialists of coun explain the the desertion, desertion, on on such such a a vast vast scale, of the the socialists of different different countries the side their respective How is one to to explain explain the the is one bourgeoisie? How respective bourgeoisie? of their side of to the tries to conversion of of socialists social-chauvinists (socialism (socialism in words and and chauvinchauvin in words socialists toto social-chauvinists conversion ism complete betrayal betrayal of of the the interests interests of of the the international international deed) inin complete in deed) ism in proletariat? to be found in in opportunism, for ‘“‘Social-chauvinism "Social-chauvinism opportunism, for be found answer isis to The answer proletariat? The brought to its logical logical conclusions. conclusions.... Social-chauvinism conSocial-chauvinism isis con to its opportunism brought isis opportunism the Second the Collapse ‘Opportunism and (Lenin, 'Opportunism opportunism” (Lenin, summated opportunism" summated and the Collapse of ofthe Second International). "Social-chauvinism's basic basic ideological ideological and and political political content content International). ‘Social-chauvinism’s fully foundations of of opportunism. opportunism. It one and and the the same same ten tenIt isis one the foundations with the coincides with fully coincides dency. In conditions of leads to social-chauvinism. to social-chauvinism. opportunism leads ..., opportunism war .... the war of the the conditions In the dency. The idea idea of collaboration isis opportunism’s opportunism's main main feature” feature” (Lenin, (Lenin, ibid, ibid, class collaboration of class The p.242). The war brought this this idea idea to to its its logical logical conclusion conclusion with with the the betrayal betrayal of of war brought p.242). The socialism by by the most prominent of the the Second Second International, International, representatives of prominent representatives the most socialism their desertion the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, and and their their justification justification of of an an alliance alliance between between to the desertion to their the socialists socialists and and the bourgeoisie. the bourgeoisie. the The economic economic basis basis of of opportunism opportunism and and social-chauvinism social-chauvinism is is identical identical too. too. The In In Lenin’s Lenin's words: words: ‘‘Chauvinism "Chauvinism and and opportunism opportunism in in the the labour labour movement movement have have

the same same economic economic basis: basis: the the alliance alliance between between aa numerically numerically small small upper upper strastra the tum of tum of the the proletariat proletariat and and the the petty petty bourgeoisie bourgeoisie -- who who get get.... morsels of morsels of privileges privileges of of their their ‘own’ own' national national capital capital -- against against the the masses masses of ofproletarians, proletarians, the the toilers the oppressed the masses masses of ofthe toilers and and the oppressed inin general” general" (ibid, (ibid, p.244 p.244 ).). ...

And: unism means ing the And: “Opport "Opportunism means sacrific sacrificing the Jundame fundamental interests of the the ntal interest s of masses y interests masses toto the the temporar temporary interests of of an an insignif insignificant minority of of the the workers workers icant msority

or, or, inin other other words, words, anan alliance alliance between between aa section section of ofthe the workers workers and and the the bourbour

MIN

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & &

33

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THE IT TOWARDS THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

geoisie, directed directed against against the the mass mass of of the the proletariat. proletariat. The The war war has has made made such such an an geoisie, alliance particularly conspicuous conspicuous and and inescapable. inescapable. Opportunism Opportunism was was engen engenalliance particularly

dered in in the the course course of of decades decades by by the the special special features features of of the the period period of of dered development of of capitalism, capitalism, when when the the comparatively comparatively peaceful peaceful and and cultured cultured life life development

them gave them them, gave of bourgeoisified' them, men '‘bourgeoisified’ working men privileged working of privileged stratum of of aa stratum

crumbs from from the the table table of of their their national national capitalists, capitalists, and and isolated isolated them them from from the the crumbs Suffering, misery misery and and revolutionary revolutionary temper temper of of the the impoverished impoverished and and ruined ruined suffering, masses. The The imperialist imperialist war war is is the the direct direct continuation continuation and and culmination culmination of of this this masses. State of of affairs, affairs, because because it it is is aa war war for for the the privileges of the the Great-Power Great-Power na nastate privileges of tions, for for the the partition partition of of colonies, colonies, and and domination domination over other nations. nations. To To tions, over other defend privileged position defend and and strengthen strengthen their their privileged position as as a a petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois upper upper

stratum or or aristocracy aristocracy (and (and bureaucracy) bureaucracy) of the working working class such is is the stratum of the class -- such the natural opportunist hopes hopes and and the the natural wartime wartime continuation continuation of of petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois opportunist corresponding ofpresent-day social corresponding tactics, tactics, such such is is the the economic economic foundation foundation of present-day socialimperialism” imperialism’ (ibid, (ibid, pp.242-43). pp.242-43). And finally, before the the first was in in its And finally, whereas whereas before first world world war, war, opportunism opportunism was its "adolescent of the war “it "it grew grew to to manhood manhood and “adolescent stage", stage’, with with the the outbreak outbreak of the war and its its 'innocence' and youth youth cannot An entire stratum, consisting ‘innocence’ and cannot be be restored. restored. An entire social social stratum, consisting

of journalists, labour privileged officer officer personnel, personnel, of parliamentarians, parliamentarians, journalists, labour officials, officials, privileged and certain proletariat, has sprung up and become become amalgamated amalgamated and certain strata strata of of the the proletariat, has sprung up and with own national which has has proved proved fully fully capable capable of of appreciatappreciat with its its own national bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, which

ing and 'adapting' ‘adapting’ it" it” (ibid, (ibid, p.250). ing and p.250). If World War witnessed the flagrant betrayal of their their socialsocial If the the first first World War witnessed the most most flagrant betrayal of

ist convictions convictions by the majority majority of of the Social-Democratic parties of Europe, ist by the the Social-Democratic parties of Europe, ifif itit witnessed complete victory of opportunism and the the transformation transformation of of the the witnessed the the complete victory of opportunism and

Social-Democratic parties into into national national liberal-labour liberal-labour parties, parties, in in the the case case of of the the Social-Democratic parties Labour Party in Britain no such such transformation transformation was was necessary, necessary, for for right right from from Labour Party in Britain no the outset, outset, from from the the time time of of its its formation, formation, opportunism opportunism stood stood triumphant triumphant and and the

Labour was never any any thing thing other other than than aa national national Liberal-Labour Liberal-Labour Party Party -- aa level level Labour was never

which most most of of European European Social-Democracy, Social-Democracy, hitherto hitherto revolutionary, revolutionary, sank sank toto which with the outbreak of of the war. This, This, among among other other factors factors explains, explains, as as we we shall shall with the outbreak the war.

see shortly, shortly, the the leading leading role role that that Labour Labour came came toto occupy occupy inin the the re-constituted re-constituted see post-war ranks ranks of of European European Social-Democracy Social-Democracy inin the the latter’s latter's counter-revolucounter-revolu post-war tionary tionary struggle struggle against against Bolshevism Bolshevism and and the the Third Third International International (The (The

Comintern). Comintern). Literally on on the the eve eve of of the the war war -- two two days days before before its its outbreak outbreak -- mammoth mammoth Literally anti-war anti-war demonstrations demonstrations took took place place inin Britain, Britain, atat which which labour labour leaders leaders not not only only

34 34

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY-- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL

denounced the the then then impending impendingwar warbut but also, also, as as per perthe theofficial official policy policy of ofthe the denounced Second vowed to to oppose oppose it. it. Yet Yet by by 5th 5th August, August, 35 35 out out of of 40 40 LaLa Second International, International, vowed bour Members Members of of Parliament Parliament had had gone gone over over to to the the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, leaving leaving behind behind bour five to the the ILP, ILP, including including Keir Keir Hardie, Hardie, Philip Philip Snowden Snowden and and five MPs MPs belonging belonging to

Ramsay More than than that. that. Shortly Shortly afterwards, afterwards, Labour, Labour, declaring declaring Ramsay MacDonald. MacDonald. More first an anindustrial, industrial, and andthen thenananelectoral, electoral, truce, truce, went went on ontotoact actas as aarecruiting recruitingserser first geant in the most most dreadful slaughter of the international international proletariat, proletariat, in in geant in this, this, the dreadful slaughter of the order to decide which group of of the the two two imperialist imperialist robbers robbers was was to to have have what what order to decide which group shareof ofthe the booty. booty. In In aacynical cynical and and corrupt corruptdisregard disregard of ofthe the hundreds hundredsof ofmilmil share lions of of people the British Empire, suffering suffering the the worst worst kind kind of of exploitation exploitation lions people inin the British Empire, and oppression, humiliation humiliation and and infamies, denied the the most most elemenelemen and abominable abominable oppression, infamies, denied tary rights, jailed jailed and tortured for for demanding freedom from from the the jackboot jackboot of of tary rights, and tortured demanding freedom British issued during during the the war war Labour Labourasserted: asserted: British colonialism, colonialism, inin aa manifesto manifesto issued

"The mean the the death death of of democracy. democracy.... Until the “The victory victory of of Germany Germany would would mean Until the ...

power that pillaged and and outraged outraged Belgium Belgium and and the Belgians, and andplunged plunged power that has has pillaged the Belgians, nearly into the awful misery, misery, suffering suffering and horror of ofwar nearly the the whole whole of of Europe Europe into the awful and horror war is beaten can be no peace’”’ peace" (Quoted in H.Tracey, H.Tracey, 'The British Labour Labour is beaten there there can be no (Quoted in ‘The British Party', p.105). Party’, p.105).

And of Allied Allied Socialists, convened on on And again, again, in in February February 1915, 1915, aa meeting meeting of Socialists, convened Labour's cynicism resolved: resolved: Labour’s initiative, initiative, with with matchless matchless hypocrisy hypocrisy and and cynicism "The by the the German German armies threatens the the ‘The invasion invasion of of Belgium Belgium and and France France by armies threatens

very and strikes blow at at all all faith faith in in very existence existence of of independent independent nationalities, nationalities, and strikes aa blow treaties. circumstances a for German German imperialism imperialism would would be the treaties. In In these these circumstances a victory victory for be the defeat defeat and and destruction destruction of of democracy democracy and and liberty liberty inin Europe" Europe”’ (ibid). (ibid). As canbe be seen, Labourregarded regarded a victory for imperialism, not not as As can seen, Labour a victory for German German imperialism, as defeat Tsarist imperialism, but as as ‘‘the 'the defeat for for British, British, French, French, Belgian Belgian and and Russian Russian Tsarist imperialism, but

defeat of democracy liberty in in Europe’. Europe". This at aa time time defeat and and destruction destruction of democracy and and liberty This at when 80 per per cent of the colonies, dede when these these four four countries countries possessed possessed more more than than 80 cent of the colonies, nying several hundred slaves, who who nying democracy democracy and and liberty liberty to to several hundred million million colonial colonial slaves,

far masters. Even the reference to far outnumbered outnumbered the the population population of of their their colonial colonial masters. Even the reference to liberty utterly false, for while denied freefree liberty and and democracy democracy in in Europe Europe is is utterly false, for while Britain Britain denied

dom and dom and democracy democracytotothe theIrish, Irish, tsarist tsarist Russia denieditit to.a to a score score of minority Russia denied of minority

nationalities. Not Not for for nothing nationalities. Lenin denounce as aa prison prison of nothing did did Lenin denounce tsarist tsarist Russia Russia as of nations and characterised as aa gendarme gendarme and nations and characterised itit as and hangman hangmanofofthe the European revo European revolutions. The The labour labour leadership leadership could could not not but but have have been been well well aware lutions. aware of of all all this. this. Therefore, its stance in defence defence of Therefore, its stance in flowed, of the the interests interests of of British British imperialism imperialism flowed,

not from from ignorance, ignorance, but but from from aa deliberate not deliberate desire desire to to defend defend the the privileges privileges of of the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

THE IT TOWARDS IT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS THE PROLETARIAT OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE ATTITUDE

35

35

defending without defending defended without be defended not be could not privileges could which privileges labour aristocracy, which labour aristocracy, no scruples, no no scruples, principles, no no principles, Nothing, no imperialism. Nothing, British imperialism. and British empire and the empire the

the to stand allowed to be allowed to be going to were going trifles, were such trifles, no such qualms stand inin the conscience, no of conscience, qualms of

defence this defence if this And if interests. And inextricable, interests. way and inextricable, twin, and these twin, of these defence of its defence of its way of mass of mass sanction of the sanction and the millions and of millions hundreds of for hundreds slavery for required colonial slavery required colonial Lawar, La imperialist war, an imperialist in an workers in British, workers including British, European, including the European, of the slaughter of slaughter bour’s hand was not to tremble at that.

bour's hand was not to tremble at that.

Keir Hardie Hardie and and Ramsay Ramsay MacDonald MacDonald soon soon became became enthusiastic, enthusiastic, not not to to say say Keir

that: stated that: latter stated The latter effort. The jingoistic war effort. imperialism’s war British imperialism's of British supporters of jingoistic supporters “Victory must must therefore therefore be be ours. ours. England England is is not not played played out, out, her her mission mission isis not not "Victory accomplished. ... The The young young men men of of the the country country ... ... must must settle settle the the immediate immediate is isaccomplished....

sue of of victory. victory. Let Let them them do do it it in in the the spirit spirit of the brave who crowned crowned our our sue of the brave men men who country with with honour honour in in the times that that are are gone" gone’’ (Quoted (Quoted in in Cliff country the times Cliff and and GluckGluck stein, Stein, op op cit, cit, p.21). p.21).

The The distance distance that that Keir Keir Hardie Hardie had had travelled travelled since since the the days days of of his his opposition opposition

to in justification to the the Boer Boer war, war, the the dishonesty dishonesty of of the the argument argument that that he he employs employs in justification

of his his support support for for the the slaughter of the the first of slaughter of first imperialist can best best be be imperialist world world war, war, can gauged from from the gauged of his: his: the following following remark remark of

"A nation at at war "A nation be united, when its its existence existence is is at at stake. stake. war must must be united, especially especially when In such such filibustering expeditions as In filibustering expeditions as our own Boer Boer war war ... where no no national national inin our own ... where terest of of any any kind terest kind was involved, there were many many occasions occasions for for diversity diversity of of was involved, there were opinion. With the enemy guns guns within within earshot, earshot, the the lads lads who who have have opinion. ...... With the boom boom of of the the enemy gone forth forth to fight their country's battles battles must must not not be be disheartened disheartened by by any any disdis gone to fight their country’s cordant at home’’ home" (Quoted (Quoted in in Miliband, Miliband, op op cit, cit, p.44). p.44). notes at cordant notes The meaning, the the real real content, content, of of Labour’s Labour's concept concept of of democracy democracy and and The real real meaning,

liberty can perhaps be better better perceived perceived by by reference reference toto their their attitude attitude toward toward liberty can perhaps be Irish freedom. freedom. When, When, taking taking advantage advantage of of the the difficulty difficulty of of the the British British governgovern Irish

ment during during the war, Irish Irish people people rose rose inin the the Easter Easter rebellion rebellion of of 1916 1916 against against ment the war, British rule rule and and proclaimed proclaimed the the Irish Irish Republic, Republic, they they faced faced nothing nothing short short of of outout British right hostility hostility and and venomous venomous denunciation denunciation on on the the part part of of the the British British Labour Labour right Party. Socialist Socialist Review Review and and Labour Labour Leader, Leader, both both ILP ILP publications, publications, denounced denounced Party. the Easter Easter Rebellion Rebellion and and warmly warmly supported supported its its suppression suppression by by armed armed force force by by the

the the government, government, describing describing James James Connolly, Connolly, the the foremost foremost leader leader ofof the the rebelrebel

Cabinet lion, asas being being ‘criminally "criminally mistaken”, mistaken", whose whose execution execution the the War War Cabinet lion, authorised authorised following following the the suppression. suppression. When When itit was was announced announced inin the the House House ofof Commons that that Connolly Connolly had had been been executed, executed, Labour’s Labour's Parliamentary Parliamentary leader, leader, Commons Arthur Henderson, Henderson, led led Labour Labour MPs MPs inin aa burst burst ofof applause applause by by way way ofof greeting greeting | Arthur

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WITHIN

this this news news item. item.

On On the the evening evening of of the the victory victory of of British British imperialism, imperialism, in in its its Memorandum ‘Memorandum of War War Aims', Aims’, dated dated December December 1917, 1917, and and drafted drafted by by Sidney Sidney Webb, Webb, Labour Labour of made made itit abundantly abundantly clear clear that that itit was was for for the the continued continued maintenance maintenance of of the the Em Empire and and opposed opposed to to the the right right of of self-determination self-determination of of the the subject subject peoples peoples in in the the pire

colonies, colonies, to to whom whom itit referred referred as as "non-adult ‘‘non-adult races". races’’. "Nobody ‘‘Nobody contends", contends”’, as asserted serted the the Labour Labour Party Party in in response response to to the the peace peace proposals proposals of of the the Bolshevik Bolshevik government government in in January January 1918, 1918, "that ‘‘that the the black black races races can can govern govern themselves...." themselves....” (Quoted in in P.S.Gupta, P.S.Gupta, Imperialism /mperialism and and the the British British Labour Labour Movement, Movement, p.53). p.53). (Quoted Labour Labour and and Soviet Soviet Russia Russia

It It goes goes without without saying saying that that Labour Labour was was deeply deeply hostile hostile to to the the Bolshevik Bolshevik re regime imperialist intervention, intervention, gime and and to to Soviet Soviet Russia. Russia. Ittacitly tacitly supported supported the the imperialist organised Russia. But organised and and led led by by British British imperialism, imperialism, against against Soviet Soviet Russia. But the the heroic heroic defence defence of of the the revolution revolution by by the the Russian Russian masses masses and and the the Red Red Army Anny combined combined with of British workers who, the aftermath aftermath with the the stiff stiff resistance resistance by by the the masses masses of British workers who, inin the of of ferment, prevented the intervention. of the the war, war, were were in in aa state state of ferment, prevented the success success of of the the intervention. Dockers, the leadership of Harry learning that that the the arms arms toto be Dockers, under under the leadership of Harry Pollitt, Pollitt, on on learning be loaded for use use against against the the Red Armyrefused refusedtoto load load the the loaded ononitit were were destined destined for Red Army Jolly George in April of 1920. spelled the Jolly George in April of 1920. That That spelled the doom doom ofof the the intervention intervention and and forced Government to put an it. forced the the British British Government to put an end end to to it. Through its Second International Through its efforts efforts toto reconstruct reconstruct the the Second International (the (the Berne Berne InIn

ternational) and and the the formation formation of of the the Two-and-a-half International (Vienna), (Vienna), ternational) Two-and-a-half International Labour did did its its dirtiest dirtiest worst worst toto isolate isolate Soviet Soviet Russia Russia and and frustrate frustrate Lenin’s Lenin's atat Labour

tempts form the tempts toto form the Third Third International. International. The The two two opportunist opportunist outfits, outfits, the the Second Second and the Two-and-a-half and the Two-and-a-half Internationals, Internationals, merged merged inin May May 1923 1923 toto form form the the Labour Labour and Socialist Socialist International (LSI) which which has has continued continued its its counter-revolutionary counter-revolutionary and International (LSI) work work ever ever since. since. The The collapse collapse of of the the Second Second International International following following the the outout break break ofof the the first first imperialist imperialist war, war, its its break break up up into into warring warring national national factions, factions, each supporting supporting its its own own bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, had had the the effect effect of ofputting putting the the Labour LabourParty, Party, each which had had been been an an insignificant insignificant section section of ofthe the Second Second International, International, into into aaprepre which dominant position position inin the the conditions conditions following following the the defeat defeat ofof Germany Germany and and the the dominant victory of ofBritain Britain inin the the war. war. victory

“The "The war war and andthe the disruption disruption of ofinternational international socialism’’, socialism", writes writes R.McKibR.McKib | bin, bin, “had "had landed landed the the British British Labour Labour Party Party inin aaposition position itit had hadnot notheld heldbefore. before. | Largely Largely owing owing toto the the numerical numerical strength strength -- and and the the wealth wealth- of the British British trade trade | of the -

unions, unions, the the Labour Labour Party Partyfound found itself itselfwilly-nilly willy-nilly the the leading leading ‘Allied’ 'Allied' socialist socialist

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT IT THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

37 37

party and the rock rock upon upon which which European European social social democracy democracy was was already already buildbuild party and the

ing its its fortress against Bolshevism. Bolshevism. Consequently, Consequently, itit appeared appeared necessary necessary toto ing fortress against construct aa political party appropriate appropriate to to this this industrial industrial support’’ support" (R. (R. McKibMcKib construct political party

bin, The ofthe Labour Party 1910-24, p.91). p.91). bin, The Evolution Evolution of the Labour Party 1910-24,

1

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LALKAR LALKAR May/June May/June 1995 1995

i Lenin's Lenin’s Advice Advice to to British British Communists Communists and Therefor and the the Reasons Reasons Therefor In as he In the the light light of of the the foregoing, foregoing, and and knowing knowing as he did did the the thoroughly thoroughly oppor opportunist British communists communists in in early tunist nature nature of of Labour, Labour, why why did did Lenin Lenin advise advise the the British early

1920 advise the then newly newly formed formed 1920 to to support support the the Labour Labour party; party; why why did did he he advise the then Communist Party the Labour Communist Party of of Great Great Britain Britain (CPGB) (CPGB) to to even even affiliate affiliate to to the Labour Party? Party?

First, concrete conditions conditions First, the the question question of of supporting supporting the the Labour Labour Party. Party. The The concrete in by the in which which Lenin Lenin gave gave his his advice advice were were characterised characterised by the following following facts: facts: (1) abandoning the the historical system of (1) The The British British liberal liberal bourgeoisie bourgeoisie was was abandoning historical system of two exploiting class, system which hitherto been extremely two parties parties of of the the exploiting class, aa system which had had hitherto been extremely

advantageous to their forces forces to to fight advantageous to the the exploiters, exploiters, finding finding itit necessary necessary toto unite unite their fight the Labour the Labour Party, Party; (2) of the was thoroughly bourgeois (2) Although Although the the leadership leadership of the Labour Labour Party Party was thoroughly bourgeois

('opportunist', 'social-patriot' -- these are the expressions (‘opportunist’, 'social ‘social chauvinist', chauvinist’, ‘social-patriot’ these are the expressions

frequently used used by by Lenin Lenin to to characterise Labour leaders), had asas yet frequently characterise Labour leaders), there there had yet been been no and, therefore, workers still still had illusions in in Labour, no Labour Labour Government Government and, therefore, the the workers had illusions Labour, (3) In aftermath of the First World War War there was great great ferment ferment in in the the (3) In the the aftermath of the First World there was British Lenin correctly noted, “even "even in in the the purely purely MenMen British working working class, class, for, for, as as Lenin correctly noted, shevik and utterly utterly opportunist opportunist Independent Labour Party Party the the masses masses are are for for shevik and Independent Labour Soviets”’ Soviets" (‘Left-Wing’ (Left-Wing' Communism, Communism, an an Infantile Infantile Disorder); Disorder),

(4) The British communists, who (4) The British communists, who belonged belonged to to four four separate organisations separate organisatio ns and had had yet yet to to unite unite themselves in aa single and themselves in single party party of of the the proletariat, proletariat, found found itit hard hard

to from the to approach approach and and get get aa hearing hearing from the masses, masses, who who followed followed the the Labour Labour Party; Party;

(5) ip ofof the Labour Party (5) The The leadersh leadership the Labour Party was was afraid afraid to to secure secure power power for it for it-

self, preferring bloc with with the the Liberals Liberals. self, preferri ng instead instead aa bloc . ccygs.

In these concre te circum stances, Lenin, gh being In these concrete circumstances, Lenin, althou although being fully fully aware aware that that

sons, the "thee Hender Hendersons, the Clynes, Clynes, the the MacDo MacDonalds and the the Snowd Snowdens are hopehope nalds and ens are Le

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

39 39

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

IT

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

lessly to take take power their own own hands hands ..., ..., that that lessly reactionary... reactionary ... that that they they want want to power in in their they rule' on and that that when when they they do do get get into they want want to to '‘rule’ on the the old old bourgeois bourgeois lines, lines, and into

power they they will will unfailingly unfailingly behave power the Scheidemanns Scheidemanns and and Noskes", behave like like the Noskes”’, never nevertheless to unite party, participate participate in in theless advised advised the the British British communists communists to unite in in a a single single party, parliamentary elections, elections, give give Labour Labour some some parliamentary parliamentary parliamentary support support and and reach reach aa

bloc with with it. it. All All this this was, was, however, bloc be dependent dependent on on aa condition condition precedent, precedent, however, to to be

namely, "retain complete complete liberty liberty of of agitation, agitation, propapropa namely, that that the the Communist Communist Party Party “retain ganda and and political political activity, ganda for without without this latter condition, condition, we we cannot cannot agree agree activity, for this latter to a a bloc, bloc, for for itit would would be be treachery; to treachery; the the British British communists must absolutely absolutely inin communists must

sist on and secure secure complete complete liberty sist on and liberty to to expose expose the the Hendersons Hendersons and and the the

Snowdens Russian Bolsheviks Bolsheviks insisted insisted on on and and secured secured Snowdens in in the the same same way way’ as as ...... the the Russian

it in it Hendersons and Snowdens, i.e., i.e., the the Mensheviks’” Mensheviks" in relation relation to to the the Russian Russian Hendersons and Snowdens, ’ (ibid, p.81). (ibid, p.81).

Here is Here of Lenin's argument:“‘...the majority of the workers workers inin is the the thrust thrust of Lenin’s argument: the majority of the Great Britain Britain still still follow lead of Great follow the the lead of British Kerenskys or or Scheideman Scheidemanns and British Kerenskys ns and have yet yet had had no no experience [my emphasis have experience [my emphasis -- HB] HB] of ofa government composed composed of of a government these people, people, which these which experience experience was was required required in in Russia and Germany Germany to to secure secure Russia and the mass passage passage of workers to to communism, communism,... the British communists communists the mass of the the workers the British should participate should participate in in parliamentary from within within Parliament, Parliament, parliamentary action, action, ... should should from help the workers to see see the the results results of ofaa Henderson Henderson and and Snowden Snowden help the the masses masses of of the workers to government in practice,...should help the the Hendersons and Snowdens Snowdens to to defeat defeat government in practice, should help Hendersons and the forces of ofLloyd George and and Churchill” Churchill" (ibid, (ibid, p.84). p.84). the combined combined forces Lloyd George ***

BUR

...

And:“‘...if we want want the masses to to follow us ..., ..., we we must, must, firstly, firstly, help help HenHen And: ifwe the masses follow us derson Snowden to to beat Lloyd George George and Churchill ...; secondly, we we must must derson or or Snowden beat Lloyd and Churchill ...; secondly, (6

help majority of of the working class class to to convince convince themselves themselves by by their their own own exex help the the majority the working

perience that that we right, that that is, is, that that Hendersons Hendersons and and Snowdens Snowdens are are perience we are are right, absolutely are petty petty bourgeois bourgeois and and treacherous treacherous by by nature, nature, absolutely unsuitable, unsuitable, that that they they are and that their inevitable; thirdly, thirdly, we we must must bring bring nearer nearer the the momo and that their bankruptcy bankruptcy isis inevitable; ment when, on the ofthe disappointment of majority of of the the workers workers inin the majority of the the disappointment basis of the basis when, on ment Hendersons, it it will be possible possible with serious chances chances of of success success to to overthrow overthrow with serious will be Hendersons, (ibid, pp.85-86). once ...”’ at once... the government of Henderson .” (ibid, pp.85-86). Henderson at government of the In above, the Party, says says Lenin, Lenin, should should propose propose an an Communist Party, the Communist the above, of the view of In view

election agreement toto the for aa joint joint fight fight against against the thealliance alliance ofof Party for Labour Party the Labour election agreement s, on Lloyd Conservatives, on the the basis basis of of the the division division of of parliamenparliamen the Conservative and the George and Lloyd George the tary seats seats “in "in proportion proportion toto the number of of votes votes cast cast by by the the workers workers for for the the number tary

the elections, Party (not Labour Party Party and and the the Communist Communist Party (not atat the elections, but but inin aa special special Labour

by the retention by basis of the basis vote)”, vote)", and and on on the of the the retention the Communist Communist Party Party ofof “complete "complete

40 40

SOCIAL WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY ~- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN

liberty of of agitation, propaganda and liberty agitation, propaganda and political political activity" activity”’ (ibid). (ibid).

Whether or or not Whether on these terms, the the not the the Labour Labour Party Party consents consents to to a a bloc bloc on these terms, communists our agitaagita carry our shall carry ‘we shall case "we first case the first in the for in gainers, for the gainers, be the will be communists will tion not only the Labour Labour Party Party toto help the only help shall not we shall and we masses ... and the masses among the tion among …..

establish help the masses to to undepunder the masses also toto help but also quickly, but more quickly, government more its government establish its stand we shall shall carry carry on on against against that we propaganda that communist propaganda the communist quickly the more quickly stand more the [last emphasis emphasis -- HB]” HB]" omission [last or omission curtailment or any curtailment without any Hendersons without the Hendersons (ibid, pp.86-87). (ibid, pp.86-87). But, on these these terms? terms? bloc on reject aa bloc Snowdens reject and Snowdens Hendersons and the Hendersons if the what if But, what

to (ibid, p.87). p.87). workers” (ibid, all workers" of all unity of the unity to the Such alliance, argues Lenin, would would enable enable the the communists, communists, Such an an electoral electoral alliance, argues Lenin,

who approach the the masses and even even to to get get aa hearing hearing from from who found found it it "hard “hard to to approach masses and

them" conduct propaganda in favour favour of of the the Soviets Soviets and and the the dictatordictator them”’ not not only only to to conduct propaganda in ship but also explain that that ‘7 "I want with my vote to to support support ship of of the the proletariat, proletariat, but also toto explain want with my vote Henderson as a rope supports supports aa hanged hanged man man - that the imim Henderson inin the the same same way way as a rope that the pending establishment of Hendersons Hendersons will will ... ... bring bring the the masses masses pending establishment of of a a government government of over toto my my side, will hasten hasten the the over side, and and will the political political death death of ofthe the Hendersons Hendersons and and the Snowdens the case case with with their their kindred kindred spirits spirits in in Russia”’ Russia" (ibid, (ibid, p.88). p.88). Snowdens just just as as was was the

As the question affiliation of of the Communist Party Party toto the the Labour Labour As to to the question of of affiliation the Communist Party, favour of of such affiliation, but but on on the the condicondi Party, Lenin Lenin expressed expressed himself himself inin favour such affiliation, tion that Communist Party Party ‘‘can "can preserve freedom of of criticism criticism and and can can tion that the the Communist preserve its its freedom

pursue its of the pursue its own own policy’’ policy" (Speech (Speech at at the the Second Second Congress Congress of the Comintern, Comintern, 23 23 July, 1920). July, 1920).

thetime timethe thestructure structure of ofthe the Labour LabourParty Partywas wasstill still such suchasastotoallow allowfor for AtAtthe this freedom. "The British British Socialist Socialist Party’, Party", says says Lenin, Lenin, ‘‘can "can quite quite freely freely say say this freedom. ‘The that Henderson Henderson isis aa traitor traitor and and yet yet remain remain affiliated affiliated to to the the Labour Labour Party”’ Party" that (ibid). (ibid). | Two weeks weeks later, later, in in yet yet another another speech speech at Second Congress Congress of of the the Two at the the Second

Comintern, went on on to to elaborate elaborate his his ideas ideas by by reference to the the peculiar peculiar Comintern, Lenin Lenin went reference to conditions surrounding surroundingthe the Labour LabourParty, Party, saying sayingthat thatthe thelatter latter was 'notaapopo conditions was ‘not litical party party in in the the ordinary ordinary sense sense of ofthe the word”, word", that that itit was was “half "halftrade-union trade-union litical

and half halfpolitical political party”, party", that allowed “sufficient "sufficient liberty liberty to to all all the the political political that itit allowed and

parties parties affiliated affiliated to it", that allowed the the British British Socialist Socialist Party Party “to "to remain remain in in to it’, that itit allowed

its its ranks, ranks, ...... toto have have its its own own organ organ of ofthe thepress”’ press" and and openly openly criticise criticise the the leaders leaders

of of the the Labour Labour Party Party as as ‘‘social-patriots "social-patriots and and social-traitors”’. social-traitors". In In these these circumcircum

Lee

masses... prefer their the capitalists capitalists with the relations with close relations their close Hendersons prefer the Hendersons that the masses ... that

mee

We gainers, says Lenin, for shall have have at at once once shown shown the the ‘we shall for 'we says Lenin, the gainers, be the still be shall still We shall

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL

41 41

THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT THE

stances, concluded concluded Lenin, Lenin, itit would wrong for for the the communists communists not not to to affiliate affiliate stances, would be be wrong as such such aa course course would would deprive deprive them them of of the the opportunity opportunity of of exercising exercising influence influence as over a large section workers who who still still followed followed Labour Labour (all (all remarks remarks apap over a large section of of the the workers pearing in in quotation marks above above are are from from Lenin’s Lenin's speech speech at the Second Second pearing quotation marks at the Congress of of the Comintern, delivered on 66 August August 1920, pp.257-263). Congress the Comintern, delivered on 1920, pp.257-263). CPGB's attempt attempt at at Afffiliation Afffiliation to to the the Labour Labour Party Party CPGB’s Thus, as it can be be seen, observations were were made made in ina a particular, Thus, as it can seen, Lenin's Lenin’s observations particular, concrete, then prevailing prevailing Lenin’s Lenin's advice advice concrete, historical historical context. context. In In the the conditions conditions then was That is why the formed Communist Communist Party Party did did its its best best to to put put was correct. correct. That is why the newly newly formed

that advice effect. However, two to to tango, tango, as as the the saying saying goes. goes. Here Here that advice into into effect. However, itit takes takes two briefly is of the attempt by the CPGB, CPGB, soon after its its formation, formation, to to gain gain briefly is the the story story of the attempt by the soon after affiliation and the consistent and and rabid anti-com affiliation toto the the Labour Labour Party, Party, and the latter's latter’s consistent rabid anti-communism in refusing this munism in refusing this affiliation. affiliation. Following advice, the the Communist Communist Unity Unity Convention, Convention, held in LonLon Following Lenin's Lenin’s advice, held in don 1920, and founded the the CPGB, decided don on on July July 31st 31st and and August August 1st, Ist, 1920, and which which founded CPGB, decided

by Party. In pursuance of of by aa small small majority majority in in favour favour of of affiliation affiliation to to the the Labour Labour Party. In pursuance this CPGB made application for for affiliation affiliation to to the the Labour Labour Party Party this decision, decision, the the CPGB made its its application in August 10, There existed existed no constitutional reason why in a a letter letter dated dated August 10, 1920. 1920. There no constitutional reason why its should be Labour, which which had, had, after after all, all, been been aa its application application should be turned turned down down by by Labour,

loose embracing trade trade unions, mem loose federation federation of of affiliated affiliated bodies, bodies, embracing unions, individual individual mem-

bers, The latter, ILP being had their their own own bers, and and socialist socialist societies. societies. The latter, ILP being the the largest, largest, had press argue their their point of view within the press and and programme programme and and could could argue point of view within the Labour Labour Party. (BSP), the Marxist predecessor predecessor Party. Even Even the the British British Socialist Socialist Party Party (BSP), the openly openly Marxist of an affiliate. And yet CPGB's successive successive of the the CPGB, CPGB, had had been been accepted accepted as as an affiliate. And yet the the CPGB’s applications leadership and and these these rejections rejections had had applications were were rejected rejected by by the the Labour Labour leadership

been endorsed 1921, 1922, 1922, 1923 1923 been endorsed by by the the Labour Labour Party's Party’s Annual Annual Conferences Conferences in in 1921, and and 1924. 1924.

James commenting upon refusal to af James Klugmann, Klugmann, commenting upon Labour's Labour’s refusal to accept accept CPGB CPGB affiliation, the majority of the the latter's filiation, particularly particularly in in view view of of the the fact fact that that the majority of latter’s membership correctly observes although there there membership had had belonged belonged to to the the BSP, BSP, correctly observes that that although

"was formal reason, and this in aa way way aa great great ‘Was no no formal reason, but but there there was was aa reason, reason, and this was was in compliment recognition by by compliment to to the the young young Communist Communist Party. Party. The The reason reason was was the the recognition the Party and and the affiliated trade unions -the right-wing right-wing leadership leadership of of the the Labour Labour Party the affiliated trade unions MacDonald, Party was MacDonald, Henderson, Henderson, Snowden, Snowden, Clynes, Clynes, etc. etc. -- that that the the Communist Communist Party was

to that it be to be be something something different different from from the the old old propagandist propagandist societies, societies, thdt it would would be capable immediate struggles and for for ideas capable of of mobilising mobilising the the workers workers for for immediate struggles and ideas of of so so-

cialism, their policy cialism, and and that, that, ... it it would would be be a a major major obstacle obstacle to to their policy of of reformism ...

42

42

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

and class class collaboration" of the the Communist Party of of Great Great Britain, Britain, Communist Party (History of collaboration” (History and Vol. 176, hereinafter 'Klugmann'). hereinafter "Klugmann’). p.176, 1, p. Vol. 1, In September 1920, the month month following the very very first application of of the the In September 1920, the following the first application

newly-formed for affiliation to the the Labour Labour Party, Party, the the latter’s latter's National National affiliation to CPGB for newly-formed CPGB Executive declining the the application on the the grounds grounds that that the the Executive Committee Committee replied, replied, declining application on

aims and of the not in in accord accord with the ConstituConstitu with the were not Party were Communist Party the Communist objects of and objects aims tion, of the Labour Party. The letter letter was was signed signed by by Party. The the Labour programme of and programme principles and tion, principles Arthur Secretary at time. From From now now on, on, the the Labour Labour Arthur Henderson, Henderson, Labour's Labour’s Secretary at the the time. leadership's refrain, and and excuse excuse for for refusing affiliation to to the the CPGB, CPGB, refusing affiliation familiar refrain, leadership’s familiar

was "dominated by Moscow" and and that that it it wished wished to to pursue pursue by Moscow” was “dominated latter was the latter that the was that

"disruptive aims". aims”’. ‘disruptive

A

Notwithstanding stance, there was strong strong rankrank there was leadership’s stance, Labour leadership's the Labour Notwithstanding the

and-file pressure pressure within within Labour in favour favour of of the acceptance of of Communist Communist the acceptance Labour in and-file

affiliation. to this this pressure, following the 1921 Annual Annual Conference Conference of of the 1921 pressure, following Bowing to affiliation. Bowing the leadership agreed to a joint meeting with reprerepre meeting with a joint agreed to Labour leadership the Labour Party, the Labour Party, the Labour

sentatives of this meeting (held (held at at the the end end of of this meeting outcome of only outcome The only CPGB. The the CPGB. of the sentatives of December which Henderson tried unsuccessfully to divert divert the the discusdiscus December 1921), 1921), at at which Henderson tried unsuccessfully to sion Communist affiliation of parliamentary democracy parliamentary democracy one of to one affiliation to from Communist away from sion away versus the agreement by Labour submit aa quesques Labour toto submit agreement by was the Dictatorship”, was “‘Soviet Dictatorship", versus "Soviet tionnaire this questionnaire, at the beginning of of the beginning submitted at questionnaire, submitted In this CPGB. In the CPGB. to the tionnaire to

1922, through and and through with anti-Communism, anti-Communism, Labour raised Labour raised through with saturated through and saturated 1922, and

its four of the Communist Party Party and and its the Communist line of political line the political whether the First, whether questions. First, four questions. affiliation the Comintern with the objects of of the the LaLa affiliation to to the Comintern was was not not incompatible incompatible with the objects

emancipation of bour "the political, political, social and economic of the the people people by by economic emancipation social and Party -- ‘‘the bour Party means was ‘‘a "afundamental fundamental prinprin means of of parliamentary parliamentary democracy"? democracy’’? Second, Second; that that itit was In view means’’. In lawful means". ciple confine its view of of operations toto lawful its operations to confine Party to Labour Party the Labour of the ciple of

its its resolutions, its Constitution, affiliation to the CominComin its programme, programme, its resolutions, its Constitution, and and its its affiliation to the tern, Party claim to be be consistent with this fundamental tern, could could the the Communist Communist Party claim to consistent with this fundamental

principle? was not not the pledge of of the the Communist Communist candidates, candidates, when when principle? Third, Third, was the pledge

elected of the Communist Party Party in Parlia elected to to parliament, parliament, toto support support the the policy policy of the Communist in Parliament, which excluded excluded the the idea idea of of ment, incompatible incompatible with with Labour's Labour’s Constitution, Constitution, which

such pledges? pledges? And, And, lastly, lastly, whether whether the such the CPGB CPGB proposed proposed to to become become aa “Joyal "loyal constituent of of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, conforming conforming at all points constituent at all points with with its its Constitution Constitution and for the objects?" and working working for the promotion promotion of of its its objects?”

In mid-May mid-May 1922, 1922, the the CPGB CPGB replied, dealing with with all In replied, dealing all the the points points raised, raised, but but

to no no avail. avail. Labour's Labour’s Executive Executive Committee considered this at the to Committee considered this reply reply at the end end of of May, and and resolved resolved to to recommend recommend no no change in existing existing policy. issue was May, change in policy. The The issue was

SOCIAL DEMOCRA DEMOCRACY CY && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETA PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT IT RIAT TOWARDS THE

43 43

again referred referred to to the the Annual Annual Conference Conference of of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, which which took took place place again in Edinburgh Edinburgh on on June June 27-30, 27-30, 1922. 1922. In In opposing opposing the the affiliation, affiliation, the the miners’ miners' in

leader, Frank Frank Hodges, Hodges, in in aa reactionary reactionary vituperative vituperative and and racist racist outburst, typical leader, outburst, typical of the the Labour Labour leadership, leadership, accused accused the the Communists Communists of of being being ‘‘the "the intellectual intellectual of slaves of ofMoscow Moscow... taking orders ordersfrom from the the Asiatic Asiatic mind”. mind". By By aa card card vote, vote, the the slaves ... taking

Conference endorsed endorsed the the decision decision of of the the Executive Executive Committee Committee by by 3,086,000 3,086,000 toto Conference 261,000. The The bloc bloc vote vote was was operating, operating, as as itit almost almost always always has has done, done, in in favour favour 261,000. of the the reactionary reactionary leadership. leadership. Frank Frank Hodges, Hodges, for for instance, instance, cast cast nearly nearly aa million million of votes against affiliation, even even though though everyone knew that that from from one-third one-third to to votes against affiliation, everyone knew one-half the miners miners would would have have voted voted in in favour favour of of affiliation. affiliation. one-half of of the

In the 1922 1922 Conference, Conference, went went further further than than just just declining declining Communist Communist In fact, fact, the

affiliation. It amended affiliation. It amended the the Party’s Party's mules rules by by adding adding Clause Clause 9,9, Section Section (b) (b) -known as eligibility clause clause -- whereby whereby delegates delegates toto local local Labour Labour known as the the Edinburgh Edinburgh eligibility Parties, local Conferences of the the Labour Party, were were required required inin Parties, oror national national oror local Conferences of Labour Party, dividually accept the and principles principles of of the Labour Party, Party, and and no dividually to to accept the Constitution Constitution and the Labour no one who belonged belonged to to an an organisation organisation ‘having "having for one was was eligible eligible to to be be aa delegate delegate who for one of of its its objects objects the one Parliament or or to to any any Local Local Government Government AuthorAuthor the return return toto Parliament ity of of a a candidate candidate or or candidates candidates other other than than such ity been approved approved as as such as as have have been running association with running in in association with the the Labour Labour Party". Party”. Under the twenty-third Party Under great great pressure pressure from from its its membership, membership, the twenty-third Labour Labour Party Conference, end of of June 1923, while still endorsing the Conference, held held in in London London at at the the end June 1923, while still endorsing the

Executive's the Communist to Executive’s decision decision to to refuse refuse affiliation affiliation to to the Communist Party, Party, decided decided to delete delete from from its its rules rules the the Edinburgh Edinburgh 'eligibility ‘eligibility clause', clause’, adopted adopted only only aa year year be before.

fore.

But just over But just over aa year year later, later, by by which which time time the the minority minority Labour Labour Government Government

having death throws, having been been in in power power for for barely barely eight cight months months was was already already in in its its death throws, the the Labour Labour Party's Party’s 24th 24th Annual Annual Conference, Conference, meeting meeting on on October October 7, 7, 1924 1924 in in London, London, decided decided not not only only to to endorse endorse the the recommendation recommendation of of the the Executive Fxecutive

Committee Committee to to refuse refuse affiliation affiliation to to the the Communist Communist Party, Party, but but also also "that ‘that no no mem member ber of of the the Communist Communist Party Party be be eligible eligible for for endorsement endorsement as as a a Labour Labour candidate candidate for Parliament for Parliament or or any any local local authority". authority”’. In In aa card card vote vote the the rejection rejection of of Commu Communist nist Party Party affiliation affiliation was was carried carried by by 3,185,000 3,185,000 votes votes to to 193,000; 193,000; the the rejection rejection of of Communists Communists as as Labour Labour candidates candidates by by 2,456,000 2,456,000 to to 654,000; 654,000; and and the the resolution resolution

that of membership of for membership eligible for be eligible should be Party should Communist Party the Communist of the member of no member that no the the Labour Labour Party Party was was carried carried by by the the much much narrower narrower majority majority of of 1,804,000 1,804,000 to to

1,540,000 1,540,000 votes. votes. Thus Thus the the door door was was finally finally closed closed to to any any direct direct Communist Communist in influence fluence over over

the the

Labour Labour Party. Party.

The The

Labour Labour Party Party leadership, leadership, always always

44 44

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

-

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

anti-communist anti-communist servitors servitors of of British British imperialism, imperialism, were were particularly particularly stung stung by by the the CPGB's CPGB’s consistent consistent working-class working-class criticism criticism of of the the first first Labour Labour Government. Government. Consequently they they were were determined determined to to put put aa stop stop to to communist communist influence influence and and Consequently

to to prevent prevent the the CPGB CPGB from from becoming becoming the the rallying rallying centre centre of of rising rising working-class working-class protest protest against against Labour's Labour’s abject abject surrender surrender to to British British monopoly monopoly capitalism. capitalism. What What is is remarkable remarkable about about this this saga saga of of the the CPGB's CPGB’s battle battle for for affiliation affiliation is is the the candid candid anti-communism anti-communism and and anti-Sovietism anti-Sovictism of of the the Labour Labour leadership, leadership, making making it only only

too too plain plain that that the the Labour Labour Party Party was was aa bourgeois bourgeois party party of of class class collaboration, collaboration, in in for stood for who stood individual who or individual organisation or any organisation for any place for no place be no could be which there could which there the interests interests of of the the proletariat. proletariat. Again Again and and again again the the point point is is repeated repeated by by the the La Lathe Socialist bour the Socialist achieve the to achieve “seeks to Labour "seeks whereas Labour that whereas leadership that bour leadership Party the Communist democracy ... the Parliamentary democracy... of Parliamentary Commonwealth Communist Party means of by means Commonwealth by seeks to to achieve achieve the the 'dictatorship ‘dictatorship of of the the proletariat' proletariat’ by by armed armed insurrection insurrection” seeks Annual 24th Annual the 24th Report of in Report 1923-24, in Committee, 1923-24, Executive Committee, the Executive of the (Report of the (Report of Conference Conference of of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, pp.38-40). pp.38-40). Labour Labour becomes becomes indistinguishable indistinguishable from from the the Liberals Liberals

There is is nothing nothing surprising surprising about about the above attitude attitude of Labour Party There the above of the the Labour Party toto communist affiliation question of the question communism in wards in general, general, and and the of communist affiliation inin wards communism

particuiar, for, for, if if anything “Right-wing domination domination of Labour Party particular, anything "Right-wing of the the Labour Party had had been the 1918 1918 election, and anti-communism been strengthened strengthened since since the election, and anti-communism became became part part of its platform”’ (Klugmann, op cit, p.186). was shortly of its platform" (Klugmann, op cit, p.186). This This was shortly toto be be reflected reflected inin Labour's programme entitled ‘International 'International Peace National Liberation’, Liberation', Labour’s programme entitled Peace and and National issued on on the the eve eve of of the the November November 1922 election, the contents of of which, which, with with issued 1922 election, the contents their support support for imperial policy policy inin India India and and Ireland, Ireland, opposition the withwith their for imperial opposition toto the drawal of of British troops from from Germany, Germany, and and soso on on and and soso forth, forth, made made Labour Labour drawal British troops indistinguishable indistinguishable from from the the Liberals Liberals and and hardly hardly distinguishable distinguishable from from the the Tories. Tories. No wonder, wonder, the the New New Statesman Statesman ofof Oct Oct 23, 23, 1922, 1922, wrote wrote that, that, ‘on "on all all questions questions No of offoreign foreign policy policy and and on on nearly nearly all all questions questions of of domestic domesticpolicy, policy, there there isis no no sese rious division of rious division ofopinion opinion between between the the Liberals Liberals and and the the Labour Labour Party”. Party". That old old fox fox of of the the British British bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, Lloyd Lloyd George, George, expressed expressed his his satissatis That faction, stating: stating: ‘whoever "whoever wins, wins, there there should should bebe nono detriment detriment toto the the national national faction, interest interestfrom from revolutionary revolutionary measures measures Address toto the the National National ...”’ (Electoral (Electoral Address >>

Liberal Liberal Assembly, Assembly, Oct Oct 25, 25, 1922). 1922).

Notwithstanding Notwithstanding all all this, this, the the British British ruling ruling class class feared feared substantial substantial elecelec toral toral advances advances by by Labour. Labour. Why? Why? The The explanation explanation isis toto be be sought, sought, not not inin the the leadership, leadership, but but inin the the pressure pressure ofof its its working-class working-class supporters. supporters. In In the the end, end, this this fear fear was was toto prove prove groundless, groundless, asas was was amply amply demonstrated demonstrated byby Labour Labour when when itit

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARI TOWARDS

45 45

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT AT TOWARDS IT

IT

formed its its first administration at at the the beginning beginning of 1924, following following the the Election Election formed first administration of 1924, of December 1923. In the 1922 1922 Election, however, Labour, Labour, having having polled polled 4.2 4.2 of December 1923. In the Election, however, million votes, and won 142 seats seats (compared (compared with with 59 59 in in December December 1918), 1918), as as million votes, and won 142 against the seats, established established itself itself as as His His Majesty's Official OpOp against the Liberals' Liberals’ 117 117 seats, Majesty’s Official position in in the the House of Commons and a loyal and and servile servile one one at at that. that. position House of Commons -- and a very very loyal Even before the the first Labour Government, Government, Labour had given given sufficient sufficient Even before first Labour Labour had

proof credentials on two questions questions so so vital British imperial proof of of its its imperialist imperialist credentials on two vital to to British imperialism, namely, and India. On Ireland, Ireland, Labour Labour stood stood for an Irish ism, namely, Ireland Ireland and India. On for an Irish Constituent Assembly provisos, that there must be protection protection Constituent Assembly subject subject to to two two provisos, that is, is, there must be for the minority and become aa military military or threat to to BritBrit for the minority and Ireland Ireland must must not not become or naval naval threat ain. Shorn of of all the partition partition of of Ireland Ireland and and the the ain. Shom all euphemism, euphemism, itit stood stood for for the

continued presence in that country. country. continued British British military military presence in that As stood for for its its continued continued subjugation. was so so As regards regards India, India, Labour Labour stood subjugation. India India was important to interests, that that she was rightly, and without ex important to British British imperial imperial interests, she was rightly, and without any any exaggeration, regarded as jewel in his remarkable remarkable aggeration, regarded as the the jewel in the the imperial imperial crown. crown. In In his book, 'India Today', on the the basis basis of book, ‘India Today’, R.Palme R.Palme Dutt, Dutt, on of irrefutable irrefutable statistics, statistics, calcu calcu-

lates Out of of lates that that by by 1913-14 1913-14 India India was was worth worth £78 £78 million million per per annum annum to to Britain. Britain. Out this accounted for by British manufacturing and this total, total, £28 £28 million million was was accounted for by British trade, trade, manufacturing and shipping shipping profits, profits, the the remainder remainder represented represented income income from from British British capital capital invest investments, form ments, which which by by this this time time stood stood at at £500 £500 million, million, and and direct direct tribute tribute in in the the form

of this time). of home home charges charges (£9 (£9 million million aa year year at at this time). To To get get an an idea idea of of the the enormity enormity of £8 bilbil of these these sums, sums, one one has has to to realise realise that that in in present-day present-day terms terms they they represent represent £8 lion lion aa year, year, if if not not more. more. By By 1921-22, 1921-22, India India was was worth worth £146.5 £146.5 million million aa year year to to

Britain which ac Britain (ibid, (ibid, pp.144-148). pp.144-148). Labour Labour was was in in no no hurry hurry to to kill kill the the goose, goose, which accounted the imperial counted for for such such aa lot lot of of golden golden eggs eggs in in the imperial basket. basket. In In addition, addition, India India

provided provided one one million million soldiers soldiers to to help help British British imperialism imperialism defend defend 'democracy', ‘democracy’, which onslaught which excluded, excluded, among among others, others, the the vast vast masses masses of of India, India, against against the the onslaught

of £300 million of German German imperialism imperialism - aa war war that that cost cost the the Indian Indian tax-payer tax-payer £300 million (£30 (£30 billion billion in in today's today’s terms). terms).

Labour Labour defended defended British British imperialist imperialist interests interests in in India, India, as as it it did did elsewhere, elsewhere, for for itit could could not not defend defend its its own own privileges privileges -- privileges privileges of of the the aristocracy aristocracy of of la labour bour -- without without defending defending the the empire. empire. The The defence defence of of the the former, former, was was dependent dependent upon, upon, and and required, required, the the defence defence of of the the latter. latter. As As history history was was to to prove, prove, Labour Labour would would be be prepared prepared to to commit commit any any crime crime in in the the defence defence of of these these twin twin interests. interests. No No crime, crime, no no brutality, brutality, no no infamy infamy was was to to be be too too much much in in Labour's Labour’s defence defence of of

these these interests. interests. 'Forgetful' ‘Forgetful’ of of Britain's Britain’s lack lack of of aa democratic democratic mandate mandate to to rule rule In In-

dia, dia, in in the the 1918 1918 General General Election, Election, Labour Labour opposed opposed full full responsible responsible government

46 46

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY. DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

for that, as very few few Indians meaning and for India India on on the the pretext pretext that, as very Indians understood understood the the meaning and significance vote, the the result the significance of of the the vote, result would would be be to to place place the the government government inin the

hands minority. tiny minority. of aa tiny hands of In 192 seats seats as In the the General General Election Election of of December December 1923, 1923, Labour Labour won won 192 as

against with the Liberals, who won 157 seats, against the the Tories' Tories’ 258. 258. However, However, with the Liberals, who had had won 157 seats, Labour of Commons. With the the Liberals agreeing Labour held held aa majority majority in in the the House House of Commons. With Liberals agreeing

to admini to support support aa minority minority Labour Labour Government, Government, Labour Labour formed formed its its first first ever ever administration. Cabinet gave gave a clue, if if ever ever there there was was any any a clue, the Cabinet of the composition of very composition The very stration. The

doubt this score, follow. With as Prime Prime Minister Minister doubt on on this score, of of things things to to follow. With MacDonald MacDonald as and as Chancellor Chancellor of of the Henderson at and Foreign Foreign Secretary, Secretary, Snowden Snowden as the Exchequer, Exchequer, Henderson at the Colonial Office, anti-commurabidly anti-commu the rabidly Office, the the Colonial at the Thomas at and Thomas Office and Home Office the Home were imperialism were nist, anti-working class, and born born lackeys of British British imperialism lackeys of class, and incurably anti-working nist, incurably

government. As securely of government. As to to the the rest, rest, “.. departments of key departments the key in the ensconced in securely ensconced

or directly or imperialism, directly fourteen members members of the Labour had served served imperialism, Cabinet had Labour Cabinet of the fourteen of departments of previous government, indirectly, of previous government, departments members of of members capacity of the capacity in the indirectly, in op cit, state, governors of colonies or diplomatic (Klugmann, op cit, missionaries” (Klugmann, diplomatic missionaries" colonies or governors of state,

p.251).

p.251).

comPhilip this vivid vivid picture picture of of the the com painted this aptly painted most aptly himself most Snowden himself Philip Snowden reassuring effect position the first the reassuring effect of of its its and the Cabinet and Labour Cabinet first Labour of the position of announcement the bourgeoisie; bourgeoisie; on the announcement on upon effect upon a reassuring had a "The publication of reassuring effect Cabinet had the Cabinet of the names of the names of the ‘The publication a advent of the advent about the that section of opinion which in terror of a terror about been in had been which had public opinion of public that section Labour and the the most most frightened frightened Conservatives and timid Conservatives most timid The most Government. The Labour Government. men like of men the Cabinet capitalists took from the presence inin the Cabinet of like Lord Lord ParPar the presence heart from took heart capitalists not believe moor, Lord Lord Chelmsford and Lord Lord Haldane; they could could not believe that that these these Haldane; they Chelmsford and moor, (An Socialist Revolution” the Socialist out the men would instruments for carrying out Revolution" (An for carrying the instruments be the would be men p.607). Il, p.607). Autobiography, Vol. II, Autobiography, Vol. Absolutely would be be superfluous. superfluous. Absolutely correct! correct! Further Further comment comment would First Labour Government First Labour Government

Once in office, got on on with with the the job of defending defending British British imperialimperial Once in office, Labour Labour got job of ism an unprecedented before the the Election, had opposed opposed ism with with an unprecedented zeal. zeal. Although Although before Election, itit had the the victors vanquished through through the the the reparations reparations regime regime imposed imposed by by the victors upon upon the the vanquished

Versailles Treaty, Treaty, within within two two days days of of coming to office office Labour, Labour, having made aa Versailles coming to having made hundred eighty degree turn, had had accepted accepted it. it. The The Labour Labour Cabinet, Cabinet, stuffed stuffed hundred and and eighty degree turn,

full with aristocrats, racists full with labour labour aristocrats, and imperialists imperialists to to their their finger finger tips, tips, very very racists and

early on made made known its brutal early on known its brutal determination determination toto defend defend the the empire empire against against

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF UDE IT TOWARDS IT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS THE PROLETARIAT OF THE THE ATTIT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

47

47

revolutionary revolutionary challenge challenge from from the the subject subject peoples peoples -- by by force force if if necessary. necessary. This This is is what what the the Labour Labour Prime Prime Minister, Minister, MacDonald, MacDonald, had had to to say say in in this this regard: regard: "I ‘7 can can see see no no hope hope in in India India if if it it becomes becomes the the arena arena of of a a struggle struggle between between constitutionalism and and revolution. revolution. No No party party in in Great Great Britain Britain will will be be cowed constitutionalism cowed by by threats to a threats of of force force or or by by policies policies designed designed to to bring bring Government Government to a standstill; standstill; and and if if any any section section in in India India are are under under the the delusion delusion that that is is not not so, so, events events will will sadly sadly disappoint disappoint them" them" (Quoted (Quoted in in M.N.Roy, M.N.Roy, Labour Labour Monthly, Monthly, April April 1924, 1924,

p.207; Weekly,7th p.207, also also quoted quoted by by R.Palme R.Palme Dutt, Dutt, Empire Empire and and War, War, in in Workers Workers Weekly,7th March March 1924). 1924). Within 28, Within weeks weeks of of the the formation formation of of the the Labour Labour Government, Government, on on February February 28, 1924, of the the working class 1924. the the Rt.Hon. Rt Hon. J.H.Thomas, J.H.Thomas, as as this this traitor traitor to to the the cause cause of working class

had on the of the "sa had deservedly deservedly become, become, expressed, expressed, in in aa pious pious tone, tone, on the question question of the “‘sa-

cred "it would realised, when when the time came came cred trust trust of of Empire", Empire’’, the the hope hope that that “it would be be realised, the time for them the seals of office, that they had not not only only been been mindful mindful of of Jor them to to give give up up the seals of office, that they had their responsibility, weaken the position and prestige their responsibility, but but had had done done nothing nothing toto weaken the position and prestige of in Workers' 1924). of this this great great Empire" Empire ’”’ (Quoted (Quoted in Workers’ Weekly, Weekly, March March 7,7, 1924). Three later, Thomas reiterated that that the "in Three months months later, Thomas reiterated the Labour Labour Government: Government: “intended above all to their one thing thing when when they they gave gave up up tended above all else else toto hand hand to their successors successors one

the seals and that that was was the the general general recognition recognition of of the that they they the seals of of office office and the fact fact that were proud proud and were and jealous jealous of, of, and and were were prepared prepared to to maintain maintain the the Empire”’ Empire" (The (The Times, May 16, 1924). Times, May 16, 1924).

Sidney Olivier, aa Fabian, Fabian, and and now now in in charge charge of of the the India India Office, Office, made made his his Sidney Olivier, opposition self-rule in in these flagrantly racist, racist, smugly smugly arrogant arrogant and and imim opposition to to Indian Indian self-rule these flagrantly perialist terms: "The programme programme of of constitutional democracy. not native native perialist terms: “The constitutional democracy ... was was not toto India. Jt was was impossible impossible for India. ... It for the the Indian Indian people people or or Indian Indian politicians politicians toto leap leap at once into into the the saddle saddle and an ideal ideal constitution. constitution. .. The right of of at once and administer administer an The right ...

British British statesmen, statesmen, public public servants, servants, merchants merchants and and industrialists industrialists toto bebe inin India India today was the fact that today was the fact that they they had had made made the the India India of of today, today, and and that that no no Home Home national movement Rule or or national movement could could have have been been possible possible inin India India had had itit not not been been Rule for their (Quoted in in M.N.Roy, M.N.Roy, op op cit, cit, p.209). p.209). Jor their work" work’’ (Quoted

That this this same same worthy worthy Fabian, Fabian, who who from from 1907 1907 toto 1913 1913 was was the the Governor Governor That of Jamaica, had of Jamaica, had scant scant regard regard for for the the dignity dignity of of the the colonised colonised peoples peoples anywhere, anywhere, made patently clear by by this this remark remark of of his: his: ‘T"I have have said said that that the the West West Indian Indian patently clear isis made

negro negro isis not notfit fitfor for complete complete democratic democratic citizenship citizenship inin aa Constitution Constitution ofofmodern modern with Parliamentaryform, form, and and II should should certainly certainly hold hold the the same same opinion opinion with respect respect Parliamentary

any African African native native community” community" (Quoted (Quoted inin F.Lee, F.Lee, Fabianism Fabianism and and ColonialColonial toto any

ism -- the the life life and and thought thought of ofLord Lord Sidney Sidney Olivier, Olivier, p.117). p.117). ism

48 48

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE -

Nor was was Olivier Olivier alone alone in these sentiments. sentiments. The The leading leading lights lights of ofthe the Fabian Fabian Nor in these Society, the the chief chief theoreticians theoreticians of of the the Fabian Fabian Society, Society, as as well well as as of the ILP ILP and and Society, of the Labour Party, Party, the the people who drafted drafted Clause Clause IV, IV, the the Webbs, Webbs, were were shockingly shockingly Labour people who racist. In Labour Labour and and the the New New Social Social Order, Order, written written inin 1918 1918 by by Sidney Sidney Webb, Webb, racist. In when nearly nearly 500 500 million million people people groaned groaned under under the the heel heel of of British British coco atat aa time time when lonialism, we we find find hypocritical hypocritical characterisation characterisation of of this this vast vast colonial colonial empire empire as as a lonialism, "great Commonwealth”, Commonwealth", which which could could not not be be regarded regarded as as "an Empire in in the the old old ‘great “‘an Empire sense, but but a Britannic Alliance’, Alliance", for for “the "the maintenance maintenance and and ... ... progressive progressive dede sense, a Britannic velopment" of of which which Labour Labour stood stood firmly firmly committed. committed. The The Webbs Webbs had had already velopment”’ already

expressed their racist racist views in 1913 1913 in in the the New New Statesman, Statesman, in in terms terms even even more more expressed their views in blatant, in in connection connection with with the the falling birth-rate among among the whites: blatant, falling birth-rate the whites:

"Into the scarcity thus created in particular districts, districts, in in particular particular secsec "Into the scarcity thus created in particular tions of of the labour market, market, or particular social strata, there there rush. rush the tions the labour or inin particular social strata, the offspring of less thrifty, thrifty, the the less less intellectual, intellectual, the lessforeseeing foreseeing of ofraces races and and offspring of the the less the less classes casual labourers labourers of ofour our great great cities, cities, the the races races of Eastern classes -- the the unskilled unskilled casual of Eastern or the negroes, Chinese -- possibly possibly resulting, resulting, as or Southern Southern Europe, Europe, the negroes, the the Chinese as already already in USA, in and mongrel mongrel population population that that in parts parts of of the the USA, in such such aa heterogeneous heterogeneous and W

democratic effective application application of ofthe policy of democratic self-government, self-government, or or even even the the effective the policy of aa national of civilised will become become increasingly increasingly unattainable. unattainable. If If national minimum minimum of civilised life, life, will anything difficult to avoid the melancholy conclusion conclusion anything like like this this happens, happens, it it is is difficult to avoid the melancholy that, cataclysm that for us to foresee, foresee, that that civilisation civilisation that, in in some some cataclysm that it it isis impossible impossible for us to

characteristic races may way of dozen characteristic of of the the Western Western European European races may go go the the way of half half aa dozen other succeeded other civilisations civilisations that that have have within within historic historic times times preceded preceded it; it; to to be be succeeded by ne by aa new new social social order order developed developed by by one one or or other other of of the the coloured coloured races, races, the the negro, gro, the the kaffir kaffir or or the the Chinese" Chinese” (Quoted (Quoted in in F.Lee, F Lee, op op cit, cit, pp.189-90). pp.189-90).

Almost political trial Almost the the first first act act of of the the Labour Labour Government Government was was to to stage stage aa political trial

- the the notorious notorious Cawnpore Cawnpore trial trial -- in in an an endeavour endeavour to to suppress suppress the the emerging, if emerging, if still still weak, weak, Communist Communist Party Party of of India, India, which which represented represented aa mortal mortal danger danger to to British British colonial colonial rule rule and and its its imperialist imperialist interests interests in in India. India. Eight Eight leading leading Indian Indian communists, communists, including including Dange, Dange, Muzaffer Muzaffer Ahmed, Ahmed, Shaukat Shaukat Usmani Usmani and and Das Das

Gupta, Gupta, were were arrested arrested and and charged charged with with attempting attempting to ‘Yo use use the the workers' workers’ and and

peasants' peasants’ associations associations to to secure secure the the complete complete separation separation of of India India from from Great Great

Britain, with with such such an an economic economic programme programme as as could could easily easily appeal appeal to to ignorant ignorant Britain, people”’, and and with with conspiring conspiring "to ‘to organise organise aa working-class working-class party party in in India, India, and and people", so so deprive deprive the the King King of of his his Sovereignty". Sovereignty’’. After After the the trial trial in in an an obscure obscure District District Court, Court, four four of of them them were were sentenced sentenced to to four four years' years’ imprisonment imprisonment each, each, on on the the basis of of the the evidence evidence of of police police agents. agents. The The only only crime crime of of the the accused accused was was that that basis they they were were communists! communists!

31

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & &

49 49

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

As Government went on to to fur As regards regards the the Middle Middle East, East, the the First First Labour Labour Government went on fur-

ther by British the Versailles Versailles ther stabilise stabilise the the gains gains secured secured by British Imperialism Imperialism atat the Conference, claims of of Conference, refusing refusing at at the the same same time time to to entertain entertain the the legitimate legitimate claims

Egypt the Labour Labour Egypt over over the the Suez Suez Canal. Canal. Within Within six six months months of of the the formation formation of of the

Government, Iraqi Iraqi tribal tribal villages villages were were being being subjected Government, subjected toto aerial aerial bombardment bombardment on of State Lord Manson. Manson. AA few on the the instructions instructions of of Labour's Labour’s Secretary Secretary of State for for Air, Air, Lord few

days to a of Commons Commons on on 30 30 June June days earlier, earlier, in in his his reply reply to a question question inin the the House House of from as to in Iraq Iraq was was not not identical identical from Sir Sir Samuel Samuel Hoare Hoare as to whether whether Labour's Labour’s policy policy in with administration, the Under-Secretary for for Air, Air, Mr Mr with that that of of the the previous previous Tory Tory administration, the Under-Secretary Leach, have made made any any change change in in the the Leach, answered answered thus: thus: "I ‘7 cannot cannot honestly honestly say say we we have policy of July 4, 1924). policy of the the late late Government" Government” (Quoted (Quoted in in Workers' Workers’ Weekly, Weekly, July 4, 1924). With the Labour supported the the Canton Canton MerMer With regard regard to to China, China, the Labour Government Government supported chant chant

Corps' rebellion 1924) against against Dr Dr Sun Sun Yat-sen’s Yat-sen's Corps’ rebellion (August-October (August-October 1924) nationalist striking revolutionary revolutionary blows blows nationalist Canton Canton Government, Government, which which was was striking against comprador capitalism capitalism and and foreign foreign imperialism imperialism against warlordism, warlordism, feudalism, feudalism, comprador alike. Ostensibly organised under the leadership leadership of of Chen Chen Lien-po, comprador alike. Ostensibly organised under the Lien-po, a a comprador capitalist Kong and and Shanghai Shanghai Bank, Bank, the the real real power power capitalist of of the the British-owned British-owned Hong Hong Kong of 'Merchant Corps' was none none other other than than British imperialism, or or more more corcor of the the ‘Merchant Corps’ was British imperialism, rectly of the rectly Labour Labour imperialism imperialism of the First First Labour Labour Government. Government.

From end, the the imperialist record of of the the Labour Labour GovGov From the the beginning beginning toto the the end, imperialist record

ernment flawlessly consistent. its final week in in office office before before the the General General ernment was was flawlessly consistent. In In its final week Election of October October 9, 9, 1924, which ousted ousted it it from from office, the Labour Labour GovernGovern Election of 1924, which office, the

ment authorised the Indian colonial administration to to promulgate promulgate the the notorious notorious ment authorised the Indian colonial administration Bengal Special Ordinances, which gave gave the the authorities authorities arbitrary arbitrary powers powers of of inin Bengal Special Ordinances, which definite internment imprisonment by by executive executive order, order, without without specific specific definite internment or or imprisonment accusation, trial trial or or judicial judicial sentence. sentence. All All the the major major nationalist nationalist leaders leaders of of Bengal Bengal accusation, were arrested under these these Ordinances. Ordinances. Perhaps Perhaps the the following following quotation quotation from from were arrested under J.R.Clynes could could justly justly be be used used as as an an epitaph epitaph on on the the tomb, tomb, not not only only of of the the first, first, J.R.Clyncs but also also of of each each subsequent, Government. Answering Answering the the accusation accusation but subsequent, Labour Labour Government. that British had aa disrupting disrupting influence influence in in the the Empire, Empire, he he maintained maintained that that that British Labour Labour had on the contrary: the contrary: on

"In the the same same period period of ofyears, years, no no Conservative Conservative or or Liberal Liberal Government Government has has “In done more more than than we we did did toto knit knit together together the the great great Commonwealth Commonwealth of of Nations Nations done which Britain calls her her Empire. Empire.... Far from wanting wanting to to lose lose our our colonies, colonies, we we which Britain calls Far from are trying trying to to keep keep them” them" (Memoirs, (Memoirs, Vol Vol Il, II, 1924-37, 1924-37, pp.54-55). pp.54-55). , are

50 50

SOCIAL DEMOC DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL RACY - THE -

Industrial Front Front Industrial

On On the the industrial industrial front front inin Britain Britain itself, itself, all all the the major major disputes disputes inin that that short short period involving involving railwaymen, railwaymen, shipyard shipyard workers, workers, dockers, dockers, London London traffic traffic workwork period ers, workers workers atat Wembley, Wembley, miners, miners, builders, builders, etc. etc. represent represent nothing nothing but but aa ers, succession of of defeats defeats or or unsatisfacto unsatisfactory settlements produced produced by by the the united united front front succession ry settlements of the employers, the the capitalist capitalist media, media, and and the the reactionary reactionary Labour Labour leadership leadership of the employers, fully supported supported by the Labour Labour Government. Government. fully by the

To the threats and and cajolery cajolery practised practised by by all all bourgeois bourgeois governments governments To the normal normal threats in an an attempt resolution of of industrial industrial disputes disputes to to the the satisfaction satisfaction of of the the in attempt toto seek seek resolution employers, new form form of of blackmail blackmail was was introduced, introduced, namely, namely, the the damagdamag employers, now now aa new ing effects effects of of any any strike strike on on the the Labour Government. This This combination combination of of moral moral ing Labour Government. blackmail with threat of of the use of of troops, troops, sailors, sailors, police police and and the the EmerEmer blackmail with the the threat the use gency (EPA), caused caused even even the the reactionary reactionary Emest Ernest Bevin, Bevin, during during the the gency Powers Powers Act Act (EPA), February 1924 Strike, to to declare: declare: February 1924 Dockers Dockers Strike,

"The mind in in the latter stages of the the negotiations negotiations the the earnest earnest “The Union Union had had inin mind the latter stages of appeal Prime Minister make aa just just peace peace and and an an honourable honourable settlesettle appeal of of the the Prime Minister toto make frightened by in Workers' April 4, 4, 1924). 1924). Jrightened by their their threats" threats” (Quoted (Quoted in Workers’ Weekly, Weekly, April

The year 1924 had amid aa revival revival of of working-class militancy The year 1924 had commenced commenced amid working-class militancy

aed

ment. Tory Government office. We We would would not not have have been been ment. II wish wish itit had had been been aa Tory Government inin office.

and and reverse and retreats of the the previous previous and determination determination to to halt halt and reverse the the defeats defeats and retreats of years. The result, of defeats. Klugmann corcor years. The result, however, however, was was aa succession succession of defeats. James James Klugmann remarks: "The of the the press, press, the the outcries of the outcries activities, the employers’ activities, ‘The employers' remarks: betrayal nothing new. new. But But what what betrayal of of right-wing right-wing trade-union trade-union leaders leaders -- this this was was nothing was for the first time saw Social Democ Social DemocBritain, saw in Britain, time in the first workers, for the workers, that the was that new was was new racy office. They denouncing their strikes, racy in in office. They saw saw a Labour Labour Government Government denouncing their strikes,

demanding that that they they return return to to work, work, supporting supporting the the employers employers on committee afdemanding on committee af ler committee, committee, enquiry enquiry after after enquiry, enquiry, threatening threatening them them with with the the use of troops troops ter use of and blacklegs, blacklegs, invoking invoking and and even even using using the the infamous infamous EPA" EPA” (op (op cit, p.265). and cit, p.265). Following Following as as itit always always did did the the reformist reformist theory theory of of the the 'neutrality' ‘neutrality’ of of the the capitalist not even even did not Government did Labour Government the Labour that the saying that without saying goes without state, itit goes capitalist state,

attempt to to make make any any changes changes in in the the departments departments of attempt composition or or of state, state, their their composition method of of functioning. functioning. In In regard regard to to Ramsay Ramsay MacDonald's MacDonald’s conduct method conduct of of the the For For-

eign Office, Office, aa commentator commentator justly justly remarked remarked that that he eign was he came, came, he he saw, saw, he he was conquered. The conquered. The obsequiousness obsequiousness with with which which the the Labour Labour ministers, ministers, including including — MacDonald, responded responded to to the the establishment, establishment, the MacDonald, is the awe awe with with which which they they held held it, it, is

breathtaking. The The role role of of the the armed armed forces forces in in strike-breaking, strike-breaking, the breathtaking. se the use use of of the the se-

a aaewe,,

OF

rectly rectly

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY && SOCIAL

THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT THE

51 51

cret police the labour labour movement movement and and the the Emergency Emergency Powers Powers Act Act were were cret police against against the left intact. left intact.

As early early as as the the end end of of April April 1924, 1924, the the Government’s Government's abandonment abandonment of of As working-class interests interests in in the the internal, internal, foreign foreign and and colonial colonial spheres spheres had had bebe working-class come so so manifestly manifestly clear clear that that the the Executive Executive Committee Committee of of the the CPGB CPGB felt felt come

obliged to to issue issue aa Manifesto Manifesto entitled entitled ‘Future 'Future of of the the Labour Labour Government Government -- A obliged A Call Workers', in which itit correctly correctly stated: stated: “‘.. "... Jn In every every direction direction the the LaLa in which All Workers’, to All Call to bour Government Government has has shown shown itself the servant servant of of the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. ... ... Labour Labour itself the bour Cabinet have become become the the missionaries missionaries of of aa new new imperialism. imperialism. They They Ministers have Cabinet Ministers brag of of the Empire, Armaments and coercion coercion have have become become commoncommon Armaments and of Empire. glory of the glory brag

place with with them". place them”. The done its its dirty work in in the the service service of of BritBrit The Labour Labour Government Government having having done dirty work ish imperialism, imperialism, itit was was time time for for the get rid on some some pretext pretext ish the ruling ruling class class toto get rid of of it it on

of under some pressure from from the the of the the other. other. In In connection connection with with the the withdrawal, withdrawal, under some pressure labour movement, against J.R.Campbell for incitement incitement labour movement, ofcriminal ofcriminal proceedings proceedings against J.R.Campbell for joined forces to defeat the Government. Government. On toto mutiny, mutiny, the the Tories Tories and and Liberals Liberals joined forces to defeat the On October motion against against the the Government. Government. October 8, 8, Sir Sir Robert Robert Horne, Horne, moved moved aa censure censure motion A Select Committee Committee A Liberal Liberal amendment, amendment, which which called called for for the the appointment appointment of of aa Select to the withdrawal to investigate investigate and and report report on on the the circumstances circumstances leading leading up up to to the withdrawal of of proceedings received 364 censure proceedings against against Campbell Campbell received 364 votes, votes, while while for for the the Tory Tory censure motion motion there there were were 198. 198. As As MacDonald MacDonald treated treated it it as as aa question question of of confidence, confidence, the Government fell. the Government fell. As Election cor As the the Election Election Manifesto Manifesto of of the the CPGB CPGB for for the the October October 1924 1924 Election cor-

rectly rectly stated, stated, the the Labour Labour Government Government had had been been put put into into office office to to do do the the dirty dirty

work policy -work on on behalf behalf of of British British capitalism capitalism on issues issues of of internal internal and and external external policy a Said the a task task which which itit performed performed in in aa manner manner most most loyal loyal and and servile. servile. Said the Mani Manifesto: festo:

“Sheltering behind "Sheltering behind the the plea plea of of being being inin aa minority, minority, itit did did exactly exactly what what aa capitalist government capitalist government might might have have done. done. It It evicted evicted unemployed, unemployed, overawed overawed

strikes by by threatening threatening to to use use the the Emergency Emergency Powers Powers Act, strikes Act, arrested arrested and and spied spied on on Communists, strengthened strengthened the the Navy Navy and and Air Communists, Air Force, Force, shot shot down down and and imprisoned imprisoned

workers and and peasants peasants in workers in India, India, Mesopotamia, Mesopotamia, Sudan Sudan and and Egypt. Egypt. In In its its negotia negotia-

tions with with Soviet Soviet Russia, Russia, it defended tions defended the the interests interests of of British British capitalists, capitalists, not not of of

British workers.... workers. ... Worst Worst of of all, all, itit carried carried through through the British the infamous infamous Dawes Dawes Report¹ Report! R

In concluding concluding this this section, section, itit must must be be said said that that for for aa short short nine-month In pe nine-month period, representing the the entire entire life life of of the the First First Labour riod, representing Labour Government, Government, these

52§2

SOCIAL SOCIALDEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE - THEENEMY ENEMYWITHIN WITHIN

achievements achievements ininthe theservice serviceofofBritish British imperialism imperialism were were nonomean meanfeat. feat.InIngov gov-

ermment, asasout outofofgovernment, government, Labour Labourproved proved itsitsfitness fitnesstotogovern governon onbehalf behalf of of ernment, British imperialism. imperialism. The The exposure exposure that thatLenin Lenin had had spoken spoken ofofinin 1920, 1920, thus thustook took British place during during these these nine nine months months ofof 1924. 1924. By By 1925, 1925, Labour's Labour’s conversion conversion toto Em Emplace

pire Socialism Socialism was was complete complete and and irrevocable. irrevocable. pire

1 1TheThe Dawes Report waswas concemed withwith reparations to to be be paid pai : in the Dawes Report concerned reparations by Germany for damage in the War. World First First World War.

paid by Germany for damage

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY && THE TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

53 53

IV IV

Labour Unmistakably as as Labour Comes Comes Out Out Unmistakably

the Capitalist Party Party the Third Third Capitalist The General General Strike The Strike 1926 1926

After the Government, the the most most important important issue issue to to After the fall fall of of the the first first Labour Labour Government, confront British working working class the General Strike of of 1926. 1926. The The TUC TUC confront the the British class was was the General Strike leadership, against its its own will, and and most most reluctantly, reluctantly, was was forced forced to to call call the the leadership, against own will, General days, two two million workers, atat great great personal personal expense expense General Strike. Strike. For For nine nine days, million workers, and tools, not not in of their their own own interests, interests, but but in in and hardship, hardship, had had downed downed tools, in furtherance furtherance of support been locked refusing to submit to to aa wage wage support of of the the miners miners who who had had been locked out out for for refusing to submit

cut by the the employers. Just as the strike strike began began to to gain gain strength, strength, the the cut imposed imposed by employers. Just as the TUC leadership, of the class, called called itit off, off, thus thus leavleav TUC leadership, in in total total betrayal betrayal of the working working class, ing battle on single-handedly for for another another seven seven months months before before ing the the miners miners to to battle on single-handedly hunger defeat on them. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of of the the General General hunger forced forced defeat on them. Meanwhile, in the aftermath Strike, savage agreements agreements were forced on on the the railwaymen, railwaymen, transtrans Strike, humiliatingly humiliatingly savage were forced port workers, printers and and seamen on their return to work. port workers, printers seamen on their return to work.

The General Strike Strike failed The General first, the the TUC TUC and and the the Labour Labour Party Party failed because, because, first, leadership refused leadership into a political struggle; fact the the General General CounCoun refused to to turn tum it it into a political struggle; inin fact cil of the TUC TUC "feared ‘feared like like the the plague plague to cil of the to admit admit the the inseparabl inseparable e connection connection between the economic struggle between the economic struggle and and the the political political struggle” struggle" (Stalin, (Stalin, CW, CW, Vol.8, Vol.8,

p.174). In direct direct contrast to this p.174). In contrast to this the the Conservative Government, the outset, outset, Conservative Governmen t, from from the

correctly treated treated the the general general Strike correctly Strike as fact of of tremendous politicalimportanc importance, as aa fact tremendous political e,

which could only only be be defeated defeated by which could by measures of aa political character, that that is, is, byby measures of political character,

invoking the authority of invoking the authority the crown crown and and parliament parliament, and by the mobilisati mobilisation of of the , and by the on of

the army army and and the the police. police. Secondly, the Secondly, the the General General Strike Strike failed because, far far from from failed because,

seeking international international support support and seeking and solidarity, solidarity, the the TUC TUC leadership leadership spurned spurned all all such precisely such such help help from from precisely such quarters quarters asas were were the the most most genuine genuine supporters supporters ofof

this gigantic strike of the British this gigantic strike of the British workers. workers. Thus Thus itit was was that that the the General General Council Council

refused to accept accept financial financial assistance assistance from refused to workers ofof the USSR, who who had, had, from the the workers the USSR,

inin response response toto the the call the All-Union call ofof the All-Union Central Central Committee Committee ofof Trade Trade Unio Unions

(AUCCTU), made at the latter's meeting of May 5th, 1926, decided to contrib

(AUCCTU), made at the latter’s meeting of May Sth, 1926, decided tocontrib.

54 54

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

-THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

ute ute one-quarter one-quarter of of aa day's day’s earnings camnings in in support support of of the the British British workers. workers. The The same same day, day, the the AUCCTU, AUCCTU, remitted remitted 250,000 250,000 rubles rubles to to the the British British TUC TUC General General Coun Council. Two days later, on May 7, the AUCCTU sent to the General Council cil. Two days later, on May 7, the AUCCTU sent to the General Council two two million million rubles rubles collected collected by by the the Soviet Soviet proletariat, proletariat, only only to to be be informed informed on on May May 99 of of the the General General Council's Council’s decision decision to to refuse refuse acceptance acceptance of of this this assistance. assistance.

The The spineless spineless treachery treachery of of the the TUC TUC and and Labour Labour leadership leadership was was fully fully

matched matched by by the the behaviour behaviour and and actions actions of of the the Second Second International International and and the the Am Amsterdam sterdam Federation Federation of of Trade Trade Unions, Unions, who, who, while while passing passing platonic platonic resolutions resolutions in in support of support of the the Strike, Strike, refused refused to to give give any any meaningful meaningful financial financial assistance assistance to to it. it. Only Only the the equivocal equivocal conduct conduct of of these these two two bodies bodies can can explain explain the the fact fact that that all all the the

trade trade unions unions of of Europe Europe and and America America donated donated aa mere mere one-eighth one-eighth of of the the amount amount which which the the Soviet Soviet proletariat proletariat found found itit possible possible to to afford afford to to the the British British proletariat. proletariat. In In addition, addition, far far from from stopping stopping the the transport transport of of coal, coal, the the Amsterdam Amsterdam Federation Federation literally acted acted as as aa strike-breaker. strike-breaker. literally The such proof The British British General General Strike Strike proved proved conclusively, conclusively, if if such proof was was needed, needed,

that that in in any any major major confrontation confrontation between between the the proletariat proletariat and and the the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, be between and capital, the trade union and tween labour labour and capital, the trade union and Labour Labour leadership leadership would would

unfailingly the side unfailingly betray betray the the cause cause of of the the proletariat proletariat and and desert desert to to the side of of the the en en-

emy. too, that that international international Social Social Democracy emy. It It proved proved conclusively, conclusively, too, Democracy could could always act as as aa reliable reliable friend friend of of international international imperialism in always be be relied relied upon upon toto act imperialism in the Trojan horse working-class movement. movement. the form form of of a a Trojan horse within within the the working-class Lesson Drawn Drawn by by TUC-Labour TUC-Labour leadership leadership from from the the General General Strike Strike Lesson If the time time correctly correctly drew drew the the above above conclusion conclusion from from the If the the CPGB CPGB atat the the events General Strike, Strike, the the lesson lesson drawn drawn by by the the TUC and Labour Labour leaders leaders events of of the the General TUC and from the the same happenings was was just just toto the the oppusite; opposite; namely, namely, ‘Never 'Never Again’ Again' from same happenings would they be be party would they party toto such such an an enterprise enterprise which which they they had had not not wanted wanted inin the thefirst first place, and which they they had had called called off off atat the the earliest earliest opportune opportune moment. moment. Only Only the the place, and which

cooperation of of the cooperation the workers workers with with the the capitalisis, capitalists, argued argued these these traitors traitors toto the the

working class, working class, inin the the reorganisation reorganisationand and rationalisation rationalisation ofof industry, industry, aimed aimed atat inin creased creased productivity, productivity, could could ensure ensure trade trade union union recognition recognition and and higher higher wages. wages.

With the logic logic of of servitors servitors asas their their guide, guide, the the TUC TUC leaders leaders entered entered into into discusdiscus With the sions with sions with an an influential influential group group ofof employers employers headed headed byby Sir Sir Alfred Alfred Mond, Mond, the the founder of ICI, ICI, onon questions questions such such asas rationalisation rationalisation and and ofof industrial industrial strife, strife, that that founder of is, is, onon questions questionsofofredundancy, redundancy, speed-up speed-up and and wage wage cuts cuts -- allall this this atataa time timewhen when

Britain, like the the rest restofof the the capitalist capitalist world, world, was was firmly firmly and and inexorably inexorablyheading heading Britain, like for theworst worsteconomic economic crisis crisis itithad had ever everexperienced. experienced. for the

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & & THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT

55

35

In part, the In the the aftermath aftermath of of the the General General Strike, Strike, for for its its part, the Labour Labour Party Party too too re reaffirmed affirmed its its faith faith in in the the gradual gradual parliamentary parliamentary road road to to socialism socialism and and determined determined never the middlemiddle never to to take take any any kind kind of of direct direct action. action. From From now now on, on, persuading persuading the

class voter, class still on its voter, rather rather than than leading leading the the working working class, class, was was to to be be higher higher still on its agenda. Labour representatives on the Govern agenda. Not Not surprisingly, surprisingly, therefore, therefore, the the Labour representatives on the Govern-

ment (Blanesborough) (Blanesborough) Committee ment Committee jointly jointly signed signed aa majority majority report, report, advocating advocating cuts cuts in in unemployment unemployment benefit. benefit. Communists Obstacle Communists an an Obstacle

However, chief obstacle of this this policy of dodo However, there there was was one one chief obstacle to to the the pursuit pursuit of policy of cility and Labour leadership, to to wit, wit, the the cility and and class-collaboration class-collaboration by by the the TUC TUC ard Labour leadership,

Communist the CPGB CPGB was was still still very very young Communist Party. Party. Although Although at at the the end end of of 1926, 1926, the young (6 with a of only only 7,900, 7,900, it enjoyed aa disproportion (S years years of of age), age), with a membership membership of it enjoyed disproportionately the working-class had initiated initiated and and ately wide wide influence influence in in the working-class movement, movement, since since itit had led as the (which acted led several several important important movements movements such such as the Minority Minority Movement Movement (which acted

as an an instrument activists to to propagate militant policies) policies) and as instrument for for trade-union trade-union activists propagate militant and the the National Committee Movement (which mobilised mobilised the National Unemployed Unemployed Workers' Workers’ Committee Movement (which the unemployed with the 'Work or or Full Full Maintenance’). Maintenance). In In addition, addition, there there unemployed with the slogan slogan ‘Work were inside the the Labour as individual individual members the were 1,500 1,500 Communists Communists inside Labour Party Party as members of of the latter. could still still be as delegates delegates to to latter. Communists Communists could be elected elected by by their their trade trade unions unions as the including to Annual Conference the Labour Labour the Labour Labour organisations, organisations, including to the the Annual Conference of of the

Party. and the who acted as aa magnet for attractattract Party. Thus Thus the the CPGB CPGB and the Communists, Communists, who acted as magnet for

ing militant workers, workers, including including members members of of the the ing support support from from non-communist non-communist militant Labour terrible nuisance, was determined determined to to Labour Party, Party, were were aa terrible nuisance, toto which which the the latter latter was

put with this menace, while while the the Labour Labour leaders leaders got got on on with with put aa stop. stop. So, So, to to deal deal with this menace, expelling trouble-makers' from from the Party, the the TUC TUC General General CounCoun expelling the the ‘trouble-makers’ the Labour Labour Party, cil devoted its attention to smashing the the Minority Minority Movement Movement and and to to cil devoted its undivided undivided attention to smashing

preventing of Communists to trade-union trade-union offices. offices. preventing the the election election of Communists to

Although bar Communists Communists from from individual individual membership membership of of Although the the decision decision to to bar the Labour Labour Party the had been taken at at the the 1924 1924 Annual Annual Conference Conference of of the the Labour Labour Party had been taken Party the autumn autumn 1925 Conference) and and the the trade trade Party (and (and reaffirmed reaffirmed at at the 1925 Liverpool Liverpool Conference)

unions asked Communists as as delegates delegates to to Labour Labour organisaorganisa unions asked not not to to nominate nominate Communists tions, serious problems in the the way way of of its its implementation. implementation. For For at at the the problems in were serious there were tions, there end of of 1926, 1926, out out of of the CPGB's total total membership membership of of 7,900, 7,900, as as many many as as 1,544 1,544 the CPGB’s end were still individual of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, and and another another 242 242 were were tradetrade were still individual members members of

union delegates delegates to the aftermath aftermath ofof the the General General Strike, Strike, union to Labour Labour organisations. organisations. InIn the

the Labour felt obliged obliged toto initiate process ofof disaffiliation disaffiliation ofof all all those those initiate aa process Party felt Labour Party the

local Labour Labour parties who refused refused toto expel expel those those ofof their their members members who who were were local parties who

- THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

aes

56 56

a

aa and 1926 and between 1926 that between also result that the result with the Party, with Communist Party, the Communist of the members of also members

replaced and replaced illegal and declared illegal were declared organisations were 1929, local organisations such local 27 such as 27 many as as many 1929. as of top of the top and the witch-hunter and chief witch-hunter the chief was the by 'official' Morrison was Herbert Morrison parties. Herbert ‘official’ parties. by seof se distinction of his honourable distinction the honourable had the which had Party which Battersea Party the Battersea was the hit-list was his hit-list being aa to being addition to in addition who, in Saklatwala who, Shapurji Saklatwala lecting MP Shapurji local MP their local as their lecting as BatCommons. Bat of Commons. Communist, House of the House enter the to enter ever to Indian ever first Indian the first was the Communist, was

the after the party after ‘official’ party an 'official' by an replaced by tersea and replaced disaffiliated and was disaffiliated Party was tersea Party s, Communist member its Communist expel its that itit expel former, members, diktat that Morrison’s diktat of Morrison's defiance of in defiance former, in “‘the that "the observation that apt observation the apt made the Saklatwala made time Saklatwala had the time At the so. At do so. to do refused to had refused ones very ones the very are the Battersea are in Battersea parties in Labour parties rival Labour started rival people have started who have people who movement’. the movement'. ‘splitting the are 'splitting Communists are the Communists that the complaining that always complaining are always who who are preare pre clique are official clique the official which the to which lengths to the lengths of the example of Here an example have an we have Here we

means Party means Labour Party the Labour that the bosses that the bosses to the show to pared to show efforts to their efforts go in their to go pared to 1926). July, 1926). 11 July, Worker, 11 (Sunday Worker, them” (Sunday to them" harm to no harm no AnonMod

Witch-Hunt Witch-Hunt Extended Extended

Soon expel Communists Communists was those who Soon the the campaign campaign to to expel was extended extended to to those who wanted Communists, the latter being being characcharac wanted to to co-operate co-operate and and work work with with the the Communists, the latter terised mix with’’ with" (Quoted (Quoted inin terised by by Morrison Morrison as as "elements “elements itit was was not not desirable desirable to to mix Maureen Branson, Branson, History History of of the the Communist Communist Party Party of of Great Britain 1927 1927Maureen Great Britain 1941, p.8). p.8). Scores Scores of of prominent prominent Labour Party activists activists who 1941, Labour Party who associated associated with with

either the the Left-Wing Left-Wing Movement, the Minority Minority Movement Movement or either Movement, the or the the International International

Class Aid, were were expelled expelled from the Labour Party. Undeterred pro Class Prisoners' Prisoners’ Aid, from the Labour Party. Undeterred by by protests from its radical members, at the 1928 Labour Labour Party tests from its own own radical members, at the 1928 Party Annual Annual

Conference, National Executive Executive introduced series of Conference, its its National introduced aa series of ‘loyalty 'loyalty clauses’ clauses' dede

barring trade from electing electing communists communists as as delegates delegates to to Labour Party barring trade unions unions from Labour Party

meetings meetings -- nationally nationally or or locally. locally. From From now now on, on, not not only only Communists, Communists, but but nonnon

communist members communist members of the Left-Wing Left-Wing Movement, Movement, were were barred barred from from sharing sharing of the platforms convened by by Labour Labour Parties. Parties. In In 1929, 1929, the the Labour Labour Party Party platforms atat meetings meetings convened

wont on to to elaborate went on elaborate these these 'loyalty clauses' so so as as to to exclude exclude members members of oforganorgan “loyalty clauses’

sations ‘ancillary isations ancillary oror subsidiary’ subsidiary' toto the the CPGB, CPGB, followed followed shortly shortly afterwards afterwards by by

ananExecutive circular listing Executive circular listing seven seven such such organisations: organisations: the the Left-Wing Left-Wing MoveMove

— ment, the the Minority Minority Movement, Movement, the the National NationalUnemployed Unemployed Workers’ Workers' Committee Committee

Movement (NUWCM), (NUWCM), the the League League Against Imperialism, Workers’ Workers' Interna eae, Against Imperialism, Intema-

lief, International War Prisoners’ tional Relief, International Class Class War Prisoners' Aid, Aid, and and Friends Friends of of Soviet Soviet

Russia. Russia.AsAs aaresult, result,nonomember memberofofany anyofofthese these organisations organisations could couldeither eitherbebe long, longtotothe theLabour LabourParty Partyororbebeelected electedasasaadelegate delegatetoto Labour LabourParty Party meetings. meetings.

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & &

57

57

THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT

TUC's TUC’s Attempts Attempts at at Crushing Crushing Working-Class Working-Class Resistance Resistance

Simultaneously with with the the above above happenings happenings in in the the Labour Labour Party, Party, the the TUC TUC Simultaneously

leadership got got on on with with the leadership (MM) the task task of of smashing smashing the the Minority Minority Movement Movement (MM) which co-ordi which had had been been established established at at the the initiative initiative of of the the CPGB CPGB in in 1924 1924 for for co-ordi-

nating nating militant militant movements movements in in aa number number of of industries. industries. It It was was affiliated affiliated to to the the Red been founded Red International International of of Labour Labour Unions Unions (RILU), (RILU), the the latter latter having having been founded in in

1921 1921 as as aa radical radical antidote antidote to to the the class-collaborationist class-collaborationist International Intemational Federation Federation

of Trade Trade Unions. Unions. In In aa pre-1926 pre-1926 leaflet leaflet the the Minority Minority Movement Movement declared: declared: “Most “Most of of capitalist system. system. We We hold of the the Unions Unions today today are are supporters supporters of of the the capitalist hold that that itit isis the continuous encroachments of the the duty duty of of the the Unions Unions to to stoutly stoutly resist resist the the continuous encroachments of the

Employing OVERTHROW OF OF THE Employing Class Class and and aim aim definitely definitely at at the the OVERTHROW THE CAPITAL CAPITAL-

IST SYSTEM" SYSTEM” (quoted in ibid, ibid, p.11). p.11). IST (quoted in In this, it be surprised the TUC General Secretary, Secretary, In view view ofofthis, it is is not not to to be surprised at at that that the TUC General

Walter the Minority in aa series series of of Walter Citrine, Citrine, hated hated the Minority Movement. Movement. In In December December 1927, 1927, in articles, issued as as a with the title ‘Democracy 'Democracy or or Disrup articles, later later to to be be issued a pamphlet pamphlet with the title Disrup-

tion', he to attack the Minority Movement. Writing in the the pages pages of of the the tion’, he set set out out to attack the Minority Movement. Writing in journal argued that that the the trade-union should run run ‘in "in the the journal 'Labour', ‘Labour’, he he argued trade-union movement movement should direction workers' organisations organisations an an integral integral part part of of the the ecoeco direction of of making making the the workers’

nomic allow the the trade trade unions unions toto be be used used as as nomic machinery machinery of of society", society”, for for toto allow instruments social upheaval would be be ‘fatal “fatal to to our our hopes hopes of of ordered ordered propro instruments of of social upheaval would

gress". In the Communists Communists wanted wanted “to to capture capture the the trade-union trade-union gress”. In contrast, contrast, the movement and exploit for aa revolutionary movement and exploit itit for revolutionary subversive subversive purpose’’, purpose", and and the the MiMi nority Movement, under the leadership leadership of of the the CPGB, CPGB, had had as as its its purpose purpose “‘o "to set set nority Movement, under the the rank rank and and file file of of the the working-class working-class movement movement inin bitter bitter opposition opposition toto its its the elected and responsible responsible representatives”. representatives". Taking Taking due due notice notice of of Citrine’s Citrine's call, call, elected and the Executives Executives of of several several unions unions went went on on toto bar bar Communists Communists or or Minority Minority the Movement members members from holding office office or or being being elected elected asas delegates delegates toto LaLa Movement from holding bour organisations. organisations. bour

In aa parallel parallel development, development, the the TUC TUC intensified intensified its its efforts efforts toto isolate isolate the the In NUWCM. By By the the autumn autumn of of 1927, 1927, the the TUC TUC had had severed severed its its links links with with this this NUWCM. body. InIn consequence consequence of of which which the the November November 1927 1927 Miners’ Miners' March March from from South South body. Wales toto London, London, toto draw draw attention attention toto the the appalling appalling conditions conditions ofof the the unemunem Wales

ployed miners, miners, took took place, place, with with the the Communist Communist Wal Wal Hannington Hannington asas its its chief chief ployed marshall, inin the the teeth teeth of ofbitter bitter opposition opposition on on the the part part ofof the the TUC. TUC. The The TUC TUC circir marshall,

culated local local trades trades councils councils along along the the route route not not toto organise organise reception reception and and culated : . ality for hospitality for the the numers miners. hospit

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

58

THE ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY WITHIN

the outlaw the decision toto outlaw the decision The confirmed the Congress confirmed TUC Congress Swansea TUC 1928 Swansea The 1928 attack, unprincipled attack, shamelessly unprincipled and shamelessly persistent and After aa persistent Minority Movement. After Minority Movement. succeeded in TUC succeeded in the TUC and the Party and Labour Party the Labour of the leadership of the leadership lasting years, the two years, lasting two ur Party

Labo Party the Labour from the militants from non-communist militants and non-communist hounding Communists and hounding Communists and and the the trade trade unions. unions.

China External Policy: China External Policy:

limitless with limitless supported with leadership supported Labour leadership the Labour arena, the InIn the international arena, the international Auin Au When in Imperialism. When British Imperialism. of British actions of bloodthirsty actions and bloodthirsty brutal and the brutal zeal all the zeal all the on the Wanhsien, on of Wanhsien, town of Chinese town the Chinese subjected the Navy subjected gust British Navy the British 1926, the gust 1926, gave MacDonald gave people, MacDonald 500 people, killing 500 bombardment, killing to bombardment, Yangtse, to banks the Yangtse, of the banks of

Conof the thanks of grateful thanks the grateful received the he received which he for which support, for full support, party’s full his party's his the Con

of strike of Shanghai strike the Shanghai later, the months later, few months A few Chamberlain. A Austen Chamberlain. Sir Austen servative servative Sir and Hankow and to Hankow spread to China, spread in China, concessions in foreign concessions reclaiming foreign at reclaiming aimed at 1927, aimed 1927, suppressed brutally suppressed was brutally It was insurrection. It full-scale insurrection. into aa full-scale developed into and developed Canton, and Canton, and British and of British support of full support the full with the clique with Chiang-Kai-shek clique traitorous Chiang-Kai-shek the traitorous by the by ex1927, ex in 1927, China in to China a visit from a return from his return on his Mann, on Tom Mann, troops. Tom Japanese troops. Japanese visit to list aided Chinese masses of the pressed pressedthe the anger anger of the Chinese massesatatthis this imperia imperialist aided and andabetted abetted

ds of s of massacre, claimed the of hundred hundreds thousands of Chinese Chinese workwork of thousan lives of the lives which claimed massacre, which g words: in the peasants, in and peasants, ers and ers the followin following words: “They [the {the Chinese capi"They Chinese people people -- HB] HB] have have nono illusions illusions about about the the Chinese Chinese capi

talists, but the talists, but the greatest greatest curse, curse, they they declare, declare, isis the the foreign foreign imperialists, imperialists, and and inin

this they are bethis they are undoubtedly undoubtedly right; right; and and ofofall all the the imperialist imperialistforces forces inin China China be yond the worst” yondany anyquestion question Great GreatBritain Britain isis the worst" (Labour (LabourMonthly, Monthly, August August 1927). 1927).

And And the the actions actionsofofthis this the the worst worst imperialist imperialist power power had had the the wholehearted wholehearted

and andunreserved unreserved support supportofofthe theLabour LabourParty. Party.

ExternalPolicy: Policy: India India External

Towar end Towardsthe theds endofof1927, 1927, having having rushed rushedthrough throughParli Parliamentthe thenecessary necessary ament enabling enablinglegislation, legislation,Lord LordBirkenhead, Birkenhead,the theTory TorySecretary SecretaryofofState Statefor forIndia, India,setset upupthe theSimon SimonCommission Commissiontotoreview reviewthe theprogress progressofofthe theMontagueMontague-Chelmsford Chelmsford

reforms’. reforms.Although AlthoughIndians Indianshad hadbeen beenexcluded excludedfrom from Commission, Mac thetheCommissi on, Mac-

1

{he Beitish enacte d thetheMontag ue-Chelmsford Reform The British enacted Montague-Chelmsford Reforms 1919 attempt counter s in in1919 to toattem pt toto counte r thethe

ann e oFfor nationa l self-de termination in inIndia, rising movement national self-determination India,follow following inspiration 1917 ing thethe inspir ation of of thethe1917 Russia n Revolution. The s, along Russian Revolution. TheReform Reforms, along linesofofso-call so-called 'Dyarchy' in the Provinces, or thethelines ed ’Dyarchy’ in the Provin ces, or

C

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY & &

59

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THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT

Donald, over-ruling over-ruling even even the the objections objections of of Labour's Labour’s NEC, NEC, secured secured the the appoint appointDonald, ment of of Clement Clement Attlee ment Attlee and and Steven Steven Walsh Walsh (an (an odious odious imperialist) imperialist) as as Labour Labour nominees nominees on on the the Commission. Commission. This This could could not not but but inflame inflame Indian Indian opinion. opinion. Not Not surprisingly, surprisingly, therefore, therefore, the the Simon Simon Commission's Commission’s arrival arrival in in India India on on Friday, Friday, 3

February 1928, 1928, was was greeted greeted by by aa general general strike strike and and mammoth mammoth demonstrations. February demonstrations. With With police police firing firing on on the the demonstrators, demonstrators, wholesale wholesale arrests, arrests, the the army army parading parading

in the the streets streets of of the the principal principal cities, cities, India India was was overnight overnight turned in turned inte inte an an armed armed camp. camp. The The Indian Indian working working class class played played the the leading leading role role in in opposing opposing the the Simon Simon Commission, displaying displaying in Commission, in the the process process aa degree degree of of political political clarity clarity not not seen seen €ven in in some some advanced even advanced imperialist imperialist countries. countries. Shapurji Shapurji Saklatwala Saklatwala aptly aptly ob observed, in served, Sunday Worker of 5 February 1928, that: in his his report report for for the the Sunday Worker of 5 February 1928, that: "It for some “It has has been been well-known well-known for some time time that that the the Commission Commission would would have have a a hostile reception hostile as the of reception from from the the Indian Indian workers, workers, who who view view it it as the latest latest weapon weapon of British imperialism. imperialism. ... British the Bombay burned the the effigy effigy of ... When When the Bombay workers workers burned of Mac Mac-

Donald in in the streets along Donald the streets that of and others, others, they they along with with that of Lord Lord Birkenhead Birkenhead and showed that that they showed Party as nothing more more or or less less than than the the they viewed viewed the the Labour Labour Party as nothing willing hirelings willing hirelings of Saklatwala, The The of British British imperialism" imperialism’’ (Quoted (Quoted inin Sehri Sehri Saklatwala, Fifth Commandment, Commandment, pp.391-92). Fifth pp.391-92). Labour -- the the Third Third Capitalist Party Labour Capitalist Party In the the light of the of the the Labour Party in in the the years years spanning spanning the the in light of the conduct conduct of Labour Party period between the the first first and and the the second second Labour Labour Governments, Governments, when when Labour Labour period between had stuck stuck to to aa bi-partisan approach in in the the ficld field of of internal internal and and external external politics politics had bi-partisan approach alike, when when itit had had opposed opposed every every working-class working-class mobilisation mobilisationat at home home and and supsup alike, ported with with barely barely disguised disguised glee glee every every brutal brutal imperialist imperialist suppression suppression of of the the ported revolutionary national national liberation liberation movements movements abroad, abroad, notably notably inin China China and and InIn revolutionary dia, when when it had tenaciously tenaciously opposed opposed all all united united action action with with the the CPGB CPGB and and dia, it*had made vicious vicious use use of of ‘loyalty 'loyalty clauses’, clauses', bans bans and and proscriptions proscriptions against against the the ComCom made munists as as aa means means of of stifling stifling all all working-class working-class mass mass movements, movements, or or avoiding avoiding munists any involvement involvement with with them, them, the the CPGB CPGB was was obliged obliged toto review review its its attitude attitude toto any wards the the Labour Labour Party. Party. InIn particular, particular, itit had had toto answer answer three three important important wards

questions. questions. These These were: were: First, First, should should the the CPGB, CPGB, now now being being hounded hounded out out ofof the the

Labour Labour Party Party and and the the trade trade unions, unions, continue continue its its struggle struggle toto stay stay inside inside it? it? SecSec

division of ofportfolios portfolios between between British British and and Indian Indianministers, ministers,also alsoattempted attemptedtotocreate createdivisions divisions division list class. within the the Indian Indian bourgeois-nationa bourgeois-nationalist class. within

a 60 60

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

the ond, should the practice, should and practice, policy and foreign policy and foreign home and Labour’s home of Labour's light of the light in the ond, in Communist Government? Labour Government? of aa Labour clection of the election for the calling for on calling go on Party go Communist Party Third, candidates Communist candidates the Communist that the now that candidates now up candidates put up CPGB put the CPGB should the Third, should

could parties? Labour parties? local Labour by local adopted by be adopted longer be no longer could no Harry Harry Pollitt Pollitt and and Palme Palme Dutt, Dutt, among among others, others, led led the the fight fight for for aa reversal reversal of of the the Party's Party’s line line on on all all these these issues, issues, arguing arguing that that whereas whereas in in 1920 1920 Labour's Labour’s pro programme gramme still incorporated incorporated many many working-class working-class demands demands and and its its constitution constitution allowed allowed affiliated affiliated organisations organisations to to have have their their own own programmes programmes and and policy, policy, by by 1928 1928 it it had had become become aa third third capitalist capitalist party, party, had had "surrendered “‘surrendered socialism"; socialism”’; while while its its disciplinary disciplinary measures measures made made it impossible impossible for for affiliated affiliated partied partied to to propagate propagate their own own programme. programme. They They therefore therefore proposed proposed that that the the CPGB CPGB discontinue discontinue its its their attempts attempts to to affiliate affiliate to to the the Labour Labour Party, Party, refuse refuse to to vote vote for for Labour Labour candidates candidates unless the the latter latter agreed agreed to to support support the the party's party’s policy, policy, and and stand stand candidates candidates unless against against people people like like MacDonald MacDonald and and Henderson. Henderson. Although Although representing, representing, at at the the time, of the the Pollitt-Dutt time, the the minority minority of the Central Central Committee Committee of of the the CPGB, CPGB, the Pollitt-Dutt viewpoint the analysis viewpoint won won the the day day with with some some considerable considerable help help from from the analysis of of the the European being in European scene scene made made by by the the Comintern. Comintern. According According to to this this analysis, analysis, being in the grip grip of of aa severe severe economic economic crisis crisis and and intensified competition, all all the the capitalthe intensified competition, capital ist at aa furious pace with with rationalisation, resulting ist countries countries were were pushing pushing ahead ahead at furious pace rationalisation, resulting terto in the the growth growth of of trusts trusts and tendency of the latter latter to to merge merge with in and aa tendency of the with the the state. state. The The effects working class manifested effects of of this this rationalisation rationalisation and and trustification trustification on on the the working class manifested themselves closures of of vast vast enterprises enterprises and and chronic chronic un themselves in in ruthless ruthless exploitation, exploitation, closures utemployment on scale. In In most most European countries employment on an an unprecedented unprecedented scale. European countries Social-Democracy the workers. While preaching preaching socialism, socialism, everywhere everywhere the the Social-Democracy led led the workers. While Social-Democratic in reality reality collaborating collaborating with with capitalism. capitalism. AlAl Social-Democratic parties parties were were in though European countries countries had the experience experience of of though. several several European had by by then then had had the Social-Democratic Governments, far bringing socialism socialism nearer, nearer, they they had Social-Democratic Governments, far from from bringing had only served to to strengthen strengthen capitalism capitalism and and betray betray the working class. class. onily served the working its 1928 Faced reality, the the CPGB CPGB atat Congress de Faced with with this this stark stark reality, its 1928 Congress justly justly denounced Labour Party Party for having ‘come "come out as the the third third nounced the the Labour for having out unmistakably unmistakably as

capitalist party”’ party" -- aa characterisation characterisation toto which which the the Trotskyite Trotskyite social-democrats social-democrats capitalist of the SWP, Cliff and and Gluckstein, Gluckstein, take take such such aa strong strong objection, objection, dubbing dubbing itit as as of the SWP, Cliff

the “ultra-left "ultra-left insanity” insanity" of of the the Communist Communist party. party. On On the the eve eve of the 1929 1929 GenGen the of the

eral eral Election, Election, the the CPGB, CPGB, in in its its pamphlet pamphlet ‘Class 'Class Against Against Class’ Class' -- the the programme with which itit entered entered that that election election - - elaborated elaborated further further on on its its 1928 1928 programme with which statement. Declaring Declaring itself favour of of the the dictatorship dictatorship of of the the proletariat, proletariat, the the statement. itself inin favour programme programme went went on: on:

61

61

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

IT TOWARDS IT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS THE PROLETARIAT OF THE THE ATTITUDE OF THE ATTITUDE

the to the reveal to to reveal Election ... to General Election the General enters the Party ... enters Communist Party... “The Communist "The ...

parliamenof parliamen sham of the sham expose the to expose crisis, to present crisis, the present of the nature of the nature class the working class working

Three ... Three alike. ... Labour alike. and Labour Liberals and Tories, Liberals the Tories, by the maintained by tary democracy maintained tary democracy Commuthe Commu party -- the One party ‘NATION’ One the 'NATION' of the name of the name in the you in to you appeal to ... appeal parties ... parties

can Party can No Party class. No working class. the working of the name of the name in the you in to you appeals to Party -- appeals nist Party nist diis di nation is the nation as the long as so long ‘nation’ so the nation' serve the can serve Party can No Party masters. No two masters. serve two serve the and the robbers and the robbers serve the can serve Party can No Party vided classes. ... No warring classes. two warring into two vided into oppressed” the oppressed" workers, the the workers, of the Party of the Party is the Party is Communist Party The Communist robbed. ...The robbed. ...

(p.7). (p.7).

Having third capitalist (p.8) party”’ (p.8) capitalist party" “‘the third as "the Party as Labour Party the Labour characterised the Having characterised attitude changed attitude CPGB’s changed the CPGB's for the reason for the the reason explain the to explain on to goes on programme goes the programme to it thus:

to it thus:

"The of the years prior prior toto the years that of from that different from entirely different 1929 isis entirely in 1929 situation in “The situation the of 1924. years immediimmedi the years In the 1924. In Government of Labour Government the Labour and the Strike and General Strike the General anti-working class of its in spite Party, in Labour Party, the Labour war, the the war, after the ately after ately spite of its anti-working class leaders, leaders, Tories and the Tories workers into the workers of the the pressure by the forced by was forced was pressure of into action action against against the and the the on of war on threatened general e.g., threatened Liberals, e.g., Liberals, general strike strike against against war on Russia, Russia, repudiati repudiation of the Treaty.... The Labour Party Party also also had had not not yet yet become become aa closelyclosely The Labour Versailles Treaty. the Versailles knit party with with a was a offering facilities facilities for for federation ...... offering a federation discipline. ItIt was single discipline. a single knit party criticism from within" (p.9). within” (p.9). criticism from ...

And further: And further:

"The Labour Government Government [of [of 1924 1924 -- HB] HB] exposed exposed the the Labour Labour Party Party leadlead “The Labour ership completely. completely.... The 'minority' Labour Labour Government Government was was nothing nothing more more ership The ‘minority’ than aa coalition coalition with with the the Tories Tories and and Liberals. Liberals. The The Labour Labour leaders leaders ‘led’ 'led' the the GenGen than eral Strike Strike only only toto betray betray itit inin the the face face of of the the challenge challenge of of the the state. state. The The General General eral Strike raised raised the the question question of of power. power. The The Labour Labour Party Party leadership leadership... stood for Strike stood for ...

capitalist power power against against working-class working-class power, power, but but from from within. within. ...... They They develdevel capitalist oped the offensive against against the the Communist Communist Party Party and and the the revolutionary revolutionary workers workers oped the offensive who stood stood for for working-class working-class struggle struggle for for power. power. They They tied tied the the trade trade unions unions toto who the Tories Tories and and Liberals Liberals under under the the banner banner of of Mondism Mondism and and transformed transformed the the LaLa the bour bour Party Party from from aa federal federal organisation organisation toto aa single single party party with with aa capitalist capitalist

programme programme under under the the banner banner ofof “Empire 'Empire and and Mondism’. Mondism'. ItIt isis now now nono longer longer

possible for for the the Communist Communist Party Party oror the the trade trade unions unions toto bring bringpressure pressure toto bear bear possible on the the Labour Labour Party Party from from within. within. ItIt isis aa completely completely disciplined disciplined capitalist capitalist on party" (p.9). (p.9). party”’

other words, words, with with its its accession accessiontotooffice, office, Labour Labour had had rid rid itself itselfofofits its fedfed InIn other

eral structure, structure, and and with with itit ofof all all susceptibility susceptibility socialism and and working-class working-class toto socialism eral MOS

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

62

influence. inflwence.

In of Lenin's Lenin’s edition of English edition first English the first for the provided for he provided which he preface which the preface In the endorse to endorse on to go on writings to go was to Pollitt was Harry Pollitt 1934), Harry January 1934), (dated January Britain (dated on Britain writings on the words: following words: the following in the stance in above stance CPGB's above fhe CPGB's “\Just now... now ... it it is is a a common common thing thing to to hear hear certain certain 'left' ‘left’ leaders leaders defending defending "Just

ground on the to itit on affiliated to their the ground remaining affiliated and remaining Party and Labour Party the Labour of the support of their support commuBritish commu that the British fo the Lenin] to [by Lenin] given [by advice given the advice out the carrying out are carrying they are that they nists nists in in 1920. 1920.

"They the conditions conditions were ‘They never never dare dare to to state state to to the the workers, workers, what what the were that that Lenin of the the Communist affiliation to the to the for affiliation Party for Communist Party application of the application to the attached to Lenin attached Labour permissible to fight for this as as Labour Party. Party. Lenin Lenin insisted insisted that that it it was was only only permissible to fight for this

long principles, and long as as there there was was no no compromise compromise on on revolutionary revolutionary principles, and with with the the criticism”’ and criticism" propaganda and fullest freedom of andpropaganda agitation and of agitation fullest freedom Headded addedthat thatthe the section sectionin in the the book bookdealing dealing with Lenin's attitude attitudeonon this He with Lenin’s this

question the unscrupulous school of 'Leftists', question will ‘will reveal reveal the unscrupulous opportunism opportunism of of this this school of ‘Leftists’, who left' language the workers, workers, and and retard who precisely precisely because because of of their their '‘left’ language deceive deceive the retard their same time time they they will will explain explain the the political political their coming coming to to Communism. Communism. At At the the same

reasons hate the the insistence Com reasons why why the the reformist reformist leaders leaders of of all all kinds kinds hate insistence of of the the Communists freedom of of which which so so powerfully powerfully exposes exposes the the munists upon upon freedom of criticism, criticism, the the use use of

anti-working policy of the workers workers anti-working class class policy of the the reformist reformist leaders leaders and and strengthens strengthens the in fight against in their their fight against all all their their enemies". enemies ”’. Thus forthe the first formation in in 1920, 1920, Thus it it was was that that the the CPGB, CPGB, for first time time since since its its formation

came the Labour Labour Party Party had becomea a closely-knit closely-knit third third came to to the the conclusion conclusion that that the had become capitalist party with a single discipline, discipline, no longer susceptible susceptible to to working-class working-class capitalist party with a single no longer influence; therefore, useless useless trying to work work for for the election of of aa LaLa influence; that that it it was, was, therefore, trying to the election

bour equally useless useless trying gain affiliation affiliation to to the the Labour Labour bour Government Government and and equally trying toto gain Party. was far real working class -- communist communist -- alternative. alternative. Party. It It was far better better toto build build aa real working class

These by the the CPGB CPGB were were correct, correct, based based as they were were on on These decisions decisions reached reached by as they sound economic and political analysis analysis of of the the British British reality reality and and the the attitude attitude of of sound economic and political the it. To To describe describe these these conclusions conclusions as as “ultra-insanity”’ "ultra-insanity" as as do do the Labour Labour Party Party to to it.

the ultra-social the ultra-social democrats, namely, the the Trotskyites Trotskyites Cliff Cliff and and Gluckstein, Gluckstein, is is to to democrats, namely,

reveal one’s incurable incurable proclivity reveal one's proclivity for for social-democratic offal, verging verging on on cretincretin social-democratic offal, ism. ism.

Although Although the the CPGB CPGB was was to to revert revert in in 1935 1935 to to its its earlier earlier policy policy of of gaining gaining affiliation toto the Party, there was little affiliation the Labour Labour Party, there was little basis, principle or or in in reality, reality, basis, in in principle for such such aa change for change of of stance. stance. And And the the Labour Labour Party's Party's rejection rejection of the CPGR’s CPGB's Party’s of the application only all too application only made made this this all too painfully painfully clear. clear. After After the the General General Election Election of of

|

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

63

63

November 1935, returned the the National National Government Government to to office office with with aa big big November 1935, which which returned majority Stanley Baldwin, Baldwin, the CPGB applied applied for for affiliation. affiliation. InIn its its formal formal the CPGB under Stanley majority under application 25 November November 1935, pointed out out that that application for for affiliation, affiliation, dated dated 25 1935, the the CPGB CPGB pointed bitter opponents Thomas, the MacDonald, Snowden and and Thomas, the most most bitter opponents of of communist communist afaf MacDonald, Snowden the enemy since gone filiation had filiation had since gone over over toto the enemy camp; camp; that that the the return return of of the the National National

Government could could only only mean intensified oppression Government mean intensified oppression of of the the working working class class atat

that itsits defeat home and support abroad, and and that defeat demanded demanded Germany abroad, Nazi Germany for Nazi support for home and

united action. Besides, Besides, went went on on the the CPGB, how could could the the Labour Labour Party Party claim claim CPGB, how united action.

the working front of united front represent the to represent to the united of the working class, class, ifif itit excluded excluded “workers "workers and and organisations standpoint". organisations which which hold hold the the revolutionary revolutionary standpoint”’.

the Labour NEC of of 27 In 27 January January 1936, 1936, the the NEC of the Labour Party Party rere communication of its communication In its jected the application stating stating that that no no circumstances circumstances had had arisen arisen as as toto CPGB’s application the CPGB's jected there was justify aa departure the decision decision of of 1922; 1922; that that there was an an “Grreconcil"irreconcil from the departure from justify ‘democracy’’ and Party’s adherence Labour Party's the Labour able" adherence toto "democracy" and the the between the hostility between able’’ hostility , that Communist commitment to to “dictatorship” "dictatorship"; that the the advent advent of of fascist fascist Party’s commitment Communist Party's dictatorships abroad was to communist communist activities activities which which had had split split attributable to was attributable dictatorships abroad the that, since the Communist Party merely merely aimed aimed at at using using the the Communist Party since the class; that, working class; the working Labour an instrument for the the propagation propagation of of communism, communism, ally any instrument for as an facilities as Party facilities Labour Party

weakening part of of the the defence defence of of democracy democracy would would in the Party in Labour Party the Labour the part on the weakening on only and hinder hinder the in Britain. Britain. socialism in of socialism victory of the victory reaction and of reaction forces of the forces help the only help Following rejection, the launched a campaign for for affiliation. affiliation. By By Following this this rejection, the CPGB CPGB launched a campaign

September 1936, more more than than 1,400 1,400 organisations organisations (including (including 831 831 trade-union trade-union September 1936,

branches Labour Party had passed passed resolutions resolutions in in branches and and 407 407 local local Labour Party organisations) organisations) had support of of Communist So alarmed alarmed were were the the TUC TUC leaders leaders that that their their support Communist affiliation. affiliation. So

'Bl Circulars' had failed failedto check growth of of communist communist influence, influence, that that “Black Circulars’ had check the the growth it: July July 1936 the National National Council Council of of Labour in: 1936 the Labour -- aa body body representing representing the the TUC, TUC, the the

NEC of of the the Labour and the Parliamentary Labour NEC Labour Party Party and the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) -- had had felt felt Party (PLP) obliged toto issue issue aa document obliged document entitled entitled British British Labour and Communism, Communism, in in which which Labour and

the by by now now familiar familiar objections the objections toto Communist Communist affiliation affiliation were were reiterated. reiterated. ItIt was was asserted in in particular particular that Communist revolutionary asserted that Communist revolutionary activities activities had had “stimulated "stimulated

fascist and Nazi reaction inin some countries with with disastrous fascist and Nazi reaction some countries disastrous consequences consequences". ”’. Not only only was the victory victory of Not was the of fascism fascism attributed the communists, communists, but but also also an an attributed to to the

attempt was made to equate equate communism communism and attempt was made to and fascism fascism by by presenting presenting both both asas

“dictatorships” whose whose aim so zealously "dictatorships" aim was was toto destroy destroy democracy democracy so zealously guarded guarded by by

the Labour the Labour Party. Party.

Notwith standing aa vigorous vigorous campaign campaign by Notwithstanding by the the CPGB, CPGB, the the Labour Party AnAn Labour Party

nual Conference Conference in in October 1936, rejected ist affiliat nual October 1936, rejected Commun Communist affiliation by aa majorit majorityy ion by

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -- THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

64 64

expected be expected could be of better could anything better Hardly anything votes. Hardly 592,000 votes. against 592,000 1,728,000 against of 1,728,000

from Lathe La such as the party such imperialist party staunchly imperialist and staunchly anti-communist and rabidly anti-communist from aa rabidly bour organisations, cleven organisations, proscribed eleven had proscribed 1933 had by 1933 which by party which Party -aa party bour Party being for being Fascism, for German Fascism, of German Victims of the Victims for the Committee for Relief Committee the Relief including the including

member if aa member that if meant that "ancillary This meant party’’. This Communist party". the Communist to the subsidiary to or subsidiary “ancillary or of or organisation, or an organisation, such an supported, such actively supported, or actively to, or belonged to, Party belonged Labour Party the Labour of the Labour local Labour any local And, any spoke forthwith. And, expelled forthwith. be expelled could be he could platform, he its platform, from its spoke from

Party, oran or such an of such meetings of the meetings attend the to attend delegate to send aa delegate enough to send unwise enough Party, unwise

ganisation, mentioned one mentioned the one from the Apart from disaffiliation. Apart of disaffiliation. threat of the threat faced the ganisation, faced immediately organisations: proscribed organisations: other proscribed the other of the names of the names are the here are above, here immediately above,

Friends Defence; Anti-War British Anti-War Defence; British Labour International Labour Russia; International Soviet Russia; of Soviet Friends of JU Council; Charter National Charter the National and the Congress, and Anti-Fascist Congress, Workers Anti-Fascist European Workers Council; European PON

70

Campaign Committee.

nieco z 209

Labour 1929-31 beords zafata Government 1929-31 Labour Government oam Tiles That the CPGB's too well not only That the CPGB’s stance stance was was correct correct was was proved proved only only too well by by not only 10 B

the the conduct conduct of of the the Labour Labour Government Government of of 1929-31, 1929-31, but but also also by by that that of of every every

subsequent Labour Labour Government Government in in the the sphere sphere of of internal and external external policy policy subsequent internal and alike.

alike. eitt

bodomuel 8049

From the General Election of 31st May 1929, the Labour Party, having re-

From the General Election of 31st May 1929, the Labour Party, having Te

ceived of the for the first time ceived 37.1 37.1 per per cent cent of the vote, vote, emerged emerged for the first time as as the the largest largest party party

in the House of Commons and formed the next government.

in the House of Commons and formed the next government.

India the Second Labour Government india and and the Second Labour Government del to

be

do ladociat

In of the the near Indian people, people, which In the the wake wake of near revolt revolt of of the the Indian greeted the which greeted the arri arrival of the Commission in in India, India, British Imperialism, emboldened emboldened by by aa val of the Simon Simon Commission British Imperialism, split split inin the the Indian National Congress (caused entirely entirely by by Gandhi's moderate, Indian National Congress (caused Gandhi’s moderate, dilatory, tactics, which the Government 31st December dilatory, bourgeois bourgeois tactics, which gave gave the Government until until 31st December

1929 accept the the Congress 1929 to to accept Congress demand demand for for self-rule), self-rule), struck, struck, and, and, atat one one fell fell

Swoop, removed swoop, removed the the entire entire working-class working-class leadership leadership of ofthe the Indian Indian masses., masses. The The most prominent most prominent leaders leadersofofthe the working working class, class, including including the the entire entire leadership leadership ofof the the Red Red Flag Flag Union, Union, were were arrested arrested and and taken taken to toMeerut Meerut for for trial trial on on the the charge charge of of “attempting "attempting toto deprive deprive the the King-Emperor King-Emperor of ofthe the sovereignty sovereignty of ofIndia’. India". LaLa bour, bour, inin opposition, opposition, refused refused toto support supportthe the demand demandfor for the the release releaseofofthe theMeerut Meerut detainees. detainees. On On coming coming toto power power in inMay May1929, 1929,Labour Labour continued continued the thepolicy policy ofof

imperialist oppression, albeit imperialistplunder plunder and and oppression, albeitwith with aa veneer veneerof of socialist socialist phrases. phrases.

my 0.

Movement; Minority Movement; Movement; Minority Lefi-Wing g Movement, Imperialism, Left-Wing Against Imperialism, League Against The League The National Relief; International Relief; Workers’ International Movement; Workers' Workers Movement; Unemployed Workers National Unemployed

SOCIAL DEMOCRA DEMOCRACY CY && SOCIAL THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

65 65

s deadline Compelled by the the Governm Government's failure toto respond respond toto Gandhi’ Gandhi's deadline of of the the ent’s failure ed by Compell protest. of m end December 1929, the the latter latter was was obliged obliged toto make make aa modicu modicum of protest. r 1929, of Decembe end of

s, nied by So Gandhi, Gandhi, accompa accompanied by aa select select group group ofof his his follower followers, So y ent’s monopol Dandi by way way of of protest protest against against the the Governm Government's monopoly Dandi by

led led aa march march on on as and salt of of salt and as aa

. On prelude non-cooperation campaign prelude toto his his non-cooperation campaign. On 66 April April 1930, 1930, asas Gandhi Gandhi made made thanks long so t, pent salt illegally, the Indian Indian national national movemen movement, pent up up for for so long thanks toto , the salt illegally Gandhi's infuriatingly collaborationist tactics, burst burst forth forth like like aa volcanic volcanic eruperup ationist tactics, ngly collabor Gandhi’s infuriati tion. Peasants in many areas areas refused refused toto pay pay land land revenue. revenue. Revolts Revolts broke broke out out in in in many tion. Peasants many places. The North-W North-West-Frontier town of of Peshawa Peshawar fell into into the the hands hands of of r fell est-Frontier town places. The many ion with the how R.Palme Dutt captures captures one one scene scene in in connect connection with the the R.Palme Dutt This isis how rebels. This the rebels. incidents incidents in in Peshawar: Peshawar: "Two platoons of the the Second Second Battalion Battalion of of the the 18th 18th Royal Royal Garhwali Garhwali Rifles, Rifles, “Two platoons of Hindu troops in in the Moslem crowd, crowd, refused refused the the order order to to fire, fire, broke broke Hindu troops the midst midst of of a a Moslem ranks, crowd, and and aa number number handed handed over over their their arms. arms. ImIm ranks, fraternised fraternised with with the the crowd,

mediately mediately after after

this, the the military military and the police police were were withdrawn withdrawn from from this, and the

Peshawar; from 25 May the city was was in the hands hands of ofthe people” (In Peshawar; from 25 April April to to-44 May the city in the the people”’ (India dia Today, Today, p.332). p.332). The unleashed an reign of of terror. The Simon Simon ComCom The Government Government unleashed an unbridled unbridled reign terror. The

mission concession, and and thus thus served served mission report report of of June June 1930 1930 made made no no meaningful meaningful concession, only Indian sentiment. sentiment. In endeavourto to break breakthe the deadlock, deadlock, the the only to to exacerbate exacerbate Indian In its its endeavour Labour of MacDonald 'Round Table to Labour Government Government of MacDonald convened convened a a ‘Round Table Conference', Conference’, to which rulers of states. which were were invited, invited, among among others, others, several several puppet puppet rulers of the the princely princely states.

In responsible self-government, self-government, In return return for for MacDonald's MacDonald’s vague vague statement statement about about responsible which which committed committed the the Government Government to to nothing, nothing, Gandhi Gandhi was was lured lured to to persuade persuade the the Congress Congress to to call call off off its its agitation agitation and and attend attend the the Conference Conference in in London. London. In In return return

the Government Government agreed agreed to to withdraw withdraw its its ordinances ordinances and and release release 90,000 90,000 impristhe impris oned oned during during the the previous previous ten ten months, months, except except those those guilty guilty of of 'violence' ‘violence’ and and 'incitement and the ‘incitement to to violence'. violence’. Thus, Thus, under under this this formula, formula, the the Meerut Meerut detainees detainees and the

Garhwali Garhwali soldiers soldiers were were excluded excluded from from the the amnesty amnesty - not not to to mention mention a a group group of of brilliant brilliant Punjabi Punjabi revolutionaries revolutionaries who who were were hanged hanged immediately. immediately. The The Round Round Table Table farce farce was was continued continued for for aa year year in in London, London, away away from from the the grim grim reality reality of of the the Indian Indian sub-continent sub-continent where where people people suffered suffered daily daily violence, violence, humiliation, humiliation, oppression oppression and and exploitation exploitation under under the the jackboot jackboot of of British British imperial imperialism. ism. No No surprise surprise then then that that aa contemporary contemporary English English revolutionary revolutionary should should have have been been driven driven to to write: write: “Hanging, flogging, slaying, shooting and bombing attest the efforts of "Hanging, flogging, slaying, shooting and bombing attest the efforts of parasitic ConTable Con Round Table The Round victim. The its victim. of its body of the body to the cling to to cling imperialism to parasitic imperialism

———— 66

66

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

ference ference beside beside these these efforts efforts isis like like the the ceremonial ceremonial mumblings mumblings of of the the priest priest that that walks 1930, walks behind behind the the hangman" hangman”’ (Robin (Robin Page Page Arnot, Amot, Labour Labour Monthly, Monthly, Sept. Sept.1930, p.530). p.530).

;

Just Just as as the the first first (1924) (1924) Labour Labour Government Government had had supervised supervised the the Cawnpore Cawnpore trial trial against against leading leading communists, communists, so so the the second second Labour Labour Government Government saw saw to to itit that that the the rising rising Indian Indian working-class working-class movement movement was was decapitated decapitated through through the the trial, trial, on on trumped-up trumped-up charges, charges, of of leading leading working-class working-class leaders leaders and and the the long long

/

prison prison sentences sentences doled doled out out at at Meerut. Meerut. India India was was too too important important to to British British impe impe-

and Guardian and Labour Labour -- wanted wanted to to hold hold on on to to India. India. An An issue issue of of the the Manchester Manchester Guardian

in material advantages accrued to in 1930 1930 had had occasion occasion to to refer refer to to the the material advantages which which accmed to Brit Britain colony: ain from from her her Indian Indian colony:

"There two chief whya a self-regarding self-regarding England may hesitate hesitate toto “*There are are two chief reasons reasons why England may relax control over over India. The first first isis that that her her influence influence inin the the past past depends depends India. The her control relax her partly upon upon her partly her power power toto summon summon troops troops and and toto draw draw resources resourcesfrom from India India inin time second isis that Great Britain Britainfinds finds inin India India her her best bestmarket, market, time of of need. need. ...... The The second that Great and she and she has has one one thousand thousand million million pounds pounds of ofcapital capital invested invested there”’ there" (Quoted (Quoted inin R.Palme Dutt, India India Today, Today, p.497). p.497). R-Palme Dutt,

The suppression suppression ofof the the Indian liberation struggle of 1928-31 1928-31 isis the the most most The Indian liberation struggle of shameful example example ofof Labour’s Labour's naked naked imperialism, imperialism, for for itit eliminated eliminated the the possipossi shameful bility of of the the Indian Indian working working class’s class's leading leading role role inin this this struggle, struggle, which which from from bility then then on on became became the the preserve preserve ofof the the Indian Indian bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, whose whose most mostreprerepre sentative sentative spokesman spokesman was was the the Congress Congress grouping grouping led led byby Gandhi. Gandhi. InIn this this regard regard one cannot cannot but but marvel marvel atat the the wisdom wisdom contained contained in, in, and and the the prophetic prophetic nature nature of, of, one the the observation observationmade made byby W.J.Brown, W.J.Brown, anan ILP ILPmember memberofofparliament parliament ininaadebate debate 1930: inin 1930: venturetotosuggest suggestthat thatwe weshould shouldregard regardititasasaacardinal cardinalfeature featureofofBritBrit “T"Iventure ish ish policy policy toto carry carry Gandhi Gandhi with with us,us, for for ififwewe dodo not, not, we we have have totoface face the the

alternative alternative totoGandhi, Gandhi,and andthat thatisisorganised organisedviolence violenceand andrevolutionary revolutionaryeffort” effort" (QuotedbybyClemens ClemensDutt, Dutt,Labour LabourMonthly, Monthly, June June 1930). 1930)... (Quoted Brown’s Brown'sobservat observation wasfully fullyconfirme confirmed thebiggest biggestIndian Indianindustria industrial ion was d bybythe lististand the chief patron of Gandhi, and the chief patron of Gandhi, G.D.Birl G.D.Birla, who wrote wrote inin his his letter letterofof 1414 a, who

my

determination, the determination, for for on on the the defence defence of of these these interests interests depended depended the the defence defence ofofthe privileges privileges of of the the aristocracy aristocracy of of labour, labour, the the upper upper stratum stratum of of the the working working class, class, represented represented by by the the Labour Labour Party. Party. There There were were impeccable impeccable reasons reasons for for the the tenac tenacity Tory, Liberal Liberal ity with with which which all all governments governments representing representing British British imperialism imperialism -- Tory,

fs

rialism rialism for for its its fate fate to to be be decided decided by by Indians. Indians. And And Labour Labour saw saw to to it that that the the interests interests of of British British imperialism imperialism were were defended defended with with an an unprecedented unprecedented zeal zeal and and

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE OF THE TOWARDS IT THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

67

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

March to Sir Sir Samuel that: "Gandhiji the greatest force on on the the greatest force ‘““Gandhiji isis the Hoare, that: Samuel Hoare, 1932 to March 1932

the left keeping the responsible for is responsible He alone order. He side and order. alone is for keeping left in in India India peace and of peace side of under in R.Palme India Today). Today). Dutt, /ndia R.Palme Dutt, (Quoted in check”’ (Quoted under check"

As early as 22 March March 1930, 1930, in in his his letter letter to to Viceroy Viceroy Irwin, Gandhi himself As early as Irwin, Gandhi himself had, candour, proclaimed proclaimed the the fight on two two fronts, not only only had, with with disarming disarming candour, fight on fronts, not against the internal internal enemy in India. This concepconcep against British British rule, rule, but but also also against against the enemy in India. This

tion of the fight on two fronts fronts corresponded corresponded to to the the role of the the Indian Indian tion of the fight on two role of bourgeoisie, as itit saw saw the ground slipping slipping from from beneath beneath its its feet bourgeoisie, alarmed alarmed as the ground feet with with

the growing growing conflict conflict between Raj and masses, compelled compelled to the between the the Raj and the the masses, to undertake undertake the risk" (Gandhi's phrase in in his his the leadership leadership of of the the struggle, struggle, despite despite the the "mad ‘sad risk’’ (Gandhi’s phrase letter in order bounds of of 'reason', i.e. within within letter to to the the Viceroy), Viceroy), in order to to hold hold itit within within bounds ‘reason’, i.e. bourgeois what, inter Gandhi wrote bourgeois limits. limits. This This is is what, inter alia, alia, Gandhi wrote to to the the Viceroy: Viceroy:

"The itself felt. “*The party party of of violence violence isis gaining gaining ground ground and and making making itself felt.

... It It is is my my purpose (non-violence) as as well organised purpose to to set set in in motion motion that that force force (non-violence) well against against the the organised force British rule as the force of of the the British rule as the unorganised unorganised violence violence force force of of the the growing growing party party of give rein both the forces above above men of violence. violence. To To sit sit still still would would be be to to give rein to to both the forces men...

tioned" (quoted in tioned "’ (quoted in ibid, ibid, p.329). p.329). Of all Of all the the bourgeois bourgeois politicians politicians of of their their time, time, Gandhi Gandhi and and MacDonald MacDonald were were undoubtedly accomplished, shrewd, hypocritically dishonest and, undoubtedly the the most most accomplished, shrewd, hypocritically dishonest and, above all, were therefore therefore above all, committed committed to to the the bourgeois bourgeois property property relations. relations. They They were in best position, if anyone to eliminate the leading of the Indian in the the best position, if anyone was, was, to eliminate the leading role role of the Indian working the ‘party 'party of in the the Indian Indian liberation working class class -- the of violence' violence’ ifif you you please please -- in liberation struggle, have held the promise promise of struggle, which which leading leading role role alone alone could could have held the of the the Indian Indian liberation Alas, it liberation transcending transcending the the bounds bounds of of bourgeois bourgeois rule. rule. Alas, it must must be be admitted, admitted,

they they succeeded. succeeded.

It to be penetrating It is is to be hoped hoped that that the the reader reader will will not not regard regard the the following following penetrating description too much diversion from from the description of of Gandhi Gandhi given given by by Palme Palme Dutt Dutt as as too much of of aa diversion the

subject.

subject.

Notwithstanding "his personal idiosyncrasies, there there was question that that Notwithstanding “‘his personal idiosyncrasies, was no no question he most subtle and experienced politician of of the old he [Gandhi [Gandhi -- HB] HB] was was the the most subtle and experienced politician the old

group, world publicity publicity had enhanced group, with with unrivalled unrivalled mass mass prestige prestige which which world had now now enhanced as greatest Indian of property the name of the as the the greatest Indian figure; figure; the the ascetic ascetic defender defender of property in in the name of the most of humanity love of poverty; the the in most religious religious and and idealist idealist principles principles of humanity and and love of poverty; in-

vincible casuist who justify and vincible metaphysical-theological metaphysical-theological casuist who could could justify and reconcile reconcile

anything astounding tangle of explanations and arguments arguments anything and and everything everything in in an an astounding tangle of explanations and which in a a man man of of common common clay which in might have have been quibbling, clay might been called called dishonest dishonest quibbling, butin inthe thegreat great ones the earth earthlike like MacDonald Gandhiisis recognised recognisedasas a a but ones ofofthe MacDonald or or Gandhi

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SOCIAL

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

saintliness personal saintliness his personal by his who by prophet who higher the prophet reasoning; the spiritual reasoning; of spiritual plane of higher plane

and the where the masses where the masses of the hearts of the hearts to the door to the door unlock the could unlock selflessness could and selflessness

guaranbest guaran moderate the best and the hearing -- and for aa hearing hope for not hope could not leaders could bourgeois leaders moderate bourgeois his of his blessing of tee the blessing had the which had movement which mass movement any mass of any shipwreck of the shipwreck of the tee of was association. disasters was unbroken disasters of unbroken general of this general revolution, this of revolution, Jonah of This Jonah association. This struggle. Indian struggle. developing Indian the developing of the the wave of each wave in each bourgeoisie in the bourgeoisie of the mascot of the mascot imperialof imperial hopes of the hopes say, the might say, hostile might (the hostile bourgeoisie (the the bourgeoisie of the hopes of All hopes ... All ism) enough just enough unleash just to unleash waves, to the waves, ride the to ride man to the man as the Gandhi as on Gandhi fixed on were fixed ism) were of same the same at the and at bargain, and successful bargain, a successful drive a to drive order to in order movement in mass movement the mass of the Today, p.323). time p.323). (India Today, revolution” (India from revolution" India from save India to save time to

In the the Middle MiddleEast East - in Iraq and and Palestine continuedits itsbibi Labour continued Palestine -- Labour Egypt, Iraq in Egypt, In partisan partisan policy, policy, namely, namely, its its total total support support for for imperialist imperialist subjugation subjugation of of the the people ofthe the Middle Middle East. InInfact, fact, in in regard to Palestine, Labour to be be le d peop of East. regar to Palestine, Labour proved proved to more August 1929, 1929, the more pro-Zionist pro-Zionist than than any any previous previous British British Government. Government. In In August the MacDonald MacDonald Government Government suppressed suppressed with with unprecedented unprecedented and and ruthless ruthless brutality brutality

a and aa peasant in the a general general strike strike of of Palestinian Palestinian workers workers and peasant revolt revolt in the countryside countryside

against Zionist expropriation of Arab Arab land against ceaseless ceaseless Zionist expropriation of land and and increased increased Jewish Jewish im immigration. migration. Thus, that it Times of Thus, one one can can see see that it was was not not without without justification justification that that The The Times of 15 15

April, such confidence confidence in in the im Apnil, 1930, 1930, in in this this comment comment should should have have expressed expressed such the imperialist perialist credentials credentials of of the the Labour Labour Government: Government:

"Every of our the hope hopeofofrere “Every far-sighted far-sighted view view of our imperial imperial interests, interests, and and of of the moving them party controversy, goes to to show show how important it moving them altogether altogether from from party controversy, goes how important it that a Labour government, government,and and no noother, other, should should have havethe thehandling handlingof ofthe the isis that a Labour great external extemal problems great upon us us this this year year -- the the Naval Con problems which which are are crowding crowding upon Naval Conference, and above all, India". ference, the the Imperial Imperial Conference, Conference, Egypt, Egypt, and above all, India” Consequent defection, the second Labour Government Consequent upon upon MacDonald's MacDonald’s defection, the second Labour Government

fell in in August In the autumn General fell August 1931. 1931. In the autumn General Election, Labour's parliamentary parliamentary Election, Labour’s strength was 52 seats, seats. The Election of of the the autumn autumn of 1935 of 1935 General Election The General to 52 reduced to was reduced strength brought a partial partial recovery brought a Labour although although itit returned returned the the National Govern recovery for for Labour National Government a convincing convincing majority. ment with with a majority. After Labour was in After 1931 1931 Labour was toto remain remain in opposition until until 1940 opposition 1940 when when the Labour leadership leadership accepted accepted Churchill’s Churchill's invita the Labour invitation to join his war-time Coalition Cabinet. tion to join his war-time Coalition Cabinet. But, But, inin oror out out of of government, government, in in Power or or in power on questions questions of of imperial imperial policy policy at at home home in opposition opposition -partisanship partisanship on

and andabroad abroadcontinued continuedtotobe bethe thehallmark hallmark of ofLabour, Labour. __ C

OnOn aa whole whole host hostofofissues issues on onthe the home home front, front, rangin ranging fromthe thestru struggles g from ggleof sof

the theunempl unemployed andthe thehunger hungermarche marchers theresist resistance thepoor poortoto means means oyed and rs totothe ance ofofthe

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE THE ATTITUDE ATTITUDE OF OF THE THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS TOWARDS IT IT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

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testing, testing, cuts cuts in in benefits, benefits, and and of of the the tenants tenants to to high high rents, rents, the the fight fight against against Mosley Mosley and and his his British British Union Union of of Fascists, Fascists, the the attitude attitude of of the the Labour Labour Party Party was was

characterised anything that of di characterised by by its its uncompromising uncompromising hostility hostility to to anything that smacked smacked of direct rect action action in in defence defence of of the the interests interests of of the the working working class. class. Everywhere Everywhexe the the Labour Labour Party Party strove strove for for conciliation, conciliation, industrial industrial peace peace and and class class collaboration. collaboration. Hence Hence its its opposition opposition to to such such movements movements as as the the Minority Minority Movement Movement (which (which united united trade-union trade-union activists activists campaigning campaigning for for more more militant militant policies), policies), the the Na National tional

Unemployed Unemployed

Workers' Workers’

Committee Committee

Movement Movement

(which rallied rallied the the (which unemployed 'work or unemployed around around the the slogan slogan ‘work or full full maintenance'), maintenance’), rank-and-file rank-and-file movements movements (of (of which which the the London London Busmen Busmen were were an an outstanding outstanding example). example). The the Communist The chief chief target target of of Labour's Labour’s witch witch hunt hunt was was undoubtedly undoubtedly the Communist

Party, organisation which Party, for for the the sole sole reason reason that that it it was was the the only only organisation which truly truly repre represented of the sented the the interests interests of the working working class class and and led led the the latter, latter, through through aa number number of of

movements, capital, which which exposed movements, in in resisting resisting the the encroachments encroachments of of capital, exposed the the class class collaboration and TUC espoused collaboration of of the the Labour Labour Party Party and TUC leadership, leadership, which which alone alone espoused the colonial people subjugated by imperialism, the cause cause of of liberation liberation of of the the colonial people subjugated by British British imperialism,

and of the the socialist stub and which which alone alone fought fought for for the the defence defence of socialist Soviet Soviet Union. Union. The The stubborn to united the CPGB, and bom resistance resistance of of the the Labour Labour leadership leadership to united action action with with the CPGB, and the and proscriptions on Communists, Communists, were the bans bans and proscriptions imposed imposed on were aimed aimed atat stifling stifling

mass means of them. The The mass movements movements and and as as aa means of avoiding avoiding any any involvement involvement in in them. Hunger autumn of 1936 against the means this Hunger March March in in the the autumn of 1936 against the means test test illustrates illustrates this point very well well indeed. The National National Unemployed Unemployed Workers Movement point very indeed. The Workers Movement sponsor (NUWM), as the organiser organiser of to sponsor Party to Labour Party the Labour invited the March, invited this March, of this as the (NUWM), for inthe March. March. The The TUC part rejected proposal for in the proposal rejected the its part for its TUC for refused. The latter refused. The latter the dustrial against the at its with 1936, with in 1936, Conference in Plymouth Conference its Plymouth test at means test the means action against dustrial action that itit was Citrine, General Secretary, telling the the delegates was not not ‘‘morally "morally delegates that Secretary, telling TUC General Citrine, TUC

right" for section of community to subvert the the will of Parliament by such such right”’ for aa section of the the community to subvert will of Parliament by methods direct action. methods as as direct action. Notwithstanding Labour’s Labour's opposition, opposition, the the NUWM NUWM organised organised the the March March Notwithstanding and the greeted by by aa crowd crowd of of 250,000 Hyde and the marchers' marchers’ arrival arrival was was greeted 250,000 people people inin Hyde Park, which compelled compelled the leader of of the the PLP, Attlee, Park, aa circumstance circumstance which the leader PLP, Clement Clement Attlee,

to speak at at the the rally rally in in Hyde Hyde park. park. to accept accept an an invitation invitation toto speak In the arena, Labour's main concer concern was was the the defence defence of of Brit In the international international arena, Labour’s main British interests, its its vast vast colonial and the the gigantic oil wealth wealth ish imperial imperial interests, colonial possessions, possessions, and gigantic oil

of the Middle East. In In 1940 1940 itit joined, without any any qualms, the Churchill Churchill CabiCabi of the Middle East. joined, without qualms, the net, chief pre-occupation pre-occupation was was the of the the Empire Empire rather rather than than net, whose whose chief the preservation preservation of

the defeat defeat of of fascism. fascism. Churchill’s Churchill's persistent persistent refusal refusal to to open open aa second second front the front to

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - « THE 'THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

defeat defeat Germany, Germany, while while the the USSR USSR single-handedly single-handedly fought fought the the entire entire might might of of the the German German army army for for three three whole whole years, years, had had the the full full support support of of Clement Clement Attlee Attlee and the the rest rest of of the the Labour Labour leadership. leadership. and

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE TOWARDS IT IT THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT PROLETARIAT TOWARDS

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VV Labour Since Since the the Second Second World World War Labour War

Labour Governments Governments of of 1945-51 Labour 1945-51

The record of of the the Labour Party since end of Second World War is The record Labour Party since the the end of the the Second World War is no to it. it. It has continued daily proof proof of of its no better better than than its its record record prior prior to It has continued to to furnish furnish daily its impeccable imperialist credentials its total total hostility interests of impeccable imperialist credentials and and its hostility to to the the interests of the the

overwhelming majority of working class, oppressed overwhelming majority of the the British British working class, let let alone alone the the oppressed and of Asia, and super-exploited super-exploited peoples peoples of Asia, Africa Africa and and Latin-America. Latin-America.

The Governments of which have have been portrayed by 'left' The Attlee Attlee Governments of 1945-51, 1945-51, which been portrayed by ‘left’

Labourites such as well well as Trotskyite Labourites such as as Tony Tony Benn Benn and and Ken Ken Livingstone, Livingstone, as as their their Trotskyite poodles from the the SWP, Militant and as shining shining examples of poodles from SWP, Militant and such-like such-like outfits, outfits, as examples of socialism, rested the twin socialism, rested firmly firmly on on the twin pillars pillars of of alliance alliance with with US US imperialism imperialism for for the reconstruction war-torn British British aa crusade crusade against against communism communism and and the reconstruction of of the the war-torn economy expense of Empire. economy at at the the expense of the the colonial colonial peoples peoples inhabiting inhabiting the the British British Empire. With With commendable commendable candour, candour, Bevin Bevin declared: declared:

"I sacrifice the because II know if ‘7 am am not not prepared prepared to to sacrifice the British British Empire Empire because know that that if the British fell ... the British Empire Empire fell ... it it would would mean mean the the standard standard of of life life of of our our constituents constituents would fall considerably" by R.Palme Crisis of would fall considerably’’ (Quoted (Quoted by R.Palme Dutt, Dutt, The The Crisis of Britain, Britain, p.80). p.80). War finance the War had had almost almost bankrupted bankrupted British British imperialism. imperialism. To To finance the war war it it had had

incurred for those incurred an an external extemal debt debt of of nearly nearly £3,700 £3,700 million million (a (a sum sum huge huge for those days); days); it or it had had also also been been forced forced to to liquidate liquidate £1,000 £1,000 million million of of foreign foreign investment investment in in or-

der to to pay pay for arms purchases purchases from fromthe the United United States. Theresulting resultingfall fall inin der for arms States. The invisible invisible earnings, earnings, consequent consequent upon upon the the disposal disposal of of these these foreign foreign assets, assets, meant meant that could no be made probThe prob up. The made up. longer be no longer visibles could in visibles trade in on trade deficit on big deficit the big that the lem lem was was exacerbated exacerbated further further still still by by two two factors. factors. First First in in December December 1945, 1945, US US imperialism imperialism terminated terminated the the land-lease land-lease agreement agreement which which had had enabled enabled Britain Britain to to secure secure credit credit on on favourable favourable terms, terms, thus thus forcing forcing the the latter latter to to contract contract aa loan loan of of

$3,750 $3,750 million million at at market market rates. rates. Secondly, Secondly, there there was was the the question question of of Britain's Britain’s trade trade deficit deficit with with the the US, US, which which at at the the time time stood stood in in the the ratio ratio of of 55 to to 11 in in favour favour

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indebtdollar indebt and dollar scarcity and dollar scarcity of dollar problem of this problem solve this To solve States. To of United States. the United of the edness, edness, the ‘socialist’ Attlee the 'socialist' Attlee Government Government turned turned to the ruthless ruthless exploitation to the exploitation of of especially such such high high dollar the colonies, colonies, especially dollar earners eamers as as the Gold Coast the Gold Coast (Ghana) (Ghana) and and the Malaya. Malaya. Had Had itit not not been been for for the the intensified the colonies, intensified exploitation exploitation of of the colonies, the the post-war post-war reconstruction reconstruction of British economy been aa far the British would have have been of the economy would far more more hazardous affair, risking social affair, risking social unrest, unrest, perhaps perhaps even even revolutionary revolutionary upheavals, upheavals, hazardous for for itit would would have have to have taken to have taken place place by relying solely by relying the exploitation solely on on the exploitation of of the naked plunder the British the naked British working working class. class. Thus Thus the plunder of of the the colonial colonial people people helped helped

to the British British working from the to protect protect the class from the worst working class worst effects effects of of British British imperial imperialism's and the ism’s post-war crisis and post-war crisis the difficulties difficulties of of reconstruction. reconstruction. Not reason Not without without reason has one writer writer stated stated that that "...the “‘...the Labour has one Labour Government Government used used the the colonies colonies to to pro protect the British British consumer consumer from tect the from the continental countries which continental the high high social price which social price countries were their post-war reconstruction. Consciously then paying paying for for their post-war reconstruction. were then Consciously or or not, not, this this was (Fieldhouse in was to to adopt adopt 'social ‘social imperialism' imperialism’ in in an an extreme extreme form" form”’ (Fieldhouse in R. R. Oven Ovendale, 1945-51, p.99). p.99). V dale, ed., ed., The Foreign Policy The Foreign Policy of of the the Labour Labour Governments Governments 1945-51, Not soon to Colonial SecreSecre without reason Not without reason did did Oliver Oliver Littleton, to become Littleton, soon become Colonial

tary tauntingly during autumn tary in in the the Conservative Conservative Government, Government, observe observe tauntingly the autumn during the 1951 Campaign that: Election Campaign that: 1951 Election

"The claims that the dependent dependent territories territories were were exploited exploited in “The Government Government claims that the in

the being exploited past, but exploited now. are not but are But inin fact Socialist Government the past, not being now. But fact the the Socialist Government

seems be the first government has discovered discovered how how toto exploit exploit the the colocolo seems to to be the first government which which has nies" (Quoted ibid, p.270). p.270). nies” (Quoted in in R.Palme R.Palme Dutt, Dutt, ibid,

IfIf the the British British worker worker got got off off relatively relatively lightly, lightly, the the colonial colonial worker worker and and peasant was not Intensification of peasant was not so so lucky. lucky. Intensification of exploitation exploitation in the colonies colonies brought brought in the inin its train intensified intensified resistance of the its train resistance and and revolt revolt on on the the part part of the peoples peoples of of the the EmEm pire against against British British imperialism. imperialism. But But the the ‘socialist? 'socialist' Attlee Attlee Government Government put put pire down all all such such revolt with ruthless ruthless severity severity and and extreme extreme barbarity barbarity -- all all inin the the inin down revolt with

terests of of solving solving the the worst worst crisis crisis of of British British imperialism imperialism at the expense expense of of the the terests at the

colonial colonial people. people. The The ‘socialist’ 'socialist' Attlee Attlee Government Government had had succeeded succeeded inin reconrecon

structing Britain’s Britain's shattered shattered economy, economy, had had delivered delivered onon the the front front ofof structing nationalisation, nationalisation, National National Health Health Service Service and and full full employment employment -- but but atat the the cost cost

ofof millions millions upon upon millions millions ofof colonial colonial slaves, slaves, tens tens ofof thousands thousands ofofwhom whom died died inin

our ’socialist’ the the revolts revolts put put down down with with such such barbarity barbarity by by our 'socialist' government. government. And And ifif

after after allall this this the the Labour, Labour, Trotskyite Trotskyite and and revisionist revisionist ’left’ 'left' still still applauds applauds the the

achievements achievements ofof the the Attlee Attlee Government, Government, this this isis solely solely toto bebe explained explained by by the the

fact that that itit represents represents the the privileged privileged sections sections ofof the the working working class, class, whose whose culcul fact

ture isis thoroughly thoroughly corrupt; corrupt; that that this this ‘left’ 'left' isis prepared prepared toto defend defend itsits privileges privileges at at ture

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY & THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY &

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THE ATTITUDE OF THE PROLETARIAT TOWARDS IT

any cost cost-- and and if if this involves sacrificing sacrificing the the lives lives of of millions millions of of super-exsuper-ex any this involves ploited workers workers and and peasants peasants abroad, abroad, so so be be it. it. ploited

Attlee Government's Government's ‘Achievements’ 'Achievements' Attlee

Here briefly briefly are are the the most most important important ‘achievements’ 'achievements' of of Attlee’s Attlee's ‘socialist’ 'socialist' Here

administration.

administration.

Labour played a significant role role in in the the suppression suppression of of the the Greek Greek liberation liberation Labour played a significant struggle the aftermath aftermath of of the the war. war. ItIt helped helped restore restore French French imperialist imperialist control control in the struggle in over commanded by by Major Major General General Gracey, Gracey, armed armed over Indo-China. Indo-China. British British troops, troops, commanded the Japanese fascist fascist and and French quisling troops, troops, paving paving the the way way for for the the the defeated defeated Japanese French quisling return of of French the Vietnamese Vietnamese people people another another three three decades decades of of return French rule. rule. ItIt took took the armed and several several millions millions of of lives lives in in brutal brutal wars, waged first first by by armed struggle struggle and wars, waged French and then then by by US US imperialism, imperialism, before before achieving achieving reunification reunification and and liberalibera French and tion country, courtesy courtesy of of the intervention organised organised by by the the ‘socialist’ 'socialist' tion of of their their country, the intervention

Attlee Government at Attlee Government at the the behest behest of of US US imperialism. imperialism. By By similar similar methods, methods, and and at at the of 40,000 40,000 Indonesian casualties, British British troops, troops, under under General General ChristiChristi the cost cost of Indonesian casualties, son, Dutch imperialism's in the East Indies. Indies. son, helped helped restore restore Dutch imperialism’s rule rule in the East

In while refusing refusing to to withdraw withdraw troops troops from from the the Suez Suez CaCa In the the Middle Middle East, East, while

nal, endeavoured to host of of puppet puppet regimes regimes to to safeguard safeguard nal, it it endeavoured to install install aa whole whole host British and almost almost went went to to war war with with Iran Iran over over the the nana British imperialism's imperialism’s oil oil riches riches and tionalisation, the latter, of the Company. To To protect protect tionalisation, by by the latter, of the Anglo-Iranian Anglo-Iranian Oil Oil Company. Britain's investments in in rubber rubber plantations plantations and and tin-mining, tin-mining, both both Britain’s high-yielding high-yielding investments noted the most most medieval medieval methods of noted for for their their dollar dollar earnings, earnings, Labour, Labour, using using the methods of torture, and collective collective punishment, punishment, launched launched aa barbaric barbaric torture, murder, murder, head-hunting head-hunting and

colonial struggle of of the the Malayan Malayan people. people. It was to to be colonial war war against against the the liberation liberation struggle It was be 12 imposing its will. 12 years years before before British British imperialism imperialism succeeded succeeded in in imposing its will.

In an important important role role in US imperialism estab In 1949, 1949, Labour Labour played played an in helping helping US imperialism establish Treaty Organisation), and, lish the the war-mongering war-mongering NATO NATO (North (North Atlantic Atlantic Treaty Organisation), and, shortly its full full and support to US imperi shortly thereafter thereafter went went on on to to give give its and unreserved unreserved support to US imperialism's against the Korean alism’s genocidal genocidal war war of of aggression aggression against the Korean

people, which which cost people, cost three people, with Chinese with Chinese Korean people, the Korean which the in which war in lives -- aa war Korean lives million Korean three million

a and imperialism and its partners partners in aggression toto a in aggression and its US imperialism fought US support, fought Soviet support, and Soviet largest afthe largest bloody af was the 12,000, was numbering 12,000, contingent, numbering British contingent, The British standstill. The bloody standstill. ter the US. ofthe the Korean peninsulais:a is a ter that that of of the US. To To this this day day the the tragic tragic partition partition of Korean peninsula

goverment pope Attlee 'socialist' the which in which war in legacy this dirty the Attlee governmentplayed. played such such dirty war legacy ofofthis a shameful role.

a shameful role.

As for not am single obtained Sudegiiadl independence from Labonr Labour. eni Sein cea olaeionds alsin country eitoa,-ial >

What What happened? happened? A Allende's A few few weeks weeks later later Allende's Allende’s "Constitutional" ‘Constitutional’ forces forces overthrew overthrew Allende’s

"Constitutional" before dying ‘Constitutional’ Government Government by by methods methods unconstitutional. unconstitutional. Just Just before dying

Allende appealed appealedtoto the the working workingclass class to armitself. itself. But toolate. late. The The Allende to arm But itit was was too Chilean were making for striking striking aa Chilean bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and imperialism imperialism were making preparations preparations for decisive of the Popular Unity Unity GovGov decisive blow blow while while the the petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois democrats democrats of the Popular ernment and those those of of the the Communist Chile went went around aroundthe the country country ernment and Communist Party Party of of Chile giving lectures on the the Chilean bourgeoisie struck struck through through its its giving lectures on Chilean Constitution. Constitution. The The bourgeoisie armed forces, and and when when itit did, did, aa copy the Chilean Chilean Constitution Constitution proved, as armed forces, copy of of the proved, as was to to be be expected, expected, aa very poormatch matchindeed indeedfor forthe theshells shellsfired fired by by the the Chilean Chilean was very poor

army. army. The working of Chile, Chile, indeed indeed of of all all countries, countries, can can leam learn more more about about The working class class of the Marxian Marxian teachings teachings on on the the state state from from the the negative negative example example of of the the Fascist Fascist the Chilean Junta Junta than than from from the the revisionists revisionists and and such such like like petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois philisphilis Chilean tines; the the working workingclass classcan can learn learnfrom fromthe the Chilean Chilean experience experiencethe thetruth truththat that“a"a tines;

standing army army and and police police are are the the chief chief instruments instruments of ofstate state power’’ power" (Lenin); (Lenin); standing that unless unless the proletariat smashes smashes the the bourgeois bourgeois army army and and police police -- these these ‘‘chief "chief that the proletariat

instruments instruments of of the the state state power” power" of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie -- and and creates creates its its own own army army -people's army army -- then then itit cannot cannot escape escape the the fate fate met met by.the by the Popular Popular Unity Unity GovGov aa people’s ernment. The The Chilean Chilean bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and imperialism imperialism are are our our great great teachers teachers by by ¢mment.

negative example; example; and, and, when when the the proletarians proletarians have have mastered mastered the the lessons lessons of of the the negative Chilean Chilean counter-revolution, counter-revolution, then then they they will will wipe wipe off offthe the face face of ofthe theearth earththe the rule rule

of the of the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and ofof imperialism. imperialism.

The The revisionists revisionists of of the the CPGB, CPGB, however, however, refuse refuse toto pay pay any any heed heed toto the the exex

REVISIONISTS' BETRAYAL TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL STS’ && TROTSKYTTES' REVISIONI OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE THE STATE STATE OF

157 157

perience counter revolution. imply, isis different. different. they imply, Britain, they revolution. Britain, Chilean counter the Chilean of the perience of

that what imperialist chauvinism almost imperialist With almost With chauvinism they they imply imply that what happened happened in in Chile Chile can happen in in a backward country country like like Chile; Chile; that that sort sort of of thing thing could could a backward only happen can only never happen civilised and advanced society society such such as as Britain, for the the demodemo Britain, for and advanced a civilised in a happen in never cratic and constitutional traditions are very deep-rooted deep-rooted in in Britain. Britain. But so are are But so are very constitutional traditions cratic and

the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. How do these these gentlemen gentlemen think think the the How do of the mule of the rule of the traditions of the traditions

bourgeoisie any attempt attempt at at doing doing away away with with such such aa deep-rooted deep-rooted to any react to will react bourgeoisie will tradition What this this gentry gentry fail fail to to realise realise isis that that the the British British rule? What bourgeois rule? the bourgeois as the tradition as Constitution leaf of How, then, then, can can Socialism Socialism be be Imperialism. How, British Imperialism. of British fig leaf is aa fig Constitution is established constitutionally? To assert that the present present Constitution Constitution SoSo under the that under To assert established constitutionally? cialism be established the fig fig leaf leaf from from imperialism, imperialism, and and to to remove the to remove is to established is can be cialism can become oneself a screen for nakedness. These gentlemen who who put put forward forward These gentlemen its nakedness. for its a screen become oneself

the "democratic" and "constitutional" traditions of the the traditions of and “constitutional” about “democratic” prattle about miserable prattle the miserable British should for change pay pay heed heed to to the the following following sound sound advice advice British society society should for aa change given genius of Lenin: revolution, Lenin: of revolution, that genius by that given by

best possible is the republic is “A democratic "A democratic republic the best possible political political shell shellfor for capitalism, capitalism, and, therefore, once once capital capital has has gained and, therefore, gainedCone control of of this this very very best best shell shell (through (through the and Co.¹), establishes its power so so sese the Palchinskys, Palchinskys, Chernovs, Chernovs, Tseretelis Tseretelis and Co. ty itit establishes its power curely, firmly, that that no change, either either of persons, of institutions, or or of ofparties parties of institutions, of persons, no change, so firmly, curely, so

in the bourgeois can shake (State and and Revolution, Revolution, my my it.”” (State shake it." republic, can democratic republic, bourgeois democratic in the emphasis -HB) emphasis -HB) It that the revisionists are are not not aware the nature nature and and role role of of the the It is is not not that the revisionists aware of of the

armed forces armed "democratic" and "constitutional" Britain. Britain. Here, Here, for for exex forces in in our our “democratic”’ and ‘constitutional’

ample, are are a a few few paragraphs ample, taken from pamphlet Time Time To Change Course, Course, paragraphs taken from a a pamphlet To Change by of the the Central Central Committee Committee of the CPGB. CPGB. As As to to the the nana by Jack Jack Woddis, Woddis, member member of of the ture army, Mr Mr Woddis writes: Woddis writes: the army, of the training of and training ture and

all the establishment are the establishment of the upholders of “The upholders "The are given given all the facilities facilities they they rere quire mould the the minds of the army men, men, to to foster foster anti-democratic anti-democratic the army minds of to mould quire to conceptions and influence regard civilian civilian activities activities for for the the redress redress of of them toto regard influence them conceptions and grievances or for heresies that that must must be be rere dangerous heresies as dangerous society as our society changing our for changing grievances or pressed by force. by force. pressed "At the same time, the the members the armed armed forces forces are are denied denied demodemo **At the same time, members of of the

1

Prentices, Barbara Castles, Callaghans, Barbara Barbers, Callaghans, Heaths, Barbers, Wilsons, Heaths, We the Wilsons, Castles, Prentices, through the say through might say We might Foots Foots and and Co. Co.

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

cratic cratic freedoms, freedoms, and and are are banned banned from from participating participating in in normal normal political — activi ties ties or or belonging belonging to to trade trade unions unions or or political political parties. parties. The every ‘The politics politics of of preserving preserving the the status status quo quo are are dinned dinned into into the the troops roope ae

day; day; but but the the politics politics of of working working for for progressive progressive change change are are disallowed." disallowed. ”’ As "political with ‘political dealing with in dealing forces in armed forces the armed by the gained by experience gained the experience to the As to

discontent" discontent”’ in in Northern Northern Ireland, Ireland, and, and, the the usefulness usefulness of of this this experience experience for for the the

ruling ruling class class in in dealing dealing with with "political ‘political discontent" discontent’’ in in Britain, Britain, Mr Mr Woddis Woddis has has this this to to say: say:

‘Involved as as it it is is in in military military operations operations against against urban urban fighters in Northern "Involved fighters in Northern Ireland the civilian [the army] Ireland and and in in repressing repressing sections sections of of the civilian population, population, it it [the army] is is not only only gaining gaining experience experience in in combating combating political discontent in in that territory, not political discontent that territory, but psychologically prepared if monopolies monopolies feel feel itit but being being trained trained and and psychologically prepared so so that, that, if necessary and their their system, system, itit could could perform perform a necessary for for the the defence defence of of their their profits profits and a similar keeping down down the people." (My emphasis -- HB). similar role role in in keeping the British British people.’’ (My emphasis HB). What would and and should revolutionary draw draw from from the above What conclusion conclusion would should aa revolutionary the above

statements? standing army, this “chief "chief instrument statements? That That the the bourgeois bourgeois standing army, this instrument of of the the

state power" of bourgeoisie, must destroyed. And what concluconclu state power” of the the British British bourgeoisie, must be be destroyed. And what

What jokers jokers you you are are in in even even allowing allowing yourselves think that that the the “sonop"monop What yourselves toto think olies" will will sit sit back back while while your most favourite favourite mistress, mistress, the the next next ‘‘Labour "Labour olies’’ your most Government committed committed to to Left Left policies”’, policies", carries carries out out aa programme programme of of ‘“democ"democ Government ratising" the the army! army! In In such sucha a situation, situation, would would not not “the "the monopolies monopolies feel feel itit ratising”’ necessaryfor for the the defence defence of of their their profits profits and and their their system’’ system" to to want want the the army army “ necessary to perform perform a... role inin keeping keeping down to a role down the the British British people’’ people" and and disposing disposing of of atat one one stroke stroke the the parliamentary parliamentary buffoons, buffoons, the the ‘left’ 'left' ‘Labour’ 'Labour' and and other other sham sham soso cialist MPs, and your your ‘Left 'Left Labour Labour Government’ Government' in in aa manner manner similar similar to to the the one one Cialist MPs, and by which the Chilean Chilean Fascist Fascist Junta disposed of of the the Popular Popular Unity Unity Government? Government? by which the Junta disposed There isis not not the the slightest slightest doubt doubt that they would. would. The The revisionists, revisionists, in in charac There that they charac(4

**

teristic petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois fashion, fashion, may may want want to to run run away away and and hide hide from from stern stern teristic

SS eo ne

does the Mr Woddis Woddis reach? the next 'Labour' does the revisionist revisionist Mr reach? That That the next ‘Labour’ Government must the army army -- “this "this chief chief instrument instrument of of the the state state Government must democratise democratise the power" ofthe bourgeoisie. Only Only those those who who suffer suffer from incurable malady malady of power ”’ of the bourgeoisie. from the the incurable of 'parliamentary cretinism, cretinism, which holds those those infected infected by by it fast in in an an imaginary imaginary “parliamentary which holds it fast world and robs all memory, all understanding ofthe ex world and robs them them of of all all sense, sense, all memory, all understanding of the rude rude external world" Brumaire of ofLouis Bonaparte) can. can come come to to ternal world” (K. (K. Marx, Marx, Eighteenth Eighteenth Brumaire Louis Bonaparte) such aa conclusion conclusion as as does does Mr Woddis. Only senseless and and stupid stupid yokels yokels who who such Mr Woddis. Only senseless have lost with ‘Her "Her Majesty, Majesty, the the Logic’’ Logic" (Lenin) (Lenin) can can argue argue in in the the way way have lost all all touch touch with you do, do, Messrs the revisionists! you Messrs the revisionists!

OE,

sion sion

REVISIONISTS' & & TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ BETRAYAL OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE THE STATE STATE OF TEACHING ON

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reality, but this this won't make reality disappear. As As the the well-known well-known Chinese Chinese saysay reality, but won’t make reality disappear.

ing may prefer calm, but but the the wind wind will not subside. subside."”’ ing puts puts it: it: 'the ‘the tree tree may prefer the the calm, will not It be said, said, however, however, that that the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie certainly certainly does does not not suffer suffer It must must be from "constitutionalism" and and from the the affliction affliction of of ‘‘constitutionalism’’

"democratism". Nor Nor does does the the ‘democratism’’. army. and leave doubt as as toto their their intentions. intentions. army. They They are are ever-prepared ever-prepared and leave nobody nobody inin doubt Recently the Exchequer, Exchequer, made made aa television television broadbroad Recently Mr Mr Barber, Barber, the the Chancellor Chancellor of of the cast in which warned that that people should know know what what happened happened in in those those cast in which he he warned people should countries where parliamentary democracy [i.e. [i.e. the the rule rule of of the the bourgeoisie] bourgeoisie] was was countries where parliamentary democracy flouted. out the the answer, answer, which, which, however, self-evident. The The flouted. He He did did not not spell spell out however, isis self-evident. answer bourgeoisie is is not rule “peacefully”’ "peacefully" by by practispractis answer isis that that if if the the bourgeoisie not allowed allowed toto mule ing parliament, than will have have no no alternative alternative left left for for itself itself ing deception deception through through parliament, than it it will but naked fascist fascist dictatorship. dictatorship. Premier Premier Heath Heath had had this this to to say say in in his his but to to institute institute aa naked

speech in October October 1970: 1970: speech to to the the United United Nations Nations in "In the civil war, not war the nations, nations, will will be be the the main main dandan “In the 1970s 1970s civil war, not war between between the

ger face." ger we we face.”’

And what what the thinks of of its becomes crystal crystal clear clear from from the the folfol And the army army thinks its role role becomes lowing Frank Kitson: Kitson: lowing statement statement of of Brigadier Brigadier Frank

"If genuine and serious grievance grievance arose such as as might might result resultfrom from aa sigsig “Tfaa genuine and serious arose such

nificant drop drop in nificant all those those who who now now dissipate dissipate their their protest protest in the the standard standard of of living, living, all

over aa wide wide variety variety of over causes might might concentrate concentrate their their efforts efforts and and produce produce aa of causes situation power of of the police to to handle. handle. Should Should this this happen, happen, the the Situation beyond beyond the the power the police army restore the the position position rapidly.” rapidly. " army would would be be required required toto restore The gentlemen gentlemen of the bourgeoisie revealing their their intentions intentions with with The of the bourgeoisie are are revealing

praiseworthy and, for for this deserve our our hearty hearty thanks, thanks, for for by by their their praiseworthy candour, candour, and, this they they deserve candour all illusions so carefully carefully nurtured nurtured and and fostered fostered by by candour they they are are dispelling dispelling all illusions so our petty-bourgeois democrats -- the revisionists and and Trotskyites. Trotskyites. our petty-bourgeois democrats the revisionists

The only be be explained explained by by their their complete complete bebe The attitude attitude of of the the revisionists revisionists can can only trayal renunciation of They renounced renounced the the Marxist Marxist proposition trayal and and renunciation of Marxism. Marxism. They proposition that the proletarian revolution smash the the bourgeois bourgeois state state mama that the task task of of the the proletarian revolution isis toto smash chine. Instead, set themselves themselves the the task task of of “laying "laying hold hold of of the the have set they have Instead, they chine.

ready-made for their purposes". Here, Here, ready-made state state machinery, machinery, and and wielding wielding it it for” theit "own “own purposes’’.

for example, their programme, programme, British Socialism, says says on on the the for example, isis what what their British Road Road toto Socialism, matter discussion: matter under under discussion:

'The positions in the Ministries and departments, departments, the thearmed armedforces forces ‘The leading leading positions in the Ministries and and industries and other authorities authorities must must therefore therefore and other nationalised industries the nationalised police, the the police, and the this ensures ... this be filled by and women socialism... ensures that that the the socialist socialist loyal toto socialism women loyal men and by men be filled

2

160 160

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY ~ THE ENEMY WITHIN

policies by Parliament policies determined determined on on by Parliament are are fully fully implemented." implemented.” Whobut but the the most most ordinary lackeys of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie could could reduce reducethe the Who ordinary lackeys question the bringing socialism, of the tasks tasks of of proletarian proletarian revotyrevolu question ofofthe bringing about about of of socialism, of the tion, to to the the level levelof ofgetting getting a Ministerial and and departmental departmental posts, does tion, a few few Ministerial posts, asas does the Road to the above above quotation quotation from from the the British British Road to Socialism! Socialism! From all the sins of of revisionism. revisionism. From the the above above renunciation renunciation of of Marxism Marxism flow flow all the sins

The have completely forgotten" the the teachings teachings of of Marxism Marxism The opportunists opportunists have completely “forgotten” on smash the the state state of of the bourgeoisie. on the the inevitability inevitability of of violent violent revolution revolution toto smash the bourgeoisie. It taste in modern revisionist revisionist circles circles to to talk talk or or even even It is is considered considered aa sign sign of of bad bad taste in modern

to think of the following “‘veritable "veritable panegyric panegyric on on violent violent to think about about the the significance significance of the following

revolution" revolution ”’ sung sung by by Engels: Engels: another role role in in history, history, aa revolutionary revolutionary “...... That That force, force, however, however, plays plays another role; the midwife old society society which which is is role; that, that, inin the the words words of of Marx, Marx, it it isis the midwife of of every every old pregnant new, that instrument by by the the aid aid of of which which the the social social pregnant with with the the new, that itit isis the the instrument movement its way through and shatters the the dead, dead, fossilised fossilised political political movement forces forces its way through and shatters forms there is is not word in in Herr Dühring. It It is is only only with with sighs sighs and and forms —of of this this there not aa word Herr Dithring. groans that that he he admits groans admits the the possibility possibility that that force force will will perhaps perhaps be be necessary necessaryfor for the overthrow system of ofexploitation unfortunately, because because the overthrow of of the the economic economic system exploitation —- unfortunately, all force, forsooth, the person person who who uses uses it. it. And And this this in in spite spite all use use of of force, forsooth, demoralises demoralises the of and spiritual impetus which which has has resulted resultedfrom from every every vievic of the the immense immense moral moral and spiritual impetus

torious And this this in in Germany, where aa violent violent collision collision —which torious revolution! revolution! And Germany, where which -

indeed forced on the people people —would at least least have have the the advantage advantage of ofwip indeed may may be be forced on the would at wiping has permeated permeated the consciousness as as aa ing out out the the servility servility which which has the national national consciousness result of of the the humiliation humiliation of the Thirty result of the Thirty Years’ Years' War. War. And And this this parson’s parson's mode mode of of

thought — lifeless, thought lifeless, insipid insipid and and impotent impotent —- claims claims to to impose impose itself itself on on the the most most revolutionary party which has known!" known!" (Engels: (Engels: Anti-Duhring) Anti-Duhring) revolutionary party which history history has And, Lenin put And, as as Lenin put it: it: "The necessity systematically imbuing imbuing the the masses masses with with this this and and prepre “The necessity of of systematically cisely this this view view of violent revolution revolution lies cisely ofviolent lies at at the the root root of ofall all the the teachings teachings of ofMarx Marx

and and Revolution) Revolution) and Engels." Engels. ’’ (State (State and

ItIt is is our our proletarian proletarian duty duty to to expose expose the the betrayal betrayal by by the the opportunists opportunists of of the the teachings of Marx. We We must must continue teachings of Marx. continue to to bring bring to to the the knowledge knowledge of of the the masses masses

of proletarians that that ‘‘the of proletarians "the supersession supersession of ofthe the bourgeois bourgeois state state by by the the proletarian proletarian State is is impossible without aa violent violent revolution. state impossible without revolution. The The abolition abolition of of the t proletarian proletarian

state, i.e., of the the state general, is is impossible state, i.e., of state inin general, impossible except except through through the the process process of of ‘withering away"" away’” (Lenin, (Lenin, State 'withering State and and Revolution).

REVISIONISTS' & & TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ BETRAYAL OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

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The idea idea of of violent revolution plays plays no no part part in in the the opportunists’ opportunists' daily daily The violent revolution propaganda which isis mainly geared toto oiling oiling the the bourgeois bourgeois elecelec propaganda and and agitation, agitation, which mainly geared toral in the the interests of the the bourgeois bourgeois ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party, i.e., in in the toral machine machine in interests of Party, ic., the interests Imperialism. interests of of Impcrialism.

3. creates the illusion that that the 'Labour' Party Party isis the the vehicle vehicle of of SoSo 3. It It creates the illusion the ‘Labour’ cialism; that the 'Labour' Government Government will not “compromise "compromise with with big big cialism; that the next next ‘Labour’ will not

business"; left policies policies which will put put the the burbur business”; that that itit will will bebe "committed "committed toto left which will dens of the on the the rich”; rich"; that that it it will will "stand "stand up big capitalist capitalist dens of the crisis crisis on up toto big

monopolies"; ofwealth and power power in infavour favour of of monopolies”’; that that it it will will shift shift "the “the balance balance of wealth and

the and so forth. the people" people’’ and and so so on on and so forth. What basis for the above above hallucinations? only be be that the revirevi What is is the the basis for the hallucinations? It It can can only that the

sionist gentry touch with with reality. What isis the the basis basis for for asserting asserting that that sionist gentry have have lost lost touch reality. What the different (in (in terms the class class whose whose interest serves) the Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party is is different terms of of the interest it it serves) from be, that way which which is is different from what what it it used used to to be, that itit will will behave behave in in aa way different from from the the one has done There clearly no such such basis. Look at the one in in which which it it has done hitherto? hitherto? There clearly is is no basis. Look at the

record past 'Labour' Governments and record of of the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party and and of of all all the the past ‘Labour’ Governments and you you

will of service of class collaboration and will find find that that it it is is a a record record of service to to imperialism, imperialism, of class collaboration and

of anti-communism. anti-communism. Here of is, in brief, the record of past 'Labour' Governments. Here is, in brief, the record of past ‘Labour’ Governments. LABOUR was the the first first 'Labour' Govern LABOUR GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT OF OF 1923: 1923: It It was ‘Labour’ Government. to bring socialism but but reassure the ment. This This Government Government was was concerned concemed not not to bring socialism reassure the

ruling ruling class class that that it it had had nothing nothing to to fear fear from from aa 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government, Government; that that the the

'Labour' just as favour of national ‘Labour’ Government Government was was just as much much inin favour of protecting protecting the the ‘national interest" interest”’ (i.e., (i.¢., the the interests interests of of the the imperialist imperialist bourgeoisie) bourgeoisie) as as any any other other Govern Government. are a statements of of the the 'Labour' duringthe the period periodof of ment. Here Here are a few few statements ‘Labour’ leaders leaders during the 'Labour' Government: the first first ‘Labour’ Government:-

"He King would “He was was sure sure that that the the King would be be generous generous to to him him and and understand understand the the very very difficult difficult position position he he was was in in vis-à-vis vis-a-vis his his own own extremists." extremists.’ (R. (R. MacDonald). MacDonald).

"We must are not “We must show show the the country country [i.e., |i.c., the the ruling ruling bourgeoisie], bourgeoisie], we we are not under under the the domination domination of of the the wild wild men." men.” (Snowden). (Snowden). Sidney attacks on strikes saying Sidney Webb Webb launched launched vicious vicious attacks on strikes saying that that "those “‘those little little

bands of of wrecking wrecking communists communists are are undoubtedly undoubtedly at work”. bands at work". LABOUR LABOUR GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT OF OF 1929: 1929: When When this this Government Government took took office, office,

main million The over aa million. was just country was the country figure in unemployment figure the unemployment the in the just over The main 'achievement' ‘achievement’ of of this this 'socialist' ‘socialist’ Government Government was was to to have -have helped helped the the figure figure of of those those unemployed unemployed to to reach reach 2,700,000. 2,700,000.

“National forming aa 'National by forming up by ended up Eventually ‘socialist’, ended the 'socialist', MacDonald, the Eventually MacDonald,

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

162

Government' the Tories. Tories. Government’ with with the LABOUR GOVERNMENT OF OF 1945: week after after this this Government Government took took LABOUR GOVERNMENT 1945: A A week

office strike that that had had been been going going on on in in the the London London office itit used used troops troops toto break break aa strike docks 10 weeks. weeks. Some Some three three months later itit used used more more than than 20,000 20,000 docks for for 10 months later troops break aa national strike. In In 1951 1951 it it used used Order Order 1305 1305 troops to to break national docks docks strike. time strikes —to prosecute seven seven trade trade time law law prohibiting prohibiting strikes to prosecute

— a war-

a war

unionists. The The unionists.

'socialism' said to be responsible responsible for for the the ‘welfare 'welfare state’. state'. ‘socialism’ of of this this Government Government is is said to be The are that that no no Government Government or Tory Tory — - could could have have The facts, facts, however, however, are — 'Labour' ‘Labour’ or -

done the world world situation just after after the the Second Second World World War. War. ImperiImperi done otherwise otherwise inin the situation just alism, particular British British Imperialism, Imperialism, had been seriously seriously weakened weakened as as aa alism, in in particular had been

result war and and the the working working class class was was in ina a relatively relatively stronger stronger position position toto result of of the the war press Only this this can can explain explain the the following following statement statement made made at at that that press its its demands. demands. Only time by Mr in the the present present Tory Tory time by Mr Quintin Quintin Hogg Hogg (now (now Lord Lord Hailsham, Hailsham, Chancellor Chancellor in Government): Government): "Ifyou do not not give the people people reform reform they they are are going going to to give give you you social social “Tf you do give the revolution" revolution”’ Only explain the the fact of European European countries, countries, nono Only this this can can explain fact that that inin aa number number of

tably was ruled ruled by the right-wing right-wing Christian Democrats, the the tably Germany, Germany, which which was by the Christian Democrats, same sort of welfare welfare reforms put into which in in Britain same sort of reforms were were put into effect effect which Britain are are trumtrum peted socialism.! peted forth forth as as the the fruits fruits of of socialism.

an even pursued an the ‘Labour’ foreign policy, As regards As regards foreign policy, the 'Labour' Party Party pursued even more more reacreac

one followed tionary rabidly anti-Communis anti-Communist the one followed by by the the Tories. Tories. than the path than t path and rabidly tionary and

Foreign Minister ‘Labour’ Foreign towards Bevin, his attitude Defining Defining his attitude towards Bevin, the the 'Labour' Minister in in the the AtAt the Conservative tlee ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government, Conservative Sir Sir Anthony Anthony Eden Eden had had this this to to say: say: Government, the tlee "In followed him him [Bevin] [Bevin] inin debate debate and and II would would have have usually followed Parliament II usually “In Parliament ss anxious toto embarra with him publicly him more more ifif II had had not not been been anxious embarrass him him agreed with publicly agreed less. less."

g the nsible for was respo of Attlee The same 'Socialist' Government Attlee was responsible for takin taking the rnment of ‘Socialist’ Gove The same back totoVi, back tion forces national libera French, out by by the liberation forces, Vi the national thrown out been thrown had been who had French, who uded . which has conflict which y conflict ng aa blood thus starti and thus etnam and etnam starting bloody has still stillnot notbeen been concl concluded². lity

e bruta with savag suppressing with for suppressing responsible for This Government savage brutality also responsible was also rnment was This Gove

1

1

burdens of reconstruction on to the the burdens by passing was achieve welfare state how this to how As to As this welfare state was achievedd by passing the of reconstruction on to the

it. of it. peoples, the colonial peoples, colonial the reader reader isis already already aware aware of

2 2

This was This was written written in in 1974. 1974.

REVISIONISTS' REVISIONISTS’ & & TROTSKYTTES' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL

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OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

the liberation liberation war war of of the the Malayan Malayan people. people. This This Government Goverment also also sent sent troops, troops, on on the the orders orders of of US US imperialism, imperialism, to to wage wage aa war war of of aggression aggression and and extermination extermination the against the the heroic against heroic Korean Korean people. people. LABOUR be aa ‘left’'left' LABOUR GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT OF OF 1964: 1964: This This was was supposed supposed to to be wing wing 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government Government which which was was to to have have tackled tackled monopoly monopoly capitalism capitalism

and main 'achievements' and opened opened the the way way to to socialism. socialism. What What did did itdo? do? Its Its main ‘achievements’ were: it put up prescription charges; it increased the price of schoo] meals and and were: it put up prescription charges; it increased the price of school meals

dental charges charges went went up; up; itit stopped stopped free free school school milk milk for for over dental over 11s; 11s; itit increased increased

the application application of of the the means-test; means-test; it it introduced introduced aa statutory the statutory ‘incomes 'incomes policy’ policy' (L€., aa wage wage freeze); freeze); itit defeated defeated the seamen’s strike; (i.e., the seamen's strike; and Harold Wilson Wilson the the and Harold 'left'-winger an attack on the communists, whom he called called ‘left’-winger personally personally launched launched an attack on the communists, whom he "politically ever since daily curcur ‘politically motivated". motivated’”’ — aa phrase phrase which which has has ever since become become the the daily rency of of Fleet Fleet Street Street imperialist imperialist journalism; journalism; itit introduced rency introduced "In 'In Place Place of of Strife’, Strife', -

which was was in in no no way way different different from from:the Industrial Relations Relations Act. which the Tory Tory Industrial Act. Mr Mr WilWil son by by way way of of an an attack on wages said that son attack on wages said that ‘one "one man’s man's wage wage increase increase isis

another man's man’s price price increase" increase’? — aa phrase which only the other other day another phrase which only the day the the Tory Tory Chancellor with great great relish in aa television television programme. programme. Chancellor of of the the Exchequer Exchequer used used with relish in According wages were were the the cause cause of of inflation. inflation. How, How, then, then, then wages Wilson then Mr Wilson to Mr According to can he he now now assert present election can assert in in the the present election campaign campaign that that they they are are not? not? ObviObvi -

ously, the the 'Labour' 'Socialists' are no different different from from the the Tories. Tories. They They ously, ‘Labour’ Party Party ‘Socialists’ are no both, like like all all bourgeois bourgeois politicians, both, politicians, act act according according toto the the honoured honoured and and dishonest dishonest custom of bourgeois politics, politics, namely, namely, say say one one thing thing while while in in office office and and quite quite custom of bourgeois

another another out out of of office, office, and and say say one one thing thing but but do do another. another. This This isis the the essence essence of of bourgeois the hypocrisy bourgeois politics politics and and the hypocrisy attendant attendant upon upon it. it.

In In foreign foreign policy policy the the Wilson Wilson Government Government was was just just as, as, ifif not not more, more, reacreac tionary tionary than than the the Tory Tory Government. Government. Who, Who, for for example, example, does does not not know know of of the the “full "full support”’ support" given given by by this this ‘socialist? 'socialist' Government Government toto the the fascist fascist atrocities atrocities and and piratical acts acts committed committed by by US US imperialism imperialism in in its its war war of of aggression aggression against against the the piratical

Vietnamese Vietnamese and and other other Indochinese Indochinese peoples. peoples. Not Not aa murmur murmur was was raised raised by by these these

'socialist' hyenas hyenas against against the the butchery butchery of of the the Indochinese Indochinese people people by by the the US US imim ‘socialist’ perialist war war machine. machine. And And yet, yet, Mr Mr Wilson’s Wilson's ‘conscience’ 'conscience' was was so so pricked pricked that that perialist when when the the Soviet Soviet revisionists revisionists expelled expelled aa fascist fascist writer, writer, Alexander Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Solzhenitsyn, from from the the Soviet Soviet Union, Union, he he was was moved moved toto send senda a telegram telegram of of protest protest toto the the SoSo viet viet Embassy. Embassy. The The same same Wilson Wilson and and his his ‘socialist’ 'socialist' colleagues colleagues sided sided with with the the Israelifascists fascists in inthe thelast last Arab-Israeli Arab-Israeliwar. war. Israeli Thusitit can canbe beseen seenthat thatthe the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government Governments havebeen been different Thus s have nono different from s. They from the the Tory Tory oror Liberal Liberal Government Governments. They are are all allininthe the service service ofofImperialImperial

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WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

ism. ism. ItIt is is not not surprising, surprising, in in view view of of what what has has been been stated stated above, above, that that the the Tories, Tories, by by way way of of justification justification of of their their policies, policies, always always say: say: "we “we are are only only doing doing what what you did you did when when you you were were in in office." office. ”’ If the bedisgraceful be above, aa disgraceful shown above, been shown has been as has is, as ‘Labour’ is, of 'Labour' record of the record trayal During either. During comforting either. very comforting not very is not TUC is the TUC of the record of the record socialism, the of socialism, trayal of the the General General Strike Strike of of 1926 1926 the the TUC TUC declared: declared: "The “The General General Council Council does does not not challenge challenge one one rule, rule, law law or or custom custom of of the the Constitution." Constitution.”

And And there there has has not not been been the the slightest slightest shift shift from from this this position position of of the the TUC. TUC. Vic are the Vic Feathers Feathers and and Len Len Murrays Murays of of our our day day are the worthy worthy successors successors of of the the TUC TUC traitors traitors (to (to the the working working class) class) of of 1926. 1926. The The revisionists revisionists say say that that the the next next 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government Government will will be be different different

from revisionists dare from previous previous Governments. Governments. But But even even the the revisionists dare not not deny deny that that the the previous previous 'Labour' “Labour’ Governments Governments have have served served Imperialism. Imperialism. Here, Here, for for example, example, it it is make on score: is the the admission admission that that even even the the revisionists revisionists are are forced forced to to make on this this score:

"A in Government Government terms terms “A new new Labour Labour Government Government is is the the only only alternative alternative in to a to a Tory Tory Government. Government. "But Labour Government Government similar of 1964-66 1964-66 “But aa Labour similar to to the the Wilson Wilson Governments Governments of

and nothing. and 1966-70 1966-70 will will solve solve nothing. "The Labour millions of of working people ... ... bebe “The Labour Governments Governments antagonised antagonised millions working people cause they put the the interests interests of of big big business business before before the the interests interests of working cause they put of working people, attempted introduce anti-trade anti-trade union union legislation, legislation, lined lined up with people, attempted to to introduce up with

American policy [butchery [butchery would would be be aa better expression] in in Vietnam and elseelse American policy better expression] Vietnam and where, refused to to seriously seriously challenge challenge the racists [the [the truth truth would would be, be, they they where, refused the racists

actually gave the racists racists by by their their conduct conduct over over immiimmi actually gave every every encouragement encouragement toto the gration legislation legislation and and Rhodesia] Rhodesia] at at home home and and abroad abroad and and dropped dropped any any gration

pretence of of taking Britain in in aa Socialist Socialist direction direction [this [this really really is is aa crime crime for for itit pretence taking Britain makesitit impossible impossible for forthe the revisionists revisioniststo to play playthe therole roleofofthe thetail tail end endof ofsocial social makes democracyby bypretending pretendingthat thatthe the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Partywill will bring bring Socialism Socialism-- HB]. HB]. democracy

“This "This approach approach of ofthe the Wilson Wilson Governments Governments of ofthe the late late 60s 60s was was the the same same as other post-war Labour Labour Governments Governments {and (and what what about about the the pre-war pre-war ones? ones? ItIt as other post-war meanspresumably presumablythat thatatat least leastthe the pre-war pre-war ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Govern Governmentsments weretaking taking means were Britainin in aaSocialist Socialistdirection! direction! -- HB] HB] under under Attlee, Attlee. Britain

ay

"It is is basically basically aa Tory-type Tory-type approach approach Britain's crisis crisis along along tratra Ut — tackle tackle Britain’s -

ditional ditional lines lines and and oppose oppose any any proposals proposals that that would would start start making making inroads inroads into into the the power, power, profits, profits, and andprivileges privileges of ofthe therich rich and andgiant giant monopolies.”” monopolies." (Morning (Morning

REVISIONISTS' && TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE THE STATE STATE OF

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Star, Saturday Saturday Feb Feb 16, 16, 1974, 1974, ‘Vote 'Vote Communist Communistfor for aa new new type type of ofgovernment’ government' Star, 'Labour, Yes Yes — but — ‘Labour, but with with aa difference’ difference' by by Gordon Gordon McLennan). McLennan). -

-

In this, how In view view of of this, how isis itit possible possible for for anyone, anyone, other other than than aa servile servile lackey lackey — and a most ordinary ordinary one one atat that that imperialism, toto argue argue that that the the next next “La'La of imperialism, — of a most and -

bour' Government Government will will be be socialist socialist when when the the previous previous ones ones have have served served bour’ imperialism? On On the the contrary, contrary, all all the the indications indications are are that that the the most most important important imperialism? function of the the next next ‘Labour’ 'Labour' government government will will be be toto pursue pursue aa vigorous vigorous policy policy of of function of class collaboration and and class class harmony. harmony. Mr Mr Wilson Wilson says says that that the the Heath Heath GovernGovern class collaboration ment is is ‘“‘God’s "God's gift militants", which means that that Mr Wilson's target, like ment gift toto militants”, which means Mr Wilson’s target, like

that of of Mr Mr Heath, are the the militants, militants, except except that Mr Wilson Wilson will will go go about about itit in in aa that Heath, are that Mr way which which is is more more successful, successful, which which is less likely likely to to stoke stoke up up class class confrontaconfronta way is less tion class conflagration, conflagration, which which is is more likely to to promote promote class class conciliation, conciliation, tion and and class more likely

than Mr Mr Heath's Heath’s way Also, the ‘Labour’ Party, than way of of doing doing things. things. Also, the 'Labour' Party, with with its its concon nections and with with its its 'socialist' phraseology is is nections with with trade-union trade-union bureaucracy bureaucracy and ‘socialist’ phraseology more be successful, Tories. In In other words, more likely likely to to be successful, hence hence dangerous, dangerous, than than the the Tories. other words,

what policy, purpose purpose or or what we we have have here here is is difference difference in in style, style, not not aa difference difference in in policy, aim. aim.

What the What the next next 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government Government will will be be like like isis shown shown by by the the behav behaviour every single single important important iour of of the the Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party in in opposition opposition since since 1970. 1970. On On every

issue has issue that that concerned concerned the the working working class class of of this this country, country, the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party has supported supported the the Tory Tory Government Government and and opposed opposed the the working working class. class. On On the the wage wage freeze freeze introduced introduced by by the the Tory Tory Government, Government, here here is is what what Mr Mr Wilson, Wilson, the the 'So ‘Socialist', cialist’, had had to to say: say: "If “Tf the the Government Government get get their their law law we we take take the the view view that that the the law law should should be be

honoured even even if if we we regard regard it it as as unfair. unfair. Certainly Certainly we we would would not not lend lend our our sup suphonoured port port to to any any who who seek seek by by illegal illegal or or other other means means to to destroy destroy it." it.”’ Exactly Exactly similar similar advice advice was was given given by by 'Labour' ‘Labour’ to to the the Clay Clay Cross Cross Council Council-

lors who who refused refused to to implement implement the the Housing Housing Finance Finance Act Act (the (the notorious notorious ‘Fair lors 'Fair Rents Rents Act, Act, which which put put up up the the rents rents astronomically), astronomically), to to the the working working class class on on the the question question of of the the Industrial Industrial Relations Relations Act, Act, and and to to the the London London dockers, dockers, who who were were being being prosecuted prosecuted under under this this Act. Act. Indeed, Indeed, the the shadow shadow spokesman spokesman of of 'Labour', ‘Labour’,

Reg Reg Prentice¹, Prentice’, condemned condemned the the five five London London dockers dockers (who (who had had been been jailed jailed under under the Industrial Industrial Relations Relations Act Act and and then then freed freed by by the the strike strike of of the dockers) for for the the dockers)

11

He was leave the Labour Party He waslater later to to leave the Labour Party and join the and join the Conservatives Conservatives

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SOCIAL DEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL Y - THE ->

“seeking rtisement”’ and "seeking self-adve self-advertisement" and martyrdo martyrdom. The ‘Labour’ 'Labour' oppositio opposition has m. The n has done nothing nothing toto free free the the Shrewsbu Shrewsbury building workers workers jailed jailed for for picketing. picketing. done ry building All this too, the revisionists are are forced admit. In In the the same same article article that that we we All this too, the revisionists forced toto admit. quoted above, above, Gordon Gordon McLennan, McLennan, national national organiser organiser of of the the CPGB CPGB and and parliaparlia quoted mentary candidate candidate for for St Pancras North, writes: North, writes: St Pancras mentary "Watching the performance of of Wilson and other other right-wing right-wing labour labour leaders leaders ‘Watching the performance Wilson and [Now Wilson is wasa a ‘left’-winger 'left'-winger in in opposition, opposition, which which only only he was right-wing; he is right-wing; [Now Wilson goes to to show that on on joining 'Labour' Government Government the the other other ‘left’-wingers 'left'-wingers of of joining aa ‘Labour’ show that goes this world just as as inevitably be metamorphosed metamorphosed into into right-wingers right-wingers -- HB] HB] inin inevitably be will just world will this the course of this election campaign campaign doesn’t doesn't inspire inspire confidence confidence that that this this will will this election course of the

happen [i.e. that that the next 'Labour' Government will will act act differently] differently] if if they they dede ‘Labour’ Government the next happen |i.e.

termine the the policy policy and actions of ofthe right government. government. [sic] [sic] the right and actions termine "Wilson seems be engaging engaging in in aa contest contest with with Heath Heath as as to to who who is is best best at at “Wilson seems to to be being tough Communists. being tough with with the the Communists.”

Facts stubborn things. They have forced even ostriches of of our our Facts are are stubborn things. They have forced even the the ostriches movement, recognise them them as as facts. facts. In In typical typical ostrich ostrich movement, i.e., ie., the the revisionists, revisionists, to to recognise fashion, to draw draw the the correct correct conclusion conclusion from fashion, however, however, the the revisionists revisionists refuse refuse to from these their heads heads in in the sand and continue to cling to to these facts; facts; instead instead they they bury bury their the sand and continue to cling the that the break the desperately-held desperately-held hope hope that the next next 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government Government will will mark mark aa break

with argue that the next next ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government will be be with the the previous previous ones. ones. They They argue that the Government will different because the Party isis different for for two two reasons. reasons. Firstly, Firstly, because the 'left' ‘left’ in in the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party very MPs are repre are repre‘Labour’ MPs ‘Left’ 'Labour' These 'Left' past. These the past. in the than in now than stronger now much stronger very much sented by the the Tribune Tribune group, differences no differences has no it has that it however, that claims, however, which claims, group, which sented by

of the 'Tribune' puts the matter: the matter: ‘Tribune’ puts how the is how This is rights. This the rights. with the “principle” with of "principle"

and the this paper of this "There policy of paper and the views views the policy between the differences between are differences ‘There are prinof prin than of emphasis rather are of they are But they forward. But Wilson puts Mr Wilson which Mr which puts forward. of emphasis rather than ciple." HB]. emphasis -- HB]. [My emphasis ciple. ”’ [My In rights and In other other words, words, there there are are no no differences differences of of principle principle between between the the rights and

the the 'lefts' ‘lefts’ in in the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party, Party, and, and, if if there there are are no no such such differences differences of of princi principle, ple, how, how, one one may may ask, ask, can can anyone anyone expect expect aa 'left' ‘left’ 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Government Government toto

usher usher in in the the Golden Golden Age Age of of Socialism Socialism when when the the previous previous 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Govern Governments do ments have have not not done done so? so? The The answer answer is is that that one one cannot, cannot, and and those those who who do expect expect Socialism Socialism from from the the next next 'Labour' ‘Labour’ (be (be it it 'Left') ‘Left’) Government Government are are delud delud-

ing ing themselves themselves and and duping duping the the masses. masses.

And, And, secondly, secondly, the the revisionists revisionists say, say, because because the the next next Parliament Parliament is is likely likely to to have along with have Communist Communist MPs, MPs, who who will will exercise exercise pressure pressure along with 'Left' ‘Left’ 'Labour' ‘Labour’

REVISIONISTS’ & TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL OF OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE THE STATE STATE

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MPs MPs on on the the right-wing right-wing Government Government of of Wilson, Wilson, Callaghan, Callaghan, Jenkins, Jenkins, Prentice Prentice and and co. co. So So you you are are urged urged to to vote vote Communist, Communist, for: for:

“Every Communist Communist vote vote is is aa vote vote for for aa new new type type of of Labour Labour Government, Government, "Every one which which will will stand stand up one up to to big big business business and and fight fight for for what what the the working working people people want and deserve.

want and deserve.

“We are are going going to to need need such such aa government government in in the the days days ahead. ahead. We We are are more more "We likely to to get get it it if if there there are are Communist Communist MPs MPs in in Parliament." Parliament.’’ (Gordon (Gordon McLennan McLennan likely in in the the Morning Morning Star Star of of Feb Feb 16, 16, 1974). 1974).

ItIt is very very likely likely that that there there will will be be one one 'Communist' ‘Communist’ MP MP in in the the next next Parlia Parliament, CPGB. There you have ment, namely, namely, Jimmy Jimmy Reid Reid of of the the revisionist revisionist CPGB. There you have aa ready-made formula formula for, for, and and aa gateway gateway to, to, Socialism: Socialism: AA right-wing ready-made right-wing ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government of the Prole Government headed headed by by Wilson Wilson + + Jimmy Jimmy Reid Reid = = The The Dictatorship Dictatorship of the Proletariat. fools to to organise, organise, through through tariat. It It makes makes one one wonder wonder if if people people like like Lenin Lenin were were fools such hardship hardship and and sacrifice struggle, for when they such sacrifice of of struggle, for the the socialist socialist revolution revolution when they could easily sent, according to formula, aa couple couple of of Bolshevik could have have easily sent, according to the the above above formula, Bolshevik Deputies back up Mensheviks. Such Such isis the the disgraceful disgraceful level level Deputies to to the the Duma Duma to to back up the the Mensheviks.

to socialist revolution revolution has has been been reduced reduced by by these these miserable miserable ‘socialists’ 'socialists' of of to which which socialist the CPGB. the CPGB. But we know how the the next 'Labour' government government (if (if there there isis to to be be one) one) isis But we know how next ‘Labour’

likely the pressure of ‘Communist’ 'Communist' MPs MPs (i.e. (i.e. Jimmy Jimmy Reid, Reid, ifif he he isis likely to to respond respond to to the pressure of 'lucky' enough enough to get in). in). The The way way itit isis likely likely toto respond respond toto such such pressure pressure isis ‘lucky’ to get

shown by the controversy surrounding shown by the recent recent controversy surrounding certain certain statements statements made made by by the the miners' leader, leader, Mick Mick McGahey McGahey of of the the CPGB. CPGB. Here Here isis what what McGahey McGahey said said inin miners’ connection connection with with the the possible possible use use ofof troops troops by by the the Government Government toto deal deal with with the the miners' strike: strike: miners’

"Iftroops troops were called inin II would would speak speak toto t&A t&Â “Tf were called ‘Zot %t see see them them asas aa reactionary reactionary mass, mass, there there are are many many working working class class lads lads inin the the armed armed forces forces and and even even some some miners’ miners' sons.” sons."

Though Though Mr Mr McGahey McGahey would would not not ask ask the the troops troops toto mutiny, mutiny, he he “ ...would would let let them them know know the thefacts facts of ofthe the dispute. dispute. We We would woulddodo this this bybydistributi distributing leaflets ng leaflets

and n toto them, and informatio information them, but but that that would would only only bebe done done after after they they were were called called in." in.”

When When asked asked toto clarify clarify the the meaning meaning ofof his his above above statement, statement, Mr MrMcGahey McGahey

had had this this toto say, say, according according toto the the ‘Evening 'Evening Standard’ Standard'ofofJan Jan29, 29, 1974: 1974:

“T"I would would not not ask ask any any troops troops toto disobey disobey orders. orders. Far Farfrom from itit - - II would wouldnot not

ask lity for askthem them toto accept acceptresponsibi responsibility forthe the miners’ miners'struggle struggle...... This Thisisisnot notconspirconspir

I

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE - THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

acy. This This isis not not mutiny. mutiny. This This isis only only allowing allowing other other people people to to understand understand the the acy.

purpose for for which which they they are are employed." employed.”’ purpose

As can can be be seen, seen, Mr Mr McGahey's McGahey’s statement statement isis pretty pretty weak, weak, and and the the sub subAs sequent sequent 'clarification' ‘clarification’ by by him him of of this this statement statement renders renders itit useless. useless.

But But what what was was the the reaction reaction of of the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party to to McGahey's McGahey’s weak weak state statement ment rendered rendered useless useless by by subsequent subsequent clarification'? ‘clarification’? The The official officiai 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party made made its its position position clear clear through through aa statement statement is issued by by JJ Callaghan Callaghan and and Ron Ron Hayward, Hayward, the the Chairman Chairman and and Secretary Secretary of of the the sued ‘Labour’ Party Party respectively. 'Labour' respectively. This This statement statement reads, reads, in in part: pant:

“We utterly utterly repudiate repudiate any any attempt attempt by by Communists Communists or or others others to to use use the the "We miners as as aa political positical battering battering ram ram to to bring bring about about aa general general strike or to to call call on on miners strike or troops troops to to disobey disobey lawful lawful orders orders in in the the event event of of aa strike. strike. This This is is silly silly and and danger dangerous nonsense.”’

""

ous nonsense.

Harold Harold Wilson Wilson introduced imroduced aa motion motion in in the the House House of of 'Commons' ‘Commons’ bitterly bitterly at at-

tacking signed this tacking McGahey. McGahey. Nearly Nearly aa hundred hundred 'Labour' ‘Labour’ MPs MPs signed this motion. motion.

In view view of of the the foregoing, foregoing, would would the the revisionists revisionists still un their their sense senseIn still persist persist in less hope hope of achieving socialism less of achieving socialism through through the the next next “Labour "Labour Government Government committed toto left left policies’? indications are they will. committed policies"? All All the the indications are that that they will. There There are are none so so deaf those who who will hear, as as the puts it. them do none deaf as as those will not not hear, the saying saying puts it. Let Let them do so so and face face the the consequences of it it inin the too distant future. and consequences of the not not too distant future. For our our part, part, we we say the coming Election does (and For say that that ifif the coming General General Election does returm return (and this is not noi very very likely) this is likely) aa ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government, Government, such such aa Government Government will will have have only only one one function, function, namely, namely, “to "to serve serve asas aa cloak cloak toto cover cover the the nakedness nakedness of of impeimpe rialism" (Stalin, (Stalin, Collected Collected Works, Works, Vol. Vol. 6,6, p.293). p.293). Such Such isis the the essence essence ofof rialism’’

social-democracy. Quite social-democracy. And And the the British British ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Party isis no. no exception exception toto it.it. Quite the the contrary. contrary. We shall shall also also remark remark that that the the revisionists revisionists have have given given up, up, except except in in name, name, We the the fight fight for for socialism; socialism; they they do do not not fight fight against against imperialism imperialism and and they they do do not not

fight fight against against bourgeois bourgeois parliamentarism. parliamentarism. On On the the contrary, contrary, they they embellish embellishbourbour geois geois parliamentarism parliamentarism and and imperialism. imperialism. This This embellishment embellishment isis clear clear not not only only in in view view ofof what what has has been been already already stated, stated, but but also also inin view view ofofthe the following following remarks remarks takenfrom from the the various various issues issues of ofthe theMorning MorningStar, Star, newspaper newspaper of ofthe the CPGB. CPGB. taken

#

We quoted the We have have already already quoted the Morning Morning Star Star of ofFeb Feb 2,2, 1974, 1974, which which carried carried

the the following following embellishment embellishmentofofbourgeois bourgeoisParliamentarism: Parliamentarism:

“What's wrong "What's wrongwith withParliament Parliamentisisthat thatwe weare arenot notin in it.”” it.

22

si

sa v

thestore p

REVISIONISTS' && TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

169 169

Mr Gollan Gollan returned returned to to this this subject subject on on 18 18 February February while while speaking speaking atat an an Mr election meeting meeting in in support support of of Dr Dr Alistair Alistair Wilson, Wilson, Communist Communist candidate candidate for for election

Aberdare. In In this this speech speech Mr Mr Gollan Gollan urged urged people people toto “elect "elect Communist Communist MPs” MPs" Aberdare. because to to do do so so "would "would transform transform Parliament Parliament from from aa place place where where shadowshadow because boxing takes takes place an arena arenafor for aa fight fightfor for the the needs needs of ofthe the working working class" class" boxing place toto an (reported in in Morning Morning Star, Star, Tuesday Tuesday Feb Feb 19, 19, 1974). 1974). (reported According to to Marxism-Leninism, Marxism-Leninism, the the essence essence of of bourgeois bourgeois parliamentaparliamenta According rism is is ‘“‘To "To decide decide once once every everyfew few years years which which member member of ofthe the ruling ruling class class isis to to rism repress and crush the the people people through through Parliament”’ Parliament" (Lenin.) (Lenin.) repress and crush According to revisionism, however, however, bourgeois bourgeois parliament parliament can can be be “‘trans"trans According to revisionism, formed" into arenafor for aa fight fightfor for the the needs needs of ofthe the working working class’”! class"! formed” into "an “‘an arena Such utter utter vulgarisations vulgarisations of of Marxism-Leninism Marxism-Leninism can can only only repel repel the the workers workers Such who are the least capable of and being being revolutionary. revolutionary. who are in in the least capable of thinking thinking and Here is an example of how revisionists embellish embellish chauvinism Here is an example of how the the CPGB CPGB revisionists chauvinism and they betray betray proletarian proletarian internationalism. internationalism. and imperialism imperialism and and how how they

The same second thoughts, thoughts, each notori The same notorious notorious issue issue (on (un second each issue issue is is more more notorious the Morning Star, that that is, is, of Saturday Feb Feb 2, 2, 1974, 1974, ous than than the the preceding) preceding) of of the Morning Star, of Saturday also Tories' by by Joan May also carries carries an an article, article, 'End ‘End the the Red-Baiting Red-Baiting -- Attack Attack. the the Tories’ Joan Maynard. article reads: nard. At At one one place place this this article reads:

"Workers are unlimitedfreefree “Workers are to to be be controlled controlled while while the the ruling ruling class class enjoys enjoys unlimited dom they dom to to exploit exploit the the workers. workers. The The multi-nationals multi-nationals and and oil-sheikhs oil-sheikhs do do as as they wish. wish. The The only only restriction restriction is is on on the the workers." workers.” And And further further down, down, Joan Joan Maynard Maynard continues: continues:

The"All facts indicate showdown with the workers. “All the the facts indicate that that the the Tories Tories want want a a showdown with the workers.

How conciliation isis there." How different different their their attitude attitude to to the the oil oil sheikhs. sheikhs. All All conciliation there.” Some utterances of an Some miserable miserable 'socialists' ‘socialists’ may may call call the the above above utterances of Maynard Maynard an expression expression of of solidarity solidarity with with the the struggle struggle of of the the miners. miners. Revolutionary Revolutionary Marxist Marxist-

Leninists Leninists - the the only only genuine genuine socialists socialists - will, will, however, however, regard regard them them as as the the rallying of Britain op rallying call call of of aa social social imperialist imperialist to to set set the the proletariat proletariat of Britain upon upon the the opL

pressed pressed and and super-exploited super-exploited people people of of the the Arab Arab lands. lands.

We We know know that that Joan Joan Maynard Maynard is is aa member member of of the the National National Executive Executive of of the the Labour Party, Party, and Labour and she she is, is, in in all all likelihood, likelihood, not not aa member member of of the the CPGB. CPGB. But But that that the newspaper newspaper of of this this 'Communist ‘Communist’ Party Party should the chauvinis should print print such such blatantly blatantly chauvinis-

tic and and imperialistic imperialistic jingoism jingoism as as the the one one contained contained in in Maynard's Maynard’s article tic article only only

goes to to show show that that the the newspaper newspaper and and the the Party Party of of this this newspaper newspaper are are in in agree agreegoes

ment with with it, which ment which in in turn turn only only goes goes to to show show the the utter utter degeneration degeneration which which this

170 170

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

-THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

so-called so-called Communist Communist Party Party has has suffered. suffered.

Instead Instead of of fighting fighting against against imperialism, imperialism, the the CPGB CPGB moans moans about about the the fool fools

ishness ishness of of the the Tories, Tories, whose whose policies, policies, itit is is claimed claimed by by the the CPGB, CPGB, ruined ruined the the British British Empire Empire and and British British Imperialism, Imperialism, and and gave gave birth birth to to the the balance balance of of pay pay-

ments ments deficit deficit and and other other disasters. disasters. In In the the Morning Morning Star Star of of Jan Jan 16, 16, 1974, 1974, in in an an article article Miners ‘Miners -- will will the the Tories Tories never never learn', learn’, Robin Robin Page Page Arnot Arnot had had this this to to say say on on the the General General Strike Strike of of 1926: 1926:

"The “The miners miners did did not not give give in. in. The The struggle struggle went went on on and and on. on. Nearly Nearly a a million million miners for over miners resisted resisted for over seven seven months. months. The The British British economy economy was was ruined. ruined. The The

British British Empire, Empire, or or rather rather British British Imperialism, Imperialism, suffered suffered a a self-inflicted self-inflicted blow blow from Jrom which which it it did did not not easily easily recover recover -- if if it it did did recover. recover. "The final result min “The final result was was that that there there was was no no victory. victory. Everybody Everybody lost. lost. The The min-

ers were were defeated, ers defeated, but but at at such such cost cost that that generations generations of of Tory Tory ministers ministers swore swore

that never never again again would that em would they they risk risk aa confrontation confrontation with with the the miners." miners.\” (My (My emphasis HB). phasis -- HB).

If British British Imperialism Imperialism suffered If as aa consequence consequence of the General suffered aa blow blow as of the General Strike of of 1926, 1926, in in particular particular the the miners' miners’ struggle, struggle, then Strike then one one cannot cannot be be aa revolu revolutionary still come the conclusion conclusion that "EVERYBODY LOST”. LOST". IfIf that ‘EVERYBODY to the come to and still tionary and

British Imperialism Imperialism lost British then the must have gained. But But Mr Mr lost then the British British proletariat proletariat must have gained.

Robin Page Page Arnot Amot has Robin that he he has has because, because, consciously consciously has reached reached the the conclusion conclusion that Or unconsciously unconsciously -- it it matters little -- he or matters little has come come to to identify identify the the interests interests of of the the he has British proletariat proletariat with with those those of British of British British Imperialism. Imperialism. Once Once that done, the the concon that isis done, Clusion is is self-evident: clusion "Don't ruin ruin British British Imperialism” Imperialism" for that would would be be self-evident: “Don’t for that "Everyone's loss’! loss"! That That isis the logic of of the the Amots Arnots of of this world and and of of the the this world the logic “Everyone's

CPGB, CPGB, which, which, incidentally, incidentally, also also furnishes furnishes aa clue clue as as to why they they so so fervently fervently to why desire desire the the retum return of of aa ‘Labour’ 'Labour' government. government. Such Such aa government, government, since, since, as as

Shown shown above, above, itit cannot cannot bring bring socialism, socialism, can can presumably presumably only only be be required required toto

safeguard British Imperialism and and toto prevent prevent the the Tories Tories from from further further “ruining” "ruining" British Imperialism safeguard

itit and and thus thus causing causing loss loss toto “everybody”. "everybody". Mr Mr Amot, Arnot, you you have have let let the the cat cat out out of of the bag bag with with most most praiseworthy praiseworthy zeal! zeal! the

The The Morning Morning Star Star ofof Friday Friday Feb Feb 8,8, 1974, 1974, threatens threatens the the Tories Tories inin the the folfol

lowing blood-curdling blood-curdling manner: manner: lowing

11

What Whata asad sadand andmiserable miserablecontrast contrastthe the present-day present-day Robin Robin Page PageAmot Arnotisistotothe therevolutionary revolutionary that thathehewas wasininthe the 1920s 1920sand and 1930s. 1930s.InInterms termsofofdegeneration, degeneration,revisionism revisionismhas hasclaimed claimeditsitstoll. toll.

REVISIONISTS' TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL REVISION ISTS’ && TROTSKYI TES’ BETRAYA L OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

171

171

“But "But the the Tories Tories are are not not going going toto be be allowed allowed toto fight fight the the election election on on their their chosen ground chosen ground despite despite rush rush tactics tactics based based on on desperate desperate attempts attempts toto avoid avoid retriretri bution bution for for [guess [guess what?] what?] the the balance balance of ofpayments payments deficit deficit and and other other disasters disasters of of Tory rule rule being being exposed exposed for for the the simplest simplest Tory Tory voter voter toto see.” see." (‘Dirty (Dirty Work Work -- 20 20 Tory days to to sack sack the the Tories’ Tories' by by Peter Peter Zinkin). Zinkin). days Thus itit is clear that that the the revisionists revisionists of of the the CPGB CPGB do do not not fight fight Thus is abundantly abundantly clear against and against against bourgeois bourgeois parliamentarism. parliamentarism. against imperialism imperialism and

They have substituted They have substituted the the fight fight against against the the Tories Tories for for the the fight fight against against ImIm perialism, so doing doing they they are are betraying betraying the working class. class. perialism, and and in in so the working We now leave the revisionists revisionists to to rest rest in so to to speak, speak, and and tum turn peace, so in peace, leave the shall now We shall

to their namely, Trotskyism. to their twin twin brother, brother, namely, Trotskyism.

to pogolo are doriten renien au gole eigh, woh

Sub

droo

400 letterat

hos

To naut han guanyko pilk boynedo

Rehoffpqna

no great

AT

Borte po duplung adajuga organeveda on bypy live

casn

"ack

Temal-qat) gar

172 172

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE

III Tl

D

AMOR

Trotskyites Trotskyites and and the the slogan: slogan: meil

M'A ‘A GENERAL GENERAL ELECTION ELECTION TO TO KICK KICK OUT OUT THE THE TORIES TORIES AND AND TO TO ELECT ELECT A A LABOUR LABOUR GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT COMMITTED COMMITTED TO TO LEFT LEFT

POLICIES’

POLICIES'

As just as much the As stated stated above, above, this this slogan slogan is is just as much the slogan slogan of of the the various various Trot Trotskyist as it difference is skyist organisations organisations as it is is of of the the revisionist revisionist CPGB. CPGB. The The only only difference is that that whereas this slogan slogan openly, openly, the the Trotskyites whereas the the revisionists revisionists put put forward forward this Trotskyites put put it it forward the camouflage camouflage of and forward disguisedly disguisedly -- covering covering itit under under the of 'revolutionary' ‘revolutionary’ and 'left' ‘left’ phrases. phrases. Stalin Stalin once once remarked: remarked:

"Capitulation practice as as the content, 'Left' 'revolution “Capitulation inin practice the content, ‘Left’ phrases phrases and and ‘revolution-

ary’ adventurist adventurist postures, ary' postures, as the form form disguising disguising and and advertising advertising the the defeatist as the defeatist content such is essence of content -- such is the the essence of Trotskyism." Trotskyism.”’

Even Even those those who have only superficially observed the content content and and form form of of who have only superficially observed the

Trotskyism inin practice Trotskyism need no no convincing convincing about about the the great great truth truth contained contained practice will will need

in in the the above above remark remark of of Comrade Comrade Stalin. Stalin. Trotskyism Trotskyism outbids outbids everybody everybody inin 'revolutionary' and and ‘left’ 'left' phrasemongering; phrasemongering; in in practice, practice, however, however, itit is is even even ‘revolutionary’

different different Trotskyist Trotskyist organisations organisations inin this this country country form form no no exception; exception; they they

mouth mouth ‘revolutionary’ 'revolutionary' phrases, phrases, which which make make them them seemingly seemingly better better than than the the rere

—¥F

more an ally social democracy democracy and and of of imperialism imperialism than than revisionism. revisionism. The The more ofof an ally ofof social

visionists visionists in in the the eyes eyes of of people people who who are are not not very very experienced experienced in in matters matters of of

Fe

Socialist Socialist Labour Labour League), League), the the International International Socialists Socialists and and the the International International Marxist Marxist Group Group -- inin regard regard toto the the slogan slogan calling calling for for the the election election of of aa ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government. Governme nt.

o

rialism”. rialism". Let Let us us now now deal deal specifically specifically with with the the position position of of the the three three main main Trotskyite Trotskyite organisations organisations -- Workers’ Workers' Revolutionary Revolutionary Party Party (WRP (WRP -- formerly formerly the the

ERT

politics, but but in in practice practice these these organisations organisations fight fight shoulder shoulder to to shoulder shoulder with with the the politics, revisionists revisionists in in order order to to strengthen strengthen social social democracy, democracy, which which isis one one of of the the biggest biggest props props of of imperialism imperialism and and which which “serves "serves as as aa screen screenfor for the the nakedness nakedness of ofimpeimpe

REVISIONISTS’ && TROTSKYITES' REVISIONISTS' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL

173

173

OF OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE STATE

THE STATE

The Position Position of of the The the Workers' Workers’ Revolutionary Revolutionary Party Party The The WRP WRP issued issued its its election election manifesto manifesto on on Feb Feb 11, 11, 1974. 1974. At At various various places places

in itit we we read read the the following following charming charming things in things about about the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party and and the the TUC leaders:

TUC leaders:

““... The The Labour Labour Party Party leaders leaders have have already already disowned disowned the the miners miners and and they they "... have produced produced aa manifesto manifesto which which does does not not contain contain aa single single socialist socialist measure measure have to protect protect the the working working class class against against rising rising prices prices and and onrushing onrushing unemploy unemployto ment." ment.” [My [My emphasis emphasis -- HB] HB]

allowed have allowed Greene have and Greene Jackson and Chapple, Jackson Basnett, Chapple, Jones, Basnett, Scanlon, Jones, ** .. Scanlon,

66

have shot have members. Not their members. on their imposed on be imposed to be Three to and Three Two and One, Two Phases One, Phases Not aa shot

ists

negotiawage negotia free wage conduct free to conduct unions to trade unions of trade right of the right of the defence of in defence they fired in they fired totalling members, totalling their members, of their living of standard of the standard of the defence of the defence tions of living in the nor in tions nor Se HB] emphasis -- HB] million.’’ [My emphasis some 55 million."[My some

have igThey have crisis. They the crisis. meet the to meet no policy have no leaders have "The policy to ig Party leaders Labour Party “The Labour nored every single single rank-and-file demand toto nationalise nored every rank-and-file demand nationalise the the monopolies. monopolies. Instead, they they are planning another round of of collaboration Instead, are planning another round collaboration with with them them just just asas they did did from 1964 to HB] they from 1964 to 1970.’’ 1970." [My [My emphasis emphasis -- HB]

"Wilson, Callaghan and and Crosland Crosland have have all all made made clear clear that that their their only only elecelec “Wilson, Callaghan class isis ‘years toral undertaking working class 'years of of austerity’ austerity' -- the the very very thing thing the working to the undertaking to toral that is being demanded demanded by by that that weil well known known socialist socialist the the Governor Governor of ofthe the Bank Bank is being that England!” of ofEngland!" saben Having listed listed the the above above formidable formidable reasons reasons asas toto why why the the working working class class Having should not vote Labour, Labour, the the WRP Trotskyist fashion fashion departs departs characteristic Trotskyist WRF in characteristic not vote should from simple simple logic logic -- let let alone alone revolutionary revolutionary dialectics dialectics -- and and ends ends up up by by advising advising from the working working class class toto vote vote Labour Labour inin the the very very next next sentence sentence which which follows follows the the the above-quoted paragraph paragraph ending ending with with the the words words“...Bank ofEngland’. England". Let Let the the Bank of above-quoted ...

WRP manifesto manifesto speak speak for for itself: itself: WRP

"We call call on on all all Labour Labour Party Party members members and and trade trade unionists unionists to vote Labour “We to vote Labour

constituencies where the the Workers’ Workers' Revolutionar Revolutionary Party isis not not standing. standing. We We y Party es where inin constituenci

callon on the the electors electors toto return return aaLabour Labour Government Government...”’ ... call

>>

Why Why should should the the electors electors return return aa ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Governm Government? Here isis the the anan ent? Here swer : swergiven givenby by the the WRP WRP manifesto manifesto: ‘In le ioto implem ent the “In the thestrugg struggle implement the sociali socialist policies wehave haveoutline outlined, st policie s we d. ththey [the ‘Labour’ Government] will d and [the 'Labour' Government] willbebe expose exposed andmust mustbebedriven driven out.” out. ane >>

InIn other ingnga gov otherwords, words,according accordingtotothetheWRP, WRP,thethesole sole reason reasonforforrereturning tum Ov:

+ 174 174

SOCIAL WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN

ernment does not ernment of of those those who ‘who have have disowned disowned the the miners", miners”, whose whose manifesto manifesto does not

contain contain a ‘‘a single single socialist socialist measure", measure”, who plan “‘another round of collaboration" promise the working class tion’ with with the the monopolies, monopolies, and and who who promise the working class nothing nothing other other than than 'years ‘years of of austerity", austerity’, is is to to "expose" “expose’’ and and "drive “drive out" out’’ such such a a government. government, The such an valid in in the conditions of The question, question, however, however, is is this: this: Is Is such an argument argument valid the conditions of

and an argument invalid and foundation and in in the the year year 1974? 1974? No, No, such such an argument is is invalid and without without foundation today. little faith 'Labour' Party Party and and are today. The The masses masses of of people people have have very very little faith in in the the ‘Labour’ are refusing Party is refusing to to vote vote Labour. Labour. Today Today the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party is thoroughly thoroughly discredited discredited in in

the (at the the last last General General the eyes eyes of of the the working working millions, millions, who who are are refusing refusing to to vote vote (at Election radical wing of social-democsocial-democ Election 11 11 million million abstained). abstained). And And it it is is only only the the radical wing of

racy racy - revisionism revisionism or or Trotskyism Trotskyism -- which which is is now now engaged engaged in in an an attempt attempt at at -

bringing disillusioned masses back into the vice of social-democracy. social-democracy. The bringing the the disillusioned masses back into the vice of The

bourgeoisie very concerned, over the bourgeoisie are are very concermed, to to put put it it mildly, mildly, over the increasing increasing abstentions abstentions at are going all out out to to get get a at the the successive successive General General Elections. Elections. They They are going all a big big turn-out. turm-out. Hence, endless election election programmes programmes and and Party on Ra Hence, the the endless Party political political broadcasts broadcasts on Ra-

>

dio and Television. dio and Television. The The bourgeoisie bourgeoisie are are equally equally concerned concerned about about too-humiliating defeat for is, and and has forso too-humiliating aa defeat for the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party, Party, which which is, has been been for so long, the the safety-valve safety-valve of of British British Imperialism. long, Telegraph Imperialism: This This is is how how the the Daily Daily Telegraph ily Telegr of of aa few few weeks weeks ago ago put put the the matter: matter: mark.c

"What profit Mr Heath and if- with their “What could could it it conceivably conceivably profit Mr Heath and his his Party Party if with their 3

majority political ghost majority increased, increased, labour labour in in ruins ruins and and Mr Mr Wilson Wilson’aa political ghost - militant militant

trade unionists unionists could trade bludgeon the the community surrender! The voice of of could still stili bludgeon community into into surrender! The voice the ballot ballot box box would the countedfor for little. extra recruits recruits to to the the Tory would have have counted little. The The extra Tory back back benches would would be be joining joining a a paper paper army. army. The The,Conservative Party would would come come benches Conservative Party to wish wish that that it it had had been been spared to Mr Heath Heath might might soon soon join join spared such such a a victory, victory, and and Mr Mr Wilson Wilson in in the the shadows. shadows.”"oolNb notebulover Sholf Jel Mr There bourgeois common There is is aa lot lot of of good good bourgeois common sense sense contained contained in in the the above abeve com

paragraph.

paragraph. In circumstances, when masses of of people people are are deserting deserting the 'La In these these circumstances, when the the masses the ‘La-

bour' disgust, and and when the imperialist bourgeoisie itself itself does does not not bour’ Party Party in in disgust, when the imperialist bourgeoisie want the 'Labour' suffer a crushing defeat (for without the ‘La'La want to to see see the ‘Labour’ Party Party suffer a crushing defeat (for without the

bour’ Party leadership of of the the working find itit very bour' Party leadership working class class the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie would would find very

difficult, if if not impossible, to to remain remain inin power power for lony) -- in in these circumdifficult, not impossible, for long) these circum stances, themselves 'Marxists' advocate the the support supportby by the stances, for for people people calling calling themselves ‘Marxists’ toto advocate the masses of the 'Labour' Party desert the the camp camp of of Socialism Socialism for for the masses of the ‘Labour’ Party means means toto desert the

camp of imperialism, itit means means to to FO actively join the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in the latter’s atcamp of imperialism, actively join in the latter's at tempts the working class. tempts at at the the continued continued subjection subjection of of the working class.

gibibchow B

,

REVISIONISTS' REVISIONISTS’ & & TROTSKYITES' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL

175

175

OF OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE THE STATE STATE

Attempts Attempts are are made made by by the the Trotskyites Trotskyites (and (and also also by by revisionists) revisionists) to to justify justify their their embellishment embellishment of of social social democracy democracy by by making making aa reference reference to to the the remarks remarks Comrade Comrade Lenin Lenin made made in in 1920, 1920, in in which which he he expressed expressed the the view view that that Labour Labour vic vic-

tory of cause of the cause to the helpful to be helpful would be Tories would the Tories and the Liberals and the Liberals against the tory against Communism ef Communism in in Britain Britain because because such such aa victory, victory, he he argued, argued, would would have have the the effect fect of of exposing exposing the the leaders leaders of of the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party (MacDonald, (MacDonald, Snowden, Snowden,

Henderson), who who were were regarded regarded as as 'socialists' ‘socialists’ by by the the masses masses of of British British people, people, Henderson), for class. It watch for what what they they were, were, namely, namely, traitors traitors to to the the working working class. It is is funny funny to to watch

the tragi-comicai tragi-comicai spectacle spectacle of of this this gentry gentry -- the Trotskyites and and revisionists revisionists -the the Trotskyites who hate hate every every single single one one of of Comrade Comrade Lenin's Lenin’s revolutionary revolutionary teachings, who teachings, tuming turning to Lenin Lenin to to get get some some help help for for their their bankrupt bankrupt theories theories and to prevent from to and to prevent them them from that every forget that being not forget every time time the the revolutionary revolutionary must not One must shipwrecked. One being shipwrecked. Marxists quote quote Lenin Lenin (and (and quote quote him him in in the the proper proper context, context, unlike Marxists unlike the the TrotskyTrotsky

ists and and revisionists revisionists who mostly quote quote him him out out of context), these ists who mostly of context), these same same way you The way not God! opportunists say: say: "Lenin God! The you quote quote him him isis as as though though he he “Lenin isis not opportunists had so on on and and so so forth. forth. Facts, however, prove prove that that it had laid laid down down a a tablet!", tablet!”’, and and so Facts, however, it is the opportunists who fail, or refuse, toto understand is the opportunists who fail, or refuse, understand the the profound profound essence essence of of Comrade teachings; itit isis they the opportunists opportunists -- who who are are Comrade Lenin's Lenin’s revolutionary revolutionary teachings; they -- the trying quotations to to cover cover up support for for social-democracy social-democracy trying to to use use Lenin's Lenin’s quotations up their their support and imperialism. and imperialism. To Lenin's remarks remarks about about the the victory of the the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party being To return return to to Lenin’s victory of Party being

helpful toto communism. refuse toto see helpful communisın. What What the the opportunists opportunists refuse see isis that that Comrade Comrade Lenin's conditioned by by the the fact fact that that at at that that time time "the majority of of Lenin’s remarks remarks were were conditioned ‘the majority

the workers of Great Great Britain stillfollow[ed] follow [ed] the the lead lead of ofthe the British British Kerenskys Kerenskys the workers of Britain still or Sheidemanns Sheidemanns [i.e., [i.e., MacDonalds MacDonalds aud and Snowdens Snowdens and and Hendersons Hendersons -- HB] HB] and” and" or had “not "notyet yet had had the the experience experience of ofaa government government composed composed of ofthese these people people ......" had “ Communism, an an Infantile Infantile Disorder). Disorder). (('Left-Wing' Left-Wing’ Communism,

Can Can anybody anybody now now honestly honestly say say that that the the ‘majority "majority of ofthe the workers’’ workers" in in BritBrit ain still still follow follow the the lead lead of of the the present-day present-day ‘‘British "British Kerenskys’’ Kerenskys" -- the the Wilsons, Wilsons, ain Callaghans, Jenkins, Jenkins, Prentices, Prentices, Castles, Castles, Foots, Foots, etc.? etc.? Even Even the the Trotskyites Trotskyites do do not not Callaghans, maintain this. this. Is Is there there anybody anybody in in existence existence who who isis really really so so far far removed removed from from maintain reality as as to to maintain maintain that that the the workers workers “have have not not yet yet had had the the experience experience of ofaa reality government government composed composed of of these these people people |i.e. [i.e. the the British British Kerenskys] Kerenskys]"? Not even even ’”? Not

the the Trotskyites, Trotskyites, in in our our opinion, opinion, are are so so far far removed removed from from reality reality as as toto maintain maintain this. In absence this. In absence of of the the two two important important qualifications qualifications which which conditioned, conditioned, and and could could not not but but condition, condition, Comrade Comrade Lenin’s Lenin's above above remarks, remarks, what what precisely precisely isis the the purpose of of quoting quoting Comrade Comrade Lenin? Lenin? The The purpose purpose can can only only be be to to discredit discredit Lenin Lenin purpose

and and toto cover cover the the bankruptcy bankruptcy ofof those those who who quote quote him him out out of ofcontext; context; the the purpose purpose

176 176

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

-

can can only only be be to to cover, cover, to to conceal, conceal, the the migration migration of of the the opportunists opportunists to to the the camp camp of of imperialism imperialism behind behind aa quotation quotation from from Comrade Comrade Lenin. Lenin. In In brief, brief, the the purpose purpose

can can only only be be to to use use the the letter letter of of Leninism Leninism in in the the opportunists' opportunists’ fight fight against against the the spirit spirit of of Leninism. Leninism. In the reader the In order order to to show show the reader the the hollowness hollowness of of the

revolutionary' ‘revolutionary’ phrasemongering phrasemongering of of the the WRP WRP and and its its utter utter inability inability to to understand understand Leninism, Leninism, let let

us its par us refer refer to to an an article article by by Vanessa Vanessa Redgrave, Redgrave, aa member member of of the the WRP WRP and and its parliamentary liamentary candidate candidate for for Newham Newham North North East, East, which which appeared appeared in in the the 'Guardian' ‘Guardian’ of of Tuesday Tuesday 19 19 Feb, Feb, 1974. 1974. According According to to this this article, article, Miss Miss Redgrave Redgrave told told the the 'Guardian' ‘Guardian’ that that in in Britain Britain we we were were in in the the midst midst of of a a revolutionary revolutionary cri crisis for more Every Sis and and that that capitalism capitalism would would not not last last in in Britain Britain for more than than two two years. years. Every

member alone in maintaining member of of the the WRP WRP believes believes that. that. Miss Miss Redgrave Redgrave is is not not alone in maintaining SAPIEN

so. the midst midst of Miss Redgrave Redgraveand andher her so. If If we we are are in in the of aa revolutionary revolutionary crisis crisis-- and and Miss 'Party' maintain that that we are- what thehell, hell, we may ask, ask, are are Miss Redgrave ‘Party’ maintain we are what the we may Miss Redgrave and If we are in the midst midst and the the WRP WRP taking taking part part in in parliamentary parliamentary elections elections for? for? If we are in the of should not Redgrave and her ‘Party’ 'Party' be be organisorganis of aa revolutionary revolutionary crisis, crisis, should not Miss Miss Redgrave and her

which case Miss Redgrave which case Miss doing anything anything about about organorgan Redgrave and and her her 'Party' ‘Party’ are are not not doing Co

ising the the proletariat ising proletariat for overthrow of of British Imperialism, and and are, are, for the the imminent imminent overthrow British Imperialism,

me ee

ing in the East End End or or West West ing the the revolutionary revolutionary uprising uprising rather rather than than play-acting play-acting in the East End? Either we End? One One thing thing or or the the other! other! Either we are are in in a a revolutionary revolutionary situation, situation, inin

therefore, therefore, not not to be taken Or we are not revolutionary situation; to be taken seriously. seriously. Or we are not in in aa revolutionary situation;

in which which case in case Miss in hollow hollow and and Miss Redgrave Redgrave and and her her 'Party' ‘Patty’ are are indulging indulging in

S

We are We are certainly not in yet. And And when when such certainly not in a a revolutionary revolutionary situation situation asas yet. such aa Situation situation does does arrive, arrive, neither neither Miss nor her 'Party' will will be be able able to to recrec Miss Redgrave Redgrave nor her ‘Party’ ognise ognise it, it, nor nor would would they they lead lead it. merge with with it. They They will will th then completely completely merge

social-demo cracy and social-democracy and fight fight the Marx the 'Stalinist ‘Stalinist bureaucrats', bureaucrats’, i.e., i.c., revolutionary revolutionary Marxist-Leninists, who who will will most most certainly certainly one one day ist-Leninists, day lead successfully the the British British lead successfully proletariat in in overthrowing the rule British Imperialism. Imperialism. of British rule of overthrowing the proletariat

Whether British Imperialism two years Whether or or not not British Imperialism has has more more than than two years of of life life left left to to it, it, itit is is more more or or less less certain, certain, judging judging from from all all past past experience experience and and the the turnover turnover of of the the membership membership of of various various Trotskyite Trotskyite organisations, organisations, Miss Miss Redgrave Redgrave won’t won't

last last two two full full years years in in the the WRP. WRP. She She has has been been promised promised an an instant instant revolution revolution by by the WRP inin typical the WRP typical Trotskyist Trotskyist fashion; fashion; and, and, when when this this instant instant revolution revolution fails fails to to

materialise, materialise, Miss Miss Redgrave Redgrave will will just just asas instantly instantly disappear disappear from from the the scene, scene, so so to to speak, to to once again become become aa ‘Yomantic "romantic Tory”, Tory", to to whom whom the the name name of of ChurChur once again speak,

EE

cial-democracy and their cial-democracy and betrayal of of the the interests interests of the working class. thcir betrayal of the working class:

RF

meaningless ‘Left’ phrasemongering designed meaningless 'Left' phrasemongering designed to their desertion desertion to to soso to cover cover their

REVISIONISTS' && TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

177 177

chill sounds sounds marvellous, marvellous, and and who who likes likes Kipling Kipling and and dislikes dislikes the the ‘‘smell "smell of ofsoso chill cialism". Miss Miss Redgrave Redgrave and and her her ‘Party’ 'Party' should should know know that that itit isis one one thing thing toto set set cialism’’. date for for the the transformation transformation of of aa rotten rotten Socialist Socialist Labour Labour League League into into an an aa date equally rotten rotten Workers’ Workers' Revolutionary Revolutionary Party, Party, but but quite quite another another to to fix fix aa date date for for equally the demise of of British Imperialism. The The former former requires requires but but aa resolution, resolution, the the latlat the demise British Imperialism. ter requires requires painstaking, painstaking, persistent, persistent, persevering persevering and and principled principled work work over over aa ter long period period of of time time -- something something that that the the likes likes of of the the petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois Redgraves Redgraves long and the equally petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois WRPs WRPs of of this this world world are are incapable incapable of. of. and the equally The Position the International International Socialists Socialists The Position of of the T

The Socialists (IS) (IS) recognise recognise in words that that socialism cannot The International International Socialists in words socialism cannot

come Parliament, that necessary to to smash smash the the bourgeois bourgeois state state mama come through through Parliament, that itit isis necessary chine, that that such such a "powerful weapon” weapon" as as the the bourgeois bourgeois army army “cannot "cannot be be chine, a “powerful wished box. It has to to be broken from from the the grasp grasp of ofthe wished away away through through the the ballot ballot box. It has be broken the ruling 1974) ‘Why 'Why Soldiers Soldiers put put the the boot boot in’). in'). ruling class" class’’ (Socialist (‘Socialist Worker', Worker’, 99 Feb, Feb, 1974) IS pamphlet under under the Come Through IS have have produced produced aa pamphlet the title title "Can ‘Can Socialism Socialism Come Through

Parliament?", they make, the following statements Parliament?’’, in in which which they make, among among others, others, the following statements about 'Labour' Party Party and and the the elections: elections: about Parliament, Parliament, the the ‘Labour’ "Today to act act “as "as aa safety over ‘Today the the functions functions of of Parliament" Parliament”’ are are to safety valve valve over

certain ensure an an orderly orderly change few years years -every few personnel every in personnel change in helps ensure issues, itit helps certain issues, from Labour from Labour to to Tory Tory and and back back again.” again.” (pp.5-6). (pp.5-6).

Parliament side-show"(p.6, (p.6, my my emphasis Parliament is is "today ‘‘today ... ... aa side-show’’ emphasis -- HB). HB). "Parliamentary “Parliamentary democracy democracy is is aa sham sham anyway". anyway”.

In anyway". In the the elections elections "there “‘there is is usually usually no no choice choice anyway”’. "Voting their golden Who ‘Voting gives gives us us no no control control over over the the MPs MPs or or their golden pledges. pledges. Who

voted for Labour freeze, higher higher prepre voted for Labour in in 1964 1964 for for more more unemployment, unemployment, a a wage wage freeze,

... do nothing scription can do nothing.. we can elected we Once elected unions? Once on unions? attacks on and attacks charges and scription charges until Tweedledum between Tweedledum choice between further choice be aa further will be there will when there later when years later five years until five and HB) emphasis -- HB) my emphasis (p.8, my Tweedledee.”’ (p.8, and Tweedledee." The The pamphlet pamphlet contains contains aa long, long, and and correct correct for for aa change, change, denunciation denunciation of of the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party, Party, the the past past 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Governments, Governments, and and of of the the TUC. TUC. Having Having

to on to goes on recited pamphlet goes the pamphlet Party, the ‘Labour’ Party, the 'Labour' of the record of ‘‘miserable’’ record the "miserable" recited the

say:

say:

"Despite should ‘Despite this this miserable miserable history history some some socialists socialists still still say say that that we we should

give 16, my give the the Labour Labour Party Party another another chance." chance.’ (p. (p.16, my emphasis emphasis -- HB). HB).

Then Then follow follow three three pages pages of of denunciation denunciation of of those those socialists, socialists, in in particular

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

the given another another the CPGB, CPGB, who who hold hold the the view view that that the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party should should be be given

chance can be chance and and that that the the 'Labour' “Labour’ Party Party can be "transformed “transformed into into an an instrument instrument of of socialism". socialism”’. The The pamphlet pamphlet states: states: "... ‘‘..

No No longer longer

do the towards Parliament Parliament for for massive massive do the workers workers look look towards

change. And And if if they they don't change. do this, what is is the the point of actively working in don’t do this, then then what point of actively working in the (p. 17). the Labour Labour Party?" Party?”’ (p.17). According to According control of of the 'Labour' Party Party exex to IS, IS, the the 'Left' “Left? cannot cannot capture capture control the ‘Labour’ cept irrelevant." (p.19). (p.19). is irrelevant.” it is when it struggles when massive struggles of massive time of “at aa time cept "at

"To have faith faith in controlled even even by by socialists time of of “To have in aa Labour Labour Party Party controlled socialists atat aa time

General Strike Strike who who NEEDS NEEDS aa Parliamentary General majority?" (p.18, (p.18, IS’s IS's emphaempha Parliamentary majority?” sis). sis).

In with Parliament, Parliament, the the IS IS say:say: In denunciation denunciation of of the the CPGB's CPGB’s preoccupation preoccupation with

‘Parliament isis no no longer longer where "Parliament where decisions decisions are are made. made. It It isis fundamentally fundamentally @ talking talking shop. power lies the monopolies a shop. Real Real power lies with with the monopolies and and on on the the shop shop floor. floor.

But if if that that isis the the case then why why bother But case then bother with with Parliament?" Parliament?" (p.22, (p.22, IS’s IS's emphaempha sis). sis).

Having written the IS took took fright, fright, and and started started Having written the above-quoted above-quoted statements, statements, the the IS

backtracking, for pamphlet goes backtracking, for the the pamphlet goes on to say: say: on to "This is say we we would would boycott elections completely completely ... Such elecelec “This is not not to to say boycott elections ... .. Such tions can a useful useful soapbox". soapbox”’. (p.30). tions can be be a (p.30).

"In future future elections elections the the International International Socialists’ Socialists' attitude attitude will will depend depend on on “In our strength and and the the situation. situation. In In 1970, 1970, for for example, example, we we argued argued that that the the our own own strength workers should vote for Labour Labour -- not not because because itit was socialist but but because because large large workers should vote for was socialist

numbers of ofworkers workers had had illusions illusions that that itit would would bring bring social social change. change. By Byputting putting numbers

them test on them to to the the test on unemployment, unemployment, inflation, inflation, trade-union trade-union laws laws and and welfare welfare cuts cuts we could more we could more easily easily show show their their shortcomings.’”’ shortcomings." (p.31, (p.31, my my emphasis emphasis -- HB). HB).

One has has to be an an incurable idiot and and aa philistine philistine toto entertain entertain the the illusion illusion One to be incurable idiot that in 1970 the 'Labour' Party Party and and the the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government Government needed needed toto be be exex that in 1970 the ‘Labour’ posed in in the eyes of of the the workers. workers. ItIt isis downright downright falschood falsehood intended intended toto cover cover posed the eyes

the the reactionary reactionary spinelessness spinelessness ofof those those like like the the ISIS toto say say that that inin 1970 1970 “Yarge "large

numbers workers had numbers of ofworkers had illusions illusions that that itit [a[a ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government] Government] would wouldbring bring about The 1970 about large large social social change.”’ change. "The 1970 election election proved proved that that “/arge "large numbers numbers of of workers" had had no no such such illusion illusion -- 1111 million million did did not not even even bother bother to to go go toto the the workers” polling only people polling booths. booths. The The only people who who suffered suffered inin 1970, 1970, oror who who suffer suffer today today

from this this “‘/lusion’’, "illusion", are are the the ISIS and and suchlike suchlike radical radical social-democrats, social-democrats. ‘Labour’ 'Labour' from

2—_——.

national General General Strike aa national Strike would be aa calamity. we can can lead lead aa successful successful would be calamity. If If we

REVISIONISTS’ && TROTSKYITES' REVISIONISTS' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL

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OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

by 1970 1970 had had already already been been "put “put to to the the test test on by and its on unemployment unemployment ...”’etc. etc. and its ""

“shortcomings”, or or what what we "shortcomings", we would would call call its its reactionary reactionary anti-working anti-working class class na na-

ture, ture, had had already already been been exposed. exposed. The The above above statement statement of of IS IS is is even even contradicted contradicted

by the the rest rest of of the the contents contents of of their their own by own pamphlet pamphlet which which is is under under discussion. discussion. The pamphlet pamphlet says, says, for for example, example, that that "in “in the the last last 25 25 years years the between the The the links links between the Labour thinner and Working Labour Party Party and and the the working working class class have have got got thinner and thinner. thinner. Working

class votes votes still class ..." (p.18, still go go to to Labour Labour but but active active support support does does not not...” (p.18, my my empha emphasis HB). sis - HB). This IS Committee, for This was was further further confirmed confirmed by by Mr Mr John John Palmer Palmer of of the the IS Committee, for example, in Seymour Hall, example, who who addressed addressed aa meeting meeting held held on on 21 21 Feb, Feb, 1974, 1974, in Seymour Hall, London, the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party. meeting Mr Palmer London, to to drum drum up up support support for for the Party. At At this this meeting Mr Palmer said Labour Party were not not making making said that that nobody nobody wanted wanted to to vote vote Labour, Labour, that that the the Labour Party were

much people to to vote and that that they (meaning much of of an an effort effort to to get get people vote for for it it (Labour), (Labour), and they (meaning

IS) to work vote Labour. Labour. We IS) were were having having to work very very hard hard to to persuade persuade people people to to vote We be believe this to To repeat, the 'Labour' Party is is thoroughly thoroughly lieve this to be be true. true. To repeat, today today the ‘Labour’ Party discredited working millions, millions, who refusing to to vote (at the the discredited in in the the eyes eyes of of the the working who are are refusing vote (at

last 11 million abstained). And, And, itit is only the the radical radical wing wing of of last General General Election Election 11 million abstained). is only social-democracy and Trotskyism which is is now in an an social-democracy -- revisionism revisionism and Trotskyism -- which now engaged engaged in

attempt at the disillusioned masses back into the vice of of social-democsocial-democ attempt at bringing bringing the disillusioned masses back into the vice racy, and engaged in social-democracy. racy, and which which is is engaged in prettifying prettifying social-democracy. And of ‘‘soapbox”’ "soapbox" is going toto be be for for IS? IS? Here Here isis the the And what what kind kind of is Parliament Parliament going answer given given by the IS: answer by the IS:

"... It be that that inin the we would would put put up up IS IS candidates candidates atat ParliaParlia future we the future may be It may “>

thinking, there all this. this. If If the the Tories Tories win, win, it it means means the the thinking, there is is no no sense sense whatever whatever ininall

workers are “blaming "blaming their their own own organisations organisations for for the the crisis”’, crisis", itit means means aa manman workers are

date for the date for the Tories to attack attack the class; if, if, however, Labour wins, wins, then then Tories to the working working class; however, Labour even though "same sort sort of of measures” measures" and and “behave "behave very very even though Labour Labour will will take take the the ‘‘same much in in the as do Tories", we are told, told, it it will will mean mean aa victory victory for for much the same same way way as do the the Tories’”’, we are

the people people -- especially especially if Labour wins "massive vote’’ vote" for for such such aa “mas"mas the if Labour wins with with aa ‘‘massive sive vote’’ vote" would 'Labour Government Government from from blaming the workers’ workers' sive would prevent prevent the the ‘Labour blaming the organisations for the crisis! crisis! Would Would not not aa massive massive Labour Labour vote vote be be taken taken as as aa organisations for the

sign of endorsement of Labour Labour policies? policies? We We are are sure sure itit would. would. sign of endorsement of

In any yourselves tell us, gentlemen In any case, case, you you yourselves tell us, gentlemen of of the the IS, IS, that that “a "a Labour Labour Government elected elected in in two two weeks’ weeks'time time would would be beforced forced to to behave behave very very much much in in Government the same same way way as as the the Tories’’. Tories". And And this this isis true. true. No No Labour Labour Govemment Government can can the bring socialism socialism because because no no Labour Labour Government prepared toto burt burt capitalism; capitalism; bring Government isis prepared because socialism socialism can can only only be be established established by by smashing smashing the the bourgeois bourgeois state state mama because chine and 'Labour' Party does not not stand stand for for that that sort sort of of ‘nonsense’; 'nonsense'; because because Party does the ‘Labour’ and the chine the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Party works within the the bounds bounds ofof capitalism. capitalism. More More than than that. that. Even Even works within the the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Party sincerely sincerely wanted wanted toto bring bring Socialism Socialism they they could could not not bebe ifif the cause the the ruling ruling class class won’t won't let let them. them. The The 1964 1964 Wilson Wilson Government Government was was forced forced cause by the the workings workings ofof the the capitalist capitalist system system toto ‘forget’ 'forget' itsits election election promises, promises, toto dede by flate the the economy, economy, and and toto economise economise on on social social services services inin order order toto prevent prevent the the flate flight the further deterioration deterioration of of the the balance balance of of payments payments deficit deficit by by stopping stopping the flight ofof further

this country from this money money from country toto the the overseas overseas money money markets. markets. Here Here isis how how Harold Harold

REVISIONISTS’ & REVISIONISTS' & TROTSKYITES' TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL BETRAYAL OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING OF THE TEACHING ON ON THE STATE STATE

183

183

Wilson describes describes in in his his autobiography autobiography his his encounter encounter with Wilson with the the Governor Governor of of the the Bank Bank of of England, England, Lord Lord Cromer, Cromer, who who visited visited Wilson Wilson in in Downing Downing Street Street on on 24 24 Nov, 1964:Nov, 1964:

“] said said that that we we had had now now reached reached a a situation situation where "I gov where a a newly-elected newly-elected government with with aa mandate mandate from from the the people people was was being ernment much by the being told, told, not not so so much by the Governor of of the the Bank Bank of of England England but but by by international Governor international speculators, speculators, that that the the policies on which which we we had had fought fought the the election policies on election could could not not be be implemented; implemented: that that

the government government would would be the of Tory politics to to which which itit be forced forced into into the the adoption adoption of Tory politics was that that fact, the was fundamentally fundamentally opposed. opposed. The The Governor Governor confirmed confirmed that that was, was, in in fact, the

case.

case.

‘I asked asked him "I this meant that it for any him if if this meant that it was was impossible impossible for any government, government. whatever hasfought fought an an elecelec whatever its its party party label, label, whatever whatever its its manifesto manifesto on on which which it it has tion, reverted to full-scale Tory policies. tion, to to continue, continue, unless unless itit immediately immediately reveried to full-scale Tory policies. "He because of of the the “He had had to to admit admit that that that that was was what what his his argument argument meant, meant, because

sheer compulsion of the economic dictation those who who exercised exercised decisive decisive sheer compulsion of the economic dictation of of those

economic power." economic power.” No need to say, say, Harold the sound sound advice of Lord Lord No need to Harold Wilson Wilson submitted submitted toto the advice of Cromer about the silly little little things things in Labour's Manifesto. Manifesto. Had Had he he not not Cromer to to forget forget about the silly in Labour’s done so, so, money would not not have been alone alone in in fleeing fleeing the the country; country; itit would would done money would have been have in the the pleasant of the the Wilsons, Wilsons, Callaghans, Callaghans, Jenkins, Jenkins, have been been fleeing fleeing in pleasant company company of Castles, etc. Castles, etc. of of this this world. world.

So, there be no Socialism, for, for, toto quote quote that that well-known well-known ‘socialist’ 'socialist' So, there could could be no Socialism, Wilson again: Wilson once once again: "You cannot cannot go cap inin hand hand to the central central bankers bankers as as the the Tories Tories have have been been to the go cap ‘You

forced to do [and [and as as Wilson Wilson was was forced forced toto do do within within barely barely aa month month and and aa half half to do forced after uttering words -HB] -HB] and and maintain maintain your yourfreedom freedom of ofaction, action, whether whether these words uttering these after

on policies policies maintaining maintainingfull full employment employment here here inin Britain Britain oror even even onon social social polipoli on cies. The The Central Central Bankers Bankers will will before before long long be be demanding demanding [and [and they they did did -- HB] HB] cies.

that Britain Britain puts puts her her house house inin order order and and their their idea idea of ofan an orderly orderly house house usually usually that

means vicious vicious inroads inroads into into the the welfare welfare state state [like [like those those that that took took place place during during means Wilson's Premiership HB], and and aa one-sided one-sidedpay pay pause pause [Wilson’s [Wilson's statutory statutory inin Premiership -- HB], Wilson’s comes comes policy policy -- HB]. HB]. The The Government Government will will then then launch launch into into savage savage cuts. cuts. The The brunt will fall again again on on wages, wages, on on salaries, salaries, on on the the ordinary ordinaryfamily family struggling struggling toto will fall brunt

make ends ends meet.” meet. make

""

How very very true. true. Harold Harold Wilson Wilson made made the the above above remarks remarks inin aa speech speech on on 33 How October, 1964 1964 (less (less than than two two weeks weeks before before the the 1964 1964 General General Election); Election); and and he he October,

184 184

SOCIAL SOCIALDEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

THE ENEMY WITHIN

provedthe thetruth truthofofhishisremark remark onon2424November, November, 1964 1964 (see (seethe theabove-quoted above-quoted re reproved marks from fromhis hisautobiography). autobiography). marks

Socialism can can only only bebe brought brought byby smashing smashing the the bourgeois bourgeois state state machine machine Socialism and establishing establishing the the dictatorship dictatorship ofofthe the proletariat. proletariat. and

view ofof what what has has just just been been stated stated above, InIn view above, we we ask ask the the ISIS gentry: gentry: why why should the the working working class class worry worry whether whether the the Tories Tories or or the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party wins? wins? should Why should should they they be be forced forced toto choose choose between, between, toto borrow borrow your your own own apt apt expres expresWhy

sion, "Tweedledum “Tweedledum and and Tweedledec"? Tweedledec’?? Why Why should should they they bother “bother with with sion,

Parliament” when when you you have have been been telling telling them them all all along along that that Parliament Parliament isis aa Parliament" “‘side-show ’*? Why Why should should they they follow follow the the advice advice of of some some miserable miserable 'social “social"side-show"? ists’ and and vote vote 'Labour' ‘Labour’ despite despite the the "miserable ‘‘miserable history" history” of of 'Labour' ‘Labour’ all all about about ists' which they they have have learnt learnt from from your your pamphlet: pamphlet: 'Can ‘Can Socialism Socialism come come through through Par Parwhich liament?’ 2 Why Why should should the the working working class class believe believe you you now now when when you you say say that that liament?'? the Tories Tories are are attacking attacking democratic democratic rights rights when, when, only only aa few few weeks weeks ago, ago, you you the yourselves in in your your pamphlet pamphiet argued argued against against the the CPGB CPGB in in the the following following lan lanyourselves

guage: "And ‘And neither neither is is it it true true that that the the monopolies monopolies are are attacking attacking 'the ‘the concept concept of of guage:

democracy’. On On the the contrary, great efforts efforts go go into into persuading us that that Parlia Parliademocracy. contrary, great persuading us ment work and and that that voting voting isis worthwhile" worthwhile” (p.21 (p.21 Can ‘Can Socialism Socialism come ment does does work come und ohn through Parliament’, IS's IS’s emphasis). through Parliament', emphasis).

vot

Yes! efforts” are are indeed that ".. "... vot Yes! “Great "Great efforts" indeed being being gone gone into into persuading persuading usus that ing ing isis worthwhile” worthwhile" and and not notjust just byby the the monopolies, monopolies, but but also also byby such such ‘Socialist’ 'Socialist' lackeys ois vultures lackeys ofof the the monopolies monopolies asas the the ISIS and and various various other other petty-bourge petty-bourgeois vultures of ofthe the working-class working-class movement. movement.

So, itit turns turns out out that that what what ISIS had had written written inin itsits pamphlet pamphlet only only aa few few weeks weeks So, ago ago was was aa mere mere polemical polemical sally sally motivated motivated byby reasons reasons ofofjealousy. jealousy. What What they they

had had stated stated were were the the rantings rantings and and ravings ravings ofofthe theopportunist, opportunist, and and hypocritical hypocritical, , petty pettybourgeoisie, bourgeoisie,rather ratherthan thanthetheserious seriousbattle battlecrycry ofofproletarian proletarianrevolutionar revolutionar

ies. ies. Workers Workers who who areare inin thethe least least capable capable ofofthinking thinkingwill will learn learn toto treat treat the the

hypocritical hypocritical rantings rantings ofofthethe ISISforforwhat whatthey theyare, are, namely namely thethe whining whiningofofthethe cowardly d who cowardlyphilistines philistineswho whofear fearrevolution,an revolution,and whohave havenonointention intentionofofpreparprepar

ing ingfor forit.it.

Then Thenthethearticle article‘Vote 'VoteLabour, Labour,Step StepupupthetheFight’, Fight',inintypical typicalphilistine philistinemanman ner, ner,begins beginstotocome comeoutoutwith withsighs sighsandandgroans groansabout aboutLabour Labournotnotfighting fightingthethe election electionononclear clearclass classlines: lines: “If"If Labour Labourtook tookupupthetheTory Torychallenge challengeandandfought foughtthisthiselection electionononclear clear class classlines linesthey theywould wouldwinwin ineasily.” easily."

REVISIONISTS' BETRAYAL TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL & TROTSKYITES' REVISIONISTS’ &

185 185

OF THE STATE OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE STATE

The tries desperately desperately to cling The petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois is is an an incurable incurable utopian. utopian. He He tries to cling to IS are are aa petty-bourpetty-bour to the the hope hope of of getting getting from from life life what what life life cannot cannot give. give. The The IS

geois seen how the ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party geois organisation. organisation. We We have have seen how they they denounced denounced the Party for for its "shortcomings" -- for the working class -- and and yet, yet, in in characcharac its ‘‘shortcomings”’ for its its attacks attacks on on the working class

teristically selfsame ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Party to to teristically petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois manner, manner, they they expect expect this this selfsame "fight expect this this from from aa party party ‘fight this this election election on on clear clear class class lines"! lines’ And And they they expect about this very about whom whom only only six six lines lines further further down down in in this very article article they they write: write: "The for Labour impossible for them to to really attack “The problem problem for Labour is is that that it it is is impossible for them really attack the office many many of of their policies were were identical identical the Tory Tory record. record. When When they they were were inin office their policies

to these same same policies policies would would be be to the the Tories'. Tories’. If If they they were were returned returned now, now, many many of of these re-implemented." re-implemented.”’

"The problem for” for" IS IS is is how the best the most appropriate “The problem how toto find find the best and and the most appropriate 'revolutionary' rotten bourgeois bourgeois content content of of their their politics, politics, to to ‘revolutionary’ phrases phrases to to cloak cloak the the rotten cloak and to imperialism. This This is is obviobvi cloak their their subservience subservience to to social-democracy social-democracy and to imperialism.

ously "problem" for beginning to to realise realise that that the the ously aa great great ‘problem’”’ for them, them, for for people people are are beginning IS no other purpose than to act as aa screen screen to cover the the nana IS and and their their like like serve serve no other purpose than to act as to cover kedness and of of imperialism. imperialism. kedness of of social-democracy social-democracy and The of their further moans moans and and complaints that the the The rest rest of their article article isis devoted devoted to to further complaints that

Labour has no in it, it, how be conducted, conducted, and Labour election election campaign campaign has no life life in how it it should should be and if if Labour TUC leadership up this this challenge then the the socialists socialists Labour and and the the TUC leadership won't won’t take take up challenge then

should do so.

should do so.

"Their to wage wage such campaign multiplies the responsibility responsibility for for ‘Their refusal refusal to such aa campaign multiplies the socialists to fight this on aa class class programme. programme.750 election on class election this class to fight socialists "We on aa Labour vote as as the thefirst first line defence against the against the of defence line of Labour vote insist on to insist have to ‘We have

government offensive. ”’ government offensive.

And, as was toto be expected, the article contains the folfol s the article contain end the the end towards the d, towards And, as was be expecte lowing proviso: fraudulent proviso: lowing fraudulent “No amount of ing with of tamper "No amount tampering with the the system system can can change change this. this. Only Only aa comcom with the so, with plete revolu revolutionary of society society can can do do so, the taking taking of of transformation of tionary transformation plete tion sation of economic power away from the the ruling ruling class class and and the the organi organisation ofproduc production away from economic power it.” for need and not notfor for prof profit." need and for It is the the very first paragraph above) this artic article, rather than the the r than le, rathe e) ofof this (quoted abov paragraph (quoted very first

It is

ics of e of ls the last-quoted remark, which reveals the real real natur nature of the the polit politics of h revea rk, whic fraudulent rema -quoted fraudulent last

the IS. The first paragraph (in conj conjunction the rest rest of of the the artic article) shows le) shows with the unction with graph (in IS. The first para the

that IS are are not not aa socialist organisation but an an orga organisation anti-Tories, -Tories, nisation ofof anti nisation but socialist orga the IS that the

and they their best, all other opportunist anti-Tories masquerading as uerading as rtunist anti -Tories masq and they try try their best, like like all other oppo

WITHIN SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -

186 186

Antido. Anti won’t do. that won't But that Socialism. But off asas Socialism. Socialists, anti-Toryism off their anti-Toryism pass their Socialists, toto pass

Socialism. with Socialism. synonymous with be synonymous cannot be and cannot not and Toryism isis not Toryism

the IS the the IS of the members of the members We for the earn for going toto earn article isis going this article that this believe that We believe

fled toto had fled which had ofwhich vitality of the vitality all the sad ‘“brain{s] all with "brain[s] people with being people of being notoriety of sad notoriety France’). War inin France). ‘Civil War (Marx 'Civil tongue” (Marx the the tongue" To To the the reasons' ‘reasons’ (dealt (dealt with with above) above) given given by by the the IS IS in in the the above above article, article,

they they have have added added three three more more reasons reasons as as toto why why the the working working class class should should vote vote Labour. Labour. At At their their meeting meeting in in Seymour Seymour Hall Hall (see (see above) above) the the IS IS speakers speakers listed listed these these reasons reasons as as follows: follows:-

(1)That (1)That the the Labour Labour Party Party has has been been branded branded as as an an "extremist" “extremist’’ by by the the To Tories, therefore therefore itit isis our our duty, duty, say say the the IS, IS, to to defend defend this this 'e‘extremist’ Labour Party. Party. ries, xtremist' Labour (2)That (2)That the the Labour Labour victory victory would would be be aa 'huge ‘huge morale morale booster' booster’ for for the the work working class. class. ing

(3)That, all problems, will (3)That, although although the the Labour Labour Government Government won't won’t solve solve all problems, it it will make some some differences; differences; that that itit will will repeal repeal the the Industrial Industrial Relations Relations Act, freeze make Act, freeze rents, which which will will constitute constitute real real gains. gains. rents,

As first point, kind of of banality which can can only only repel repel workers workers As to to the the first point, itit isis the the kind banality which who are are in in the who the least least politically politically conscious. conscious. According According toto this this ‘logic’, 'logic', we we should should

be defending Enoch Enoch Powell, Powell, because the Tories Tories call call him him too too extremist extremist (An(An be defending because the thony thony Barber, Barber, Chancellor Chancellor ofof the the Exchequer, Exchequer, called called Mr Mr Powell Powell ‘a"afanatic”’ fanatic" atat the the last last Conservative Conservative Party Party Conference). Conference). InIn making making the the second second point, point, ISIS say say that that the the Labour Labour Government Government would would bebe forced forced back back toto the the same same politics politics asas the the Tories. Tories. But But they they add add that that “ifa "if a Labour Labour Government Government isis in,in, the the working working class class will will bebe more more willing willing toto defend defend itsits standstand ards’’. ards". One One would would have have thought, thought, ononthe the basis basis ofofconcrete concrete historical historical experience, experience,

that that the the working working class class usually usually puts puts upup with with farfar more more attacks attacks onon ititfrom from aa ‘La'La bour’ bour' Government Government than thanfrom from a aConservative Conservativegovernment. government.

Lastly, Lastly, thethe third third point. point. ISIS themselves themselves saysay that that Labour Labour would would actactjust just thethe

same sameasas thethe Tories. Tories. How How then thencan canone one say saythat thatthe theworking workingclass classwill will stand standtoto gainfrom froma aLabour Labourvictory? victory? gain

ISISare aresaying saying“Vote "VoteLabour, Labour,NoNoillusions”’. illusions". But, But,ininthethelight lightofofthetheforegoforego ing, ing, ititisis clear clearthat thatthethe IS,IS, along alongwith withthetheother otheropportunist opportunistorganisations, organisations,areare

engaged engaged inincreating creatinga lot a lotofofillusions illusionsabout aboutthethe ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Party Partybyby saying sayingthethe

next next ‘Labour’ 'Labour' Government Governmentwill willbring bringabout aboutsome some real realgains gainstotothetheworking working

class;just justatata atime timewhen whenweweneed needtotoexpress expresswith withthetheutmost utmostrevolutionary revolutionary class;

ruthlessnessthetherotten rottennature natureofofsocial socialdemocracy democracywhich whichacts actsasasa aprop propforforimim ruthlessness

REVISIONISTS’ & TROTSKYITES’ BETRAYAL

REVISIONISTS' & TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL

187

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OF OF MARXIAN MARXIAN TEACHING TEACHING ON ON THE THE STATE STATE

perialism, from the perialism, what what we we get, get, not not unexpectedly unexpectedly mind mind you, you, from the petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois IS opposite, namely, IS and and suchlike suchlike opportunist opportunist organisations, organisations, is is precisely precisely the the opposite, namely, re reactionary actionary spinelessness. spinelessness. The Group) The Position Position of of the the IMG IMG (International (International Marxist Marxist Group) The sister opportunist The IMG IMG line line is is the the same same as as that that of of its its sister opportunist organisations organisations -- IS, IS, WRP also wants to vote vote Labour Labour in in WRP and and the the CPGB. CPGB. The The IMG IMG also wants the the working working class class to

this what they on this this election. election. Here Here is is what they have have to to say say on this score: score:"The International voting Labour. “The International Marxist Marxist Group Group is is in in favour favour of of people people voting Labour. AA victory for the for the working class, while aa victory victory victory for the Tories Tories would would be be aa defeat defeat for the working class, while Jor Labour Labour would would encourage encourage the the fighting spirit and and self-confidence the work workfor fighting spirit self-confidence of ofthe ers' of the election will will affect not only only ers’ movement. movement. For For this this reason reason the the outcome outcome of the election affect not Parliament struggle outside. "But no no conficonfi Parliament but but also also the the far far more more important important struggle outside. “‘But dence placed in in the the Labour traitors. We say: vote vote Labour. Labour. dence whatsoever whatsoever can can be be placed Labour traitors. We say: But your own own struggles..."('Red Weekly' of of 88 Feb Feb 1974). 1974). But rely rely on on your struggles ...’’ (‘Red Weekly’

The same theme repeated by by the the ‘Red 'Red Weekly' 15 Feb The same theme isis repeated Weekly’ of of 15 Feb 1974, 1974, which which says: says:

"We call for a for Labour victory for for Labour Labour would would in “We call for a vote vote for Labour ... because because aa victory increase crease the the combativity combativity of of the the workers". workers”. This the same vein as talks about This argument argument isis in in the same vein as the the IS IS one one which which talks about the the La Labour acting as working class. class. None bour victory victory acting as a a "morale-booster" ‘‘morale-booster’’ for for the the working None of of these these

opportunists act as as aa morale-booster opportunists explain explain why why aa Labour Labour victory victory would would act morale-booster for for the working class class -- especially thoroughly discreddiscred the working especially when when the the 'Labour' ‘Labour’ Party Party is is thoroughly ited in the working class. The working had plenty plenty of ited in the eyes eyes of of the the working class. The working class class had of morale-boosters in the the last years. morale-boosters -- and and real real ones ones -- in last three three years. The got aa real, real, and phoney, boost boost to to its when The working working class class got and not not aa phoney, its morale morale when the miners winters ago by their their action the government government to to the miners aa couple couple of of winters ago forced forced by action the concede Wilberforce award; class got got aa real, real, not not aa phoney, phoney, concede the the Wilberforce award; the the working working class boost to when the by their their actions actions forced forced the the ruling ruling boost to its its morale morale when the London London dockers dockers by class the working working class class will will get get another another class to to free free the the 55 dockers dockers from from Pentonville; Pentonville; the real its morale from from the the success the present struggle of of the the miners. miners. real boost boost to to its‘morale success of of the present struggle The class does not need boost to to its by the the return return of of The working working class does not need aa phoney phoney boost its morale morale by

yet Government of traitors. yet another another Government of 'Labour' ‘Labour’ traitors. What socialists of of the the IMG and IS are doing confusing their their What the the sham sham socialists IMG and IS are doing is is confusing own needs for for the of the working class; class; itit isis the sham so own petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois needs the needs needs of the working the sham socialists petty-bourgeois philistines who are are in need of of aa phoney phoney cialists and and the the petty-bourgeois philistines who in need

morale-booster, not not the The working working class has had had enough enough of of morale-booster, the working working class. class. The class has

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

188 188

-

THE ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY WITHIN

revolutionar

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revolutionar‘Labour’ traitors and is therefore refusing to vote. The task of the

(which Party (which ‘Labour’ Party the 'Labour' with the masses with the masses iesies isis toto turn disillusionment ofof the the disillusionment turn the

Trerevolutionary re conscious revolutionary into aa conscious striving) into isis aa form socialist striving) unconscious socialist form ofof unconscious

push to push task to our task not our socialism; itit isis not for socialism; and for capitalism and volt monopoly capitalism against monopoly volt against other and other IMG and the IMG But the social-democracy. But of social-democracy. captivity of the captivity into the back into masses back thethe masses

social-democracy toto helping social-democracy feverishly helping in feverishly engaged in are engaged ‘Marxists’ are opportunist 'Marxists' opportunist proletarians. of proletarians. masses of the masses captivate the captivate

is Trotskyists is the Trotskyists of the policy of the policy that the foregoing that the foregoing from the emerges from Thus, itit emerges Thus, timefrom time Trotskyists from the Trotskyists Though the revisionists. Though the revisionists. of the that of as that opportunist as as opportunist just as just

to-time pay pay lip lip service service toto the the need to-time need to to smash smash the the bourgeois bourgeois state, their their practice practice

not is not social-democracy. ItIt is of social-democracy. supporters of biggest supporters the biggest of the one of are one they are that they shows that shows the mention the ever mention Trotskyites ever the Trotskyites nor the revisionists nor the revisionists neither the that neither accidental that accidental They proletariat ’’. They the proletariat". of the “dictatorship of the "dictatorship of the establishment of the establishment for the fight for to fight need to need

devil the devil like the expression like this expression shun this they shun but they expressions, but vague expressions, of vague kinds of all kinds have all have water. holy water. shuns holy shuns

says: Lenin says: Lenin ise only “*... Those Those who who recogn le are the class class strugg ts; they not yet "... recognise only the struggle are not yet Marxis Marxists; they

ries of bourthinking and bourgeois thinking of bourgeois within the be still to be be found may may be found to still within the bounda boundaries and bour

sm toto the e Marxi s. To struggle means of the doctrine of To confin geois geois politic politics. confine Marxism the doctrine the class class struggle means ng itit to ing it,it, reduci ing Marxism, table hing which Marxism, distort curtail curtailing distorting reducing to somet something which isis accep acceptable oisie. to the bourge t who s the who extend to the bourgeoisie. Only Only he he isis aa Marxis Marxist extends the recogn recognition of the the ition of

orship of ariat. This ition of le toto the class class strugg struggle the recogn recognition ofthe the dictat dictatorship of the the prolet proletariat. This isis

n the t and nd differ utes the ence betwee what what constit constitutes the most mostprofou profound difference between the Marxis Marxist and the the oror

dinary ois. This tone onon which dinarypetty petty (as (as well well asas big) big) bourge bourgeois. This isis the the touchs touchstone which real real

sm isis toto bebe tested ition of ... ’’ (State ‘standing and a understanding andrecogn recognition ofMarxi Marxism tested..." (State and and RevoRevo On) lution)

ly clear onists areare “still yists and ItItisisperfect perfectly clearthat thatthe theTrotsk Trotskyists and revisi revisionists "still within within the the

ries ofofbourge ois thinki bounda ng and ois politi cs”, that boundaries bourgeois thinking and bourge bourgeois politics", that they they are are not not ts, but ry petty Marxis ois. They ing oppor tunMarxists, butordina ordinary petty (not (notbig) big)bourge bourgeois. Theyare arespread spreading opportun

g-class movem ism ent, and utionaries toto ism ininthetheworkin working-class movement, andititisis the thejob jobofoftrue true revol revolutionaries

unism for t imper ialism isis a a sham fight fight against against their theiropport opportunism for ‘‘the thefight fightagains against imperialism sham

g unless and rably bound t oppor anda ahumbu humbug unlessititisisinsepa inseparably boundupupwith with the thefight fightagains against oppor lism’). t Stage ialism, thetheHighes ”’ (Lenin, tunism tunism" (Lenin, ‘Imper 'Imperialism, Highest StageofofCapita Capitalism').

kyists equally clearthat, that,despite despitethetheverbal verbalfights fightsininwhich whichthetheTrots Trotskyists y clear ItItisisequall t inin st the e from time engag engage from timeto totime timeagain against the CPGB, CPGB,there thereis isnotnota asingle singlerespec respect onists, whom , nt from which whichthey theyareareany anydiffere different fromororbetter betterthan thanthetheCPGB CPGBrevisi revisionists, whom

ists. de Stalin, t Comra r agains yists, bybyway thetheTrotsk Trotskyists, wayofofslande slander against Comrade Stalin,callcallStalin Stalinists.

REVISIONISTS' && TROTSKYITES’ TROTSKYITES' BETRAYAL BETRAYAL REVISIONISTS’ OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE OF MARXIAN TEACHING ON THE STATE

189 189

The difference is that of of form. form. The The CPGB CPGB are are open open capitulators; capitulators; the the The only only difference is that Trotskyists on on the the other other hand, hand, are are disguised disguised capitulators. capitulators. Just Just as as the the BukBuk Trotskyists harinites and Trotskyites joined joined in in aa counter-revolutionary counter-revolutionary bloc bloc in in the the USSR USSR to to harinites and Trotskyites oppose the the revolutionary revolutionary line line of of the the CPSU(B) CPSU(B) headed headed by by Comrade Comrade Stalin, Stalin, so so oppose

the revisionists revisionists of of the CPGB and and the the Trotskyists Trotskyists inin Britain Britain invariably invariably join join the the CPGB forces and form form aa bloc bloc to to defeat defeat revolutionary revolutionary politics. politics. Anyone Anyone who who isis atat all all acac forces and quainted with class movement, movement, the the students’ students' movement, movement, the the quainted with the the working working class

women's liberation movement, and and the the Indo-China Indo-China Solidarity Solidarity Movement Movement isis women’s liberation movement, bound to to know know this. The Trotskyists Trotskyists as as well well as as the the revisionists revisionists attack attack Comrade Comrade bound this. The Stalin; both refuse recognise the the dictatorship dictatorship of of the the proletariat; proletariat; they they Stalin; they they both refuse to to recognise both those countries in which which there the dictatorship dictatorship of of the the proletariat; proletariat; both attack attack those countries in there isis the they social-democracy and and imperialism. imperialism. We We know know already already how how they both both embellish embellish social-democracy the CPGB plans to the next next Labour Labour government government (if (if Labour Labour wins wins the the elecelec the CPGB plans to make make the tion) keep to promise to to carry out aa “left "left policy’’. policy". ItIt says says: tion) keep to its its promise carry out :

"Every communist vote is is a vote for for aa new new type type of ofLabour Labour government, government, one one “Every communist vote a vote which stand up business... which will will stand up toto big big business ...”’ >>

"We going to such aa government . we are much much more more likely likely to to “We are are going to need need such government .... we are ....

get it it if ifthere communist MPs MPs in Parliament. get there are are communist in Parliament.”’

""

This the position of what what the Trotskyists would call the the ‘Stalinist’ 'Stalinist' This is is the position of the Trotskyists would call

CPGB. the position of the anti-Stalinist IMG? IMG? CPGB. What, What, then, then, we we may may enquire, enquire, isis the position of the anti-Stalinist

We the anti-Stalinist anti-Stalinist IMG Trotskyists isis every every bit bit asas We find find that that the the position position of of the IMG Trotskyists 'Stalinist' of the what the the IMG IMG says says on the question question unun “Stalinist’ as as that that of the CPGB. CPGB. Here Here is is what on the der der discussion: discussion:

"But candidates will will be be the the clearest clearest call call of ofall for “But a a vote vote for for revolutionary revolutionary candidates all for escalating against the scabbing of ofparliamentarians. parliamentarians. The The epitome epitome escalating the the struggle struggle against the scabbing

of Ross [IMG [IMG candidate] will be be fightfight of such such aa scab scab is is Reg Reg Prentice, Prentice, whom whom John John Ross candidate] will ing ing in in Newham. Newham.”’ ""

Just to: AA Right-wing Labour Gov Just as as the the revisionist revisionist formula formula boils boils down down to: Right-wing Labour Government of the so the the Trotskyist Trotskyist emment + + Jimmy Jimmy Reid Reid =the the Dictatorship Dictatorship of the Proletariat, Proletariat, so =

IMG comes down Government ++ John Ross IMG formula formula comes down to: to: A A Right-wing Right-wing Labour Labour Government John Ross (or (or Tariq Tariq Ali) Ali) = = the the Dictatorship Dictatorship of of the the Proletariat. Proletariat. The except over over the the The WRP WRP has has no no differences differences with with the the 'Stalinist' ‘Stalinist?’ CPGB CPGB except question there should Government committed "social question whether whether there should be be aa Labour Labour Government committed toto “social-

ist ist policies" policies’’ or or committed committed to to "left “left policies". policies”. All the CPGB CPGB is is not not Stalinist. To be be aa Stalinist Stalinist All this this goes goes to to show show that that the Stalinist. To

means means to to be be aa revolutionary revolutionary Marxist-Leninist; Marxist-Leninist; it it means means to to fight fight for for the the Dictator Dictator-

190 190

SOCIAL SOCIAL, DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

THE - THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

-

ship ship of of the the Proletariat Proletariat and and to to defend defend it.it. If If the the CPGB CPGB were were Stalinist, Stalinist, itit would would be be

impossible for for itit to to have have aa policy policy which which was was roughly roughly the the same same as as that that of of the the impossible Trotskyists; itit would would be be impossible impossible for for them them to to co-operate co-operate with with each each other other the the Trotskyists; way they way they actually actually do. do. No, No, the the CPGB CPGB are are not not aa 'Stalinist' ‘Stalinist’ Party. Party. They They are are aa rot rotten ten revisionist revisionist Party. Party. And, And, that that being being the the case, case, similarity similarity between between their their policy policy and the the policy policy of of the the Trotskyists, Trotskyists, and and co-operation co-operation between between them, them, is is not not only only and possible possible but but inevitable. inevitable. Both Both of of them them -the the open open (revisionist) (revisionist) and and disguised disguised (Trotskyist) (Trotskyist) opportunists opportunists are are the the agents agents of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in in the the proletarian proletarian movement. The The kind kind of of 'socialism' ‘socialism’ they movement. they are are fighting fighting for for is is clear clear from from the the above. What What 'Socialism' ‘Socialism’ means means to above. to Trotskyists, Trotskyists, for for example, example, is is clear clear from from the the wholehearted support support they they have have always always rendered wholehearted rendered to to the the counter-revolutionary counter-revolutionary CIA-led Hungarian Hungarian uprising uprising of of 1956. 1956. The The inspirers CIA-led inspirers of of that that counter-revolution counter-revolutionary uprising uprising were were the ary the CIA, CIA, Cardinal Cardinal Mintzenty Mintzenty and and the the Roman Roman Catholic Catholic -

Church, and and the the reactionary reactionary former Church, former landlords landlords and and bourgeois bourgeois classes classes of of Hun Hungary. No doubt doubt some workers took took part part in gary. No some workers it; that, however, could turn it in it; that, however, could not not tum it

into aa revolutionary revolutionary uprising uprising any more than into any more than the the participation participation by by some some workers workers

in the Kronstadt Kronstadt rebellion rebellion against against the in the the latter latter rebelrebel the Bolshevik Bolshevik regime regime turned turned the lion into aa revolutionary lion into revolutionary uprising. uprising.

The Trotskyists Trotskyists and The and revisionist revisionist fraternity are not not socialists. socialists. They They represent represent fraternity are

aa “heap petty bourgeois been collected "heap of ofpetty bourgeois refuse’’ refuse" which which has has been collected over over many many decdec ades. ades. Our Our task task isis to to work work hard hard to to expose expose and and to to remove remove these these opportunist opportunist ‘socialist’ for “the 'socialist' leaders, leaders, for "the proletariat proletariat cannot cannot perform perform its its epoch-making epoch-making emaneman cipatory cipatory mission mission unless unless itit removes removes these these [philistine] [philistine] leaders leaders from from its its path, path, unless (Lenin, ‘Greetings unless itit sweeps sweeps them them out out of ofits its way... way... ’’"(Lenin, 'Greetings toto the the Hungarian Hungarian Workers’). Workers').

To To sum sum up. up. ItIt isis clear clear that that the the slogan: slogan: ‘A'A General General Election Election toto kick kick out out the the Tories Government committed Tories and and toto elect elect aa Labour Labour Government committed toto Left Left policies’ policies' isis aa sloslo

gan adopted adopted by by the the revisionists revisionists asas well well asas by by the the Trotskyists. Trotskyists. ItIt isis equally equally clear clear gan that that this this slogan slogan ofof the the revisionist, revisionist, Trotskyist Trotskyist gang gang isis anan opportunist opportunist slogan, slogan, for for itit substitutes substitutes the the fight fight against against the the Tories Tories for for the the fight fight against against Imperialism, Imperialism, and, and, therefore, therefore, constitutes constitutes aa betrayal betrayal ofof the the working working class. class. No No amount amount ofof rhetoric rhetoric can hide hide this this truth! truth! can

Part Three Part Three

The Coal Strike of of The Coal Strike 1984-85 1984 - 85

"British ... primarily primarily because because the miners have “British capital capital attacked attacked the the miners miners ... the miners have always of the British propro always been, been, and and still still remain, remain, the the advanced advanced detachment detachment of the British letariat. this advanced detach letariat. It It was was the the strategy strategy of of British British capital capital to to curb curb this advanced detach-

ment, order then, ment, to to lower lower their their wages wages and and lengthen lengthen their their working working day, day, in in order then, having having settled settled accounts accounts with with this this main main detachment, detachment, to to make make the the other other de detachments class also tachments of of the the working working class also toe toe the the line." line." J.V.Stalin J.V.Stalin apropos apropos the the 1926 1926 British British General General Strike Strike

"The "The Scargill Scargill affair affair depended depended on on aa coincidence coincidence of of purpose purpose between between an an ex exotic otic array array of of interests, interests, foremost foremost among among which which were were the the Thatcher Thatcher admini admini-

stration stration and and the the Labour Labour leadership" leadership"

S.Milne ('The S.Milne (’The Enemy Enemy Within') Within’)

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

193

193

LALKAR July July 1983 1983 LALKAR

Tories seeking confron Tories seeking confrontation with the the tation with miners miners Arthur Scargill, President of of the the National National Union Union of of Mineworkers, Mineworkers, has has for for Arthur Scargill, President some been warming warning Britain's coal miners miners that that the the National National Coal Coal Board Board some time time been Britain’s coal (NCB) close 70 pits, which which itit regards regards as as being being uneconomic, uneconomic, (NCB) was was planning planning toto close 70 pits, with of 70,000 70,000 jobs. jobs. with the the loss loss of

The coal coal miners’ miners' leader’s leader's warnings warnings were were characcharac The

terised talk by by the press, the the NCB NCB and and the the government government alike. alike. terised asas alarmist alarmist talk the press, The election over, the the Monopolies Commission has has published published its its recomrecom The election over, Monopolies Commission mendations call for the closure closure of of precisely precisely the the 70 70 pits pits and and entailing entailing aa mendations which which call for the job the 70,000 70,000 that that Mr Mr Scargill Scargill had had been been at at pains pains to to drive drive job loss loss of of precisely precisely the home. home.

This is tragic for for the workers in in the the coal coal industry industry facing facing the the This is not not only only tragic the workers executioner's but is is also also the the height of lunacy in economic economic terms, terms, for, for, as as executioner’s axe, axe, but height of lunacy in Scargill pointed out, the closure of these these uneconomic pits will will cost cost the the taxtax Scargill has has pointed out, the closure of uneconomic pits payer billion, whereas whereas keeping keeping them them open will cost cost only only £2 £2 billion! billion! In In payer £4.3 £4.3 billion, open will other far more the uneconomic uneconomic pits. pits. This This other words, words, it it will will be be far more uneconomic uneconomic to to close close the example of the the madhouse madhouse economics economics of of capitalism. example is is typical typical of capitalism.

The doubtless wish to pass pass all losses on on to the shoulders shoulders The NCB NCB would would doubtless wish to all these these losses to the of coal industry. industry. Encouraged Encouraged by Conservative of the the remaining remaining workers workers in in the the coal by the the Conservative election its next Ian MacGregor, MacGregor, isis expected expected election victory, victory, the the NCB, NCB, under under its next Chairman Chairman Ian to stance on miners will will be be to take take aa tough tough stance on the the miners' miners’ pay pay negotiations. negotiations. ritain's Britain’s miners

expected their living standards, with with aa proposed wage inin expected to to take take a a cut cut in in their living standards, proposed basic basic wage crease inflation. The The low offer, the the crease of of little little more more than than half half the the rate rate of of inflation. low pay pay offer, appointment of appointment Ian MacGregor NCB, an an of that that butcher butcher Ian MacGregor as as the the Chairman Chairman of of the the NCB, acceleration and with expected to 60 million million acceleration of of pit pit closures closures and with coal coal stocks stocks expected to reach reach 60

tonnes of 66 months’ months' supply supply for domes tonnes by by this this December December (being (being the the equivalent equivalent of for domestic use), use), all all the the signs signs are are that that the the Tories and the the NCB NCB are preparing to to challenge tic Tories and are preparing challenge

the defeat on Writing in Busi the mineworkers mineworkers and and to to inflict inflict aa decisive decisive defeat on them. them. Writing in the the Business Taylor, its its Labour ness Section Section of of the the Observer Observer of of 19 19 June, June, 1983, 1983, Mr Mr Robert Robert Taylor, Labour Editor, Editor, says: says: "In seem to to be be "In the the aftermath aftermath of of their their election election landslide, landslide, the the Conservatives Conservatives seem

in life, and and in the the mood mood to to confront confront the the miners miners with with the the grim grim economic economic facts facts of of life, risk risk aa showdown." showdown."

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

194 194

-

accept or accept fight, or and fight, up and IfIf this stand up to stand have to will have mineworkers will the mineworkers happens the this happens increasingly aa reversion reversion toto conditions conditions and and pay pay norms norms decidedly decidedly of of the the pre-2nd pre-2nd increasingly

world war war era. era. What What isis at at stake stake isis not not just just the the future future of of the the coal coal industry industry and and of of world the workers workers in in it, it, important important though though they they are, are, but but the the very very conditions conditions of of exist existthe

that that in in taking taking on on the the mineworkers mineworkers they they had had bitten bitten off off more more than than they they could could

a,

ence ence of of the the entire entire working working class. class. Miners Miners are are still still the the most most advanced advanced detachment detachment of of the the British British working working class, class, and and the the Tories Tories may may yet yet live live to to learn learn

11197 200

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THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

195

195

LALKAR April 1984

LALKAR April 1984

Government Government and and NCB NCB declare declare class class war war on on miners miners The overwhelming overwhelming majority majority of of Britain's Britain’s miners miners have The have been been out out on on strike strike for for just are closed. closed. pits are coal pits 170 coal country’s 170 the country's of the out of 140 out and 140 weeks, and three weeks, over three just over

the by the remarks made the remarks from the gauged from be gauged may be dispute may this dispute of this significance of The significance The made by British imperialspokesmen of representative spokesmen most representative the most of the one of Times, one Sunday Times, Sunday of British imperial ism. devoted to to ostensibly devoted was ostensibly which was March, which 18 March, of 18 column of leader column its leader In its ism. In SunTuesday, the previous Tuesday, the previous budget the Lawson’s budget Nigel Lawson's Chancellor Nigel welcoming Chancellor welcoming the Sun National Union of the President of the President Scargill, the Arthur Scargill, Mr Arthur compared Mr Times compared day Times day the National Union of of

dicArgentinian fascist the erstwhile General Galtieri, to General (NUM), to Mineworkers (NUM), Mineworkers Galtieri, the erstwhile Argentinian fascist dic important though welcome and that welcome say that to say on to went on and went tator, and tator, and important though Lawson’s Lawson's budget budget chronically depressed the chronically of the improvement of for improvement was for was depressed British British economy, economy, even even more more

important was the defeat of of the His remark hardly toto remark isis hardly His NUM. the NUM. the defeat success was its success for its important for be at, for for ever ever since the working appeared on on the historical stage stage the historical class appeared working class since the surprised at, be surprised as with its distinct entity entity and and its distinct political programme political programme its distinct its distinct class, with separate class, as aa separate safeguarding and for for safeguarding and advancing advancing its its own own economic economic and and political political interests, interests, the the the world the bourgeois cry cry of of the bourgeois all all over over the world has has been been that that the the enemy enemy atat home home (the (the more dangerous proletariat) proletariat) isis more dangerous than than the the enemy enemy abroad. abroad. ItIt was was so so atat the the time time of of the Paris Commune, Commune, when when the the French French bourgeoisie bourgeoisie was was happy happy toto commit commit treatrea the Paris son against against the the French French nation nation by by surrendering surrendering toto the the Prussian Prussian invaders invaders in in return return son for the the latter's support in in suppressing suppressing the the Commune, Commune, and and itit has has been been so so since since latter’s support for then. then. From the the leading leading article article of of the the Sunday Sunday Times, Times, and and from from the the remarks remarks of of From other official official and and unofficial unofficial bourgeois bourgeois spokesmen, spokesmen, itit isis clear clear that that the the bourgeoibourgeoi other sie have, have, through through their their attack attack on on the the NUM NUM and and their their declared declared determination determination to to sie defeat the the coal coal strike, strike, declared declared aa class class war war against against the the entire entire British British working working defeat

class, not not just just the the miners. miners. InIn the the light light of of this this itit isis strange strange toto hear hear complaints complaints class, from British British imperialist imperialist media media that that Arthur Arthur Scargill, Scargill, inin an an interview interview with with the the from London Correspondent Correspondent of of the the Soviet Soviet paper paper Trud Trud (Labour), (Labour), had had spoken spoken cf of the the London miners’ miners' strike strike asas aa class class war. war. These These bourgeois bourgeois gentlemen gentlemen are arejokers, jokers, for for they they think think that that they they have have the the sole sole prerogative prerogative ofof waging waging aa class class war, war, that that they they can can wage wage aa class class war war against against the the working working class, class, but but the the latter latter must must not not declare, declare, let let alone alone wage wage inin earnest, earnest, aa Class class war war against against the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. As As aa matter matter ofoffact, fact,

a

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said: he said: what he This isis what war’. This ‘class war'. expression 'class Scargill the expression used the never used Scargill never big the big and the stockbrokers, and businessmen, stockbrokers, that businessmen, know that and know see and workers see "The “The workers

penage pen old age an old than an wine than of wine bottle of on aa bottle more on spend more easily spend proprietors easily press proprietors press

of barrel of the barrel isis the this is speaking, this Figuratively speaking, week. Figuratively for aa week. on for live on to live gets to sioner gets sioner anger.” miners’ anger." by miners' exploded by been exploded has been which has social gunpowder which social gunpowder ScarMr Scar that Mr not that is not thing is sad thing the sad class, the working class, From the working of the standpoint of the standpoint From the gill and explosions and social explosions to social leading to conditions leading the conditions of the implicitly, of albeit implicitly, spoke, albeit gill spoke, such all such avoid all studiously avoid days studiously these days leaders these working-class leaders that working-class but that wars, but class wars, class references.

references.

Why Why the the coal coal strike? strike?

In many many ways ways the the present present strike strike has has been been forced forced on on the the NUM NUM by by the the Na NaIn

tional tional Coal Coal Board Board (NCB) (NCB) and and the the government, government, who who want want to to defeat defeat the the miners miners at at any any cost, cost, for for at at the the moment moment only only the the miners miners stand stand in in the the way way of of the the government government and and in de and the the whole whole of of the the employing employing class class in in achieving achieving complete complete victory victory and in deressing still living standards of the working class. pressing still further further the the living standards of the British British working class. This must be of economic economic depression, depression, This strike strike must be seen seen against against the the background background of

which, the consequent consequent emasculation emasculation of of which, with with its its 3.25 3.25 million millien unemployed unemployed and and the the leadership, has has produced, temporarily at at least, least, aa state state of of dede the economist economist TUC TUC leadership, produced, temporarily

moralisation the working moralisation in in the working class. class. The The impotence impotence of of the the TUC TUC leadership leadership has has been shown again and and again again through through its its failure failure toto mobilise mobilise the the working working class class been shown again against anti-working class against unemployment, unemployment, against against anti-working class and and anti-union anti-union legislation, legislation,

SE

against against the the lowering lowering of of living living standards, standards, against against war-mongering war-mongering and and even even against against union union busting busting atat the the Cheltenham Cheltenham GCHQ. GCHQ. Thus Thus only only the the miners, miners, with with their their long long and and proud proud tradition tradition ofof determined determined struggle struggle and and class class solidarity solidarity stand stand inin the the way. way.

British monopoly monopoly capitalism, capitalism, ininorder order toto bebe successful successful ininthe the game game ofof interinter British national competition competition for formarkets, markets, has has had had toto bring bringdown down the the cost costofofproduction, production, national

has had had toto shed shedjobs, jobs, restructure restructure industry industry and and increase increase the the productivity productivity ofof lala has bour. In In other other words, words, itit has has toto cheapen cheapen the the cost cost ofof labour labour power power oror depress depress bour. wages wages and and thus thus the the living living standards standards ofof working working people. people. The The stakes stakes are are exex tremely tremely high, high, and and the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie isis not not going going toto give give upup this this struggle struggle easily, easily, and and therefore therefore the the present present coal coal strike strike can can byby nono means means bebe regarded regarded asas a a mere mere

skirmishofofthe the type type that thatisis a anever-ending never-endingcharacteristic characteristicofofthe the capitalist capitalist mode mode skirmish ofofproduction. production. The miners minersare area ahard hardnut nuttotocrack, crack,and andthe thegovernment governmentand andthe theNCB NCBknow know The this. this. SoSo they they have havebeen beenmaking makingthe the maximum maximumofofpreparations preparationstotoprovoke provoke the the

IN

THE COAL STRIKE OF

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miners into strike action at a time that the government and the NCB think are

most favourable for them to inflict a mortal blow against the NUM. Knowing that the winter was coming to a close, that coal stocks stood at a record 24 mil-

lion tons, the NCB made a derisory offer of a wage increase of 5. 2%, telling the NUM to take it or leave it. The NUM responded by an overtime ban which, contrary to the claims of the NCB, resulted in 20 weeks in a loss of out-

put to the order of 9. 5 million tonnes and 4. 4 million tonnes of sales. The net financial loss to the NCB was £135 million. It was in conditions like these that Ian MacGregor, Chairman of the NCB, gave notice that 4 million tonnes will be cut from capacity bringing it down to 97.4 million tonnes, with the loss of

around 20, 000 jobs . This is on top of the 20, 000 that the NCB made redundant in the financial year 1983-4 through trickery, inducement and bribery, which sadly so many workers shortsightedly fell for. The strategy of the NCB and of the entire bourgeoisie was to isolate the miners in militant areas, for example Yorkshire, South Wales and Kent, from those in the so-called moderate areas, such as Notts, and to isolate the NUM

from the rest of the organised labour movement, and combine all this with a barrage of propaganda, police intimidation and more bribery to miners to agree to further redundancies, and force the NUM to hold a national strike ballot with

the hope that such a ballot will fail to get the necessary 55% support. But to the great disappointment of the NCB, the NUM have so far avoided falling into this trap and have instead adopted the very intelligent and perfectly

legitimate tactic of calling on the regions to go on strike against the pit closures. Striking miners have picketed pits which had not done so and the reaction of the bourgeois state to this perfectly lawful activity has been to tum large areas of the country into a para-military state.

The police action against

the miners has been almost unbelievable in its ferocity and magnitude. Not only has there been massive and brutal force used by the police on the picket lines, but also people have been harassed hundreds of miles away from the

scene of picketing just on the suspicion of being miners on their way to picket lines. Mr Mick McGahey, the Vice President of the NUM, has quite correctly remarked that the “NCB’s use of force, fear and intimidation to try to secure pit closures was the beginning of a totalitarian state in our country."

In fact the police tactics were so outrageous that when that despicable and revolting bourgeois flunkey, Home Secretary Leon Brittan, tried to justify the

police action in the name of ’the right to work’ (sick joke, coming as it does from a nember of the government which has vresided over a record increase in

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unemployment). unemployment).

mebourgeois me the bourgeois of the rest of Even the rest like the which like Guardian, which the Guardian, Even the

more no more itself no restrain itself could restrain defeated, could dia, NUM defeated, the NUM see the to see like to dearly like would dearly dia, would terms: following terms: the following in the 1984 in April 1984 on 33 April article on and leading article its leading in its wrote in and wrote

accumulating is accumulating evidence is dispute, evidence this dispute, in this passes in that passes day that "For every day with every “For with conbe con should be event should any event in any but in legal but be legal not be may not or may may or that may of activity that police activity of police controversy original controversy The original sidered society. The democratic society. in aa democratic outrageous in quite outrageous sidered quite over the the miners miners stopped stopped at at the the Dartford Dartford tunnel, tunnel, and and whether whether the the police police warned warned over them them of of possible possible trouble trouble or or threatened threatened them them with with arrest, arrest, has has faded faded into into the the shadow shadow in in view view of of what what has has been been claimed claimed and and reported reported since since then. then.

"For there there can can be be no no doubt doubt that that the the police police are are threatening threatening the the miners miners with with "For arrest if if they they cross cross the the county county boundaries boundaries into into Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire. ... .. . The The county county arrest has has been been virtually virtually sealed sealed off. off. Journalists Journalists are are having having to to produce produce their their press press passes simply simply in in order order to to proceed proceed down down the the roads. roads. AA clergyman clergyman in in aa car car was was passes stopped from from crossing crossing the the border, border, and and the the police police apparently apparently told told him him that that his stopped his dog-collar might might be be aa disguise. disguise. Four Four miners miners from Doncaster who who were were turned turned dog-collar from Doncaster away from from the the Clipstone Clipstone pit say they they were were arrested arrested while while having having a a drink drink and a away pit say and a game of of darts darts inin aa Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire pub, were held held in in police police cells three game pub, and and were cells for for three hours before before being being released released without without being being charged. hours charged.

"The lack of of charges charges inin such cases is is important "The lack such cases important because because itit demonstrates demonstrates that offence has has been been committed. that no no offence committed. "But there there isis evidence of an an even even worse worse assault assault on on basic basic liberties. liberties. At At "But evidence of Mansfield police police station, station, miners miners say say they they were questioned by by officers officers -- thought thought Mansfield were questioned to be to be special special branch branch -- on on how how they they had had voted voted at at the the general general election, election, how how they they would choose choose between between Communist Communist and and Conservative Conservative parties, who they they had had would parties, who voted votedfor for as as president president of of the the NUM, NUM, which which newspapers newspapers they they read. read. What What had had any any of this do with with the the police? police? Who, Who, inin fact fact were were these these officers officers and and toto whom whom of this toto do were they they accountable? accountable? ... ...Isall this information information being being stored stored on on police police comcom were all this puters along along with with the the car car numbers numbers of ofminers miners who who have have committed committed no no offence offence atat puters all? all? The The Home Home Secretary Secretary has has said said that thatfreedom freedom isis vulnerable vulnerable toto those those who who colcol

laborate toto deny deny the the citizen citizen his his basic basic human human rights rights toto work, work, toto vote vote and and toto go go laborate about his his lawful lawful business. business. But ButMr Mr Brittan’s Brittan's government government has has not not exactly exactly helped helped about millions with with their their basic basic right right toto work; work; isis about about toto abolish abolish municipal municipal elections; elections; millions and and sanctions sanctions police police interference interference with with lawful lawful travel travel around around the the country. country. Must Must

we we conclude conclude he he was was talking talking about about himself?" himself?"

But with with this this sole sole and and honourable honourable exception exception the the rest rest ofof the the media media have have But either either maintained maintained aa shameful shameful silence silence over over police police brutality brutality and and intimidation intimidation or, or, worse worse still, still, zealously zealously applauded applauded the the police police action. action. And And these these Fleet Fleet Street Street prospros

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titutes titutes wish wish toto bebe taken taken seriously seriously when when they they pose pose asas the the defenders defenders and and upholduphold ers of the democratic liberties of the Polish working class! ers of the democratic liberties of the Polish working class! the tactics tactics ofofpolice police brutality brutality have have been been counter-productive, counter-productive, equally equally unun IfIf the successful have have been been the the bourgeois bourgeois attempts attempts toto isolate isolate the the NUM NUM from from other other successful unions. For For asas we we go go toto press, press, the the National National Union Union of ofSeamen, Seamen, ASLEF, ASLEF, the the train train unions. drivers' union, union, and and the the T&GWU T&GWU have have promised promised toto support support the the NUM NUM byby refusrefus drivers’

ing toto move move coal coal and and byby respecting respecting picket picket lines’. lines¹. InIn view view ofof such such solidarity solidarity ing from other other unions, unions, itit isis all all the the sadder, sadder, therefore, therefore, that that the the Notts Notts miners miners have have from overturned the the recommendations recommendations ofof their their area area executive executive council council that that picket picket overturned lines lines must must be be respected. respected. ItIt isis much much toto be be hoped hoped that that the the Notts Notts miners miners will will soon soon be able able toto realise realise that that the the miners miners on on strike strike are are asas much much fighting fighting for for the the miners miners be of Nottinghamshire as for for miners miners inin other other areas. areas. Nay, Nay, more more than than that, that, they they are are of Nottinghamshire as fighting fighting for for the the entire entire working working class. class. IfIf the the miners miners lose lose this this fight fight every every worker worker in the the country country would would live live to to regret regret the the day. day. in As long ago ago as as June June 1926, 1926, Joseph Joseph Stalin Stalin remarked, remarked, apropos apropos the the 1926 1926 BritBrit As long

ish General Strike:

ish General Strike:

"British "British capital capital attacked attacked the the miners miners not not only only because because the the mining mining industry industry is need of of ’rationalisation’, 'rationalisation', but but primarily primarily is badly badly equipped equipped technically technically and and isis inin need because the the miners miners have have always always been, and still still remain, the advanced because been, and remain, the advanced detachdetach ment strategy of of British British capital capital to to curb curb ment of of the the British British proletariat. proletariat. It It was was the the strategy this their working this advanced advanced detachment, detachment, to to lower lower their their wages wages and and lengthen lengthen their working day, with this main detachment, make day, in in order order then, then, having having settled settled accounts accounts with this main detachment, to to make

the other other detachments detachments of of the the working working class class also toe the the line." line." the also toe Every word word in in the the remarks remarks quoted quoted immediately immediately above above is is not not only only true true but Every but has has aa topical topical ring ring about about it. it. At At the the time time of of the the General General Strike Strike of of 1926, 1926, the the min miners, ers, who who were were in in the the front front line, line, were were defeated defeated thanks thanks to to the the venality, venality, cowardice cowardice

and spinelessness spinelessness of of the the TUC TUC leadership. leadership. They They have have now and now re-emerged, re-emerged, after after aa period between between the the 1950s 1950s and and early early 1970s 1970s when when the the mining mining industry industry was was run run period down down in in the the face face of of cheap cheap oil, oil, with with the the resultant resultant reduction reduction in in the the workforce workforce from from 500, 500, 000 000 toto 252, 252, 000, 000, to to show show that that they they are are still still the the proud proud bearers bearers of of the the

British working-class working-class standard. standard. ItIt isis not not surprising, surprising, with with their their history history of of unity unity British and and staunch staunch fighting fighting tradition, tradition, that that itit should should be be the the miners miners who who now now take take on on the the brunt brunt of of the the government's government’s and and employers' employers’ assault. assault.

1

1

Sadly, this this was was not not to to last last long long (note Sadly, ( note to to present present edition) edition)

200

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WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

render should render class should working class Learning British working the British 1926, the of 1926, defeat of the defeat from the Learning from The win. The them win. help them and help NUM and the NUM brethren inin the their brethren support toto their of support the utmost of the utmost their strengthen their members, strengthen their members, mobilise their they mobilise provided they win provided will win and will can and miners can miners

ties leadthose lead expose those to expose able to are able unions, are and unions, industries and other industries in other workers in with workers ties with ers simply or simply cowardly, or or cowardly, venal, or either venal, are either who are TUC who the TUC and the NUM and the NUM in the ers in spineless, and, and, provided provided that thai they they are are able able to to turn turn the spineless, the struggle struggle into into aa political political

struggle -- and and this this in in the the final final analysis analysis must struggle must involve involve challenging challenging the the authority authority of the the government government and and raising raising the the question question of of power. of power.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 1984-85 - 85 COAL STRIKEOF THE

201 201

LALKAR May May 1984 1984 LALKAR

May Day Re Resolution solution y Day Ma Support the Mi Miners ners pport the Su As the working class class ofof Britain Britain approaches this year’s year's May May Day, Day,the the coalcoal approaches this the working As

miners' strike strike enters enters its eighth week. week. When When this this strike strike started started inin the the first first week week its eighth miners’

en nt spokesm of March, National Coal Coal Board Board (NCB), (NCB), various various Governme Government spokesmen the National March, the of

and the press had had confidentl confidently and arrogantly arrogantly predicted predicted its its swift swift colcol y and bourgeois press the bourgeois and the lapse. The The NCB NCB and and the the Governme Government had expected expected the the large large coal coal stocks, stocks, the nt had lapse. right-wingers within spineless right-wingers and spineless presence of some venal within the the NUM, NUM, the the defidefi venal and of some presence ance by numbers of of miners of the the strike strike call, call, the the Nottinghamshire of in Nottinghamshire miners in large numbers by large ance

aid of to the unwillingness the TUC come to the aid of TUC toto come of the leadership of treacherous leadership the treacherous of the ness of unwilling

the and brutality picket lines, cause the the lines, toto cause the picket on the brutality on intimidation and police intimidation and police NUM, and the NUM, strike crumble. to crumble. strike to

With this NCB and ever the ever and the the NCB Government, the the Government, mind the this inin mind With

the NUM, compliant NUM, within the divisions within sow divisions to sow tirelessly to worked tirelessly press worked bourgeois press compliant bourgeois among movement. union movement. trade union wider trade the wider in the and in miners and the miners among the

For reason, this reason, For this

they that the miners’ the miners’ hoping that ballot, hoping national ballot, of a a national theme of single theme the single on the played on they played

ballot national for aa national time for the time at the required at 55% required necessary 55% the necessary produce the not produce would not ballot would stoppage.nigsun of the stoppage. out of Utguest si

Tables Tables turned turned

But But the the tables tables were were turned tumed on on the the NCB NCB and and the the Government Government at at the the NUM NUM

Executive meeting meeting in in Sheffield Sheffield on on 12th 12th April. April. More More than than 2,500 2,500 striking striking miners miners Executive surrounded surrounded the the union union headquarters headquarters demanding demanding aa continuation continuation of of the the strike. strike. Ar Arthur Scargill, Scargill, the the NUM NUM President, President, and and his his deputy deputy Mick Mick McGahey, McGahey, both both of of thur whom whom are are supposedly supposedly out out of of touch touch with with the the rank rank and and file, file, got got aa heroes' heroes’ wel welcome, come, while while right-wing right-wing fainthearts fainthearts such such as as Ray Ray Chadburn, Chadburn, Trevor Trevor Bell Bell and and Jack Jack

Jones were were booed booed and and roughed roughed up, up, by by the the thousands thousands lobbying lobbying the the executive. executive. In In Jones the the face face of of such such spirited spirited militancy militancy and and determination, determination, the the Chadburns Chadburns and and Bells Bells of of the the NUM NUM simply simply crumbled. crumbled. The The executive executive decided decided not not to to call call for for aa ballot. ballot.

Instead itit decided decided to to call call aa Special Special Delegate Delegate Conference Conference to to which which itit resolved resolved to to Instead recommend recommend aa revision revision of of the the Union Union Rule Rule 44, 44, requiring requiring 55% 55% for for aa national national strike strike and and lowering lowering itit to to 50%. 50%.

The delegate delegate conference, conference, which which took took place place the the following following Thursday, The Thursday, April April

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-THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

19, 19. endorsed endorsed both both these these decisions. decisions.

fthe Following Following the the decisions decisions of of the the NUM NUM executive executive and and in in the the face face of of the deter determination mination on on the the part part of of the the strikers strikers themselves, themselves, although although The The Sun, Sun, The The Mail Mail and and the the rest rest of of the the popular popular (i.e. (i.c. gutter) gutter) press press are are still still mindlessly mindlessly proclaiming proclaiming that that the the strike strike isis about about to to collapse, collapse, the the serious serious and and more more intelligent intelligent sections sections of of the the imperialist imperialist press press have have changed changed their their tune tune and and are are no no longer longer displaying displaying the the confidence confidence and and arrogance arrogance characteristic characteristic of of them them only only aa month month or or so so ago. ago. "The “The phoney war war isis over. over. The The rea, rea, struggle, struggle, the the most most profound profound and and serious serious labour labour phoney challenge challenge to to have have faced faced the the Thatcher Thatcher government, government, has has begun", begun", so so wrote wrote the the Fi Fi-

nancial nancial Times. Times. As As we we go go to to press, press, the the latest latest Sunday Sunday Times Times (29. (29. 4. 4. 84) 84) declares declares in in its its leading leading article article that that "The ‘““The time time has has come come for for aa peace peace settlement settlement in in the the coal coal strike ... the angry rhetoric of Mr. Scargill and the nonsense and bluffness of... strike ... the angry rhetoric of Mr. Scargill and the nonsense and blufjness of... lan for high more ex lan MacGregor MacGregor give give the the impression impression of of total total war war for high stakes; stakes; but but more experienced find perienced negotiators negotiators on on both both sides sides of of the the industry industry may may be be in in the the mood mood to fo find common common ground ground that that can can avoid avoid an an agonising agonising conflict conflict through through the the summer." summer.” Concludes Concludes the the Sunday Sunday Times: Times: "Nobody "Nobody wants wants to to see see the the miners miners destroyed destroyed in in aa senseless why the to the are senseless conflict, conflict, which which is is why the demands demands for for a a quick quick end end to the dispute dispute are building up up behind behind the the scenes. building scenes. "Olive branches should should not not be ofappeasement appeasement or or sursur “Olive branches be denounced denounced as as signs signs of CHLU

render. It It is is not not in in the nation’s interest interest that that we we should should have have aa decimated render. the nation's decimated and and bankrupt coal bankrupt coal industry". industry et¹ Anyone reading the Anyone reading the above above lines lines would would find find itit difficult difficult toto imagine imagine that that only only 66 weeks weeks ago ago the the same same Sunday Sunday Times, Times, comparing comparing Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill toto the the fascist fascist d. com Argentine ‘The defeat Argentine dictator dictator Galtieri, Galtieri, declared: declared: "The defeat of ofMr. Mr. Scargill’s Scargill's miners miners will will do of Britain any chancellor chancellor could do more more for for the the economic economic prospects prospects of Britain than than could inin man any one one budget." budget." SGM IngA (Si no blai

And further: further: “Jt "It was was always always possible possible that that the the economic economic regeneration regeneration ofof And Britain could could not not be be achieved achieved without without aa return return match match between between the the government government Britain and and the the miners, miners, this this time time the the government governmentwinning, winning, thereby therebyproving proving that that the the unun

ions ions had hadbeen been decisively decisively tamed.” tamed.

""

-Now, however, however, the the same same sages sages ofof the the Sunday Sunday Times, Times, soso keen keen onon aa retum return Now, match match with with the the miners miners only only six six weeks weeks ago, ago, caution caution against against “some "somegovernment government match wil Yet, ininitsitsclass classhatred hatredofofthetheminers, miners,this this isisprecisely preciselythetheresult resultthat thatthethebourgeoisie bourgeoisiesucceeded succeeded 1 1 Yet, ininachieving achieving(note (notetotothe thepresent presentedition) edition) bell

gatwollol d

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

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203

203

ministers belated revenge for ministers who who yearn yearn for for aa showdown showdown with with the the miners miners as as belated revenge for

their ago.” years ago." 10 years humiliation 10 their humiliation Such stance and de Such then then is is the the extent extent of of the the success success of of the the miners' miners’ militant militant stance and de-

termination, which which find find their their corresponding corresponding reflection reflection in in the thé serious bourgeois termination, serious bourgeois press. press. Miners Miners can can win win

Thus indication that they close Thus there there is is every every indication that the the miners miners can can win, win, provided provided they close their areas where where some some men men are are still still mistak their ranks, ranks, maintain maintain picketing picketing of of those those areas mistakenly and crossing by aa massive enly defying defying the the strike strike call call and crossing picket picket lines lines helped helped by massive police police

presence, power stations stations and and steelworks steelworks and presence, stop stop coal coal being being moved moved to to power and strengthen at large. strengthen links links with with ordinary ordinary workers workers in in the the labour labour movement movement at large. The crucial test test in the coming coming week. week. Mr Mr ScarScar The NUM NUM are are facing facing their their most most crucial in the gill miners on 28 April April gill told told aa rally rally in in Cardiff Cardiff of of 15, 15, 000 000 South South Wales Wales miners on Saturday Saturday 28

that win in in aa that if if the the Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire members members joined joined the the strike strike the the union union could could win "matter "matter of of weeks"! weeks’! The The NUM NUM President President went went

on: "It not good good enough enough for for on: "/f isis not you merely neo-fascist state in Nottinghamshire you merely to to be be on on strike. strike. Faced Faced with with aa neo-fascist state in Nottinghamshire I I

want miner on the picket picket line. line. want to to see see every every miner on the "I you to make this national demonstration the biggest biggest ever seen in in "I ask ask you to make this national demonstration the ever seen Great Britain. Britain. Those police who are arguing arguing they’re they're only only giving giving the the Great Those same same police who are workers right to go into into work will kick kick lumps lumps out out of ofyou you in in exactly exactly the the same same workers the the right to go work will way that are kicking lads at at the the moment." moment." way that they they are kicking lumps lumps out out of of our our lads Mr Scargill went on: "Jf "If the police say say we we can’t can't go go in in then then we'll we'll walk walk in. in. If If Mr Scargill went on: the police that by by going going to to our our own own demonstration demonstration or or going going to to our our own own picket picket itit means means that lines to to talk to our our members members or or any any other other trade trade unionist unionist we’ve we've got got to to be be arar lines talk to rested, then then so be it." rested, so be it."

Then he withering attack attack on on the the ineffectiveness ineffectiveness of of the the GovernGovern Then he launched launched aa withering

ment's labour laws. He He said: said: “We "We have have already already scored scored tremendous tremendous victories. victories. labour laws. ment’s They've got three three pieces pieces of of legislation legislation called called anti-trade anti-trade union union laws laws through through They’ve got parliament and and they haven't dared dared to to introduce introduce them them as asfar far as as the the miners’ miners' unun they haven't parliament ion is is concenied." concenied." ion

The government government are are preparing preparing to face the the pickets pickets with with aa "thick "thick blue blue line”’ line" The to face and the police have have been been given given powers powers to to halt halt buses, buses, coaches coaches and and cars cars traveltravel and the police ling from from any any part part of of the the country country with with pickets. pickets. Everyone Everyone in in the the labour labour ling movement, every every conscious conscious and and thinking thinking worker, worker, must must render render all all possible possible supsup movement, port to the NUM. NUM. The The present present coal coal strike strike isis no no ordinary ordinary labour labour dispute dispute of of the the port to the type occurs hourly type that that occurs and daily daily under under the the conditions conditions of of Capitalism; capitalism; itit isis no no hourly and

204 204

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

-THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

mere pay. ItIt isis aa strike for the the future future of the coal industry mere strike strike over over pay. strike not not only only for of the coal industry and and of of whole whole mining mining communities, communities, but but also also for for the the future future of of the the British British work working ing class. class.

It It started started as as and and has has become become the the longest longest strike strike in in history history against against

unemployment. unemployment. It It is is aa strike strike FOR FOR THE THE RIGHT RIGHT TO TO WORK. WORK. Therefore, Therefore, in in the the final final analysis, analysis, itit isis aa strike, strike, albeit albeit instinctively, instinctively, against against the the capitalist capitalist mode mode of of production; production; for for the the latter latter by by its its very very nature nature is is incapable incapable of of guaranteeing guaranteeing this this right. night. The The defeat defeat of of the the NUM NUM would would have have very very grave grave consequences consequences for for all all sec sections tions of of the the working working class. class.

The The Observer Observer of of 88 April, April, 1984, 1984, quite quite correctly correctly

stated Stated that that "The "The defeat defeat of of the the miners miners would would also also remove remove the the last last formidable formidable

bastion to bastion to the the government's government’s wider wider strategy strategy of of unblocking unblocking the the labour labour market market in in the freedom", i.e., the course course of of economic economic freedom", i.¢., depressing depressing of of the the working working class class living living standards Standards still still further further through through even even more more unemployment. unemployment. Let Let every every worker worker re realise alise that that the the miners miners are are what what stands stands today today between between the the total total autocracy autocracy of of British British capital capital and and the the total total submission submission and and humiliation humiliation of of the the British British working working

class. class.

A A working working class class that that ceases ceases to to struggle struggle becomes becomes indistinguishable indistinguishable from from

savages Capital into Savages and and must must sooner sooner or or later later find find itself itself thrown thrown by by Capital into the the depths depths of of Savagery and and degradation. degradation. It It is is precisely precisely to to forestall forestall such such a a possibility possibility becom becomsavagery ing an actuality, and in the interests ing an actuality, and in the interests of of working-class working-class progress progress and and social social

miners advance, that worker must the miners support the to support pledge to Day pledge May Day make aa May must make every worker that every advance, through through to to victory. victory.

ys

plnoun

slingt gadto you,po pade it

oxil Jy neonovirastlan at no

a quaedam e tatpal

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-8502 THE - 85

205 205

LALKAR July1984 July1984 LALKAR

111 DAYS OF THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE 111 DAYS OF Today, Saturday Saturday 30 30 June, June, the the miners’ miners' strike strike enters its 111th 111th day. day. So So far far Today, enters its

there have more than than 3,000 3,000 arrests, arrests, hundreds of reported reported injuries and two two there have been been more hundreds of injuries and deaths. lost over over £2,000 £2,000 in in Icst lcst wages wages and are deaths. Every Every striking striking miner miner has kas lost and families families are going through hardship. According According to to the NUM President President Mr Mr Scargill, the going through real real hardship. the NUM Scargill, the

NCB £150 million week (£90 in lost lost production production and £60 NCB isis losing losing £150 million aa week (£90 million million in and £60 million the bourgeois economists reckon this loss loss million in in running running expenses), expenses), though though the bourgeois economists reckon this

to only £30 £30 million damage to rest of of the the economy economy is un to be be only million aa week. week. The The damage to the the rest is untold. Already it longest and and most pit strike 1926, and and there told. Already it is is the the longest most bitter bitter pit strike since since 1926, there isis still endininsight; sight; still no no end

factall all the the signs arethat that the thestrike strikewill will last intothe the ininfact signs are last into winter. has therefore to look look at at the the origins origins of of this strike, winter. The The time time has therefore come come for for us us to this strike, its social and far and way itit is its causes, causes, its its effects, effects, both both social and economic, economic, so su far and the the way is likely likely

to to end end up. up. Strike Strike imposed imposed by by Government Government and and NCB.. NCB:

From From the the start start of of this this strike strike coal to defeat coal strike strike in in order order to defeat coalminers, coalminers, the the most most advanced advanced government government and and the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie

it the government government wanted it has has been been clear clear that that the wanted aa the coal miners. the the coal miners. For For without without defeating defeating the detachment detachment of of the the British British working working class, class, the the cannot cannot defeat defeat the the British British working working class, class, cannot cannot

successfully successfully depress depress their their living living standards standards and and conditions conditions which which in in turn turn is is aa

necessary necessary prerequisite prerequisite for for enhancing enhancing and and strengthening strengthening the the competitiveness competitiveness of of

British British monopoly monopoly capitalism capitalism by by lowering lowering the the cost cost of of production production per per unit. unit. The The Tories Tories had had aa particular particular reason reason of of their their own. own. The The Tory Tory government government of of Edward Edward

Heath Heath was was literally literally booted booted out out of of office office as as aa direct direct consequence consequence of of the the miners' miners’

victorious victorious strike strike in in 1974. 1974. So, So, they they have have ever ever since since wanted wanted to to wreak wreak vengeance vengeance on on the the NUM. NUM. These These sentiments sentiments were were admirably admirably expressed expressed by by the the Sunday Sunday Times Times editorial editorial of of 18 18 March March in in which which this this Tory Tory leader leader writer writer could could hardly hardly restrain restrain his his enthusiasm enthusiasm at at the the prospect prospect of of aa return return match match with with the the miners miners resulting resulting in in aa gov government emment victory. victory.

The The present present strike strike was was sparked sparked off off by by the the unexpected, unexpected, sudden sudden and and provoca provoca-

tive announcement announcement on on 11 March March by by the the NCB NCB of of its its intention intention to to close close on

tive

Cortonwood had given Cortonwood Colliery Colliery in in Yorkshire. Yorkshire. Only Only aa short short time time ago ago the the NCB NCB had given the years the assurance assurance that that it it would would not not close close Cortonwood Cortonwood for for at at least least another another 5Syean,

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

The The 820 820 workforce, workforce, stunned stunned by by the the announcement, announcement, decided decided almost almost unani unanj-

mously, mously, at at aa meeting meeting on on Sunday Sunday 44 March March in in Brampton Brampton Parish Parish Hall, Hall, to to strike. strike Within Within aa couple couple of of days, days, Yorkshire Yorkshire area area leaders leaders called called all all 54,000 54,000 members members out oyt on on strike strike and and the the Scottish Scottish area area followed followed suit. suit. In In aa further further act act of of provocation, provocation, Ian Ian MacGregor, MacGregor, NCB NCB Chairman, Chairman, used used aa

scheduled scheduled consultative consultative meeting meeting with with the the leaders leaders of of the the three three mining mining unions unions toto announce announce that that the the Cortonwood Cortonwood decision decision was was part part of of aa plan plan (the (the existence existence of of which overthe the which plan plan itit had had hitherto hitherto denied) denied) to to close close 20 20 pits pits and and lose lose 20,000 20,000 jobs jobs over next 12 12 months. months. In In the the circumstances, circumstances, MacGregor's MacGregor’s statement statement was was nothing nothing next

short short of of explosive explosive and and was was meant meant to to be be so. so. He He was was evidently evidently being being urged urged to to be be insolent insolent and and provocative provocative by by aa government government that that desperately desperately wanted wanted aa coal coal strike strike for for which which it had had been been making making the the necessary necessary preparations preparations for for at at least least 33 years, years, if if not not longer. longer.

Prolonged Prolonged and and detailed detailed preparations preparations by by the the government. government.

The Tory Tory government's government’s preparations preparations beg began in The in earnest earnest in in 1981 1981 when when MarMar garet strike against against plans garet Thatcher Thatcher was was forced forced to to retreat retreat by by the the threat threat of of aa strike plans to to

close months. These were shelved shelved for time being being atat close 21 21 pits pits over over 12 12 months. These plans plans were for the the time least, borrowing powers While retreat least, and and the the NCB's NCB’s borrowing powers increased increased to to £4.3 £4.3 billion. billion. While retreating, the government government immediately immediately started started making making preparations preparations for for aa ing, the confrontation the following steps: (a) (a) coal coal stocks stocks were were confrontation with with the the NUM NUM by by taking taking the following steps: built up despite the storage costs, costs, with with the the result result that that these these stocks stocks stood stood asas built up despite the high high storage high as 30 30 million tonnes atat power power stations alone atat the the start start of of the the present present high as million tonnes stations alone strike, compared compared with with only only 11.9 11.9 million million tonnes tonnes in in 1974; 1974; (b) (b) the the appointment appointment of of strike, Ian MacGregor, MacGregor, the the "Yankee "Yankee butcher", butcher", asas the the mineis miners aptly aptly describe describe him, him, toto be be Ian the chairman chairman of of the the NCB NCB and and that that of of Peter Peter Walker Walker as as Energy Energy Secretary Secretary were were the clear, ifif unstated, declarations of of the the government’s government's intention; intention; (c) (c) despite despite higher higher clear, unstated, declarations oil and and construction construction costs, costs, the the building building of of oilfired oilfired power power stations stations such such as as the the oil 2,640 megawatt megawatt giant giant atat the the Isle Isle ofof Grain, Grain, was was completed; completed; existing existingoil-fired oil-fired stasta 2,640 tions were were replaced replaced byby cheaper cheaper coalbuming coalburning ones, ones, but but the the oil oil stations stations were were kept kept tions ready for for use; use; (d) (d) the the so-called so-called National National Reporting Reporting Centre Centre (NRC) (NRC) atat Scotland Scotland ready Yard which which coordinates coordinates deployment deployment of of police police inin emergencies, emergencies, was was streamlined streamlined Yard the wake wake of of the the 1981 1981 inner inner city city explosions; explosions; (€) (e) redundancy redundancy payments payments toto minmin inin the ers were were increased increased inin anan attempt attempt toto bribe bribe them them into into accepting accepting the the pit pit closures closures ers without much fuss fuss oror resistance. resistance. Having Having made made these these prolonged prolonged and and detailed detailed without much preparations, the the government, government, seeing seeing that that the the previously previously instituted instituted NUM NUM overover ‘Preparations, time ban was was biting biting hard hard and and wishing wishing toto avoid avoid aa fight fight with with the the miners miners in in the the time‘ban

unfavourablewinter winter conditions, conditions, when when the the need need for for energy energy isis atat its its height, height, anan “nfavourable

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

207

207

nounced nounced its its pit pit closure closure plans, plans, hoping hoping that that the the miners miners would would not not choose choose to to fight fight when when the the odds odds were were stacked stacked so so heavily heavily against against them. them. The The response response of of the the min miners ers came came as as nothing nothing short short of of aa surprise surprise to to the the NCB NCB and and the the government. government. NUM NUM accept accept the the challenge. challenge.

Faced Faced with with the the pit pit closure closure plan plan of of the the NCB, NCB, the the miners miners had had to to either either accept accept this this plan plan on on their their knees, knees, or or they they had had to to stand stand up up and and fight fight and and oppose oppose the the clo closure sure of of their their industry. industry. The The overwhelming overwhelming majority majority of of the the miners miners chose chose to to stand stand up scabbing up and and fight. fight. 80% 80% of of them them have have been been on on strike strike for for 111 111 days. days. Despite Despite scabbing by steel by many many thousand thousand Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire men men and and the the lack lack of of support support from from the the steel men, picket line men, despite despite police police brutality, brutality, intimidation intimidation and and harassment harassment on on the the picket line and and vilification and elsewhere, elsewhere, despite despite aa campaign campaign of of lies lies and vilification directed directed by by the the bour bourgeois President, despite despite the geois media media against against the the miners, miners, in in particular particular against against their their President, the destitution of the destitution and and the the hardship hardship faced faced by by mining mining families, families, the the determination determination of the strikers strikers to to continue continue with with the the strike strike and and win win is is unshakable. unshakable. The solidarity that that prevails The dauntless dauntless spirit spirit and and the the unbreakable unbreakable solidarity prevails among among the the mining the following two examples, examples, repre mining communities communities may may be be gauged gauged from from the following two repre-

sentative of tens go unreported. The Sunday Times sentative of tens of of thousands thousands of of others others that that go unreported. The Sunday Times of 17 widow went see Mr Scargill re of 17 June June reported reported that that "an "an elderly elderly miner's miner’s widow went to to see Mr Scargill recently. had saved saved £100 for aa holiday felt that that she she could could not take it it cently. She She had £100 for holiday but but felt not take while were on and wanted wanted him to have for strike funds. Mr while the the miners miners were on strike strike and him to have it it for strike funds. Mr Scargill, the story goes, broke broke down down and and wept." con Scargill, so so the story goes, wept." The The second second example example concerns Mrs of a and mother of two more, and and the family cerns Mrs Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick, wife wife of a miner miner and mother of two more, the family living on on £48 gets as as aa cleaner cleaner at at the the NCB Bramp living £48 per per week week that that she she gets NCB offices offices atat Brampton. In In the the midst grim poverty she is is reported reported to to have have said: said: "We have ton. midst of of this this grim poverty she "We have got our backs backs to to the wall. That That wall we move." move." People People with got our the wall. wall will will break break before before we with such nobility of spirit spirit and and possessed of such such self-sacrificing self-sacrificing heroism are diffidiffi such nobility of possessed of heroism are cult to defeat. cult to defeat.

Government weapons: starvation, police police brutality brutality and and propaganda. propaganda. Government weapons: starvation, The government’s government's three three weapons weapons -- starvation, police brutality brutality and and lying lying The starvation, police propaganda against against the the NUM NUM have have failed failed to thus far far the the results results dede propaganda to produce produce thus

sired by it. it. That the mining mining families families are are facing facing real real hardship, hardship, of of that that there there isis no no sired by That the doubt. The The government government isis attempting attempting to to starve starve the the miners miners back back toto work, work, but but the the doubt.

attempt attempt has has failed failed dismally. dismally. The The miners miners get get no no strike strike pay, pay, yet yet £15 £15 isis deducted deducted from the families’ families' supplementary supplementary benefit benefit asas though though the the miners miners were were in in receipt receipt from of strike strike pay. pay. The The frenzied frenzied hatred hatred of of the the bourgeois bourgeois state state for for working working people people isis of miner is aa coal of the the treatment best judged judged by by the treatment of the Johnson Johnson family. family. Mr Mr Johnson Johnson is coal miner best

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THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL

on strike, with wife, a a 3-year the way. family on strike, with aa wife, 3-year old old daughter daughter and and aa baby baby on on the way. The The family was was existing existing on on £30 £30 aa week week supplementary supplementary benefit benefit and and £6.50 £6.50 aa week week child child

benefit. When Mrs Mrs Johnson Johnson started started getting getting her her £25 £25 maternity maternity grant, grant, the family benefit. When the family

found they were were worse worse off off than before they they got got £25 £25 plus plus £4.62. £4.62. If If it had haphap it had than before found they pened elsewhere, elsewhere, the the ‘civilised’ 'civilised' gentlemen gentlemen of Fleet Street would have have pened of Fleet Street would

effortlessly against such such medieval medieval barbarism. effortlessly fulminated fulminated against barbarism. Police Brutality Brutality Police Siege code name name for for the the anti-NUM anti-NUM operation, operation, is is being being masterminded masterminded Siege 83, 83, code by the the direction direction of of Mr David Hall, Chief Constable of Hum by the NRC, NRC, under under the Mr David Hall, Chief Constable of Hum-

berside. Housed the NRC NRC comprises comprises aa web web of of communications berside. Housed in in Room Room 1309, 1309, the communications linking the and Wales. is from here that brute linking the 43 43 local local forces forces in in England England and Wales. It It is from here that the the brute force by the on the planned and and directed. The force used used by the police police on the picket picket line line isis being being planned directed. The

NRC operational centre", as Mr John Alderson, Alderson, a former NRC isis in in fact fact aa "national "national operational centre", as Mr John a former

Chief stated. Chief Constable Constable of of Cornwall Comwall and and Devon Devon correctly correctly stated. The miners on the police officers The miners on the picket picket line line have have faced faced thousands thousands of of police officers on on horse Support Units horse back back and and the the riot-trained riot-trained Police Police Support Units (PSUs) (PSUs) with with their their long long shields speak of the truncheons truncheons which use shields and and visored visored helmets, helmets, not not to to speak of the which they they use freely by some some Fleet Fleet Street Street freely to to earn earn their their £800 £800 aa week. week. It It is is now now admitted admitted even even by journalists picket line law journalists that that the the police police on on the the picket line are are not not only only making making their their own own law but but even even breaking breaking the the normal normal rules rules that that are are supposed supposed to to govern govern their their conduct. conduct. Recently, stopped by by a Recently, when when aa miner, miner, upon upon being being stopped a police police officer, officer, demanded demanded to to

know mass know what what law law gave gave the the officer officer the the right right to to stop stop him him going going home home after after aa mass picket and said picket at at Orgreave, Orgreave, the the officer officer pointed pointed at at his his blue blue uniform uniform and said "This "This law". law".

Miners giv Miners have have been been photographed photographed against against their their will, will, though though there there is is no no law law giving to picket picket ing the the police police such such aa right. right. Criminal Criminal law law recognises recognises the the right right to peacefully, peacefully, yet yet the the police police refuse refuse to to allow allow more more than than 6 6 pickets pickets at at any any site! site! The The

mere mere questioning questioning of of such such police police tactics tactics results results in in arrest. arrest. The The compliant compliant magis magis-

trates trates release release these these arrested arrested miners miners only only on on condition condition that that they they stay stay away away from from property property belonging belonging to to the the NCB NCB and and electricity electricity and and steel steel plants plants although although these these men have have committed committed no no crimes. crimes. The The police police brutality brutality at at Orgreave Orgreave and and else elsemen where, where, the the cavalry cavalry charges charges against against peaceful peaceful pickets, pickets, the the massive massive use use of of the the

police as as aa direct direct government government agency agency for for the the suppression suppression of of an an industrial industrial dis dispolice pute, have have revealed revealed the the real real face face of of our our lovable, lovable, and and peaceloving peaceloving Bobbies, Bobbies, pute, namely, namely, the the iron iron fist fist behind behind the the velvet velvet glove glove of of the the bourgeois bourgeois state. state. No No longer longer

can the the pretence pretence be be maintained maintained that that the the police police are are simply simply an an impartial impartial law law en encan forcement forcement agency agency desperately desperately trying trying to to preserve preserve 'law “law and and order'. order’. All All the the same same these these tactics tactics have have thus thus far far failed failed to to subdue subdue the the fighting fighting spirit spirit of of the the miners. miners.

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE OF 1984 - 85

209 209

Failure of of calumnious calumnious propaganda propaganda Failure Fleet street and and government propaganda too too have fact, trade trade unun Fleet street government propaganda have failed. failed. In In fact, ionists media have have struck struck back, back, forcing their employers employers to to print print the the real real ionists in in the the media forcing their truth NUM strike rather than than the the miserable miserable lies lies daily spewed out out by by truth about about the the NUM strike rather daily spewed the Fleet Street harpies. This is most welcome development, which which working working the Fleet Street harpies. This is aa most welcome development, people increasingly to use in in the the future. future. people are are bound bound increasingly to use Strike costs costs Strike

Although the NCB and the government continue continue to to put put aa brave brave face face on on dede Although the NCB and the government

velopments, damaging effects effects of of the strike and and its its effectiveness have begun begun velopments, the the damaging the strike effectiveness have to according to to the most respectable respectable bourgeois bourgeois statisstatis to percolate percolate through. through. Even Even according the most tics, strike is is costing 'about £70 £70 million million aa week’, week', which which means means that that itit has has so so tics, the the strike costing ’about far nearly the the equivalent equivalent of of the the cost cost of of the the far cost cost at at least least £1,120 £1,120 million, million, which which isis nearly Falklands According to to Mr Mr Gavin Davies, chief economist at at stockbrokers stockbrokers Falklands war. war. According Gavin Davies, chief economist Simon the weekly costs to the Treasury include aa £2530 £2530 million million Simon and and Coates, Coates, the weekly costs to the Treasury include net the NCB, £1725 million million loss loss borne borne by by the the CEGB, CEGB, £10 £10 net loss loss incurred incurred by by the NCB, a a £1725 million tax revenues striking miners, miners, £3 £3 million million lost lost by by British British million lost lost in in tax revenues from from the the striking Rail and £500,000 paid out in social strikers' families. families. Rail and £500,000 extra extra paid out in social security security toto strikers’

Mr Mr Davies that the index of all industrial production for for April April will will Davies also also calculated calculated that the index of all industrial production be have been and could be be 44.5% 44.5% down down be 33.5% 33.5% below below what what itit would would otherwise otherwise have been and-could if strike continues and becomes solid. And none of of these these figures figures take if the the strike continues and becomes more more solid. And none take

into any knock-on effects of of the the strike which are are bound bound to to become become into account account any knock-on effects strike which

more strike. more and and more more prominent prominent with with the the continuation continuation of of the the strike. Mr saying that that "in "in aa six-to-nine six-to-nine month month strike, strike, direct direct Mr Davies Davies concludes concludes by by saying

effects be easily easily enough out the the whole ofthe the expected expected 3% 3% effects alone alone would would be enough to to wipe wipe out whole of growth in in the growth the industrial industrial output output as as a a whole". whole".

Dr Phillips and and Drew, Drew, while while agreeagree Dr Paul Paul Neild, Neild, chief chief economist economist atat brokers brokers Phillips

ing assumptions on fall in in industrial industrial production, production, goes goes on on to to ing with with Mr Mr Davies' Davies’ assumptions on fall forecast the monthly of trade could show show an an adverse adverse movemove forecast that that the monthly balance balance of trade figures figures could ment because of sharp increase oil imports imports and and the the drop drop ment of of £150 £150 million million because of the the sharp increase inin oil

stations take over from from the the coal-fired ones. inin oil oil exports exports as as oilfired oilfired stations take over coal-fired ones. Political Strike Political Strike

But the NCB and the the government government are are prepared prepared But despite despite these these huge huge losses, losses, the NCB and to on. This very beginning the governgovern to see see the the strike strike carry carry on. This isis because because from from the the very beginning the

ment strike. The The miners ment have have regarded regarded this this as as a a political political strike. miners have have always always haunted haunted

the present Thatcher administration. To exorcise the the min the Tories, Tories, especially especially the the-present Thatcher administration. To exorcise min-

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY

ers has been the most ardent ardent desire desire of of this this most most reactionary reactionary post-war post-war ers has therefore therefore been the most government in That isis why why the the Thatcher Thatcher government government provoked provoked the the government in Britain. Britain. That NUM in in an an attempt attempt to to inflict inflict aa devastating devastating defeat defeat on on it, it, and and through through itit on on the the NUM rest of of the working class. class. If If the Thatcher government government finds finds itself itself locked locked in in aa rest the working the Thatcher political challenge challenge to to its its authority, authority, and and ultimately ultimately its its survival, survival, itit has has no no one one to to political

blame save its its own provocations. The The government government supporters supporters in in Fleet Fleet Street Street blame save own provocations.

too share the blame. too share the blame. Not real gutter gutter press press (popular (popular press pressifif you you please) please) Not only only the the real but more serious papers, such such as as the the Sunday Sunday Times, Times, the the Daily Daily TeleTele but also also the the more serious papers, graph, Times and and the Financial Times, Times, have all egged egged the the government government on on graph, the the Times the Financial have all and agree to to aa compromise compromise settlement. settlement. and advised advised it it not not to to agree The Telegraph, of right right wing wing Socialist Socialist Worker, Worker, is is even even against against nene The Telegraph, aa kind kind of gotiations between the the NCB and the the NUM. NUM. In article entitled entitled Not Not aa gotiations between NCB and In aa leading leading article Time Wobble, itit poured on 25 25 May May thus: thus: Time to to Wobble, poured forth forth on

"But often develop develop aa momentum momentum of of their their own own in in major major nana "But negotiations negotiations often tional Once the the public’s public's hopes settlement have have been been raised, raised, aa tional strikes. strikes. Once hopes of of aa settlement string of preferable to to aa breakdown." breakdown." string of concessions concessions begins begins to to seem seem preferable

Concludes Telegraph:" ...a continued strike strike isis preferable preferable toto any any setset Concludes the the Telegraph: a continued tlement than a clear victory victory for for the the government government and and the the Coal Coal Board Board ... tlement other other than a clear The see this this dispute as aa test test of of the the dominance dominance of of The foreign foreign exchange exchange markets markets see dispute as trade union power in government victory victory would stimulate greatly greatly trade union power in Britain. Britain. A A government would stimulate ...

increased confidence confidence and similarly, the increased and investment investment ...... similarly, the young young militant militant miners miners who the tactics tactics of of violent intimidation would would be be who have have grown grown experienced experienced inin the violent intimidation

tempted by anything anything short short of a clear clear defeat defeat toto try tempted by of a try again again when when the the coal coal stocks stocks were were lower lower and and winter winter coming coming on..." on..." In government's objective in this strike isis not not simply simply to to In other other words, words, the the government’s objective in this strike win acceptance for its pit closure plan, plan, but but to castrate the the trade trade union union movemove win acceptance for its pit closure to castrate ment the least resistance to to the the ceaseless ceaseless and and daily daily ment and and to to render render it it incapable incapable of of the least resistance

encroachments encroachments of of King King Capital. Capital. The article of of 20 under the the title title The Sunday Sunday Times Times too, too, in in its its leading leading article 20 May May 1984, 1984, under Scargill's stated that for the Wets who "held promipromi Scargill’s Strike, Strike, gleefully gleefully stated that for the Cabinet Cabinet Wets who “held nent 1974 when when nent positions positions in in the the Heath Heath Cabinet Cabinet during during the the last last miners' miners’ strike strike inin 1974

Mr dirt ... match and and they they do do Mr Scargill Scargill rubbed rubbed their their noses noses in in the the dirt ... this this is is aa revenge revenge match not As for Ian MacGregor, the Coal Coal Board not intend intend to to lose lose aa second second time. time. As for Mr Mr Ian MacGregor, the Board

chief, game... There are no no draws draws in in chief, he he sees sees himself himself in in a a highstakes highstakes poker poker game There are ...

poker, poker, only only big big winners winners and and losers." losers."

type of the same The exactly the same type of frenzied frenzied antianti with exactly concludes with Times concludes Sunday Times The Sunday union plea as Telegraph. Let Sunday the Sunday Let the the Telegraph. did the as did class plea anti-working class rabidly anti-working and rabidly union and

THE COAL THE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

211 211

Times Times speak speak for for itself: itself:

"The the chance chance "The miners' miners’ strike strike is is a a watershed watershed in in British British politics. politics. ItIt offers offers the

fo end end a a disastrous disastrous era era which which gave to gave the veto over government policy policy the unions unions aa veto over government and and allowed allowed them them to to bring bring down down administrations, administrations,

Labour and Tory, Labour and Tory,

which which

crossed put these days behind us will the demodemo crossed their their paths. paths. To To put these days behind us will be be healthy healthy for for the cratic mind its economy, which which also also stands benefit cratic future future of of Britain, Britain, never never mind its economy, stands toto benefit

Jrom a from When the the stakes stakes are are that los a less less obstructionist obstructionist union union movement. movement. When that high, high, losing cannot cannot be be contemplated. contemplated. But ing can fudge, compromise or or easy easy ways ways But neither neither can fudge, compromise out." out.”

Tasks movement Tasks of of the the working-class working-class movement

Precisely because because the Precisely and the the entire entire bourgeois bourgeois class class the NCB, NCB, the the government government and are and in coal strike, aim of the trade-untrade-un are pursuing, pursuing, through through and in the the coal strike, the the aim of liquidating liquidating the

ion movement, the working ion movement, the working class for its the NUM NUM class for its part part must must see see to to itit that that the emerge victorious from battle, for the NUM are fighting fighting in in the the front front line line emerge victorious from this this battle, for the NUM are

for every every working-class working-class man, for yes, child child -- in in this this country. country. man, woman woman and and child child -- yes, Their fight fight against Their against unemployment and for for the the fufu against pit pit closures closures isis aa fight fight against unemployment and ture of our children children and and grandchildren. ture of our the NUM NUM lose, lose, then then no no one’s one's job job will will grandchildren. IfIfthe be safe. Even Even if if the the NUM win, which be safe. NUM win, working class class of of this this which isis very very likely, likely, the the working country country face ahead. But with the the NUM NUM defeated, defeated, which which face aa most most difficult difficult period period ahead. But with

we sincerely hope hope will we sincerely will not not take would find find itself itself utut take place, place, the the working working class class would terly defenceless. In In order order to terly defenceless. to defeat defeat the the government government are are sparing sparing no no the NUM, NUM, the

effort. They They have even directly effort. have even directly intervened negotiations between between the the BritBrit intervened inin pay pay negotiations ish the Railmen's and have chief, ish Railways Railways Board Board and and the Railmen’s union union and have instructed instructed the the rail rail chief,

Bob Reid, to Bob Reid, to agree higher pay pay award without productivity strings attached attached agree to to aa higher award without productivity strings an attempt attempt to to buy off the railmen and and thus thus prevent prevent them them from from giving giving toto it, it, in in an buy off the railmen support the Daily Daily Mirror Mirror of June). The The railmen railmen for their support to to the the miners miners (see (see the of 66 June). for their part to understand understand and and appreciate the effective effective solidarity they received received part ought ought to appreciate the solidarity they

from miners in in getting better pay they ought ought to to pay pay this this from the the miners getting aa better pay settlement settlement and and they debt of to the by refusing refusing to to move move coke coke and and iron iron ore ore to to steel steel debt of gratitude gratitude to the miners miners by

plants power stations. In fact, said to to their their honour, honour, they they already already are are it said be it fact, be stations. In and power plants and

doing so. It is is aa pity pity that the steelmen far failed doing so. It that the steelmen have have soso far failed inin their their bounden bounden duty duty

up and unionists up to the miners. miners. All All other unions and trade unionists and down down the the councoun and trade other unions back the to back try step up in support support of of the the miners. miners. The The government government and and the the efforts in their efforts up their must step try must

the ruling class are are hoping hoping to recoup aa hundred hundred times times over over their their losses losses during during the to recoup ruling class

strike by by depressing depressing working working class class wages, wages, which which will will bebe the the inevitable inevitable and and Strike swift of an an NUM defeat. The The working working class class on on its its part part must must help help the the swift result result of NUM defeat. NUM to to victory thus ensure the above NUM victory and and thus ensure that that the above depressing depressing prediction prediction never never

_

→

212 212

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

passes from from the the realm realm of of possibility possibility into passes of actuality. into that that of actuality. toe sodne st Miners certain to win.

Miners certain to win.

All to aa victory the NUM. 80% who who have All the the signs signs point point to victory for for the NUM. The The 80% have been been on on strike are rock strike for for nearly nearly 44 months months are rock solid solid in in their their determination determination toto continue continue till till

victory and the government had hoped had hoped the government NCB and the NCB that the work that to work back to drift back the drift and the victory and

for on for has has not not materialised. materialised. Wives Wives of of the the striking striking miners, miners, far far from from being being a a drag drag on the an increasing the dispute. the strikers, strikers, have have been been playing playing an increasing part part in in the dispute. They They have have been and providing appearing on on the the picket been raising raising funds funds and providing meals. meals. Now Now more more are are appearing picket

line.

line.

Miners have been all Miners support support groups groups have been formed formed and and are are working working tirelessly tirelessly all over de over the the country. country. Coal Coal stocks stocks are are dwindling dwindling and and the the CEGB CEGB and and the the energy energy department, protestations to contrary and partment, their their protestations to the the contrary and apparent apparent, outward outward. calm calm

notwithstanding, thestrike strike are are notwithstanding, are are planning planning swingeing swingeing power power cuts. cuts. The The costs costs of of the mounting. alone has far. The mounting. The The police police operation operation alone has cost cost £70 £70 million million so so. far. The govern govern-

ment the NUM, NUM, but but ment provoked provoked the the present present strike strike in in order order to to break break the the power power of of the at find this andmore more united at the the end end of of the the strike strike it it will will find this union union more more powerful powerful and united than of 21 June 1984 ad than ever ever before. before. Even Even the the Times Times of 21 June 1984 made made the the. following following rare rare admission: mission:

". at branch branch level, " ... the the strike strike has has revitalised revitalised interest interest.inin the the union union at level, ...

turning it most social security turning it into into a a welfare welfare state state in in miniature. miniature. Deprived Deprived of of most social security benefits, the the strikers turn to for food food and get it. it. benefits, strikers turn to their their union union for and sustenance. sustenance. They They get And picketing allowance. conflab And for for many many of of them them it it is is the the £2 £2 aa day day picketing allowance. "Many simply stay stay at at home, particularly the young "Many simply home, but but inin their their thousands, thousands, particularly the young miners, challenging the miners, they they have have been been challenging the civil civil law law to to go go secondary secondary picketing. picketing.

Their first-hand first-hand experience experience on on the the picket picket lines lines and and on on the the strike strike committees committees isis Their regarded more influential influential than NUM summer summer schools schools regarded by by the the left left as as more than aa thousand thousand NUM or seminars union practice. practice. or seminars on on the the theory theory of of trade trade union "Ironically, the that some politicians hoped hoped would would break break the the power power "Ironically, the dispute dispute that some politicians of the the NUM NUM has actually created created new the future." of has actually new cadres cadresfor for the future." 732

We article with with the following words of Arthur Scargill: "I appeal "J appeal Arthur Scargill: words of the following this article end this We end

dole roll back and roll the hilt us toto the Back us land: Back in this person in every person to every to this land: hilt and back the the tide tide of ofdole Coal Board the Coal "Let the further "Let And further misery, insecurity, queue misery, queue insecurity, poverty poverty and and fear". fear". And Board

your propaganda. by your take note: Our fooled by propaganda. They They been fooled not been have not miners have young miners Our young take note: one cenbecause of heroism because of heroism acts of incredible acts and incredible hardship and through hardship gone through have gone ofone cen have tral fact: tral fact:

.C "They the dole OF HARDSHIP" HARDSHIP". LIFETIME OF a LIFETIME spells a queue spells dole queue thatthe know that "They know

1

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

213 213

1000

LALKAR August 1984 st 1984 KAR Augu LAL

Resolutely the Miners Miners -support the ely support Resolut Fight the the Enemy Within Enemy Within Fight Fight to Finish Fight to Finish As we go press, the miners' strike strike enters 21st week, not the the As we go to to press, the miners’ enters its its 21st week, with with not slightest of an an end sight. All Allthe thesigns signsare arethat that this this strike strike will will not not be be slightest sign sign of end ininsight, ended the type type that industrial disputes, disputes, ended by by a a face-saving face-saving formula formula of of the that ends ends most most industrial but of one one side side or but only only by by the the surrender surrender of or the the other. other.

For their part part are are For both both sides sides itit is is aa life life and and death death question. question. The The miners miners on on their fighting and grandchildren fighting for for their their very very existence existence and and that that of of their their children children and grandchildren -they against unemployment, the misery misery of for they are are fighting fighting against unemployment, the of the the dole dole queue queue and and for the the right right to to work. work.

the

The government, inception invested invested this The government, on on the the other other hand, hand, has has from from its its inception this

strike, careful and and detailed prepara strike, which which it it provoked provoked having having made made lengthy, lengthy, careful detailed preparations, political importance dimensions that that its its defeat defeat would not tions, with with aa political importance of of such such dimensions would not

only stand only threaten threaten the the government government plans plans for for depressing depressing working-class working-class living living standards also put question ards by by castrating castrating the the trade trade union union and and labour labour movement, movement, but but also put aa question mark mark against against the the very very survival survival of of the the Thatcher Thatcher government. government. Preference of Preference of non-intervention non-intervention For and her her administration administration maintained maintained the For aa long long time, time, Margaret Margaret Thatcher Thatcher and the

hypocritical pretence that had nothing nothing to do with hypocritical pretence that the the strike strike had to do with the the government, government, that that it it was was simply simply an an industrial industrial dispute dispute between between the the National National Coal Coal Board Board and and the the

National to in National Union Union of of Mineworkers. Mineworkers. So So the the government government 'refused' ’refused’ nominally nominally to intervene, opportunist windbag, windbag, tervene, while while being being invited invited to to do do so so by by that that useless useless opportunist Kinnock, and the Kinnock, the the leader leader of of the the Labour Labour opposition, opposition, and the rest rest of of his his imbecile imbecile front front

bench.

bench.

On day one On the the contrary, contrary, it it reserved reserved its its real real and and effective effective intervention intervention from from day one of of the the strike strike -- and and even even earlier, earlier, for, for, to to repeat, repeat, the the government government had had prepared prepared for for this this strike strike over over a a number number of of years years -- for for such such behind-the-scenes behind-the-scenes activities activities aimed aimed

at line¹,, at breaking breaking this this strike strike as as police police intimidation intimidation and and violence violence on on the the picket picket line!

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

L

214 214

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

telling the against the legislation against government legislation use government to use not to Steel not British Steel and British NCB and the NCB telling the

Rail British Rail in British workers in of workers NUM; negotiations of pay negotiations sector pay public sector manipulating public NUM; manipulating and the to the benefits to security benefits social security denying social industries; denying Electricity industries; and Electricity Gas and the Gas and the miners' whom employers, whom port employers, the port encouraging the least, encouraging not least, but not last, but and last, families; and miners’ families;

settle to settle scheme to labour scheme dock labour the dock scrapping the for scrapping work for to work earlier to encouraged earlier had encouraged itit had with dock government -- dock the government for the is, for that is, disastrous -- that the disastrous end the thus end and thus dockers and the dockers with the

strike.

strike.

*

Dock Strike Dock Strike

It It turned turned out, out, however, however, that that all all this this behind-the-scenes behind-the-scenes intervention intervention came came to to nought, the calumcalum nought, that that all all the the police police brutality brutality unleashed unleashed by by the the government, government, all all the nious press barons miners nious propaganda propaganda unleashed unleashed by by the the Fleet Fleet Street Street press barons on on the the miners

melted melted away away in in the the face face of of the the grim grim determination determination of of the the miners. miners. Far group Far from from breaking breaking the the NUM NUM strike, strike, it it encouraged encouraged another another important important group

of jobs. The The national national of workers, workers, the the dockers, dockers, to to take take strike strike action action to to defend defend their their jobs.

dock Steel Corporation had used dock stoppage stoppage started started on on 10th 10th July July after after the the British British Steel Corporation had used non-registered on Humberside iron ore non-registered labour labour at at Inningham Inningham on Humberside to to unload unload blacked blacked iron ore for Steelworks. In for the the beleaguered beleaguered Scunthorpe Scunthorpe Steelworks. In response response to to this this provocative provocative ac action (which came in the aftermath of campaign by by the the port port tion (which came in the aftermath of aa consistent consistent campaign

employers demanding demanding from old Dock La employers from the the government government an an end end to to the the 36-year 36-year old Dock La-

bour scheme, scheme, whereby whereby the dockers enjoy enjoy security of employment the union bour the dockers security of employment and and the union

has some size of the whole force), the the National of has some say say in in the the size of the whole force), National Docks Docks Committee Committee of the T&GWU called national stoppage. stoppage. The The dockers dockers to to aa man man responded responded to to the T&GWU called for for a a national

the call, and the country’s ports, and the call, and within within hours hours all all the country's major major ports, and with with them them all all imim ports and exports, exports, were were brought brought toto aa sudden grinding halt. halt. ports and sudden grinding Shock waves waves in in the the City City Shock

This decision, decision, along with aa third collapse in in the peace process process in in the the minmin This along with third collapse the peace ers’ through the two “crack ers' dispute, dispute, sent sent shock shock waves waves through the City. City. The The action action of of these these two "crack divisions" of of the the labour labour movement, movement, as as one one newspaper newspaper put put it, it, proved proved too too much. much. divisions"

The pound fell dramatically (below time ever, The pound fell dramatically (below $1.30 $1.30 for for the the first first time ever, which which inin turn turn forced interest rates), wiped off forced higher higher interest rates), billions billions of of pounds pounds have have been been wiped off share share valval

ues and, and, toto use picturesque language language of of The The Miner, Miner, the the NUM NUMjournal journal of of 1414 the picturesque use the ues

22

As tothe light since then, As to the real real extent extent ofofGovernment Government intervention, intervention, much much more more has has come come toto light since then, which we now now know which we know thanks thanks toto Seamus Seamus Milne’s Milne's book book ’The "The Enemy Enemy Within’. Within'.

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

215

215

July, "The ''The squeals squeals of July, of businessmen businessmen are are getting getting louder louder by by the the day.". day.". Thus Thus the the government govemment finds finds itself itself in in an an industrial industrial siege siege of of its its own own creation, creation, and and financial financial

mayhem grows grows by mayhem already pushed by the the day. day. The The 2% 2% higher higher interest interest rates rates have have already pushed up up the the mortgage mortgage lending lending rate rate by by two two and and aa half half percent. percent. The The electricity electricity gener generated bound to ated by by oil oil is is costing costing more more than than £20 £20 million million extra extra every every week week and and is is bound to

result rate, inflation rate, the inflation affect the but affect cannot but this cannot All this prices. All electricity prices. higher electricity in higher result in and economic entire economic government’s entire the government's through the horses through and horses coach and drive aa coach thus drive and thus strategy. strategy. Hom

Government Rattled Government and and Fleet Fleet Street Street Rattled umjettow

By

20191

This the government This state state of of affairs affairs rattled rattled the government and and its its friends friends in in Fleet Fleet Street. Street. Almost started criticising the Thatcher Thatcher gov Almost for for the the first first time, time, the the Sunday Sunday Times Times started criticising the gov-

ernment.. of its its editorial on 15 said: "The emment.. The The opening opening line line of editorial on 15 July July said: "The Thatcher Thatcher government the foot for some time government has has been been consistently consistently shooting shooting itself itself in in the foot for some time now". now’.

Continued Times, using War 2 Continued the the Sunday Sunday Times, using aa World World War 2 analogy: analogy:

"But for the the first strike began began 18 18 weeks weeks “But last last week, week, for first time time since since the the miners' miners’ strike

ago, Arthur Arthur Scargill ago, Scargill drew up their front and and drew blood. blood. The The dockers dockers opened opened up their second second front the City the City and and the the international financial markets took fright. fright. Result: public international financial markets took Result: the the public is being being hurt hurt not is power cuts everybody feared higher mortmort not by by the the power cuts that that everybody feared but but by by higher gage dearer money The pound pound slipped below $1.30 for the the gage rates rates and and dearer money all all round. round. The slipped below $1.30 for first ever, creating pressures for for higher interest rates rates which which no no governgovern first time time ever, creating pressures higher interest

ment wedded ment wedded to monetary controls as the heart of of its strategy to monetary controls as the heart its anti-inflation anti-inflation strategy could ignore. ignore. could "All this happens happens at "All this at aa time time when the government’s government's grip grip on on affairs affairs looks looks when the

more more unsure prompting much much talk and much much nonsense unsure than than ever, ever, prompting talk of of crisis crisis and nonsense about about Tory Tory back-bench back-bench coups." coups." Realising that the miners on on strike strike were were more more united united than than ever ever before before in in Realising that the miners

their determination win, that that public public sympathy sympathy for for the NUM, far far from from declindeclin their determination toto win, the NUM, ing, was, long last, last, beginning grow, and and fearing fearing aa government government sell-out, sell-out, the the ing, was, at at long beginning toto grow, Sunday Times goes on on to to warn: warn: Sunday Times goes

"Mr Scargill Scargill isis greatly greatly cheered, cheered, the public wearies wearies for for aa settlement settlement and and the the "Mr the public

government’s government's predilection predilection for for botching botching everything everything from from Liverpools Liverpools toto the the GLC GLC encourages that itit may on the the brink encourages belief belief that may also also be be on brink of of sanctioning sanctioning aa sellout sellout inin the pits. pits. If If Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher wants wants toto experience experience aa real real run run on on the the pound, pound, then then she she the

should go go right right ahead.”’ ahead." Should

goes on on to express doubts doubts as as toto whether whether Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher isis fully fully aware aware of of ItIt goes to express the grave grave situation, situation, accusing accusing her her of of becoming becoming;; “‘increasingly "increasingly isolated isolated from from the

WITHIN SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -- THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

216

216

Downing in Downing figures in on aa few much on savvy few figures "too much depending "too and depending advice" and political advice" savvy political ng -In gener: ally appalli been generally has been Street appalling". In matters has political matters on political judgment on whose judgment Street whose warnfollowing warn the following issues the Times issues Sunday Times what the Sunday threat, the chilling threat, to aa chilling amounts to what amounts terms any terms on any settled on is settled strike is miners’ strike ing:' the miners' if the doubt: if no doubt: in no be in her be let her ‘Well, let ing:’ 'Well, the then the way, then his way, had his has had that he claim that to claim which he has plausibly to Scargill plausibly Mr Scargill allow Mr which allow

event, an event, such an in such Thatcher, in Mrs Thatcher, time ... Mrs of time... past waste of been aa waste have been will have weeks will 18 weeks past 18

back Street back Downing Street the Downing outside the up outside to pull pantechnicon to the pantechnicon might pull up ask the well ask as well might as door.”

door."

The by advising drop its pre The Sunday Sunday Times Times concludes concludes by advising the the government government to to drop its pretence go on offensive. the offensive. to the on to and go non-intervention and of non-intervention tence of

the time for is time “Tt is "It for the

to needs to offensive ... ItIt needs the offensive on the go on and go closet and the closet of the out of government come out to come government to instrike, in the strike, with the directly with deal directly come and deal MacGregor and Ian MacGregor Mr Ian behind Mr from behind out from come out dicating the government to conduct dicating that, that, as as the the battle battle escalates, escalates, the government is is going going to conduct the the

sandand sand with beer intervening with between intervening strategy beer and difference between is aa difference There is itself. There strategy itself.

the of the the strength out the spell out to spell intervention to and intervention wiches Street and strength of Downing Street in Downing wiches in government's tical challenge Scargill. The government's case case and and the the increasin increasingly political challenge of of Mr Mr Scargill. The pretence that for the and the nonsense pretence that it it is is all all aa matter matter for the Coal Coal Board Board and the union union is is aa nonsense when future of when it it is is the the future of the the government government which which is is at at stake." stake.”’ On as the On Monday Monday 16 16 July, July, The The Times, Times, owned owned by by the the same same 'democrats' ‘democrats’ as the Sunday Times, baron and Rupert Murdoch, fol Sunday Times, to to wit, wit, the the press press baron and billionaire, billionaire, Rupert Murdoch, followed by demanding that the make preparations lowed the the Sunday Sunday Times Times by demanding that the government government make preparations

for a State State of of Emergency. Emergency. On On Tuesday Tuesday it it accused accused the ministers of of aa "wobbly for a the ministers "wobbly nerve in political establishment establishment that punch-up and and which feels nerve in a a political that does does not not like like aa punch-up which feels that notforgive forgive its its leaders leadersfor for distracting distracting it itfrom from aa quiet quiet that the the British British public public will will not life" and and advised advised it to go on the the offensive offensive to "challengefrom from the the trade trade life" it to go on to meet meet the the “‘challenge unions and hard Left." Left." unions and the the hard The enemy within quin The enemy within

ada berda

Faced with these these demands demands from such representative representative and and authoritative authoritative Faced with from such spokesmen of British monopoly capitalism capitalism as as the the Sunday Times and and The The Times, spokesmen of British monopoly Sunday Times Times, Her Majesty's ministers, from from the Minister downward, downward, could could hardly be Her Majesty’s ministers, the Prime Prime Minister hardly be

expected capital has of letting expected to to resist, resist, for for British British monopoly monopoly capital has aa way way of letting itit be be known known who In the fashion of dogs, one who rules. rules. In the fashion of the the Pavlovian Pavlovian dogs, one after after the the other other the the minisminis ters abuse directed ters complied, complied, with with aa volley volley of of abuse directed against against the the NUM NUM and and its its President Arthur 19 July, July, the President Arthur Scargill. Scargill. And And on on Thursday Thursday 19 the Iron Iron Lady Lady herself herself

bowed to these Conservative bowed to these demands. demands. Speaking Speaking before before the the 1922 1922 Committee Committee of of Conservative backbenchers, she she described described the the miners as "the "the enemy enemy within," and Arthur Arthur backbenchers, miners as within," and the former democracy than President, as Scargill, their their President, as aa greater greater threat threat toto democracy than the former ArAr Scargill,

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

217 217

gentine fascist fascist dictator, gentine dictator, General General Galtieri. Galtieri. That That the the Thatcher Thatcher government government aimed aimed castrating the the entire entire trade trade union union and and labour labour movement, movement, not not just just the the miners, miners, atat Castrating she made made clear clear to the Tory Tory backbenchers backbenchers by by saying saying that that once once the the miners’ miners' strike strike to the she is over is over

"we have take on on the the militants militants in in other other unions". unions". to take have to “‘we Welcome candour candour Welcome

Thus the cat is of the the bag, bag, and, and, with with the the above above pronouncements of our our Thus the cat is out out of pronouncements of 'free' press and the the government, government, even even the the least least thinking thinking and and least least intelligent intelligent ‘free’ press and among the working class can can clearly clearly perceive perceive the the aims aims of the government government and and among the working class of the

the bourgeoisie. These These aims the bourgeoisie. aims are are nothing nothing short short of of attempts attempts at at securing securing the the comcom plete and total total submission submission of of the the British working class class to to the the needs, needs, interests interests plete and British working

and dictates of monopoly capital. The working working class class for for its its part part must must and dictates of British British monopoly capital. The take up up the gauntlet and and intensify intensify aa thousand-fold its struggle struggle against against the the "en"en take the gauntlet thousand-fold its emy and the the Thatcher Thatcher government. government. Our Our enemies enemies are are emy within" within" -- the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and

not isles. And And if the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, through through its its flunflun not abroad, abroad, they they are are within within these these isles. if the

key Prime Prime Minister Minister and and other other ministers, press and key ministers, through through its its press and media, media, have have concentrated minds of working people this, the most fundamental fundamental quesques concentrated the the minds of working people on on this, the most tion, candour, we we ought ought to gentry from from the the bottom bottom of of tion, with with admirable admirable candour, to thank thank this this gentry our imperialist spokesmen, spokesmen, such such as as the the Observer can feel feel our hearts. hearts. Only Only 'Liberal' *Liberal’ imperialist Observer can

embarrassed by by Thatcher’s embarrassed Thatcher's pronouncements. consequences of of such such pronouncements. Fearing Fearing the the consequences candour the the Observer Observer of 22 July, July, in in its its editorial editorial entitled entitled An An unhelpful candour of 22 unhelpful equation, equation, squeaked and bemoaned in in the following tones: tones: “Mrs appeared toto squeaked and bemoaned the following "Mrs Thatcher Thatcher appeared declare war war on on the the miners miners last last Thursday declare [only last Thursday night?] night?] ... ... in in Thursday night night [only last Thursday so doing doing she she heightened heightened the so out to to be be the the the stakes stakes wantonly wantonly in in what what is is turning turning out bitterest industrial industrial conflict conflict for bitterest for over over half half.aa century. century. "To describe describe the the striking striking miners miners as enemy within, "To as the the enemy the within, and and toto evoke evoke the Falklands spirit spirit in in order order to to crush crush them", them”’, itit is is said, Falklands said, "is Prime “is unworthy unworthy of of any any PrimeMinister who who wishes wishes to to govern govern this this country country in in the the people. people. Minister the interest interest of of all all the Such dangerous Such of Mr Arthur dangerous stridency stridency matches matches the the revolutionary revolutionary rhetoric rhetoric of Mr Arthur Scargill himself... himself ... Mrs Mrs Thatcher's Thatcher’s words words will will merely merely harden harden attitudes the Scargill attitudes on on the striking coalfields. coalfields. They They will will delight delight Mr Mr Scargill Scargill and and his his red red guards, guards, who bestriking who be lieve lieve in in class class struggle struggle to to the the finish." finish.”’ Whether Whether the the Observer's Observer’s description description of of Mr Mr Scargill Scargill oror of of his his so-called so-called Red Red Guards as feared Guards is is correct correct or or not, not, that that is is not not the the issue. issue. What What is is correct correct is is that, that, as feared by by the the Observer, Observer, Mrs Mrs Thatcher's Thatcher’s words words would, would, far far from from crushing crushing the the miners, miners,

wants therefore, wants Observer, therefore, The Observer, win. The to win. only resolve to their resolve strengthen their to strengthen serve to only serve the ALL the name of the name in the governs in that itit governs pretence that the pretence maintain the to maintain government to the government the of ALL people, to to "drop “drop the the hyperbole hyperbole and and speak speak the the language language of of peace", peace", for, for, "the “‘the people,

218 218

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

-

bour[i.e., bour longer social [i.e., the social to the are to dangers are the dangers graver the the graver continues the strike continues this strike longer this

geois] that compromise that of compromise art of the art to the and to law and of law rule of the rule society, to the our society, of our fabric of geois] fabric

one of one triumph of total triumph the total avoided the has Britain avoided that Britain past that the past in the ensured in always ensured has always

the side helplessness the sad helplessness of sad air of an air With an conflict”. With industrial conflict". an industrial in an another in over another side over Prime the Prime by the despised by are despised Observer conciliation are of conciliation ways of the ways "Nowadays the adds: "Nowadays Observer adds:

said, be said, must be It must Minister Scargill." It Mr Scargill." by Mr shared by view shared weakness, a view of weakness, signs of as signs Minister as strident and strident avowed and the avowed are the example are negative example in by negative teachers by our teachers instance, our this instance, in this the over the wool over the wool pull the who pull imperialists who liberal imperialists the liberal not the spokesmen not imperialist spokesmen imperialist goygovermment gov the government as the nonsense as eyes dangerous nonsense such dangerous by such people by working people of working eyes of government governs ’our’ government that 'our' is that truth is The truth erning governs people. The the people. ALL the of ALL behalf of on behalf erning on industry of industry magnates of the magnates of the in interests of the interests in the handful, in tiny handful, of aa tiny interests of the interests in the and 'free' press and who regard who regard press and our *free’ all our own all who own capital, who finance capital, of finance kings of the kings and the the evil (for working class, class, no working is no there is if there (for if necessary evil best aa necessary class asas atat best working class the working there If that oozed has oozed truth has that truth within. If enemy within. an enemy worst an at worst and at capitalism) and no capitalism) is no there is out, that isis aa gain gain more important more important strike, that miners’ strike, the miners' by the generated by heat generated the heat in the out, in than rises. wage rises. many wage than many

Let us us fight Let fight the the enemy enemy within within

Let lesson well and fight with greater greater determidetermi Let the the working working class class learn learn this this lesson well and fight with nation before against against "the "the enemy enemy within”. within". Let Let every every worker worker rally nation than than ever ever before rally round the NUM NUMand andthe theminers minersononstrike. strike. In In the the coming days the the NUM will round the coming days NUM will need this support, for for as this issue goes into need this support, as this issue goes into print, print, we we have have just just heard heard that that the the

4

High Court has imposed of £50,000 on the the Welsh Welsh NUM NUM for for defiance defiance of of High Court has imposed aa fine fine of £50,000 on its injunction not to interfere its injunction not to interfere with with coal coal supplies supplies to to Port Port Talbot Talbot Steelworks Steelworks by by aa private firm. ItIt isis not private haulage haulage firm. not the the first first time time that that the the judiciary judiciary have have acted acted so so blabla tantly order prohibiting tantly and and despicably. despicably. Two Two weeks weeks ago, ago, itit made made an an order prohibiting the the NUM NUM from Sheffield onon from discussing discussing rule rule changes changes atat its its extraordinary extraordinary conference conference inin Sheffield Wednesday 11 11 July July -- an an order order which which the the NUM NUM have have treated treated with with the the contempt contempt Wednesday deserved by by going going ahead ahead with with the the necessary necessary rule rule changes. changes. The The NUM NUM has has itit deserved been been given given until until Wednesday Wednesday 11 August August toto pay pay the the fine fine oror face face sequestration sequestration ofof its funds. funds. We We have have just just heard heard that that the the South South Wales Wales miners’ miners' executive executive have have dede its cided, in in accordance accordance with with NUM NUM and and TUC TUC policy, policy, not not toto pay pay the the fine. fine. InIn any any cided,

case, one one thing thing isis certain certain - the miners can can neither neither be be starved, starved, nor nor bullied, bullied, nor nor case, the miners sequestrated sequestrated into into submission. submission. InIn the the words words ofof Mr Mr Scargill: Scargill: "4s "As Jong long asas the the govgov ernment can hold ernment says says itit can hold out, out, we we can can hold hold out out aa week week longer". longer". He He continued, continued, inin aa speech speech toto many many thousand thousand miners, miners, their their wives wives and and families, families, inin South South Wales Wales on on Friday Friday (27th (27th July) July) night: night: "Has "Has itit not notyet yetpercolated percolated toto the the minds minds ofofthe the EstabEstab

lishment that that they they cannot cannot sequestrate sequestrate the the minds minds and and wills wills of ofordinary ordinary people people lishment

1

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

219 219

who are arefighting fightingfor for the the defence defence ofoftheir theirjobs jobs inin mining miningcommunities?" communities?" who

Let Let all all working working people people work work tirelessly tirelessly for for aa miners’ miners' victory. victory. And And ifif that that victory has has the the incidental incidental effect effect ofof obliging obliging Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatchertoto ask ask the the pantechnipantechni victory con toto pull pull up up outside outside the the Downing Downing Street Street back back door, door, that that sadly sadly cannot cannot be be con helped and and isis none none of of our our concern. concern. We We should should be be concermed concerned toto keep keepthe the miners miners helped and other other sections sections of of the the working working class class inin their theirjobs jobs rather rather than than one one individual, individual, and no no matter matter how how highly highly she she thinks thinks of of herself. herself. The The support support for for the the strike strike continues continues to to be be solid; solid; the the miners’ miners' wives wives are are doing doing aa magnificent magnificent job job ofof organising organising comcom munal picket duty; munal kitchens kitchens and and doing doing picket duty; the the mining mining families families have have gone gone through through the pain pain barrier, barrier, the the coal coal stocks stocks are are dwindling dwindling and and the the winter winter isis approaching; approaching; the swingeing power power cuts cuts are are approaching; approaching; support support for for the the miners miners isis growing. growing. In In Swingeing other words, words, there there isis everything everything for for the miners toto play play for. for. InIn view view of of the other the miners the above, the the ‘Miner’ 'Miner' of of 14th 14th July was not not indulging indulging inin any any unwarranted unwarranted optiopti above, July was mism it declared mism when when it declared that that "the "the NUM NUM isis heading headingfor for the the greatest greatest industrial industrial victory victory in in the the post-war post-war history of Great Great Britain." The miners miners are bound to be history of Britain.’’ The are bound to be

victorious and and deserve deserve this victory every every bit. victorious this victory

Lans

Hugh waypoigoo DUT

wpawnloob banks by botibial od som Rust Kingque fetal ald und souvellakput babi Mortonge svind AALWE DOT annen

Cup-u

Jak

tase Ba

odgo

Sinabibiqili al desa a chavoq ALE

XIGMODSA

and fchigabon us Jon Balpen Pular partin etekioja blod let

selust donly abuela

tanangel bontoto polnuda

Yorm

kahoy port

N SOCIAL ENEMYWITHI WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

220

220

LALKAR 1984 September 1984 LALKAR September

port the TUC Conference support the NUM NUM must sup ference must TUC Con Front Dockers Second ond Front Open Sec Dockers Open Next Monday (Sept (Sept 3rd) 3rd) as as the TUC Annual Annual Conference Conference opens opens inin Next Monday the TUC

months old. very nearly Brighton, nearly be be six six months old. When When the the would very strike would miners’ strike the miners' Brighton, the strike of March year, the Board (NCB), the strike started started at at the the beginning beginning of March of of this this year, the Coal Coal Board (NCB), the Government the bourgeois bourgeois media media had had cockily cockily predicted its swift swift collapse. collapse. predicted its and the Government and The been on strike and and who who show signs of of cavcav The miners, miners, 80% 80% of of whom whom have have been on strike show no no signs

ing through their incredible acts acts ofof ing in, in, through their perseverance, perseverance, determination determination and and incredible heroism, the grin grin off off the faces of of their their enemies. enemies. In In their their fight fight smug faces the smug wiped the have wiped heroism, have against against the their communicommuni against pit pit closures closures and and redundancies, redundancies, against the destruction destruction of of their ties, of the queue, the miners have have been been waging waginga a battle battle ties, against against the the misery misery of the dole dole queue, the miners which as heroic for the the fight right to to work work which is is as heroic as as it it is is selfless selfless and and noble noble -- for fight for for the the right

and of the the working class from from the misery and and degradation and the the emancipation emancipation of working class the misery degradation ofof unemployment not the the private affair of of the the NUM, the common common cause cause of of but the NUM, but private affair is not unemployment is the entire for this this reason reason the the the entire labour labour and and trade trade union union movement. movement. It It isis precisely precisely for TUC decide to to give its total support to the NUM. TUC Conference Conference must must decide give its total support to the NUM. Deeds Rhetoric Deeds not not Rhetoric

This ritual declarations declarations of of support support for for This total total support support must must not not be be limited limited to to ritual

the specifically demanded demanded the the following following three three forms forms of of have specifically NUM have The NUM miners. The the miners. support: support:

FIRST, that the TUC accept accept the NUM's demand demand for for 10p 10p aa week week levy levy on on FIRST, that the TUC the NUM’s

all trade union union members net in in approximately approximately three-quarters three-quarters of of aa million million members toto net all trade pounds help with the strike. strike. pounds aa week week to to help with the

that picket SECONDLY, the TUC decision that picket lines lines be be respected, respected, make a a decision TUC make that the SECONDLY, that with all all trade trade unionists unionists instructed not to to cross cross picket picket lines. lines. with instructed not trade unionists THIRDLY, that unionists refuse refuse to to use use materials materials handled handled by by scab scab lala that trade THIRDLY, bour in effort to to break strike. bour in an an effort break the the NUM NUM strike. Support or or Betrayal Betrayal Support

legitimate demands, These are clear and and legitimate demands, which which must must meet meet simple, clear perfectly simple, are perfectly These

e. The enthusiastic support with the the enthusiastic support ofof the the delegates delegates atat the the Conferenc Conference. The TUC TUC ConCon with

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

221 221

ference, starting starting next next Monday, Monday, isis the the most most historic historic for for many many decades, decades, and and its its ference,

decisions will will have have aa far-reaching far-reaching effect effect for for many, many, many many years years toto come. come. This This isis decisions how Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, the the NUM NUM President President (in (in aa speech speech on on Saturday, Saturday, 25th 25th August, August, atat how rally of of thousands thousands of of miners miners and and their their supporters supporters atat Dalkeith, Dalkeith, near near EdinEdin aa rally burgh), succinctly succinctly put put the the matter: matter: burgh), believe that that the the trade trade union union movement movement was was established established in in order order that that we we ‘T"I believe could support support each each other other in in our our hour hour of ofneed. need. In In aa week’s week's time time the the TUC TUC has has an an could opportunity to to either either support support the the miners’ miners' union union in in its its historic historic struggle struggle toto mainmain opportunity tain an an industry, industry, our our pits pits and and our our communities, communities, as as well well as as carrying carrying out out TUC TUC tain

policy; or or itit can can turn turn away: away: and and in in doing doing so so itit would would be be stained stainedfor for all all time time policy;

with what would be described described as as an an act act of ofbetrayal.” betrayal. with what would be

>>

Already there there are are signs signs that that the the Conference Conference will will witness witness aa split split between between the the Already platform and the the floor, with the the labour labour aristocrats aristocrats -- the the Murrays, Murrays, the the Chapples, Chapples, platform and floor, with the suchlike labour labour lieutenants lieutenants of of capitalism capitalism -- scabbing scabbing on on the the minmin the Duffys Duffys and and suchlike

ers, and and the the rank rank and and file file delegates swinging their their support support on on the the side side of of the the ers, delegates swinging NUM. which only only yesterday yesterday deserted deserted the the NGA NGA in in the the latlat NUM. The The TUC TUC leadership, leadership, which ter’s dispute with the notorious ter's dispute with the notorious Mr Shah&, have, have, in in return return for for supporting’ 'supporting' the the Mr Shah&, NUM, demanded demanded control in the the running running of the strike. NUM, control in of the strike. Support Support indeed! indeed! The The NUM, 'support' under such conditions conditions would would be be no no less less than than the the NUM, realising realising that that ’support’ under such kiss clear of of such The delegates at the the ConferConfer kiss of of Judas, Judas, have have steered steered clear such aa course. course. The delegates at

ence must must show show their their strength strength and and in ence in doing the platform platform to to doing so so either either compel compel the agree defeat on agree to to support support the the NUM, NUM, or or inflict inflict aa crushing crushing defeat on it. it. National National Dock Dock Strike Strike

The T&GWU T&GWU (the (the transport transport union) union) Executive's Executive’s policy policy isis toto support support the The the miners and and that that means means stopping stopping coal coal and and ore ore carriers carriers berthing berthing at Hur Hunterston miners ston and other other ports. ports. On On Wednesday, Wednesday, 22nd 22nd August, August, British British Steel Steel ordered ordered the the bulk bulk and carrier Ostier Ostier to to dock dock and and unload unload (using (using scab labour in in the the process) process) its carrier scab labour its cargo cargo atat Hunterston terminal terminal on on the the Clyde Clyde in in aa direct direct and and deliberate deliberate challenge the Hunterston challenge toto the TGWU, which which had had stated stated in in advance advance that that the the berthing berthing and and unloading unloading of of the the car carTGWU, rier, carrying carrying 93,000 93,000 tons tons of of imported imported coal coal for for the the Ravenscraig Ravenscraig Steel Steel Works, Works, rier, Steel, British Steel, by British provocation by this provocation to this response to In response would action. In industrial action. to industrial lead to would lead it it is is hardly hardly to to be be surprised surprised at at that that the the TGWU TGWU ordered, ordered, on on Friday, Friday, 24th 24th August, August,

an an immediate immediate national national dock dock strike, strike, indicating indicating that that lorry lorry drivers drivers may may be be called called Corporation. Steel Corporation. British Steel the British to the challenge to effective challenge an effective out present an to present later to out later The The Second Second Front Front

6

and

bun,aposią obit

The The dock dock strike, strike, which which has has been been correctly correctly described described by by the the bourgeois bourgeois press press

THE ENEMY SOCIALDEMOCRA DEMOCRACY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN CY - THE SOCIAL

222 222

om 10 September the

velopment. Fr the second second front, front, isis aa mos mostt wewelcome development. From 10 September the lcome de asas the s’ ker doc e . Th k-to-rule The dockers' lanned wor railwayymen men will will bebe going going ahead ahead with with their their pplanned work-to-rule. railwa king ence of M and and railwa railwaymen's actions inin support support ofof the the NU NUM and inin def defence of wor working ymen’s actions and

them aa chomen and is spokes people have have terribly terribly upset upset bourgeo bourgeois spokesmen and evoked evoked from from them cho people r "furthe actions these in sees rus of denunciations The 'liberal' Observer sees in these actions "further er rus of denunciations The ‘liberal’ Observ ial s toto use ness of alarming evidence of the the willing willingness ofsome some union union leader leaders use industr industrial e of ng evidenc alarmi the Govion toto bring cal ends" muscle achieve blatant political ends" and and "use "use ofofcoerc coercion bring the Gov t politi ve blatan e toto achie muscl

ay Times -84). The s’’ (26-8 ernment its knees knees and and victo victory for the the miner miners" (26-8-84). The Sund Sunday Times ry for to its nt to ernme h Britis the t abou ying "all characterises the dock dock strike strike asas typif typifying "all that that isis worst worst about the British cterises the chara

strade union union movem movement" and asas an an attem attempt by "left "left-wing elite of of union unionprofe profes -wing elite pt by ent" and trade in’s trade ing Brita sionals... hijack its its memb members into bring bringing Britain's trade with with the the world world toto ers into ls ... toto hijack siona juddering halt" (26-8 (26-8-84) -84) ring halt" aa judde Mr David David Steel, Steel, the as the the "nice "nice man" man" of British h of Britis known as leader, known Liberal leader, the Liberal

Mr

bourgeois politics, thus: "the "the issue now has has nothi nothing to do with dockdock ng to do with issue now cs, fulminates fulminates thus: eois politi bourg ers' jobs. It the power power of ofmilitant in one one industry industry leaders in union leaders trade union militant trade about the is about It is ers’ jobs. the country". ... literally literally blackmailing blackmailing the country" . ...

The Nicholas Ridley, The Transport Transport Minister, Minister, the the hapless hapless Nicholas Ridley, has has described described it it asas the "craziest" "craziest" ever ever dreamed dreamed up. up. "It "Jt is is aa political political strike to support the strike engineered engineered to support the the crumbling crumbling miners' miners’ dispute", dispute", he he adds. adds. Well, Well, Mr Mr Ridley Ridley should should recognise recognise aa political political strike strike when when he he sees sees one, one,e, after after he he has has been been preparing preparing for for exactly exactly such suchaa

political political confrontation confrontation since since 1978... 1978 ...

The above above random random bouquet bouquet of The of abuse abuse hurled hurled at at the the dockers dockers and and the the NUM NUM is is

sure guarantee guarantee that that these these groups groups of aa sure of workers workers are are on on the the right right track, track, that that they they

are acting acting in in defence defence of of the the real real and and legitimate legitimate interests interests of of the the working working class, class, are for, to to put put it it in in the the inimitable inimitable and and immortal immortal words for, words of of the the great great 19th 19th century century

Russian Nekrasov, poet, Nekrasov, Russian poet,

ban isoo gniqqola ansoon isdi ·*

"I "I hear hear the the voice voice of of approbation approbation Not in in the the dulcet Not dulcet sounds sounds of of praise praise But But in in the the roar roar of of irritation." irritation."

obxwi obvl

out no

Insinnst nodarb

tely poneybę i polala bed

Picketing Picketing and and Violence Violence vong sind ofbanoreor al

000,ce gnigne

noiton ichteobni of best blos

The response response to The to the the stoppage stoppage ordered ordered by by the the TGWU TGWU has has been been mixed, mixed, and and

all the all the indications indications are are that that the the action action will will be be 75% 75% effective, effective, that that there there. will will bebe dockers, particularly at dockers, particularly at Felixstowe Felixstowe and and Dover, Dover, who who are are likely likely to to defy defy the the Un Union’s strike call. ItIt isis equally strike call. clear that equally clear that the striking dockers the striking dockers are are bound bound to picket to picket ion's these ofthe the riot these places places and and that that the the pickets pickets will will face face the the full full might might of riot police police and and the the propaganda propaganda barrage barrage from from our our 'free' ’free’ press penny-a-liner hacks and its press and its penny-a-liner hacks who eho

|

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

223

223

pride themselves themselves on on "the "the freedom pride freedom of of totally totally un-representative un-representative speech", speech", to to use use the terminolog y (pregnant the terminology (pregnant with with aa meaning meaning far far richer richer than than that that intended intended by by its its author) of of Mr author) Mr C.C.O'Brien C.C.O’Brien (Observer, (Observer, 12-8-84). 12-8-84) . Her Her Majesty's Majesty’s Ministers Ministers and and the the media, media, so so adept adept at at construing construing police police vio vio-

lence on on the the picket lence picket lines lines as as intimidation intimidation and and coercion coercion by by the the pickets, pickets, are are bound bound

to intensify intensify their to against the and dockdock their shrill shrill pronouncements pronouncements against the picketing picketing miners miners and ers. The The Labour Labour leadership ers. leadership will, will, as as hitherto, hitherto, mindlessly mindlessly repeat repeat these these calumnious calumnious lies and and condemn condemn violence lies violence on on the the part part of of the the strikers. strikers. Mr Mr Kinnock, Kinnock, the the Labour Labour leader and and his his deputy, leader deputy, Roy Roy Hattersley, Hattersley, are are engaged engaged in in the the shameful shameful task task of of out outTorying must stand stand firm and defend defend the the Torying the the Tories. Tories. But But workers workers everywhere everywhere must firm and right harassment, violence and cavcav right to to picket picket freely freely without without police police intimidation, intimidation, harassment, violence and

alry the NUM alry charges. charges. Mr Mr Scargill Scargill was was quite quite right, right, when, when, speaking speaking at at the NUM wives' wives’ rally on 11-8-84, 20,000, he he put putthe for rally in in London London on 11-8-84, attended attended by by more more than than 20,000, the blame blame for picket on the loud applause, class picket line line violence violence on the police, police, declaring, declaring, amid amid loud applause, "I "/ take take aa class of the NOG

stand. I I am am not not prepared to condemn condemn pickets whose only crime isis to stand. prepared to pickets whose only crime to fight fightfor for DE MENSC

the right to to work". which must permeate every every thinking thinking the right work". This This is is aa standpoint standpoint which must permeate

emanating worker. No amount of dreadful and blood-curdling condemnations condemnations emanating"

worker. No amount

from of the the lucratively rewarded and highly-placed lap dogs dogs of the from the the mouths mouths of lucratively rewarded and highly-plac of the ed lap

ruling into abandoning abandoning its its collective collective apap ruling class class will \will frighten frighten the the working working class class into

proach, one of of the instruments of of the the proach; for for organisation organisation is is one the most most important important instruments advancement class. Withoutian Without an organisatio organisation the working working class class advancement of of the the working working class. n the is bourgeoisie like the the workers workers to to fight fight singly, singly, as individu is nothing. nothing. The The bourgeoisi would like as individue would als, experience that that they they can can only only win collectively, als, but but the the workers workers know know from from experience win collectively ,

and more more importantly and importantly, as aa class. class. ; as Incredible Heroism and and the the Professorial Professorial understanding understanding of of itit incredible Heroism

The striking miners miners have, have, by by their their determination determination toto win, win, their their steadfastness steadfastness The striking in midst of courage in in the the face face of of danger, danger, and, and, above above all, all, by by their their in the the midst of hardship, hardship, courage

display of comradeship, surprised surprised friend friend and and foe foe alike. alike. That That the the bourbour display of collective collective comradeship, geois geois mind, mind, trained trained in in and and used used toto debating debating inin the the stuffy stuffy studies studies of of the the intelligentsia, isis incapable incapable of of understanding understanding the the extent extent toto which which the the working working intelligentsia, class, given the right right historical historical and and political political circumstances, circumstances, isis capable capable of of perper class, given the forming forming legendary legendary deeds deeds and and acts acts of of selfless selfless heroism, heroism, isis shown shownby by an an article, article, inin the Sunday Sunday Times Times of of 12th 12th August August by by aa certain certain Professor Professor Musgrove, Musgrove, under under the the the

title of of Lost Lost Kingdom Kingdom of of the the Mining Mining Men. Men. Our Our worthy worthy professor, professor, unable unable toto title grasp grasp the the issues issues atat stake, stake, unable unable toto understand understand why why the the miners miners are are prepared prepared toto endure such such hardship hardship for for aa strike strike that that enters enters its its 25th 25th week, week, ’explains’ 'explains' itit inin terms terms endure

of the the migration migration of of the the more more intelligent intelligent from from the the Striking striking areas areas toto others others not not on on of

224 224

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL

strike, and and in in terms terms of of the the North-South North-South divide divide and and working-class working-class youth youth culture, culture. strike, Theminers minersare areononstrike strikebecause becausethey theyare arethick, thick, come come from fromthe theNorth Northand and The areareinin the vice-like vice-like grip grip of of "working-class "working-class youth youth culture culture which which isis aggressive, aggressive, defiant, defiant, the anarchic". Thus Thus Herr Herr Professor: Professor: "Jn "In the the past past 30 30 years years two two social social processes processes anarchic". have siphoned siphoned off offmen men of of initiative initiative and and ability; ability; educational selection has has left left aa have educational selection

residue of ofD and EE stream stream secondary secondary modern modern and and comprehensive comprehensive school pupils residue D and school pupils for pit pit work work-- there there has has been been aa massive massive haemorrhage haemorrhage of of talent talent from from mining mining for communities; and and earlier earlier pit pit closure closure programmes programmes have have set set up up eddies eddies of ofselecselec communities; tive migration migration which which have drained away away the most enterprising enterprising men from the the tive have drained the most men from

more northerly northerly fields. fields. "" more

And further: "We "We did did not not solve solve the the educational educational problem problem by raising the And further: by raising the school-leaving age 15, still to 16. 16. Five years in in the com school-leaving age toto 15, still less less to Five years the E-stream E-stream of of aa comprehensive school school is training in bloody-mindedness if not prehensive is an an excellent excellent training in sheer sheer bloody-mindedness if not actual both teachers teachers and and pupils, degradation and and desperation desperation actual subversion. subversion. For For both pupils, degradation may alternate, at best, may alternate, at best, with with 'having ‘having a a laugh'. laugh’. "This warfare, itit is "This isis not not education; education; it it isis a a species species of of trench trench warfare, is anticipatory anticipatory socialisation picket line. socialisation for for the the mass mass picket line.”’ >>

What What conclusions conclusions can can aa sensible sensible person person draw draw from from the the above above premises, premises, as assuming be correct? system and and the suming these these to to be correct? Surely, Surely, that that our our education education system the streaming streaming

within itit are within the vast are defective defective and and discriminate discriminate against against the vast majority majority of of working working class class children children and and that that pit pit closures closures must must be be halted halted at at all all costs costs lest lest there there should should be among the be an an even even greater greater drain drain of of the the intelligent intelligent and and talented talented among the miners miners to to other other areas, areas, leaving leaving behind behind aa 'mindless' ’mindless’ heap heap who who are are only only fit fit for for the the picket picket line. line. The The Professor, Professor, being being unable unable to to think think through through to to the the logical logical conclusions conclusions of of his his own, own, ifif wrong, wrong, premises, premises, or or being being frightened frightened by by these these conclusions, conclusions, simply simply side-stepped side-stepped the the whole whole issue issue and and launched launched into into the the affray affray with with the the following following

mindless and economic and the economic understand the to understand failure to utter failure his utter of his out of born out tirade, born mindless tirade,

resihuman resi diluted human the diluted political is the "Jt is strike: "It NUM strike: the NUM with the connected with issues connected political issues most been most have been that have Durham, that and Durham, Yorkshire and dues in Yorkshire especially in remain, especially that remain, dues that

effectively effectively manipulated manipulated and and mobilised mobilised by by the the tactics tactics of of the the NUM. NUM. They They have have been been bounced bounced into into aa strike strike without without aa ballot ballot and and have have learned learned to to repeat repeat slogans slogans (‘No pit pit closures closures on on economic economic grounds' grounds’ 'Cowards 'Cowards hide hide behind behind ballots') ballots') whose whose ('No horrendous implications implications they they do do not not begin begin to to grasp. grasp.” horrendous ede of thickies, load of behind aa load left behind have left migration have and migration selection and So educational selection So educational ""

os iss the professor. What obtuse professor. our obtuse pleases our residues” ifif itit pleases human residues" “diluted human "diluted What then abuse: following abuse: the following with the reader with the reader regale the Professor regale the Professor solution? Let the solution? Let ;,

1

socia and social industrial and 1s industrial fighting is is fighting NUM is the NUM which the on which "The programme on "The programme .

ona)

;

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

225 225

Luddism of of an an extreme extreme kind: kind: not not only only would would obsolescent obsolescent technology technology bebe prepre Luddism servedfor for ever, ever, but but obsolescent obsolescentpit pit villages, villages, too." too." served Migration drains away away the the talented talented and and the the intelligentsia intelligentsia so so let let us us have have Migration drains more of of the the same same by by way way of of aa solution! solution! Well, Well, thanks thanks for for the the ’explanation’, 'explanation', asas more well as the ’solution’, 'solution', worthy worthy Professor! Professor! We We feel feel much much enlightened enlightened by by your your well as the penetrating analysis! analysis! Gentlemen Gentlemen such such as as these, these, with with nothing nothing but but total total chaos chaos and and penetrating confusion in in their their heads, heads, are are paid paid handsome handsome salaries salaries toto confuse confuse and and befuddle befuddle confusion the minds minds of of our our youth youth in in our our colleges colleges and and universities. universities. No No wonder wonder then then that that the working-class children, children, whom whom educational selection has has siphoned siphoned off offto to univeruniver working-class educational selection

sities and other institutions of higher higher education, education, where where they they are are preyed preyed upon upon for for sities and other institutions of years by the likes likes of our Professor in the the name name of of education education -- which which isis the the dede years by the of our Professor in spair of teacher and the taught taught alike alike -- are are unlikely unlikely toto have have the the clarity clarity of of spair of the the teacher and the mind and and singleness of purpose purpose to to stand stand on the picket picket line. mind singleness of on the line. Obsolete System System Obsolete It worth bothering the reader reader with with the the rest rest of of the the Professor’s Professor's ’analy'analy It is is not not worth bothering the

sis'. from incorrect incorrect premises premises and and ends ends up up by by drawing drawing even even more more sis’. He He starts starts from erroneous incapable of of understanding understanding that that ifif the the NUM NUM apap erroneous conclusions. conclusions. He He isis incapable pear fighting on conservative programme, programme, which which would would preserve preserve pear to to be be fighting on aa conservative obsolescent only aa reflection reflection of of the the fact fact that that they they obsolescent technology technology forever, forever, then then it it isis only are within the constraints of of a system of of production production which which has has been been are fighting fighting within the constraints a system historically nearly aa hundred capitalism. The The real real "in"in historically obsolete obsolete for for nearly hundred years, years, to to wit, wit, capitalism. dustrial an extreme extreme kind" indulged in by those those who who dustrial and and social social Luddism Luddism of of an kind" isis indulged in by spare propping up up capitalism, which produces produces anarchic. anarchic spare no no effort effort in in artificially artificially propping capitalism, which competition, of utter destitution, savagery, savagery, degendegen competition, unemployment, unemployment, lower lower depths depths of utter destitution, eration, eration, little litthe wars wars and and world world wars. wars.

But, our dear dear Professor. Perhaps he crit But, perhaps perhaps we we have have misunderstood misunderstood our Professor. Perhaps he isis criticising for the and overthrow overthrow of of this this icising the the NUM NUM for for not not fighting fighting for the abolition abolition and obsolete system. system. If obsolete himself aa bit more lucidly lucidly If so, so, the the Professor Professor ought ought to to express express himself bit more so skulls of of the the "diluted human residues" residues" so that that his his advice advice could could penetrate penetrate the the skulls "diluted human manning and industrial manning our our picket picket lines lines and industrial enterprises. enterprises.

In the In fol the light light of of our our Professor's Professor’s analysis, analysis, we we cannot cannot help help recalling recalling the the following Mill: Stuart Mill: John Stuart apropos John Marx apropos Karl Marx of Karl remark of lowing remark "On the the level level plain plain simple "On look like simple mounds mounds look like hills; hills; and and the the imbecile imbecile flatness flatness of the the present present bourgeoisie of its great great intel bourgeoisie is is to to be be measured measured by by the the altitude altitude of of its intellects" lects" (Capital (Capital Vol Vol 1,1, Ch Ch XVI) XVI) anything, the the imbecile imbecile flatness flatness of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie today IfIf anything, today. is is even even more more

226 226

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

striking striking if if the the altitude altitude of of its its great great intellects intellects is is any any guide. guide. The The class class conscious conscious

proletariat nonutter non the utter contempt the well-deserved contempt with well-deserved treat with increasingly treat will increasingly proletariat will sense bourgeois of bourgeois sections of other sections and other gentry and professorial gentry our professorial from our emanating from sense emanating

opinion no have no will have strikers will NUM strikers The NUM imperialism. The of imperialism. hirelings of and hirelings makers and opinion makers difficulty Professor our Professor of our outpourings of reactionary outpourings the reactionary disdain the with disdain ignoring with in ignoring difficulty in

and paid and of an an obsolete obsolete service of the service into the pressed into and pressed are paid who are him who like him others like and others system. system .

NUM NUM victory victory inevitable inevitable

to

re

The Government, Government, the trick to to break break The the NCB NCB and and the the media media have have tried tried every every trick

the protection, the miners' miners” strike. strike. Large Large amounts amounts of of bribes, bribes, and and massive massive police police protection,

have have been been given given to to aa few few scabs, scabs, who who have have been been portrayed portrayed as as the the "bravest" "bravest" men men

;

in in Britain. Britain. Cabinet Cabinet Ministers, Ministe.s, newspaper newspaper editors editors and and TV TV journalists journalists have have pro produced shamelessly duced a a crescendo crescendo of of abuse abuse aimed aimed at at the the NUM. NUM. The The judiciary judiciary has has shamelessly

joined been organised by joined in in this this battle battle to to beat beat the the NUM. NUM. Cavalry Cavalry charges charges have have been organised by

the In short, everything has has been done to the police police against against the the pickets. pickets. In short, everything been done to intimidate, intimidate, isolate such isolate and and defeat defeat the the strike. strike. But But the the strikers, strikers, the the real real heroes, heroes, have have braved braved such odds joined them. Let all all other other odds almost almost single-handedly. single-handedly. Now, Now, the the dockers dockers have have joined them: Let

sections of the round the TUC Conference sections of the working working class class rally rally round the NUM. NUM. Let Let the the TUC Conference next unreserved and for the next week week declare declare its its whole-hearted, whole-hearted, unreserved and unstinting unstinting support support for the

NUM. Let Let the the guiding guiding slogan slogan of of the working-class movement NUM. the working-class movement today today be: be: VICTORY VICTO RY TO TO THE THE MINERS! MINERS !

20

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aniqlaldorso an quvideo

to

. .

THE OF 1984-85 THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

LALKAR

227 227

October 1984

LALKAR October 1984

Miners poised for victory -Miners poised for a a historic historic victory Signs of disintegration the Signs of disintegration and and panic panic in in the

bourgeois camp camp bourgeois As goes to the coal coal strike strike isis in in its its thirtithirti As the the October October issue issue of of Lalkar Lalkar goes to press, press, the

eth week, week, with with not not the the slightest prospect in in sight eth slightest prospect sight of of its its settlement settlement in in the the coming coming few parties to the dispute dispute -- the the NUM, NUM, the the NCB NCB and, and, yes yes and, and, the the few weeks. weeks. The The parties to the apart, now as they they were were at at the the Government apart, ifif not Government - are are still still as as far far apart, not furthe further apart, now as beginning of the dispute on on 12th March. This This became became patently patently obvious obvious during during beginning of the dispute 12th March. the arranged in in the the week week of of the the TUC Conference, held held bebe the latest latest series series of of talks, talks, arranged TUC Conference, tween and the Sunday 9th to Friday Friday 14th 14th Sept. Sept. The The tween the the NUM NUM and the NCB NCB from from Sunday 9th Sept. Sept. to talks of the NCB's continuing continuing intransigence intransigence and and insistence insistence talks broke broke down down because because of the NCB’s

that close. The hardly be be expected expected to to comcom that uneconomic uneconomic pits pits must must close. The NUM NUM could could hardly promise over which of the the membership have been been on on strike strike promise on on this this issue, issue, over which 80% 80% of membership have and during which suffered so and hardship, hardship, death death and during which they they have have suffered so much much deprivation deprivation and

(5 suffering, cavalry cavalry charges and baton attacks, denial denial of of supsup (5 dead dead so so far) far) and and suffering, charges and baton attacks, plementary benefits and and death grants and, and, last last but not least, least, been been subjected subjected to to aa plementary benefits death grants but not ceaseless barrage of abuse, malicious malicious lies lies and and calumnious calumnious propaganda propaganda and and aa ceaseless barrage of abuse,

campaign of systematic systematic misrepresentation misrepresentation by by Fleet Street and and the the rest rest of of the the campaign of Fleet Street media. media.

Fight the Finish Finish Fight to to the In of the the failure of the the latest latest talks, talks, it more than than ever ever clear clear that that In the the light light of failure of it isis more there outcome of of this this negotiated outcome no negotiated be no will be there will

dispute in in the the traditional traditional sense sense of of dispute

this expression, that negotiations which which result in an an agreement agreement between between the the result in any negotiations that any this expression,

two sides would do no no more than give give legal legal expression expression to, to, and and record, the vicvic two sides would do more than record, the tory of and the the defeat of the literally aa fight finish tory of one one side side and defeat of the other. other. ItIt isis literally fight toto the the finish now. case itit isis the the bounden bounden duty every class class conscious conscious worker worker now. This This being being the the case duty of of every

to spare spare no to to give give unreserved unreserved and unstinting no effort effort inin support support of of the the miners, miners, to and unstinting supportto to the the NUM andrally rallyround roundthe the latter, forall all the thereasons reasonsthat thathave haverere support NUM and latter, for peatedly given in these columns columns over over the past seven seven months. peatedly been been given in these the past months. Elemental Force Elemental Force

The NUM swe The NUMstrike strike has has swept allpt before itit and anditit has hasbecome becomethe the touchst touchstone all before one

228 228

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

for distinguishing distinguishing between between friends friends and and foes foes of of the the working-class working-class movement. movement. for

The impact impact of of this this strike, strike, like like that that of of an an irresistible irresistible force, force, isis felt felt in in every every concon The ference hall hall and and meeting meeting place; place; the the conduct conduct of of the the Government Government and and Cabinet Cabinet ference

proceedings is is dominated dominated by by this, this, the the most most important important event event of of the the decade. decade. The The proceedings NUM strike strike has has mobilised mobilised not not just just the the miners miners but but the the working working class of this this NUM class of country in in aa manner manner that that no no other other event event has has done done for for nearly nearly half half a country a century. century. tal Even those those in in the the labour labour movement movement who who do do not not wish wish to to support support the the NUM NUM have have Even little choice choice but but to to make make professions professions of of support support for for the the strike, strike, such such isis the the eleele little mental force unleashed unleashed by by the the resistance of the the miners miners and and their their dauntless dauntless mental force resistance of

courage theirjobs, jobs, the theright rightto to work, andthe thefight fight for forsaving savingtheir their courage in in pursuit pursuit ofoftheir work, and pits pits and and communities. communities.

contrasporti

NUM NUM gain gain strength strength

elbow wol

kas (de 16-mavo

Asthe thestrike strike has hasprogressed, progressed, the the NUM havegained gainedincreasing increasingstrength, strength, As NUM have while Government and the NCB lost considerable considerable ground. ground. Despite Despite all all while the the Government and the NCB have have lost the misrepresentation and and lying police violence violence and and cav the tricks, tricks, the the misrepresentation lying propaganda, propaganda, police cayalry the miners miners back back to work, the the police alry charges, charges, the the attempts attempts to to starve starve the to work, police convoys convoys to transport to work, and the the Government’s Government's much-trumpeted to transport scabs scabs to work, the the NCB NCB and much-trumpeted

and work has The support for the:strike the strike isis and expected expected return return toto work has not not materialised. materialised. The support for

as solid solid today today as as when dispute started. started. And a Daily as when the the dispute And even even a Daily Express Express opinion opinion poll says says that ifaa strike ballot was to be more than than 2/3rds 2/3rds ofofthe poll that if strike ballot was to be held held today, today, more the membership vote in strike action. mighthave have‘surprised surprised membership would would vote in favour favour of of strike action. This This might the Fleet Street against the NUM might the Fleet Street barons, barons, whose whose lies lies against the NUM might have have convinced convinced

them against the strike. To To us us it them that that the the majority majority of of the the NUM NUM membership membership was was against the strike: it

is no no surprise, surprise, for for 80% of the the membership, membership, by by staying on strike seven is 80% of staying on strike for for seven months given an an eloquent answer to to the the months in in the the face face of of incredible incredible hardship, hardship, have have given eloquent answer

ballot ballot cretins cretins of of all all shades shades and and persuasions persuasions Labour NUM round NUM rallies round Movement rallies Labour Movement

igil oli al

NUM from the NUM to isolate Government to The isolate the from the the the Government and the NCB and the NCB of the attempts of The attempts as their ignominiously as too, just rest just as as ignominiously their atat failed too, have failed movement have labour movement the labour of the rest of TUC month’s TUC tempts Last month's work. Last back toto work. miners back the miners starve the and starve intimidate and to intimidate tempts to Conference support" to the NUM; NUM; it reit re to the "total support" give "total to give resolved to Brighton resolved at Brighton Conference at

ed toil. blacked coal of blacked use, of and use, movement, and the movement, stop the to stop solved coal oror substitut substituted toil. solved to unions other unions and the NUM and the NUM between the place between taking place Negotiations the other presently taking are presently Negotiations are the treachery of the treachery Notwithstanding the policy. Notwithstanding TUC policy. implementing TUC on implementing concerned on concerned of the for support for the show leadership, the union’s leadership, EEPTU show of of support engineering union's power engineering the power and the EEPTU and must file must and file rank and union rank trade union all trade and all considerable, and be considerable, to be expected to is expected miners is the miners the

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

229 229

do do everything everything toto ensure ensure that that the the policy policy agreed agreed atat Brighton Brighton isis carried carried out out inin letter letter and spirit. and spirit.

Even Even the the Labour Labour Party Party leadership, leadership, which which has has hitherto hitherto given given no no more more than than

verbal, token and verbal, token and lukewarm lukewarm support support toto the the NUM, NUM, has has been been forced forced toto support support atat

its its Conference Conference (presently (presently being being held held inin Blackpool), Blackpool), the the NUM NUM resolution resolution on on the the coal dispute its entirety entirety and and without without any any amendment. amendment.... Mr Arthur Scargill, Scargill, Mr Arthur dispute inin its coal the the NUM NUM President, President, has has come come toto symbolise symbolise the the heroism heroism inin struggle, struggle, and and the the dede termination, of the the working working class class toto resist resist the the onslaughts onslaughts of of capitalism, capitalism, their their termination, of refusal toto be be pushed pushed around. around. And, And, as as such, such, he he has has been been given given aa hero’s hero's welcome welcome refusal both at Brighton and and in in Blackpool. Blackpool. both at Brighton Disintegration and and Panic Panic in in the the Bourgeois Bourgeois Camp Camp Disintegration the NUM NUM stock stock has hasrisen risen to to new heights, that that of of the the NCB NCBand andthe the GoyGov IfIf the new heights, ernment has been depressed to new depths. We We read, read, even even in in The The Times, Times, no no emmment has been depressed to new depths. friends of of the serious splits splits in in the the Cabinet Cabinet over over the the conduct conduct of of the the friends the NUM, NUM, of of serious

coal Cabinet Ministers, and high-ranking high-ranking Conservatives, Conservatives, of of the the coal strike. strike. Former Former Cabinet Ministers, and stature of of Mr Pym and and Sir Sir Ian Gilmour, while while making making ritual ritual denunciadenuncia stature Mr Francis Francis Pym Ian Gilmour, tions Scargill and NUM, have criticised the the Government Government not not having having tions of of Mr Mr Scargill and the the NUM, have criticised the Even an an as as incurably incurably reacreac the "human "human touch" touch" and and for for rising rising unemployment. unemployment. Even tionary class journalist as Mr Peregrine Worsthorne Worsthorne tionary and and rabidly rabidly anti-working anti-working class journalist as Mr Peregrine of has begun begun to to propagate against aa Thatcher Thatcher victory, victory, for for of the the Sunday Sunday Telegraph Telegraph has propagate against he send the wrong signals signals to to the the GovGov he perceives, perceives, and and correctly correctly so, so, that that it it would would send the wrong

ernment and make the presently intolerable unemployment unemployment situation situation even even ernment and make the presently intolerable

worse article in the Sunday of 23rd Sept.). worse (see (see Mr Mr Worsthorne's Worsthomne’s article in the Sunday Telegraph Telegraph of 23rd Sept.).

What used used to to be be called called the the "Tory Party at What "Tory Party clergy, have have bebe at prayer", prayer", toto wit, wit, the the clergy, gun openly openly to to criticise criticise the the Government. Government. The The Bishop Bishop of gun the Right Right Rev. of Durham, Durham, the Rev. David Jenkins, Jenkins, caused caused an David during his his enen an uproar uproar in in Government Government circles circles when, when, during thronement sermon, sermon, he he gave gave the the call call that that the the miners thronement defeated, and miners must must not not be be defeated, and followed up by by making making public public his followed itit up his reply reply to to the the Energy Energy Secretary, Secretary, Peter Peter Walker’s, letter Setter which which the the latter latter had Walker's, had written, written, out out of of acute acute embarrassment, embarrassment, and and

by way way of of criticism criticism of of the the Bishop Bishop and and in in an an endeavour endeavour to to shut shut him by him up. up. Parts Parts of of this letter letter are are nothing nothing short short of of aa damning this damning indictment indictment of of the the Government, Government, con considering sidering the the source source from from which which this this letter letter emanates. emanates. Here Here are are aa couple couple of of extracts letter: Bishop’s letter: the Bishop's from the extracts from

“Unfortunately, the the Government Government to to which which you you belong belong does does not not seem seem to "Unfortunately, to care for the steadily increasing number of people who are unemployed, and and care for the steadily increasing number of people who are unemployed, are otherwise otherwise marginalized marginalized in in society, society, and and does does not noi seem seem to to care care that that it it does does are not seem seem to to care. care. (You (You probably probably saw saw Mr Mr Pym's Pym’s gently gently cautious cautious words Words on on the the not

230

230

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY -

‘Miners: headed 'Miners: article headed an article in an 19th in the 19th September the of September subject he Times' Times’ of subject inin 'TThe

Touch ). Human Touch). the Human for the Now for Now

fact of fact matter of simple matter "On seems aa simple me itit seems to me known to tables known statistical tables the statistical all the "On all

titles use titles (to use of (to lot of the lot improve the that consistently improve measures consistently fiscal measures government’s fiscal that government's causing while causing directors’ while ‘company directors' and 'company managers’ and from 'senior managers' table) 'senior such table) one such from one worker’. skilled worker'. and 's‘semifamily’ and with family' man with losses emi-skilled ‘jobless man losses toto jobless

determinaand aa rather insulting determina rather insulting care and to care refusal to gratuitous refusal "This seems seems aa gratuitous "This tion of share of greater share even greater an even bear an under-privileged bear already under-privileged the already tion to make sure sure the to make

the reundoubtedly re our undoubtedly of our and of difficulties, and economic difficulties, undoubted economic our undoubted of our cost of the cost quired the that the to believe believe that difficult to also difficult realism. ItIt is also economic realism. greater economic quired greater Government repeatcuts are are repeat when cuts society when our society of our members of all the the members for all care for does care Government does

edly poor, but but to the the poor, value to particular value of particular are of which are services which those services on those edly made made on pretending Falklands pretending the Falklands in the adventures in military adventures for military be found found for always be can always money can money e force s. I do I do up the the polic keeping up or keeping matters or in defence power in defence matters great power still aa great to be be still to police forces.

not police expenditure, but the the em emexpenditure, but or police defence or either defence without either do without can do we can that we say that not say ions. ”’ ssive direct and aggre non-caring and on non-caring persistently on be persistently to be seem to does seem phasis does phasis aggressive directions. 99

On top above, the the position of the the NUM NUM is becoming alal On top of of the the factors factors listed listed above, position of is becoming most impregnable impregnable because because of of the the following: most following: Winter: The approaching. In Winter: The winter winter isis fast fast approaching. In the the words words of of the the Miner Miner (NUM (NUM weekly): nights draw weekly): "September "September draws draws on, on, the the nights draw in, in, the the temperature temperature drops drops and and

the the coalburning coalburning rises. rises. No No amount amount of ofGovernment Governmentpropaganda propaganda or or smooth smooth minisminis terial terial tongues tongues can can disguise disguise the thefact fact that that time time isis now now on on our our side". side". Costs: Costs: The The costs costs of of the the strike strike are are reaching reaching astronomical astronomical proportions. proportions. As As we we gogo toto press, press, the the strike strike has has already already cost cost more more than than £3,300 £3,300 millions, millions, and and its its weekly weekly cost cost isis conservatively conservatively put put atat £105 £105 million. million.

NACODS NACODS Strike Strike Ballot: Ballot: The The pit pit deputies’ deputies' union, union, NACODS NACODS (National (National Association Association ofof Colliery Colliery Overmen, Overmen, Deputies Deputies and and Shotfirers), Shotfirers), refusing refusing toto be be

pushed pushed around around any any further, further, refusing refusing toto put put upup any any longer longer with withthe the NCB NCB bully bully tactics, tactics, have have already already voted voted overwhelmingly overwhelmingly ininfavour favour ofof strike strike action. action. The The pit pit

deputies were were outraged outraged when when the the NCB, NCB, inina a characteristically characteristically autocratic autocratic warnwarn deputies ing, told told them them that that ifif the the NACODS NACODS men men didn’t didn't agree agree toto gogo into into work work inin ing, armoured armouredvans vans ororwith withpolice police escorts escorts ififnecessary, necessary,their theirpay paywill willbebestopped. stopped. An An

infuriated infuriated MrMr Ken Ken Sampey, Sampey, thethe President President ofofNACODS, NACODS, reacted reacted toto this this threat threat

thus: thus: "We "Wehave haverun runfar far enough enough and andwewewill willrun runnonofurther. further. WeWeare areallallsick sickand and

fedup up with withMacGregor’s MacGregor'sattitude attitude ..." ..." Sed

Mr MrSampey’s Sampey'ssentiments sentimentswere werefully fullyendorsed endorsedatata aone-day one-daydelegate delegateconferconfer

THE OF 1984-85 THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

08

231 231

ence of the strong union union which which voted unanimously in in favour favour of of aa strike strike ence of the 16,000 16,000 strong voted unanimously

ballot. Union, equally equally unanimously, unanimously, "strongly recom ballot. The The Executive Executive of of the the Union, “strongly recommended" mended"

strike vote the NCB's new guidelines guidelines (issued (issued on on 15th 15th aa strike vote against against the NCB’s new August) the failure in implementing implementing new new conciliation conciliation proceproce August) and and in in protest protest at at the failure in dures CUTBACKS. The The result result of of the the ballot, ballot, dures AND AND AGAINST AGAINST CAPACITY CAPACITY CUTBACKS.

thus announced on on 28th 28th September and, to to repeat, repeat, itit was was overwhelmoverwhelm thus held, held, was was announced September and, ingly action. ingly in in favour favour of of strike strike action. Since in a desperate effort effort to to prevent prevent pit pit deputies, deputies, without without Since then, then, the the NCB, NCB, in a desperate whose all mines shut, from from going going on on strike, strike, have have withdrawn withdrawn whose supervision supervision all mines will will shut, the belated action action of of the the NCB NCB will not do do much much to to save save its its the guidelines. guidelines. This This belated will not

skin, has the widened this this time time to to include include capacity capacity cutbacks, cutbacks, skin, for for not not only only has the issue issue widened but also, withdrawal of of the the new new guidelines, guidelines, the the deputies deputies have have no no incenincen but also, with with the the withdrawal tive NUM picket picket lines lines as as they they won’t won't be be losing losing any any pay pay if if they they tive for for crossing crossing the the NUM don't. the NCB finds itself itself in the position position of of aa man man dying dying of of thirst, thirst, don’t. Either Either way way the NCB finds in the but with aa cup cup of of poisoned poisoned drink. drink. IfIf he he does does not not drink drink he he dies, dies, if if he he but possessed possessed with drinks drinks he he dies dies all all the the same. same.

The are heading heading for for aa crash. crash. They They have have prepared prepared The NCB NCB and and the the Government Government are for the present present Coal Coal Strike, Strike, they they have have invested invested itit with with great great popo for and and provoked provoked the

litical and much much blowing blowing of of trumpets. trumpets. Much Much litical importance, importance, with with great great fanfare fanfare and

encouraged the "apologetic, "apologetic, shambling shambling knee-bending defeatism", to to borrow borrow encouraged by by the knee-bending defeatism", the apt terminology Miner of of 21st September, of of the the TUC TUC at at its its BlackBlack the apt terminology of of the the Miner 21st September, pool 1983, their their appetite appetite whetted whetted by by the the victories victories in in the the pool Conference Conference inin 1983, Stockport and the the GCHQ GCHQ affairs, affairs, the the Government Government decided decided to to attack Stockport Messenger Messenger and attack the subduing, subjugating and castrating castrating the the entire entire labour labour the NUM NUM as as aa prelude prelude to to subduing, subjugating and

and movement in in the the interests interests of of British monopoly capitalism. capitalism. But, But, and trade-union trade-union movement British monopoly alas Government, the the adventure adventure has misfired and and the the gamble gamble has has failed. failed. alas for for the the Government, has misfired

The sheer sheer determination, determination, the the incredible incredible heroism, The heroism, and and the the prodigious prodigious perseverpersever

ance in struggle, of the NUM

has stemmed the defeatist tide and turned the

ance in struggle, of the NUM has stemmed the defeatist tide and turned the

despair Napoleonic scale scale of of the the trade-union trade-union movement movement into into its its despair and and retreat retreat on on aa Napoleonic opposite, so that movement has begun to to walk walk tall, opposite, so that the the working-class working-class movement has begun tall, hold hold its its

head attained the that bowing bowing one’s one's head head and and retreating retreating inin head high high and and attained the realisation realisation that the face face of of attack is the the surest recipe for for further the attack is surest recipe further disasters disasters and and retreats; retreats; itit has has bebe gun the truth contained in the following following words words of Mick gun to to understand understand the truth contained in the of Mick

McGahey, cheering TUC TUC Conference Conference inin Brighton: McGahey, uttered uttered before before aa cheering Brighton:

“If you you stop running, they "If stop running, they can’t can't chase chase you you “".. The The NUM NUM has has taught taught the the

working-class movement Britain to to stop working-class movement of of Britain stop running, running, and and itit isis on on the the verge verge ofof

teaching the the Government Government and the entire teaching and the entire bourgeoisie bourgeoisie toto stop stop chasing. chasing. The The NUM, NUM,

I

232 232

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE - THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

and with with itit the the working working class class of of this this country, country, are are poised poised for for an an historic historic victory, victory, and

just just as as the the Government Government are are heading heading for for an an historic historic defeat. defeat. The The victory victory of of the the NUM NUM isis inevitable, inevitable, as as isis the the defeat defeat of of the the Government. Government. 316

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THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

233 233

LALKAR October 1984

LALKAR October 1984

The NUM NUM strike The the Reneg Renegade Jimmy strike & & the ade Jimmy Reid

Reid Breath-taking apostasy Breath-taking apostasy

itwoof

One aphorisms of the working-class working-class movement movement isis that that One of of the the well-known well-known aphorisms of the those slope of of opportunism opportunism soon roll down down to to the the those who who stand stand on on the the slippery slippery slope soon roll bottom. not the last, example example of of the the undoubted undoubted bottom. The The latest, latest, though though unfortunately unfortunately not the last,

truth furnished by the breath-taking breath-taking apostasy apostasy of of Mr Mr Jimmy Jimmy truth contained contained in in it it is is furnished by the

Reid. long ago, was a member of of the the Communist Communist Reid. Not Not so so long ago, Mr Mr Reid Reid was a prominent prominent member Party (CPGB) and and Upper Clyde Clyde Shipyard Shipyard workers’ workers' sitsit the Upper led the Britain (CPGB) Great Britain of Great Party of in during the of the the Heath government. He then, almost almost overnight overnight and and in during the days days of Heath government. He then, without as prior prior hint with it, it, resigned resigned from from the the CPGB CPGB differences with of differences hint of much as as much without as and joined the Party, whose whose Parliamentary Parliamentary candidate candidate he he was was atat the the last last and joined the Labour Labour Party, election. In space of Jimmy Reid, who only only aa few few years years ago ago was was election. In aa short short space of time time Jimmy Reid, who regarded by Fleet and the media as as an an ogre, ogre, has has been been tamed tamed regarded by Fleet Street Street and the rest rest of of the the media into the by the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and held held out out by by the the into the kind kind of of flunkey flunkey much much admired admired by latter as an example followed by the working-class working-class movement. movement. So So comcom latter as an example toto be be followed by the plete has been the the bourgeois plete has been bourgeois taming taming of Mr Reid, Reid, so so speedy has been been his his of Mr speedy has metamorphosis being aa communist of aa sort sort to to an an ordinary ordinary bourgeois bourgeois philphil metamorphosis from from being communist of istine of the kind, that that it impossible to to distinguish distinguish his his utterances utterances on on the the istine of the worst worst kind, it isis impossible present strike from ravings of of such such guardians guardians of of our our ’free’ 'free' press press present coal coal strike from the the mad mad ravings

as Sun, the the Daily Mail and only difference as the the Sun, Daily Mail and the the Daily Daily Express. Express. The The only difference isis that that whereas working people believe all all the the malicious malicious lies lies put put out out by by the the whereas very very few few working people believe

hired hacks hacks of of the the barons barons of hired of Fleet Fleet Street, Street, they they are are much much more likely toto swallow swallow more likely hook, line line and the filth propagated by hook, and sinker sinker the filth propagated by aa man man with with the the past past credentials of credentials of Jimmy Reid, Reid, with long association Jimmy with his his long association with with the the working-class just working-class movement, movement, just

as during during the the lies spread against as the thirties thirties the lies spread against the the Soviet Soviet Union Union and and Stalin Stalin by by

Trotsky and by workers Trotsky and other other renegades renegades were were much much more more easily easily accepted accepted by workers inin the the West than spread byby the the imperialist imperialist press. press. ItIt is precisely for for this this reason reason West than those those spread is precisely

that the imperialist that the imperialist press press provided provided generous generous space space toto Trotsky Trotsky toto vent vent his his reacreac

tionary spleen against USSR under tionary spleen against the the successful successful building building of of socialism socialism inin the the USSR under

the leadership of the CPSU headed by J.V. Stalin. Renegades are, after all, one all, one the leadership of the CPSU headed by J.V. Stalin. Renegades are, after all, of the best propaganda of the best propaganda weapons weapons of hostile classes.

of hostile classes. Thus Thus itit isis that the Observer Observer that the

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Mr de, Mr ‘own’ renega our 'own' page toto our centre page its centre allotted its September allotted 16 September ofof Sunday renegade, Sunday 16 working the working of the name of the name in the class, in working class, the working against the blows against Reid, strike blows to strike Reid, to bourgeoisie. the bourgeoisie. of the interests of real interests class, the real in the and in class. and of service, record of past, aa record class past, working class has aa working Reid has Precisely service, Mr Reid because Mr Precisely because

notmay, not workers may, many workers movement, many class movement, working class some the working in the proud, in very proud, of itit very some of to the working-class to the working-class from the withstanding the desertion from complete desertion recent complete his recent withstanding his nectherefore nec is therefore It is words. It his words. in his faith in some faith put some to put inclined to be inclined camp, be bourgeois camp, bourgeois essary to to nail nail down down his his lies lies and and to to refute refute Mr Mr Reid Reid point point by by point. point. essary

NUM NUM strike strike -- aa "disaster" "disaster" for for the the Labour Labour Movement. Movement. $40 The first, first, and and from from his his and and the the Labour point of of view view the the most most im imThe LabourParty’s Party's point

portant, that he he makes makesisis that that the NUM strike isis bound hurt the the British portant, point point that NUM strike bound to to hurt British Labour and over Labour movement. movement. Mr Mr Reid Reid repeats repeats this this refrain refrain over over and over again. again. No No matter matter how the the present present strike strike ends, ends, according according to to him him "the "the main main casualty will undoubt undoubthow casualty will edly be be the the democratic democratic Left", Left’, i.e., edly and petty-bourgeois Left, “in “in i.e., bourgeois bourgeois and petty-bourgeois Left; British politics. politics. It It will will also undermine the the electoral British also undermine electoral fight-back fight-back of Labour, and of Labour, and could even even mean mean a afurther the party’s could further decline decline of ofthe party's mass mass base base among among the the working Working class." And further: further: "Above "Above all, class." And all, II would would argue, argue, itit [the [the strike] strike] has has been been a a@ disas disas= ter British Labour Labour Movement ter for for the the British Movement which, which, at at the end of day, will will havete have to the end of the the day, pick pick up up the the bill bill and and pay pay the the price." price."

Reading Reading the the remarks remarks quoted quoted immediately immediately above, above, one one cannot cannot avoid avoid the the temptation temptation of of predicting predicting that that Mr Mr Reid Reid isis already already preparing preparing the the ground ground for for leav leaving the Labour Party and going over to the SDP or the Conservatives, ing the Labour Party and going over to the SDP or the Conservatives, or or whichever whichever party party happens happens toto bebe inin fashion fashion and and popular popular inin bourgeois bourgeois electoral electoral terms. terms. But But that that isis byby the the by. by. Let Let usus deal deal with with the the substance substance of ofhis his remarks. remarks. First First

ofof all, all,ititisis simply simplynot nottrue truethat thatthe the NUM NUMstrike strikehas hashurt hurtthe the Labour LabourParty’s Party's electoral electoral fortunes. fortunes. AtAt the the last last general general election election the the Labour Labour Party Party suffered suffered the the most most humiliating humiliating and and disastrous disastrous electoral electoral defeat defeat for for nearly nearly 5050 years, years,and andeven even Mr Mr Reid’s Reid's not not inconsiderable inconsiderable talent talentfor formisrepresentation misrepresentationand and standing standingfacts factson on

their their head, head, not not even even hishis total total inability inability toto understand understand social socialphenomena, phenomena, can canbebe stretched toto blame blame that that defeat defeat onon the the NUM NUM strike strike - - ififfor for nono other otherreason reasonthan than stretched that that there there was was nono coal coal strike strike atat that thattime. time. How How does does MrMrReid Reidexplain explainthat thatdede

feat? ee feat? HeHe does does not. not. HeHesimply simply passes passes over over ititininsilence. silence. There Therearearemany many causes

for for it,it, which which Lalkar Lalkar discussed discussed andand analysed analysed inin great great detail detail atat thethe time’ time and and 1

1

See SeeLALKAR LALKARofofJuly July1983. 1983.

THE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL OF 1984 - 85

235 235

which it it would would be unjustifiable digression which be an an unjustifiable digression from from the the subject subject under under discussion discussion to in this This much, however, is is certain: certain: that that one one of of the the chief, chief, if if to go go into into in this article. article. This much, however,

not the the chief, chief, causes defeat was not causes of of Labour’s Labour's defeat was its its imperialist imperialist chauvinism chauvinism during during the its desire to out-Thatcher Mrs Thatcher Thatcher and and to to be be the Falklands/Malvinas Falklands/Malvinas war, war, its desire to out-Thatcher Mrs even the Tories. Tories. Swift Swift retribution retribution in in the the form form of of the the most most even more more jingoist jingoist than than the disastrous defeat was meted out Labour for for its its shameful shameful stance stance durdur disastrous electoral electoral defeat was meted out toto Labour ing the Falklands Falklands crisis, for working roused on ing the crisis, for working people people roused ona a platform platform of of imperialist imperialist chauvinism to cast cast their favour of of the the genuine genuine reprerepre chauvinism were were bound bound to their votes votes inin favour

sentatives sordid merchandise, merchandise, i.e., the Tories. sentatives of of this this sordid i.e., the Tories. Secondly, since the coal strike strike started, the Labour Labour Party’s Party's ratings ratings in in the the Secondly, since the coal started, the

opinion polls have well neck and neck with the the Tories, Tories, thus thus opinion polls have remained remained pretty pretty well neck and neck with

registering its performance last registering aa great great improvement improvement inin comparison comparison with with its performance atat the the last general election. general election. Thirdly, the working in this this country has begun begun to learn that that itit cannot cannot to learn country has class in working class Thirdly, the entrust to any any of of the Parties, the the Labour Labour Party Party included, included, that that it it bourgeois Parties, the bourgeois fate to its fate entrust its has struggle for for the of its its hard-won hard-won rights rights preservation of the preservation and struggle self-reliant and be self-reliant to be has to and their enhancement. has learnt learnt that that the Labour governgovern of aa Labour advent of the advent It has enhancement. It for their and for

ment, far from earth the proverbial Kingdom of Heaven Heaven for for Kingdom of the proverbial bringing toto earth from bringing ment, far working means the and exploitation exploitation rule and bourgeois rule of bourgeois continuation of the continuation only means people, only working people, with style and 'socialist' phrases. If workers workers were were to follow to follow phrases. If honeyed ’socialist’ and honeyed different style with aa different Mr would make themselves utterly useless for, for, according according to to utterly useless make themselves they would advice, they Reid’s advice, Mr Reid's this when Labour out of office because because that that of office is out Labour is struggle when not struggle should not they should advice, they this advice, would prejudice back", and should not not fight fight when when LaLa they should and they fight back", "electoral fight its "electoral prejudice its would

bour is would prejudice its chances chances of of staying staying in in office. office. prejudice its that would because that office because in office is in bour Mr recipe for total emasculation of the the working working emasculation of the total for the perfect recipe is aa perfect advice is Reid’s advice Mr Reid's class class that should subordinate class interinter class -- itit expects expects of of the the working working class that itit should subordinate its its class

ests to to the the electoral electoral interests interests of an opportunist opportunist bourgeois ests of an bourgeois party, party, which never has has which never Instincworking class. interests of never will, and never represented, and represented, will, the the interests of the the British British working class. Instinc

tively the the working working class class recognises tively such advice advice to be defective and objectively objectively recognises such to be defective and

treats deserves. The movement isis far far treats itit with with the the contempt contempt itit deserves. The British British labour labour movement the Party -- something Labour Party the Labour above, the far above, interests far its interests and its than, and greater than, greater something which which the

Le finin "the democratic petty-bourgeois philistines, other petty-bourgeois and other Reid and Mr Reid of Mr likes of likes philistines, "the democratic Left

understand. to understand. fail to Reid, fail Mr Reid, pleases Mr if itit pleases politics" if British politics" British

Far from from being being aa “disas ter for for the the British British Labour Labour movement", Far "disaster movement", the the NUM NUM strike has been been the the best best thing thing that that has has happened happened to strike has in the the last The la to it it in last 10 10 years. years. The labour moveme nt was first emascul ated by by the the Wilson-Callaghan bour movement was first emasculated Wilson-Callaghan Labour Labour

govern ments and and the the class class collabo governments collaboration TUC bosses ration between between the the TUC bosses and and the the La LaM

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

236 236

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN -- THE

bour was followed followed by years of Thatcherism, of Thatcherism, four-and-a-half years by four-and-a-half That was cabinets. That bour cabinets.

During the which one sector sector after after another industry. During the five five British industry. another ofof British waste one laid waste which laid

to number of the number years of of Mrs premiership, the of unemployed unemployed has has trebled trebled to Thatcher’s premiership, Mrs Thatcher's years

nearly aa million 3.25 account nearly million who who do do not not find find themthem into account taking into not taking million, not 3.25 million,

selves unemployment statistics statistics because because of of various fraudulent devices devices selves inin the the unemployment various fraudulent such asthe the so-called the same same time therehas hasbeen beena a such as so-called training training schemes. schemes. During During the time there loss worth of and an an outflow of investment investment capital capital of loss of of £40,000 £40,000 million million worth of output output and outflow of of £40,000 and the stock has gone down down by £30,000 million. million. £40,000 million, million, and the investment investment stock has gone by £30,000 Thatcherism the Labour Party rendered rendered impotent impotent and and the the Thatcherism has has ruled ruled supreme, supreme, the Labour Party TUC at its to accept new realism' TUC at its 1983 1983 Conference Conference resolved resolved to accept this this ‘new realism’ and and capitu capitu-

late. late.

atmosphere of defeatism and and hopelessness hopelessness that that the the ItIt was was against against this this atmosphere of defeatism

NUM started nearly nearly seven seven months ago, and and its its progress lifted aa dede NUM strike strike started months ago, progress has has lifted

moralised working class and and brought brought hope in place place of of hopelessness, and light light moralised working class hope in hopelessness, and in And if if various renegades like Mr Reid Reid bemoan the ’disas'disas in place place of of darkness. darkness. And various renegades like Mr bemoan the ters’ allegedly brought by this ters' allegedly brought by this strike strike to the labour then this this isis more more to the labour movement, movement, then a sign of the the renegacy renegacy and a sign of this petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois gentry gentry than than aa and degeneration degeneration of of this measure of the the British British labour The Reids of this measure of of the the misfortunes misfortunes of labour movement. movement. The Reids of this

world are a product world are aa reflection reflection and and a product of of the the bourgeois influence in in the working bourgeois influence the working-

class movement movement and and they they act megaphones and class act asas megaphones and conduits for transmitting that conduits for transmitting that influence as as well well as defeatism and influence as defeatism and capitulation capitulation preached preached by by the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie toto

the working class. the working class.

Lastly, it it is is not not all all that unlikely that that the Lastly, that unlikely the victory the NUM NUM might pro victory for for the might produce of Mrs total disarray in the duce the the removal removal of Mrs Thatcher Thatcher and and aa total disarray in the Conservative Conservative Party, victory, just just as as the the NUM NUM strike strike Party, leading leading in in the the course course of of time time to to Labour's Labour’s victory,

of 1974 1974 led led to to the the defeat of the the Heath Heath government of defeat of government and and the of the election election victory victory of

the Labour Labour Party. Party. Labour Labour will will get get the the benefits benefits of rising militancy of rising militancy on on the the the part part of of the the present present time party in in ex the working working class, class, for for unfortunately unfortunately there there is is atat the time no no party existence with the command support support among istence with the ability ability to to command among working working people people and and atat the the

Same time time to to represent represent the the interests interests of the working of the working class. same class. Who is the strike? strike? for the blame for to blame is to Who

Having refuted above, NUM strike strike had been aa had been the NUM that the above, that assertion, refuted the assertion, made the Having made disaster Mr Reid, launches disaster for for the the "British "British labour labour movement" movement" our our renegade, renegade, Mr Reid, launches

into aa tirade tirade against Arthur Scargill Scargill the the NUM NUM President. President. This tirade isis in the into against Arthur This tirade in the

the oriexplain the to explain an effort press. InIn an gutter press. the gutter of the best effort to ori traditions of worst) traditions the worst) (i.e., the best (i.e.,

Mr it, Mr of it, the course the NUM gins of NUM during during the course of of the tactics of the tactics and the strike and present strike the present of the gins Reid says: says: Reid NUM ever since desperate for been desperate had been "Scargill for aa fight fight ever since winning winning the the NUM "Scargill had

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

237 237

Presidency. Presidency.

"Twice "Twice before before he he had had urged urged strike strike action action only only toto bebe rejected rejected by by the the memmem bership in in national national ballots". ballots". bership

Having thus thus blamed blamed Scargill Scargill for for the the present present strike, strike, he he reduces reduces his his entire entire Having 'explanation' to to the the following following sordid sordid personal personal attack attack on on the the NUM NUM President: President: ‘explanation’

"This part of the problem. As someone "This isis part ofthe problem. As someone who who has has known known Arthur Arthurfor for nearly nearly 30 years, years, I understand how how bitter bitter he he must must have have felt felt at what he he was bound to to 30 I understand at what was bound consider personal rebuff. consider aa personal rebuff.

the standpoint "He tends perceive the the universe from the standpoint of ofthe the sun. sun. His His nana universe from to perceive tends to "He ture demand that he must must be be the the centre centre of of attraction around which which attraction around that he seems toto demand ture seems everything must revolve". revolve". everything must

thinking’. ItIt objective thinking'. make for And Reid adds adds disarmingly "it doesn’t doesn't make for objective disarmingly "it Mr Reid And Mr certainly does does not, Mr Reid, great events events cannot away in in terms terms explained away be explained cannot be for great Reid, for not, Mr certainly of this or or that like explaining explaining really like is really It is individual. It that individual. of this characteristics of personal characteristics of personal

the two imperialist imperialist world wars in of Kaiser Kaiser Wilhelm Wilhelm and and Adolf Hitler Adolf Hitler terms of in terms world wars the two and Anglo-American-French would not have come come to to not have imperialism would an-French imperialism that Anglo-Americ saying that and saying

Kaiser of Kaiser blows German imperialism imperialism had had it the existence existence of for the been for not been it not with German blows with Wilhelm or Hitler be. There causes economic causes deeper economic far deeper were far There were may be. case may the case as the Hitler as Wilhelm or that for decades broke out out in in they broke till they unnoticed till almost unnoticed decades almost preparing for been preparing had been that had

if that if asserting that cataclysmic wars. It like asserting really isis like It really world wars. two world the two into the fashion into cataclysmic fashion Richard have would have there would century, there 19th century, the 19th in the born in been born had been Lionheart had the Lionheart Richard the been historical great historical of great ’explanation’ of much 'explanation' too much had too have had We have capitalism. We no capitalism. been no events continue to ’histeach 'his to teach still continue schools still our schools nature; our this nature; of this phenomena of and phenomena events and

tory' nauseating this nauseating to this put to was put stop was that aa stop time that is time It is fashion. It nauseating fashion. this nauseating in this tory’ in nonsense be aa to be professed to once professed who once Reid, who Mr Reid, That Mr nothing. That explains nothing. which explains nonsense which Marxist ruthe ru least the at least of at knowledge of acquired aa knowledge have acquired must have therefore, must who, therefore, and who, Marxist and diments the of the ’explanation’ of of 'explanation' sort of the sort offer the should offer materialism, should historical materialism, of historical diments of coal explaan expla than an rather than apostasy rather his apostasy of his proof of again a proof once again has is once he has that he strike that coal strike nation tirade Reid’s tirade Mr Reid's strike. Mr coal strike. the coal of the continuation of the continuation or the origins or the origins of the nation of Even enlightenment. Even not enlightenment. but not heat but produce heat to produce serve to only serve will only Scargill will against Scargill against assuming that that Mr Mr Scargill assuming Scargill were were motivated motivated by by personal personal 'egotism' ‘egotism’ and and 'political ‘political adventurism’, as as Mr Mr Reid Reid alleges, adventurism', alleges, why why should should the the NUM NUM Executive, Executive, including including Mick McGahey McGahey and, and, more more importantly, importantly, the Mick the 120,000 120,000 strikers, strikers, follow follow Mr Mr Scargill Scargill unithe uni “perceive the don’t "perceive they don't Surely they egotism? Surely latter’s egotism? the latter's of the satisfaction of the satisfaction inin the vitas 2300 120FT mm) verse sun"? the sun"? of the standpoint of the standpoint from the verse from N

Be Be that that as as itit may, may, let let us us look look at at the the accusation tha: Scargill had deshadbeen been des WIRO 3.50 TO? perate annihilates perate for for aa fight. fight. Mr Mr Reid Reid himself himself annihilates this assertion assertion by by remarking remarking

238 238

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

earlier: earlier. "Let "Let us us get get one one thing thing clear clear -- Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher wanted wanted aa showdown showdown with with the the NUM"... NUM"... (and (and there there isis no no need need to to attribute attribute this this to to Mrs Mrs Thatcher's Thatcher’s personal personal at at-

tributes). That That isis correct: correct: the the entire entire bourgeois bourgeois press press has has given given extensive extensive tributes). coverage to to the the Tory Tory Party Party and and the the Tory Tory government's government’s preparations, preparations, stretching stretching coverage back back to to 1979, 1979, aimed aimed at at defeating defeating the the NUM NUM as as aa means means of of emasculating emasculating the the en entire tire trade-union trade-union movement. movement. We We have have ourselves ourselves reported reported on on this this matter matter in in detail detail in in previous previous issues, issues, in in particular particular in in the the July July issue issue of of Lalkar. Lalkar. Even Even bourgeois bourgeois journalism, provided journalism, provided itit is of of the the serious serious type, type, does does not not dare dare to to deny deny that that the the Thatcher Thatcher government government wanted wanted aa showdown showdown with with the the NUM, NUM, prepared prepared for for such such aa showdown showdown and and provoked provoked itit on on March March 66 by by announcing announcing the the closure closure of of Corton Cortonwood. wood. It It was was the the rank rank and and file file who who decided decided almost almost unanimously unanimously to to go go on on strike strike and and other other areas areas followed. followed. The The NUM NUM leadership leadership was was left left with with the the choice choice of of either making making the the stoppage stoppage official official or or refusing refusing to to legitimise legitimise it. it. To To its its credit, credit, it it either made made itit official. official. If strike If twice twice before before the the membership membership had had rejected rejected the the Executive's Executive’s call call for for strike action, events events have have only only gone gone on on to to demonstrate shortsighted the action, demonstrate how how shortsighted the membermember

ship short-term allurements form of of the form allurements inin the of short-term basis of the basis on the rejecting, on in rejecting, been in had been ship had bonus payments payments and and overtime overtime earnings, earnings, that call. By their two two rejections, bonus that call. By their rejections, they they only strengthened their enemies enemies whom they were to fight only strengthened their whom they were forced forced to fight atat aa time time chocho sen by enemies. sen by these these self-same self-same enemies. The question is: should should the miners have have accepted accepted the the challenge challenge presented presented The question is: the miners to them by the the NCB NCB and and the the government government who who had, had, to to repeat, repeat, made made every every concon to them by ceivable preparation preparation in in the the form form of of coal coal stocks, stocks, building building oil-fired oil-fired power power ceivable

Stations, stations, streamlining streamlining the the police police through through the the so-called so-called National National Reporting Reporting CenCen tre atat Scotland Scotland Yard, Yard, dividing dividing the the miners miners through through bonus bonus schemes schemes and and large large tre redundancy payments payments and and suchlike suchlike bribery, bribery, etc.? etc.? Mr Mr Reid, Reid, repeating repeating like like aa parpar redundancy rot rot aa formula formula learnt learnt by by rote, rote, answers answers inin the the negative negative thus: thus: "As "As aa trade trade union union activist activist over over many many years years II have have aa rather rather simple simple attitude attitude

inin these these matters. matters. IfIfthe the boss boss wants wants you you totofight fight atat aa particular particular time time and andplace, place, then then my my inclination inclination isis toto refuse refuse the the invitation. invitation. IfIfpossible, possible, you you pick pick aa time time and and circumstances circumstances which whichfavour favouryou you and andnot notthe the employer." employer." Very Very simple, simple, not not toto say say aa simpleton’s simpleton's attitude! attitude! ItIt isis undoubtedly undoubtedly true true that that one one should should avoid avoid aa fight fight atat aa time time and and on ona terrain a terrainofofone’s one's enemy’s enemy's choice. choice. But But truer still still that that inin certain certain situations situations and and circumstances circumstances one one either either fights fights atataa itit isis truer time time ofofone’s one's enemy’s enemy's choosing choosing oror one one must must capitulate capitulate and and gogo down down ononone’s one's knees. IfIf Cortonwood Cortonwood and and other other collieries collieries had had been been allowed allowed toto close close with with the the knees.

loss loss ofof20,000 20,000jobs jobs ononthe the grounds grounds that that the the time time was was not notauspicious, auspicious, that thatwould would

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THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

239

239

have have been been the the worst worst capitulation, capitulation, even even if if dressed dressed up up as as aa tactical tactical retreat. retreat. After After

the completion completion and and implementation implementation of of the the NCB NCB programme programme of the of closures, closures, itit

would hardly hardly have would have been been possible possible for for the the NUM NUM to to persuade persuade the the miners miners to to strike strike in the the interests interests of of those those who who had in had already already left left the the industry industry with with redundancy redundancy pay payments just because it was winter time and the coal stocks were low. Social ments just because it was winter time and the coal stocks were low. Social life life is like like nature. nature. It It is is far far too too varied, varied, rich rich and and complex complex to to be be fitted fitted into into the the strait straitis jacket jacket of of formulas formulas learnt learnt by by rote rote by by the the likes likes of of Mr Mr Reid. Reid. Ballot Ballot

Having Having made made the the erroneous erroneous assertion assertion - an an assertion assertion contradicted contradicted by by Mr Mr Reid Reid himself himself - our our worthy worthy philistine philistine moves moves on on to to criticise criticise the the NUM NUM for for not not holding holding aa ballot ballot before before the the strike strike action. action. This This is is aa familiar familiar refrain refrain of of Fleet Fleet Street Street -

and and Her Her Majesty's Majesty’s government, government, which, which, not not surprisingly, surprisingly, Mr Mr Reid Reid isis playing playing to to packed bourgeois bourgeois audiences. audiences. Nothing Nothing that the NUM NUM has has done done contradicts contradicts its its packed that the constithe consti denial of a denial constitutes a NUM constitutes rule of the the NUM of the actions of the actions in the nothing in book; nothing tule book;

the ways the There were tutional of the the membership. were two two ways membership. There rights of democratic rights or democratic tutional or or through ballot or through aa national initiated -through present strike could been initiated national ballot through have been could have present strike area decisions. decisions. The NUM simply chose the the latter latter method. area The NUM simply chose method. -

Mr and others are mistaken they believe believe that national Mr Reid Reid and others like like him him are mistaken if if they that aa national ballot in favour of strike strike action have produced produced greater greater unity unity among among the ballot in favour of action would would have the

miners. history of of scabbing; scabbing; itit even even tried to miners. Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire has has aa very very long long history tried to form bosses' unions unions during’ during' the the 1920s 1920s and and the word Spencerism Spencerism originated form bosses’ the word originated there. These are with which which Mr Mr Reid Reid is very well well acquainted. acquainted. And And yet there. These are facts facts with is very yet he he que Jon blug goes utter the the following following lie: goes on on to to utter lie: "Until this this year year II had had never never seen seen or or heard heard of miners picketing picketing порира miners. It "Until of miners miners. It was unnecessary. unnecessary. AA vote for strike strike action action was was honoured honoured by by all". all". was vote for Even after after aa ballot ballot in in favour favour of of strike strike action action itit was was all all too too unlikely unlikely that that the the Even

Notts area area would would come come out. out. What, What, itit may may be be asked, was to to be be gained gained from from Notts asked, was holding aa ballot these circumstances? circumstances? None None other other than than incurring incurring extra extra expenexpen holding ballot inin these diture, giving giving the the NCB, NCB, the the government government and and Fleet Fleet Street Street extra extra time time to put out out diture, to. put malicious and and calumnious calumnious propaganda propaganda aimed aimed at at influencing influencing the the miners miners against against malicious strike action, action, and, and, last last but but not not least, least, dampening dampening the the zeal zeal of of the the membership, membership, strike seething with with rage rage at at the the NCB’s NCB's announcement announcement for for the the closure closure of of the the CortonCorton seething

wood wood colliery, colliery, who who wanted wanted immediate immediate action. action. The The hope hope of of the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and 201

of of its its flunkeys, flunkeys, Mr Mr Reid Reid included, included, was was that that the the ballot ballot would wouldproduce producea a result result fafa

for the NCB and the vourable vourable toto the the NCB NCB and and government. government. But, But, unfortunately unfortunately ffor the NCB and the

government, the the NUM NUM never never gave gave its its enemies enemies the chance to. to find find that that out, out.To To government, the chance

240 240

SOCIAL DEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN Y +- THE SOCIAL

the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and to to its its petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois hangers-on, hangers-on, formal formal democracy the democracy counts for more than than does does real real democracy. democracy. The The moment moment working working people people step step counts for more

outside of formal limits limits prescribed prescribed for for them them by by their their masters, masters, when when they they outside of the the formal come on political stage stage independently independently and and truly truly begin begin to to exercise exercise democdemoc come on to to the the political racy of masses -- proletarian democracy -- this frightens the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and racy of the the masses proletarian democracy this frightens its out of their wits. wits. With With their stultified by by decades decades of ofbourbour its ideologues ideologues out of their their minds minds stultified geois phrasemongering, phrasemongering, they they cry cry wolf wolf about about the the violation of democracy. democracy. The The geois violation of

fact that the striking miners miners have have dragged dragged democracy democracy out out of of the the stuffy stuffy studies studies fact isis that the striking

of the the intelligentsia intelligentsia and and dragged dragged itit into into the the streets streets and and made made itit aa common common concon of cern working class of this this country. country. The fact that than 75% 75% of of the the cem of of the the working class of The fact that more more than miners, staying away away from from work work for for more more than than 6 by suffering suffering the the miners, by by staying 6 months, months, by

most during this this strike, strike, by police violence violence on on most incredible incredible of of hardships hardships during by braving braving police the picket attempts to them back given the the the picket line, line, by by defying defying attempts to starve starve them back to to work, work, have have given most eloquent proof of their their commitment commitment to to the strike -- all all this this does does not not most eloquent proof of the present present strike count for aa thing thing with the hired hired lackeys of the the bourgeoisie and various count for with the lackeys of bourgeoisie and various philis philistines la Reid Reid who who mindlessly themselves ad nauseam, chanting tines àa la mindlessly repeat repeat themselves ad nauseam, chanting “‘the "the

ballot box box is is not expendable luxury". luxury". That ballot not an an expendable That the the miners overwhelmingly supsup miners overwhelmingly port strike against pit closures for the the right has at at long long port the the present present strike against pit closures and and for right toto work work has last been recognised recognised by the TUC TUC who, last been by the who, at at its Conference at its Conference at Brighton in the first notwith week give “total "total support" week of of September, September, resolved resolved to to give support" to to the NUM. NUM. But, But, notwith-

standing the above recognition and resolution, eightonin the first

scabs of of the the labour labour standing the above recognition and resolution, the scabs movement have their determination to defy defy the TUC resoluresolu movement have already already declared declared their determination to the TUC tion. Frank Chapple Chapple and and his his successor Eric Hammond Hammond have have openly openly stated stated that tion. Frank successor Eric that they would not not support support the even ifif aa thousand thousand such were they would the NUM NUM even such resolutions resolutions were passed. who shout most about the miners having passed. And And these these are are the the gentlemen gentlemen who shout most about the miners having be been deprived deprived of of the the ballot, ballot, and and yet yet ignore ignore aa ballot the entire entire labour labour moveballot of of the move

ment.

ment.

Coercion Coercion and and violence violence

Not being being able able to to comprehend comprehend the the unyielding unyielding stubbomness incredible Not stubbornness and and incredible heroism present strike, Reid ascribes heroism shown shown by by the the miners miners during during the the present strike, Mr Mr Reid ascribes it it to to

the alleged alleged coercion coercion practised practised by by the the flying flying pickets: pickets: Thus Thus Mr Mr Reid: Reid: the "The responsibility responsibility of of leadership leadership was was to to convince miners of of the the need to "The convince miners need to take action action and and to to express express this this conviction conviction through through the the ballot ballot box. box. Instead, Instead, they they take chose to to spread spread the the strike strike by by flying flying pickets pickets within within the the coal coal industry. Picketing chose industry. Picketing

as aa means means of of coercion coercion became became aa substitute substitute for for winning winning minds. minds. Moral Moral ascen ascenas dancy, crucial crucial to to winning winning allies allies for for the the cause cause of of workers workers was was jettisoned dancy, jettisoned right right

stemmed all stemmed from violence all consequential violence and consequential intolerance and hate, intolerance The hate, start. The the start. from the

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

241

241

from the from the same same contagious contagious source source -- the the decision decision to to deny deny the the miners miners their their right right to to a vote as laid down in the union's constitution". a vote as laid down in the union's constitution". The The whole whole point point is is that that the the leadership leadership did did not not have have to to convince convince the the miners miners

to to go go on on strike, strike, for for itit was was the the miners miners themselves themselves who, who, outraged outraged by by the the NCB's NCB’s pit pit closure closure announcement, announcement, decided decided to to strike strike in in area area after after area. area. The The NUM NUM could could either either give give official official recognition recognition to to these these actions, actions, or or hiding hiding behind behind ballot ballot cretin cretinism, ism, scab scab on on the the membership. membership. It It decided decided to to back back the the membership. membership.

As in a separate article article As to to violence violence on on the the picket picket line, line, we we shall shall deal deal with with itit in a separate in the striking who in the the next next issue, issue, where where we we shall shall demonstrate demonstrate that that it it is is the striking miners miners who are blow sky high Mr Mr are the the real real victims victims of of violence, violence, hate hate and and intolerance. intolerance. Facts Facts blow sky high

Reid's he preaches the Reid’s fictitious fictitious fabrications fabrications and and bourgeois bourgeois pacifism, pacifism, which which he preaches toto the workers workers in in the the name name of of 'moral “moral ascendancy'. ascendancy’.

Ballot box

Ballot box

Mr on the indispensability of ballot box on what what Mr Reid's Reid’s sermon sermon on the indispensability of the the ballot box and and on

stands in "advance of of socialist ideas in Britain and and Western stands in the the way way of of the the "advance socialist ideas in Britain Western Europe" mixture of of confusion confusion of ideas and anda total a total inability inability to to Europe" is is full full of of such such aa mixture of ideas understand of socialism nature of the state, state, that that it it would would understand the the class class basis basis of socialism and and the the nature of the

take long separate separate article to disentangle disentangle this this confusion. confusion. So So we we shall shall for for take aa very very long article to the the strong to comment comment on on his his remarks remarks in in this re the present present resist resist the strong temptation temptation to this regard. gard. Will the the NUM NUM emerge emerge bleeding? bleeding? Will

Towards the end Mr Reid makes the assertion that:

Towards the end Mr Reid makes the assertion that:

"The miners’ miners' union will come come out out of of this this strike strike bleeding, bleeding, torn torn apart apart and and "The union will demoralised by by aa surfeit ofrhetoric rhetoric unrelated unrelated to to reality. reality. The The likelihood likelihood is is that that demoralised surfeit of the union union will will be be finished as an an effective effective fighting fighting force forcefor for the the rest rest of ofthis this cencen the finished as tury.' tury.”’

Even the the ordinary Even ordinary bourgeois bourgeois journalists journalists do do not not dare dare to to utter utter such such aa blatant blatant untruth. The fact fact isis that that the the NUM NUM has has never never been been stronger. stronger. Nay, Nay, more more than than that. that. untruth. The

The present strike The present strike has not merely strengthened the the NUM, NUM, itit has has even even breathed breathed has not merely strengthened

some life into the the rest rest of of the the trade trade union union movement, movement, which which hitherto hitherto lay lay prospros some life into

trate trate before before the the apparently apparently unstoppable unstoppable reactionary reactionary current current of of Thatcherism. Thatcherism.

Even Times, which Even the the Times, which cannot cannot be be suspected suspected of of being being aa friend friend of of the the NUM, NUM, said said on 21 21 June, June, 1984: 1984: on

“Ironically , the s hoped "Ironically, the dispute dispute that that some some politician politicians hoped would would break break the thepower power of the NUM ofthe NUM has has actually actually created created new new cadres cadresfor for the thefuture". future".

242

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

Only the renegacy of Mr Reid, the fact that he has become an incurable re-

actionary and stuffed his head with philistine catch-phrases about democracy in general and the ’indispensability’ of the ballot box in particular, and his desire to win acceptance in bourgeois circles, prevents him from seeing what even the ordinary hired hacks still manage to see. Hence his terribly clever, not to say terribly stupid, and snooty remarks about Stalinism. In most of his article, abuse and invective, normally perfectly legitimate in a polemical work, simply serve as a substitute for reasoned argument. Whenever he is at a loss for an argument, a tirade against Scargill always sees him through. Hence his references to Mr Scargill as the ’sun’, ’egotistic’, ’adventurist’, and finally as the ’ Ayatollah’. He ends his article by exhorting everyone in

the labour movement to rally round in defence of democracy and "democratic socialism" (i.e., bourgeois socialism) against the "Ayatollahs who are out to de-

stroy the labour movement": Mr Reid’s article is bound to get him the applause of the bourgeoisie. It is equally bound to get him recognition in working-class circles as not only a renegade but also ‘‘a genius in the way of bourgeois stupidity’”’, as old V.I. Lenin would have put it.

THE COAL MITH THE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-858 1984 - 85

243

243

LALKAR October October 1984 1984 LALKAR

Contempt Contempt of of court court proceedings proceedings against against

the NUM

the NUM

Today, Today, the the 1st Ist of of October, October, as as this this issue issue goes goes to to press, press, the the news news has has come come through through that that five five leaders leaders of of the the NUM NUM face face committal committal proceedings proceedings and and possible possible imprisonment imprisonment for for alleged alleged contempt contempt of of court. court. Mr Mr Scargill Scargill was was served served with with aa writ writ on on the the floor floor of of the the Labour Labour Party Party Conference Conference in in Blackpool Blackpool by by an an official official of of the the High Court, Court, who who got got into into the the Conference Conference hall hall with with the the help help of of aa Daily Daily Express Express High

photographer. The The five five officials officials singled singled out out in in aa series series of of writs writs are: are: Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, photographer. Mr Mick Mick McGahey McGahey (NUM (NUM Vice Vice President), President), Mr Mr Peter Peter Heathfield Heathfield (General (General Sec SecMr retary of of the the Union), Union), Mr Mr Jack Jack Taylor Taylor (President (President of of the the Yorkshire Yorkshire miners) miners) and and retary Mr Gordon Gordon Butler Butler (General (General Secretary Secretary of of the the Derbyshire Derbyshire miners). miners). Mr

The appear inin court court and conduct. The five five were were given given 48 48 hours hours to to appear and explain explain their their conduct. The contempt proceedings arise arise from from the the judgment given by Judge Nicholls The contempt proceedings judgment given by Judge Nicholls ofof

the High High Court Court that the miners’ miners' strike strike in Yorkshire isis unlawful, unlawful, and and that dis the that the in Yorkshire that no no disciplinary action action should should bebe taken taken against against men men who who cross the picket picket lines. lines. This This ciplinary cross the judgment yet another judgment was was yet another example example ofof the the blatant blatant interference interference byby the the judiciary judiciary in industrial industrial relations. relations. Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, therefore, therefore, quite quite correctly correctly declared declared his his inteninten in tion on Channel 4 tion toto ignore ignore the the court’s court's ruling. ruling. His His defiance defiance was was broadcast broadcast first first on Channel 4

News News onon Friday Friday evening evening aa few few hours hours after after Judge Judge Nicholls Nicholls gave gave his his ruling, ruling, and and

was was repeated repeated on on Sunday Sunday after after aa meeting meeting ofofthe the miners’ miners' delegation delegationtoto the theLabour Labour

Party Party Conference Conference inin Blackpool. Blackpool.

Judge Judge Nicholls’ Nicholls' judgment judgment was was given given inin aa case case brought brought by by the the two two notorinotori

ous ous scabs scabs and and traitors traitors from from Yorkshir Yorkshire, Robert Taylor Taylor and and Ken KenFoulston Foulstone, both e, Robert e, both from from Manton Manton Colliery, Colliery, whose whose heavy heavy legal legal costs costs and andtravellin travelling expenses, stay g expenses , staying ing inin five-star five-star hotels, hotels, are are being being paid paid by by undisclo undisclosed businessmen, these sed business men, inin these

proceed ings against proceedings againstthe theNUM. NUM. ItItisisundersto understood thatthe thesame sameshameles shameless pairinin od that s pair itiated l proceedi ngs against itiatedcommitta committal proceedings againstthe theNUM NUMofficials. officials.ug into on avio2 1504

The High Court Notice to Mr Scargill alleges The High Court notice to Mr Scargill allegesthat thatheheisisin’ incont contempt empt ofof cou rt ing cour t order s that: courtfor fordefy defying court orders that: (a)(a)HeHeshou should notthre threaten disciplinary pro ld not aten disc iplinary proceed ings agai nst the rs who ceedings against the mine miners who cros cross picket lines; and (b)(b) HeHe shou should not s pick et lines ; and ld not cont inue totodecla re the continue declare thestrike strikeininYork Yorkshire official defiance thecour court shire asasoffic ial inindefia nce ofofthe t

rulin ruling. g.

|

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

244 244

-

utter well-deserved utter with well-deserved treat with to treat Mr decided to have decided union have his union and his Scargill and Mr Scargill that declared that have declared officials have five officials The five contempt ruling The court ruling of court contempt of this contempt contempt this

Scargill Mr Scargill contempt. Mr alleged contempt. their alleged ’purge’ their they Thursday toto 'purge' on Thursday appear on not appear will not they will has has declared: declared:

"I "7 want want to to make make itit clear clear that that if if the the offence offence II have have committed committed is is contempt, contempt, II class my class for my fight for to fight is to committed is have committed crime II have only crime the only Because the plead guilty. Because plead guilty. and and my my members". members" .

His stand stand has has been been unanimously unanimously endorsed endorsed by by the the NUM NUM 24-man 24-man national national His executive, executive, which which has has restated restated its its intention intention to to continue continue making making the the strike strike in in Yorkshire Yorkshire official official and and the the union's union’s longstanding longstanding refusal refusal to to comply comply with with Court Court orders orders issued issued during during the the 30-week 30-week dispute. dispute .

This determined This determined and and rocklike rocklike stand stand of of the the union union puts puts the the judiciary judiciary and and the the Government in Government in aa fix. fix. For, For, although although the the writ writ outlines outlines the the possible possible penalties penalties fac facunion of union sequestration of fines, sequestration ing including fines, colleagues, including his colleagues, and his Scargill and Mr Scargill ing Mr will five will NUM five the NUM that the unlikely that is unlikely it is Pentonville, it in Pentonville, imprisonment in and imprisonment funds and funds just Not just dispute. Not the dispute. end settle the nor settle will nor prison will to prison them to sending them for sending prison, for in prison, up in end up the an such an to such sharply to react sharply to react bound to is bound movement is labour movement entire labour the entire but the miners, but the miners,

event and likely to event andall alltoo too likely to make makesure surethat that the fiveare arefreed, freed, carried carried shoul shoul the NUM NUM five committed five dockers the five 1972, the just as thousands of by thousands high by der der high of workers, workers, just as inin 1972, dockers committed headed (then headed Court (then Relations Court Industrial Relations National Industrial by the contempt by for contempt prison for toto prison the National by Sir John Donaldson, now Master Master of were freed by carried by and carried freed and Rolls), were the Rolls), of the Donaldson, now Sir John by suspected of who cannot Denning, who Lord Denning, thousands thousands of ofjubilant jubilant workers. workers. Even Even Lord cannot be be suspected of ininthe involve who was man, and working man, even d even aa shred shred ofof sympathy sympathywith withany any working and who was involved the

Appeal Court Court inin freeing freeing the the Pentonville Pentonville Five, Five, recently his book, The book, The wrote inin his recently wrote Appeal

orenforce or to enforce Closing Closing Chapter: Chapter: “Never "Never again again could could anan industrial industrial court court hope hope to posinca ders ders by by committing committingpersons persons to to prison". prison".

dockthe 1972 in the Such Such then then isis the the experience experience ofof someone someone closely closely involved involved in 1972 dock

ers' case. case. The Thelatest latestjudgments judgments ofofthe the High High Court Court inin the the miners’ miners'case case only onlygogototo ers’

show show that that the the judiciary judiciary have have learnt learnt nothing nothing from from the the past past 150 150 years yearsofofthe the hishis 1972, of tory ofof industrial industrial relations relations inin this this country, country, oror from from the the experience experience of 1972. InIn tory

their their zeal zeal toto help help thethe bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, thethejudges judges areare pronouncing pronouncingjudgments judgmentswhich which

will serve no other purpose than to bring the judiciary into contempt. And this contempt contempt isis bound bound toto bebe the the only only outcome outcome ofofthethe present present contempt contemptproceedings proceedings will serve no other purpose than to bring the judiciary into contempt. And this

och det lank enibos re ete,

inin the the High High Court. Court.

245

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

245

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

LALKAR LALKAR October October 1984 1984

Mr Mr Steel's Steel’s humbug humbug on on democracy democracy The Liberal Liberal Party Party has has provided provided aa neat neat illustration illustration of of the the hypocrisy hypocrisy of of the the The bourgeois lot of bourgeois attitude attitude to to democracy. democracy. We We hear hear aalot of cant cant about about democracy democracy from from the representatives representatives of of the the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, and and in in recent recent months months they they have have been been the baying baying in in unison unison that that the the National National Union Union of of Mineworkers Mineworkers is is "undemocratic". "undemocratic". It It MUST, according according to to them, them, hold hold aa national national ballot ballot for for without without one the miners' miners’ MUST, one the that working-class democracy sound, working-class the sound, strike democracy that ignore the They ignore "undemocratic". They is "undemocratic". strike is is operating operating in in the the NUM NUM (see (see The The Miners Miners Strike Strike and and the the Renegade Jimmy Reid Reid is Renegade Jimmy

starting on on page page 232 232 of of this this book). book). starting The Liberal Liberal Party Party leader, leader, Mr Mr Steel, Steel, has been as The has been as sanctimoniously sanctimoniously vociferous vociferous on this this issue as the the rest, rest, but but it it isis interesting interesting to on issue as to see see what what happens happens when when democdemoc

racy comes home to racy comes home to roost. roost. ItIt came came home home toto roost roost atat the the Liberal Liberal Party Party Conference, when, when, despite despite strong Conference, strong opposition opposition from from Mr Mr Steel, Steel, the the Assembly Assembly voted for abandonment of of Cruise Cruise missiles. Here was was aa democratic democratic voted for the the unilateral unilateral abandonment missiles. Here ballot for Steel. His His response was toto say say that that he he will will use use his his power power asas leader leader ballot for Mr Mr Steel. response was to this decision out of the Party to keep keep this decision out of the Party manifesto, manifesto, just just as as he he rejected rejected an an Assembly Assembly vote the deployment vote opposing opposing the deployment of of Cruise Cruise missiles missiles inin 1981. 1981. He He even even went went asas far far as as saying saying that that resolutions resolutions of of the the Liberal Liberal Party Party Assembly Assembly do do not not have have the the status status of of holy holy writ writ!!

So, So, according according to to Mr Mr Steel, Steel, the the NUM NUM must must have havea a ballot, ballot, but but he he can can ignore ignore

ballots ballots in in his his own own Party Party Conferenc Conference! This should should come come asas no no surprise surprise toto us, us, for for e! This

the ie has the bourgeois bourgeoisie has always always been been prepared prepared to to abandon abandon democracy democracy when whenitit suited suited

its its own own Class class interests. interests. Neither Neither should should itit surprise surprise usus that that bourgeois bourgeois repre representati ves try sentatives try totodistort distortthe thefact factthat thatthe the NUM NUMhas hastaken takenhold holdofofworking working-class -class democr acy and democracy and isis USING USING itit inin its its class class interest interests. s. qt to bar..hui...

*

246 246

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

LALKAR LALKAR November November 1984 1984

NUM NUM Strike Strike -- aa fight fight to to the the finish finish As enters its As this this issue issue goes goes to to press, press, the the coal coal strike strike enters its 35th 35th week. week. The The last last round peace talks talks between between the the NUM andthe the NCB collapsedafter after 10 hours round ofofpeace NUM and NCB collapsed 10 hours

on fixed for on Wednesday Wednesday night night (October (October 31st), 31st), with with no no date date fixed for any any further further negotia negotiations. comes as no surprise, the NUM, tions. The The failure failure of of the the talks talks comes as no surprise, for for the NUM, though though

nominally facing nominally facing party party not not present present the the Government. Government.

the third with aa third dealing with actually dealing were actually table, were the table, across the NCB across the NCB at whose hand guided the NCB, to wit, at the the negotiations, negotiations, but but whose hand guided the NCB, to wit, And from the the start the coal coal And the the Government Government has, has, right right from start of of the

strike, its President, strike, declared declared that that it it regards regards the the NUM NUM as as the the enemy enemy within, within, and and its President, Mr less than the former former Argentinian Argentinian military dic Mr Scargill, Scargill, as as nothing nothing less than aa Galtieri, Galtieri, the military dic-

tator.

tator.

On the Lawson, the the Chancellor Chancellor of of the the ExcheqExcheq On the eve eve of of the the latest latest talks, talks, Nigel Nigel Lawson, uer, blatantly declared declared that that the the Government Government was was prepared prepared to to spend any uer, had had blatantly spend any

amount NUM. He He even even admitted, admitted, for the first first time, time, the the amount of of money money to to defeat defeat the the NUM. for the high costs of adding that that this this year year his his public public sector sector borrowing borrowing tartar high costs of the the strike, strike, adding

gets, Government's holy holy of of holies, holies, would would overshoot overshoot by £1.5 billion, billion, gets, the the present present Government’s by £1.5 and that the the expected expected growth growth rate rate of 3% in in the the economy economy will will now now only only be be and that of 3% 2.25% due to to the the coal coal stoppage. stoppage. Peter Walker, the the Energy Energy Secretary, Secretary, for for 2.25% -- all all due Peter Walker,

his part, part, has has made that the NUM should should not, not, and and would would not not be be offered offered aa his made itit clear clear that the NUM better deal that offered offered to, to, and and accepted accepted by by NACODS. NACODS. better deal than than that Since NACODS NACODS called called off off strike strike action action on on the the basis basis of of an an agreement agreement in in Since which the the NCB NCB have made only only cosmetic cosmetic concessions concessions inin the the form form of of aa new new which have made procedure for looking atat pit pit closures, closures, the the NUM, NUM, after after 88 months months on on strike, strike, could could procedure for looking hardly hardly bebe expected expected toto make make aa sudden sudden reversal, reversal, for, for, asas Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill said, said, itit isis hardly hardly aa consolation consolation toto aa person person already already condemned condemned toto death death that that hehe will will bebe tried under under aa new new procedure. procedure. The The NUM NUM position position remains, remains, asas itit has has been been all all tried

along, that that ofof no no pit pit closures, closures, except except on on grounds grounds ofof exhaustion exhaustion and and safety. safety. The The along, NCB, NCB, not not only only refuses refuses toto withdraw withdraw its its pit pit closure closure programme programme and and guarantee guarantee the the future future ofof the the 55 threatened threatened pits, pits, but but actually actually has has aa much much larger larger hit hit list, list, under under

which which itit proposes proposes toto close close 7070 pits pits with with the the loss loss ofof 70, 70, 000 000jobs, jobs, asas revealed revealed inin aa

secret secret NCB NCB document, document, made made public public byby the the NUM NUM President President only only the the other otherday. day. There isis thus thus an an unbridgea unbridgeable gap between between the the NUM NUM and and the the NCB. NCB.After After ble gap There

r, we the fai failureofoflur thelast last round roundofoftalks talksininthe themiddle middle of of Septembe September, wewrote wrote inin e the the

THE COAL OF 1984 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF - 85

247 247

our "... it more than than ever ever clear clear that that there there will will be be no no negotiated negotiated our Oct. Oct. issue: issue: "... if isis more outcome of of this this dispute dispute ... ... that which result in an outcome that any any negotiations negotiations which result in an agreement agreement

between would do do no no more than give legal expression expression to, to, and and rere between the the two two sides sides would more than give legal cord, the victory side and and the defeat of literally aafight fight to to cord, the victory of of one one side the defeat of the the other. other. ItIt isis literally the finish now". These words have been out by the progress progress of of events events and and the finish now". These words have been borne borne out by the are even more true today. are even more true today. This every attempt attempt must be made made by by every class conscious conscious This being being the the case, case, every must be every class

worker, unionists, by all those who claim claim to to support support the the NUM, NUM, to to worker, by by all all trade trade unionists, by all those who spare effort in in rendering and unreserved unreserved support support to to the the NUM NUM in spare no no effort rendering unstinting unstinting and in the for the the right to work, work, for for saving saving jobs jobs and and communities. communities. Even Even the latter's latter’s fight fight for right to with action, the NUM can, and shall, win. with NACODS NACODS calling calling off off strike strike action, the NUM can, and shall, win. Winter and Winter and Coal Coal Stocks Stocks

Winter already on on us. The coal stocks at stations now now stand stand at at 14 Winter is is already us. The coal stocks at power power stations 14 million time last year, power in England England and and Wales Wales million tonnes. tonnes. At At this this time last year, power stations stations in were 1.6 million of coal week, rising steadily to to 1.8 1.8 million million were burning burning 1.6 million tonnes tonnes of coal a a week, rising steadily tonnes week in staying at at or or above above that that level about 33 tonnes aa week in mid-December mid-December and and staying level for for about

months. with the level of of oil burnt, and and if the winter winter is as mild mild as months. Even Even with the present present level oil burnt, if the is as as last no one with only halflast last year’s year's consumption consumption last year year -- which which no one can can guarantee guarantee -- with only half needed system, the will be completely exhausted exhausted needed to to balance balance the the system, the power power stations stations will be completely

of at this reduced level of consumption, of their their stocks stocks in in 17 17 weeks. weeks. Even Even at this reduced level of consumption, stocks stocks will down to to 7 the end of January, under 44 million million at will be be down 7 million million tonnes tonnes at at the end of January, and and under at

the cuts will will become by the of FebruFebru the end end of of February. February. Power Power cuts become inevitable inevitable by the middle middle of

ary, which which means ary, means that claim of of being being able able to that the the government's government’s claim to last last through through to to the Spring meaningless bluster. bluster. depraug. the Spring without without power power cuts cuts is is hollow hollow and and meaningless

seb

When When coal stocks come come down between 8 and 4 million ton coal stocks down toto somewhere somewhere between 8 and 4 million tonnes, the the government government will will have have either either to to order nes, order power power cuts to take take the drastic cuts or or to the drastic

step of of moving moving the the 20 20 million coal stockpiled step million tonnes tonnes of of coal NCB pitheads, stockpiled atat NCB pitheads, mostly in in strike-bound strike-bound areas. mostly areas. But carries the be But that that carries the danger, danger, almost almost certain certain toto be realised, of of picketing picketing at at the the mines mines and realised, and aa blacking fuel by by the the rail transport blacking of of fuel rail transport workers. workers. . all of oil fred

spise Power Power Workers Workers ont | |

mevoy a T

of how; a wigh | ai d

There isis also also the the probability Probability that that the the power power workers will turn turnn the the screw screw on There workers will on power supplies supplies this this winter. winter. If, If, or or rather when, that that happens, happens, aa settlement settlement on power rather when, on the the

NUM’s terms . To To that NUM's termswill willhave havetoto bebe conceded conceded. thatend; end,the the main mainunions unions- with the with the electricians and abstaining -- have s abstaining have sent guidelines for electricians and power powerengineer engineers sentround round guidelines forthe the

embargo of of deliverie of oil embargo deliveriess of the Financi Financial Timess'of\7 of 17 oil and and coal. coal. According According to to the al-Time

248 248

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

be power October, power cuts cuts could be there could believe, there they believe, heeded, they half heeded, even half is even call is the call "if the October, "if rest of by important thing for the NUM NUM and and the the rest of the the for the t thing most importan The most Christmas." The by Christmas."

of coal working-class coal tonnes of million tonnes 20 million the 20 that the to itit that see to to see is to now is movement now working-class movement stockpiled not allowed masthrough aa mas moved through if moved and if moved; and be moved; to be allowed to is not pitheads is at pitheads stockpiled at sive through the the use use of these that these troops, that of troops, or through operation, or scabbing operation, and scabbing police and sive police supplies blacked. are blacked. supplies are Government Government and and NCB NCB demoralised demoralised and good a Another NUM victory that the the morale of the the NCB NCB Another factor factor making making for for a a NUM victory is is that morale of and of the the strike, strike, just just as as the and the the government government has has slumped slumped with with the the progress progress of the mo mo-

rale of the rale of the NUM NUMand andthe thestriking striking miners miners has has reached reached aa new newhigh. high. Open Openand and unfettered warfare unfettered prevails in NCB. One One week week the the NCB NCB appoint appoint Mr Mr MiMi warfare prevails in the the NCB. chael Eaton Eaton as chael as aa new following week the NCB Chairman new 'Mr "Mr Fixit', Fixit’, the the following week the NCB Chairman

relieves him him of of his his duties; one day day Mr Mr MacGregor relieves duties; one MacGregor puts his industrial puts his industrial relations relations

director into into cold cold Storage, Storage, another another day day he sends the director he sends the head of Board's public head of the the Board’s public ad of relations, Mr Mr Geoffrey Geoffrey Kirk, relations, the Daily asks the the question: Kirk, on on leave. leave . Even Even the Daily Mail Mail asks question: count

‘Is MacGregor MacGregor turning "Is turning into into Mr Magoo?" Mrs distance Mr Magoo?" Mts Thatcher Thatcher has has begun begun to to distance AT

IS

GALHOT

herself from from Ian Ian MacGregor, MacGregor, and and the the entire entire bourgeois press has herself bourgeois press begun toto.osugsug has begun AUTO

gest that he he has has lost lost his his marbles marbles and ought therefore gest that and ought be rewarded rewarded with therefore toto be with the the joys after all he has earned them! joys of of retirement retirement- after all he has earned them!

The government’s own The government's own unpopularity day.Even Eventhe the Times, unpopularity increases increases by by the the dave Times, that unfailing friend friend of of the the Thatcher that unfailing administration, has has begun Thatcher administration, begun to to write write articles articles Critical of critical social direction (seethe. the Times of the the government's government’s economic economic and and social direction (see Times edito edito-

tial Hand-To-Mouth Hand-To-Mouth Leadership Leadership of of October 9). The The Archbishop rial October 9). Archbishop of of Canterbury, Canterbury,

the head of the British ruling class, class, slammed dangerous effect of effect. of the dangerous at the slammed at British ruling of the spiritual head the spiritual

Archbishop, has the Archbishop, fabric of on the Thatcherism Thatcherism on the social social fabric of aa system system so so dear dear toto the has questioned objectives of the government’s government's economic economic policy: policy: "if the human human "if the of the the objectives questioned the

consequences of of such such aims mean unemployment consequences aims mean unemployment on an unprecedented unprecedented scale, scale, on an inequitacommunities, inequita about the despair about bureaucracy, despair Poverty, bureaucracy, poverty, the future future of ofsome some communities,

ble sharing of the sacrifice called for". The unemployment ble sharing ofthe sacrifice called for". The unemployment figures, figures, rising rising daily, daily, andthe the attendant attendantmisery, misery, are are bound notonly onlytoto add addtoto the the unpopularity unpopularityof ofthe the bound not and the NUM explain the government, but Thatcher government, Thatcher but also also toto help help explain NUM fight fight for for jobs jobs and and for for the right work. More and more are seeing seeing the the sense sense behind behind the the workers are more workers More and right toto work. the strikesaainet is the it is that it namely, that struggle, namely, NUM struggle, NUM the first first major, major, and and longest, longest, strike against unun employment and the right work. to work. right to for the and for employment

The media have such an an extent extent that that itit is: is not not uncomuncom to such panicked to have panicked bourgeois media The bourgeois .@S an monfor for them themtoto refer refer to the NUM NUMstrike strike ArIONGE Iwrongly HAN in our view an MER = as to the mon insurrection. insurrection.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

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Mrs Thatcher, Thatcher, in in her her speech Mrs speech to to the the Conservative Conservative Party Party Conference, Conference, referred referred to the "emergence "emergence of to the of an an organised organised revolutionary revolutionary minority minority who who are are prepared prepared to to exploit industrial exploit law and industrial disputes disputes but but whose whose real real aim aim was was the the breakdown breakdown of of law and order and the destruct of democratic ion of democratic parliamentary order and the destruction government". parliamentary governme nt". If If the the miners’ strike strike scares scares Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher into into making miners' making such such panic-stricken panic-stricken statements, statements, one wonders wonders what what aa real one compel this real revolutionary revolutionary insurrection insurrection would would compel this iron iron lady lady to to bring bring forth! forth! Courts Discredited Courts Discredited The The attempts attempts of of the the courts courts to to silence silence the the NUM NUM have, have, far far from from silencing silencing the the Union served to discredit the and reveal them in in Union and and its its President, President, only only served to discredit the courts courts and reveal them their to launch launch their real real colours colours as as the the judicial judicial arm arm of of the the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, eager eager as as ever ever to

into all working-class into the the fray fray in in an an attempt attempt to to suppress suppress all working-class resistance resistance to to the the rule rule of of

King the NUM NUM defied defied the the court declaring the King Capital. Capital. Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill and and the court order order declaring the strike were in in turn for con strike in in Yorkshire Yorkshire and and Derbyshire Derbyshire to to be be illegal, illegal, and and were turn fined fined for contempt refused to to pay and some some anonymous nonymous tempt of of court. court. Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill refused pay the the fine fine and benefactor paid it and got the courts. courts off off the benefactor (for (for all all we we know know it it was was the the NCB) NCB) paid it and got the the hook. have been sequestered for for its its refusal pay the hook. The The NUM NUM funds funds have been sequestered refusal toto pay the that it it will will £200,000 fine Union has has responded £200,000 fine imposed imposed on on it. it. The The Union responded by saying saying that that sponded by operate from operate from the the street street if if necessary. necessary. auoillad of bugod sts MUM The TUC TUC and and Labour sell out out the the NUM NUM The Labour leadership leadership fail fail to to sell

All attempts by by the the TUC TUC and bench to to sell sell the the miners miners All attempts and the the Labour Labour front front bench down the river have have met met with with total failure, and and the the NUM has increasingly increasingly down the river total failure, NUM strike strike has shown leadership to irrelevance to to the the struggles struggles of of the the shown the the Labour Labour leadership to be be aa tedious tedious irrelevance working class class of of this this country. country. Matters have reached reached such sucha a pass pass that that the the Sunday Sunday working Matters have Times of Times forced to to make make the the following following observation observation apropos apropos the of 77 October October was was forced the Labour wake of of the the latter’s latter's Conference, Conference, which which came came to to be be domidomi Labour Party Party in in the the wake

nated by the the coal coal dispute: dispute: "A "A once once great great party party of of state state now now finds finds itself itself stranded stranded nated by

on the the shores on shores of of extremism extremism where where itit will will take take an an extraordinary extraordinary Spring Spring tide tide of of common sense common sense and and devotion devotion to to Labour’s Labour's long-term long-term interests interests to to float float off off again again ... Mr Mr Kinnock's Kinnock’s newly minted authority newly minted authority has has been been devalued devalued atat its its very veryfirst first test. test. Unless he can assert Unless he can assert himself... himself... he hefaces faces the the same same fate fate as as Kerensky Kerensky atat the the hands hands of plot revolution revolution..." of those those who who plot ..."

By By way way of of waming warning toto bourgeois bourgeois circles circles against against underestimating underestimating Arthur Arthur

Scargill, Scargill, the the Financial Financial Times’ Times' makes makes the the following following assessment assessment ofof the the achieveachieve

ments NUM and ments of ofthe the NUM andofofMr MrScargill: Scargill:

"He ed aa logic conflict unerri ngly and "He has has follow followed logic of ofconflict unerringly and unshak unshakeably: he has eably: he

250 250

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY +THE

talkbig talk the big and the fought aa class middle-of-the-roaders and the middle-of-the-roaders shamed the has shamed and has war and class war fought the to the preached, to lightly preached, so lightly they so what they ers practise what him practise helping him into helping TUC into the TUC in the ers in the like the ideals -- like Marxist ideals out Marxist thrown out point explicitly thrown have explicitly who have those who only those where only point where word hall’s word meeting hall's electricians left-wing meeting the left-wing He is the him. He counterpose him. can counterpose electricians -- can made flesh flesh long long after after anyone anyone thought thought that that possible possible -- and and he he and and his his union union will will made now now try try to to work work their their way way through through the the body body politic". politic".

1601 8 stv 210bg00

Support Support for for the the NUM NUM grows grows

Last, but but not not least, least, national national and and international international support support for for the the NUM NUM has has Last, built groups exist, are func built up up on on an an unprecedented unprecedented scale. scale. Miners' Miners’ support support groups exist, and and are functioning efficiently, in locality; food are tioning very very efficiently, in every every locality; food and and money money contributions contributions are pouring in;political political meetings andrallies rallies are are being beingheld heldininall all parts parts of the councoun pouring in; meetings and of the try The whole try to to which which miners' miners’ representatives representatives are are invited invited almost almost without without fail. fail. The whole working-class in support working-class movement movement has has been been set set in in motion motion in support of of the the NUM NUM byby the the sheer courage and by the NUM sheer determination, determination, dauntless dauntless courage and heroic heroic effort effort shown shown by the NUM strikers pits and jobs. Internationally Internationally strikers in in pursuit pursuit of of their their right right to to work, work, to to save save pits and jobs. too has been been an an admirable admirable show show of of moral supportfor forthe the too there there has moral and and material material support NUM. NUM.

}

In foregoing, it be concluded certainty that that the the In the the light light of of the the foregoing, it may may be concluded with with certainty NUM are bound to victorious -- no how long long itit takes. takes. NUM are bound to be be victorious no matter matter how

ad

group

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

251 251

LALKAR November 1984 LALK AR Nove mber 1984

Whose Libyan Libyan connection? connection? Whose Honesty in politics isis the the result result of of strength, strength, hypocrisy hypocrisy the the result result of of weakweak Honesty in politics

ness. Nothing demonstrates ness. Nothing demonstrates the the truth truth contained contained in in the the above above adage adage more more than than the and the the outcry the howls howls and outcry emanating emanating from from all all sections sections and and sectors sectors of of bourgeois bourgeois opinion, from all opinion, from all bourgeois bourgeois political political parties, parties, the the Labour Labour Party Party included, included, in in concon nection what our our ’free’ 'free' press press gloatingly gloatingly and and maliciously maliciously describe describe as as the the nection with with what NUM's connection. This storm in in aa teacup teacup arose arose from from the the visit, visit, at at the the NUM’s Libyan Libyan connection. This storm end of third week of October, by the Chief Executive Executive of of the the NUM, NUM, Mr Mr end of the the third week of October, by the Chief Roger to Libya, of the the Libyan unions. Contrary Contrary Roger Windsor, Windsor, to Libya, atat the the invitation invitation of Libyan trade trade unions.

to Fleet Street Street barons put out, nothing secret secret or or out out of of to what what the the Fleet barons have have put out, there there was was nothing

the explain the the visit, which of aa routine to explain nature to routine nature was of which was this visit, about this ordinary about the ordinary Mr Windsor NUM's to fellow Libya. During his visit, visit, Mr Windsor During his in Libya. unionists in trade unionists fellow trade case to NUM’s case met was shown Libyan TV, TV, on Libyan shown on meeting was This meeting leader’. This Libyan leader¹. the Libyan Gaddaffi, the Col. Gaddaffi, met Col.

yet, and Windsor's visit was given given wide coverage in And yet, press. And Libyan press. the Libyan in the wide coverage visit was Mr Windsor’s and Mr

cloak of aa cloak impression of the impression reading gets the one gets press, one Street press, Fleet Street the Fleet in the reports in the reports reading the 201 Mr by made visit actual and dagger affair, which bears no resemblance to the actual visit made by Mr the to resemblance no and dagger affair, which bears Windsor. Windsor.

Fleet Street Arthur of Arthur example of another example yet another as yet visit as the visit condemned the has condemned Street has Eleet350 Scargill's with Scargill’s undemocratic undemocratic proclivities. proclivities. Energy Energy Secretary Secretary Peter Peter Walker Walker has, has,THUNGRY with 10

ill-disguised glee, the sanctimonious sanctimonious statement ill-disguised glee, made made the statement that that aa person person is is judged judged by by

the company company he he keeps, keeps, implying implying that the that Mr Mr Scargill Scargill should should be be judged judged in in the the con context of nature and and quality quality of of the text of the thenature the official official leadership leadership of of all all those those countries countries to to

which which the the NUM NUM sends sends delegations delegations at at the the invitation invitation of of trade trade unions unions of of those those countries. He He went went on on to to denounce denounce the the NUM NUM for countries. for "negotiating "negotiating with with people people who who

Con

have provided provided, |funds funds for for terrorist terrorist activities activities throughout have throughout Europe." Europe." Not Not wishing wishing to to

lag behind behind in in this this bourgeois bourgeois game lag game of of condemning condemning the the best best in in British British trade trade un unvon 1

1

We know know now now from from Mr Mr Milne’s book, "The "The Enemy Enemy Within', Within’, that We Milne's book, the that Windsor Windsor was was planted planted ininthe

wrenched

NUM by by the the intelligence intelligence agencies agencies of of Britain Britain and and that that he he insisted, insisted, at at the the latter’s latter’s prompting, prompting, in in NUM

embracing Col. Gadaffi in front of television cameras for the embracing Col. Gadaffi in front of television cameras for the sole sole purpose purpose of of handing handing a a

propaganda weapon weapon toto the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in their 20propaganda their attack on on the the NUM. NUM. None None ofofthis, this, however, however: Yi is is any way distracts from this article (note to present edition).

to

), ann ar chromov vennoo zidi to znominovog sl

11

252 252

SOCIAL DEMOC DEMOCRACY ENEMY WITHI WITHIN N THE ENEMY RACY - THE SOCIAL -

mned the ry, has ionism, Willis, the the TUC TUC Genera General Secretary, has conde condemned the visit visit inin l Secreta Norman Willis, ionism, Norman sweeping terms. Neil Kinnock, the Labour Labour leader, leader, ever ever ready ready toto oblige oblige the the ToTo k, the ng terms. Neil Kinnoc sweepi

, has ries and and ever ever willing willing toto dance dance toto the the baton baton ofof the the Fleet Fleet Street Street barons barons, has ries any ofof i regime weighed with the following statement: "The Gadaff Gadaffi regime isis vile vile ... any nt: "The ing stateme the follow d in in with weighe ...

ent r movem hing the fers from from them would bebe an insult toto everyt everything the British British Labou Labour movement an insult them would fers stands for." for." stands POLITYOU ....

ev, in Turgen The above high-s high-sounding phrases remind remind usus of the devil devil in Turgenev, of the ounding phrases The above LEICH sed. f posses whose motto condemn most of of all all those evils that that he he himsel himself possessed. those evils mn most was toto conde motto was whose

well asas Her nment asas well Majesty’s gover instance, the media, Her Majesty's government Her e, the media, Her present instanc the present InIn the

venal trade opposition, and loyal, not Majesty's most loyal, not toto say say craven, craven, opposition, and some some venal trade unun Majesty’s most

guilt, have their own to hide ionists, cue from from the devil inin an effort to hide their own guilt, have an effort the devil their cue taking their ionists, taking e indulged an orgy orgy of of orchestrated abuse against against the NUM with with the the purpos purpose indulged in in an orchestrated abuse the NUM basically 8-month old strike. strike. The The above above gentry gentry have have tried tried ly of h old basical of breaking breaking the the NUM NUM 8-mont ce on every of aa ballot ballot toto that of violen violence on the the picket picket lines lines that of question of the question from the trick -- from every trick -- but have failed. they are busily workin working the ‘Libya 'Libyan affair' in in the the g the n affair’ but they they have failed. Now Now they are busily hope that ifif they enough muck muck about, of itit might might stick stick on on the the hope that they throw throw enough about, some some of

us attempts, NUM. But this this attempt attempt will will fail assuredly asas have attempts, NUM. But fail just just as as assuredly have all all previo previous for much more more mature mature today today and have far greater access r access for the the working working people people are are much and have far greate

ance in in ’our’ when the to did in the appear appearance 'our' press press of of aa fake fake 1920s when the 1920s in the they did than they facts than to facts the Tories sufficient toto give ev in letter, from Zinovi Zinoviev the USSR, was sufficient give the Tories aa USSR, was in the allegedly from letter, allegedly resounding election. n. resounding victory victory in in aa general general electio

y has this countr What are the The facts facts are ruling class class of of this country has the ruling that the are that facts? The the facts? What are

s e Botha’ s, which t of of regime with the the the nasties nastiest regimes, which includ include Botha's relations with of relations cosiest of the cosiest South Israel of King South Africa, Africa, Pinochet's Pinochet’s Chile, Chile, Israel of Begin, Begin, Shamir Shamir and and Sharon, Sharon, King

a, to red with Fahd's Saudi Arabia, America, few. Compa Compared with Fahd’s Saudi Arabia, Reagan's Reagan’s Americ to name name but but aa few.

al e their and outsid the of these outside their nation national within and both within regimes, both these regimes, activities of murderous activities the murderous ance of the appear i take take on frontiers, Gadaffi on the appearance of those those of of aa Col. Gadaff of Col. activities of the activities frontiers, the small-time administration of thousa thousands nds hundreds of murdered hundreds has murdered stration has US admini The US crook. The small-time crook. h ca) and of people and Latin America) and throug through Latin Ameri Vietnam and (Korea, Vietnam abroad (Korea, wars abroad in wars people in of than 2,000 more than to death did to yesterday did only yesterday Israel only (Chile). Israel CIA death more 2,000 PalPal operations (Chile). CIA operations

estinians and Chatila say nothing of estinians in in the the Sabra Sabra and Chatila refugee refugee camps camps in in Lebanon, Lebanon, toto say nothing of

h its , throug its Nazi-like Nazi-like policies policies within within the the whole of Palestine. Palestine. Botha's Botha’s regime its whole of regime, through its barbaric system system of of apartheid, apartheid, daily daily oppresses, oppresses, tortures tortures and and murders murders the barbaric the black black

es threefourths of people of of South South Africa Africa in people degrades three-fourths the in their their hundreds hundreds and and degrad of the country's unfit for human beings. country’s population population by by condemning condemning itit to to an an existence existence unfit for human beings. All imperialism alism from All this this has has not not prevented prevented British British imperi from reaping reaping huge huge profits profits

through these countries. All this through investments investments in, in, and and trade trade with, with, these countries. All this has has not not pre pre-

vented the the governments governments of of this this country, country, Labour Labour and Tory alike, vented and Tory alike, from from

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

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253

maintaining maintaining extremely extremely friendly friendly and and diplomatic diplomatic relations relations with with these these nasty nasty re regimes. gimes. Be Be that that as as itit may, may, we we shall shall confine confine ourselves ourselves to to the the facts facts concerning concerning Libya and and the the Libyan Libyan connection connection of of bourgeois bourgeois Britain. Britain. Libya

The The Ministers Ministers in in Mrs Mrs Thatcher's Thatcher’s government government have have been been falling falling over over each each other other for for three three years years in in urging urging British British businessmen businessmen to to negotiate negotiate with with the the Libyan Libyan government. In In October, October, 1981, 1981, aa senior senior Libyan Libyan Minister, Minister, Omar Omar Muntassir, Muntassir, vis visgovernment.

ited ited Britain Britain on on aa trade trade mission, mission, and and saw saw senior senior officials officials of of the the British British Steel Steel Corporation, including including Ian Ian MacGregor, MacGregor, then then BSC BSC Chairman Chairman and and now now the the head head Corporation,

of of the the NCB. NCB. Muntassir Muntassir also also had had aa friendly friendly round round of of talks talks with with Douglas Douglas Hurd, Hurd, who who was was at at that that time time Minister Minister of of State State in in the the Department Department of of Trade Trade and and is is now now Northern Northern Ireland Ireland Secretary. Secretary. Hopp

In December, December, 1981, 1981, Lord Lord Trefgarne, Trefgarne, aa Foreign Foreign Office Office Minister Minister said: said: "Tt is In "It is possible to to point point to to constructive constructive dialogue dialogue with with the the Libyan Libyan government possible government which which

bodes for the future". In delegation, including including bodes well well for the future". In February, February, 1982, 1982, aa trade trade delegation, highly-placed men men from from John Laings, Wimpeys Wimpeys and and GEC, GEC, under highly-placed John Laings, under the the leadership leadership of Committee for Middle East East Trade Trade (COMET), (COMET), left of the the government-financed government-financed Committee for Middle left for Libya. Libya. In In March, March, 1982, 1982, Britain to follow follow the for Britain refused refused to Reagan administraadministra the Reagan tion’s total total boycott boycott of Libya. On On the the contrary, tion's of Libya. contrary, COMET COMET came came up up with with aa 5-year 5-year plan for businessmen businessmen interested plan for interested in in doing doing business business with with Libya. Libya. In In October October 1982, 1982, Gerard Vaughan, aa junior Gerard Vaughan, junior minister minister then the Department Department of of Trade, Trade, had had this this to to then atat the Say in a a letter say in letter to to aa Labour Labour back-bencher: back-bencher: "Far "Farfrom from discouraging discouraging British Britishfirms firms Jrom from entering entering the the Libyan Libyan market, market, we we have have responded respondedpositively positively toto Libyan Libyan overover tures for UK involvement tures for UK involvement inin her her development developmentplan". plan". | Also r, 1982, Also in in Octobe October, 1982, the the Libyan Libyan Embas Embassy Britain held held aa lavish lavish party party sy inin Britain ininthe Interc ontinental, Londo n, toto celebr the Intercontinental, London, celebrate the annive anniversary the Gaddaf Gaddaffi re ate the rsary ofof the fi re-

gime. ation having gime. And And ifif you you think think -- your your imagin imagination having been been worke worked Fleet d onon byby Fleet Street l who g cocktai Street -- that that itit was was Arthur Arthur Scargil Scargill who was was sippin sipping cocktails with everyo everyone ls with ne else presen t, you would be wrong. For it was else present, you would be wrong. For it was none none other other than than Mr MrDougl Douglas as Hurd, now defend ing us from sts’. InIn Februa Hurd, now defending us from “Irish 'Irish terrori terrorists'. February 1983, Kenne Kenneth ry 1983, th Clarke , aaJunior er, went Clarke, juniorHealth Health Minist Minister, went toto Libya Libya toto negoti negotiate contracts fortraintrain ate contra cts for

ing n medica l studen ts and g aa hospita ing Libya Libyan medical students and for for openin opening hospital. British busine business did l. British ss did

much much better better inin Libya Libya inin 1983 1983 than thaninin 1982, 1982, notwit notwithstanding regular complaints hstanding regula r compla ints about Li yan terrori sm. Even after the about Libyan terrorism. Even after the siege siegeofofthe theLibyan LibyanPeople People's Bureau, re ’s Bureau , resultin g in the death of WPC e Fletche sulting in the death of WPC Yvonn Yvonne Fletcher, 60%ofofallallthetheconsul consultancies r, 60% tancies inin Libya ing British Libya are arestill still inin the the hands hands ofofBritish British firms, firms, includ including BritishRail Rail and andBritis British h

Telec om. British s arearestill g Libyan Telecom. BritishAirway Airways still trainin training Libyanengine engineers and,accord according ers and, ing toto the official list in the British

sy ininTripoli , there the official list in the Britishembas embassy Tripoli, thereareare9898British Britishfirms firmsprespres

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

ently year and and found ently trading trading in in Libya. Libya. £300 £300 million million left left Libya Libya this this year found its its way way into into the the hypocritical fulminations hypocritical fulminations for the then for much then So much companies! So these companies! of these coffers of the coffers of and their Street patrons. of Tory Tory ministers ministers such such as as Peter Peter Walker Walker and their Fleet Fleet Street patrons. As to gov As to Labour's Labour’s Neil Neil Kinnock Kinnock and and his his characterisation characterisation of of the the Gadaffi Gadaffi gov-

ernment one single fact that the hollow, hollow, emment as as aa "vile "vile regime", regime", here here isis one single fact that proves proves the empty essence of we could could take take Mr Mr empty and and hypocritical hypocritical essence of his his remark: remark: We We wonder wonder ifif we Kinnock's back to September, 1977, Libyan Embassy, Kinnock’s memory memory back to September, 1977, when when the the Libyan Embassy, on on

express of the of this "vile regime", threw an an express instructions instructions of the leader leader of this "vile regime", Col. Col. Gaddaffi, Gaddaffi, threw

exquisitely Grosvenor Hotel, by 1,250 1,250 exquisitely grand grand party party in in London's London’s Grosvenor Hotel, attended attended by guests, all Tour and and Louis guests, all of of whom whom toasted toasted this this "vile "vile regime" regime" in in Chateau Chateau La La Tour Louis Roederer Roederer crystal. crystal. The The Tories Tories were were doubtless doubtless present present in in great great numbers numbers atat this this jamboree, Mr Kinnock: jamboree, which which cost cost aa quarter quarter of of aa million million pounds. pounds. But But take take note note Mr Kinnock: also three Labour Roy Mason, Albert Booth also present present were were three Labour Cabinet Cabinet Ministers, Ministers, -- Roy Mason, Albert Booth and David and David Ennals. Ennals .

In the above facts, of In the light light of of the the above facts, one one cannot cannot but but marvel marvel at at the the audacity audacity of these naïveté and and an air of innocence, these gentlemen gentlemen who, who, with with virginal virginal naiveté an air of injured injured innocence,

raise such such aa lot lot of of fuss fuss about about the NUM’s contacts with Libyan Libyan trade raise the NUM's contacts with trade unionists. unionists. It credit of NUM and and its President Arthur Arthur Scargill that they It is is to to the the credit of the the NUM its President Scargill that they have have

refused to to knuckle knuckle under under to to the the vicious vicious propaganda propaganda directed directed against against them. them. And refused And

it is is to to the the credit credit of of the the Libyan Libyan people people and and their their leader leader Col. Gaddaffi that that they they it Col. Gaddaffi should should show show internationalist internationalist solidarity solidarity with with the the British British miners. miners.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

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LALKAR December 1984 LALKAR December 1984

Time for for labour labour movement redeem Time movement to to redeem its 1OUs IOUS its

NCB's back-to-work abysmal failure failure NCB’s back-to-work abysmal As November draws draws to to aa close close and and December December sets sets in, in, the the miners' dispute As November miners’ dispute completes its its ninth ninth month month and enters the the tenth tenth with with not not the the slightest slightest chance chance of of aa completes and enters

settlement offing. The miners have just weathered weathered the of the the NCBNCB settlement in in the the offing. The miners have just the latest latest of Government. against them, them, namely namely the the “back 'back to to work' campaign. Government. offensives offensives against work’ campaign. This campaign failed abysmally as as the the previous previous campaigns campaigns to to lure lure or or inin This campaign failed just just as as abysmally timidate the miners, miners, notwithstanding the fact fact that that this latest offensive offensive was was timidate the notwithstanding the this latest

well-prepared and co-ordinated between the the government, government, the the NCB NCB and and the the popo well-prepared and co-ordinated between

lice on one hand, the instruments of bourgeois propaganda, from from lice on the the one hand, and and all all the instruments of bourgeois propaganda, Fleet to the the other hand. The The NCB NCB used used every every Fleet Street Street to the television television channels, channels, on on the other hand. manner to turn into scabs. scabs. The police used used all all their, their, manner of of bribery bribery in in order order to tum strikers strikers into The police by tactics to to get scabs through through the the picket picket lines lines withwith by now now notorious, notorious, bully-boy bully-boy tactics get scabs out pickets to those returning out giving giving aa single single opportunity opportunity toto the the pickets to talk talk toto those returning toto 'work'. The Coal books, exaggerated number of of strikers strikers ‘work’. The Coal Board Board cooked cooked the the books, exaggerated the the number

who NCB-police carrot-and-stick tactics. The The faithful media, who had had fallen fallen for for the the NCB-police carrot-and-stick tactics. faithful media, representing bags, Kings Kings of of inin representing the the interests interests of of money money bags, of finance finance and and magnates magnates of

dustry, trickle back work as asa a flood, flood, with with aa view view to to dustry, obligingly obligingly presented presented the the trickle back toto work scoring aa psychological psychological victory victory against the strikers strikers and and persuading persuading them scoring against the them that that in in the all resistance was as as foolish foolish as as itit was was futile. the face face of of this this 'stampede' ‘stampede’ to to work, work, all resistance was futile. Her with their their feet same Her Majesty's Majesty’s Ministers Ministers spoke spoke of of the the miners miners voting voting with feet -- the the same Ministers recognise that three fourths fourths of of the Ministers who who stubbornly stubbornly refuse refuse toto recognise that three the miners miners

still strike. still continue continue to to vote vote with with their their feet feet by by being being on on strike. It total of It must must be be said said to to the the honour honour of of the the 140,000 140,000 (out (out of of aa total of 180,000 180,000 min min-

ers) confronting such such formidable ers) that, that, in in the the face face of of such such heavy heavy odds, odds, confronting formidable foes, foes, they they

emerged intact and but also emerged not not only only with with their their honour honour and and principles principles intact and unsullied unsullied but also triumphant. significant as as it triumphant. Their Their victory victory is is all all the the more more significant it was was achieved achieved atat aa time time of just knocking of the the year year when when Christmas Christmas is is just knocking at at the the door. door, Normally Normally this this time time is is associated drinking, exchange associated with with festivities, festivities, feasting, feasting, eating, eating, drinking, exchange of of presents, presents, and and

500

particularly presents presents for for the the children. children. For For the the miners miners who who have have been been on on strike, particularly strike, for their their families families and and especially for especially their their children, children, Christmas Christmasas 1984 1984 will will. bring bring JE

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merely the the continuation continuation of of the the last last nine nine months months of of hunger, hunger, malnutrition malnutrition depri depr. merely been has been and itit has that, and know that, NCB know the NCB and the vation government and The government misery. The and misery. vation and their calculation, calculation, in in typical typical bourgeois bourgeois humanitarian humanitarian style, style, to to starve starve the the miners miners their back to to work. work. In In the the circumstances circumstances the the miners miners on on strike strike faced faced aa cruel cruel dilemma: dilemma: back

crawl craw] back back to to work work and and lose lose everything everything that that they they fought fought for for during during the the last last nine nine months, months, and and into into the the bargain bargain carry carry forever forever the the stigma stigma of of aa scab; scab; or or stay stay on on strike strike and and suffer suffer further further deprivation deprivation and and bring bring itit upon upon their their families, families, in in particu particylar lar the the children. children. ItIt isis understandable understandable that that in in the the face face of of such such aa terrible terrible choice, choice, some some strikers strikers could could no no longer longer bear bear the the strain strain and and decided decided to to become become scabs. scabs. But But 98% 98% of of the the strikers strikers stood stood firm firm and and have have emerged emerged from from this this trial trial much much strength strengthened ened and and resolved resolved to to carry carry their their fight fight through through to to victory. victory.

To the the gigantic, gigantic, not not to to say say costly, costly, police police protection protection of of the the scabs scabs and and the the To

massive massive propaganda propaganda unleashed unleashed by by the the ruling ruling class class press press and and broadcasting broadcasting serv seryices, the the NCB NCB added, by way way of of aa bribe, bribe, the ices, added, by of £1,400 the Christmas Christmas pay pay packet packet of £1,400 for for all those those strikers all this date date being being strikers who who returned returned to to work work before before 19 19 November, November, this later extended extended for for another another week week when when the the results later by the the NCB NCB and and the results hoped hoped for for by the government failed to to materialise. materialise. (It (It must be remembered that aa substantial government failed must be remembered that substantial part part of this £1,400 of this £1,400 belongs belongs toto the the miners miners anyway, anyway, for for the the Christmas Christmas bonus’ 'bonus' inin Cludes holiday pay the miners cludes holiday pay which which the miners have have earned earned and and which which will will be be theirs theirs when they go when they go back back toto work work eventually eventually after after aa settlement). settlement). In In the the face face of of the the NCB at aa rally NCB tactics, tactics, Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, the the NUM NUM President, President, at rally on on 1111 November November atat Newcastle upon Tyne hammered out a clear Newcastle upon Tyne hammered out a clear warning warning toto miners miners crossing crossing picket picket lines. lines. He He told told anan audience audience ofof more more than than 2,000 2,000 inin the the City City Hall Hall that that inin 1010 years’ years' time time they they would would bebe able able toto look look back back "Jn "In aa way way that that those those who who have have crawled crawled through through our ourpicket picket lines lines will will never never do. do.

"You "You have have suffered suffered hardship hardship and anddeprivation, deprivation, but but colleagues, colleagues, you you will will not not always always bebepoor. poor. But But toto the the end end ofoftime time they they will will bebe scabs", scabs", hehe said said totothunderthunder ous ous applause. applause.

"You "You will will bebe able able toto look look back back and andsay say with withpride pride that that inin 1984 1984you you took took part partinin a astruggle struggle not not only only toto save saveyour yourpits pitsand andyour yourjobs jobs and andyour yourcommunicommuni lies ties and andyour your culture, culture, but but inin the theprocess, process, you you retained retainedyour your dignity dignityasashuman human beings. beings.

"You "Youare arethe thefinest finestexample exampleofoftrade-unionis trade-unionism theworld.” world." m ininthe Evenififwewetake take the theNCB NCB figures, figures, which whichare are laundered launderedand andtherefore thereforesussus Even

pect, pect, nono more more than than 2-3% 2-3% ofof the the strikers strikers have have returned returned toto ’work’. 'work'. This This isis admitted admittedtotoeven evenbybythe themost mostrespectable respectable "hired "hiredcoolies cooliesofofthe thepen penofofimperialimperial ism", to use Lenin’s apt and ism", to use Lenin's apt andvivid vivid terminology. terminology. For Forinstance, instance,writing writingininthe the

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‘Observer’ of 'Observer' Mr Steve Vines, the the labour labour editor of that that newspanewspa of 18 18 November, November, Mr Steve Vines, editor of

per, in an article entitled entitled ‘The per, in an article 'The beginning beginning of of the the end' which he he gloatingly gloatingly end’ in in which predicts the the "virtual "virtual certainty of defeat" for the predicts certainty of defeat" for the miners miners and and pronounces pronounces funeral funeral rites the NUM NUM- -ininthis this same samearticl article, Mr Vines makes makesthe the following followinguseful useful rites on on the Mr e, Vines admission: "Even today today the much-publicised drift back toto work work isis relatively admission: "Even the much-publicised drift back relatively confined...". That this this admission grudging isis only only toto be be expected, expected, for for this sin confined...". That admission isis grudging this single sentence thrust of of his article, namely, namely, that the miners miners face face gle sentence demolishes demolishes the the thrust his article, that the the "virtual ofdefeat". And further when Mr Vines adds the following the "virtual certainty certainty of defeat". And further when Mr Vines adds the following few appearing in he achieves achieves even for him not too few lines lines appearing in quotation quotation marks, marks, he even for him the the not too

difficult own proposition. proposition. difficult task task of of totally totally annihilating annihilating his his own "The much more diffuse, by-passing by-passing "The running running of of the the strike strike itself itself however, however, isis much more diffuse, even the structure. Individual Individual pit pit branches toto aa large large extent extent even the union's union’s regional regional structure. branches have set arrangements for picketing, soup soup kitchens, kitchens, collections, collections, have set up up elaborate elaborate arrangements for picketing, aid advice have acquired acquired aa momentum own. aid advice and and campaigning campaigning and and have momentum of of their their own. Miners' their own. from the the Yorkshire Yorkshire Miners’ wives wives have have come come into into their own. Debbie Debbie Alan Alan from

Women's ironically acknowledges Mrs Thatcher’s Thatcher's contribu Women’s Support Support Group, Group, ironically acknowledges Mrs contribution new-found self-confidence and political political activism has tion to to their their new-found self-confidence and activism - 'She ‘She has released that will be suppressed she said." released energies energies in in women women that will never never be suppressed again,' again,’ she said." Mr Mr Vines, Vines, it it must must be be admitted admitted is is the the master master of of self-annihilatory self-annihilatory rigmarole. rigmarole.

This, This, however, however, in in no no way way detracts detracts from from his his admission admission that that the the "much-publi "much-publicised back to relatively confined" confined" and cised drift drift back to work work is is relatively and that that the the NUM NUM strike strike is is far far from from crumbling. crumbling. Mr by no only one one to to make the above above observations. Mr Vines Vines is is by no means means the the only make the observations. Historian writing in of Historian Dai Dai Smith, Smith, of of the the University University of of Cardiff, Cardiff, writing in the the 'Listener' “Listener’ of 15 in 15 November November makes makes similar similar points. points. In In his his article: article: The ‘The Longest Longest Strike', Strike’, in

which observes that which he he compares compares the the 1926 1926 coal coal dispute dispute with with the the present, present, he he observes that the the strike "were to be removed strike "remains "remains relatively relatively solid", solid", that that if if Mr Mr Scargill Scargill "were to be removed to to-

morrow, 1926 is Arthur morrow, the the strike strike would would not not cave cave in. in. No No more more than than Cook Cook in in 1926 is Arthur Scargill but he Scargill the the brains brains of of this this struggle, struggle, but he is is its its gut gut feeling. feeling. Its Its strength strength lies, lies, as as in for mining in 1926, 1926, not not in in the the prospect prospect of of victory victory or or defeat defeat but but in in the the belief belief that that for mining communities, for their this resis communities, even even more more than than for their pits, pits, there there is is no no alternative alternative to to this resistance". tance”.

Dai Smith Smith goes goes on on to to observe observe that Dai that "It “Jt may may be be an an overstatement overstatement to to assert assert

that 'an ‘an alternative alternative welfare welfare system' that system’ has has now now sprung sprung up, up, but but a a skeletal skeletal structure structure

is discernible" discernible" and is and that that "all "all over over South South Wales Wales kids kids drop drop pocket pocket money money in in col collection boxes boxes and lection around plastered in yellow 'Coal Not Dole' stickers. and strut strut around plastered in yellow ’Coal Not Dole? stickers. 1926 has has aa more more direct 1926 direct echo echo too. too. Pigeons Pigeons and and rabbits rabbits are are shot, shot; and and Welsh Welsh hills hills

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE - THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

258 258

-

are not not only only good good grazing grazing for for sheep, sheep, there're there're good good for for bold bold rustlers rustlers with with 2.2 2.2 are si boltions ooits as mix guns. On p continued: Smith continued: Mr Smith police, Mr the police, towards the attitude towards changed attitude the changed On the 33

guns.

"In "In 1926, 1926, the the police police inin South South Wales Wales were were seen seen as as an an army army of of occupation. occupation. It It

took decades decades to to reconcile reconcile police police and and miners miners after after that. that. What What has has been been happen happentook

ing ing on on picket picket lines lines has has rekindled rekindled the the same same kind kind of of bitterness: bitterness: 'If ‘IfI'd I’d seen seen four four Not now. or five five boys boys giving giving aa copper copper aa kicking kicking inin our our place place I'd I'd 'v‘vee helped him. N Not now. or hhelped him.

I've I’ve no no respect respect for for them. them. My My kids kids call call 'e ‘emm scabs. scabs. It's It’s awful awful but but it's it’s true. true. First First w

thing she she done done was was to to give give 'e ’emm massive massive e pay pay rises. rises. You You can can see see why why now'. now’. thing Two and games a,

99

Dai Dai Smith Smith makes makes the the following following last last observation: observation:

"This "This strike strike has has now now lasted lasted longer longer than than the the agony agony of of 1926. 1926. That That is is already already for these Jor these men men and and women women aa sort sort of of victory. victory. There There are are some some things things now now on on which, no no matter matter what what happens, happens, they they cannot cannot be beaten. Those Those things are their their which, be beaten. things are individual courage, courage, their their communal communal values, values, their their creative creative initiatives. individual initiatives."”’ www

2012

And of Peter And he he concludes concludes his his article article by by citing citing the the words words of Peter Evans, Evans, the the former former chairman of of Deep Deep Duffryn: Duffryn: 10 chairman bat sor T

"Victory to me is ofthe "Victory to me is a a return return to to what what we we wanted wanted inin 1981, 1981, aa reversal reversal of the idea of South South Wales Wales as a peripheral area, marginal marginal toto the idea of as a peripheral area, rest of the industry. the rest of the industry. We want more than investment. We want want commitment. commitment. We We had had investment investment inin We want more than investment. We Deep Duffryn but It’s her Deep Duffryn but no no commitment. commitment. She’s She's ripped ripped the the mask mask off: off. It's her class class oror ours. ours. Them Them and and Us. Us. In In 1926 1926 itit was was the the employers, employers, now now it’s it's the the State. State. And And we we understand that". understand that" People who who show show such such forbearance forbearance inin the the face face of of hardship, hardship, such such ingenuity ingenuity People inin adversity, adversity, such such calm calm inin the the face face ofof provocation, provocation, such such valour valour and and heroism heroism inin the the face face ofof danger, danger, and and such such persistence persistence and and perseverance perseverance inin the the course course ofof struggle struggle are are far far from from beaten. beaten. Nay, Nay, such such people people shall shall never never be be beaten. beaten.

And ifif Mr Mr Vines Vines and and his his fellow fellow hacks, hacks, putting putting their their trust trust inin their theirown own artiarti And

cles, cles, for for writing writing which which they they are are handsomely handsomely rewarded, rewarded, believe believe otherwise otherwise their their shock shock will will be be all all the the greater greaterwhen whenthe the miners’ miners' victory victory comes. comes. Time for forthe the labour labour movement movement toto redeem redeem its its |OUs IOUS Time

IfIf the the NUM NUMhave haveput put upup such suchaa magnificent magnificentfight, fight, the the same same cannot cannotbebesaid said ofofthe the rest restofofthe the labour labourmovement. movement. Neither Neitherthe theTUC TUCnor northe theLabour LabourParty Party leadlead ership ership have have lifted lifted aa finger finger inin support support ofof the the NUM. NUM. On On the the contrary, contrary, this this

despicable gentry gentry have have done done their theirdamnedest damnedestbest best(or(or rather rather worst) worst)totostab stabthe the despicable miners miners inin the the back. back. AtAt crucial crucial moments moments during during the the progress progress ofofthis this dispute dispute

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-8518 1984 - 85

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259

these labour labour lieutenants these lieutenants of of capitalism capitalism have have intervened intervened in in order order to to cause cause the the NUM NUM to to capitulate. capitulate . Violence Violence

At At aa time time when when the the police police were were beating beating the the hell hell out out of of the the NUM NUM pickets pickets

and leader, Labour’ leader, the 'Labour' Kinnock the Neil Kinnock them, Neil against them, charges against cavalry charges staging cavalry and staging came came up up with with aa statement statement condemning condemning the the miners miners for for picket-line picket-line violence, violence, thus thus helping the the government, government, the the NCB NCB and and the the police police by by blaming blaming the the NUM NUM for for po pohelping lice lice violence. violence. His His speech speech at at the the TUC TUC Conference Conference at at Brighton Brighton led led to to such such revulsion on on the the part part of of the the ordinary ordinary delegates, delegates, not not to to mention mention millions millions of of revulsion “ workers workers outside, outside, that that he he was was obliged obliged to to 'modify' ‘modify’ his his remarks remarks at at the the Labour Labour Party Conference Conference the the following following month month at at Blackpool. Blackpool. In In the the latter latter Conference Conference he he Party equated the the resistance resistance of of the the pickets pickets to to the the police police violence violence itself itself and and went went on on to to equated condemn and condemn both both the the "violence "violence of of the the battering battering ram ram carriers" carriers" (i.e. (i.e. the the pickets) pickets) and "the violence violence of of cavalry cavalry charges" charges" (the (the police). police). This This same same hoary hoary tale picket "the tale of of picket violence was was revived revived by by Norman Norman Willis, General Secretary Secretary of the TUC, TUC, violence Willis, the the General of the when he he recently recently spoke spoke at at a miners' miners’ rally rally in in South South Wales, Wales, apparently apparently in when in ’sup'sup port' which he received a port’ of of the the miners. miners. He He condemned condemned picket picket violence violence for for which he received a kiss kiss of death of the "great courcour of death from from Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher in in the the form form of of an an appreciation appreciation of the “great age" "distinguished trade this Mr Mr Willis Willis was was age” shown shown by by this this "distinguished trade unionist". unionist". And And this surprised when the greeted his his remarks with such such contempt contempt that they re surprised when the miners miners greeted remarks with that they refused to listen listen to his nauseating insipid sermon sermon on on non-violence non-violence and and dangled dangled a fused to to his nauseating insipid a hangman's noose over his his head. head. hangman’s noose over Let us, however, lookatatthe the facts facts and andsee see who who really reallyhas hasbeen beenthe thevictim victimof of Let us, however, look violence. The The figures, figures, and and pictures pictures in in the the newspapers newspapers and and on screens, violence. on television television screens, speak for are the figures: the figures: Here are themselves. Here for themselves. speak Two deaths deaths on on the the picket picket lines. lines. ** Two

Five miners miners put put on on life-support life-support machines machines ** Five Three miners miners with with fractured fractured skulls. skulls. ** Three

Ten miners miners with with broken broken ribs. ribs. ** Ten

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Over 2,500 2,500 cases cases of of miners miners with with cracked cracked ribs, ribs, broken broken arms arms and and tom torn ** Over shoulder muscles muscles caused caused by by being being dragged dragged handcuffed handcuffed across across the the ground, ground. 1000 shoulder all 4,000 4,000 miners miners have have been been injured. injured.wikis muvan ofguidae won InIn all

The The Home Home Office Office claim claim that that 750 750 policemen policemen have have been been injured injuredduring duringthe the

strike, strike, aa figure figure which which doubtless doubtless includes includes over over 700 700 cases cases of of mild mild cuts cuts and and tuom bruises. bruises.

Wik

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260 260

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY THE ~- THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

In In the the face face of of these these facts, facts, one one would would have have thought thought that that any any person person with with aa

sense sense of of fairness fairness and and justice, justice, let let alone alone aa sense sense of of loyalty loyalty to to the the working working class, class, would would have have unequivocally unequivocally and and unhesitatingly unhesitatingly made made an an outright outright condemnation condemnation of of police police violence. violence. But But alas, alas, itit isis not not only only Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher and and her her fellow fellow Tories, Tories, ever ever loyal loyal to to British British imperialist imperialist capitalism, capitalism, but but also also the the Labour Labour and and TUC TUC lead leadership, ership, with with one one voice voice and and in in unison, unison, who who condemn condemn the the miners miners for for picket-line picket-line violence. The The working working class class has has aa right right to to ask ask this this revolting revolting gentry: gentry;, on whose violence. on whose side side are are you, you, gentlemen? gentlemen?

The The police police violence violence on on the the picket picket line line has has been been fully fully backed backed and and reinforced reinforced by by aa massive massive judicial judicial assault, assault, which which has has torn tom the the mask mask of of impartiality impartiality from from the the face of the courts and exposed themtotobe be one ofthe the chief instruments of of bourbour face of the courts and exposed them one of chief instruments geois geois oppression oppression and and subjugation subjugation of of the the working working class class -- as as the the judicial judicial arm arm of of the the bourgeois bourgeois state state for for forcibly forcibly holding holding down down the the working working class class in in the the interests interests of the the capitalist capitalist class. class. Here of Here are are some some figures figures which which furnish furnish eloquent eloquent proof proof of of No inyo to sonsluiv sitt the the despicable despicable role role played played by by the the judiciary. judiciary.

By By the the end end of of October, October, police police chiefs chiefs had had made made more more than than one one million million de de-

ployments of policemen ployments of policemen during during the the strike. strike. At At any any given given time time up up to to 8,000 8,000

policemen policemen have have been been used. used. 7,428 7,428 arrests arrests have have been been made made and and 8,020 8,020 charges charges cases so have been been brought brought against against the the miners. miners. Of 2,524 cases cases so so far dealt with, with, have Ofthethe 2,524 fafar dealt stabil

2,034 have resulted in convictions. 43 43 miners 2,034 have resulted in convictions. miners have have beenimprisoned, imprisoned, 6 6 sent sent to to detention centres, 99 detained police custody, in youth youth custody detention centres, detained inin police custody, 22 in custody and and25, 25 given given unitive fines finesof ofmore moret than than suspended sentences. sentences. 1,051 1,051 miners miners have suspended have been beenn given given pppunitive in conditions in £50. appeal ofof nine nine Yorkshire Yorkshire miners miners against against blanket blanket bail bail conditions The appeal £50. The

Nottinghamshire has by aa High High Court Nottinghamshire has been been dismissed dismissed by Court judge. judge. 94.5% 94.5% ofof those those

charged within within Notts. Notts. are are on on conditional conditional bail. bail. On October, the the High Court charged On 10 10 October, High Court

fined £200,000 for of court. court. fined Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill £1,000 £1,000 and and the the NUM NUM £200,000 for contempt contempt of Scargill’s *anonyScargill's fine, fine, asas we we reported reported inin the the last last issue, issue, has has been been paid paid off offby by an an 'anony 25th October, the on mous to pay. October, the mous donor’ donor' and and the the NUM NUM has has refused refused to pay. So. So on on the the 25th 25

High Court Court ordered ordered Union Union funds funds toto bebe sequestrated. sequestrated. Price Price Waterhouse, Waterhouse, acac High Countants countants acting acting asas sequestrators sequestrators for for the the court, court, have have soso far far managed managed totolay lay their their hands hands on on £8,174 £8,174 only. only.

North Derbyshire Derbyshire scabs, scabs, with with the the full full support support ofof the the "Freedom 'Freedom AssociaAssocia North tion',a a fascistic fascistic outfit outfit speaking speaking for forthe the entire entire bourgeois bourgeois class, class, and andthe thepress, press,are are tion’, spending any now now seeking seeking toto prevent prevent their their area area union union spending any money money ononthe the strike. strike. The The 'National Working Working Miners Miners Committee’ Committee' isis considering considering action action against against members members "National the NUM NUM Executive Executive Committee Committee individually individually for forthe the £200,000. £200,000. South South Wales Wales . ofofthe scabs areare seeking seekingananinjunction injunctiontotogetgetthe thestrike strike ininSouth SouthWales Walesdeclared declaredunoffiunoffi scabs

ME

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cial. cial. InIn view view of of the the judgement judgement ofof Judge Judge Nicholls, Nicholls, declaring declaring the the strike strike inin YorkYork

shire unofficial, itit isis not shire unofficial, not difficult difficult toto guess guess the the likely likely outcome outcome ofof this this case. case.

New New all all embracing embracing criminal criminal charges, charges, such such asas ‘besetting’, 'besetting', last last used used inin the the

1926 General General Strike, Strike, have been dug dug up up by by the the police. police. All All that that the the police police have have toto 1926 have been prove that the prove isis that the accused accused was was part part of of aa picket picket line line near near the the place place of of work work of of aa working miner with with the the intention intention of of compelling compelling him him to to stay stay away away from from work. work. working miner People collecting collecting food food and and money money for for the the miners miners have have been been arrested arrested on on all all People

kinds of of trumped charges, including including begging. begging. Only few days days ago, ago, aa ‘Santa 'Santa kinds trumped up up charges, Only aa few Claus' collecting collecting gifts gifts for for children children of of striking striking miners miners was was arrested. arrested. Surely Surely itit isis Claus’ time for such guardians guardians of of morality morality as as Thatcher, Thatcher, Owen, Owen, Steel Steel and and Kinnock, Kinnock, not not time for such

press and media, to to say say that that "this has gone gone too too far’’, far", and and toto mention mention the the flunky flunky press and media, ‘‘this has that ‘‘this "this has gone beyond beyond the the bounds bounds of ofdecency’’. decency". Instead of condemnati condemnation of that has gone Instead of on of the actions actions of of the the police police and class war declared on on the the NUM NUM and and the the rest rest of of the and the the class war declared

the working class by the judiciary, judiciary, we we get the leadership leadership of of the the TUC TUC and and the working class by the get from from the the sermons on on legality legality and and obeying obeying the the law. law. Just Just at at a the Labour Labour Party Party sickening sickening sermons a

time when the launched aa frontal attack on the NUM, NUM, just just as as we time when the courts courts have have launched frontal attack on the we hear has removed removed Mr Mr Scargill Scargill and and other other ofof hear that that a a certain certain judge, judge, Mervyn-Jones, Mervyn-Jones, has

ficers of the trusteeship the NUM NUM funds on the the alleged ficers of the the union union from from the trusteeship of of the funds on alleged ground that that these fit to-be to be trustees trustees and and that the union unionfunds funds are are ground these officials officials are are not not fit that the not safe safein intheir their hands hands (the (thereal real reason reason is that by by appointing appointingtheir their own owntrustees trustees not is that

the from abroad abroad and thus jeopardise jeopardise the courts courts want want to to get get the the union union funds funds home home from and thus

these sermons of Labour leadership leadership are are nothing nothing short these funds), funds), these these sermons of the the Labour short of of aa cruel the face of this this judicial judicial assault, cruel mockery. mockery. When When the the Labour Labour leadership, leadership, in in the face of assault,

described mindlessly to to preach and lele described above, above, continues continues mindlessly preach to to the the NUM NUM obedience obedience and

gality, ask: on on whose gality, we we have have once once again again the the right right to to ask: whose side side are are you, you, gentlemen? gentlemen? The The Libyan Libyan affair affair

Another example example of of the the TUC TUC and the Labour Labour Party’s attempts to Another and the Party's attempts to sabotage sabotage the miners' miners’ struggle struggle was was the the the so-called so-called Libyan Libyan affair affair (for (for details details see see article article in in Lalkar, the end Lalkar, reproduced reproduced on on page page 250 250 in in this this book). book). At At the end of of October, October, the the NCB NCB

was press for his for his bourgeois press the bourgeois in the criticised in being criticised was being MacGregor was shambles. MacGregor was aa shambles. handling of of the the strike; strike; the the 'Daily handling ‘Daily Mail' Mail’ even even went went to to the the length length of of comparing comparing him called press called serious press more serious the more and the Magoo, and Mr Magoo, character Mr cartoon character the cartoon with the him with for Times’ ‘Sunday Times' the Sunday But the peerage. But of aa peerage. presentation of the presentation with the removal, with his removal, for his story about about the the visit visit of of the the Chief Chief Executive story Executive of of the the NUM NUM to to Libya Libya came came and ‘and y served served to to divert divert attention attention from from what what was was described described by by the the British British Association Association

of Colliery Colliery Management Management as of the NCB. as incompetence incompetence at at the the highest highest level level in in the NCB: Neil Neil

Kinnock and and Norman Norman Willis, Kinnock consultation with Willis, without without even even the the courtesy courtesy of of a a consultati on with

262 262

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN

the the NUM, NUM, launched launched into into the the fray fray against against the the NUM. NUM. mogbaner

to

ensul den

"By any any measure measure of "By of political, political, civil, civil, trade trade union union or or human human rights, rights, the the Gad Gaddafi regime dafi would be an insult to everything regime isis vile. vile. Any Any offers offers from from them them ... would be an insult to everything the the ***

British of then of made, then ever made, are ever offers are such offers If such for. If stands for. movement stands trade-union movement British trade-union

course Kinnock Mr Kinnock said Mr rejected", said be rejected", will be and will must and they must course they "I "I have have expressed expressed to to Mr Mr Scargill Scargill my my condemnation condemnation of of the the meeting meeting with with Col. Col. Gaddafi. Gaddafi. This This has has created created the the impression impression that that the the NUM NUM is is prepared prepared to to consort consort with with aa government government which which is is heavily heavily implicated implicated in in terrorist terrorist campaigns campaigns outside outside its its own own borders" borders" said said Mr Mr Willis. Willis .

Both Both these these gentlemen gentlemen have have little little difficulty difficulty about about maintaining maintaining aa diplomatic diplomatic silence in many places, in silence about about the the murders murders committed committed by by British British imperialism imperialism in many places, in-

cluding cluding in in the the Six Six Counties. Counties.

Both the connections of Both these these gentlemen gentlemen maintain maintain aa deafening deafening silence silence over over the connections of British and the the British imperialism imperialism with with the the allegedly allegedly 'vile' ’vile’ regime regime of of Col. Col. Gaddafi Gaddafi and fact £300 million million out out of of this that fact that that last last year year Britain Britain got got £300 this Libyan Libyan connection, connection, that is, NUM got got from Libya. Kinnock has gone to to the is, £300 £300 million million more more than than the the NUM from Libya. Kinnock has:gone the

length, own standards, standards, of of refusing to speak speak atat the the 55 mama length, disgraceful disgraceful even even by by his his own refusing to jor rallies organised by by the NUM to to rally for the the flimsy jor rallies organised the NUM rally support support for thedispute, dispute, on on the flimsy excuse that that his "diary isis full". And yet, having done to support support the excuse his "diary full". And yet, having done nothing nothing to the NUM dispute, having having on contrary done done everything everything toto sabotage sabotage its its NUM inin this this dispute, on the the contrary

struggle, Kinnock and Willis determine the course ofofthis this strike strike and and the the struggle, Kinnock and Willis want want toto determine the course

way Way it it is is run. run.

TUC -- "All "All possible possible support support short shortofofactual actual support" support" TUC These are are the the words words with with which whicha a reactionary reactionary like like John John Craven, Craven, writing writing inin These Telegraph’ ofof Wednesday the the ‘Daily 'Daily Telegraph' Wednesday 2121 November, November, aptly aptly summed summedupup the the posiposi tion ofof the the TUC. TUC. ItIt isis three three months months since since atat itsits Brighton Brighton Conference Conference ininthe the first first tion week week ofof September, September, the the TUC TUC resolved resolved toto give give "full "full support’ support" toto the the NUM. NUM. AsAs expected, that that resolution resolution has has remained remained onon paper paper and and the the TUC, TUC,far far from from helping helping expected,

the NUM, NUM, has has actually actually done done everything everything toto undermine underminetheir their fight fight toto save save pits, pits, the

jobs and and mining mining communities. communities. During During October October the the TUC TUC tried tried toto get get control control jobs

over over the the dispute dispute with with aa view view toto imposing imposing anan unprincipled unprincipled compromise compromise onon the the government the of offices the at negotiating, of NUM. NUM. ItIt went went toto the the length length of negotiating, at the offices of the government conciliation conciliation body body ACAS, ACAS, with withthethe pitpit deputies’ deputies' union unionNACODS NACODSand andthe theNCB, NCB,

while the the NUM NUM and and Scargill Scargill were were left left waiting waiting outside. outside. The The TUC TUC put putpressure pressure while

the pitpit deputies, deputies, ififthey they needed needed such such pressure, pressure, toto settle settletheir theirdispute dispute - - ananact act on the surely calculated calculated toto isolate isolateand andundermine underminethetheNUM NUMand andtoto strengthen strengthenthe theposiposi surely

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

263 263

tion tion of of the the NCB NCB and and the the government. government.

On the TUC TUC and and Assistant Assistant of the Chairman of year’s Chairman this year's Eccles, this Jack Eccles, October Jack 30 October On 30 General to be be one one of of a General Secretary Secretary of of GMBATU, GMBATU, who who also also happens happens to a team team of of 'wise ‘wise men' men’ appointed appointed by by the the TUC TUC to to monitor monitor the the miners' miners’ dispute, dispute, speaking speaking on on BBC BBC radio, coal strike "the rigidity rigidity of of our col radio, attributed attributed the the continuation continuation of of the the coal strike to to "the our colleagues imply that the NUM were causing causing job job leagues in in the the NUM". NUM”’. He He went went on on to to imply that the NUM were losses other members members of of this this commitcommit losses in in industry industry by by continuing continuing the the strike. strike. The The other tee Mr Ray Buckton, tee are are David David Basnett, Basnett, General General Secretary Secretary of of GMBATU GMBATU and and Mr Ray Buckton, leader This leaves Buckton in in aa minority minority of of leader of of the the train train drivers. drivers. This leaves poor poor old old Mr Mr Buckton one. can be for the the NUM of ‘wise 'wise one. What What can be expected expected by by way way of of help help for NUM from from aa body body of men', of whose same union, blame the NUM men’, two two of whose members, members, belonging belonging to to the the same union, blame the NUM for conduct of reminds one one of of the the for the the continuation continuation of of the the dispute? dispute? The The conduct of the the TUC TUC reminds Italian 'God save save me me from from my myfriends, friends, my my enemies enemies Italian proverb proverb which which runs runs like like this: this: ‘God II can needs greater greater protection protection against against such such can take take care care of of myself. myself’. The The NUM NUM needs 'friends' TUC than its open and avowed avowed enemies. enemies. *friends’ from from the the TUC than itit does does against against its open and Instead Mr Eccles his blatant anti Instead of of removing removing Mr Eccles from from this this committee committee for for his blatant antiNUM that Mr Willis in characteristic opportunist style NUM statement, statement, this this isis all all that Mr N N Willis in characteristic opportunist style

could say: for himself himselfin in this this matter. matter. He He isis not notspeaking speaking could say: "Mr "Mr Eccles Eccles is is speaking speaking for for the share his his views”’. views". The The matter matter should be formulated differ for the TUC. TUC. II do do not not share should be formulated differently: Eccles or or anyone anyone else, else, being being a member of of aa TUC committee ently: has has Mr Mr Eccles a member TUC committee allegedly NUM, the the right right to to "speak "speakfor for himself" himself" and and not not for for allegedly set set up up toto help help the the NUM,

the policy of the TUC? TUC? No No doubt doubt when when Mr Mr Willis Willis attacks attacks the the NUM NUM his his the official official policy of the

fellow fellow opportunists opportunists on on the the TUC TUC have have no no difficulty difficulty in in excusing excusing him him by by declardeclar

ing that Mr ing that Mr Willis Willis "speaks "speaks for for himself’. himself''. And And so so the the cosy cosy opportunist opportunist clique clique carty on with with their carry on their work work of of sabotaging sabotaging working-class working-class struggles struggles in in the the service service of of British monopoly monopoly capitalism. capitalism. British When government and and the the NCB NCB have have turned turned their their backs backs on on any any honhon When the the government

ourable settlement with the NUM, NUM, when when they they have have repeatedly repeatedly sabotaged sabotaged every every ourable settlement with the peace effort effort and and scuttled scuttled negotiations, negotiations, the the TUC TUC and and Labour Labour leadership, leadership, instead instead peace of making every effort effort in in support support of of the the NUM, NUM, continue continue to to say say they they ‘are "are concon of making every vinced that that this dispute can can be be settled settled by by negotiations" negotiations" provided provided there there isis ‘will 'will vinced this dispute and determination determination on on both both sides sides to to try try toto find find aa way way through". through". Since Since itit isis and known even the most gullible gullible and and unintelligent unintelligent that that there there isis no no ‘‘will "will and and dede known toto even the most termination" on on the other side side -- i.e., i.e., that that of of the the NCB NCB and and government government -- to to “try "try termination" the other find aa way" through negotiation, negotiation, isis itit not not time time for for the the TUC-Labour TUC-Labour leaderleader way" through toto find ship honour their their promises promises of of "full "full support" support" for for the the NUM NUM- is - is itit not not time, time, inin ship toto honour

the words words of of Mr Mr Peter Peter Heathfield, Heathfield, the the General General Secretary Secretary of of the the NUM, NUM, for for them the

264 264

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

to to redeem redeem their their IOUS? IOUs?

In as indicated in the last issue, issue, owing owing to the fast fast dwindwin In the the coming coming weeks, weeks, as indicated in the last to the dling government will to resort resort to to power power cuts cuts or or dling of of coal coal stocks, stocks, the the government will either either have have to

move the pit pit heads heads to stations. Friends Friends of of the NUM, every every move coal coal from from the to the the power power stations. the NUM, class worker, every must play play his his part part in in seeing seeing to to itit class conscious conscious worker, every trade trade unionist, unionist, must that moved, and and if if moved, will be be blacked blacked by by that this this coal coal is is not not allowed allowed toto be be moved, moved, itit will

the worker must see to to itit that the call call given given by by Mr Mr Scar the power power workers. workers. Every Every worker must see that the Scargill upon Tyne City Hall Hall speech, speech, in which he he asked asked "ordinary "ordinary gill in in his his Newcastle Newcastle upon Tyne City in which

rank-and-file unionists to to take take industrial industrial action action in support of of this this union union rank-and-file trade trade unionists in support [the NUM]", In addition, addition, efforts efforts must must be be increased increased aa [the NUM]’’, is is positively positively answered. answered. In hundred-fold to to render render financial financial support support to the miners in the the difficult difficult time time hundred-fold to the miners in ahead. ahead.

The coal coal industry industry is is worth worth saving. produces coal coal worth worth £3.5 £3.5 billion billion The saving. ItIt produces every buys from from the the rest of British British industry goods worth worth £1 £1 billion billiona a every year year and and it it buys rest of industry goods year. represents the the energy energy future future of of this this country country Even Even more more important, important, the the year. It It represents NUM the survival survival and and victory victory of of the NUM lies lies NUM isis worth worth fighting fighting for. for. Through Through the the NUM the bright road road of survival and and victory victory for the rest rest of of the the organised organised labour labour the bright of survival for the

movement. never be be overemphasised, overemphasised, today today the the NUM NUM alone alone movement. For, For, and and this this can can never stands between total victory victory of finance capitalism capitalism in in Britain Britain and and the the comcom of finance the total between the stands

plete emasculation of labour movement movement for for a long time time to to a long and labour union and trade union the trade of the plete emasculation

come.

come.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

265

265

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

LALKAR February February 1985 1985 LALKAR

Hammer Hammer blows blows of of the the miners' miners’ strike strike hit hit home: home: pound pound collapses collapses Fight Fight to to the the finish. finish.

As the the February February issue issue of of Lalkar La/kar goes goes into into print print the the coal coal strike, strike, nearing nearing the the As completion of of 11 11 months months and and due due to to enter enter the the 12th 12th month month on on March March 6, 6, shows shows completion

not the the slightest slightest sign sign of of ending. ending. We We have have repeatedly repeatedly stated stated that that this this strike cannot strike can not be be settled settled by by negotiation negotiation in in the the ordinary ordinary way way that that most most strikes strikes are are settled settled not under the the conditions conditions of of capitalism; capitalism; that that whereas whereas on the side side of of the the NCB NCB and and the the under on the govemment it it is is aimed aimed at at beating beating and and destroying destroying the the NUM NUM as prelude to government as aa prelude to beatbeat

ing and and destroying destroying the the entire entire organised labour and and trade-union trade-union movement, movement, on ing organised labour on the NUM's NUM’s side is aimed at preserving preserving jobs future, and the side itit is aimed at jobs present present and and future, and whole whole communities and and defending rights of communities defending the the rights of the the entire entire labour labour movement movement against against

the of British British imperialism imperialism launched launched against against itit through through the the the vicious vicious onslaught onslaught of

present Tory Tory administration administration ofof Margaret Margaret Thatcher, Thatcher, that, that, inin the the final final analysis, analysis, present

the fight for the NUM’s NUM's fight for the the right right toto work work isis aa fight fight against against capitalism, capitalism, for for capitalcapital ism, with with its its ever-recurring ever-recurring crisis crisis ofof overproduction overproduction and and increasing increasing ism, pauperisation pauperisation ofof the the proletariat, proletariat, can can never never guarantee guarantee this this right, right, except except during during

periods periods ofof temporary temporary boom, boom, which which ofof late late have have been been characterised characterised byby their their abab sence; that that any any negotiations negotiations which which settle settle this this strike strike will will do do no no more more than than record record sence;

the victory victory ofofone one side side and and the the defeat defeat ofofthe the other. other the Collapse talks abou about talks. Coll apse ofoftalks t talks .

ItItthere fore come s toto ususasasnono surpr therefore comes surprise that the thelatest latestattem attempts talksabout about ise that pts atattalks talks has collapsed even before it started, talks has collapsed even before it started,for forneith neither sideisisiNinaaposit position con er side ion totocon-

cede anything to the other. On Tuesday cede anything to the other. On Tuesday 2929 Janua January, this colla collapse became ry, this pse beca me inevi table asasthe inevitable theNCB, NCB, egged egged ononbybythe thegove government, demanded theacce acceptance rnment, dema nded the ptance

in writing by the NUM that 'uneconomic' pits will have to close as a pre-con dition for starting new talks. On Tuesday night the NUM told the NCB in a

letter that it was prepared to talk, without preconditions, on new initiatives pro posed by Mr Peter Heathfield - the NUM General Secretary - in his talks with

Mr Merrik Spanton, board member for personnel. The following evening (30th), the NCB asked for details in writing of initiatives and the NUM coun how of guimulon to us

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

tered the same night by proposing an agenda which would include the with.

drawal of the NCB plans to cut 4 million tonnes of so-called uneconomi, Capacity and shut 5 named pits. The NUM letter went on to say that the Colliery closures should be considered only in line with the Plan for Coal. It also de. manded an amnesty for 500/600 sacked miners. The NCB refused to budge op these reasonable and legitimate demands, which have been the core of the 11.

month old coal strike. The 26-man NUM Executive Committee unanimously re-affirmed its opposition to the Board’s demand for a prior commitment to cuts in uneconomic’ capacity. So outrageous was this demand by the Board that even Mr Peter McNestry, the NACODS general secretary, was forced to say that the NCB’s

insistence on it would vitiate the agreement reached between his union and the NCB "if one of the parties - be it NACODS or NUM - had to accept ... closure of uneconomic pits".

Government victim of its own propaganda. It is clear that the government and the NCB, in rejecting negotiations and

adopting a bellicose and insolent posture, have become the victims of their own

massive campaign of disinformation and deliberate lies. They have been lying for 11 months on every single question that has any bearing - close or remote on this strike and asserting that the strike is crumbling. Is it, then, to be surprised at that they should take their own lies, as well as the lies of their

billionaire friends in Fleet Street and the rest of the media, as a guide to policy decisions? Living in this world of make-believe, they have rejected negotiations with the NUM in the evident belief that the drift back to work will surge and that the NUM

Executive should, to use the language of the Financial

Times, "be left to sweat it out while the reality - as the Board sees it - that the strike is ending is driven home". That this is a cruel self-deception can be seen from the following points, all of which show that the miners are actually wit-

ning and that the government’s conduct, far from beating the miners, can only cause the utter ruin of its economic strategy, already in tatters . 140,000 on strike

First and foremost, notwithstanding the lying assertions of the government,

the NCB and the bourgeois media to the contrary, the truth is that 140,000 NUM members out of a total workforce of 196,000 are still on strike following

the Board’s multi-million pound post-Xmas propaganda failure and show little sign of returning to work.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

£5 billion billion cost cost £5

267 267

Jätity

Secondly, the the costs costs of of the the strike strike have have soared soared toto beyond beyond the the £5£5 billion billion mark, mark, Secondly, i.e. £100 £100 for man, woman woman and and child child in Britain. The The electricity electricity industry industry in Britain. every man, for every i.e. alone has has lost lost £1.3 £1.3 billion billion in in extra extra costs. costs. The The cost cost of of extra extra oil oil to to burn burn in in power power alone stations has has risen risen from from £200 £200 million million aa month month in in July July to to £364 £364 million million in in JanuJanu stations ary. Coal Coal exports exports have by £23 £23 million million aa month, and the the overall overall cost cost to to month, and fallen by have fallen aty. the balance balance of of payments payments in in January January was was £347 £347 million. million. the

The collapse collapse of of the the Pound. Pound. The Thirdly, the the above above two two factors, factors, though though hidden hidden from the public public through Thirdly, from the through what the Miner of January 17 justly describes describes as as "perhaps "perhaps the the most most massive massive what the Miner of January 17 justly news blackout blackout ever ever mounted mounted in peace-time Britain" Britain" and and the the suppression suppressionofof inin news in peace-time formation and distortion distortion to degree which would have have made the Nazi formation and to a a degree which would made the Nazi propagandists blush blush -- with with the sole aim aim of of sapping sapping and and lowering lowering the the morale morale of of propagandists the sole the have nevertheless through the the propaganda fog and and the striking striking miners miners -- have nevertheless cut cut through propaganda fog have desired effect decisions of ruthlessly calculating have had had the the desired effect on on the the decisions of the the ruthlessly calculating gentry gentry from world of The dramatic, dramatic, even even cata from the the world of international international finance finance capital. capital. The catastrophic, fall and sober sober comment comment -- a comment that that speaks speaks strophic, fall of of the the pound pound is is aa real real and a comment volumes of this the British and the the volumes -- on on the the part part of this gentry gentry on on the the state state of of the British economy economy and

effects strike on this single act of the pound's col effects of of the the coal coal strike on it. it. By By this single act of causing causing the pound’s col-

lapse, sent aa very lapse, the the international international financiers financiers have have sent very loud, loud, if if unspoken, unspoken, message message that economy, and and in particular in that they they have have no no confidence confidence in in the the British British economy, in particular in the the Thatcher government's strategy. Thatcher government’s strategy. one ai lat jesqueda The the The government, government, with with pretended pretended virgin virgin innocence, innocence, declares declares that that the

pound’s fall is unrelated unrelated to to the the coal coal strike. strike. It It asserts asserts that that the the fall fall of of the the pound pound is is pound's fall is due due to to aa strong strong dollar, dollar, cut cut in in North North Sea Sea oil oil prices, prices, panicky panicky reaction reaction of of the the mar market, The truth, ket, in in other other words, words, due due to to any any factor factor except except the the real real one. one. The truth, however, however, is is that it it is is the the coal coal strike strike that that is is mainly mainly responsible that responsible for for frustrating frustrating the the govern government’s economic economic strategy strategy and and the the consequent consequent evaporation ment's evaporation of of international international finance confidence and the the collapse collapse of of the the pound. pound. A A strong finance confidence and does not ex strong dollar dollar'does not ex+

plain the the fact fact that that the the pound pound has has also also plummeted plummeted in plain in value value against against other other major major international currencies currencies by by 13% 13% since since the the start start of international of the the strike strike (its (its fall fall against against the the dollar being being 20%). 20%). Equally, Equally, the the cut cut in in the the price price of dollar of oil oil does does not not explain explain. the the pound’s fall, for oil is priced in dollars and therefore therefore a pound's fall, for oil is priced in dollars and strong dollar seine dollar means means more more oil oil revenue revenue for for Britain. Britain.

19

The government government has has lied lied about about the the real real reason reason for the pound's oot The for the to wit, wit, $ fall, fall, to the coal strike, strike, because because such such an an admission admission would the coal would be be a a’ morale motile booster booster for for the the

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

strikers and disinformation cam strikers and and aa devastating devastating blow blow to to its its own own propaganda propaganda and disinformation campaign. attempts to to insulate paign. Hence Hence its its iron iron curtain curtain on on truth truth and and attempts insulate ordinary ordinary people people against the bacillus bacillusof oftruth. truth. But are facts ironcurtain curtaincan canstand standinin against the But facts facts are facts and and nonoiron

the of mistress the way way of of the the inexorable, inexorable, relentless relentless and and sober sober march march of mistress Reality. Reality. More More and to speak and more more people, people, even even in in high high places, places, are are beginning beginning to speak the the truth. truth.

Former on Radio Today propro Former Prime Prime Minister Minister Edward Edward Heath, Heath, speaking speaking on Radio 4's 4’s Today

gramme for the pound's fall was gramme on on January January 15, 15, admitted admitted that that the the major major reason reason for the pound’s fall was the "are worried about aa prolonged prolonged minmin the coal coal strike: strike: "People "People abroad", abroad", he he said, said, "are worried about

ers' The ever-widening political divisions divisions ers’ strike strike which which is is very very damaging". damaging". The ever-widening political within this worry. worry. within even even the the Tory Tory party party are are further further reflection reflection of of this The that barometer barometer of finance capital, capital, made made the the The Financial Financial Times, Times, that of British British finance following candid admission January 14: 14: "Not "Not least, least, following candid admission it it its its editorial editorial of of Monday Monday January the ... the year 1984 1984 would would the strike strike has has been been damaging damaging toto the the British British economy economy ... the year

have calmer economically [you bet strike had had not taken place. place. have been been calmer economically [you bet !!] !!] if if the the strike not taken

Residual problems will remain remain even even when over ...... The The effects effects of of the the strike strike Residual problems will when itit is is over must throughout the the economy in lots of ways ways that that have have yet yet fo to must be be reverberating reverberating throughout economy in lots of be reported" Scargill'). be reported" ('Challenging (’Challenging Mr Mr Scargill’). Government's economic strategy strategy in in ruin. ruin. Government’s economic Fourthly, as a government is under increasing increasing prespres Fourthly, as a result result of of the the above, above, the the government is under sure every type type from direction. It has been been forced forced to to sanction sanction aa steep steep sure of of every from every every direction. It has rise inin interest interest rates, rates, and andas as a resultthe the Stock Exchange went wenton ontotorecord recordthe the rise a result Stock Exchange

sharpest fall ever seen. seen. By By 22 p.m. p.m. on 28 January, January, the the FinanFinan sharpest fall in in prices prices ever on Monday Monday 28

cial Times Times index index had cial had lost lost 44.1 44.1 points. points. Later Later itit recovered recovered somewhat somewhat but but still still left left fall of of 24. the day. the temporary aa net net fall 24.99 on on the day. Through Through the temporary re-introduction re-introduction of of MiniMini mumLending LendingRate Rate -- MLR-it has made madewhat whatfor foritit is is the the most mostpainful painful U-tum, U-turn, mum MLR - it has which is is tantamount tantamount toto an on its that the which an admission admission on its part part that the whole whole of of its its monetarist monetarist strategy of of letting market forces forces find their own own solutions solutions isis now now in in tatters. tatters. Strategy letting market find their Small then that that foreign confidence in in the the government’s government's ability ability to to manman Small wonder wonder then foreign confidence

age the economy age the economy isis disappearing disappearing asas currency currency speculators speculators and and kings kings ofof finance finance flee the the country by planeloads planeloads with with sackfuls sackfuls of of money. money. flee country by

The pound's fall will add approximately approximately £300 £300 million million aa month month toto the the balbal will add pound’s fall The ance of of payments payments deficit deficit alone. alone. The The continued continued low low value value of of the the pound, pound, making making ance imports more expensive expensive -- and and necessitating necessitating high high interest interest rates rates toto prevent prevent the the imports far far more from sliding pound from sliding still still further, further, are are bound bound toto give give anan upward upward twist twist toto the therate rate ofof pound inflation. When When the the Thatcher Thatcher administration administration came 1979, inflation inflation inflation. came toto office office inin 1979, nt bring itit down 9%. To over 9%. stood stood atat just just over To bring down by by 44 percentage percentage points, points, unemployme unemployment

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

269 269

had to reach 44 million. But if if the the present present economic economic trends trends continue, continue, by by the the time time _ had to reach million. But of the next next general general election election we we might might end end up up with with both both 9% 9% inflation inflation and and 44 milmil of the lion unemployed. unemployed. Meanwhile Meanwhile Chancellor Chancellor Lawson, Lawson, that that rabid rabid reactionary reactionary poodle poodle lion of City, would have to to shelve shelve his his plans plans to to cut cut taxes taxes inin the the next next budget, budget, of the the City, would have when he hoped to to give give aa small small gift gift of of between between £1-1.5 £1-1.5 billion billion to to his his friends friends when he had had hoped in the the monopoly capitalist fraternity fraternity -- aa fact fact which which isis hardly hardly likely likely toto amuse amuse in monopoly capitalist them or endear him to them. them or endear him to them.

Fifthly, even even some some very very respectable respectable professional people, who who cannot cannot be be Fifthly, professional people, suspected of even modicum of of sympathy sympathy for for the the striking striking miners, miners, have have begun begun suspected of even aa modicum to question the the economic economic justifications the NCB’s NCB's pit pit closure closure programme. programme. to question justifications for for the In January issue journal Accountancy, Accountancy, hardly hardly an an organ organ of of the the BolsheBolshe In the the January issue of of the the journal

vik Party, Party, four eminent professors professors and and lecturers lecturers in in the the field field of of accountancy accountancy vik four eminent from Business School, School, Sheffield Sheffield and and Manchester Universities from the the Manchester Manchester Business Manchester Universities

and UMIST (University Manchester Institute Institute of of Science Science and and Technology) Technology) and UMIST (University of of Manchester givea a shattering shattering blow, blow, albeit albeit in in very very restrained restrained and and professional professional terminology, terminology, give to economic arguments. arguments. As As itit isis not not possible possible for for us us in in the the present present arar to the the NCB's NCB’s economic ticle the arguments arguments of of these these four four distinguished distinguished professionals professionals we we ticle to to summarise summarise the advise in Accountancy. Accountancy. In In itit they they reach reach the the concon advise everyone everyone to to read read their their article article in clusion, on the the NCB’s NCB's own own statistics, statistics, as as well well as as those those of of the the clusion, on the basis basis of of the Monopolies that: Monopolies and and Mergers Mergers Commission, Commission, that:

"Careful of NCB NCB accounts produces the conclusion that theyfail fail "Careful scrutiny scrutiny of accounts produces the conclusion that they

to form an informed management management decisions, decisions, since since they they are are to form an adequate adequate basis basis for for informed

almost attempts toto identify the changes changes in ex almost bound bound to to be be misleading misleading inin any any attempts identify the in expected particular pit pit closures. closures. While we are are pected future future cash cash flows flows consequent consequent upon upon particular While we not position to to identify these documents documents are usedfor for pit pit closure not in in aa position identify whether whether these are used closure decisions, contained in in them IS used used in public justification justification for for decisions, the the information information contained them IS in public METOD RESTO DE RE such decisions. such decisions. | to suoval mi gelamin

‘The standard standard accounting accounting statement statement for as far "The for pits pits -- the the F23 F23 -- is, is, as far as can be be as can ascertained, used used as as aa blueprint blueprint for for making making budgets, budgets, projections ascertained, pit profit profit projections of of pit

and loss loss in in the the future future and, and, more more importantly, to justify and importantly, to justify decision-making, decision-making, at at

least in in public public debate. debate. Its Its decision-making rationale cannot least decision-making rationale therefore be ig cannot therefore be ig-

nored. yet yet for for this this purpose, purpose, as as will will be be shown, shown, the nored. F23 is fundamentally flawed". the F23 is fundamental ly flawed".

More and and more more people people are are beginning beginning toto see see throug More through and the h the the NCB's NCB’s and the

government’s phony phony economic economic justifications, justifications, they they are are beginning beginning to government's to realise realise that that more than anything anything else else what what is is at at stake stake in more than this strike government's in this strike is is the the gover nment’s po political motiva tion to smash the NUM and thereafter thereafter the the entire litical motivation to smash the NUM and entire organised organised labour labour

and trade-union trade-union movement. movement. The The NCB's NCB’s latest latest insolent insolent rejection rejection of and with of talks talks with

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

the further and and still further workers still ordinary workers enlighten ordinary to enlighten serve to only serve will only NUM will the NUM

strengthen re-affirmaunanimous re-affirma The unanimous miners. The striking miners. the striking help the to help resolve to their resolve strengthen their tion board’s the board's to the opposition to its opposition of its NUM of the NUM of the Committee of Executive Committee the Executive by the tion by the insolent many by many felt by anger felt and anger realisation and this realisation of this reflection of is aa reflection demands is insolent demands

. redz Board. the Board. of the tactics of the tactics at the people at working people working emesovia of boood bed of

Da

Sixthly, are Sixthly, although although Fleet Fleet Street Street newspapers newspapers and and radio radio and and TV TV stations stations are

deleting cuts with the aim of depriving deleting all all references references to to power power reductions reductions and and cuts with the aim of depriving the this kind, the miners miners of of major major morale-boosting morale-boosting news news of of this kind, CEGB CEGB officials officials have have

admitted admitted that that some some power power stations stations in in the the South-East, South-East, notably notably Littlebrook Littlebrook inin Kent, Kent, and and Calshot Calshot in in Hampshire, Hampshire, are are being being "run "run to to. destruction" destruction” and and notices notices in in

government offices offices are are urging urging power power economies economies right right down down "to “to minimising minimising use use government of as of kettles". kettles’. Cuts Cuts in in power power supply supply have have been been reported reported as far afield afield oas as Stafford, Stafford, as far

Stockport, North and and East East London, Welwyn Stockport, Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Essex, Essex, North London,201191 Welwyn Garden Garden

City oil burnt City and and North North Kent. Kent. The The oil burnt in in the the South South East East is is 40 40 times times the the pre-strike pre-strike level; and in in Yorkshire Yorkshire the the electricity re level; no no coal coal is is moving, moving; and electricity board board has has been been reduced duced to to

using the reduced coal dumps accumulated using the sweepings sweepings of of reduced coal dumps accumulated inin preparation strike. preparation for for the the strike. Miners bound to Miners bound to win. win.

5

In foregoing, the the picture In the the light light of of the the foregoing, picture that that emerges emerges isis diametrically diametrically. the the

opposite of that by the and the bourgeois media. media. opposite of that painted painted by the government, government, the the NCB NCB and the bourgeois While under increasing pressure -- economic and political While the the government government isis under increasing pressure economic and political --

and its its difficulties by the the hour, the NUM NUM and and the the striking striking miners stand and difficulties increase increase by hour, the miners stand

proudly make every every sacrifice sacrifice in defence of proudly unbowed, unbowed, ready ready to to make in defence of the the right right toto

work; while the its friends work, while the government government isis inin the the process process of of being being deserted deserted by by its friends from the money bags bags fraternity, from the money fraternity, the the NUM NUM gain gain daily daily increasing increasing support support nationnation ally internationally; while government, itit isis ally and and internationally; while time time isis against against the the Thatcher Thatcher government, running inin favour of the the NUM. NUM. Time Time will will teach teach aa bitter bitter lesson to those those JereJere running favour of lesson to miahs doom ranging ranging from to the from the miahs of of doom from the the bourgeois bourgeois press press to the false false friends friends from the Labour Party-TUC Party-TUC leadership to pronounce Labour leadership who who had had begun begun to pronounce the the final final rites rites on on

the NUM and of the NUM militants the NUM and had had begun begun toto chortle chortle about about getting getting rid rid of the NUM militants and and even The NUM bound toto win, win, despite despite the the treacherous treacherous leadership of even Scargill. Scargill. The NUM isis bound leadership of the Willis-Kinnock clique. let every class-conscious the Willis-Kinnock clique. With With this this sure sure knowledge knowledge let every class-conscious worker, trade unionist, every genuine worker, let let every every trade unionist, let let every every progressive progressive and and every genuine socialsocial

ist, let every every decent decent man, man, woman woman and and child herself to ist, let child commit commit himself himself oror herself to

magnificent victory working working tirelessly tirelessly for for aa magnificent victory ofof the the NUM NUM and and the theworking working class class and an an ignominious ignominious defeat defeat for for the the arrogant, arrogant, heartless, heartless, cruel cruel representatives representatives of of and British billionaires, wit, the Thatcher government. government. British billionaires, toto wit, the Thatcher

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

271 271

The The miners miners have have withstood withstood physical physical and and mental mental violence, violence, they they have have weathweath

ered the the onslaughts onslaughts of of psychologica psychological warfare, they they have have resisted resisted the the temptation temptation ered l warfare, bribery, they they have have successfully successfully overcome overcome the the torments torments of of hunger, hunger, they they have have ofof bribery,

stood firm firm in in the the face face of of calumnious calumnious lies, lies, malicious malicious libel libel and and vile vile propaganda propaganda stood of hatred. hatred. They They are are the the true true heroes heroesofofthe the working working class class and and worthy worthy successors successors of the Tolpuddle Tolpuddle martyrs martyrs and and countless countless other other glorious glorious sons sons of of the the British British and and ofof the international proletariat. proletariat. international The NUM NUM cause cause isis as as noble noble as as itit isis just. just. It It shall shall be be victorious. victorious. The MOBILISE: MOBILISE:

(1) For the TUC’s TUC's Day Day of of Action Action for for the the Miners Miners on on February February 11. 11. (1) For the (2) For Demonstration in in support support of ofthe the Miners Miners of February 24. 24. of February National Demonstration the National For the (2)

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

LALKAR LALKAR March March 1985 1985

NUM NUM calls calls off off the the coal coal strike strike on on a a defi defi-

ant note

ant note

As As we we were were going going to to press, press, the the news news arrived arrived that that the the NUM NUM Delegate Delegate Con Con-

ference, Sunday 3rd 3rd March ference, meeting meeting at at the the TUC TUC Headquarters Headquarters in in London London on on Sunday March had to call off the strike and and to had voted, voted, by by the the narrowest narrowest of of majorities majorities (98 (98 to to 91), 91), to call off the strike to arrange 5th March, almost to to arrange for for an an organised organised return return to to work work on on Tuesday Tuesday 5th March, aa year year almost the the strike the the day day after after the strike began. began. In In the the circumstances. circumstances. we we had had to to consign consign to to the dustbin otherwise have appeared on dustbin the the article article on on the the coal coal strike strike that that would would otherwise have appeared on the the

front page page on on the the anniversary anniversary of of this, this, the the most heroic of of the the great industrial bat batfront most heroic great industrial tles tles in in the the annals annals of of the the history history of of the the British British proletariat. proletariat. This decision from from the This is is how how Mr Mr Scargill Scargill announced announced the the back-to-work back-to-work decision the steps steps of of the the TUC TUC Headquarters Headquarters to to waiting waiting miners: miners:

"Following the Conference taken taken by by the the very very narrowest narrowest "Following the decision decision of of today's today’s Conference of margins, there there will will be be an an organised organised and disciplined return on Tuesofmargins, and disciplined return to to work work on Tues " day". day".

Understandably the Understandably the announcement announcement was was greeted greeted by by cries cries of of "Judas" "Judas" and and "Traitor, you you have have sold sold us us out". out". Mr had been the con"Traitor, Mr Scargill, Scargill, who who had been in in favour favour of of the con tinuation the strike, replied: "J"I can tinuation of of the strike, replied: can only only come come out out here here and and reflect reflect the the decision the Conference, which was decision of ofthe Conference, which was taken taken democratically". democratically". in the Mr Scargill, defiant defiant and and dignified dignified even even in the midst midst of of such such difficult difficult circir Mr Scargill, refusing to cumstances, refusing to concede concede that that the the NUM NUM had had been been defeated, defeated, went went on on toto cumstances,

stop pit we stop on until ‘This dispute Say: "This say: dispute will will go go on until we pit closures, closures, stop stopjob job losses losses and and win win

the to return work for dismissed". the right right to return to to work for all all those those dismissed".

consider quitting Dismissing suggestions Dismissing suggestions that that hehe might might consider quitting asas NUM NUMPresident, President, Mr Scargill said: “J"Ifeel feel terrific. terrific. My only immediate immediate plans plans are are toto get get some somefish fish My only Scargill said: Mr

and - ififthat that isis all with the Queen". and chips chips all right right with the Queen".

Went onon the the NUM NUM President: President: "Not "Not only only has has the the Coal Coal Board’s Board's threat threat toto Went close withdrawn but close five five pits pits been been withdrawn but the the proposed proposed closures closuresfor for the the last lastyear year have have

implemented". This been implemented". not not been This was was the the plan plan announced announced onon March March 6th 6th last last year, year, toto cut coal coal capacity capacity byby 44 million million tonnes tonnes with with the the closure closure ofof 2020 pits pits and and the the loss loss ofof cut 20,000 mining mining jobs months. 20,000 jobs inin 1212 months.

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

273 273

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

At aa press press conference conference inside, At Scargill blamed the end strike on on inside, Mr Mr Scargill blamed the end of of the the strike the failure failure "with "with aa few few exceptions" exceptions" of the back the The mama of other other unions unions to to back the miners. miners. The jor reason reason for for the the return jor said the the trade return to to work, work, said the NUM NUM President, President, was was "that "that the trade union movement movement in union notable exceptions this union union in Britain, Britain, with with a a few Jew notable exceptions have have left left this isolated. isolated.

"They out TUC their eternal eternal "They have have not not carried carried out TUC Congress Congress decisions, decisions, toto their shame. shame.

"We and abetted abetted by by the the juju "We faced faced not not an an employer, employer, but but aa Government Government aided aided and

diciary, people in in the media. At At the the end end of of this time our our diciary, the the police police and and you you people the media. this time people have people have suffered suffered tremendous tremendous hardship". hardship". Added will continue continue to to fight fight pit pit closures closures and andjob job losses losses -Added Mr Mr Scargill: Scargill: "We "We will and underestimate this this union's ability to to fight fight pit pit cloclo and make make no no mistake, mistake, don't don’t underestimate union's ability

sures losses. sures and and job job losses. "This to fight, fight, and and if if that we have have to to consider consider "This union union will will continue continue to that means means we

taking action again, we shall do so". taking action again, then then we shall do so". Earlier, addressing the outside the the TUC TUC Headquarters, Headquarters, Mr Mr Earlier, addressing the miners miners waiting waiting outside Scargill said: thank you the bottom bottom of of my my heart heartfor for the the magnifimagnifi Scargill said: "I "J want want toto thank you from from the cent have given", given", cent support support you you have

Thus end this this most most bitterly For an an analysis analysis of of Thus came came to to an an end bitterly fought fought dispute. dispute. For the coal strike, the reasons for its its outbreak outbreak and for its its failure failure to to achieve achieve the the the coal strike, the reasons for and for

aims so capable capable of, of, its its gains gains and and lessons, lessons, see see the the front-page front-page article article aims it it surely surely was was so

entitled British Coal entitled The The British Coal Strike, Strike, 1984-85¹. 1984-85".

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE

LALKAR March March 1985 LALKAR 1985

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The British Coal Strike Strike 1984-5 1984-5 The British Coal As reported elsewhere elsewhere in in this this issue, issue, the the NUM NUM has has called called off off the the coal coal strike strike As reported

and decided decided to organised and and dignified dignified return return to to work work without without signsign and to arrange arrange an an organised

ing agreement with with the the Coal Coal Board Board on on pit pit closures closures or or on on the the question question of of ing any any agreement amnesty for 718 miners miners vindictively vindictively sacked sacked by by the the NCB NCB during during the strike amnesty for the the 718 the strike on all all kinds up charges. calling off off the strike, the the NUM NUM has has on kinds of of trumped trumped up charges. While While calling the strike, promised to continue the the struggle. Only time time will will tell tell how how this this struggle struggle develdevel promised to continue struggle. Only

ops but the moment moment one one may may be be pardoned for saying that the the dispute dispute has has ops but for for the pardoned for saying that gone The time time has, has, therefore, review the whole course course of of gone underground. underground. The therefore, come come toto review the whole

this, the historic of of the battles ever ever fought by the the British British proleprole this, the most most historic the industrial industrial battles fought by tariat, the causes for its to tariat, to to look look at at the causes that that precipitated precipitated it, it, the the reasons reasons for its failure failure to

achieve the the kind and historic victory that that it was surely achieve kind of of magnificent magnificent and historic victory it was surely capable capable

of scoring, as as well well as as the the lessons lessons and and gains gains of of this this strike.ibbeasibe strike. of scoring,

Reasons for Reasons for the the strike strike From maintained that From its its very very inception inception we we have have consistently consistently maintained that the the coal coal

strike was forced on on the NUM by by the the NCB NCB and strike was forced the NUM the aim, and the the government government with with the aim, openly the miners miners stood openly expressed, expressed, of of defeating defeating the the miners miners at at any any cost, cost, for for only only the stood in and the achieving complete in the the way way of of the the government government and the entire entire bourgeoisie bourgeoisie in in achieving complete victory of the working class. victory and and in in depressing depressing still still further further the the condition condition of the British British working class. We We insisted insisted throughout throughout that that the the strike strike had had to to be be seen seen in in the the context context of of the the worst worst economic economic depression depression since since the the 1930s, 1930s, which which with with its its officially officially admitted admitted (much (much more more as as aa matter matter of of fact) fact) 3.25 3.25 million million unemployed unemployed and and the the consequent consequent

emasculation of the emasculation of of the the thoroughly thoroughly economist economist and and utterly utterly rotten rotten leadership leadership of the

workthe work in the demoralisation in of demoralisation state of temporarily, aa state albeit temporarily, TUC, produced, albeit had produced, TUC, had ing ing class. class. Such Such was was the the impotence impotence of of the the TUC TUC that that not not only only had had it it consistently consistently

governthe govern and the unemployment and against unemployment class against failed working class the working mobilise the to mobilise failed to

ment's ment’s anti-working anti-working class class and and anti-trade anti-trade union union legislation, legislation, but but also also against against union bashing bashing at at the the Cheltenham Cheltenham GCHQ, GCHQ, the the government's government’s intelligence intelligence gatherunion gather

ing ing centre. centre. This This left left only only the the miners, miners, with with their their long long and and legendary legendary tradition tradition of of

govermment. the government. of the way of the way in the solidarity, in class solidarity, and class determined struggle and determined struggle

to ee capitalism, in monopoly capitalism, British monopoly that British stress that We order to to stress continued to have continued We have

to 0 ged to 18 obliged markets, is for markets, competition for international competition of international game of the game in the be successful in be successful

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

275

275

bring down down the the cost cost of of production, production, shed shed jobs, jobs, restructure bring restructure industry industry and and increase increase

the productivity productivity of of labour. labour. In In other other words, words, itit isis obliged obliged to the to cheapen cheapen the the cost cost of of

labour the of the living of of living standard of the standard consequently, the and, consequently, wages and, depress wages or depress power or labour power British working class. Thus was clear clear from British working class. Thus itit was from the the outset outset that that the the stakes stakes were were ex extremely easily, struggle easily, the struggle up the give up to give going to not going was not bourgeoisie was the bourgeoisie and the high and tremely high

and one as one merely as regarded merely be regarded means be no means by no could by strike could coal strike the coal therefore, the that, therefore, and that, of characnever-ending charac the never-ending are the which are type, which ordinary type, the ordinary of the skirmishes of the skirmishes of the

teristic production . of production. mode of capitalist mode the capitalist of the teristic of The The above above facts facts were were recognised recognised by by all all the the representative representative spokesmen, spokesmen, by by

all officialdom, officialdom, by by the the governmental governmental and and other other agencies. agencies. Chancellor Chancellor Lawson Lawson all considered defeating the considered and and said said so so in in Parliament, Parliament, that that all all the the money money spent spent on on defeating the NUM "nation", i.e., NUM was was aa good good investment investment for for this this "nation", i.e., for for British British monopoly monopoly capi capitalism. compared the the NUM Mr Scargill, Scargill, to to the the talism. Mrs Mrs Thatcher Thatcher compared NUM President, President, Mr erstwhile Galtieri and and characcharac erstwhile dictator dictator of of Argentina, Argentina, to to wit, wit, the the fascist fascist General General Galtieri terised "the enemy who had The entire terised the the miners miners as as "the enemy within", within", who had to to be be defeated. defeated. The entire bourgeois media and TV one voice bourgeois media -- Fleet Fleet Street, Street, radio radio and TV networks networks with with one voice said said the the same same thing. thing.

Now strike is "the government two main main lessons: lessons: Now that that the the strike is over, over, "the government will will draw draw two

first, press ahead ahead with closure of ofuneconomic pits ..., and second second first, that that itit can can press with the the closure uneconomic pits ..., and the power has has been been shifted, shifted, so so that further changes changes can can be be the balance balance of of industrial industrial power that further introduced to to remove remove rigidities rigidities in the labour market {i.e:, [i.e., break break down down the the resisresis introduced in the labour market tance of of the working class]" of the the tance the working class]" So So writes writes Mr Mr Peter Peter Riddall, Riddall, Political Political Editor Editor of Financial Times on March 4th, 4th, the the ending ending of of the the strike, strike, addadd Financial Times on March the morrow morrow after after the ing the miners, the traditional traditional vanguard vanguard of of the the labour labour movement, movement, fail, ing "... "... ifif the miners, the fail,

who else can succeed? "

who else can succeed?

The above above then were the reasons for for this this momentous momentous and and historic historic strike. strike. The then were the reasons

And the miners had had but little option option other other than than toto accept accept the the challenge challenge so so insoinso And the miners but little

lently thrown thrown atat them them by by the the Conservatives. Conservatives. lently Heroic strugg struggle of the the NUM NUM Heroic le of

must be be said said atat the the beginning beginning that that inin no no way way can can the the leadership the ItIt must leadership ofof the NUM, in in particular particular its its three three chief chief functionaries functionaries -- Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, his his Vice Vice Presi NUM, President Mr Mr McGahey McGahey and and the the General General Secretary Secretary Mr Mr Peter Peter Heathfield Heathfield -- be be blamed blamed dent

for the the failure failure of of the the strike. strike. The The NUM NUM leadership leadership gave gave aa superb superb account account of of itit for self and, and, against against such such heavy heavy odds odds and and faced faced by by such such hostility hostility on on the the part part of of the the self

bourgeois bourgeois press press and and other other media media of of disinformati disinformation, distortion and and lies, lies, moved moved on, distortion

heaven heaven and and earth earth to to mobilise mobilise the the membership, membership, the the overwhelmin overwhelming majority of g majority of

276 276

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL -

whom literally miracles. The The leadership leadership of of the the NUM NUM and and the the strikers strikers whom literally performed performed miracles. suffered most scurrilous scurrilous campaign campaign of of distortion, distortion, hatred hatred and and suffered for for aa whole whole year year aa most calumnious propaganda directed against them; they they braved braved for for aa whole whole year year popo calumnious propaganda directed against them, lice brutality on the picket picket line line and most oppressive oppressive denial denial of of civil civil liberties liberties on on lice brutality on the and aa most

and off picket duty; duty; they they bore with fortitude fortitude the the pangs pangs of of hunger hunger and and starvation starvation and off picket bore with imposed by which even denied them them and and their their families families imposed by aa cruel cruel government government which even denied their entitlements; they they stood stood firm firm in in the the face of the the most most vicious vicious their social social security security entitlements; face of judicial onslaught working people of this this country country since since the the General General judicial onslaught on on the the working people of Strike of 1926. all the the failures failures of strike, the the NUM NUM leadership leadership and and the the Strike of 1926. For For all of this this strike,

striking striking miners miners emerge emergeasasthe thereal real heroes heroesand andreal realvictors victorsofofthis this struggle, struggle,for for they their example example of self-sacrificing heroism, heroism, commitment commitment toto they have have shown shown by by their of self-sacrificing principle, the interests interests of of their their class the working working class class- principle, their their adherence adherence to to the class -- the

their perseverance perseverance in in struggle, their struggle, what working people people are capable of of achieving achieving what working are capable once they once they make makeup uptheir their mind mind to stand up up and andfight. fight. La/kar Lalkar and andthe the Indian Indian to stand Workers’ Association (GB) Workers' Association the NUM and the the striking (GB) salute salute the NUM leadership leadership and striking miners miners for the latter’s singular contribution for the latter's singular contribution to development of of the class struggle struggle of the to development the class of the British working class. British working class. Their Their example for aa long time example shall shall continue continue to to serve serve for long time both as aa source source of of inspiration inspiration and hope to to the both as and hope the working people of of this working people this country country and elsewhere. and elsewhere. The treacherous the TUC/Labour TUC/Labour Party Party The treacherous role role of of the the NUM are not forthis this failure, failure, who whothen thenis isto to IfIf the NUM leadership leadership are not toto blame blame for blame? The lies fairly fairly and leadership ofof blame? Theblame blame lies andsquarely squarelyatatthe the doorstep doorstepofofthe the leadership

the TUC TUCand andthe theso-called so-called Labour Labour Party. Party. From Fromthe thefirst first day day of thestrike strike the the the of the role and, above above all, all, treacherous, treacherous, leadlead role of of this this pusillanimous, pusillanimous, impotent, impotent, castrated castrated and, ership NUM. At best itit dissociated ership has has been been to to work work overtime overtime to to defeat defeat the the NUM. At best dissociated

itself from from the strike, and and at at worst, worst, especially especially at at crucial it openly itself the strike, crucial junctures, junctures, it openly

Bethe strikers. in denouncing media in joined the media denouncing the strikers. Be and the government and the government NCB, the the NCB, joined the cause ofofthe groundswell ofofrank unorganised, support NUM, cause the groundswell rankand andfile, file, ifif unorganised, supportfor for the the NUM,

the TUC andthe the Labour Labourleadership leadership had hadtoto pay paylip lip service service toto supporting supportingthe the the TUC and

for the promising “full NUM "fullsupport" support" for the motions promising Congress/Conference motions pass Congress/Conference and pass NUM and action in industrial action mobilise industrial to mobilise nothing to doing nothing actually doing but actually miners, but miners, in support support of of members The members do so. Nay, more NUM. Nay, the the NUM. morethan thanthat, that,frustrating frustrating any anyattempts attempts toto do so. The

of the TUC set up up toto monitor monitorand and help of the TUC Liaison Liaison Committee, Committee, set help the the NUM, NUM, actually actually the police publicly continuation of strike. While police While the the strike, of the the continuation for the NUM for the NUM blamed the publicly blamed cavalry launching cavalry death and to death duty to picket duty on picket miners on the miners bleeding the were and launching literally bleeding were literally

Kinnock and Messrs Willis, charges Willis, Kinnock and ee Hattersley de batons, Messrs wielding batons, them wielding on them charges on Ory denouncing from denouncing the Tory far from Hattersley, far nounced violence! Hattersley, for violence! miners for the miners nounced the

4...

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

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party and its its chieftains chieftains for for organising organising picket picket violence party and violence through through the the police, police, for for turning picket picket lines lines into into battle battle grounds grounds for for hunting hunting down down workers workers on on strike, strike, ac turning actually the Wakeham, the John Wakeham, Mr John greeting Mr of greeting length of shameful length the shameful went toto the tually went Brighton the Brighton after the hospital after from hospital return from latter’s return the latter's on the Whip, on Chief Whip, Conservative Chief Conservative

terrorover terror democracy over of democracy "triumph of as aa "triumph Commons as of Commons House of the House to the bombing to bombing other and other ism"! financial and accept financial to accept NUM to the NUM of the right of the right defending the of defending Instead of ism"! Instead help Kinand Kin Willis and Messrs Willis world, Messrs the world, over the all over unions all trade unions and trade workers and from workers help from

nock Even refrains. Even thousand refrains. in aa thousand song in Connection’ song "Libyan Connection' so-called 'Libyan the so-called sang the nock sang

after miners 718 miners for 718 amnesty for of amnesty question of the question when the strike, when the strike, of the off of calling off the calling after the govthe gov and the NCB and the NCB when the and when important, and so important, become so has become NCB has the NCB by the sacked by sacked ernment idea of this amnesty, this an amnesty, such an of such very idea the very rejected the insolently rejected so insolently have so ermment have windbag opporthe oppor of the leader of class leader anti-working class and anti-working opportunist and this opportunist Kinnock, this windbag Kinnock, by his required by as required has, as Party, has, Labour’ Party, class 'Labour' anti-working class and anti-working rotten and tunist, rotten tunist, his masters, who those who for those amnesty for any amnesty against any out against come out bourgeoisie, come British bourgeoisie, the British masters, the "committed of leaders leaders of of the the kind of the kind are the These are violence". These of violence". crimes of serious crimes "committed serious working of Joseph Joseph Stalin, Stalin, "are "are dazzled dazzled by by terminology of apt terminology the apt use the to use who, to class who, working class the of capitalism, overwhelmed by the the might of capital capital and and might of are overwhelm who are capitalism, who glamour of the glamour ed by who dream of getting on world' and associating with ‘men 'men of of subsub and associatin the world’ on inin the of ‘getting who dream g with stance in common common with the mass of the the workers, workers, whom whom mass of with the nothing in have nothing They have stance” They they do do not represent, and and on on whom whom they they have have turned turned their their not represent, understand, do not understand, do not they backs, becoming becoming ever ever more more closely closely identified identified with with the the bourgeois bourgeoisie their backs, ie inin their manner of and station. station. Engels Engels correctly correctly called called such such leaders leaders bourgeois bourgeoisified life and of life manner ified 999

leaders of ofthe class. working class. the working leaders At aa time time when when the the bourgeoisi bourgeoisie had mobilised mobilised all all its its authority, authority, from from the the At e had Queen Queen to to the the shabbiest shabbiest police police constable, constable, when when itit had had invoked invoked the the authority authority of of the judiciary the judiciary and and the the police, police, when when itit had had unleashed unleashed through through Fleet Fleet Street, Street, the the

BBC, BBC, ITV ITV and and the the various various radio radio stations, stations, aa systematic systematic campaign campaign ofof lies, lies, distordistor

tion, ation and ur leadership n ofof truth, tion, disinform disinformation and suppressio suppression truth, the the TUC/Labo TUC/Labour leadership not not

only d, but only left left the the miners miners isolated isolated and and undefende undefended, but even even joined joined their their enemies enemies inin latter’s campaign the on ofof the ur leadershi the latter's campaign ofofvilificati vilification the NUM. NUM.IfIfthe the TUC/Labo TUC/Labour leadership

had had put put one-tenth one-tenth ofofthe the effort effort into into mobilising mobilising Support supportfor for the the miners miners that that itit put put into s attempts d settlement ” into itsitsrepeated repeated and and treacherou treacherous attemptsatat "getting "getting aa negotiate negotiated settlement",

the the NUM NUM would would have have been been victorious. victorious. This This coterie, coterie, rotten rotten toto the the core, core, isiseven even

more e itself more frightened frightened than than the the bourgeoisi bourgeoisie itself ofofaa working working class classvictory, victory,for forthe the positions, positions, the the manner mannerofoflife lifeand andthethe mode mode ofofexistence existence ofofthis this clique cliqueofofbourbour

geoisified leaders are inextricably intertwined with the very life and existence of imperialism.

SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

278 278

Lessons Lessons

The this he The foremost foremost lesson lesson that that the the British British proletariat proletariat must must learn learn from from this he.

roic leaders and roic coal coal strike strike is is to to get get rid rid of of these these opportunist opportunist and and bourgeoisified bourgeoisified leaders ang

replace only replace them them with with the the real real leaders leaders of of the the working working class, class, leaders leaders who who not not only

represent the real inter.

truly represent the real inter but also class but working class the working of the ranks of come also truly the ranks from the come from Lewis)

ests ests of of that that class. class . Party of the Party of the proletariat proletariat

Secondly, to recognise Party Secondly, the the British British proletariat proletariat must must learn learn to recognise the the Labour Labour Party

for the the opportunist opportunist outfit for is, which exists for bourgeois corrup outfit that that itit really really is, which exists for the the bourgeois cormuption of of the the working working class class in in the the interests interests of of the the upper tion the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and the upper

stratum of aristocracy; the the British stratum of the the working working class class -- the the labour labour aristocracy; British proletariat proletariat mustrecognise recognise the the truth truththat that the the Labour LabourParty Party isis aa deadly deadly agent thebour bour must agent ofofthe geoisie the ranks class. It must, therefore, thatparty party geoisie in in the ranks of of the the working working class. It must, therefore, replace replace that with its its own own party with which, while while being being indissolubly indissolubly connected connected party of of the the proletariat proletariat which, with will act its vanguard, the true true interests interests of with the the working working class, class, will act as as its vanguard, defending defending the of

the thin. Had Had such sucha a party, with prestige and concon the proletariat proletariat through through thick thick and and thin. party, with prestige and nections among existed, the the course, course, and and the the end end product, product, of of nections among British British workers, workers, existed,

10.

party the proletariat, proletariat, aa revolutionary, revolutionary, a truly Communist Communist party, party, is is one one of of the the party of of the a truly

most facing the British working class, who for the the moment have most urgent urgent tasks tasks facing the British working class, who for moment have

no except any any of of the the hundred hundred varieties varieties of of the the various equally opop No one one toto turn turn to to except various equally portunist downright and counter-revolutionary counter-revolutionary Trotskyist Trotskyist groupings groupings portunist downright reactionary reactionary and

or the the revisionist or revisionist CPGB CPGB at at present present busily busily tearing tearing itself itself apart apart on on the the issue issue of of whether should be more broad broad or or less, less, whether whether itit should should unite unite with with the the likes likes whether it it should be more

of Benn or or the the leadership leadership of of the the SDP/Liberal SDP/Liberal Alliance Alliance in in broad broad coalition coalition of Benn against the against the Tories. Tories. The bourgeois bourgeois essence essence of of the the state state The

Thirdly, the course and and the the outcome outcome of of the the coal coal strike strike cannot cannot but but convince convince Thirdly, the course

the British British working working class class that that Parliament, Parliament, the the courts, courts, the the police, police, the the Queen Queen and and the

other bourgeois rule other attributes attributes of of bourgeois rule are are nothing nothing but but aa shield shield of of the the capitalist capitalist class class against the the proletariat. The strike strike has has torn torn the the mask mask of of aa fetish fetish and and inviolable inviolable against proletariat. The shrine shrine from from parliament, parliament, the the judiciary judiciary and and the the police police alike. alike. The The workers workers from from

now now on on cannot cannot but but look look upon upon the the police police asas uniformed uniformed and and paid paid thugs thugs of of the the

er!

the were not slog itit out. out. The The creation creation of of such the miners miners were not left left alone alone to to slog such aa vanguard vanguard

ase

workers stations and and elsewhere elsewhere came came to to the the support support of of the the miners, miners, that that workers at at power power stations

4

this have been different. For For such such aa party would have ensured that that this strike strike would would have been different. party would have ensured

THE THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 1984 - 85

279 279

bourgeoisie rather rather than, than, as as was was hitherto hitherto all all too too common, bourgeoisie protectors of of our our common, as as protectors lives and and civil civil liberties. liberties. They They cannot cannot but but look lives look upon upon the judges asas the the judges the most most

prejudiced, biased biased and anti-working class class poodles prejudiced, and anti-working poodles of of monopoly monopoly capitalis capitalism m rather than than as as impartial impartial arbiters arbiters of of disputes; disputes; they rather they cannot cannot but but look look upon parlia upon parlia-

ment as as an an instrument instrument of of bourgeois ment bourgeois rule, as aa representative mule, rather rather than than as representative

institution of of the the working institution are bound bound to realise that that they they working masses. masses. The The workers workers are to realise too need need to create their their own own institutions institutions as too to create the bourgeois bourgeoisie. as aa weapon weapon against against the ie. The think, be one of most important important the most of the be one we think, will, we lessons will, these lessons of these learning of The learning achievements British working working class. class. the British of the achievements of Fourthly, class cannot itself from from the the ex Fourthly, the the British British working working class cannot but but convince convince itself ex-

perience political power, without removing power perience of of the the strike strike that that without without political power, without removing the the power of cannot solve solve its its problems. Therefore in their difficult difficult struggle struggle of capital, capital, it it cannot problems. Therefore in their against organised capital, question is is that and until until itit isis setset against organised capital, the the basic basic question that of of power, power, and tled, solveeither eitherthe the crisis in the industry or or the crisis in in tled, it it is is impossible impossible to to solve crisis in the coal coal industry the crisis the rest of has no no solution other than than unemunem the rest of British British industry. industry. For For capitalism capitalism has solution other

ployment, ployment, misery, misery, degradation degradation and and war. war.

The has its own solutions solutions -- solutions solutions which suit its its class class interinter The bourgeoisie bourgeoisie has its own which suit ests. too, must have its its own own solutions solutions -- solutions solutions which which ests. The The working working class, class, too, must have accord with its its class logic and and facts facts on on their their head, head, but but in in accord with class interests. interests. Turning Turning logic strict class interests interests and and the the logic logic of of class class struggle, struggle, the the Daily Daily strict adherence adherence to to its its class

Mail in editorial of forth thus: thus: Mail in its its editorial of 4 4 March, March, pours pours forth "The cost has Billions of of pounds pounds that that could could have have been been spent spent "The cost has been been grisly. grisly. Billions

on bringing the unemployed in fighting on bringing hope hope toto the unemployed have have had had toto be be invested invested in fighting the the strike. The pound has economic recovery recovery retarded; retarded; the the scope scope for for tax tax strike. The pound has been been hit, hit, economic cuts in Budget severely limited. But But the the price price of of allowing allowing Arthur Arthur cuts in the the coming coming Budget severely limited. Scargill victory would would have been so so profoundly profoundly grievous grievous as as toto trantran Scargill to to claim claim victory have been scend all all the the hardship hardship and and expense scend expense of of the twelve months. months. The The half-brick half-brick the past past twelve would have been been worth worth more than the the ballot ballot box. box. Contempt Contempt for for the the law law would would would have more than

have been sinister dividend. dividend. Class Class war war would have yielded yielded aa brubru have been seen seen to to pay pay aa sinister would have tal return. tal return.

"The ballot box will will not be mocked.”’ mocked." not be ballot box “The

The fact of the The fact of the matter matter isis that that the the money money spent spent on on defeating defeating the the coal coal strike strike

would not have have been bringing hope would not been spent spent on on bringing hope toto the the unemployed unemployed any any more more than than

money Falklands War money spent spent during during the the Falklands War would would have have been been Spent spent on on bringing bringing hope to to the unemployed. One that the hope the unemployed. One ofof the the reasons reasons that the British British bourgeoisie bourgeoisie and and its its

Political committee, political committee, namely, namely, the the government government, fought the the coal coal strike strike with with aa zeal zeal , fought and nation worthy and aadetermi determination worthyofof aabetter better cause causewas wasthat that the the NUM haddared daredto to NUM had

WITHIN SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

280 280

raise raise their their voice voice and and struggle struggle against against unemployment. unemployment. The The ruling ruling class class has has been been willing to power to unchallenged power have unchallenged to have order to in order money in more money spend more to spend able to and able willing and make open. Nor Nor pits open. the pits keep the to keep needed to was needed than was redundant than people redundant working people make working can inseparable is inseparable latter is the latter for the capitalism for of capitalism conditions of the conditions in the otherwise in be otherwise can itit be from from the the crises crises of of overproduction overproduction and and the the consequent consequent misery misery inflicted inflicted thereby thereby on on countless countless millions millions at at home home and and abroad. abroad. So, So, inessence, essence, both both the the sides sides were were fighting fighting as as itit were were aa class class war, war, the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie to to maintain maintain the the unchallenged unchallenged sway of capitalist conditions and mode of production and the NUM sway of capitalist conditions and mode of production and the NUM for for the the right right to to work work which which cannot cannot be be guaranteed guaranteed under under the the conditions conditions of of capitalism capitalism except except for for comparatively comparatively small small and and exceptional exceptional periods. periods. The The only only difference difference was that the British ruling class was fully conscious and clear about the issues was that the British ruling class was fully conscious and clear about the issues at the same cannot be said for the working class side of this at stake, stake, whereas whereas the same cannot be said for the working class side of this equation, who shudder at the equation, in in particular particular of of the the TUC/ TUC/ Labour Labour leadership, leadership, who shudder at the mere mere thought of of transcending transcending the thought the bounds of bourgeois legality, let alone bourgeois bounds of bourgeois legality, let alone bourgeois rule, preached respect respect for legality to the coal strikers Tule, who who throughout throughout the the strike strike preached for legality to the coal strikers while the while forces of of law made and and the other other side side and and its its machinery machinery and and forces law enforcement enforcement made broke laws laws with with abandon. abandon. Thus, broke Thus, contempt contempt for law has been seen seen to to "pay "pay aa for the the law has been Sinister dividend" dividend" and class war sinister and class "yielded aa brutal brutal return" the bourgeoibourgeoi war has has “yielded return" for for the sie. Sie. The British British working The class cannot convinced by by this this experience not working class cannot but but be be convinced experience not

to shun class but wage to shun class war, war, but wage it with the vigour, determination ruthlessness it with the vigour, determination and and ruthlessness with which which itit has been waged waged against against it it by with has been by the the bourgeoisie. Let the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie bourgeoisie. Let be our the school school of of class war. be our teacher teacher in in the class war. Fifthly, the the British British working Fifthly, working class class cannot cannot but but realise realise now now that that the the miners miners

arethe the advanced advanced detachment detachmentofofthe the British British working working class classand andthat thattheirs theirsisisan an are example that that the class must follow in in its its struggle. struggle. Just Just at at aa time time when when €xample the working working class must follow the bourgeoisie are the entire entire bourgeoisie are demanding demanding the the head head of of Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, working working people people €verywhere, particular inin the everywhere, in in particular the NUM, NUM, must must rally rally round round their their leadership, leadership, they they must understand understand that that the the chorus chorus of of abuse abuse hurled hurled by by the the ruling ruling class class and and their their Must

lickspittles inin the the trade-union trade-union and and labour labour movement movement isis only only indicative indicative ofofthe the adad lickspittles

miration, ifif full full ofof hatred, hatred, ofof the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie for for the the NUM NUM leadership’s leadership's brilliant brilliant miration, leadership ofof the the strike. strike. For, For, inin the the immortal immortal words words ofof the the great great Russian Russian poet, poet, leadership Nekrasov, Nekrasov, hear the the voice voice of ofapprobation, approbation, "I"I hear Not inin the the dulcet dulcet sounds sounds of ofpraise, praise, Not But in in the the roar roar of ofirritation”’. irritation". But

se the ship becau g the oisie are The bourge bourgeoisie are abusin abusing the NUM NUM leader leadership because the latter latter have have The

THE COAL THE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 198 - 485

281

281

hit hard and former. This is praise praise indeed hit hard and hurt hurt the the former. This is indeed for the that the the the NUM. NUM. Now Now that strike isis over, strike over, the the truth truth about about the the costs costs of of the the strike, strike, which which stand stand close close toto £7 £7 bil bil-

lion, isis suddenly suddenly beginning beginning toto ooze lion, ooze out out even even from from the the whores whores of of Fleet Fleet Street Street and this article). and the the rest rest of of the the media media (see (sce 'Facts Facts and and Figures' Figures’ atat end end ofofthis article).

galai

The workers workers should should place place the the blame blame where where itit belongs belongs -- at The at the the door door of of the the

TUC-Labour itself. by itself. except by defeated except be defeated cannot be class cannot working class The working leadership. The TUC-Labour leadership. The and betrayed and been betrayed have been they have Tories, they the Tories, by the defeated by been defeated not been have not NUM have The NUM

left isolated the Labour Party and the TUC, have refused refusedtoto carry carry out out who have TUC, who and the Labour Party by the isolated by left frustrate to frustrate possible to everything possible done everything and done Congress and TUC Congress the TUC of the resolutions of the resolutions the

and the Basnetts, the the Basnetts, Chapples, the the Chapples, Murrays, the The Murrays, struggle. The NUM struggle. the NUM sabotage the and sabotage Willises, the be the to be proved to form, proved to form, true to have, true scum have, suchlike scum and suchlike Kinnocks and the Kinnocks Willises, the true adcorrectly ad Mail correctly Daily Mail The Daily imperialism. The British imperialism. of British lieutenants of labour lieutenants true labour it that it Sorget that not forget Thatcher shouid “Margaret Thatcher thus: "Margaret Minister thus: Prime Minister the Prime dressed the dressed should not Scarworsting Scar in worsting role in decisive role was played aa decisive who played themselves who unionists themselves trade unionists was trade

ill.” "Sure Sure they did. gill. they did. one ofofthe the Notts day one thestrike strike from day who from miners, who Notts miners, of the role of the role is the there is Then there . Then AN

unown un their own having their of having length of the despicable to the went to and even scabs and as scabs acted even went despicable length acted as ‘on’s funds funds sequestrated. sequestrated. The names of of Foulstone, ion's The names Foulstone,Butcher Butcherand and such such other other in working-class for eternal be aa matter creatures Je z creatures ea , despicable will be matter for eternal derision derision in working-class circir anne who havewill crossed the NUM picket lines, be they miners or lorry cles. Those who have crossed the NUM picket lines, be they miners or lorry for shortly it, for regret it, to regret live to will live eh drivers, will shortly itit will will bebe their their tum turn toto bebe picked picked on. on. ByBy see bein the miners, they not helping the miners, they have have only only been been strengthening strengthening their their enemies enemies against against 201

themselves. themselves.

Sixthly, Sixthly, inin sustaining sustaining the the strike, strike, aa memorable memorablerole rolehashasbeen been played played byby orking class working class women, women, inin particular particular byby miners’ miners' wives wivesand andgirlfriends. girlfriends. During During a the course course ofof the the strike strike they, they, through through hard hard work, work, adversity adversity and and ingenuity, ingenuity, crecre ated an alternative alternative welfare welfare system system and and a acollectivist collectivist attitude attitude which which even even the the ated an bourgeois bourgeois journalists journalists admit admit and and fear, fear, will will not not bebe easily easily displaced. displaced. IfIf this this strike strike

made made Scargill, Scargill, Heathfield Heathfield and and McGahey McGahey into into working working class class heroes, heroes, itit nono less less made made heroines heroines ofofBetty Betty Heathfield, Heathfield, Ann Ann Scargill Scargill and and countless countless other other working working class brave women. The mobilisation of women, their class brave women. The mobilisation of women, their equal equal participation participation inin

struggle, struggle, their their equality, equality, are are indispensable indispensable toto the the advance advance ofof the the working working class. class. And it is one of the And it is one of the great greatachievemenis achievements ofofthis this strike strike that that ititbrought brought totothethe fore fore the working

the workingwomen women ofofthis this country, country, not notatat the thebehest behestand andinindefence defence ofofthe the inin

terests of the bourgeoisie, as was the case during the two

terests and of thein bourgeoisie, as was the case during the twoworld worldwars, wars,butbutatatthethe behest defence of the Interests of the proletariat. behest and in defence of the interests of the proletariat. The The working working class class ofof this country cannot but be convinced by the experience of this strike of the

282 282

HIN MY WIT SOCIAL DEMOCRACY ENEMY WITHIN THE ENE OCRACY - THE IAL DEM SOC

bourgeois feminist women, not the equality fight for to fight need to need for the equality ofof women, not inin the the bourgeois feminist fashion, fashion,

but in spirit of of scientific socialism. scientific socialism. true spirit the true in the but

Let eloquent tribute tribute ofof Internationa International WorkingWomen’s Women's Day Day this this l Working most eloquent the most Let the year displayed by the women women from from the the mining mining communitie communities s by the heroism displayed the heroism for the be for year be duringthe thestrike, strike, and andletlettribute tributebebepaid paidtoto them themevery every year yearhence henceasasit itisistoto during other important working class class movement. movement. the working of the heroines of important heroines other Seventhly, during of the strike the the black black proletarian proletarians of Britain Britain s of the strike course of the course during the Seventhly, n and have outstanding role, role, aa role that has has won the recognitio recognition and admiadmi won the role that an outstanding played an have played ration of the NUM and and other other best best sections sections of the labour labour movement, movement, inin of the the NUM ration of

endowed a feeling It has this strike. supporting this supporting strike. ItIt has has brought brought the the two two closer. closer. It has endowed a feeling of and engendered comradely sentiments sentiments between between them, them, for for the the engendered comradely fellowship and of fellowship strikers came came to realise that that what matteredin inthe the arena arenaof ofclass classstruggle strugglewas was what mattered to realise strikers

less more one’s one's class class position. position. If Ifthis this point point was not driven driven was not but more colour but skin colour one’s skin less one's home by Messenger struggles, struggles, it certainly isis the the it certainly Stockport Messenger and Stockport Grunwick and the Grunwick by the home merit done so. so. The strike also brought home home the the also brought The strike have done strike toto have present strike the present of the merit of

truth and victimisati victimisation of black black workers. workers. The The police police bebe on of brutality and police brutality about police truth about haviour picket lines brought to to the the British workers what Irish and and black, Irish the black, what the British workers lines brought at picket haviour at other oppressed The British British working working decades. The for decades. face for to face had to have had minorities have oppressed minorities other class the light of this this strike, strike, that that black black workers workers light of in the itself, in convince itself, but convince cannot but class cannot

are their their friends and comrades struggle, who turn must must be besupported supportedin in who inin turn comrades ininstruggle, friends and are their racialism, discriminat discrimination racialist and fascist viovio ion and and fascist and racialist against racialism, struggle against their struggle

lence.

lence.

Finally, a most dirty and vicious role was played during the strike by the

Finally, a most dirty and vicious role was played during the strike by the bourgeois class cannot cannot but but be convinced of of the the need need now now bourgeois media. media. The The working working class be convinced to its alternative alternative sources sources of of itin to distrust distrust every every word word in in this this media media and and to to create create its

forma and propaganda. formation andtion propaganda.ItIt must mustalso alsouse useits its power theprinting printingindustry industryt0to power ininthe

stop filth in in the the bourgeois bourgeois press. press. One One of of stop the the publication publication of of anti-working anti-working class class filth the of the the NUM has been beenthe thesuccessful successfulattempts attempts 00 on 4a the merits, merits, and and gains, gains, of NUM strike strike has

number of number owners either to forgo the of occasions occasions by by print print workers workers to to force force the the owners either to forgo the publication article aimed aimed against the NUM, secure the the publication of of some some scurrilous scurrilous article against the NUM, or or to to secure

right of reply for the NUM. This is a lesson, and an achievement, that the

right of reply for the NUM. This is a lesson, and an achievement, that the

working class working class cannot cannot but but desire desire to to build build on. on.

The above, above, then, then, are are the the chief chief lessons lessons and NUM strike, The and gains gains of ofthe the NUM strike, which which everyone must tirelessly tirelessly work learn, gain everyone in in the the working-class working-class movement movement must work to to leam, gain from and and build build on on in in the the impending impending and and future future struggles of the working class class inin from struggles of the working its its march march towards towards its its social social emancipation. emancipation. But But the the most most important important lesson lesson the the

working the role for waging an unun working class class must must learn learn is is to to value value the role of of the the necessity necessity for waging an

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85

283

283

compromising and compromising and ruthless ruthless class class struggle struggle against against the the rule rule of of capital. capital. In In this this con context itit must text must develop develop aa spirit spirit of of uncompromising uncompromising intolerance intolerance towards towards all all bourgeois bourgeois agents agents in in the the working working class class and and must must systematically systematically expel expel and and boot boot them out. Unless it does that, it will no more see victory than it will see its them out. Unless it does that, it will no more see victory than it will see its own own ears.

ears.

202

LALKAR March 1985

Facts Facts and and Figures Figures

LALKAR March 1985

and The The longest longest major major strike strike in in British British history history was was triggered triggered on on March March 11 1984 1984 when when the the National National Coal Coal Board Board announced announced itit wanted wanted to to close close Cortonwood Cortonwood Colliery, Colliery, Yorkshire. Yorkshire. Five Five’ days days later later the the Yorkshire NUM called an indefinite strike. Yorkshire NUM called an indefinite strike. ** Most the strike Most reliable reliable estimates estimates put put the the cost cost ofofthe strike at at between between £2bn. £2bn. and and £3bn. £3bn. Increased Increased use use of oil cost the electricity industry £1.2bn. The coal industry's losses have increased by about £1bn. of oil cost the electricity industry £1.2bn. The coal industry’s losses have increased by about £1bn. ** 61 damage. 61 coal coal faces faces have have been been lost lost as as aa result result of of lack lack of of maintenance maintenance or or water water damage. on strike possible 195,000 ** The The number number on strike hit hit aa peak peak of of 150,000 150,000 in in the the early early days days (out (out of of aa possible 195,000 NUM per cent) lost an an average NUM members). members). Last Last week week 96,000 96,000 (52 (52 per cent) were were atat work. work. Miners Miners have have lost average of of

£9,000 each.

£9,000 each.

* Three men mendied diedasas a directresult resultof ofthe thestrike, strike, at at least least two suicides appear appearto to be connected * Three a direct two suicides be connected

with it.

with it.

VE** Coal now about increased from from Coal stocks, stocks, 23m. 23m. tonnes tonnes 1st Ist March, March, are are now about 12.5m 12.5m tonnes. tonnes. Imports Imports increased

5.2m tonnes tonnes last year. 5.2m tonnes in in 1983 1983 to to 10m 10m tonnes last year. Stockbrokers Phillips estimatethat that the thebalance balanceofof trade figures figures were werehit hitto to the thetune tune ** Stockbrokers Phillips & & Drew Drew estimate trade

of GNP over past 12 12 months grown by by 3.4 3.4 per cent, did did grow grow 2.3 2.3 per of £2.5 £2.5 bn; bn; GNP over the the past months would would have have grown per cent, per cent; cent; industrial have grown grown by by 3.5 3.5 was was 0.5; 0.5; wage wage rises would have have grown grown by by 7.7 7.7 per per industrial production production would would have rises would cent, did grow by 6.8 per cent, did grow by 6.8 per cent. cent.

** 9,778 arrests were 9,778 arrests made during dispute: 7,785 7,785 people been charged charged and and 149 149 custocusto were made during the the dispute: people have have been dial imposed. dial sentences sentences imposed.

These figures are taken These figures are taken from from the the Financial Financial Times Times of of 44 March March and, and, as as far far as as the the costs of the the costs of strike concemed, represent represent aa gross strike are are concerned, gross under-estimat under-estimation. The actual costs of the strike are close ion. The actual costs of the strike are close toto £7 billion, spoken spoken of of by the NUM £7 billion, by the NUM President, President, Mr Mr Scargill. Scargill. Also, Also, these these figures figures are are silent silent on the efef on the

fect of fect of the the strike strike onon the the international international value value ofof sterling. sterling. They They are are equally equally silent silent on on the the continuing continuing

cost to taxpayers year inin extra cost to taxpayers ofof around around £250 £250 million million aa year extra debt debt servicing, servicing, which which isis the the equivalent equivalent of of

1% on corporatio n tax, 1% on 1% on corporation tax, oror aa rise rise ofof 1% on all all income income tax tax allowance allowances and thresholds thresholds. But surely, surely, ifif s and . But slowly, so long slowly, the the truth, truth, so long hidden hidden from from the the public, public, will will ooze ooze out. modersm; aisir de

viser

vol odw seodą one grom Capi?

its

tige a biove of tobto af sine od or obim

ok ng 5585 580 asti govowodemos of lik

284 284

FENSTEIN

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

Janisque elymunna eaglu avotdan ban graintonge LALKAR LALKAR August/September August/September 1985 1985

Scabs form Scabs out out to to form

bosses' union aa bosses’ union NE durata, MAX.LA P The year-long historic coal strike and the the conduct conductofof the The course course of of the the year-long historic coal strike and the scabs from Notts coalfields coalfields during the strike, strike, clearly clearly indicated indicated that the scabs from the the Notts during the that the Notts scab out to which would would be Notts scab leaders leaders were were out to form form aa break-away break-away union, union, which be in in the the pocket of the Coal Board the Thatcher administration. pocket of the National National Coal Board (NCB) (NCB) and and the Thatcher administration.

During Duringthe thestrike, strike, the the Notts areanot not only only refused refusedtotojoin jointhe the strike, strike, but butwas wasalso also Notts area instrumental legal and action in an effort effort to smash instrumental in in taking taking every every legal and extra-legal extra-legal action in an to smash the advanced detachment detachment of of the the British working the NUM NUM as as the the finest finest and and most most advanced British working

Class. Now, four class. Now, the end end of strike, the the Notts Notts scabs scabs have have dede four months months after after the of the the strike, Clared that they they are are forming break-away union. clared that forming aa break-away union. Although Although in in view view of of the the behaviour of the the Notts Notts area, behaviour of area, the the split the occasion occasion for for the the split was was almost almost inevitable, inevitable, the

split was was the split decision by the NUM dismiss Roy and David David the decision by the NUM Conference Conference toto dismiss Roy Link Link and

Prendergast, the and the the adoption adoption of of rule changes givgiv Prendergast, the Notts Notts area area scab scab leaders, leaders, and rule changes

ing the NUM Executive Executive Committee greater powers powers over individual areas. areas. The The ing the NUM Committee greater over individual

decision of the scab leaders to decision of the scab leaders to form form aa bosses' union, of of the the type type set set up up in in 1926 bosses’ union, 1926 by the the Labour George Spencer, Spencer, has been endorsed the Notts Notts delegates delegates by the endorsed by has been MP George Labour MP by by 20. to 20. 228 to of 228 majority of by aa majority

Thissplit split has has come about, not not because becauseofofthe the tactics tacticsof ofthe the Scargill Scargillleaderleader come about, This

ship before, during and and after after the the strike, strike, asas isis being being presented presented by by the the entire entire before, during Ship Euro~Commubourgeois media, shameless Labour Labour Party Party leadership leadership and and the the Euro-Commu the shameless media, the bourgeois

nists the Communist Party of nists of of the Communist Party of Great Great Britain Britain (CPGB), (CPGB), but but because because of of aa Consistent by the consistent and and determined determined attempt attempt by the Notts Notts scabs scabs (supported (supported by by the the NCB, NCB, Nor will NUM. Nor the Government Government and and the the entire entire bourgeois bourgeois class) class) toto destroy destroy the the NUM. will the

this split weaken the the NUM, NUM, as being maintained maintained by the detractors detractors by the as isis being necessarily weaken split necessarily this

of Scargill. For what onon earth earth isis the the point point ofof having having scabs scabs inin the the Union Union who who For what of Scargill. merely use their membership to destroy merely use their membership ofof itit to destroy the the Union Union from from within within and and who, who, far from from giving giving any strength toto the the Union, Union, only only undermine undermine and and sap sap its its foundafounda any strength far

tions? There There are are those who have have maintained maintained that that concessions concessions should should have have been been those who tions?

made toto the scabs inin order order toto avoid avoida a split split and and toto preserve preserve unity. unity. Such Such people people the scabs made fail toto realise, realise, however, however, that that "one "one can can go go toto pieces pieces through through unity" unity" toto use use fail

Engels' apt apt expression. expression. Unity Unity with with the the scabs scabs can can only only bebe aa Tecipe recipe for for self-de. self-de Engels’

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struction.

struction.

In In the the present present circumstances, circumstances, when when the the entire entire working-class working-class movement movement is is experiencing experiencing divisions, divisions, splits splits of of the the kind kind taking taking place place in in the the NUM NUM are are inevita inevita-

ble and can only lead to the freeing of the trade unions from the stranglehold of

ble and can only lead to the freeing of the trade unions from the stranglehold of

the the opportunist opportunist scabs scabs who who are are like like millstones millstones round round the the neck neck of of militant militant and and fighting fighting trade trade unionism. unionism. And And itit isis the the need need of of the the hour hour to to strengthen strengthen the the fight fight-

ing ability ability of of the the NUM, NUM, now now that that the the NCB, NCB, yet yet again again confirming confirming everything ing everything that for that Scargill Scargill has has ever ever said said on on this this score, score, is is poised poised to to produce produce aa new new 'Plan ’Plan for Coal' by 30 Coal’ with with the the aim aim of of cutting cutting capacity capacity by 30 million million tonnes tonnes over over the the coming coming four four years years by by closing closing what what the the NCB NCB calls calls 'uneconomic' uneconomic’ pits. pits. The The result result could could be be the the loss loss of of 50 50 pits pits and and 50,000 50,000 jobs jobs in in addition addition to to the the 25,000 25,000 already already lost. lost. Most be borne Scotland, Kent Most of of these these job job losses losses will will have have to to be bome by by South South Wales, Wales, Scotland, Kent and the the North East. The The Coal Bill gives gives the the industry industry two twoyears years to and North East. Coal Industry Industry Bill to make since the the ending ending of of the coal make aa profit profit as as prelude prelude to to its its privatisation, privatisation, which, which, since the coal strike more and and more more openly anddaringly daringlyininthe theeditorial editorial columns columns strike is is discussed discussed more openly and of during the the strike strike there there was was all-pervading all-pervading of the the serious serious bourgeois bourgeois press, press, though though during deadly deafening silence silence on question. deadly hush hush and and deafening on this this question. The and the way unless unless the NUM can can rere The NCB NCB and the Government Government will will have have their their way the NUM sist closures. Scargill Scargill knows knows this this fact fact more than anybody anybody else. else. That That isis sist these these closures. more than

why, at at the NUM Conference, Conference, he he called for industrial industrial action action over over the the issue issue of of why, the NUM called for

wages as as closures. closures. But such is the apostasy apostasy of of the the Labour Labour leadership leadership wages as well well as But such is the that Kinnock, Kinnock, in in the the run-up run-up to to the Brecon and and Radnor Radnor by-election, by-election, characterised characterised that the Brecon Scargill's call call as as aa *fantasy’. 'fantasy'. And And when when Tony Tony Benn, Benn, supported supported by by aa mere mere 37 37 Scargill’s Labour MPs, introduced introduced in in Parliament Parliament an an Amnesty Amnesty Bill Bill pardoning pardoning convicted convicted Labour MPs, miners, not not wishing wishing to to lag lag behind behind the the Tory Tory Home Home Secretary, Secretary, Brittan, Brittan, who who charchar miners, acterised the the Bill as enshrining enshrining "the "the morality morality of of the the terrorist terrorist and and the acterised Bill as the revolutionary", Kinnock Kinnock too too launched launched aa virulent virulent attack attack on on it:it: revolutionary",

"This Bill Bill cannot cannot be be taken taken seriously seriously by by anyone. anyone. II cannot cannot even even imagine imagine that that "This was drafted drafted with with any any serious serious purpose". purpose". Kinnock Kinnock and and his his acolytes acolytes in in the the LaLa itit was

bour bour Party Party and and the the TUC TUC shun shun the the question question of of convicted convicted miners miners as as aa thief thief shuns shuns

the the place place where where he he has has committed committed aa crime. crime. They They want want toto forget forget all all about about itit since, since, in in their their perception, perception, the the issue issue isis an an electoral electoral liability liability and and stands stands in in the the way way

of of Mr Mr Kinnock Kinnock getting getting the the tenancy tenancy of of 10 10 Downing Downing Street Street by by Labour Labour being being rere

turned turned toto office. office. ItIt was was with with people people like like Kinnock Kinnock and and his his supporters supporters inin the the

trade-union trade-union movement, movement, including including inin the the NUM, NUM, inin mind mind that that Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill

said: said:

"We "We are are involved involved inin aa class class war war and and any any attempt.to attempt to deny deny that thatflies flies inin the the

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- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

face of face of reality. reality. Confronted Confronted by by our our enemies' enemies’ mobilisation, mobilisation, we we are are entitled, entitled, in in. FORUTE deed obliged, to call upon our class for massive support". And again it was deed obliged, to call upon our class for massive support". And again it wag

with the the same samecritics critics from fromthe the whining fraternity in in mind, mind, that the with whining fraternity that Scargill, Scargill, atatthe recent recent Yorkshire Yorkshire Miners' Miners’ Gala, Gala, drove drove some some important important lessons lessons of of the the strike strike

home. home. Denying Denying that that the the miners miners had had been been defeated, defeated, Mr Mr Scargill Scargill went went on on to to say: say: "Let strike. “Let no no one one talk talk to to me me about about defeat defeat in in the the course course of of the the miners' miners’ strike.

"Those "Those who who talk talk about about defeat defeat don't don't understand understand the the nature nature of of class class war." war."

He He said said that that in in 1973 1973 the the people people of of Viet Viet Nam Nam had had suffered suffered aa setback, setback, yet yet only later they they stormed addingthat that in in Cuba thesetback setbackof of only two two years years later stormed Saigon, Saigon, adding Cuba the

1956 had had become become the 1956 the victory victory of of 1959. 1959. "These "These weren't weren’t defeats, defeats, these these were were steps steps on said on the the way way to to victory victory and and that's that’s what what the the miners' miners’ strike strike of of 1984-85 1984-85 was," was," said Scargill. Scargill.

Summarising the strike, NUM leader said that the great Summarising the the lessons lessons ofofthe strike, the the NUM leader said that the greatest to began to conscious, began became conscious, People became itself, People struggle itself. "the struggle was "the victory was est victory

understand for the first understand for the first time in their lives that that there there is is something something wrong with aa time in their lives wrong with

world which which spends world and the arms race, provide spends billions billions on on death death and the arms race, while while itit can't can’t provide in Ethiopia". starving in kids from save kids to save money to the money the from starving Ethiopia". Notwithstanding the attempts of Willis and and their their supporters Notwithstanding the attempts of Kinnock, Kinnock, Willis supporters inin the and isolate isolate Scargill, the NUM NUM to to attack attack and Scargill, aa large large number number of of miners miners have have bitter bitter and fresh fresh memories memories of treachery during That isis why and of Kinnock’s Kinnock's treachery during the the coal coal strike. strike. That why

many miners at Miners' Gala Gala on on 13th July, he was heckled heckled and and many miners he was 13th July, Durham Miners’ the Durham at the

Staged aa walkout walkout asas he determined struggle staged he began began speaking. speaking. Only Only aa determined struggle against against rere

covering upup for volting opportunists inin the the NUM NUM who, who, with the desire desire of of covering for with the volting opportunists healthy and can ensure Kinnock, attack Scargill, Scargill, can ensure the the emergence emergence ofof aa healthy and vigorous vigorous Kinnock, attack

NUM. Only such sucha a resolute struggle can can ensure ensure that that the the breakaway breakaway scab scab outfit outfit resolute struggle NUM. Only

and Prendergast gets the the support support ofof nono more more than than half half ofof the ofof Messrs Messrs Link Link and Prendergast gets the

issue inin the this issue Notts miners miners when ballot on on this the coming coming months. months. the ballot hold the they hold when they Notts

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Hands Hands off off Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill and and Peter Peter Heathfield Heathfield A against Arthur Arthur Scar A scurrilous scurrilous and and vindictive vindictive assault assault has has been been launched launched against Scargill, gill, the the President President of of the the National National Union Union of of Mineworkers, Mineworkers, and and Peter Peter Heathfield Heathfield its succeeded in in putting its General General Secretary. Secretary. Scargill Scargill and and Heathfield Heathfield had had succeeded putting consid considerable sequestrators who had been erable amounts amounts of of union union funds funds beyond beyond the the reach reach of of sequestrators who had been appointed at the the union’s union's assets assets with with aa appointed at the height height of of the the miners' miners’ strike strike to to seize seize the view this way, union funds funds for pur view to to crippling crippling the the strike. strike. In In this way, by by preserving preserving union for the the purposes they were were intended, Scargill and and Heathfield succeeded in in poses for for which which they intended, Scargill Heathfield succeeded 'cheating' of its 'legitimate' prey. Determined that these de *cheating’ the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie of its "legitimate’ prey. Determined that these devices used by protect their their funds, funds, nor nor by by the the vices should should not not be be used by other other unions unions to to protect NUM has been been raised raised in the bourgeois press NUM ever ever again, again, aa great great hue hue and and cry cry has in the bourgevis press about 'abusing' union about Scargill Scargill and and Heathfield Heathfield ’abusing’ union funds. funds. The carefully planned planned and and is is designed designed to advance simultasimulta The assault assault has has been been carefully to advance

neously neously on on various various fronts: fronts:

1. The 1. The legal legal front: keep assets assets out out of of the the hands hands of of sequestrators sequestrators itit isis front: toto keep necessary necessary to these funds funds cannot cannot be be identified identified as un to ensure ensure that that these as belonging belonging toto the the union. The been panicked panicked into into bringing bringing court court actions actions to to establish establish that that ion. The NUM NUM has has been funds held funds held by by the International Miners' Organisation (IMO) (IMO) do do inin fact fact "belong" "belong" the International Miners’ Organisation toto the NUM, even the NUM, even though though not not held held inin their their name. name. For For the the NUM NUM toto bring bring such such an action isis the an action the crassest crassest stupidity, stupidity, which which we we can can only only assume assume was was prompted prompted byby sheer sheer funk funk on on the the part part of of other other National National Executive Executive members members of of the theNUM, NUM,

afraid afraid that that they they would would bebe held held personally personally responsible responsible for for "cheating" "cheating" the the bourbour geoisie geoisie ifif they they did did not not endorse endorse the the action. action. IfIf itit succeeds succeeds itit will will mean mean that that ififatat

any future date the NUM tries to take militant strike action and sequestrators any future date the NUM tries to take militant strike action and sequestrators

are ted toto seize are again again appoin appointed seize itsits funds, funds, then then the the funds funds held held onontheir theirbehalf behalfbyby the the IMO will will also also be be seized. seized. IMO

2.2. Under mining worker s’ trust Undermining workers' trust ofof each each other other and and ofof their theirleader leadership: ship:

All s that y oror liabili ty by All device devices that seek seek toto avoid avoid some some kind kind ofof penalt penalty liability by disclaimi disclaiming owners hip of proper ty or funds heless takin ownership of property or funds while while nevert nevertheless taking benefit fromthem themdede g benefi t from

pend is to third party wha: ty ororthese t this pend ononbeing beingable abletotoentrus entrust this proper property these ffunds toa a third who -

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SOCIAL DEMOCR DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN ACY -- THE SOCIAL

can absolutely while being the legal owner owner - can absolutely be be trusted trustedtoto use use the the assets assets only only the legal while being for the which they they are are intended. intended. Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill and andPeter Peter Heath. Heath for which purpose for the purpose for -

field have have always, always, quite quite rightly and much much toto the the fury fury of of the the bourgeois bourgeois class class -rightly -- and field

enjoyed the reputation sea-green incorruptibles. incorruptibles. By By attempting be attempting toto bebeing sea-green of being reputation of enjoyed the smirch this reputation, what the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie isis actually actually trying trying to to do do isis toto reputation, what smirch this prevent workers workers trusting other, or or their their leaders, to permit permit them them toto enough to leaders, enough each other, trusting each prevent set up such devices. By By forcing forcing working-class working-class leaders leaders to to account account to to the the workwork such devices. set up ers for every penny that has has gone gone through through their their hands, hands, means, means, in in the the current current penny that for every ers conditions of attack attack on on the the ability ability of of the the working working class class toto organise organise to to promote promote conditions of its accounting toto the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. IfIf workers workers are not prepared prepared toto are not interests, accounting Own interests, its own

trust Peter Heathfield that they they could could trust. trust. nobody. that there isis nobody Heathfield there and Peter Scargill and Arthur Scargill trust Arthur

Hence they they could could never never hide union assets from sequestrators Hence hide union assets from sequestrators appointed appointed by by the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie.

Arthur Scargill destroy Arthur to destroy tactics: The Terror tactics: 3.3. Terror The bourgeoisie bourgeoisie are are out out to Scargill perper

sonally. The purpose the working working class know who boss and and sonally. The purpose of of this this is is toto let let the class know who is is boss

the capitalist face of the face in the defiance in any defiance they show if they can expect they can what they what expect if show any of the capitalist atat tacks on their livelihoods. livelihoods. By making an an example example of of Arthur tacks on their By making Scargill, who who most most Arthur Scargill, personifies all the characteristics needed for for effective personifies all the characteristics needed the effective union union leadership, leadership, the bourgeoisie hopes frighten off bourgeoisie hopes to to frighten off those who might might otherwise otherwise follow follow in in his foot those who his footsteps. canbebe seen, seen, these tactics have mostofofthe the reduced most already reduced have already terror tactics these terror As can Steps. As NUM executive executive to to aa quivering mass of of jelly. jelly. ItIt is is toto be be hoped NUM quivering mass minework hoped that that minework-

€rs as whole will prove to er ers as aa whole will prove to be be made madeofofstern sternerstuff stuff and and perhapsbebeable abletoto perhaps

convince their their 'leadership' leadership’ of of the the need need to to show convince show stamina stamina and and guts. guts. That That this this is is something the GuardGuard something the the bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, at at least, least, understands understands is is demonstrated demonstrated by by the

ian of of 12 12 July July 1990, 1990, where where Keith Keith Harper, Harper, in in an an article article entitled entitled Putting Putting Arthur to ian Arthur to the the Sword Sword writes: writes: 14

"Norman political and industrial “Norman Willis, Willis, David David Blunkett Blunkett and and the the combined combined political and industrial might best to might of of Labour's Labour’s establishment establishment are are doing doing their their best to unseat unseat him him [Scargill], [Scargill],

but his his survival survival remains remains in in the the hands hands of of the the membership. membership. His His own own area, Yorkbut area, York Shire, holds holds the the key. key. Numerically, Numerically, itis is more more than than a a third third of of the the NUM's NUM's size. shire, size. ... To the union union would To be be sure sure of of unseating unseating him, him, his his numerous numerous critics critics within within the would have have to Caesar." Scargill’s Caesar." Mr Scargill's to Mr Brutus to the Brutus acting the Yorkshire acting on Yorkshire rely on to rely

Judging by by Arthur Arthur Scargill's Scargill’s reception reception at at the the Durham Durham Miners' Miners’ Gala last Judging MorGala last week, mineworkers are are still still ordinary mineworkers of ordinary masses of the masses that the hope that every hope is every there is week, there willing andfight fight with himand andfor forhim himtill till the deathififnecessary, necessary, as willing to to stand stand and with him the death as

Mr Scargill "Incredibly, Mr writes: "Incredibly, even Scargill is is when itit writes: acknowledges when Guardian acknowledges the Guardian even the executive colleagues His executive is. His it is. though it beaten though still colleagues murmur and beaten broken and union, broken the union, still the

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mur but but they they do do not not strike strike out, out, and and the the Conference Conference in in Durham Durham has has not not raised raised mur one finger finger in in anger anger against against him." him.” The The reason reason Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill isis supported supported by by one

ordinary miners miners isis that are not yet as broken or the Guardian Guardian ordinary that they they are not yet as broken or as as beaten beaten as as the thinks ought to to be, because they thinks they they ought be, and and they they defend defend Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill because they know know for or for individual, or an individual, as an Scargill as that Arthur Scargill for Arthur not for fighting not are fighting they are so they doing so in doing that in

right Peter emselves as their right for their workers, for as workers, for themselves but for individual, but an individual, as an Heathfield as Peter Heathfield for back, for to fight back, to fight right to their right for their capital, for of capital, onslaught of the onslaught resist the to resist organise to to organise too. fighters too. are fighters their who are leaders who have leaders to have right to their right

Again isthe is on the frank on remarkably frank is remarkably above is to above referred to article referred Guardian article the Guardian Again the sue:

sue:

of arrival of likely arrival the likely and the stability, and industrial stability, "Coal of industrial period of for aa period aching for is aching "Coal is the and the it and allow it would allow aanew new chairman January would next January Haslam next Lord Haslam replace Lord chairman to replace sheet. miners clean sheet. a clean with a start with to start miners to

new a new with a "Lord start with better start a better of a assured of be assured would be successor would Haslam’s successor "Lord Haslam's

itching still itching is still who is NUM old class Scargill, who Mr Scargill, like Mr warrior like class warrior an old with an than with leader than NUM leader issues like to on issues like privatisation privatisation and and pay pay trenches on the trenches over the troops over tattered troops his tattered lead his to lead

"The of Mr Scargill would lead to an easier relation "The departure departure of Mr Scargill would certainly certainly lead to an easier relation-

workforce ... " and its ship between British Coal Coal and its workforce... between British ship Whenand andififall all the the working working class class can can muster musterisis leaders leaders of of the the Norman Norman When Willis and and David David Blunkett Blunkettilk, ilk, then then the the Guardian Guardiantruly trulywill willbe beable abletoto say saythat that Willis the unions are “broken "broken and and beaten", beaten", for for nobody nobody could could accuse accuse these these congenital congenital the unions are capitulators itching toto lead capitulators of of itching lead troops troops over over the the trenches, trenches, but but that that time time isis not not yet yet here. What What sort sort of of working working class class leaders leaders are are they they that that would would write write toto Arthur Arthur here. Scargill, as as did did Norman Norman Willis, Willis, demanding demandingreassurance reassurancethat that the the NUM hadrere Scargill, NUM had ceived no no money money from from Libya? Libya? Who Who but but the the imperialist imperialist bourgeoisie bourgeoisie has has any any ceived quarrel with with Libya Libya that that isis sufficiently sufficiently serious serious toto warrant warrant not not accepting accepting money money quarrel from Libyan Libyan workers? workers? The The British British imperialist imperialist bourgeoisie bourgeoisie that that DOES DOES have have aa from 11

major quarrel quarrel with with the the Libyan Libyan government government nevertheless nevertheless continues continues toto maintain maintain major trade worth worth several several hundred hundred million million pounds pounds aa year year with with Libya, Libya, but but British British trade workers workers are are supposed supposed toto boycott boycott any any cash cash that that any any Libyan Libyan hand hand has has touched! touched! ItIt self evident evident that that all all Norman Norman Willis Willis isis interested interested inin isis collaborating collaborating with with the the isis self British British bourgeoisie bourgeoisie toto cripple cripple militant militant unionism. unionism. Norman Norman Willis Willis tries tries toto prepre vent vent the the NUM NUM accepting accepting funds, funds, and and the the courts courts confiscate confiscate such such funds funds asas itit has has accumulated. accumulated. Such Such are are the the "working-class’ 'working-class' leaders leaders that that the the British Britishbourgeoisie bourgeoisie thinks thinks the the working working class class should should have. have. Further Furthercomment comment isis unnecessary. unnecessary. Another reason reason for for Norman Norman Willis Willis and and others others ofofhis his ilk ilk totojoin join inin the the hue hue Another

THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL

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and cry cry against against Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill isis toto ensure ensure they they sabotage sabotage his his chances chances of of secursecur and ing ing nomination nomination asas Labour Labour Party Party candidate candidate for for the the Barnsley Barnsley constituency constituency atat the the next general general election. election. This This isis why why the the Labour Labour and and TUC TUC leadership leadership are are united, united, next through aa combination combination of of innuendo innuendo and and silence, silence, in in participating participating inin the the vile vile through bourgeois conspiracy conspiracy toto malign malign Arthur Arthur Scargill, Scargill, aa man man who who isis easily easily the the best best bourgeois trade unionist unionist since the second second world world war war and and who, who, in in terms terms of of his his strength strength of of trade since the character, courage, courage, honesty honesty and and intellectual intellectual ability ability stands stands head head and and shoulders shoulders character, above the the despicable despicable Norman Norman Willises Willises and and Windbag Windbag Kinnocks Kinnocks of of this this world. world. above Not content content with with their role inin sabotaging sabotaging the the 1984 miners' strike, strike, they they now now Not their role 1984 miners’ wish to advantage home home by by hounding out the the very very man man whose whose resoreso wish to press press their their advantage hounding out

lute leadership made possible possible the the continuation continuation of of that that very very important important battle battle on on lute leadership made behalf working class. behalf of of the the British British working class. If the working class class is to force to back down, this this If the working is unable unable to force the the bourgeoisie bourgeoisie to back down, will in the coffin of this country. country. Unions Unions will put put the the last last nail nail in the coffin of militant militant unionism unionism in in this have tamed by bourgeoisie forcing forcing all all kinds kinds of of legislalegisla have already already been been largely largely tamed by the the bourgeoisie tion on them saps their Arthur Scargill Scargill and and tion on them that that saps their vitality. vitality. If If the the moves moves against against Arthur

Peter in depriving depriving the the unions of principled, and Peter Heathfield Heathfield succeed succeed in unions of principled, courageous courageous and intelligent what then intelligent leadership, leadership, what then will will be be left? left?

The itselfto to do its utmost utmost to Scargill and The IWA(GB) IWA(GB) pledges pledges itself do its to defend defend Arthur Arthur Scargill and

Peter Peter Heathfield Heathfield and and urges urges all all its its members members to to do do everything everything they they can can at at their their places mobilise workers places of of work work and and elsewhere elsewhere to to mobilise workers to to understand understand what what isis at at

stake bourgeoisie isis forced stake here here and and do do whatever whatever is is necessary necessary to to ensure ensure that that the the bourgeoisie forced

to back off.

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ONLY ONLY MASS MASS MOBILISATION MOBILISATION

CAN WIN VICTORY

CAN WIN VICTORY

Fight Fight Shoulder Shoulder to to Shoulder Shoulder with with the the Miners Miners On demonstration On Wednesday Wednesday 21 21 October October London London was was host host to to the the largest largest demonstration in The announcement in more more than than 20 20 years. years. The announcement of of the the government's government’s pit pit closure closure pro pro-

gramme, 30,000 jobs jobs in in gramme, under under which which 31 31 pits pits are are to to be be closed closed with with the the loss loss of of 30,000 the for the energy of the mining mining industry industry alone, alone, was was the the occasion occasion for the pent-up pent-up energy of the the work working force that that surprised surprised friend friend and and foe foe alike. alike. ing class class to to burst burst forth forth with with aa force Outraged which the government wielded wielded its butcher's Outraged by by the the callousness callousness with with which the government its butcher’s knife, in which working people, people, the knife, the the total total disregard disregard and and contempt contempt in which it it held held the the working the rabid towards the the miners, well over people rabid class class hatred hatred itit displayed displayed towards miners, well over 100,000 100,000 people (the 200,000 is the mark the police police figure figure of of (the organisers' organisers’ claim claim of of 200,000 is nearer nearer the mark than than the 50,000 derisory 30,000) 30,000) literally laid siege siege to to the the 50,000 and and the the bourgeois bourgeois media's media’s derisory literally laid capital anger at the government government and, and, more more importantly, importantly, capital to to demonstrate demonstrate their their anger at the their determination fight tooth and nail nail the the pit closures in in particular particular and and unun their determination toto fight tooth and pit closures employment generally. generally. Miners, their families, families, friends and supporters supporters from from all all employment Miners, their friends and trades and industries and and from from every every part part of of the the country, country, trades and professions, professions, from from all all industries were there send the message to to the House of of Commons, Commons, due due to to hold hold aa crucial crucial were there toto send the message the House debate on debate on the the coal industry, that that enough enough is enough, that that the the working working class class will will coal industry, is enough, brook no further bullying, that that itit will will stand stand up up and and fight. fight. The The Evening Evening StandStand brook no further bullying, ard of of 21 21 October, October, in in its its first first edition, edition, bore bore the the headline headline "Miners "Miners take take over over ard

London". In aa later London". In later edition edition the the same same day day its its banner banner headline headline read: read: "Cheers "Cheers as as

the the Miners Miners March March -- Biggest Biggest Demo Demo on on Streets Streets of ofLondon London Since Since Poll Poll Tax Tax Riots". Riots". To a picture To get get a picture of of the the scene scene and and atmosphere atmosphere surrounding surrounding this this mammoth mammoth gathgath ering, are aa few ering, here here are few excerpts excerpts from from the the Evening Evening Standard’s Standard's report: report: "Miners, s brought "Miners, their their families families and and supporter supporters brought the the West West End Endgrinding grinding toto aa halt d the s streets te effort halt as as they they marche marched the capital’ capital's streets inin aa despera desperate effort toto save save Britain Britain's ’s

coal coal industry industryfrom from devastat devastation. ion.

"Lond on was natured siege, ing and ondon wasa a city city under under goodgood-natured siege. Cheer Cheering and appla applauding uding

locals ed the ing hordes locals throng thronged the street street toto watch watch the the march marching hordes, whose singin singing and , whose g and

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THE ENEMY WITHIN - THE ENEMY WITHIN

chanting masked anger and frustration. frustration. chanting masked anger and

"The miners, ranks swollen swollen by left-wing groups groups from from all all over over LonLon by left-wing their ranks miners, their "The Park] taking rally in mass rally don, then [i.e., after aa mass in Hyde Hyde Park] taking their their protest protest toto [i.e., after were then don, were to tonight's Parliament adding further passion to tonight's crucial crucial Commons Commons debate debate on on further passion Parliament -- adding the the coal coal industry." industry."

The was led led by by Arthur the NUM NUM President, who was was The march march was Arthur Scargill, Scargill, the President, who

flanked General Secretary of the and Labour Labour MPs MPS Tony Tony flanked by by Bill Bill Morris, Morris, General Secretary of the T&G, T&G, and Benn and Dennis were closed closed off off along along the the route route of of the the demdem Benn and Dennis Skinner. Skinner. Roads Roads were

onstration and fashionable area, and and major major onstration through through Kensington, Kensington, aa rich rich shopping shopping and fashionable area, traffic jams built built up West End End and far beyond. beyond. traffic jams up throughout throughout the the West and far

So huge was the the So huge was demonstration "tailbacks threatened threatened to to reach reach beyond beyond Oxford Oxford Street Street on one demonstration that that "tailbacks on one side and as far as as Hammersmith other" (Evening (Evening Standard). side and as far Hammersmith on on the the other" Standard). Such aroused by of the government Such was was the the anger anger aroused by the the industrial industrial vandalism vandalism of the government that miners spilled class. Cheering Cheering and that sympathy sympathy for for the the miners spilled beyond beyond the the working working class. and indications of for the some most unexpected indications of support support for the demonstrators demonstrators came came from from some most unexpected quarters. Standard: quarters. Says Says the the Evening Evening Standard:

"Well-heeled shoppers and workers lined lined the the Kensington Kensington streets streets in in aa "Well-heeled shoppers and office office workers

show of solidarity. show of solidarity.

Knots of trade unionists unionists gathered outside pubs pubs shouting, shouting, Knots of trade gathered outside cheering cheering and and waving waving inin this this quintessentially quintessentially Tory Tory heartland. heartland. "Some antique and expensive banners of of support support "Some antique shops shops and expensive restaurants restaurants posted posted banners in London buses busesfull passengers clapped and cheered cheered as as in their their windows, windows, and and London full of of passengers clapped and

they slowly slowly drove drove past past the the procession procession ... ... " they

"The predominant colour, colour, of of course, course, was with aa profusion of trades trades "The predominant was red red with profusion of union political posters. posters. It It seemed like every every second second marcher marcher carcar union banners banners and and political seemed like ried Major not not the the Miners". ried aa banner banner which which read: read: 'Sack ’Sack Major Miners’". The The rally rally

On the rally rally was addressed by prominent trade trade union On reaching reaching Hyde Hyde Park, Park, the was addressed by prominent union-

ists, as well as some MPs ists, representing representing transport, transport, rail rail and and other other unions, unions, as well as some Labour Labour MPs and churchmen. Butthe thestar star of ofthe therally rally was wasthe the miners’ miners' leader ArthurScargill Scargill and churchmen. But leader Arthur

who, an impassioned impassioned and logical speech, speech, subjected subjected the govern who, in in an and ruthlessly ruthlessly logical the government's analysis, which which exposed the hollowness hollowness ment’s economic economic policy policy to to devastating devastating analysis, exposed the of government's assertions that the economic case was unun of the the government’s assertions that the economic case for for pit pit closures closures was

answerable. As As we we do do not not possess possess aa verbatim answerable. verbatim report report of of Mr Mr Scargill’s Scargill's speech, speech, we are summarising, summarising, in in our language, some someofofthe the important importantpoints points he he we are our own own language,

made applause. made to to the the cheering cheering crowd crowd at at this this rally, rally, amid amid repeated repeated applause.

THE STRIKE OF OF 1984-85 THE COAL COAL STRIKE 1984 - 85

293 293

Mr Scargill made the important important economic argument that that coal-produced coal-produced Mr Scargill made the economic argument electricity was the electricity produced produced by by gas-burning power stasta electricity was the cheapest; cheapest; that that electricity gas-burning power tions was 30% dearer than that produced produced by coal-powered stations, stations, whereas whereas tions was 30% dearer than that by coal-powered that by nuclear nuclear power stations was 350% more more expensive. expensive. Nuclear Nuclear that produced produced by power stations was 350% power he said, subsidy of £1.3 billion billion aa year. year. If that subsub power stations, stations, he said, received received aa subsidy of £1.3 If that sidy was was given given to every one one of of the pits in in the the land would be be profitable. sidy to coal, Coal, every the pits land would profitable. The Germans Germans give huge subsidy their coal coal industry. industry. British British coal, coal, The give aa huge subsidy to to support support their he efficiently produced, and cheapest, cheapest, in in Europe. Europe. These These he argued, argued, was was the the most most efficiently produced, and sums and added sarcastically, sarcastically, could be understood understood even even by by sums and calculations, calculations, he he added could be

journalists working Of course, course, the the coal imported from journalists working for for the the Sun Sun newspaper. newspaper. Of coal imported from Colombia Africa was was cheaper cheaper than than British British coal. coal. To loud applause applause he he Colombia and and South South Africa To loud

added that British miners want to to compete with coal coal produced the added that British miners do do not not want compete with produced inin the conditions of child slavery prevalent in the Colombian Colombian mines mines nor nor with that propro conditions of child slavery prevalent in the with that duced super-exploited black black workers workers in in South South Africa Africa who who are are the the duced by by the the super-exploited

victims victims of of apartheid. apartheid. He the government independent review review not not only only of of He called called on on the government to to institute institute an an independent

the coal industry, embracing all all aspects of energy including nuclear the coal industry, but but embracing aspects of energy policy, policy, including nuclear subsidies and the privatisation. Above he demanded subsidies and the structure structure of of electricity electricity privatisation. Above all, all, he demanded that be closed the outcome of such such a that not not aa single single pit pit be closed pending pending the outcome of a review. review. Failing Failing this, with the the support workers in continue to to this, his his Union, Union, with support of of workers in other other unions, unions, would would contimie step campaign. In declared his his men men were not mere sta step up up the the campaign. In ringing ringing tones, tones, he he declared were not mere sta-

tistics and feelings, who could could not not at at will will be be tistics -- they they were were people people with with families families and feelings, who

thrown on on the the scrap scrap heap. "Our people screen. thrown heap. "Our people are are not not bleeps bleeps on on aa computer computer screen. They they have got a work in in the the industry industry to to They are are human human beings beings and and they have got a right right to to work which which they they have have invested invested and and devoted devoted their their lives." lives." He demonstration in in support support of of the He thanked thanked everyone everyone who who had had come come to to the the demonstration the

miners, especially women who miners, especially the the women who were were representing miners who had representing those those miners who had been from British Coal that lose been unable unable to to attend attend because because of of threats threats from British Coal that they they would would lose their redundancy redundancy money money if their any protest protest or or strike if they they associated associated themselves themselves with with any strike action. action.

He went went on on to to damn damn the the government spending upwards He government for for spending upwards of of £10 £10 billion billion on defending defending the the pound, pound, which which went went straight straight into on into the the pockets pockets of of speculators speculators both British British and and foreign foreign -- and and for its willingness willingness to to pay £1.2 billion in redunboth for its pay £1.2 billion in redun dancy payments payments in in order order to to put put 30,000 of work. dancy 30,000 miners miners out out of work. If If all all this this money money hadbeen beeninves investedted the mines, mines, there there would wouldhave havebeen beennononeed needtotoclose close aasingle single ininthe had pit. pit.

"For the the first first time time in in years," years," said said Mr Mr Scargill, Scargill, "working "working men and women "For men and women

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SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY -THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

decompletely de government completely at aa government have indignation at and indignation outrage and their outrage expressed their have expressed

void had movement had labour movement the. labour that the adding that understanding"; adding and understanding"; compassion and of compassion void of this closures. pit closures. against pit fight against its fight in its Rubicon in the Rubicon crossed the week crossed this week

Alluding Alluding to to the the breakaway breakaway Union Union of of Democratic Democratic Miners, Miners, whose whose scab scab la labour bour contributed contributed greatly greatly to to the the defeat defeat of of the the 1984-5 1984-5 coal coal strike, strike, Mr Mr Scargill Scargill said said that that some some people people thought thought the the time time had had come come for for reconciliation. reconciliation. He He went went on on to to

say say that that his his position position was, was, and and is, is, that that every every miner miner should should return retum to to the the NUM. NUM. He pleasure to He ended ended his his speech speech with with the the words: words: "it "it is is aa pleasure to be be the the President President of of the the Union," Union," receiving receiving aa very very long long ovation. ovation.

All which brought brought All in in all, all, it was was aa day day spiritually spiritually most most uplifting, uplifting, aa day day which hope, hope, through through struggle, struggle, to to millions millions of of working working people, people, hitherto hitherto groping groping in in hopeless hopeless darkness. darkness. Government Government U-turn? U-turn?

The throughout the and the the mass The outrage outrage felt felt by by the the working working class class throughout the country, country, and mass mobilisation 21 October demonstration, had effect of of concentrating mobilisation for for the the 21 October demonstration, had the the effect concentrating

the debate the the same same eveeve the government's government’s mind mind wonderfully. wonderfully. In In the the Commons Commons debate ning, President of of the the Board had only only 48 48 ning, the the President Board of of Trade, Trade, Michael Michael Heseltine, Heseltine, who who had hours that the economic case case for for pit pit closures closures was was "unanswer"unanswer hours earlier earlier insisted insisted that the economic able" and that the the government government would not change change its mind, was was obliged obliged to to able" and that would not its mind, announce a moratorium on on the closure of of 21 21 out out of 31 pits pits on his original original announce a moratorium the closure of the the 31 on his hit list; list; that the case case for would be be scrutinised scrutinised separately separately for for all all pits; pits; hit that the for closures closures would that there would be review of of the the coal coal industry; industry; that that the the impact impact of of legislation legislation that there would be aa review introduced by by the the government government which which affected affected the the markets markets for for coal coal and and electricelectric introduced ity-generation industries industries would would be covered by by the the review review of of UK UK energy energy policy, policy, ity-generation be covered as would would be be the the subsidies subsidies for for the the nuclear nuclear industry; industry; that that the the review review by by his his dede as partment would would be be wide-ranging wide-ranging and and would would consider consider evidence evidence from from all all partment

interested interested parties, parties, including including the the trade trade unions; unions; that that the the inquiry inquiry would would be be "with"with

out out restrictions" restrictions" and and have have "no "no pre-ordained pre-ordained outcome;" outcome;" and and that that he he would would be be

producing producing aa White White Paper Paper on on the the coal coal crisis crisis embracing embracing most most of of the the contentious contentious

aspects aspects of of energy energy policy. policy. Scepticism Scepticism

With With these these assuran assurances, and what what looked looked like like aa U-turn, U-turn, the the govern government ces, and ment scraped through the divisio lobby n scraped through the division lobby with with aa majorit majority (320 toto 307). 307). InIn the the y ofof 1313 (320

end end only only 66 Tory Tory MPs MPs voted voted against against the the govern government and anothe another abstained. ment and r 55 abstain ed.

Working Working people people are are rightly rightly sceptical sceptical of of government government intentions intentions and and they they

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

295 295

fear that that the the government government isis engaged engaged inin aa manoeuvre manoeuvre toto buy buy time time in in order order toto be be fear able to to implement implement its its programme programme of of pit pit closures closures when when things things have have quietened quietened able

down. Arthur Arthur Scargill, Scargill, speaking speaking atat the the rally rally inin Central Central Hall, Hall, Westminster, Westminster, later later down. that day, day, warned warned that that the the government’s government's manoeuvring manoeuvring over over pit pit closures closures was was aa that "body swerve", not not aa U-turn, and he he called called for for an an even even larger larger demonstration demonstration on on U-tum, and "body swerve", Sunday 27 27 October to help help bring bring about about aa complete complete reversal reversal of of government government polpol October to Sunday icy. Icy. John Martin, Martin, aa 30-year old miner miner from from Hatfield Hatfield Main, Main, to to be be mothballed mothballed in in 30-year old John May, spoke spoke contemptuously contemptuously of of Heseltine: Heseltine: "All "All he’s he's done done isis bought bought his his backback May, benchers to get through today's vote. vote. He's He's done done so so many many U-turns U-turns he’s he's going going through today’s to get benchers round in circles." in circles." round

What adds adds weight weight to to this this suspicion suspicion and and scepticism scepticism is, is, first, first, that that Heseltine Heseltine What has to include what he he terms terms as as the the 10 10 most most *uneconom'uneconom review what his review in his include in refused to has refused ical' pits. Second, that that the the firm firm of of consultants consultants to to be be hired hired by by him him are are none none pits. Second, ical’ other than Boyds, consultancy firm firm who who are are also also to to act act mining consultancy international mining an international Boyds, an other than as the government’s government's key key coal coal advisers advisers on on the the privatisation privatisation of of the the coal coal industry. industry. as the Every must be to get get an an independent independent review body to to prevent prevent aa review body made to be made attempt must Every attempt

rigged which would would only only rubber rubber stamp stamp the the government’s government's pit pit closure closure review which rigged review

programme.

programme.

Describing government as "bunch of of rascals," Paddy Ashdown, Ashdown, the the rascals," Paddy as aa “bunch the government Describing the

Liberal to say say in the House House of Commons debate: debate: of Commons in the this to had this leader, had Democrat leader, Liberal Democrat "Our job is on aa level playingfield. field. We We "Our job is to to make make sure sure this this isis aa real real review review on level playing

will move move heaven heaven and and earth to make sure that will earth to make sure that happens happens and ensure they they don’t don't and toto ensure rig slowly. rig the the review review and and kill Kill off off the the coal coal industry industry slowly.

"We must must make make sure sure this this bunch bunch of of rascals rascals are "We made toto live live up up to to their their are made promises." promises."

Accusing the the government government off off rigging rigging the Accusing the market of the coal industry industry market to to kill kill of the coal quickly, he added: quickly, he added: "We "We must must not not allow allow them them to to kill kill off off coal coal slowly. slowly.

"They have have rigged rigged the the market market to to help help their their friends and to "They friends and to pursue pursue their their obob

sessions with with huge huge subsidies subsidies for for other other energy energy resources resources while sessions while giving giving coal coal nothing. nothing.

“This industry industry has has been been betrayed. betrayed. Our Our long-term long-term energy resource was "This energy resource was inin

danger of danger of just just being being thrown thrown away." away."

The only only way way to to make make this this "bunch "bunch of of rascals rascals live live up up to to their promises" is The their promises" is

to keep keep the the pressure pressure on on and and to to step step up to pit cloclo up the the mass mass coisation *.ici:isation against against pit

296

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

296

-

sures. sures. No No complacency complacency must must be be allowed allowed to to dull dull the the vigilance vigilance of of the the working working class. class. As As Dennis Dennis Skinner, Skinner, Secretary Secretary of of the the miners' miners’ parliamentary parliamentary group, group, cor correctly remarked the rally rally in Hall: rectly remarked atat the in Central Central Hall:

"History "History has has aa quaint quaint way way of of turning turning full full circle. circle. We're We're on on the the crest crest of ofaa wave and and we we mustn't mustn't let let this this moment moment pass. pass. We're We're not not going going to to win win this this battle battle wave in in Parliament. Parliament. We We didn't didn’t get get rid rid of of the the poll poll tax tax in in Parliament. Parliament. We We got got rid rid of of it it on on the the streets." streets."

Let Let us us all all mobilise mobilise for for Sunday's Sunday’s rally rally and and for for the the struggle struggle to to follow. follow.

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yonelmengo mis isolietints

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vs By fict on sen erottu lah taken sie

Hoop gring

shu zoonozan

presto tubo

di colladar al mar

- 85 CurryTHE THECOAL COALSTRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85

297 297

A

LALKAR LALKAR October/November October/November 1992 1992

SUPPORT THE MINERS MINERS SUPPORT THE

Fight Vandalism Industrial Vandalism Deliberate Industrial this Deliberate Fight this In of the Tuesday 13th, 13th, British Coal announced announced the the British Coal unlucky Tuesday the unlucky afternoon of the afternoon In the

country's Britain's once once proud coal indusindus country’s biggest biggest industrial industrial cutbacks, cutbacks, bringing bringing Britain’s proud coal try to its its knees by aa programme programme of pit closures. this try to knees by of pit closures. According According toto this announcement, are to to be closed with resultant loss of 30,000 ammouncement, 31 31 collieries collieries are be closed with the the resultant loss of 30,000 jobs, the workforce. workforce. jobs, representing representing three-quarters three-quarters of of the Six the pits the hit list were were due due for for closure as early early as 17th Six ofofthe pits on on the hit list closure as as Friday Friday 17th October, will disappear disappear by by Christmas, withthe the rest rest to to be be closed closed October, another another 19 19 will Christmas, with within five trail of of devastation, devastation, destroying towns and and within five months, months, leaving leaving behind behind a a trail destroying towns villages for generations have had no means means of livelihood other other than coal. villages which which for generations have had no of livelihood than coal. These deep mining Lancashire, North These closures closures will will sound sound the the death death knell knell for for deep mining inin Lancashire, North Staffordshire, Wales and North Derbyshire. Derbyshire. As Warwickshire, South South Staffordshire, North North Wales and North As toto Warwickshire, Staffordshire, South Wales and Scotland Scotland -- these these will will simply simply be be Staffordshire, the the North North East, East, South Wales and reduced each. reduced to to one one pit pit each. Industrial Industrial Vandalism Vandalism

At the and heroic miners' strike strike of 1984-85, there were At the end end of of the the historic historic and heroic miners’ of 1984-85, there were

169 with a of 170,000. 170,000. By By next spring, the the number number of of pits pits will will 169 pits pits with a workforce workforce of next spring,

be just 19 andthe the workforce to 18,000. 18,000. But eventheir theirsurvival, survival, acac be reduced reduced toto just 19 and workforce to But even cording toto British British Coal, Coal, depends depends on newcontracts, contracts, yet yet to to be be struck, struck, with with cording on new electricity National Power and PowerGen, main customers customers of of electricity generators, generators, National Power and PowerGen, the the main

British Coal.

British Coal.

The electricity obliged to to buy buy British British coal coal for three years The electricity generators generators were were obliged for three years

after 1990. With this obligation obligation due expire next next after privatisation privatisation of of electricity electricity in in 1990, With this due toto expire March, they cheap imported coal or switch over gas-fired electricity electricity March, they can can buy buy cheap imported coal or switch over toto gas-fired generators. assertion, British £47 per per ton, ton, is is £11 £11 generators. According According to to THEIR THEIR assertion, British Coal, Coal, atat £47 dearer than than imported importedcoal. coal. They Theyare are thus thus expected reducetheir their orders orders of of dearer expected toto reduce

British coal coal from from the the present present 65 British 65 million million tonnes tonnes to to 40 tonnes next next year, year, 40 million million tonnes

and 30 30 million million tonnes tonnes for and of the following four years -- and and what more at at for each each of the following four years what isis more greatly reduced reduced prices. greatly prices.

298

298

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

-

Quite correctly, correctly, Mr Mr Arthur Arthur Scargill, Scargill, the the President President of of the the National National Union of Quite Union of

savage, brutal Mineworkers brutal act act most savage, "the most as "the decision as the decision denounced the (NUM), denounced Mineworkers (NUM), acpossible ac every possible take every to take miners to the miners urged the and urged times" and modern times" in modern of vandalism in of vandalism lie to lie choice: either "have aa choice: said, "have he said, miners, he tion either to The miners, closures. The the closures. fight the to fight tion to against this back" against and fight up and stand up or stand happen, or down fight back" this "deliberate "deliberate this happen, let this and let down and political act act of of industrial industrial vandalism vandalism perpetrated perpetrated against against an decimated political an already already decimated industrial industrial landscape". landscape".

For once, once, even even the the rabidly rabidly reactionary reactionary Tory tabloids agreed agreed with with Mr Mr Scar ScarFor Tory tabloids gill. Universal Universal condemnation condemnation greeted greeted the the announcement announcement of of pit The gill. pit closures. closures. The

following October) press are self-explanaself-explana following headlines headlines in in the the Wednesday Wednesday (14th (14th October) press are Miners" the Miners" of the Mirror); "Massacre (Daily Mirror); Heap" (Daily tory: Slag Heap" "Massacre of the Slag on the "Thrown on tory: "Thrown the Mail), "Villages (Daily Disaster" (Daily "Villages of of the (Daily Mail); Mine Disaster" Great Mine "The Great Express); "The (Daily Express); Damned" of the the tabloids, picture of of aa Damned" (Daily (Daily Star). Star). Today, Today, another another of tabloids, carried carried aa picture sacked Major, the the heart-rending question: sacked miner miner and and asked asked Prime Prime Minister Minister John John Major, heart-rending question: "What do now Likewise, The The Sun Sun "What will will he he [the [the sacked sacked miner] miner] do now Mr Mr Major?" Major?" Likewise, showed with the caption "Devastated "Devastated miner miner afaf showed aa sacked sacked miner miner on on its its front front page page with the caption ter yesterday's axe". axe". ter yesterday's The serious press same pain pain and and outout The banner banner headlines headlines in in the the serious press conveyed conveyed the the same

rage mining communities involved in in 31 closures. rage felt felt in in the the mining communities atat the the butchery butchery involved 31 pit pit closures. At Calverton managers had had barely barely finished finished At Calverton Colliery, Colliery, near near Nottingham, Nottingham, managers congratulating 752 workforce for digging 40,500 tonnes tonnes of of coal in one one congratulating the the 752 workforce for digging 40,500 coal in week, they had face them news of of pit pit closure. closure. One One week, when when they had to to face them again again to to break break the the news miner the final final irony. worked hard hard to to set set the the record record and and miner remarked: remarked: "It "It is is the irony. We We worked this our reward". reward". this is is our Since 1985, productivity the coal coal industry has trebled, trebled, while while in in the the past Since 1985, productivity in in the industry has

six years alone has doubled. doubled. Last year British Coal made made aa profit profit of of £170 £170 six years alone it it has Last year British Coal

million. to the the decision decision of electricity generating generating duopoly duopoly (repre(repre million. Referring Referring to of the the electricity

sented Power and sented by by National National Power and Powergen) Powergen) toto switch switch over over to to gas gas and and imported imported coal, Clarke, chairman chairman of of British Coal, said: said: "The "The bear-squeeze bear-squeeze on on the the dede coal, Neil Neil Clarke, British Coal, mand for coal been scant rewardfor for efforts which have have seen seen productivity productivity mand for coal has has been scant reward efforts which rise more more than than double rise double inin six six years". years". The

Need to Lower Costs Need to Lower Costs

In order to to understand understand the the present present programme programme of of pit pit closures, closures, which which have have In order

brought about aa near near decimation decimation of of the the coal industry, itit isis important important toto grasp grasp brought about coal industry, that this part and and parcel parcel of of British British capital’s capital's endeavour endeavour -- which which began began atat the the that this isis part dawn of of this century -- to to reduce costs of of production production in in British British industry industry at at the the dawn this century reduce costs

THE COAL COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE - 85

299 299

expense of of the the British British working working class. class. With With the the development development of of world world capitalcapital expense ism and the the emergence emergence of of Germany, Germany, France, France, the the United United States States and, and, to to aa certain certain ism and extent, Japan, Japan, as as Britain’s Britain's competitors competitors in in the the world world market, market, Britain’s Britain's former former extent,

monopoly position position was was seriously seriously undermined. undermined. monopoly

;

The First World War, War, and and the the crisis crisis following following it, it, only only served served to to deal deal aa furfur The First World ther decisive blow blow to Britain's monopoly monopoly position. position. In In its its struggle struggle for for survival survival ther decisive to Britain’s

and the competition for for markets, markets, British British capital capital had had to to cut cut costs costs and and and the cut-throat cut-throat competition secure aa cheapening cheapening of commodities, which which could could only only be be done done by by passing passing the the secure of commodities, burdens on to to the the British British working working class. class. This This struggle struggle for for the the markets markets burdens thereof thereof on led then, then, as as it does now, now, to restricted production, production, the the creation creation of of aa vast vast army army of of led it does to restricted the and the the threat threat of of unemployment. unemployment. the unemployed unemployed and Why Attack the Miners? Why Attack the Miners? That British always been been the main target target of of the the blows blows struck struck That British miners miners have have always the main

by British no accident. Speaking of British General General Strike Strike of of by British capital capital is is no accident. Speaking of the the British 1926, this penetrating 1926, Joseph Joseph Stalin Stalin made made this penetrating observation: observation:

"British capital the miners miners not not only because the the mining mining industry industry "British capital attacked attacked the only because is and isis in need of 'rationalisation', but primarily is badly badly equipped equipped technically technically and in need of ‘rationalisation’, but primarily because the advanced detachdetach because the miners miners have have always always been, been, and and still still remain, remain, the the advanced ment of the strategy of British capital capital to this ment of the British British proletariat. proletariat. It It was was the the strategy of British to curb curb this

advanced lengthen their advanced detachment, detachment, to to lower lower their their wages wages and and lengthen their working working day, day, in in order having settled detachment, to to make make the order then, then, having settled accounts accounts with with this this main main detachment, the other detachments detachments of other toe the line. Hence heroism of the the working working class class also also toe the line. Hence the the heroism with which which the with strike. ..." ..." (J.V.Stalin, (J.V.Stalin, CW CW the British British miners miners are are conducting conducting their their strike. Vol Vol 8, 8, p.167) p.167)

This is is aa tactic tactic that that British British capital capital has This particularly has followed followed ever ever since, since, particularly since the the Seventies Seventies of since coal strikes 1972 of this this century, century, which which witnessed witnessed the the coal strikes of of 1972 and of the Conservative Government and 1974 1974 -- the the last last one one resulting resulting in in the the defeat defeat of the Conservative Government of of Mr Mr Edward Edward Heath. Heath. Ever Ever since since then then the the Tories Tories have have vowed vowed to to smash smash the the

NUM since then, they have NUM and, and, if if necessary, necessary, decimate decimate the the coal coal industry. industry. Ever Ever since then, they have

planned Thanks to and Planned methodically methodically to to achieve achieve this this end. end. Thanks to the the spinelessness spinelessness and downright treachery treachery of downright To of the the leadership leadership of of the the TUC TUC and and the the Labour Labour Party, Party, the the Tories succeeded succeeded in in defeating defeating the the heroic heroic Coal Coal Strike ries as they Strike of of 1984-85, 1984-85, just just as they had had done during during the the 1926 1926 Strike. done Strike. Having Having settled settled accounts accounts with with the the miners miners in in 1984 198485 85 strike, strike, the the Tories Tories -- the the most most bitter bitter enemies enemies of of the the working working class class -- went went on on to to

settle accounts accounts with with other other detachments detachments of of the the working working class. class. Consequent Consequent upon upon settle the defeat defeat of of 1984-85 1984-85 Coal Coal Strike, Strike, the the the British British proletariat proletariat has has been been prostrate prostrate in

300

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WITHIN SOCIAL ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

1

capital. monopoly capital. British monopoly by British delivered by blows delivered the successive blows of successive face of the face

Scargill Correct Proven Correct Scargill Proven

During Arthur Scargill (be itit During that that heroic heroic Coal Coal Strike, Strike, the the miners' miners’ leader, leader, Arthur Scargill (be leaders labour leaders British labour few British very few very, very the very, of the one of is one he is that he said parenthesis, that in parenthesis, said in and trade trade unionists unionists worthy worthy of of respect respect and and trust), trust), said said that the Tories Tories wanted wanted to to and that the destroy the the NUM, NUM, close close down down most most of of the the pits, pits, dismember dismember and and privatise privatise the the destroy coal Scargill of of being para coal industry. industry. Nonsense, Nonsense, said said the the Tories, Tories, accusing accusing Mr Mr Scargill being aa paranoid and and aa scare-monger. scare-monger. Now, Now, less less than than aa decade decade later, later, everything he said said -noid everything he the end of the end of 170,000 workforce of and 170,000 atat the of the The workforce correct. The proven correct. been proven has been more - has and more Coal already, even pit closures, closures, Coal Strike, Strike, has has already, even before before the the latest latest announcement announcement of of pit been the number number of of pits cut from from been reduced reduced to to the the derisory derisory figure figure of of 48,000, 48,000, and and the pits cut 169 to to 50 50 (a (a loss loss of of 119 119 pits) pits) in in the the corresponding corresponding period period in in aa steady steady stream 169 stream of of job cuts has been proved wrong, wrong, itit is is only only to job cuts and and "rationalisation". "rationalisation". If If Scargill Scargill has been proved to the was not able to to correctly correctly predict predict the the savage savage blood-letblood-let the extent extent that that even even he he was not able

ting and butchery butchery that the Tories Tories had had in in store store in in their their continuing continuing vendetta vendetta ting and that the against Evening Standard Standard of of Tuesday, Tuesday, 13th 13th October, October, just just hours hours against the the miners. miners. The The Evening after of the the pit was obliged obliged to make this this admission: admission: after the the announcement announcement of pit closures, closures, was to make "Whatever you think think of Arthur Scargill, Scargill, he has been right "Whatever you of Arthur he has been consistently consistently right about fate of industry. More years ago ago the Presi about the the fate of the the British British mining mining industry. More than than 10 10 years the Presi-

dent the National dent of of the National Union Union

of Mineworkers Mineworkers confidently confidently predicted predicted the the of dismemberment of British Coal Coal if be sold offto to the the private private sector. sector. dismemberment of British if itit was was toto be sold off "Today his fears have have proved proved all all too too true true as as British British Coal Coal braces braces itit "Today his worst worst fears self against against the the closure closure of at least least half halfits its pits pits and and the the loss loss of ofmore more than than 20,000 20,000 self of at jobs". jobs".

Continues the Evening Evening Standard: "Yet the the scale scale of of the the redundancy redundancy propro Continues the Standard: "Yet

gramme gramme involves involves far far more more drastic drastic cuts cuts than than even even Scargill Scargill predicted. predicted. In In effect, effect, the Government Government isis shutting shutting more more than than half half of ofBritain’s Britain's deep deep mining mining capacity capacity the and condemning condemning tens tens of of thousands thousands of ofworkers workers inin some some of ofthe the most most depressed depressed and regions toto never never working working again" again" (The black hole hole for for British British Coal, Coal, byby Patrick Patrick regions (The black Donovan, inin Evening Evening Standard, Standard, Tuesday, Tuesday, 1313 October). October). Donovan, These pit pit closures closures are are being being hurried hurried through through because because the the Conservative Conservative These Government isis in in such such aa rush rush toto privatise privatise the the coal coal industry. industry. The The same same article, article, Government cited immediately immediately above, above, says: says: "Jn "In other other circumstances circumstances the the Government Government could could cited have buffered buffered itself itselfagainst against the thepolitical politicalfall-out fall-out by by the the continued continuedsubsidy subsidy ofofunun have

economic mines. mines. But But itit has has been beenforced forced toto brazen brazen out outmass mass closures closuresbecause because of of economic

its commitment commitment toto starting starting the the sale sale ofof the the mining mining industry industry within within the the current current its

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

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301

301

Parliament". Parliament".

And And this, this, notwithstanding notwithstanding the the fact fact that that Britain Britain will will be be left left with with aa rump ramp of of the and the an employers and biggest employers country’s biggest the country's of the one of once one was once which was industry which an industry

Treasury Treasury will will certainly certainly end end up up paying paying far far more more in in closure closure costs costs than than itit can can ever ever privatisation. its privatisation. hope through its recover through to recover hope to Why Why the the Run-Down? Run-Down?

Everyone Everyone admits admits that that the the run-down run-down of of British British Coal Coal stems stems from from the the privati privatisation sation of of electricity electricity three three years years ago. ago. What What few few bourgeois bourgeois commentators commentators barring barring the the odd odd one one in in an an unguarded unguarded moment moment - admit admit is is that that this this privatisation privatisation of of

electricity electricity was was no no mere mere accident. accident. This This privatisation, privatisation, and and the the run-down run-down of of Brit British ish Coal, Coal, was was methodically methodically prepared prepared by by the the Conservative Conservative Government; Government, the the chief chief aim aim of of this this privatisation privatisation being being to to smash smash trade trade union union militancy, militancy, in in particu particular been the the most lar the the militancy militancy of of British British miners, miners, who who have have for for so so long long been most advanced chagrin of advanced detachment detachment of of the the British British proletariat, proletariat, much much to to the the chagrin of the the Brit British as ish ruling ruling class. class. Lord Lord Lawson Lawson of of Blaby, Blaby, who, who, as as Nigel Nigel Lawson, Lawson, served served as Energy Energy Minister Minister for for some some time, time, discloses discloses in in his his memoirs memoirs that that he he was was deter deterwothd mined would never again be be beaten beaten by by trade-union trade-union mined that that the the government governmentht would never again militancy. And Thatcherite weed, weed, who Secretary during during the And that that old old Thatcherite who was was Energy Energy Secretary the long long

miners' in 1984-85, 1984-85, Lord Lord Parkinson, with admirable admirable candour, candour, which which miners’ strike strike in Parkinson, with

must be terribly embarrassing embarrassing to to his his more more hypocritical colleagues who, who, while while must be terribly hypocritical colleagues delighted at at the the devastation devastation and and decimation decimation of of the the coal coal industry, industry, feign to shed shed delighted feign to crocodile tears over its its demise, demise, had had this this to to say say during during aa Radio Radio Four Four interview: interview: crocodile tears over

"Don't forget, inin this this great great surge surge of sympathy, that that the the mineworkers’ mineworkers' union "Don 't forget, of sympathy, union

did did bring bring down down aa government government and and did did actually actually abuse abuse their their economic economic power power on on innumerable occasions”. occasions". innumerable Cecil Parkinson, Parkinson, who who had had pledged pledged to to privatise privatise the the coal coal industry, industry, added: added: Cecil

"Try "Try to to have have aa sense sense of ofperspective". perspective". Everyone knows knows that that the the decision decision to to run run down down the the coal coal industry industry and and rely rely Everyone On ongas gas and andimported importedcoal coalisisasascostly costlyasas ititisis danger dangerous,that thatititous, boundadad isis bound versely versely to to affect affect Britain’s Britain's balance balance of of payments payments and and exchange exchange rate rate alike, alike, that that

there isis always always the the danger danger lurking lurking round round the the corner corner that that gas gas supplies supplies may may run run there out, atat the the present present rate rate of of extraction, extraction, sooner sooner than than expected expected and and that that imported imported Out,

supplies of of gas gas and and coal coal may may not not always always materialise. materialise. And And yet yet the the Government Government Supplies are are ready ready toto take take the the plunge plunge into into this this abyss abyss -- aa plunge plunge which which isis neither neitherjustified justified economic grounds grounds nor nor on on those those of of aa proper proper national national energy energy strategy. strategy. Apart Apart onon economic

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN -

from the the fact fact that that inin the the currently currently rigged rigged structure structure of of the the market, market, in in which which the the from

power generators generators and and the the twelve twelve Regional Regional Electricity Electricity Companies Companies (RECs) (RECs) oper operpower ate, ate, aa lot lot of of the the Government's Government’s friends friends will will make make huge huge profits profits in in the the short short term, term,

the the chief chief factor factor motivating motivating the the Government's Government’s decision decision to deal deal a fatal fatal blow blow to to

those tolerate those cannot tolerate bourgeoisie cannot The bourgeoisie question. The class question. the class industry isis the coal industry the coal the sections of of the the organised organised working working class class whom whom itit perceives perceives to to be be aa threat threat to to its its sections

rule. The The miners, miners, for for so so long long the the advanced advanced detachment detachment of of the the British British working working rule. class, class, have have deservedly deservedly earned earned the the hatred hatred of of the the British British capitalist capitalist class, class, which which will not not easily easily forgive forgive them them for for bringing bringing down down the the Heath Heath Government. Government. ItIt is is for for will this reason reason that that the the Conservatives, Conservatives, and and not not they they alone, alone, have have been been waging waging a a re rethis lentless lentless class class war war against against the the miners. miners.

In its its 14th 14th October October editorial, editorial, that that sober sober representative representative of of British British finance finance In capital, the the Financial Financial Times, Times, commenting commenting upon upon the the pit pit closures announced by by capital, closures announced British British Coal Coal the the previous previous day, day, says: says: odw

"Coming of 30,000 30,000 more jobs isis a grave "Coming at at the the nadir nadir of of recession, recession, the the loss loss of more jobs a grave matter. It It is is proper proper to to ask ask who who is is to to blame blame for for this whether matter. this state state of of affairs affairs and and whether any other other course course is is available" available" (’Coal takes the the unkindest cut’) any (Coal takes unkindest cut')

By way thus formulated, formulated, itit goes goes on on to provide By way of of an an answer answer to to the the question question thus to provide the following candid answer: answer: the following candid "The accusingfinger finger points points most most obviously obviously at at the the National National Union Union of ofMineMine "The accusing workers and its leader, leader, Mr Mr Arthur Arthur Scargill. was he he who who proclaimed proclaimed aa workers and its Scargill. It It was mission toto defend defend the the coal coal industry industry but but whose whose reckless reckless and and misguided misguided actions actions mission ensured that that miners miners became became aa symbol symbol of ofpolitical political extremism extremism and and their their industry industry ensured bywordfor for instability instability and and unreliability. unreliability. The The Thatcher Thatcher government government vowed vowed toto aa byword destroy Mr Mr Scargill's power ...... and and succeeded succeeded inin doing doing so so during during the the 1984-85 1984-85 destroy Scargill’s power miners'strike" strike" (ibid). (ibid). miners’ Continues the the Financial Financial Times: Times: Continues "Since the the strike, strike, Mr Mr Scargill Scargill has has continued continued his his menaces, menaces, but but ever ever more more "Since hollowly asas the the industry industry has has crumbled crumbled around aroundhim. him. But Buthis hisghost ghosthas hasserved servedasas hollowly

pungent reminder reminder that that coal coal had had thrown thrown away away itsits biggest biggest asset, asset, that thatitit isis inin aa pungent digenous, digenous, plentiful plentiful and and above above all all secure. secure. Since Since British British coal coal has has powerful powerful

natural disadvantages disadvantages - - itit pollutes pollutes the the air air more more than than gas, gas, oiloil and and nuclear nuclear natural British put this power powerand andisis5050per per cent centmore more costly costlythan than imported importedcoal coal- - this put BritishCoal Coal on. able positi inin aavery veryvulner vulnerable position. "Theresult resulthas has been been that thatasassoon soonasascoal’s coal'scustomers customersininthe theelectric electricpower power "The ion, the industry achieved, achieved, through through privatisat privatisation, theJreedom freedom toto diversify diversify away awayfrom from industry

THE TRUTHE COAL STRIKE STRIKE OF OF 1984 1984-85 THE COAL - 85

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coal, they they have have done done so, so, even even inin some some cases cases contracting contractingfor for gas-fired gas-fired power power coal, stations who economics is questionable" (ibid). stations who economics is questionable" (ibid). In other other words, words, coal coal isis cheaper, but itit isis cheaper cheaper still, still, from from the the bourgeois bourgeois In cheaper, but point of of view, to get get rid rid of of working-class working-class militancy. militancy. There There you you have have it. it. AA frank frank point view, to and clear clear and and cynical cynical statement statement of of class class reality reality by by aa sober sober and and calculating calculating and spokesman of of the robber barons barons of of British British monopoly monopoly capitalism. capitalism. The The Financial Financial spokesman the robber Times is only by by aa very very small small number number of of people. people. Its Its function function is is to to inform inform Times is read read only the ruling ruling class, class, unlike unlike the the mass mass circulation circulation tabloids tabloids whose whose job job itit is is to to misinmisin the

form the the working-class working-class millions. The Financial Financial Times Times can, can, therefore, therefore, afford afford to to form millions. The present far greater greater frankness frankness and and cynicism cynicism than the *popular’ 'popular' daidai present the the truth truth with with far than the lies. lies.

Having described described the destruction of of British British Coal Coal as as “a "a triumph triumph of market Having the destruction of market economics, painful consequences", the Financial Times goes goes on on to to economics, albeit albeit with with painful consequences", the Financial Times annihilate by admitting admitting that privatised British British Gas Gas isis "imperfectly "imperfectly annihilate this this assertion assertion by that privatised exposed for monopoly the market, market, exposed to to market market forces" forces" -- aa euphemism euphemism for monopoly control control of of the in prices went up by per cent. And electricity, electricity, with in which which last last year year alone alone gas gas prices went up by 30 30 per cent. And with its and Powergen, Powergen, is is aa its inadequately inadequately regulated regulated monopoly monopoly of of National National Power Power and candidate for the competition authorities. Then Then there there is candidate for draconian draconian scrutiny scrutiny by by the competition authorities. is the nuclear state hands, heavily subsidised subsidised and and due due for the nuclear power power industry, industry, still still in in state hands, heavily for review in industry is pressing for investment in in additional additional review in 1994. 1994. This This industry is already already pressing for investment power power stations, stations, further further threatening threatening the the coal coal industry industry !!!!

In In other other words, words, British British Coal Coal has has become become the the victim victim of of privatised privatised giant giant gas gas and industry, which which is and electricity electricity companies companies and and the the subsidised subsidised nuclear nuclear power power industry, is kept kept alive alive at at aa huge huge cost cost to to the the tax tax payer payer for for the the sole sole purpose purpose of of producing producing weapons has become becomea a vic weapons grade grade enriched enriched uranium. uranium. In In aa nutshell, nutshell, British British Coal Coal has vic-

tim tim to to British British imperialism's imperialism’s need need to to destroy destroy working-class working-class militancy militancy at at home home and suppress and ‘suppress national national liberation liberation and and revolutionary revolutionary struggles struggles abroad. abroad. If If the the Fi Fi-

nancial Times Times is is pleased pleased to to characterise characterise this this naked naked class class war war against against coal, coal, in in nancial which the the latter latter fights fights with with its its hands hands tied tied to to its its back, back, as as "a "a triumph triumph of of market market which economics" economics" that that is is only only because because the the defence defence of of the the selfish selfish interests interests of of aa small small clique Clique of of the the Kings Kings of of Finance Finance obliges obliges itit to to make make nonsensical, nonsensical, mutually mutually contra contradictory dictory and and self-annihilatory self-annihilatory utterances. utterances. For For what what other other explanation explanation can can there there be be for for someone someone describing describing the the extinction extinction of of the the coal coal industry industry at at the the hands hands of of the the

Subsidised nuclear nuclear industry industry and and the the giant giant gas gas and and electricity electricity monopolies monopolies as as aa subsidised triumph (iumph of of market market economics? economics? After After all all this, this, and and having having earlier earlier described described the the economics economics of of gas-fired gas-fired

power PoWer stations stations as as "questionable", "questionable", the the Financial Financial Times, Times, with with an an air air of of triumph, triumph,

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

goes goes on on to to declare: declare:

"There isis no no case case for for paying paying British British Coal Coal to to produce produce fuel fuel no no one one wishes wishes to to "There enworld en low world of low buy, benefits of the benefits economy the British economy the British to the denying to for denying none for and none buy, and ergy prices". prices". ergy

And And only only one one sentence sentence further further down, down, its its conscience conscience stricken, stricken, the the Financial Financial Times adds:

Times adds:

"But as as they they line line up up for for their their redundancy redundancy pay, pay, Britain's Britain’s coal coal miners miners will will be be "But

right forces has not blown right to to reflect reflect that that the the harsh harsh wind wind of of market market forces has.not blown uniformly uniformly across across British British energy energy policy". policy".

How true true and and how how strange strange this this triumph triumph of of market market economics economics !! How Afterall all this, thingthat that this this high highpriest priest of highfinance financehas has to After this, the the only only thing of high to of offer disgusting fer the the victims victims of of this this capitalist capitalist butchery butchery isis aa bit bit of of nauseatingly nauseatingly disgusting charity, with these charity, and and it it concludes concludes its its editorial editorial with these high-sounding, high-sounding, unctuous, unctuous, words: words: "It the £1bn £1bn the the government yester "It is is not not possible possible toto judge judge whether whether the government said said yester-

day day itit would the economies of shattered shattered would make make available available to to help help regenerate regenerate the economies of mining communities is sum. As victims of of the the energy energy policy policy errors errors mining communities is an an adequate adequate sum. As victims ofthe 1980s as as well oftheir own misjudgments, misjudgments, the the miners miners deserve deserve generosgeneros of the 1980s well as as of their own

ity”.

ity".

Yes indeed! the mining mining communities communities to to aa permanent permanent Yes indeed! Having Having condemned condemned the place in the dole queue, queue, having having shattered shattered the lives of of whole whole communities, communities, havhav place in the dole the lives ing destroyed destroyed entire villages and and towns, towns, finance finance capital capital can can afford afford toto be be ing entire villages generous. generous. nogsow

Are Coal-Fired Coal-Fired Power Power Stations Stations more more Expensive? Expensive? that ofmil Are the above above isis the the main main reason reason for for devastation devastation of of British British coal, coal, what what are are the the IfIfthe

Government's pretended pretended reasons reasons for for this this industrial industrial vandalism? vandalism? We We are are told told that that Government’s coal-fired power power stations stations are are more more expensive expensive than than gas-fired, gas-fired, and and the the GovernGovern coal-fired ment claims claims that that electricity electricity bills, bills, asas aa result result of of pit pit closures, closures, will will be be 33 per per cent cent ment lower than than would would otherwise otherwise have have been been the the case, case, with with obvious obvious benefits benefits for in lower for industrial competitiveness. competitiveness. This This claim, claim, however, however, isis disputed disputed by by the the most most dustrial authoritative of of sources. sources. Prof. Prof. Nigel Nigel Lucas Lucas of of Imperial Imperial College, College, aa well-known well-known authoritative authority inin the the field field of of energy, energy, and and many many others others have have put put forth forth convincing convincing evievi authority dence to to show show that that coal-fired coal-fired power power stations stations produce produce the the cheapest cheapest electricity. electricity. dence

Even the the House House of ofCommons Commons Energy Energy Select Select Committee Committee inin itsits Report Report ofofFebruFebru Even ary 1992 1992 characterised characterised the the Government’s Government's pit pit closure closure programme programme and and the the ary

THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984-85 THE COAL STRIKE OF 1984 - 85

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replacement power stations those running on gas gas as as "doubtful "doubtful replacement of of coal-fired coal-fired power stations by by those running on economics". of British the switch switch economics". Neil Neil Clarke, Clarke, Chairman Chairman of British Coal, Coal, warned warned that that the

from coal-fired to in pit pit closures, closures, would would push push up from coal-fired to gas gas power power stations, stations, resulting resulting in up their 16 per per cent and millions face their production production costs costs by by 16 cent and millions of of home-owners home-owners now now face

the prospect prospect of of soaring soaring electricity electricity bills. bills. the Gas has become Combined Cycle Cycle Gas Gas TurTur Gas has become the the preferred preferred fuel fuel for for the the new new Combined bine evidence that that many many will will produce produce bine (CCGT) (CCGT) power power stations stations despite despite growing growing evidence electricity now facing facing closure. closure. Privatisation electricity at at prices prices higher higher than than coal coal stations stations now Privatisation of as it to, the the terms terms of of coal’s coal's demise. The of electricity electricity has has set, set, as it always always was was meant meant to, demise. The 12 shareholders in, in, and and cuscus 12 RECs RECs have, have, with with boundless boundless enthusiasm, enthusiasm, become become shareholders

tomers stations planned the mid-1990s mid-1990s by by way way of of escaping escaping tomers of, of, new new CCGT CCGT stations planned for for the the generators -- National Power and and PowPow the duopoly duopoly exercised exercised by by the the two two power power generators National Power ergen. evidence suggesting that CCGTs CCGTs will will ergen. This This isis so so notwithstanding notwithstanding the the evidence suggesting that produce against 2.2p for coal-fired power stations stations produce power power at at 2.8p 2.8p a a unit unit as as against 2.2p aa unit unit for coal-fired power whose been written off. whose costs costs have have already already been written off.

Last per cent cent hike hike in gas prices. prices. The RECs have, have, nevnev Last year year witnessed witnessed aa 30 30 per in gas The RECs ertheless, signed 15-year supply contracts contracts safe knowledge that that they they ertheless, signed 15-year gas gas supply safe inin the the knowledge have for the the sale of power, even if if it it isis more more have guaranteed guaranteed monopoly monopoly markets markets for sale of power, even costly produce, and can pass higher costs costs on on to to the the consumer. consumer. And And this this costly to to produce, and can pass the the higher

monopoly deliberately set up under under privatisation privatisation legislation legislation with with the the monopoly operation, operation, deliberately set up aim of destroying destroying British British Coal, bourgeois hacks and ideologues ideologues as as aim of Coal, isis hailed hailed by by bourgeois hacks and

a economics. The The results of such device are are aa foregone foregone a triumph triumph of of market market economics. results of such aa device conclusion. make aa quick quick buck in the the conditions conditions of of aa rigged rigged market, conclusion. In In a a bid bid to to make buck in market,

the power generators are are switching switching over over from from coal coal to to gas, gas, thus thus delivering delivering aa the power generators shattering blow coal industry as part of the of "creative "creative destrucdestruc shattering blow to to the the coal industry as part of the process process of tion", the apologists pit closure closure programmes, programmes, tion", to to use use an an expression expression coined coined by by the apologists of of pit that characterises the the operation of capitalism. The next next 25 25 years years will will bring bring in in aa that characterises operation of capitalism. The

dramatic increase increase in use of for electricity production and and an an equally equally dramatic in the the use of gas gas for electricity production dramatic decrease decrease in in the the use use of coal, whose share in in power production isis set set to to dramatic of coal, whose share power production decline from 70 70 per per cent cent in 1990 to to 27 27 per per cent cent in in 2020. 2020. In In the the same same period period the the decline from in 1990 share gas in the production production of of electricity electricity isis forecast rise from from zero zero (in share of of gas in the forecast toto rise (in 1990) to 57 per cent. 1990) to 57 per cent. In Times of of 14th correctly points points out out that that October, correctly 14th October, The Times column, The editorial column, its editorial In its the elimination of Coal, and its replacement by imports imports or or by by exportable exportable replacement by and its British Coal, of British the elimination

but inevitable gas, inevitable product product of of competitive competitive market marketforces. forces. ItIt isis aa sad but some sad not some "is not gas, "is electricity industry". the privatisation of the result of direct direct result privatisation of of the the electricity industry". Pointing Pointing out out that that the twin electricity privatisation privatisation were were the the safeguarding safeguarding of of nuclear nuclear of electricity aims of twin aims the

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SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

Times The Times generation, The power electricity generation, in electricity competition in of competition promotion of the promotion and the power and leader say: to say: on to goes on leader goes

bil£1.3 bil of £1.3 consumers of to consumers cost to at aa cost protected at been protected has been "Nuclear generation has "Nuclear generation

the at the only at introduced only was introduced this was competition, this effective competition, for effective lion As for year. As lion aa year.

consumers to consumers prices to margins raising prices of raising effect of bizarre effect the bizarre with the business, with the business, of the margins of and coal. penalising coal. and penalising industry and to industry and to

"New protection of "New entrants entrants to to the the generation generation of of electricity, electricity, some some under under the the protection of monopoly distribution distribution companies, companies, vied vied with with National National Power Power and and PowerGen to monopoly PowerGen to

build provided the build gas-fired gas-fired plants. plants. When When conceived, conceived, these these provided the cheapest cheapest way way to to ex expand pand capacity. capacity. The The boom boom will, will, however, however, lead lead to to excess excess capacity, capacity, exacerbated exacerbated by by the the recession. recession.

"In cheaper electricity at the "In a a truly truly competitive competitive market, market, that that should should bring bring cheaper electricity at the expense and National Power are, expense of of low low returns returns on on investment. investment. PowerGen PowerGen and National Power are, however, by closing power stations to keep keep prices prices however, able able to to resist resist that that by closing coal-fired coal-fired power stations to

up, deals by by some of the monopolies will will leave leave room room for for up, while while cosy cosy deals some of the distribution distribution monopolies their full tilt expense of ofcoal coal generators. So their linked linked gas gas stations stations to to run run at at full tilt at at the the expense generators. So instead the benefit ofexcess capacity and and the instead of of consumers consumers reaping reaping the benefit of excess capacity the generators generators bearing get nothing the coal industry has has been been set set bearing the the cost, cost, consumers consumers will will get nothing and and the coal industry as (A Black as the the victim" victim" (A Black Day Day for for Coal). Coal). So electricity. So much much then then for for cheap cheap electricity.

Arguing for limitation, The The Times Times goes goes on urge that that the the GovernGovern Arguing for damage damage limitation, on toto urge ment's "first action should be to to scrap scrap the the coal coal contract contract negotiations negotiations and and start start ment’s "first action should be again. The The contracts contracts have have shown shown up up the the artificiality artificiality of of competition. competition. The The elecelec again. tricity industry has effectively effectively acted concert. British British Coal Coal should should be be allowed allowed tricity industry has acted inin concert.

toto use use its countervailing market its own own countervailing marketpower, power, insisting insisting on on much much longer longer contracts contracts without any ludicrous clause that that will will allow allow generators generators time time toto build build capacity capacity without any ludicrous clause import half halftheir coal in in order order to to cut cut their their consumption consumption of ofBritish British coal coal later. later. toto import their coal

"The power power industry’s industry's regulatory regulatory regime regime should should also also be be changed changed to to re "The remove against the move its its bias bias against the predictable predictable fixed fixed prices prices that that British British Coal Coal can can now now

offer. offer. Imported Imported coal coal isis much much cheaper cheaper now, now, just just as as gas gas prices prices were were before before dede mand rose, rose, but mand but changes changes inin exchange exchange rates rates and and world world energy energy prices prices might might well well alter alter that that sum sum over over the the lifetime lifetime of ofpower power stations. stations. Currently Currently consumers consumers have have toto bear the the risk risk because because most most increases increases in in world world energy energy prices prices can can be be passed passed on on bear

toto them. them. If If the the regulator regulator were were toto prohibit prohibit such such passing passing on, on, generators generators would would have risk of have toto take take the the risk offluctuations fluctuations inin exchange exchange rates. rates. That That would would make make domesdomes tic tic coal, coal, whose whose price price ininpounds pounds will will remain remain stable, stable, more more attractive. attractive.

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"Distributors were were allowed allowed toto become become involved involved inin generation generation toto increase increase "Distributors competition for for the the two two big big generators, generators, but but their their entry, entry, perversely, perversely, isis stifling stifling competition the working working of ofthe the market market by by protecting protecting some some ofofthe the new new gas-fired gas-firedpower power stasta the tions. Distributors Distributors should should be be banned bannedfrom from owning owning stakes stakes iningenerators". generators". tions. Thus itit isis clear clear that that the the pit pit closures closures are are not not the the result result of of market market forces, forces, for, for, Thus The Guardian Guardian put put it, it, "the "the energy energy market market isis aa Byzantine Byzantine stitch-up". stitch-up". asas The Towards the the end end of of its its editorial, editorial, The The Times Times goes goes on on toto suggest suggest that that the the Towards Government should should challenge challenge the the massive massive subsidies subsidies toto German German coal coal recently recently Government approved by by the the European European Commission. Commission. Surely, Surely, itit would would be more sensible sensible to to approved be more press for for the the elimination elimination of of all all subsidies subsidies by Britain toto her her nuclear nuclear industry, industry, press by Britain which presently presently stand stand at £1.3 bn bn aa year, year, and and the the application application of of those those sums sums toto which at £1.3 British Coal, thus reducing the the cost cost by by £17 £17 for for each each of of the the 73m 73m tonnes tonnes of of coal coal British Coal, thus reducing

mined and and making making every As The The Daily Daily Telegraph Telegraph inin its its City City mined every pit pit profitable. profitable. As Comment rightly observed: "Coal been invited pay its its way, way, but but in in aa clicli Comment rightly observed: "Coal has has been invited toto pay mate that ensured ensured that that itit cannot. cannot. Effectively, Effectively, half half the the coal coal industry industry isis now now being being mate that sacrificed the great forces fossil fossil fuel fuel burners sacrificed to to the great nuclear nuclear experiment, experiment, which which forces burners toto pay a pay a levy levy to to Nuclear Nuclear Electric". Electric". This single act would wouldhave havethe theeffect effect of of saving savingthe the coal coalindustry, industry, rescuing rescuing This single act the threatened with with redundancy redundancyand and aa future future of perpetual the 30,000 30,000 miners miners now now threatened of perpetual unemployment, jobs in in dependent industries whose unemployment, saving saving another another 90,000 90,000 jobs dependent industries whose fu future towards aa healthier healthier trade balance ture is is tied tied to to that that of of coal, coal, and and contributing contributing towards trade balance

and aa favourable favourable exchange exchange rate. rate. And And if if in in the the process process itit deals deals aa death death blow blow to to and the nuclear nuclear industry industry that that is is only only to to be be welcomed, welcomed, and early. the andisis not notaa day daytoo too early. Support Support the the Miners Miners

To conclude, conclude, what what should should be be the the response response of of the the British British proletariat proletariat to to this this To class class war war on on the the miners? miners? There There can, can, ideally, ideally, be be only only one one response, response, namely, namely, aa class Class war war by by the the proletariat proletariat against against the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. The The crisis crisis in in the the coal coal indus indus-

try try in in particular, particular, and and the the current current world-wide world-wide slump slump in in the the capitalist capitalist world world in in general, general, bluntly bluntly raise raise the the question question once once again again of of socialising socialising the the instruments instruments and and means means of of production production not not only only in in the the coal coal industry, industry, but but also also in in every every other. other. The The British working working class class has has to to gain gain the the understanding understanding that that without without winning winning British power, power, without without establishing establishing socialism, socialism, itit is is impossible impossible to to solve solve either either the the crisis crisis

in the coal industry orthe thecrisis crisis in inthe the entire industry. in the coal industry or entire British British industry. At At the the present, present, however, however, the the British British proletariat proletariat isis leaderless leaderless and, and, therefore, therefore,

in in total total disarray, disarray, thanks thanks to to the the treachery treachery of of social social democracy democracy (including (including the the Trotksyite Trotksyite variety) variety) and and the the bankruptcy bankruptcy of of revisionism. revisionism. There There isis no no revolution revolution-

308 308

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

-

ary and ary Marxist-Leninist Marxist-Leninist party party of of the the proletariat, proletariat, with with the the necessary necessary prestige prestige and connections connections in in the the working working class, class, capable capable of of resolutely resolutely and and fearlessly fearlessly defending defending

the the interests interests of of the the working working class. class. Had Had such such aa party party existed, existed, the the Heseltines Heseltines of of this this world world might might have have thought thought long long and and hard hard before before announcing announcing pit pit closures. closures. Had Had such such aa party party existed, existed, the the working working class class might might already already have have been been on on the the war war path path against against the the bourgeoisie. bourgeoisie. As Lunn, to As it it is, is, it it is is left left to to the the Bishop Bishop of of Sheffield, Sheffield, Rt Rt Rev Rev David David Lunn, to call call for for

aa "national "national uprising" uprising" against against pit pit closures. closures. In effort to forge aa truly truly In the the present present circumstances, circumstances, while while making making every every effort to forge

proletarian class conscious conscious proletarian revolutionary revolutionary party, party, the the advanced advanced elements elements and and class workers in the workers must must give give every every support support to to the the NUM NUM in the latter's latter’s struggle struggle against against the the dismemberment dismemberment of of the the coal coal industry. industry. We Workers' Association to give give unstinting We in in the the Indian Indian Workers’ Association (GB) (GB) promise promise to unstinting

support arduous struggle, struggle, just just support to to the the NUM NUM and and the the mining mining communities communities in in their their arduous as strike. Everyone and everything everything for for as we we did did during during the the 1984-85 1984-85 heroic heroic coal coal strike. Everyone and the the slogan that must all working-class working-class organisaorganisa the miners miners -- this this is is the slogan that must permeate permeate all tions and guide our in the the weeks weeks and and months months to to come. come. tions and guide our activities activities in

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As we go go to to press press As we TheBritish British Cabinet Cabinethas has decided decidedthat that 1010ofofthe the 31 31pits pits on onthe thehit hitlist listwill willbe be The axedimmediately immediatelyand andthat that aaproper properreview reviewprocedure procedurewill will be be followed followedwith withrere axed specttotothe therest. rest. This This isis no no more morethan than aastay stay of ofexecution executionby byway wayof of aasop soptoto spect public outrage, outrage, even even among among the the Government’s Government's own own supporters. supporters. The The so-called so-called public Tory rebels rebels are are not not against against closures. closures. They They simply simply want.a want a staggered staggered timetable timetable Tory for these these closures closures so.as so as to avoid the the whole whole affair affair exploding exploding in in the the GovernGovern for to avoid Beohrabisol.

Part Part Four Four

Social Democracy Social Democracy

and

and

Other Struggles Economic Struggles Other Economic

"The atmosphere currently being generated by "The atmosphere currently being generated by statements statements inin the the national national press press ofof ’we 'we intend intend to have single keying even if it means doing away with the NGA’ is most unhelpful in assistto have single keying even if it means doing away with the NGA' is most unhelpful in assist ing the national national leadership ing the leadership of of the the trades trades union union toto play play aa positive positive role, role, and and isis creating creating aa ’seige 'seige

mentality’ mentality' in in some some quarters quarters of ofour our membership". membership".

Tony Tony Dubbins, Dubbins, the the then then General-Secretary General-Secretary elect elect ofofthe the NGA NGA

"The "The German German workers workers have have two twoimportant important advantages advantages over overthose those ofofthe the rest rest ofofEurope. Europe. First, they they belong belongtotothe the most mosttheoretical theoretical people people ofofEurope; Europe; and and they they have have retained retained that thatsense sense First,

theory which which the the so-called so-called ’educated’ 'educated' classes classesofofGermany Germanyhave havealmost almostcompletely completelylost. lost. ofoftheory Without Without German German philosophy, philosophy, which which preceded precededit,it, particularly particularlythat thatofofHegel, Hegel,German Germanscienscien

tificsocialism socialism -- the the only onlyscientific scientificsocialism socialismthat that has hasever everexisted existed- -would would never neverhave havecome come tific into into being. being. Without Withoutaasense sense ofoftheory theoryamong amongthe theworkers, workers,this thisscientific scientificsocialism socialismwould would neverhave haveentered entered their theirflesh flesh and and blood bloodasasmuch much asasisisthe thecase. case. What Whatananimmeasureable immeasureableadad never vantage vantagethis thisisismay maybebeseen seen...... from fromthe theindifference indifferencetowards towardsallalltheory theorywhich whichisisone oneofofthe the main mainreasons reasonswhy whythe the English Englishworking-class working-classmovement movementcrawls crawlsalong alongsososlowly slowlyininspite spiteofofthe the splendidorganisation organisationofofthe theindividual individualunions unions..." ... splendid Engels Engels(Preface (Prefacetotothe thePeasant PeasantWar WarininGermany Germany) )

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

311 311

OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

LALKAR 1981 June 1981 LALKAR June

The People's for Jobs Jobs The People’s March March for On May two columns workers, one one from and one one from from On May 1st, Ist, two columns of of workers, from Merseyside Merseyside and Yorkshire, to London. They met met at at Northampton, Northampton, and and others others Yorkshire, set set out out to to march march to London. They from Wales joined from North North Wales joined them. them.

The marchers green banner banner The marchers carried carried aa bright bright green with the 'The People's Jobs' and and behind behind the the banner banner were were with the inscription inscription ’The People’s March March for for Jobs’ just over men and wearing green green jackets. jackets. All the marchers marchers were were just over 500 500 men and women women wearing All the sponsored, mostly by trade trade unions, unions, but but also by ethnic ethnic groups, groups, youth youth clubs, clubs, sponsored, mostly by also by

churches others. churches and and others.

Men and young and and old, old, black black and and white, white, able able Men and women, women, young

bodied as well as disabled -- even blind -- were represented in in the march. bodied as well as the the disabled even the the blind were represented the march. Skinheads from Manchester, the the mother and her her unem Skinheads from Bolton, Bolton, punks punks from from Manchester, mother and unemployed son from Whaley Bridge, also marched the 280 miles traversed traversed by by the the ployed son from Whaley Bridge, also marched the 280 miles People's People’s March. March.

Background to the the March March Background to The by the the North West, West West Midlands and SouthSouth The March March was was organised organised by North West, Midlands and East Regional Regional Councils Councils of TUC against background of of mounting mounting East of the the TUC against aa background unemployment. The whole whole of of the capitalist world world is is in the grip grip of of aa most most seriseri unemployment. The the capitalist in the ous the worst worst since the end the second second world world war. war. In In the the us economic economic crisis, crisis, the since the end of of the USA alone (not capitalist countries), countries), the USA and and Western Western Europe Europe alone (not toto mention mention other other capitalist the number unemployed is is over Even according according to to official official statistics, statistics, number of of unemployed over 25 25 million. million. Even 2.6 million out of work in of course, the figure figure is is much much 2.6 million are are out of work in Britain. Britain. Actually, Actually, of course, the closer of thousands bother to to sign sign on. Closer to to 3.5 3.5 million million for for hundreds hundreds of thousands don't don’t bother on. In In-

Cluded among the latter latter are, cluded among the for instance, instance, women women not unemployment are, for not entitled entitled toto unemployment benefits (and (and two of three women are are not not entitled these benefits) benefits) as as well well benefits two out out of three women entitled to to these as as disgruntled disgruntled blacks blacks and and others. others. worse whites. Worse than than among among whites.

The unemployment among blacks blacks isis even even The unemployment among

In this regard the government's figure figure of of 12% 12% for for In this regard the government’s

unemployment blacks isis an an underestimation underestimation which which can can only only be be treated treated unemployment among among blacks with With suspicion. suspicion.

10% of the total total workforce unemployed nationally, nationally, the the IfIf 10% of the workforce isis unemployed

Picture is is even even more more depressing picture depressing in some regions where the the unemployed repre in some regions where unemployed represent or even of the workforce. Add Add to to these these figures figures aa quarter quarter Sent aa quarter, quarter, or even more, more, of the workforce.

of are on time, some working no no more more than than one one or or of aa million million people people who who are on short short time, some working

two days days aa week. week. AA further further quarter quarter of of aa million are in in temporary temporary jobs jobs through through {wo million are various To get get aa true (and this this isis true) various government government schemes. schemes. To true picture, picture, imagine imagine (and

312 312

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

MOTHE EN THE ENEMY WITHIN

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

that 100,000 aa of 100,000 rate of the rate at the disappearing at been disappearing have been jobs have 1980, jobs December 1980, since December that since month; every every month month 170 170 companies companies go go into into liquidation. month; liquidation. And And the the prospects prospects for for

the the future future are, are, if if anything, anything, even even more more grim grim and and depressing. depressing. The The real real misery misery caused caused by by unemployment unemployment can can never never be be revealed revealed by by the the unemployment unemployment statis statistics; tics; itit can can only only be be gleaned gleaned from from the the increase increase in in suicides, suicides, broken broken marriages, marriages, broken broken homes, homes, stress stress and and mental mental illness, illness, from from alcoholism, alcoholism, degradation, degradation, demor demoralisation alisation and and brutalization brutalization of of the the population; population; and and from from an an increase increase in in crime crime as as well as the growth of racism and fascism. In these circumstances, there was well as the growth of racism and fascism. In these circumstances, there was growing growing pressure pressure from from ordinary ordinary workers workers that that something something be be done done about about it. it. So So the the regional regional councils' councils’ response response was was to to organise organise this this march. march. Yorg oroits

The The achievements achievements

The The main main achievement achievement of of the the marchers marchers has has been been their their success success in in drawing drawing

attention attention to to the the plight plight of of the the unemployed unemployed in in aa way way that that no no amount amount of of statistical statistical material material could could have have done. done. The The marchers marchers wherever wherever they they went went have have been been wel welcomed comed by by tens tens of of thousands thousands of of workers workers who who lined lined the the pavements pavements to to cheer cheer them them on and and to to express express their their solidarity solidarity with with them. Rallies were were held in all all the the places places on them. Rallies held in visited by has, by been to to bring bring dignity dignity visited by the the marchers, marchers, and and the the effect effect has, by and and large, large, been

to their their struggle struggle and and strengthen strengthen amallions, their the entire to their resolve, resolve, and and that that of of the entire working working class, in the fight against against unemployment. The marchers marchers made everyone think think class, in the fight unemployment. The made everyone about the the question unemployment and about question of of unemployment and the the message message that that emerged, emerged, albeit albeit inin stinctively and implicitly, was that unemployment unemployment was was a man-made act act and and not not stinctively and implicitly, was that a man-made aa natural natural phenomenon. phenomenon.

pole The The second second achievement achievement of the marchers marchers was was their their contribution contribution toto the the of the cause the unity unity of of the the working class. Men Men and and women, women, young young and and old, old, black black cause of of the working class.

and white, etc., etc., all all marched complete harmony harmony with with the the utmost utmost discipline, discipline, and white, marched inin complete with slogan ’Workers 'Workers united united can can never never bebe defeated’. defeated'. This This isis an an experience experience with the the slogan that must must be be enlarged enlarged and and applied applied throughout throughout the the length length and and breadth breadth of of the the that country. The The March March ended ended inin London London onon Sunday Sunday 3131 May, May, with with aa march marchfrom from country. Hyde Park Park toto Trafalgar Trafalgar Square, Square, where where aa Rally, Rally, which which attracted attracted over over 150,000 150,000 Hyde workers, washeld. held. How moun workers, was voluntate

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tarerThe The chief chief limitation limitationofof the the March March was was the the narrow narrow political political outlook outlook imim posed byby itsits TUC TUC organisers organisers and and their their supporters supporters onon the the March, March, which which was was posed

hemmed ininbybythe. hemmed thebourgeois bourgeoisblinkers blinkers ofofsocial socialdemocracy. democracy. Notwithstanding Notwithstanding theclaim claimmade madebybythe theregional regionalcouncils councilsinintheir their"People’s 'People'sMarch: March:Official OfficialSouSou the

ical," and h isis not e’s Marc venir' that "the "the Peopl People's March not party party polit political," and that that "No "No ’ that venir

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIAL DEMOC RACY and

and OTHER ECONOM ECONOMIC STRUGG STRUGGLES OTHER LES IC

313 313

organisat ion has been allowed organisation has been allowed toto take take advantage advantage of ofthe the March March toto promote promote itit self”, t sought self", the the March March was was throughou throughout sought toto bebe used used toto campaign campaign for for victory victory for for the the Labour Labour Party Party atat the the next next general general election election and and toto bring bring nearer, nearer, ififpossible, possible, the the date of of that that election. election. In In other other words, words, itit was was throughou throughout sought toto be be used used asas an an date t sought antiTory and and pro-Labou pro-Labour vehicle. We We inin the the IWA(GB) IWA(GB) hate hate the the Tories Tories no no less less antiTory r vehicle. than anyone anyone else else does does in in the the labour labour movement movement. However, we we think that that than . However, do not not think

aa change bourgeois governme change from from one one bourgeois government another bourgeois bourgeois governmen government, nt toto another t, from Tory to Labour Labour or or vice versa, offers offers any any solution solution toto the the problem problem of of unemunem from Tory to vice versa, ployment. Our unshakeab ployment. Our unshakeable view isis that that unemploy unemployment necessary le view ment isis aa necessary concomita of capitalism nt of that of , not concomitant capitalism, not that Toryism, and and that that those those who who wish wish toto put put of Toryism, an to unemployment in all all earnestnes earnestness work to to destroy destroy capitalism capitalism and and must in unemployment must end to an end s work replace by socialism, socialism, under carried on on for for the the satisfacti satisfaction replace itit by under which which production production isis carried on of the material and and cultural cultural requirements the working working class class of the requirements of rising material constantly rising the constantly of and not of the maximum profits by aa handful handful of of monopoly monopoly profits by the maximum extraction of the extraction for the not for and capitalists. Capitalists.

In issue referred referred to to above, above, we we find find the state following statethe following souvenir issue same souvenir the me In the

"But the March has has not been about about determini determining whose not been People’s March the People's "But ng whose economic doctrine economic And what what aa pity pity and shame that doctrine is is the the most most correct." correct." And and aa shame that it it was capitalist economic have failed an end to unem unemend to put an to put failed to doctrines have economic doctrines If capitalist not. If was not. ployment Tory and and Labour been on on the the has been (unemployment has governments (unemployment Labour governments under Tory ployment under increase working class faith in these in these its faith jettison its not jettison class not the working should the 1967), should since 1967), increase since ment: ment:

doctrines sociof soci system of socialist system and aa socialist science and economic science socialist economic to socialist turn to and turn doctrines and The March March The should should have have but should humanity" but common humanity" in common "exercise in mere "exercise been aa mere have been not have should not

ety, under consideration? consideration? problem under the problem solve the can solve alone can which alone ety, which

anger of the anger rousing the in rousing step in important step an important and an exercise and an exercise that: an than that: more than been more been of the an important the in the it in preparing it in preparing step in important step capitalism, an against capitalism, class against working class the working fight capitalism. of capitalism. system of whole system the whole against the fight against Our Our stance stance

The IWA(GB) IWA(GB) position position was was put put forward forward by by our our General General Secretary, Secretary, Cde The Cde Avtar Jouhl, Jouhl, at at the the Rally Rally in in Trafalgar Trafalgar Square. Square. Whereas Whereas the the other other speakers speakers tried tried Avtar to perpetuate perpetuate illusions illusions of of the the working working class class by by simply simply calling calling for for aa return return of of aa to Labour government, government, Cde Cde Jouhl Jouhl was was one one of of only only two two speakers speakers (the (the other other being being Labour

Arthur Scargill Scargill of of the Arthur the Yorkshire Yorkshire miners) miners) who who held held capitalism capitalism rather rather than than the the

Tories responsible responsible for for unemployment, unemployment, be be its its level level high high or or low. low. Tories

And Avtar Avtar And

alone the alone boldly boldly called called for for the the fight fight toto establish establish aa socialist socialist Britain Britain in in which which the Marxist-Leninist economic economic programme programme would would be be put put into into effect effect for for ending ending for forMarxist-Leninist

ever ever unemployment unemployment and and as as the the basis basis for for the the everlasting everlasting prosperity prosperity ofof the the

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SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

working class class of of this this country. country. This This idea idea and and this this alone alone must must permeate permeate every every working section section of of the the working working class. class.

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

315

LALKAR December 1982

TUC Betrayal of Hospital Workers Amid much trumpeting and breast beating the TUC leadership promised

massive support for the health workers’ pay claim. In the event they orchestrated a damp squib.

Now, left to their own devices, the nurses and ancillary’

hospital workers have a very hard task on their hands. It is doubtful if they will be able to gain much more than the cunningly thought out deal that the government is now offering. Such a deal would be a defeat in several ways. Firstly, it represents a wage

cut in real terms for this group of already appallingly poorly-paid workers. Secondly, it is designed to divide the hospital workers in future wage battles. Thirdly, for all to see, the TUC has been shown to fail to "put its money where its mouth is’.

With touching modesty, Mr Albert Spanswick, chairman of the TUC health services committee, which was set up to coordinate the ’action’, said on 9 November:

"We have made immense progress, it has been worth 7 months of dispute." What is the reality of this "immense progress"? This progress’ is contained in

the following events, spanning 7 months. The government’s first response to the health workers’ claim for a 12% rise was a paltry 6.4% for the nurses and 4% for the ancillaries’, accompanied by much emphasis that there was no more money available. This ’offer’ was

rejected by the TUC-affiliated unions representing nurses and other hospital workers (NUPE, COHSE, TGWU, NALGO) and the professional associations of nurses (Royal College of Nursing - RCN) midwives and health visitors, which although not affiliated to the TUC take part in pay negotiations.

By September Mr Fowler had upped the offer to 7.5% for nurses, 6.5% for

ambulance crews and pharmacists and 6% for ’ancillaries’, but had linked it to a 4% rise next year.

VROE

689

This offer too was rejected, not only by the members (including a large

number of nurses and nursing auxiliaries) of the TUC affiliated unions, but also

by the membership of the RCN against the advice of their negotiators.

Mr

Spanswick himself dismissed the offer and various permutations that amounted

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

to the same total sum as a "deliberate tactic designed to take the steam out of next week's demonstration",

i.e., the TUC

day

of action on

22

September

1982). What then happened to provoke Mr Spanswick’s victorious statement on 9

November?

Mr Fowler had announced a new offer in Parliament that day, a

whole 0.5% added to next year’s 4%! He also promised a pay review body to report on nurses’ pay in 1984. This is progress indeed, but it is progress in the govemmment’s strategy of being hard while at the same time trying to prise the nurses away from the other hospital workers with the old formula of divide and rule’. The government’s hope is that the new offer will achieve this where

the previous one failed, for it gives the leadership of the RCN another chance to persuade its members to accept and by instituting a pay review body for nurses would effectively separate them from other hospital workers in future pay battles.

Mr Fowler had the insolence to add that the government reserved

the right to ignore the findings of the pay review body! It would now be easy to dismiss Mr Spanswick’s "immense progress worth 7 months of dispute" as a load of hot air if it did not represent another

important change in the circumstances facing the health workers while they consider this latest offer.

For it is not in fact a cry of victory, but a statement

that as far as the TUC is concerned the fight is over. The ’great campaign’ that was to bring “industrial muscle’ into the dispute came and went on 22 Septem-

ber, leaving the health service workers to decide whether to accept or struggle on alone against an intransigent government.

This is not the fault of the health service workers themselves, who have

achieved considerable unity of action and shown great determination arising out of the despair of their economic circumstances.

They had also judged the

mood of their fellow workers and skilfully conducted their campaign so that

they kept public sympathy. There was considerable support for the hospital

workers in spite of the fact that the strikes were affecting ordinary people. This

awareness, parsupport was not based solely on sympathy, but on a growing

ticularly in the public sector, that the outcome of this struggle would affect

other pay negotiations. There is also growing awareness that the state of the health service affects the standard of living of all workers. It is part of the ’social wage’ and not only are the health service workers themeelves

being paid

of further staff badly and forced to work long hours, but there is the “promise the reduction in facilities, of further hospital closures. Indeed, cuts, of further by financial cuts, service offered by the NHS has been so appallingly savaged

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

317

that the actions of the health workers seemed like a minor irritation compared to the chronic waiting lists for beds, the hours spent waiting in outpatients’ departments, and the ever longer journeys to the nearest hospital that still has a casualty department.

Instead of mobilising and coordinating the ground-swell of support, the TUC leadership did its best to defuse and dissipate it. The mood of the union memberships pressurised their leaders into some brave speeches at the TU

Congress as the day of action on 22 September approached. There were statements like "we will do it much better than we tried to do in 1926’ and ’we are going to be out again, and if they don’t move we are going to be out again’. But even at the Congress these speeches were belied by the beginning of plans to replace a whole day stoppage by partial stoppages. By the 22nd, the calls

from various union leaderships were down to 1 or 2 hours, or even ’decide locally what you want to do, ’ if anything. But in spite of this lukewarm, to say the least, lead, September 22 was impressive and it was impressive because the

union memberships wanted to take action and did take action, in many cases in excess of their leaderships’ call. So the TUC health service committee (chaired by Mr Spanswick) decided that it would be better not to have any more national action but to have regional

days of action instead. This was the death knell that dissipated the support and it was not surprising that ground was very quickly lost as leaders refused to

lead. All that was left for Mr Spanswick was to mutiny on his knees and ’proclaim victory’! The fact of the matter is that the TUC leadership cannot lead effective ac-

tion in the present circumstances.

It has sold out to the imperialist bourgeoisie

and is not prepared to challenge the system of imperialism. Its role is to confine the economic struggles of the working class within the framework of

imperialism. At times of economic crisis, that means that the working class must bear the brunt of the burden, for the monopoly capitalist class cannot do so and remain monopoly capitalist. So, failing to challenge imperialism, all

that the TUC leadership can do in the circumstances is to play charades, as it has done with its empty ‘support’ for the health workers’ struggle and before that with the People’s March for Jobs, the campaign around which has all but been abandoned.

But the very development of capitalism that produces such hardship for the working Class also produces the conditions that render capitalism an obsolete system. And the present, imperialist, stage of capitalism is capitalism at its

318

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

most obsolete.

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

As long ago as 1865 Marx noted the everpresent necessity for

the working class to struggle against the deterioration of its living standards. He said: "By cowardly giving way in their everyday conflict with capital, they [the workers] would certainly disqualify themselves for the initiating of any larger movement." But, he added: "At the same time, and quite apart from the general servitude involved in the wages system, the working class ought not to exaggerate to themselves the ultimate working of these everyday struggles. They ought not to forget that they are fighting with effects, but not with the causes of those effects; that they are retarding the downward movement, but not changing its direction; that they are applying palliatives, not curing the

malady. They ought, therefore, not to be exclusively absorbed in these unavoidable guerrilla fights incessantly springing up from the never-ceasing encroachments of capital or changes of the market. They ought to understand that, with all the miseries it imposes upon them, the present system simultaneously engenders the material conditions and the social forms necessary for an

economical reconstruction of society.

Instead of the conservative motto,

’A

Jair day’s wage for a fair day’s work!’ they ought to inscribe on their banner the revolutionary watchword,

‘Abolition of the wages system’." (Marx, Value,

Prices and Profit). Yes, the urgent task that faces the working class is to challenge the system of imperialism and overthrow it. Only then will it effect its escape from the endless struggle to resist deterioration in its conditions, only then will it achieve its emancipation from exploitation and oppression. And in the process, trades union bureaucrats who serve the interests of imperialism and not the interests of the working class must be thrown onto the rubbish heap where they

belong.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

319

LALKAR September 1983

TUC leaders capitulate to Tory government TUC leaders have embarked on talks with the government for the first time since December, 1981. Meeting at their request with Norman Tebbit, Employment Secretary, marks their capitulation to the Conservative government. The first session on 18 August discussed the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). Further talks are planned on Tebbit’s proposals for union legislation - ballots on union leadership, strikes and political funds. Bellicose posturing by Len Murray and other prominent TUC leaders about fighting proposed legislation and refusing to speak to Norman Tebbit has collapsed. Their approach to, and comments on, the first talks show how far

they have sunk. The TUC

went into the talks "pressing" for a £1.50 increase in the £25

YTS weekly allowance and a lowering of the £4 threshold for travelling allowance. The £1.50 increase had been favoured by a majority of the Manpower Services Commission (MSC), with the dissent of the employers representatives and the refusal of Mr Tebbit.

Saying that he did not expect criticism for enter-

ing the talks before the Congress had the chance to discuss relations with the Conservative government, Len Murray added that young people would expect

the TUC to represent them on questions such as the YTS allowance.

Yet the

YTS is being criticised across the country for providing cheap labour without real training or job prospects, depressing wages, undermining existing training and being forced on young people by the threat of loss of supplementary bene-

fit. Do not young people and the working class in general expect to be represented on these important issues? The TUC leaders obviously cannot cope with that, so they tried to tinker about with the allowance.

What is far worse is that they came out saying that they had. made progress. This progress consisted of a flat refusal by Norman Tebbit! But wait a minute, the TUC leaders said they had gained a commitment that Mr Tebbit would consult members of the MSC before squashing any of its future deciSions. As the MSC is by now quite used to accepting what it does not like

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

(before or after consultation’) Mr Tebbit’s claim that he made no “concessions" seems a reasonable one. So where is the progress? Mr Bill Keys, General Secretary of SOGAT said, pompously and meaninglessly:

deeds you will be judged.

"By your

I had the impression this afternoon that Norman

Tebbit was listening." Clive Jenkins, General Secretary of ASTMS, thought that the session made the prospect of future discussions more hopeful: "Zhe Secretary of State was sensitive to the criticisms we made this afternoon”, he said. Mr Tebbit has done enough deeds to be well and truly judged by now,

and the fact that he ’listens’ to Bill Keys before giving a flat refusal is not much comfort. Nor is Clive Jenkins’ assessment of his ’sensitiveness’, for Mr Tebbit, sensitive as ever, said after the talks: "My position has not changed at all. The TUC, before the general election, entertained some hopes of a Labour Government returning and, therefore, thought they had no need to talk to me. The TUC is now taking a realistic attitude about politics - that is, that the Government is here for another four or five years and probably for another four or Jive years after that." That the TUC leaders should come to this sorry pass is no accident, but a

logical conclusion of their political position. They continually preach, by word and deed, that the problems of the working class can be solved under the conditions of imperialism. And to make matters worse they actively and violently Oppose anything which challenges or threatens the role of the imperialist bour-

geoisie, which even suggests that the emancipation of the working class can

only be achieved through the overthrow of imperialism and the establishment of socialism. Their bankrupt, reactionary politics renders them useless for even the economic struggle to defend workers’ present conditions. It leads them logically to the "realistic attitude" in this ’difficult economic climate’ of going

Cap-in-hand to the Government on its own terms to see what crumbs are available.

Mr Bill Keys and his fellow TUC leaders would be well advised to remember that "by your deeds you will be judged." There are not many crumbs at the moment, for Mr Tebbit explained to them that if he had agreed to increase the YTS allowance, private sector companies would not have enough money to finance their part of the scheme.

this is what the TUC described as a

"businesslike" and "civilised" meeting. Prospects for future talks are therefore bleak.

Len Murray said that they

will "test the ice" on Mr Tebbit’s White Paper proposals for further union leg-

islation,

It is more likely that they will sit on the bank and agree with Mr

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

321

Tebbit that the ice does look rather thin, much better to skirt gingerly round the edge. The use of strong words like "action" is transparent hypocrisy when Len Murray puts them into sentences like:

"What is the alternative, but to get into the action and get something for our members". This conclusion has been borne out by Len Murray’s statements to the Guardian on unemployment. He said that he foresaw greater leisure emphasis

in the future and the need for agreements on patterns of work and leisure: "I do not think full employment is desirable or even necessary. I don’t see why we should accept full employment axiomatically ... It’s a good thing that people should have more time to engage in creative non-employment." He said that "in order to preserve living standards there will have to be an agreement about who gets what, and how work is divided." This is not the scene in which there is a planned economy, with production for need rather than profit, and where need is being fulfilled by advanced technology, with a good standard of living for all, so that the expansion of creative leisure time becomes the order of the day. No, we are in a situation of capitalist crisis of overproduction, where every effort is made to make the working class bear the brunt of the burden, large scale unemployment being an important part of that. In this context it is a shameless betrayal of the working class for Len Murray to propose talks on the basis he has put forward, and add: "If we can agree that on present trends unemployment is going to reach 5 or 6 million, we ought also to be able to agree on what should be done and how the problem could be tackled." What Len Murray is saying is that imperialism cannot be eliminated, so

let’s share the misery among the working class; that the bourgeoisie will not pay to reduce the misery, so there should be things like work sharing, with those in work accepting a reduced wage. This juggling about does not get rid of unemployment, and unemployment does not cease to be unemployment by giving it another fancy name - "creative non-employment" if you please!

As the Observer put it in a leading article on 28 August 1983, even Mrs Thatcher “must have been surprised at her success last week in making a con-

vert out of the General Secretary of the TUC." It is clear that Len Murray and the TUC leadership are prepared, as they al-

ways have been, to assist the executive of the state -in the present case the Tory

e its struggovernment - in their attempt to subdue the working class, undermin

gle, and make it subservient to the needs of imperialism. That is the dead end

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to which economism has reduced the cretins of the TUC.

This is really a junc-

ture at which the working class has to decide either to follow Len Murray’s

economism and thus become completely defenceless in the conditions of a crisis of the present magnitude, or begin to think along new revolutionary lines and seek its social emancipation.

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323

December 1983

SUPPORT THE N.G.A. SMASH THE BOURGEOIS OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT There is an ancient Chinese saying according to which the tree may prefer the calm but the wind will not subside. The pusillanimous leadership - the Murrays and the Duffys - all wish to avoid at all costs a fight with the government and the class of employers, but the latter will not go away. In the present conditions of depression, the bourgeoisie, and their management committee, to wit, the government, are bent upon pressing their advantage. In doing so, the

bourgeoisie and its governmental spokesmen are forcing the trade-union movement to stand up and fight. After initial hesitation and minor skirmishing, the battle has now been

joined in earnest over the NGA

(National Graphical Association) case. The

NGA was fined £50,000 for its refusal to end secondary picketing of the Stockport Messenger group after the company had won an injunction against the union’s action: the NGA

has been fighting hard for a closed shop agreement

with the company, and for the reinstatement of six sacked NGA members. The NGA was thus faced with a choice between compliance and defiance, capitulation or a fight to the finish. In the end, on Tuesday 22 November, the NGA Executive decided not to pay the fine imposed on it the previous week by

the Manchester High Court.

On Friday 25 November, a High Court judge or-

dered the seizure of the estimated £10 million assets of the NGA and imposed a further £100,000 fine for contempt of court. Making this sequestration order,

Mr Justice Eastham said this of the NGA: ‘The attitude they have maintained is that they are above the law.”

He went on:

“The defendant association objects strongly to recent legis-

lation in relation to industrial relations, namely, the Acts of 1980 and 1982.

But they have remained on the statute book".

His Honour forgot to add that what goes on the statute book can also come off it.

And what brings it off the statute book is the resolute struggle of the

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working class against draconian anti-working class legislation, which is designed not only to politically emasculate the working class but also to render its

economic struggle, inevitable under the conditions of capitalism, impotent. The working class cannot simply wait for a parliamentary majority of philanthropic and liberal-minded bourgeois, who, out of the sheer kindness of their

hearts, out of feelings of pity for working people, repeal such nasty pieces of

legislation. Such kind bourgeois do not exist; they have to be conjured, willed to be precise, into existence through the mighty mass movement of the working class. The NGA, in taking the decision that they have taken, have acted in the best traditions of the working-class movement in this country. As we go to press, news has reached us that the Court of Appeal has confirmed the High Court order for sequestration of union assets.

But already,

within minutes of the High Court ordering the print union’s assets to be seized, staff at the NGA Head office in Bedford began a spectacular evacuation. They carried typewriters, other office cars and drove off to a secret destination. ted to doors of the building in Bromham ingenuity with which working people can,

equipment and documents into their Special security locks were also fitRoad. All of this goes to show the once they have decided to challenge

the might of the powers that be, in a most businesslike fashion and without much fuss, get on with the job of frustrating conspiracies aimed at decimating their organisations and movement. The decision of Judge Eastham, and its confirmation by the Court of Appeal, is bound to lead to a complete shutdown of Fleet Street newspapers from tonight (25 November). The NGA are asking the TUC to supply financial and

industrial support.

And, although the TUC leadership is mortally afraid of a

showdown with the government, it will have little option, if it wants to remain

in the saddle, but to support the print union, for the spectacle of it sitting back

and seeing any union fined out of existence would be fraught with the most fearful consequences.

Working people everywhere must support the NGA’s just struggle, for, to

borrow the language of the Financial Times, of Wednesday 23 November, "a climbdown by the union, or its defeat by the company and the courts, will confirm the emerging trend of bringing in the new law to redress the old balance of power". (Now for the Real Test’). The above-quoted perceptive remark of an extremely intelligent organ of the bourgeoisie reveals very clearly the issues at stake. It is not merely a question of defending the NGA. Nay, it is a question of defending the interests of the entire working class. (

The working class, not

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

325

the NGA, is under attack. The NGA dispute is merely the occasion, the pretext, of this attack.

The entire working class must therefore rally round the

NGA and make the NGA dispute its own.

ment,

Then no law, no courts, no govern-

no power on earth will be able to prevent the NGA

from being

victorious. The bourgeoisie, faced with such determination on the part of labouring people, will then have little difficulty in finding some generous

‘anonymous businessman’ or "official solicitor’ who, by paying the fines imposed on the predicament.

union,

will '

help extricate

it (the bourgeoisie)

from

is its

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

LALKAR

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

February 1984

NGA DISPUTE DROWNS IN LEGAL CRETINISM As we go to press, the NGA, in their dispute with Mr Eddie Shah, have “purged their contempt", agreed to pay the fines imposed on them and to act within the law in the future. Thus, to all intents and purposes, their dispute is as good as lost. Their dispute had become a lost cause already by mid-December when the TUC General Council decided not to back the NGA’s ’unlawful’ action. The time has come for us to review this and other such disputes, and draw the necessary lessons from the undoubted setbacks they represent for the working class. The closing months of 1983 witnessed a spate of important industrial ac-

tions by the workers. In almost each one of these cases, the response of the employers, as though by a silent and secret understanding between them, was to resort to court injunctions to frustrate these industrial actions.

bination of treachery by the TUC

A lethal com-

General Council, especially its General

Secretary, Len Murray; the narrow craft mentality, with its utter lack of political consciousness and disdain for the interests of the wider working-class movement, of some unions; the bureaucratic desire of the trade-union leader-

ship to save their own skins, and, above all, a cretin’s faith in, and respect for, bourgeois law and a desire to conduct struggle only within the narrow bounds of what is permissible under this law - all this was bound to, and in fact did, result in the workers being defeated in each case. In the cases of Shell against the TGWU, Robert Maxwell against Sogat 82,

David Dimbleby against the NUJ, Sandher & Kang against the TGWU and

Mercury against the POEU, recourse by the employers to courts and the grant-

ing of injunctions by the courts under the Employment Acts of 1980 and 1982, led to severe setbacks for the workers concerned.

However, the most significant case of all, which had assumed the importance of a trial of strength between not just a single employer and a single

union but between the entire class of employers backed by its government, an

armoury of anti-working class laws, the courts, the Police and, in the last resort,

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

327

the armed forces, on the one hand; and the entire working class on the other hand, was that between Mr Eddie Shah, the owner of the Stockport Messenger Group, and the NGA. The Financial Times was characteristically perceptive and frank when on Wednesday 23 November it wrote concerning the issues at stake in the following terms:

"4 climbdown by the union, or its defeat, will confirm the emergent trend of bringing in the new law to redress the old balance of power." (‘Now for the Real Test’). But there was no equivalent understanding of the class issues involved on

the part of British trade unionism. Writing in the December issue of Print, the official journal of the NGA, Mr Tony Dubbins, the General-Secretary elect,

could not help asserting, even in the middle of one of the grimmest disputes

that his print union has ever been involved in, the narrow sectional and craft response of the NGA to the introduction of new technology. He writes: "The term ‘crafisman’ commands a certain status in the industry, and in

the eyes of the NGA members sets them aside and apart from other non-craft people."

No wonder then that people who assume an air of such aristocratic superiority are unfit to mobilise working people in defence of their rights, for the

main concern of these labour aristocrats is to ensure the exclusive interests of their union rather than the defence of workers’ rights. No wonder then that the above-mentioned article of Mr Dubbins finds pride of place in the employers’ 1984 Newspaper Publishers’ Handbook.

Appropriately entitled Co-operation

... the Key to a Formula for our Future, it sets out the NGA’s continuing collaboration with the management in the question of introduction of new technology in the printing industry at the expense of jobs. The leadership of

the NGA have long begged that it be consulted in bringing in the ‘single key’ computerisation that does away with most of the NGA’s traditional typesetting

functions. From this article it would appear that the thing that upsets the NGA

leadership most is not that the workers are under attack but that the employers

are trying to push through the introduction of new technology without even the pretence of consultations with the union leadership. Goes on Mr Dubbins: The atmosphere currently being generated by statements in the national

press of ‘we intend to have single keying even if it means doing away with the NGA’ is most unhelpful in assisting the national leadership of the trades union

to play a positive role, and is creating a ‘siege mentality’ in some quarters oif

our membership".

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

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Siege mentality’ is precisely what the working class needs to fight to the bitter end against the class that exploits and oppresses it. It is this siege mentality’ that brings out what is most noble, self-sacrificing and heroic, in the

working class, that the exploiting classes fear like the plague, and shudder even to contemplate. Curiously enough, the trade union leadership are also frightened to death of the growth of precisely such a ’siege mentality’, just in case it should become so powerful as to force the leadership to come out of their cosy class-collaborationist niches and, for a change, lead the working class struggles rather than playing their ’positive role’ in the service of British monopoly capitalism.

Mr Eddie Shah on the other hand, and from his class viewpoint, throughout displayed an admirable clarity of thought and purpose. He all along refused to reinstate the six sacked NGA workers and consistently refused to ac-

cept post-entry closed shop. With this purpose in mind, and knowing full well that in this battle he could not win alone, he enlisted not only the help of the Employment Acts 1980 and 1982, but also of the police, the government, the

Institute of Directors - in a word, the class of employers.

While Mr Shah and

the bourgeois class as a whole were busy putting the boot in, the NGA top leadership, instead of organising to face the employers’ onslaught, were busily

making pathetic pleas for fair play from the other side: "Every time we get to the winning post he

[Mr Shah] moves it" exclaimed

a confused, perplexed, exasperated and irate Mr Dubbins at the height of the dispute. Mr Shah and the rest of the employing class should be our teachers: this is how the working class should press its advantage and let the bourgeoisie complain about the workers moving the winning post each time they, the bourgeoisie, reach it.

Mr Joe Wade, the retiring General Secretary of the NGA, did no better. He too expressed his anger and outrage at Mr Shah’s bloody-mindedness: "Every time the NGA declared peace,

Mr Shah declared war * oe mn

NGA’s efforts to find a peaceful solution have been thwarted by =

NGA in

is evidently determined not only to win the dispute, but to destroy the process."

Have you, Mr Wade, the right even to talk of a peaceful

sion in the

cacti

the

face of fierce attack by the enemy? Having joined battle, PAS © oe ting the tight to make his chief concern the saving of his army rather Sait enemy?

not only

Each time one goes to war one risks the possibility a s douse’

the war but even one’s army. And one will never win unless °

;

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

329

and

OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

to fight with utmost ferocity and determination to win, unless one organises to win.

Mr Wade’s above remark, however, reveals the sad fact that throughout

its dispute with Mr Shah, the NGA’s chief concern was to save the union, to concentrate on finding a peaceful solution rather than going all out for victory. When the union leadership was working with such zeal, worthy of a better

cause, for its own defeat, no one, in particular the NGA, should be surprised when that foregone defeat actually takes place. But the NGA was forced into a corner, thanks to the stubbornness of Mr

Shah, and had to defend its patch. Eddie Shah set up the print shop for his weekly free newspaper in Warrington early in 1983 with the sole purpose of doing away with the customary closed shop agreements in the printing indus-

try. When the NGA members went on strike to enforce a closed shop, Shah sacked eight union members. When the NGA pickets surrounded the Warrington plant, Shah got an injunction. The NGA pickets defied the injunction and the union the Stockport not to pay the seizure of the

was fined Messenger fine. On estimated

£50,000 for its refusal to end secondary picketing of Group. The NGA decided on Tuesday 22 November Friday 25 November, a High Court Judge ordered the £10 million assets of the NGA and imposed further

fines, bringing the total to £675,000. In these circumstances, the NGA could only continue its fight if it was assured of support from the rest of the trade-union movement in precisely the

same fashion as Mr Shah had the solid support of the employers and the government.

The NGA appealed for this help, which the General Council of the TUC was under an obligation to render, as indeed it was

obliged to support all the

decisions of the April 1982 Wembley conference. The TUC employment policy and organisation committee voted in favour of supporting the NGA but Len Murray, outraged at this decision, immediately came out in defiance of it, without even waiting for the full meeting of the General Council. Of course, he received the well-deserved praise of a grateful bourgeoisie.

The following day Murray was vindicated as the specially-convened meeting

of the

General

Council

overturned

the

decision

of the employment

committee, which had given its backing to the NGA’s 24-hour national print strike due to take place two weeks before Christmas. So the TUC put the knife in only hours before the strike was due to take place. The TUC General Council too won much praise for its statesmanship and judicious handling of the affair, for its part in this act of treachery against the working class of this coun-

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

330

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

try. Although Murray has been much derided and portrayed as a “pantomime

villain", as one publication aptly put it, in some of the left press, tions have,

in addition to their betrayal

in fact his ac-

class,

of the working

brought a

welcome relief to a lot of trade-union bureaucrats who had found themselves leading the dispute much to their surprise and against their real wishes simply because of the bloody-mindedness of Eddie Shah rather than because of any commitment to the interests of union members. The atmosphere of class compromise in which such bureaucrats have been nurtured scarcely equipped them

to cope with an employer’s sudden open rejection of compromise. They were forced into a fight but scarcely knew where to begin to organise their forces. But no one should be surprised at the above treachery of the Genenl Council. Nor was it sudden: the ground for it has been prepared over a period of two decades.

When the Labour Party came to power in 1964 on a wave of working-class support, it set itself the task of refurbishing British imperialism at the cost of the oppressed nations abroad and the working class at home. The TUC Gen-

eral staff fully collaborated with the Labour government.

This collaboration

tured into a partnership between the political wing (Labour Party) and the industrial wing (TUC) on a whole host of anti-working class measures culminating in the notorious social contract. This so infuriated the workers that the Tories, under Mrs

Thatcher, won

the 1979 general election, on the slogan, among others, of free collective bargaining. Such was the demoralisation in the working-class movement thanks to the activities of the TUC and the Labour Party that the Tory anti-working

class Employment legislation of 1980 and 1982 went on the statute book withOut serious opposition from the working class comparable to that put up against the Heath government’s Industrial Relations Act of 1971. Between 1979 and

1983 the policy of the TUC, of the major unions and of the Labour Party has been one of respect for the law and of doing nothing that could hurt Labour’s electoral prospects.

In the circumstances such prominent trade unionists as Derek Robinson were handed over to industrial tribunals as sacrificial lambs at the altar of the twin goddesses of the TUC, to wit, the goddess of Law & Order and the goddess of Labour's electoral prospects. All of this did not enhance Labour’s electoral chances, for Labour suffered the worst electoral defeat. What this pol-

icy did serve to achieve was to demoralise and increasingly render impotent the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

331

1 working-class movement. At the height of the NGA dispute the General Council and the Labour

Party have been concemed to emphasise their respect for the law and demnation of violence on the picket line. In these times of apostasy betrayal by the ’general staff’ of the labour movement, of confusion demoralisation in the ranks of the working class, the following words Ting truer than ever before:

their conand base and utter of Engels

of the “The German workers have two important advantages over those rest of Europe. First, they belong to the most theoretical people of Europe; and they have retained that sense of theory which the so-called ‘educated’

classes of Germany have almost completely lost. Without German philosophy,

which preceded it, particularly that of Hegel, German scientific socialism - the only scientific socialism that has ever existed - would never have come into being. Without a sense of theory among the workers, this scientific socialism

would never have entered their flesh and blood as much as is the case. What an immeasurable advantage this is may be seen ... from the indifference towards all theory which is one of the main reasons why the English

working-class movement crawls along so slowly in spite of the splendid organisation of the individual unions ..." (The Preface to the Peasant War in Germany). Those who are interested in the victory of the working class must bring this sense of theory and knowledge of scientific socialism to the British work-

ing class movement, without which it will continue to crawl along as hitherto. If the present defeats are made the occasion for forging the weapon of scientific socialism and bringing it to the working-class movement, if they are made the occasion for the fight against the rotten trade-union bureaucracy and its legal cretinism, they may yet prove to be blessings in disguise. The working class can never fight for the defence and enhancement of its rights, let alone its so-

cial emancipation, within the bounds of bourgeois legality. Especially now in the midst of this protracted economic crisis, which has been seized by the employing class as the occasion for rolling back the frontiers of the rights of the working class and for launching vicious attacks on it, the methods of a bygone

1

As to the real reasons for Labour’s defeat, namely, the desertion by the privileged sections of the working class to the side of the Conservatives, see Section I of this book (note to present edition).

332

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

era, of the prosperous Sixties and early Seventies, will not do. As this crisis develops and deepens still further, the working-class movement must either leam to discard the outmoded and blunt instruments of economism, narrow trade unionism and craft mentality and seize with vigour and determination the sharp and ever-new weapon of scientific socialism, or go down and accept, for the foreseeable future, life on its knees and the unchallenged rule of King Capital and its lackeys in the government.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

333

LALKAR December 1985/January 1986

Liverpool showdown the collapse of Trotskyite dreams of Socialism in one City’ On Friday November 23, the Liverpool Council that had been fighting the government’s restrictions on local authority spending finally gave up the fight. In defiance of the government it had increased rates by only 9% while considerably increasing its expenditure on council housing, knowing that if the government did not bail it out, the City would collapse financially. Great sacrifices were made, particularly by individual Councillors, who will almost certainly soon be bankrupted for their defiance, but almost as soon as the fight Started for real these sacrifices proved to have been made in vain, as important sections of the struggle’s supporters, spurred on by Neil Kinnock, chickened out. Contrary to everything the Council was fighting for - namely sufficient income to run the Council at a proper level - and contrary also to financial common sense, the Council was forced to "capitalise" a major part of its reve-

nue expenditure - in other words, to borrow money from Swiss banks at high rates of interest and subject to loan conditions restrictive of the Council’s freedom. The borrowing means that in future years the Council’s expenditure on services will be reduced by its need to service the loan, and others that it has contracted (either voluntarily or under pressure) in previous years. This cannot but mean a reduction in services and/or an even greater rate increase. It can be

seen therefore, that the people of Liverpool are very much the losers in this defeat of Liverpool Council, which had been fighting virtually single-handedly to

maintain the social wage of Liverpool’s working class against government onslaught.

The struggle of Liverpool Council has been momentous, and even in defeat it is important to study it, to learn the lessons of the defeat for the working

Class. In presenting here for the first time in Lalkar the facts conceming this struggle we must start with an apology to our readers that we have not tumed

our attention to this subject sooner. The struggle has been going on now for over two years. It was overshadowed for much of that time by the heroic min-

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

ers’ struggle, but was nevertheless deserving of our attention. We hasten now to put right our past neglect.

Liverpool people support Militant

In essence the struggle was resistance by a local authority to government cuts in public spending insofar as they are aimed at lowering the living standards of the working class. Most local authorities, whether Conservative or Labour

controlled,

have

carried out the government’s

orders

and

reduced

spending drastically on education, social services, council house repairs, and council house building has virtually come to a standstill. In Liverpool, however, the cuts demanded would cut even deeper than elsewhere. The amenities

of Liverpool were already poorer than the average when the government Stepped up its pressure on public spending. The people were already resentful, That resentment had already given rise to the Toxteth riots. That resentment also made people sympathetic to the Labour Party left-wingers, the Militant Tendency. However much the bourgeois press tries to prove’ that the Militant tendency was unrepresentative’ of the people of Liverpool, that it manipulated

its way into power by use of microscopic union branches that were over represented in the District Labour Party, and all the rest of it, it has to be admitted that no number of bureaucratic manoeuvres could have given Militant the as-

cendancy it had in Liverpool if the people of Liverpool had not been receptive to their call for a no-holds-barred struggle against the government to maintain public services.

Background to the struggle

Liverpool was built on the slave trade. At the end of the 18th century, Liv€rpool supplied three quarters of British slaving ships. When the slave trade stopped, Liverpool remained a major port for import and export to the Empire.

It thrived and basked in the glory of the British Empire. So successful was the port, and so demanding of labour, that Liverpool developed virtually no other industry; its people were not trained for other types of work, never acquired the skills necessary in manufacturing, for instance, had no factory tradition. No

city in Britain, therefore, suffered more dramatically from the decline of British imperialism since the end of the first world war than Liverpool. This decline

contributed heavily to its port slowly but surely running down, and as it has run

down it has brought down the whole of Liverpool. In the early 1930s saci

it ployment in Liverpool was 1.5 times the national average. In the late 1940s the was 2.5 times the national average. Today unemployment is 27%, double

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

335

national average. Between 1971 and 1985, total employment fell by 33%, causing the present unemployment figure to be one of the worst in the country. Furthermore,

those who are unemployed stay out of work longer. The figure of those still out of work after a year is 53% (compared with 39% nationally). After a year unemployment benefit ceases and living standards plunge when the family goes on social security. This is the situation of over 14% of Liverpool’s work force.

When we look at the situation in Liverpool it is as though we look into a crystal ball predicting the future for the rest of Britain. Liverpool may lead the

economic decline, but all the signs are that the rest of Britain is not far behind. This is really the reason why it is important to examine the events in Liverpool Council over the last two years with interest. Liverpool Council prior to 1982

Rapid economic decline in Liverpool did not in the 1970s lead the Council to try to make good the social disadvantage suffered by its people by means of

high public spending. The Council did come to be a relatively major source of what little employment there was, but this was because of the decline of private sector employment, not because of any increase in Council employment. Today

14% of the employed are in fact employed by Liverpool Council. It is no wonder that the people of Liverpool all opposed Council spending cuts that would attack such jobs as remained in Liverpool. Most working class cities in times of economic decline return Labour

councils, the Labour party being traditionally more committed than the other bourgeois parties to Keynesianism. But the Labour Party, for a variety of reasons, did not have a strong hold in Liverpool. One reason was the lack of an industrial working class, in particular the skilled workers. The ideology of workers making good within capitalism, the ideology of the labour aristocracy,

created the Labour Party in its own image, The Labour Party did have the support, however, of most of the City’s Catholics, which did enable it to capture

the Council in the 1950s for the first time. At that time the Labour Council distinguished itself mainly by building tower-blocks, council estates destined to

become slums within ten years. As the Labour Party did not have the traditional working class support in Liverpool that kept it in power in many similarly deprived urban areas, its blunders, such as its cheap and nasty council estates, were less readily forgiven. Though Labour was in and out of power in

the 1960s, alternating with the Conservatives, in the 1970s, the years when the

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

~ THE ENEMY WITHIN

capitalist crisis began to bite, it was the Liberals who called the tune finan cially. In fact the Council found itself throughout the 1970s without any party

having an overall majority on the Council . However, as the Liberals were the tangest party and the Conservatives usually supported them, the Liberals set the

Council's budgets for those years. The policies that won favour with the Con-

sorvatives were those favourable to the wealthier citizens most likely to support the Consorvatives and the Liberals at the polls, at the expense of those who most needed support. This was illustrated by the Liberal policy of giving improvement grants to the owners of cheap houses while putting up Council rents and catting back repair and renewal of Council housing. Full Conservative support was given to this measure. As a consequence the jerry-built Council houses fell imto a really appalling state of repair - a problem inherited by the Labour administration that was retumed in 1983. Such repairs as were done in the 1970s were paid for largely from borrowing rather than from revenne, as the Liberal party tried to maintain its popularity by keeping down the rates. So great was Liberal commitment to low rates that even when a Labour sovermment increased the rate support grant (given to local authorities by central government) in Liverpool by £21 million for the purpose of supporting ccomomucally deprived areas, the Liberals used part of the extra grant to CUT rates by Ip in the £. Again Liberals had full support from the Conservatives for these measures . The rise of Militant influence

Years of this kind of administration left Liverpool, and particularly its

working class, in a bad way, so much so that to put matters right needed a great deal more money than would have been spent had expenditure been incurred as and when the need arose. Following the 1979 Council elections, the Labour it set itself Party was the majority party in yet another hung Council. However

the task of restoring jobs and services, and to do this proposed for 1980 a 50%

rate rise. The alternatives to this were (a) to let the rot continue, or (0) to raise

most favoured in the previous decade). There was Council rents (the measure

prolonged wrangling over Labour’s budget, to such an extent that Labour was

Only able to force it through because the Conservatives and Liberals could not

a agree with each other on any alternative proposal: the Conservatives wanted

realistic budget showing money raised from rent increases. The Liberals preferred an unrealistic budget only introducing rent increases at the last Moment.

By the time the 50% rate rise was forced through there were only 6 weeks left

to the next Council elections (in Liverpool one third of the Council is re-elected

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

336

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

capitalist crisis began to bite, it was the Liberals who called the tune finan-

cially. In fact the Council found itself throughout the 1970s without any party having an overall majority on the Council . However, as the Liberals were the

largest party and the Conservatives usually supported them, the Liberals set the Council’s budgets for those years. The policies that won favour with the Con-

servatives were those favourable to the wealthier citizens most likely to support the Conservatives and the Liberals at the polls, at the expense of those who

most needed support. This was illustrated by the Liberal policy of giving improvement grants to the owners of cheap houses while putting up Council rents and cutting back repair and renewal of Council housing. Full Conservative support was given to this measure. As a consequence the jerry-built Council by the a really appalling state of repair - a problem inherited fell intoes hous Labour administration that was returned in 1983. Such repairs as were done in the 1970s were paid for largely from borrowing rather than from revenue, as the Liberal party tried to maintain its popularity by keeping down the rates.

So great was Liberal commitment to low rates that even when a Labour govemment increased the rate support grant (given to local authorities by cen-

tral government) in Liverpool by £21 million for the purpose of supporting economically deprived areas, the Liberals used part of the extra grant to CUT

rates by Ip in the £. Again Liberals had full support from the Conservatives for these measures . The rise of Militant influence

Years of this kind of administration left Liverpool, and particularly its working class, in a bad way, so much so that to put matters right needed a great

deal more money than would have been spent had expenditure been incurred as and when the need arose. Following the 1979 Council elections, the Labour Party was the majority party in yet another hung Council. However it set itself the task of restoring jobs and services, and to do this proposed for 1980 a 50% rate rise. The alternatives to this were (a) to let the rot continue, or (b) to raise Council rents (the measure most favoured in the previous decade). There was prolonged wrangling over Labour’s budget, to such an extent that Labour was only able to force it through because the Conservatives and Liberals could not

agree with each other on any alternative proposal: the Conservatives wanted a realistic budget showing money raised from rent increases. The Liberals preferred an unrealistic budget only introducing rent increases at the last moment.

By the time the 50% rate rise was forced through there were only 6 wecks left

to the next Council elections (in Liverpool one third of the Council is re-elected

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

every two years). The rate rise caused an uproar for nobody had had the benefit of that rate rise all the time that Labour had been the majority party. As a result Labour was trounced in the 1981 election, losing 6 seats. It was at this point that Militant came into its own. Militant had for some time been putting forward the demand that the cost of restoring the City should

be met by central government. They had actually opposed the 50% rate rise, moving an amendment to the Labour budget (much to the joy of Labour’s opponents) to the effect that rates should be increased by only 13%, to cover the cost of inflation and new services, that there should be no cuts in jobs or serv-

ices, but that the Council should unite with the Labour and trade-union movement ‘to fight for the money needed from the government". Following

Labour’s election defeat, Militant policy was adopted by the district Labour Party (on which the Militant Tendency was strongly represented). The policy was widely supported outside the Tendency, however. It was supported by Tony Byme, a non-Militant with considerable influence over other councillors

and in the district party. It was supported by council officers Alfred Stocks (Chief Executive) and Michael Reddington (the Treasurer), and it had broad

public support.

The latter was proved by the Labour Party’s victory in the 1983 Council election which gave it an overall majority - the first time any party had held an overall majority on Liverpool Council for 10 years. The, Party had been elected

with a mandate to defend jobs and services, and this it set out to do. Budget Problems

In drawing up its budget, Labour faced a number of problems: First, substantial rate or rent increases were out.

Second, government policy since 1980 had drastically cut the rate support grants of all local authorities. Third, the cutting of the rate support grant and the system of imposing

penalties on Councils which overspent by cutting the rate support grant still

further was arbitrary and happened to affect Liverpool particularly badly. From

1980 the Conservative government set out to reduce public spending by setting

‘targets’ for the Councils, requiring Councils to reduce their spending by a given percentage below the level of an arbitrarily selected year or forfeit part of

its (reduced) rate support grant. The penalties for overspending increased in rate depending on how much was overspent. A Council overspending 1% above its target would have to raise its rates 2p in the £ to make good the defi-

338

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

of ciency. If it ’overspent’ by 6% the rate rise would have to be of the order 4ip in the £. The year chosen as base year for determining Council spending was 1978/79, a year when Liverpool, controlled by the Liberals, had under-

spent in an irresponsible manner. After various local authorities resisted the

choice of 1978/79 as base year, 1981/2 was chosen instead, another year in

which Liverpool had suffered a Liberal budget. The result of all this was that compared to 1980/81 expenditure (the year of Liverpool’s 50% rate rise), Liverpool’s target was 11% lower, as compared to an average of 6% lower for all authorities. .

The Council calculated that to balance the books without government aid there were three possibilities: (a) drastically cutting back local authority services (b) loss of 5,000 Coun-

cil jobs; or (c) a rate rise of 170%. The illegal budget Its mandate from the electorate and the influence of the Militant Tendency and the local authority unions in the district Labour Party precluded the adoption of any of these possibilities, so instead an illegal, deficit budget was proposed. Rates would increase by 9%. The Council would run up a

deficit of

£160.9 million, and would ultimately run out of cash, bankrupting the city. That is, if government money was not provided. As soon as the Council announced its illegal budget, it came under pressure from the Labour Party leadership to "obey the law", the perennial excuse for betrayal. Neil Kinnock made speeches commending the ’official Party policy’ of councillors staying in office and trying to minimise the effects of cuts (i.¢., trying to make cuts more acceptable). He refused to visit the city, and the rapidly rising ’soft’ left-winger, David Blunkett, of whom we shall hear more anon, moaned that the time was not ripe for law breaking’. This pressure,

along with arrogant government statements to the effect that it would never give in, very soon frightened off six Labour councillors who announced that they would not support the deficit budget. When denounced by Militant councillor Derek Hatton, one of the “rebels’ said: “Labour have taken on the Government and they have lost. I am not going to be intimidated by people I see as extremists’’. He was obviously only prepared to be intimidated by the big battalions.

Anyway, since the Labour Party had a majority of only 3 on the Council, the defection of the ‘sensible 6’ set every reactionary crowing with delight. The

SOCIAL and SOCIA L DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY and

OTHER ECONO ECONOMIC OTHER MIC STRUGGLES STRUGGLES

339 339

illegal budget prepared by the Labour group duly presented presented and illegal budget prepared by the Labour group was was duly and duly duly dede feated. feated. Stalemate Stalemate

But then what? what? The ’sensible 6' 6’ dared not go to support the alterBut then The 'sensible dared not go so so far far as as to support the alter native budget put forward forward by the Liberal (which the Council Treasurer Treasurer native budget put by the Liberal group group (which the Council had as ‘doubtfully 'doubtfully realistic’), realistic'), and group as as aa whole whole had had described described as and the the Labour Labour group had

no putting through through any other budget. budget. Without budget at all, no no intention intention of of putting any other Without aa budget at all, no rate could could be set, no no money money could be raised from any and the the City City rate be set, could be raised from any source, source, and

would be would be bankrupted bankrupted all all the the sooner. sooner. People of Liverpool Liverpool support budget People of support the the illegal illegal budget No agreed by Labour group, group, defying defying No budget budget had had been been agreed by May May 1984 1984 when when the the Labour

Labour's another Labour’s national national leadership leadership as as well well as as the the government, government, fought fought yet yet another

Council election. It demanded a clear mandate from the electorate to resort to

Council election. It demanded a clear mandate from the electorate to resort to

illegality and the govern illegality and bankruptcy bankruptcy if if necessary necessary to to wring wring concessions concessions from from the government. increased its its majority seats, enough ment. The The Labour Labour Party Party increased majority by by no no less less than than 77 seats, enough to to override override the the combined combined efforts efforts of of Conservatives, Conservatives, Liberals Liberals and and 'sensible' ’sensible’ La Labourites. bourites.

At last, At last, the the massive massive popularity popularity of of the the Labour Labour group's group’s resistance resistance galvanised galvanised the of the the Conservative Conservative government government into into action. action. If If an an election election is is aa barometer barometer of the political read. If political consciousness consciousness of of the the masses, masses, itit is is one one the the reactionaries reactionaries too too can can read. If

ordinary people people are prepared to ordinary are prepared polls, itit is to back back 'extremists' extremists’ at at the the polls, is aa warning waming

sign and steps sign to to the the reactionaries reactionaries that that the the level level of of class class consciousness consciousness is is rising, rising, and steps have to to be be taken taken quickly quickly to to defuse defuse the the situation. situation. It It must have also must be be remembered remembered also that at at this this time time the the government government was was deeply deeply engaged engaged in in its its struggle struggle to that to defeat defeat the the

miners and and did did not not want want confrontation miners confrontation on on two two fronts. fronts. Therefore Therefore Patrick Patrick Jenkin Jenkin was sent sent to to Liverpool Liverpool (he (he was was then then Conservative Conservative Minister Minister for for Merseyside) Merseyside) os was ostensibly to to "look “took at at housing housing problems problems as background to to future future housing housing tensibly as aa background capital allocations", allocations", the the visit visit having having "no "no connection connection with with the the Council's capital Council’s budget budget making and and rate-fixing rate-fixing process". process". The The councillors councillors were were made made to to feel making feel that that they they had won a great victory when when he he agreed agreed to to meet meet them! them! The The visit visit was was fixed fixed for for had won a great victory

the 7th 7th of of June, June, and and in in the the meantime meantime the the government, government, in in consultation consultation with with local local the

councillors, MPs, MPs, etc., etc., set set up up aa 'joint "joint team' team’ of of senior senior civil councillors, civil servants servants and and local local authority officials to look into Liverpool’s finances, with view to authority officials to look into Liverpool's finances, with aa view to finding finding pro proposals to to put put before before the posals the Minister Minister when when he he visited visited on on the the 7th 7th of of June.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY -- THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL

340 340

Government concessions concessions Government

plupaq togbed Tags

The joint joint report report concluded, concluded, by by way way of of appeasement, appeasement, that that Liverpool Liverpool did did inin The deed have have grave grave problems. problems. "Whitehall "Whitehall Whizz Whizz Kids Kids Stumped", Stumped", announced announced the the deed Liverpool Echo when the the news news was was leaked. leaked. And And when when Patrick Patrick Jenkin Jenkin did did inin Echo when Liverpool spect Liverpool’s Liverpool's housing housing on on 77 June, June, he he emerged emerged exclaiming exclaiming "J "I have have seen seen some some spect families living living in in conditions conditions the the like like of of which which II have have never never seen seen before. before. They They families

are very grim". He He thus thus opened opened the the way way for for the the government government to to make make concesconces very grim”. are sions to to Liverpool Liverpool as far as as was was necessary necessary to buy off off the the confrontation confrontation until until to buy as far sions after the miners' strike strike was was over. over. The The price price demanded demanded did did not not prove prove excesexces the miners’ after sively great. great. sively The government government made made the concessions: following concessions: the following The

to

519069

1. The The government government would allocate £3.1 £3.1 million million of urban programme programme of urban would allocate money to projects which which would would otherwise otherwise have have for projects support for continue support to continue used to be used to be money to be paid Taking overspending overspending penalties penalties into into account, this account, this rates. Taking the rates. from the for from paid for to be would by £7.5 £7.5 million. million. deficit by the deficit reduce the would reduce

2. The The government 2. government was add £2.5 £2.5 million Liverpool's urban urban was prepared prepared toto add million toto Liverpool’s programme £7 million. million. saving £7 allowance, saving programme allowance,

3. with repayment incurred for the for the loans incurred of loans repayment of help with promised help government promised The government 3. The

construction which were going to to need demolition at some at some need demolition were going towers which rise towers high rise of high construction of future available to to all all authorities. authorities. be available to be help to such help date, such future date,

towards certain million towards £1 million pay £1 would pay finally, would government, finally, 4. The 4. The government, certain environenviron

mental work.

mental work.

Total £12 by £12 penalties by grant penalties reduced grant and reduced million, and £8.6 million, to £8.6 amounted to aid amounted Total aid million, budget. But had Liverpool had But Liverpool Council’s budget. the Council's on the million on £20 million saving £20 thus saving million, thus claimed million! £160 million! of £160 short of was short it was Claimed it

it which itit did package -- which government’s package the government's accepting the in accepting that in follows that It follows It did - - it concessions . greatest concessions. was the greatest far the by far made by which made Council which the Council was the The concessions Council’s concessions The Council's

This budget: its budget: ’balanced’ its Council 'balanced' the Council how the is how This is

.

mil£34.7 mil to aa £34.7 rise to given rise had given which had budget which 1983/84 budget the 1983/84 (a) ‘re-opened’ the (a) itit 're-opened'

lion million. £4.7 million. to £4.7 deficit to that deficit reduced’ that and 'reduced' deficit and lion deficit

manner. similar manner. in aa similar (b) budget in 1984/5 budget the 1984/5 with the tinkered with (b) itit tinkered

17%. rate rise ng increasithe The by increasing the rate rise toto 17%. made upupby was made balance was The balance

SOCIAL DEMOCR DEMOCRACY and SOCIAL ACY and OTHER ECONOM ECONOMIC STRUGGLES OTHER LES IC STRUGG

341 341

It isis important It important to to appreciate appreciate the the nature nature of of these these ‘adjustment 'adjustments'. Debt rere s’. Debt schedulin g means scheduling meanshigher higherinterest interest charges charges toto pay payininfuture futureyears, years, asas does doesthe the ‘capitalisa of housing 'capitalisation' housing repairs repairs (i.e., (i.e., borrowing borrowing money money toto pay pay for for them). them). Use Use tion’ of of Council's £11 £11 million million reserves reserves meant loss of of income income on on those those reserves reserves meant aa loss the Council’s of the which could only only be be made made good good by by aa 45% 45% rate rate increase. increase. which could The decoration decoration allowance allowance was was snatched snatched away away from from Council Council tenants tenants living living The in substandard substandard housing. housing. The The reduction the figures figures for for salaries salaries and and inflation inflation in reduction in in the were pure 'creative accounting', i.e., fiction. The The original original salary salary figures figures and and the the were pure ‘creative accounting’, i.e., fiction. original allowance inflation were what the the Council Council would have to to pay, original allowance for for inflation were what would have pay, how however budget might say otherwise. otherwise. Real Real costs costs were were underestimated underestimated by by ever much much its its budget might say about and the the effect of inflation inflation was was understated about £14 £14 milmil about £8 £8 million million and effect of understated by by about lion. deficit would to be forward to to the the 1985/6 1985/6 budget. budget. lion. This This deficit would have have to be carried carried forward The concessions concessions made made by the government, government, then, then, were were almost almost irrelevant irrelevant in in The by the the of Liverpool's Labour group group hailed hailed them them as as aa the context context of Liverpool’s problems. problems. Yet Yet the the Labour

great was to to put put off crisis to to the following great victory. victory. But But all all they they had had done done was off the the crisis the following year, would be be over over year, by by which which time, time, the the government government hoped, hoped, the the miners' miners’ struggle struggle would and could turn attention to to putting and the the government government could turn its its full full attention putting Liverpool Liverpool Council Council firmly place. firmly in in its its place.

Manoeuvres on the Manoeuvres on the housing housing budget budget Tony Tony Byrne Byrne claimed claimed afterwards afterwards that that he he only only agreed agreed to to compromise compromise with with

the following year year the government government because because the the government government had had promised promised that that the the following Liverpool its 1984/5 Liverpool would would be be allowed allowed £130 £130 million million for for housing, housing, nearly nearly treble treble its 1984/5

allocation gain and allocation of of £46 £46 million. million. This This would would indeed indeed have have been been aa significant significant gain and would would have have explained explained acceptance acceptance of of the the compromise. compromise. However, However, when when the the gov government cut €rmment announced announced the the funds funds for for local local authorities authorities for for 1985/6, 1985/6, it it actually actually cut Liverpool's Liverpool’s housing housing funds funds by by almost almost 20% 20% to to £37 £37 million, million, despite despite all all the the croco crocodile dile tears tears it it had had indulged indulged in in about about the the state state of of Liverpool's Liverpool’s housing. housing. It It openly openly

admitted that that the the reason reason it it was was being being harsh harsh with with Liverpool Liverpool was was that that Liverpool Liverpool admitted was was not not prepared prepared to to spend spend aa higher higher proportion proportion of of its its housing housing budget budget in in assisting assisting private private housing. housing.

The government government denied denied any any promise promise to to give give Liverpool Liverpool £130 £130 million million for for The housing, housing, or or indeed indeed anything anything at at all. all. The The official official minutes minutes of of the the discussions discussions be be-

tween Patrick Patrick Jenkin Jenkin and and the tween the councillors councillors did did not, not, of of course, course, reveal reveal any any promise promise to allocate allocate £130 £130 million million to to housing, housing, but but Byrne Byrne was was adamant adamant that that this this promise promise to had had been been made, made, and and broken. broken. In the the meantime meantime the the Council Council had had acted acted as as though though the the £130 In £130 million million were were in in

342 342

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

WITHIN ENEMY WITHIN THE ENEMY - THE

-

millionsfurther £8 the £88 million £8 millions and aa further million and worth £88 signed worth been signed had been Contracts had bag. Contracts the bag. much However, much worth signed after announced. d. However, were announce targets were reduced targets the reduced after the were signed worth were City’s the City's to was raised selling the by selling raised by pay was to pay money to the money disgust, the government’s disgust, the government's to the to belatedly to rushed belatedly mortgages government rushed the government that the loophole that bank, aa loophole French bank, to aa French mortgages to close, Liverpool. stop Liverpool. to stop late to too late but too close, but The budget The revenue revenue budget So once was over revenue So once again again the the real real fight fight over over the the 1985/6 1985/6 expenditure expenditure was over revenue expenditure. But the miners' con expenditure. But now now the miners’ strike strike was was over over and and the the government's government’s concern for problems vanished The target the cem for Liverpool's Liverpool’s problems vanished overnight. ovemight. The target set set by by the

government was £222 million, but true cost of maintaining government for for Liverpool Liverpool was £222 million, but the the true cost of maintaining the in 1985/6 £283 million. million. To the books the city's city’s services services in 1985/6 was was £283 To balance balance the books this this time, time,

Liverpool need aa 220% Liverpool would would need 220% rate rate increase. increase. Nevertheless, was under Party Nevertheless, Liverpool Liverpool Council Council was under pressure pressure from from its its Labour Labour Party

'friends' boat. Even the Militant con *friends’ not not to to rock rock the the electoral electoral boat. Even the Militant leadership leadership was was concerned people were were being being selected selected as Parliamentary candidates cemed that that none none of of its its people as Parliamentary candidates

and their councillors to behave behave 'responsibly'. Council and brought brought pressure pressure on on their councillors to ‘responsibly’. The The Council put of secondary education (to make itit put forward forward plans plans for for the the re-organisation re-organisation of secondary education (to make cheaper of over the refuse cheaper -- fewer fewer teachers) teachers) and and also also confronted confronted the the unions unions of over the refuse

service, which which by by all all accounts accounts required improvement. Whether Whether that service, required improvement. that could could be be

brought another matter. they indulged brought about about by by cuts cuts was was another matter. Furthermore Furthermore they indulged in in quite quite aa bit cost of as not bit of of 'creative ’creative accounting' accounting’ to to conceal conceal the the true true cost of running running the the city city so so as not

support grant. way it was able present its its toto forfeit forfeit as as much much of of its its rate rate support grant. In In this this way it was able to to present

necessary expenditure expenditure for for 1985/6 1985/6 as as only only £265 £265 million. to do do this necessary million. In In its its effort effort to this itit had would in in due cost dear. had enraged enraged the the unions, unions, something something that that would due course course cost dear. With £265 million, Liverpool joined joined in in the With its its budget budget then then estimated estimated at at £265 million, Liverpool the stand of of other other local local authorities authorities against against rate rate capping. capping. ItIt will will be be recalled recalled that that the the stand

the rates from the raised from government could be be raised rates on on that could amounts that maximum amounts imposed maximum government imposed incidentally, include not, incidentally, did not, certain local authorities, authorities, which which did include high-spending local certain high-spending

Liverpool. However, However, aa number of local local authorities battle against against Liverpool. number of authorities ventured ventured into into battle reform of took the The protest capping. The government inin protest the protest against against rate rate capping. protest took the form of re the government fusing whiff of the government’s government's gunfire gunfire set set the the of the first whiff the first However the rate. However set aa rate. to set fusing to local authorities scuttling scuttling to to set rate, many many ‘left-wing’ Labourites breathing local authorities set aa rate, 'left-wing' Labourites breathing aa outvoted by sigh that they were outnumbered and outvoted by unashamed unashamed rightright outnumbered and they were relief that of relief sigh of of the leader of wingers. Among these was David David Blunkett, the Sheffield Sheffield Council. Council. Blunkett, leader these was wingers. Among Liverpool Council, however, along with Lambeth, Lambeth, held held out out to the Liverpool Council, however, along with to the the last. last. By By the Liverpool’s District finally collapsed, action finally the action time time the collapsed, Liverpool's District Auditor Auditor had had already already

respect council in the council against the proceedings against taking proceedings be taking would be he would that he notice that served served notice in respect

SOCIAL DEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY and SOCIAL Y and OTHER ECONOMIC ECONOMIC STRUGGLES STRUGGLES OTHER

343 343

of of their their failure failure toto set set aa rate, rate, which which proceedings proceedings would would undoubtedly undoubtedly end end inin sursur charge, disqualification and bankruptcy bankruptcy for for the the individual individual councillors. councillors. charge, disqualification and With nothing to lose, therefore, therefore, Liverpool’s Liverpool's councillors councillors moved moved to to what what itit With nothing to lose,

had do all all along along (which (which it had tried tried in in vain vain toto persuade persuade the the raterate had intended intended to to do it had

capped authorities toto do do inin order order toto close close avenues avenues of of escape), escape), namely namely toto capped local local authorities set a illegal rate. set a second second illegal rate.

Another illegal illegal budget budget Another Once the Council Council recalculated recalculated its its probable probable deficit, deficit, and and this this time time rere Once more more the duced £252 million, million, requiring requiring aa 75% 75% rate The council, council, however, however, duced it it to to £252 rate increase. increase. The set the increase only. only. A district Labour Labour Party Party meeting meeting on on 13 13 June June set the rate rate at at a a 9% 9% increase A district this not to legal rate. rate. Nobody Nobody moved moved this year year instructed instructed Labour Labour councillors councillors not to make make a a legal any proposal or or amendment, amendment, and and the the resolution resolution was accepted unani any alternative alternative proposal was accepted unanimously. Then on 14th of of June illegal rate rate was was set. set. It It would would have taken mously. Then on the the 14th June the the illegal have taken the of only Labour councillors overturn the illegal rate, rate, but no the defection defection of only 33 Labour councillors to to overturn the illegal but no-

body defected. body defected. The illegal rate £117 million million short of the money needed needed for for the the The illegal rate left left the the city city £117 short of the money year. once more, more, the the money money would would defidefi year. Without Without the the government government intervening intervening once nitely run out. point the of Liverpool Liverpool was was behind behind the nitely run out. At At this this point the whole whole of the Councillors Councillors

in defiance. The doubt hopeful forces at at work work in in their their defiance. The government, government, no no doubt hopeful of of the the forces in the the Labour Labour Party Party itself, itself, just just sat sat back back to to wait wait and and see. see. The The redundancy redundancy notices notices

What dreamed up of both both getget What happened happened was was that that the the councillors councillors dreamed up a a means means of ting from the the government the city city solvent, solvent, but which ting money money from government and and keeping keeping the but which

would announced a would do do so so at at the the expense expense of of the the city's city’s better-paid better-paid workers. workers. They They announced a

plan this way, plan whereby whereby the the Council's Council’s workforce workforce would would be be made made redundant. redundant. In In this way,

though be though the the Council Council would would have have to to pay pay them them redundancy redundancy money, money, it it would would be less than than what less what would would otherwise otherwise have have been been their their wages, wages, and and all all the the workers workers would would then then have have aa large large claim claim against against the the government's government’s redundancy redundancy fund. fund. In In the the case case of of the the Council's Council’s lower-paid lower-paid workers, workers, this this would would more more than than make make up up the year the loss loss of of wages. wages. The The Council Council would would then then at at the the start start of of the the next next financial financial year

re-hire but it re-hire everybody. everybody. On On the the face face of of it, it, this this was was quite quite aa clever clever manoeuvre, manoeuvre, but it failed failed for for three three reasons: reasons: (a) (a) It It was was unacceptable unacceptable to to the the people people of of Liverpool Liverpool as as aa whole whole because because it it

put Council put public public services services in in jeopardy; jeopardy; (b) (b) It It was was unacceptable unacceptable to to better-paid better-paid Council workers, workers, who who would would lose lose money; money; and and (c) (c) There There could could be be no no guarantee guarantee that that re re-

344 344

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY ENEMY WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE THE ENEMY WITHIN -

dundant again. dundant employees employees would would be be hired hired again. Cuts in education and refuse had weakened weakened support support for, and Cuts in education and refuse collection collection had for, and trust unions, and made trust in, in, the the Council Council in in the the unions, and it it was was in in the the unions unions that that reaction reaction made

its particular were not being being re-appointed its first first gains. gains. The The teachers teachers in in particular were fearful fearful of of not re-appointed as workers stood stood to to benefit as promised. promised. Only Only the the General General and and Municipal, Municipal, whose whose workers benefit financially the proposal, proposal, supported supported it. it. Nor Nor would the unions unions go on strike financially from from the would the go on strike to help the the Council Council out the Council Council to help out of of its its financial financial difficulties. difficulties. In In this this situation situation the

made the redundancy anyway. Although Although aa made the the tactical tactical error error of of serving serving the redundancy notices notices anyway.

large workers were were prepared back the the Council, either by by acceptaccept large minority minority of of workers prepared to to back Council, either ing strike, the that the the Council Council ing redundancy redundancy or or by by going going on on strike, the unanimous unanimous support support that had had so so recently recently enjoyed enjoyed was was gone gone for for good. good. Neil to bring the ‘soft’ 'soft' left, left, typified typified by by Michael Michael Neil Kinnock Kinnock then then pounced pounced to bring the Meacher and David Blunkett, to Party Meacher and David Blunkett, to heel heel at at the the Labour Labour Party

Conference in in Conference Bournemouth entire conference was dedi Bournemouth the the following following month, month, October. October. The The entire conference was dedicated of the Scargill was was castigated castigated for for cated to to attacking attacking the the left left wing wing of the party. party. Arthur Arthur Scargill his and Militant the party. party. David his leadership leadership of of the the miners' miners’ struggle struggle and Militant for for splitting splitting the David Blunkett, an attack for daring daring to to Blunkett, in in particular, particular, launched launched an attack on on Liverpool Liverpool Council Council for put support of actions before He demanded put aa resolution resolution in in support of their their actions before the the conference. conference. He demanded

that name of withdrawn, and Derek Hatton that in in the the name of 'party ’party unity' unity’ the the resolution resolution be be withdrawn, and Derek Hatton agreed. persuaded them books to to their books open their should open they should them they Blunkett persuaded David Blunkett Instead David agreed. Instead

a headed by by Maurice Maurice Stoneforth, who would would come come up up with with ‘solu'solu a committee committee headed Stoneforth, who

tions' Liverpool's crisis. crisis. Militant supporters were totally outwitted outwitted by by these tions’ to to Liverpool’s Militant supporters were totally these tactics. believing that Blunkett was tactics. One One of of them, them, Mulhearn, Mulhearn, left left the the conference conference believing that Blunkett was

on their side.

on their side.

The committee reports The committee reports

report contained its report However, committee reported contained November, its in November, reported in the committee when the However, when year’s ‘joint previous year's to the identical to nothing almost identical the previous 'joint rere were almost terms were Its terms new. Its nothing new.

Liverpool’s problems, of solving port'. claimed there there were ways of solving Liverpool's problems, "painless" ways were "painless" It claimed port’ . It revethe reve and shifting rate, and namely, 15% extra extra rate, shifting expenditure expenditure from from the cuts, aa 15% minimal cuts, namely, minimal this being funded capital budget budget, the capital budget, the capital to the nue budget to the capital budget being funded for for this nue budget next year, the problem postpone the ‘let’s postpone purpose loans. In words 'let's problem until until next year, other words In other by loans. purpose by when something will turn up'. up’. will tum maybe something but maybe worse, but be worse, will be it will when it all. Yet at all. report contained the report It contained no no solutions solutions at Yet itit was was that the obvious that quite obvious was quite It was the Blunketts of the Blunketts by the and by leadership and Party leadership Labour Party the Labour by the rapture by greeted of the with rapture greeted with the district from within necessary defections the necessary and so world, so itit secured secured the defections from within the districtLaLa world, and

meeting compromise, at to compromise, its councillors bour ordered its councillors to at aa meeting promptly ordered who promptly Party, who bour Party,

SOCIALDEMOCRACY DEMOCRACYand and SOCIAL OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

345 345

OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

ofof 2222 November. November. AtAt this this point point Tony Tony Byrne Byrne produced produced aadeal deal that that hehe had had negotinegoti ated with with Swiss Swiss bankers bankers back back inin August August under under which which the the Council Council would would ated borrow £25-30 £25-30 million. million. Along Along with with another another rate rate increase increase itit would would keep keep the the borrow

Council Council afloat afloat toto the the end end ofofthe the year. year. AA condition condition ofofthe the loan loanwas was the the immediate immediate setting of of aa legal legal budget. budget. The The fight fight was was over. over. setting

Tory Tory Minister Minister Kenneth Kenneth Baker Baker was was relieved relieved beyond beyond measure. measure. The The Tories Tories had had been been onon the the point point ofof appointing appointing commissioners commissioners toto run run Liverpool. Liverpool.

Meanwhile Meanwhile the the Labour Labour Party Party continued continued its its dirty dirty work work byby fronting fronting the the antianti Militant Militant witch witch hunt. hunt. Ian Ian Williams Williams ofof the the Liverpool Liverpool Labour Labour Party Party wrote wrote inin the the New to shield New Statesman Statesman of of 29 29 November: November: "... ". to shield Militant Militant isis toto defend defend the the 31,000 31,000 redundancies redundancies and and the the futile futile attempt attempt toto blackmail blackmail anan uncaring uncaring government government byby closing very jobs closing the the very jobs and and services services of ofthe the slogans slogans {that [that appear appear soso prominently prominently inin the Militant the Militant slogans]. slogans]. JtIt isis toto defend defend the the untruths untruths by by which which they they attempted attempted toto con everybody was no no option option but but civic civic suicide". suicide". con everybody there there was So, having having sold the Liverpool leadership down So, sold the Liverpool Council Council leadership down the the river, river, the the LaLa bour Party Party actually actually has the gall gall to blame them them for bour has the to blame for that that sale, sale, forgetting forgetting that that the the attempt ''to °’to blackmail blackmail an an uncaring uncaring government’’ was rendered futile by attempt government" was rendered futile by the the cold feet feet of of the the Labour Labour Party. Party. Of Of course, course, raising raising money money by loan was cold by way way of of loan was ’’an alternative alternative to to civic civic suicide" suicide’’ only only in in the the sense sense that that it it postponed postponed that that suicide "an suicide for another another year, year, with with the the Council's Council’s income income mortgaged mortgaged to to an an ever ever greater greater extent extent for

for the the repayment repayment of of loans loans incurred incurred for for previous previous years' years’ expenditure. expenditure. The The alter alterfor native to to "civic ‘‘civic suicide" suicide”’ this this year year is is "civic ’’civic suicide" suicide’’ next next year year or or the the year year after, after, native or aa long long drawn drawn out out and and painful painful death death of of Liverpool's Liverpool’s jobs jobs and and services, services, which which or “civic suicide" suicide’’ was was intended intended to to try try and and prevent. prevent. If If the the attempt attempt to to blackmail blackmail the the "civic Government failed, failed, itit is is the the depths depths of of political political bankruptcy bankruptcy to to claim claim that that itit Government should should never never have have been been made. made.

Lessons Lessons of of Liverpool Liverpool The first first and and foremost foremost lesson lesson of of Liverpool Liverpool must must be be that that one one cannot cannot fight fight The

for the the working working class class effectively effectively within within the the Labour Labour Party. Party. One One often often hears hears that that for the Labour Labour Party Party isis the the 'mass ’mass party party of of the the working working class' class’ and and that that to to be be close close to to the the masses masses one one must must join join this this party. party. But But what what happens happens to to revolutionaries revolutionaries who who the join the Labour Party? Party? They They are minority and forced to bow to join the Labour are in in aa minority and are are either either forced to bow to the will will of of the the majority, majority, or or they they ignore ignore the the will will of of the the majority majority and and are are sooner sooner the or later later expelled. expelled. As As the the Labour Labour Activist, Activist, journal journal of of the the 'soft' ‘soft’ left left Labour Labour Co Coor ordinating ordinating Committee Committee rightly rightly put put it: it:

"Kinnock’s speech speech [at [at the the Labour Labour Party Party Conference Conference inin Bournemouth Bournemouth at at"Kinnock's

346 346

SOCIAL SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY

-THE THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN

-

tacking tacking the the left left wing wing of of the the party] party] marks marks aa watershed... watershed ... "The party: either go “The watershed watershed puts puts two two options options firmly firmly before before the the party: either we we are are go-

ing prepared to party. It’s It's aa ing to to fight fight our our leadership leadership or or we we are are prepared to build build our our party. watershed watershed between between those those who who are are serious serious about about winning winning power power and and those those who who are are not". not’’.

Everything Everything in in the the Labour Labour Party Party isis geared geared to to electoral electoral victory, victory, and and it it isis axi axiomatic 'responsible' omatic that that electoral electoral victory victory depends depends on on the the Party Party presenting presenting aa ’responsible’ alternative, of capital. alternative, responsible, responsible, that that is, is, to to the the interests interests of capital.

Note bourgeois legality. Note the the reverence reverence of of the the Labour Labour Party Party leadership leadership for for bourgeois legality. Note made for for the sake of unity. Note Note Note how how at at various various points points concessions concessions were were made the sake of unity.

how left wingers, how the the final final blows blows on on the the Militants Militants were were delivered delivered by by supposed supposed left wingers, mesmerised electoral gain mesmerised by by the the dream dream of of electoral gain and and "winning "winning power". power". It to be be admitted admittedthat that the the Labour Party decimated the Militant Militant would It has has to Labour Party decimated the would-

be revolutionaries than the Conservative government government could could be revolutionaries far far more more effectively effectively than the Conservative have made the martyrs to to whose whose call call have done. done. Tory Tory assaults assaults would would have have made the Militants Militants martyrs

the masses drained all all the the strength, strength, the masses were were prepared prepared to to rally. rally. But But Labour's Labour’s assault assault drained vitality of the humiliated them them and and finished off. Vitality and and support support of the Militants, Militants, humiliated finished them them off. All this once again again that that however however hard and arduous arduous itit may may seem seem to All this proves proves once hard and to

have working class party and and to to break break the the hold of the the have to to build build up up aa genuine genuine working class party hold of sham working working class class party, this isis the sham party, the the Labour Labour Party, Party, this the only only way way forward. forward. While Party has has any any influence influence over over mass mass struggle struggle that that struggle struggle isis While the the Labour Labour Party bound to fail. bound to fail. Any who becomes becomes aa member member of of the the Labour Labour Party, Party, itit has has toto be be said, said, Any person person who is aa traitor to the the working working class, though that is traitor to class, even even though that may may be be the the very very last last thing thing that that he or she would would subjectively want toto be. he or she subjectively want be. For For while while the the need need of of the the moment moment isis toto

destroy the the Labour its members members all all spend spend hours hours doing doing everything everything toto Party, its Labour Party, destroy they propagandise up: On build build itit up. On the the one one hand hand they propagandise for for the the Labour Labour Party, Party, e.g., e.g., byby

canvassing, and and on on the the other other hand hand those those members members who who are are genuinely genuinely concerned concerned canvassing, for for the the interests interests ofof the the working working class class effectively effectively perpetuate perpetuate the the myth myth that that these these

are Labour Party’s are the the Labour Party's concems concerns asas well. well. InIn this this way way they they help help trap trap more more wellwell meaning innocents innocents inin the the Labour Labour Party’s Party's spider’s spider's web, web, where where inin due due course course meaning party of interests the "in they will will bebe turned turned into into counter-revolutionaries counter-revolutionaries "in the interests ofparty unity" unity" they

prove that they are are "serious "serious about about winning winning power". power". that they toto prove

Furthermore, the the task task ofof aa revolutionary revolutionary isis toto take take onon the the bourgeois bourgeois state state Furthermore,

ul r, isisvery ois state ow it.it. The and eventua eventually overthrow The bourge bourgeois state howeve however, very powerf powerful lly toto overthr and

g masse g class indeed. Only Only aa workin working class party party with with strong strong links links with with the the workin working massess indeed.

SOCIAL DEMOCRA DEMOCRACY and SOCIAL CY and

OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

347 347

OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

AND THAT THAT IS IS GUIDED GUIDED BY BY THE THE REVOLUTIONARY REVOLUTIONARY THEORY THEORY OF OF AND MARXISM-LENINISM and MARXISM-LENINISM and maintaining maintaining iron iron discipline discipline over over its its members members can can have the the strength strength to to lead lead the the struggle struggle toto overthrow overthrow the the bourgeois bourgeois state, state, somesome have thing thing which which by by its its very very nature nature isis alien alien to, to, and and beyond, beyond, Trotskyism. Trotskyism. ItIt isis obvious obvious that the the Labour Labour Party Party can can never never fulfil fulfil this this role. role. ItIt isis but but an an instrument instrument of of the the that

bourgeois state state fashioned fashioned over over decades decades to to serve serve its its every every need. need. IfIf atat one one time time bourgeois revolutionaries joined expose it, it, they they never never dreamed dreamed of of using using itit for for "win"win revolutionaries joined itit toto expose ning power". power". Even Even the the time time for for exposing exposing itit isis long long past. past. Years Years of of experience experience ning have made the nature nature of of the the Labour Labour Party Party obvious obvious toto anyone anyone with with the the slightest slightest have made the

inclination to to learn, learn, notwithstanding notwithstanding all all the the efforts efforts of of the the Militant Militant Tendency Tendency inclination and other Trotskyite Trotskyite renegades renegades to to socialism socialism to to burnish burnish its its tarnished tarnished imim and various various other age. age.

The problem for all all Trotskyites Trotskyites isis that that they they represent represent only only petty-bourgeois petty-bourgeois The problem for opposition to the bourgeois state. state. They They are are much much more more appalled appalled by by the the thought thought opposition to the bourgeois of the dictatorship of the the proletariat proletariat -- working-class working-class state power- than they are are of the dictatorship of state power than they even by the the injustices they suffer suffer under Their efforts, efforts, therefore, therefore, are are even by injustices they under capitalism. capitalism. Their geared to to trying to force force capitalism become more more humane, humane, as as ifif that that were were geared trying to capitalism toto become possible possible !! This that by by getting control of of Liverpool Liverpool Council Council This is is how how they they came came toto hope hope that getting control through the Labour Labour Party they could could bring bring ‘socialism 'socialism in in through their their membership membership of of the Party they

one without any need for for the the dreaded which they they one city' city’ without any need dreaded working-class working-class state state which

never and in in their their publications. publications. They They thought thought never cease cease to to attack attack in in their their speeches speeches and that would guarantee success in the face face of of the the that the the support support of of the the masses masses would guarantee them them success in the

bourgeois stopped acting acting as agents of of the the bourbour bourgeois counter-attack, counter-attack, but but they they never never stopped as agents

geoisie, and alienated their supporters. supporters. geoisie, and and so so confused confused and alienated their

It even have have sucsuc It is is of of course course to to their their credit credit that that they they fought. fought. They They might might even ceeded and fought fought to to the the bitter ceeded if if other other local local authorities authorities had had united united with with them, them, and bitter end. were all by the the Labour Labour end. But But the the authorities authorities who who started started the the fight fight were all influenced influenced by Party, and and all all chickened chickened out Party, Without the the leadership out for for one one reason reason or or another. another. Without leadership

of was fighting of aa genuine genuine working working class class party, party, Liverpool Liverpool Council Council was fighting aa man-eating man-eating tiger with with aa paper paper sword. sword. With With the the Labour tiger fighting Labour Party Party to to 'support' ’support’ it, it, it it was was fighting on quicksand. The councillors could not win. on quicksand. The councillors could not win. If test their If there there was was any any place place in in England England for for the the Trotskyites Trotskyites to to put put to to the the test their

experiment in in 'socialism ‘socialism in in one one city' city’ itit was was Liverpool. Liverpool. The The experiment experiment failed failed experiment miserably as as itit was was bound bound to. to. This This had miserably tactics had been been guaranteed guaranteed partly partly by by their their tactics and largely largely by by their their long-standing, long-standing, cringing cringing and and slavish slavish capitulation and social capitulation to to social democracy. These These class class warriors, warriors, these these super-revolutionaries, democracy. never tire super-revolutionaries, who who never tire of

348

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

denouncing ‘socialism 'socialism inin one one country’ country' by by the the Bolshevik Bolshevik Party, Party, nevertheless nevertheless denouncing had pinned pinned their their hopes hopes of of building building socialism socialism inin one one city city -- the the would-be would-be Soviet Soviet had Republic of of Liverpool Liverpool -- through through the the instrumentality instrumentality of of the the thoroughly thoroughly corrupt, corrupt, Republic rotten and and bourgeois bourgeois Labour Labour Party. Party. rotten This tells tells us us as as much much about about the the politics politics of of the the Militant Militant Trots Trots as as itit does does This about the the Labour Labour Party. Party. By By thy thy friends friends shall shall ye ye be be known. known. ItIt isis not not for for nothing nothing about

that during during the the imperialist imperialist Falklands/Malvinas Falklands/Malvinas war, war, the the Militant Militant Trots Trots beat beat the the that "drum-roll for for war" war" as luridly as as the the notorious notorious trench-pacifist trench-pacifist Michael Michael Foot. Foot. “drum-roll as luridly The Labour Labour Party indeed the the only only place place for for such imperialist-minded and and The Party isis indeed such imperialist-minded chauvinistically-inclined gentry. gentry. chauvinistically-inclined The conclusion be avoided that, following following in in the footsteps of Trot The conclusion cannot cannot be avoided that, the footsteps of Trotskyism, the working class can can never never achieve victory. The The revolutionary skyism, the working class achieve victory. revolutionary ideology of Marxism-Leninism organisational principles provide ideology of Marxism-Leninism and and its its organisational principles alone alone provide a sure basis a sure basis for for working-class working-class victory. victory.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

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LALKAR February 1986

Wapping - Unions confronted Rupert Murdoch has taken advantage of the demoralisation in the trade-union movement,

caused by

the failure of the miners’

strike, to break the

resistance of printworkers’ unions to the introduction of new technology. He has struck a mortal blow at the unions based on organised craft workers whose skills have become redundant as the result of the development of the new technology. This technology was in fact developed many years ago, and has already been introduced in many countries, but for many years the trade-union

movement in this country was able to block its introduction here. They did this not out of infatuation with the old methods, but quite simply to protect the lives and living standards of their members who would otherwise face the dole queue.

The bourgeoisie has decried the unions as diehards standing in the way of progress. But what progress is there for the working class when these machines are introduced? As Marx pointed out in volume I of Capital, ‘‘.. The whole system of capitalist production is based on the fact that the workman sells his labour-power as a commodity. Division of labour specialises this labour power, by reducing

it to skill in handling a particular tool. So soon as the handing of this tool becomes the work of a machine, then, with the use-value, the exchange value too,

of the workman’s labour-power vanishes, the workman becomes unsaleable, like paper money thrown out of currency by legal enactment. That portion of the working class, thus by machinery rendered superfluous, i.e,. no longer immediately necessary for the self-expansion of capital, either goes to the wall ...

or else floods all the more easily accessible branches of industry, swamps the labour-market, and sinks the price of. labour-power below its value.’’

Although Marx wrote the above words nearly 100 years ago, really he

could be describing the plight of the printworkers today. Their skills no longer

have any market value and they are threatened with unemployment in large

numbers. The unemployed already constitute 13% of the British workforce, as a result of which demand for the commodity, labou r-power, has already

dropped well below the supply, with the effect of ’’sinking the price of labour

power below its value". Its value is determined by the value of the means of

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- THE ENEMY WITHIN

subsistence of the worker and his family, so that already, on average, the work-

ing class living standards have fallen below its historically evolved means of subsistence - the level of subsistence which it has been accustomed to. Thousands of printworkers thrown on to the streets will aggravate the situation for the entire working class.

Yet both the miners’ strike and the printworkers’ strike has demonstrated a

failure of the working class in general to unite to defend its interests, even at a purely trade-union level. The miners obtained resolutions from the TUC, but precious little else. Although workers were generous with financial donations, these were not hurting the capitalist class. The miners needed mass solidarity action, but very little was forthcoming. Likewise, the printworkers looked in

vain for solidarity from fellow workers in the electricians’ union or the journalists’ union. And while the working class is in such appalling disarray as far as defending its class interests is concerned, the ruling class under Thatcher’s leadership is more vicious than ever in its attacks on the working class.

It cannot be doubted that Murdoch was encouraged by evidence of working-class

disarray

and union betrayals to put the boot in as far as the

printworkers were concerned. He planned his campaign to smash SOGAT 82 in military style from his bunker in Fortress Wapping, behind double steel gates and a barbed-wire perimeter fence. He secretly imported the new tech-

nologies - particularly the direct-input computerised setting (to be done by journalists rather than printworkers) that would render composing-room staff redundant - from US manufacturers ATEX. The machinery was packaged in crates on which the ATEX name was painted over, and ATEX had strict instructions not to inform their own British sales office about the deal, in case the unions got wind of what was in store. Having sneaked in the machinery, Murdoch then did a deal with the EEPTU (notorious for its willingness to reach no-strike deals, and the like) that its members should operate the new machinery, secretly training them in the barbed-wire encampment. From this position of strength Murdoch made a show of negotiating’ with SOGAT, but he was

only interested in negotiating the latter’s unconditional surrender and agreement to however many redundancies Murdoch demanded. The union had no choice but to call a strike, whereupon Murdoch dismissed all the strikers. He didn’t need any of them anyway. He then shamelessly bribed his journalists by offering them a £2,000 p.a. pay rise and free health service if they came to

Wapping, and threatening dismissal if they did not. They came, in defiance of

instructions from the NUJ that they should stand by the printworkers and refuse

to so.

Furthermore, Murdoch is a believer in kicking his enemy while he is

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

down.

351

Although SOGAT was virtually helpless in the face of his onslaught, he

threw the weight of Thatcherite labour law at it in connection with its picketing and other industrial action. The Thatcher administration, it will be recalled,

started by passing the 1980 Employment Act, which, in the words of the Ob-

server of 16.2.86, "began by clawing back all the legal immunities that Labour had given the unions in 1974. And it sowed the seeds for the collapse of union power as demonstrated by the Wapping dispute. First, it severely curbed secondary industrial action and weakened the closed shops. Then Norman Tebbit’s 1982 Employment Act went further and ensured that unions could be sued for organising unlawful industrial action’. Armed, then with these Draconian

laws,

Murdoch

claimed

in court that SOGAT,

in organising action

against various Murdoch companies technically different from the one with

which SOGAT was in dispute, was in breach of the law and should be penalised. The court naturally, agreed, following the little-noticed decision in Dimbleby vy. NUJ, and the legal technicality (originally developed for quite different reasons) that theoretically in law each company is regarded as a separate “person’, totally unrelated to the people who own it. On the basis of such spurious *reasoning’, the court found that SOGAT, in instructing fellow unions

not to handle any of Murdoch’s newspapers (owned by different Murdoch companies) was guilty of taking secondary action, and fined the union £25,000, which the union refused to pay. As a result its entire assets of £17 million have been seized by sequestrators.

All this has been achieved so quickly that nobody has had much opportunity to come to SOGAT’s aid, even supposing that the will to do so is there in the general working-class movement. It is true that in collaboration with the NGA, the transport union and the Union of Communication Workers (whose

postmen briefly blacked Murdoch’s bingo cards until frightened off by threats of court action and sequestration) have achieved some disruption of distribu-

tion of the Murdoch organs. But court action has paralysed the unions, who mostly tend towards a cretinous worship of bourgeois legality at the best of times.

Her helplessness

in the face of the bourgeois state machine caused

Brenda Dean, the General Secretary of SOGAT, to say that there is no point in having a union if it cannot defend its members, and the law will not allow it to do so.

The next step has to be a general commitment by the TUC and its constitu-

ent unions to defy the law, making such preparations for the protection of union funds as they can, on the assumption that sequestration will remain a per-

manent threat to all and any industrial action. Even the Economist, which in

352

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

recent times has been so overtly anti-working class as to be indistinguishable

from a Murdoch organ, thinks that the law on secondary action will drive unions to illegality, and ought, therefore, to be changed. In an article entitled SOGAT's Assets Stripped in the issue of 15-21 Feb, 1986, the following lines appear: “The News International dispute has shown that the law against secondary action is the most crippling of the trade-union reforms, and, unlike others, will never be accepted by the unions. Employers can and ... do divide their companies into numerous smaller ones, so that action affecting anything outside one place of work loses immunity. British unions have the worst of both worlds, as Mr Murdoch’s sacking of his strikers has shown, they do not have positive rights (to organise, strike, and so on), and the News International dis-

pute shows how far they have lost many of the compensating advantages of legal immunity..." In other words, the Economist is worried hat Mrs Thatcher is teaching the working class too much about the class nature of the British state and its laws. If the working class is forced to reject bourgeois law, it is much closer to rec-

ognising the need to confront the bourgeois state, and from there it is a relatively short step to recognising the need to overthrow the bourgeois state. The British working class is confronted today more strongly than ever before with the need to follow the advice of Marx: "... the general tendency of capitalistic production is not to raise, but to sink the average standard of wages, or to push the value of labour more or less

fo its minimum limit. Such being the tendency of things in this system, is this saying that the working class ought to renounce their resistance against the en-

croachments of capital, and abandon their attempts at making the best of the occasional chances for their temporary improvement? If they did, they would be degraded to one level mass of broken wretches past salvation. I think I have shown that their struggles for the standard of wages are incidents inseparable from the whole wages system, that in ninety-nine cases out of one hundred their efforts at raising wages are only efforts at maintaining the given value of their

labour and that the necessity of debating their price with the capitalist inherent to their condition of having to sell themselves as commodities.

By cowardly

giving way in their everyday conflict with capital, they would certainly disqualify themselves for the initiating of any larger movement. "At the same time, and quite apart from the general servitude involved in

the wages system, the working class ought not to exaggerate to themselves the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

353

ultimate working of these everyday struggles. They ought not to forget that they are fighting with effects, but not with the causes of those effects; that they are retarding the downward movement,

but not changing its direction; that they

are applying palliatives, not curing the malady. They ought, therefore. not to be exclusively absorbed in these unavoidable guerrilla fights incessantly springing up from the never-ceasing encroachments of capital or changes of

the market. They ought to understand that with all the miseries it imposes upon them, the present system simultaneously engenders the material conditions and the social forms necessary for an economic reconstruction of society. Instead of the conservative motto ’A fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work!’ they ought to inscribe on their banner the revolutionary watchword: ‘Abolition of the wages system!’” (From Value, Price and Profit).

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

354

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

LALKAR June 1986

Wapping -

Frenzied violence of the bourgeoisie The sacked printworkers’ struggle against the Mafia-connected press mogul, Rupert Murdoch, like the miners’ struggle against the NCB and the government during the historic coal strike of 1984-5, has clearly shown the brutality, the violence and the class nature of the bourgeois state. It has demonstrated beyond doubt that the bourgeois state is nothing but an instrument for the suppression of the working class in the interests of the bourgeoisie; and the bourgeois government nothing but the executive committee for managing the

affairs of the bourgeoisie. It has also brought home the truth, all too clearly, that the police and the forces of law and order, far from being the *impartial’ servants of the community, the "keepers of peace’ and the ’upholders of the law’ that they are represented to be by the bourgeoisie and its paid and unpaid lackeys, are the uniformed thugs and lucratively rewarded storm-troopers of the bourgeoisie against the working class. These uniformed thugs attack, maim and in some cases kill with impunity and complete immunity from the law - indeed they are the Law. If the printworkers of Britain have had to face, as did the

miners just over a year ago, cavalry charges, baton attacks, unidentified police in riot gear and the Special Patrol Group - all aimed at intimidating and terrorising the strikers - it does not require much intelligence to imagine the "Jurid frenzy", to use Engels’ apt expression, to which the bourgeoisie would be driven if the slaves of capital were to rise up against the entire system of capi-

talism. Let us give the reader a few examples of the democratic’ nature of our

state and our "peace loving bobbies’ when face to face with a few thousand peaceful pickets wanting reinstatement and the recognition of union rights. Although there has been much violence by the police against pickets outside Murdoch’s bunker at Wapping ever since the dispute started, the Saturday nights of 3rd, 10th, and 17th May shall go down, after the police carnage at Or-

greave during the coal strike, as the worst examples of unprovoked police

violence on workers during an industrial dispute in the 20th century in Britain. On the night of Saturday 3rd May, the police in riot gear and on horseback

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

355

launched a series of sustained and vicious attacks on pickets over a four-hour period. Every 20 minutes they launched frenzied mounted and riot police assaults on 10,000 peaceful pickets outside the scab News International print works owned by Rupert Murdoch, a close friend and supporter of ’our’ ’peace-

loving’

Prime Minister and the even more "peace-loving? maniac Reagan,

President of the US. At one stage "riot police emerged showing no numbers and executed a war dance before attacking", said Ron Leighton, the NGAsponsored MP. Added Mr Leighton: "7he purpose of their treatment was to terrorise and intimidate and deter people from going again". The extent to which the police are all-powerful and a Law unto themselves is shown by the fact that Giles Shaw, a Junior Home Office Minister, who met a delegation of angry and outraged printworkers after the infamies of 3rd May,

did not even know that unnumbered and unidentified police officers, contrary to the police’s own regulations, were being deployed against pickets outside

Wapping. He promised that in the future all police must wear their numbers - a promise that has since then been honoured more in its breach than observance. For on 17th May unidentified police were used to kick a printworker uncon-

scious with the full protection of senior officers. The attack on the peaceful pickets came at the Glamis Road end toward 12.30 a.m. On 10th May the police, on horseback and foot, charged pickets without warning, injuring the workers and local bystanders. Though fewer than the normal number of police (estimated to be 1,747, out of which 150 are riot police and 98 mounted) were visible, large numbers were in reserve, out of sight in the rat-run of back streets straddled by the scab printworks at Wapping. At midnight, when pickets were still successfully blocking Murdoch’s lorry con-

voy, mounted police charged into the pickets at full gallop without as much as a sign of a waming. The riot squad thugs, who had been kept in hiding after their heinous exploits the previous weekend, were brought out to launch the

most vicious attack of the night an hour after the lorries had left and when the pickets were outnumbered by ’our’ ’gallant’ police . What has been characteristic of police violence against strikers during this

dispute, as was so clearly evident during the NUM strike also, was that the police have consistently persisted, after each attack, in hampering ambulance access for the victims of its violence - of the fists behind the gloves, the batons

and the horses. That the police are obviously acting under orders to provoke violence and to intimidate and terrorise demonstrators is all too easily confirmed by the fact that they had 12 ambulances at the ready for trouble on the

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- THE ENEMY WITHIN

night of Saturday 10th May. In view of the scenes of unprovoked police violence, heartless brutality and downright thuggery, Tony Benn, MP for Chesterfield, who had been an

eye witness on the night of 3rd May, was quite right when he told a 500-strong May Day rally in his constituency: "Inside the fortress is the power of capital. Outside are the forces of labour. Inside is the instrument for telling lies. While outside are the people

wanting truth" . The lies that are manufactured in fortress Wapping find their worthy echoes in fortress Westminster too where bourgeois Members of Parliament, in the service of British monopoly capital and flying in the face of facts, shamelessly condemn "violence by the pickets" and praise "police restraint". Not only did Mrs Thatcher condemn the pickets and shower praise on the police, but also John Biffen, Leader of the House and allegedly a moderate, waxed eloquent that the police at Wapping had "been acting under the most severe provocation". Yes, Mr Biffen, 6000 sacked workers, peacefully gathering to demand their jobs and union rights, can indeed be a "severe provocation" to the wellpaid uniformed thugs employed by monopoly capital, which is intent on denying the workers even the most elementary of rights - rights won by our forefathers through decades, if not centuries, of struggle and defiance!

This, then, is how the bourgeois representatives of the people represent the bourgeoisie in parliament and misrepresent the working class who vote them into parliament. This is how they represent the workers after a demonstration which ends with 80 pickets being arrested and another 30 put into hospital. During the dispute at Wapping, a sinister close connection, the existence

of which we and the rest of the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement have for a long time insisted on, between the police and the fascists, i.e. between the uniformed racists and racists without uniform, has come into the open daylight. In a Commons debate, Labour’s Home Affairs spokesman, Clive Soley, on Thursday 22nd May, called for a thorough review of police tactics at Wapping after evidence that the fascists, acting as agents provocateurs, are instigating trouble. He said: "J know there’s a small but definite number of people going to Wapping to stir up trouble". Mr Soley ought to have added that these fascist agents provocateurs were acting hand in glove with the police and on the instructions

of the latter. So it is not a case of reviewing police tactics, but of exposing this sinister link between the uniformed thugs and the extreme right, i.e., fascist, representatives of monopoly capital in crisis.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

357

The course of the Wapping dispute has also shed considerable light on the connections beiween big business and big crime. The Wapping Post, published by journalists refusing to cross picket lines and the printworkers, revealed two wecks ago the connection of ’our’ most powerful representative of press *freedom’, to wit, Murdoch, and a top US Mafioso, Jimmy ’The Weasel’ Frantiano. The

latter has revealed a £250,000

deal between union mobsters and Mur-

doch’s picket-busting TNT trucking company. The money was paid for the hiring of Benny Eggs’ Mangano and Laurence Buddy’ Garaventi. The money was paid to these gangsters as a "consulting fee" to help TNT ease its way into the tough world of US trucking, where its plunge had been greeted by arson attacks and other forms of sabotage by the Mafia-linked Teamsters Union. "After the hiring of Benny Eggs and Buddy as consultants, things went more smoothly" says the Wapping Post. The above-mentioned representatives of enlightenment and capitalist freedom, culture and civilisation were personally met by the TNT

chief, Sir Peter Abeles and the TNT chief general manager,

John Cribb. Sir Peter is a close business partner of long standing of Rupert Murdoch (they jointly control Australia’s main domestic airline, Ansett). They both have close connections with Mrs Thatcher, the British Prime Minister, whom they are supposed to have helped over the Westland/Sikorsky affair, for TNT, jointly owned by Sir Peter and R.Murdoch, was the mystery company

which bought Westland shares and helped secure the Thatcher-backed victory for Sikorsky. Sir Peter is known to talk frequently about his "deeply-held free

enterprise philosophy” and his devotion to an "unregulated business environment”.

Thus it can be seen that arrayed against the printworkers is a united front of big business, the Mafia, the thugs in blue uniforms and riot gear (on horse-

back as well as on foot), the fascists, the Law Courts, the government and Parliament. To defeat this formidable alliance of the forces of monopoly capi-

talism; to successfully resist and overcome the violence, intimidation and terror of the forces of ‘law and order’; to mount a successful challenge to the govern-

ment’s

anti-working-class

and

anti-trade union Draconian laws and

the

unquestioning and arrogant enforcement of these laws by our ’impartial’ judiciary in the courts of ’justice’, who have, over the past two years, revealed with

admirable candour the hideousness of their class justice and, incidentally, the

poodle-like nature of our judges; to do all this and more, the working class needs a leadership that sadly is characterised by its absence. The present lead-

ership, with some honourable exceptions of people such as Arthur Scargill, is unfit even to defend the already won trade-union rights of the workers, never

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

mind any higher struggles for the total social emancipation of the working class. Nowhere is this truer today than in the case of the leadership of the print union, SOGAT 82, whose General Secretary is Brenda Dean and which comprises 80% of the printworkers. The response of the SOGAT leadership to the cavalry charge of 3rd May outside Wapping was a complete capitulation, for on the following Tuesday, 6th May, its Executive Committee decided to purge their contempt of court by lifting the ban on the wholesale distribution of the Wapping-produced papers by their members. On Thursday 8th May, Mr Justice Hirst, with malicious satisfaction, accepted Ms Dean’s "unqualified apology and expressions of regret" and set aside the sequestration order imposed under anti-union laws because of SOGAT’s refusal to withdraw instructions to members in the wholesale trade to boycott News International’s scab papers in solidarity with the 6,000 printworkers sacked by Murdoch. The SOGAT leadership thus finds itself in the dubious position of asking for the support of the labour movement, while at the same time instructing its own members to distribute titles produced with scab labour at Wapping. It is hardly to be wondered at that this the most humiliating and uncalled for retreat, disgusted the membership. The outraged London print leadership has promised to "continue mass peaceful demonstrations at Wapping and to extend picketing of TNT depots and wholesalers in the UK". The London print

leaders have also reaffirmed their position that a settlement with Murdoch’s News International must contain the full reinstatement of all the union mem-

bers sacked by Murdoch and full recognition of the print unions in Wapping on all titles. "National picketing will continue and will be stepped. up. If we have to wear crash helmets when we confront the brutality of the police we will do that too", said Mr Bill Freeman, Chairman of the London Group Committee.

With such a pusillanimous leadership as that of SOGAT, the printworkers cannot hope to go into battle and come out victorious. As if the above developments were not enough to severely hamper the path to victory of the sacked printworkers, now the leadership has thrown further spanners into the works by inviting the membership to take part in the feasibility study into News Intemational’s offer, which, though represented by Murdoch as a serious effort on his part to settle the dispute amicably, is designed to split the printworkers right

down the middle. Under this offer, the sacked printworkers have been offered, as a part of Murdoch’s union-bashing scheme, their old printing plant and

building at Grays Inn Road and £50 million. Mass meetings of printworkers have rejected their leadership’s invitation and have demanded full re-instatement and union recognition as a pre-condition for "T settlement. But the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

359

leadership, ignoring all this, and the membership’s demand for a work-place ballot,

went

ahead

with a postal ballot, the results of which shattered

the

SOGAT leadership, as the membership rejected the offer by a 2:1 majority. In the light of the foregoing, one wonders whose side the SOGAT leadership are

on. One does not have to be a seasoned political observer to conclude that the SOGAT leadership, in close consultation with the treacherous Labour Party and TUC leadership, have decided to give up the sacked printworkers’ struggle as a lost cause even before it began, in the interests of the electoral fortunes of the Labour Party. In other words, a most despicable and sordid conspiracy, hatched by the SOGAT leadership and the TUC-Labour clique, is seriously

threatening to turn 6,000 sacked printworkers into sacrificial lambs at the altar of Labour’s electoral interests and bourgeois electioneering. The printworkers, sacked, as well as others, and the rest of the working class have a duty to ex-

pose, oppose and smash this conspiracy to smithereens. They also have a duty to work tirelessly to defeat and remove the present leadership, for with the present leadership the working class will not see victory. This leadership, brought

up and reared in the old school, when superprofits from the imperialist table helped to keep the working class more or less content, is totally unfit to represent the unemployed, the under-privileged, the most oppressed and exploited sections of the working class. The world imperialist crisis is causing increasing

differentiation within the ranks of the working class. The present trade-union and Labour Party leadership, by and large, is only able to represent the interests

of the privileged sections of the working class, apart that is from representing the interests of monopoly capitalism, at which it really excels even the Tories. Hence the need for the most oppressed and exploited to fight on two fronts -

against capitalist bosses and against TUC and Labour Party bosses. Even more than all this. The working class needs a revolutionary Party, a

truly communist party, to represent its class interests and to co-ordinate all struggles in the furtherance of these interests and in the struggle for the social emancipation of the working class, i.e., a struggle for not just higher wages, but

for the elimination of the wages system itself. At a time when monopoly capital is increasingly

making it impossible for the working class to conduct legally

even its economic struggle against the daily encroachments of capital, the need for the formation of such a party can never be over-emphasised. MarxistLenimists must belatedly shoulder this honourable task.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

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- THE ENEMY WITHIN

~

LALKAR May/June 1995

Attempts to terrorise teachers The government and the bourgeois class which it represents became rather alarmed last month at the signs that school teachers are once again showing

signs of militancy

and not only that but that parents are backing them.

The

Sunday Times outlined the situation very well in an article on 16 April: "[T]he government's reforms have unexpectedly driven parents and teachers closer together. By rightly delegating more power to the schools and seeking to cut out the local authorities, the government has made parents and governors ever more conscious of the undoubted problems the leaky roofs, dilapidated classrooms and larger classes. It is ... the latter that has aroused so much parental concern, exacerbated by the threat of cuts and 10,000 teaching redundancies. While parents may have supported, or at least tolerated, earlier reforms, most will not stomach larger classes. Though there is some evidence that bigger classes can be made to work, it defies common sense that standards

can be maintained or improved by packing even more children into already crowded classrooms ...

" Enter David Blunkett, the Labour Party Education spokesman, who seemed to undergo a Pauline conversion when Tony Blair decided to send his eldest son to an optout school. Although Mr Blunkett started the year favour-

ing a proposal to impose VAT on school fees (from which he had to beat a

hasty retreat), he is now with Mr Blair’s encouragement showing all the re-

forming zeal of a Keith Joseph. Bad schools? Close them. Feeble teachers?

Sack them. League tables and testing? Keep them. Free higher education? A

graduates’ tax, perhaps. More cash? Certainly not, at least not immediately. The Tories moan that he sounds more conservative than they do."

adNot surprisingly, when this superconservative David Blunkett came to om dress the National Union of Teachers to try to convince teachers of the wisd of the policies his party has adopted in its allout bid to prove its suitability to

ion, much to take over the reins of capitalist government, he met a hostile receptTeach ers and

the chagrin of John Bills, the President of the National Union of

other members of the NUT executive, who had hoped to be able to deliver a tion to the ruling class of ‘disciplined’ teaching profession to enhance the attrac

allowing the Labour Party to take over the government again at.tast.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and OTHER ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

361

Although the militancy proposed by teachers is modest (one-day strikes at

ked and and although the teachers at the conference merely barrac shouted down Mr Blunkett, who really got away very lightly in view of what

most!)

he was proposing, one would really imagine from reading the remarks of the shot dead in cold press and of the union leadership that Mr Blunkett had been

blood and that the teachers were proposing to run amok with AK47s.

John

that Bills compared protesters to fascists and members of the BNP and said the prothey should be sacked.

Teachers whose faces were televised during

tests were called in by their headmasters and forced, no doubt on the threat of e publicity being selected for redundancy, to apologise for "the effect advers had brought to their schools" as a result of their action!

Despite the conference overwhelmingly voting for strike action, the union

leadership proceeded to put out a ballot paper to its members accompanied by a union recommendation that teachers should vote against the strike!. This recommendation says:

"The proposed strikes have no positive purpose or attainable objective. They would disrupt education and alienate parents.

Those who promoted them

saw them as a means for a political attack on the Government. Conference m’ also agreed to support ‘all organised opposition to racism and fascis whether violent or nonviolent. "The attack on David Blunkett, the calls for strikes and more strikes and a willingness to be involved in violent demonstrations are not typical of your union.”

In other words, the union leaders themselves are joining the bourgeois

press and every anti-working class element in our society in trying to terrorise their members into backing off from militant action (even if that militant action

is only a 1-day strike) against what even the Sunday Times concedes is an im-

possible situation in the classrooms. Their worry is not that parents will not support the teachers, but that they will. The teachers’ action is backed by parents not because the teachers are ’reasonable’ and have not taken strike action up to now, but because the intolerable

1

Following the direction of the NUT leadership, teachers duly voted, in the postal ballot,

against strike action. They were duly rewarded in August 1995 when, on announcement of

better A-level results than had ever previouslf been known, the entire bourgeois media

proclaimed the results were due to “lowering of standards’ rather than teachers’ efforts

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

workload that has been imposed on teachers and the worsening of their conditions is damaging the quality of education that young people receive in British schools. Parents” interests are being attacked, not just those of the teachers. And things have got so bad that today parents are prepared to be grateful that teachers are prepared to use militancy in the fightback against the cuts.

It is

spinelessness in the face of education cuts of the kind proposed by the Labour Party that would most damage parent support, not one-day strikes probably not even indefinite strikes.

Part Five

Social Democracy

and Imperialist War. Aggression and Occupation

"The whole country’s affairs are darkened by the events that have hap-

pened. We must all be greatly concerned about them. In my view and the vast majority of those sitting on this side of the House, the central ques-

tion is this one of conceding political status. That cannot be done without " the Government itself giving sure aid to the recruitment of terrorism. Labour leader Michael Foot on the Hunger Strike in Ireland

"The furrowed, white-haired old pacifist was leading nothing less than an

opposition drum-roll for war ... it was Labour at its patriotic, flag-waving finest..."

Daily Telegraph, on Michael Foot’s performance in the House of Commons on the debate concerning the Falklands war

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and

365

IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

LALKAR June/August/September 1981

Support the National Liberation Struggle of the Irish People This article was dedicated to the memory of Jagmohan Joshi, General Secretary of the

IWA(GB) and an ardent supporter of the cause of Irish liberation, on the second anniversary of his death.

Our salute to the Irish heroes

Since our last issue, not only Bobby Sands, MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, but also three other H-Block Hunger Strikers - Francis Hughes, Patrick

O’Hara and Raymond McCreash - have died.

The truth would be that the

above four have been murdered by British imperialism and its representative,

the British government.

The four were on hunger strike because the British

government had intransigently and cruelly denied to them the special category status, to wit, political status, which they had been demanding ever since the

last Labour’ government took it away from them in 1976.

Having exhausted

all other means of persuading the British occupying power to see reason, the

above-named Irish patriots and fighters for Irish national liberation were forced to resort to hunger strike and make the most supreme sacrifice in the cause of Ireland’s freedom from 800 years of subjection to English colonialism and imperialism. We in the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), salute these courageous sons of Ireland. Their heroic struggle against British imperialism,

against oppression and for Irish liberation is bound to become not only a part of Ireland’s glorious history, but also a part of the history of the oppressed people

throughout the world. Time will show that their battle has not been in vain; the whole of Ireland is bound to be united and free. Heroes’ funerals

tion

Treating with much deserved contempt the campaign of lies and vilificalaunched

by

British

imperialism

and

its

official

and

unofficial

representatives against the hunger strikers, the Irish people gave the dead hun-

ger strikers heroes’ funerals. Each of the funerals attracted tens of thousands of mourners. It is estimated that a hundred thousand mourners thronged the fu-

neral of Bobby Sands, MP, in an impressive show of solidarity with the

366

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

H-Block hunger strike.

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

And during the day, at Bobby Sands’ home in Twin-

brook on the outskirts of Belfast, men, women and children streamed in to pay their last respects. Bobby Sands was buried with traditional Republican cere-

mony. By way of an impressive defiance of British imperialism and the unbending resolve of the Irish people to continue their struggle for national liberation, Bobby Sands’ coffin was escorted by seven masked liberation fighters in military uniforms who fired a volley of shots over it, thus asserting Ireland’s right to take up arms against British imperialism, on the way to the burial ground. In an emotional funeral oration, Owen Carron, Bobby’s election agent,

honoured Bobby thus: "J salute you, Bobby Sands. Yours has been a tough and lonely battle, but you have been victorious." Referring to the mandate for political status to the Republican prisoners given by the voters of FermanaghSouth Tyrone, and the rejection of this mandate by the British government, Owen Carron went on to say that they could only conclude that "we must take what they will not give and that there is no way in which freedom can be obtained, and when obtained maintained, except by armed men."

Equally impressive funerals were given to the other three patriots. Tens of

thousands turned out for the funeral in Londonderry of the hunger striker Patsy O’Hara to demonstrate the growing strength of militant Republicanism. The INLA, to which Patsy belonged, put on its biggest show of strength for the funeral, with an unprecedented display of military strength, which was clearly intended not only to honour Patsy, but also to demonstrate the strength, the re-

silience, the iron will, the virility of the Irish national liberation movement and

its determination to fight and defeat British imperialism.

And yet the British government treats these Irish patriots as though they were common criminals. Common criminals indeed! Since when have common criminals had such heroes’ funerals given to them?

impotent rage of vilification

h Faced with such overwhelming support for the hunger strikers, the Britis

and was driven to a camgovernment could no longer hide its impotent rage

of the hunger strikers paign of malicious lies, calculated slander and vilification cause. On Sth in an attempt to belittle their achievements and to discredit their er, the Prime Minister, in a May [1981], the day Bobby Sands died, Mrs Thatch strikers statement to Parliament, said that to concede the demands : of the" hunger tinued "would be a licence to kill innocent men, women and children. ts "Tt

own his that "Mr Sands was a convicted criminal. He chose'. to take 48 " their victims. a choice his own organisation did not allow to

We.

“was

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and

IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

367

Humphrey Atkins, the Northern Ireland Secretary, followed it up on 7th May and, with heavy irony, asked: "Js murder any the less murder because the person responsible claims he had a political motive?" Mrs Thatcher, during her visit to Northern Ireland on 28 May 1981, returned to the same theme with pseudo-democratic rhetoric of the type learnt by

rote by teenage boys and girls belonging to a school debating society. Referring to the hunger strikers’ demands,

she said:

"The government

is not

prepared to legitimise their cause by word or deed. And we should be clear what that cause is. It is a dictatorship by force and by fear in Northern Ireland, and in the Republic.

These men deny democracy; everywhere they seek

power for themselves." The above phony arguments of the most official and authoritative repre-

sentatives of British imperialism have to be answered and we answer them thus: First, it is not the national liberation fighters who are responsible for the killings of innocent men, women and children in Ireland. British imperialism

has no right to be occupying any part of Ireland. England kept subjugated the whole of Ireland for more than 700 years, during which time it very nearly exterminated the Irish race. Only that can explain the fact that there are more Irish outside of Ireland than inside it, that the population of Ireland today is of the 19th century. And for the last 60 hardly more than it was in the middle

years British imperialism has been in occupation of a part of Ireland against the t of the Irish people - as a whole and in will of the Irish - yes, agains the will doing so has not been averse to killing innocent men, women and children. Since the death of Bobby Sands alone, at least three such innocent people have

been murdered by the British army of occupation, not to speak of regular kill-

ings by the RUC and the fascistic para-military organisations of the so-called loyalists. But if one were to pay attention to the lying utterances of ’responsible’ British imperialist functionaries, such things were solely attributable to the

IRA. Recently, H Atkins said that sectarian murders by Protestants were "play-

ing into the hands of the terrorists," as if terrorists were by definition all

Republicans.

And this is said by someone who claims that the British army is

in Northem Ireland to keep the peace impartially between the Republicans and

non-Republicans. No, the British army of occupation is the chief cause of the

misery of the Irish people; and the only way to end that misery is for this army

to get out, or * forced out, of Ireland. Once the British guarantee is removed, the *Loyalists’ will see sense, and the stark realities of Ireland will have no dif-

368

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

ficulty in impressing themselves on every Irishman, regardless of religion. If the Irish were left to themselves, there would be far less bloodshed. Can any sane person argue that 800 years of English rule produced less bloodshed than would otherwise have been the case? Can anyone claim that the British occupation of N Ireland for the last 60 years has been productive of less bloodshed

than if there had been no such occupation?

It scarcely needs proof that it has

not.

Secondly, the hunger strikers have not a choice between life and death, fighting as they are against such a cunning and unscrupulous enemy as British imperialism, which, armed to the teeth, is engaged in an attempt to exterminate

the liberation struggle of the Irish. Of course, there would be peace of a kind if the Irish were to accept that their fate was to be subjugated by the British. Quite rightly the Irish refuse to accept such a humiliating peace. British imperialist politicians who wax so eloquent when people subjugated by their rival imperialists fight to throw off their yoke, consider it the height of bad manners that someone should disturb their sleep and peace of mind by fighting against

British imperialist domination and exploitation. Thirdly, the Republican prisoners in the Maze and other concentration Camps are not ordinary criminals. Where else, apart from Northern Ireland, in the UK are ordinary criminals tried by special kangaroo courts - and the

Diplock Special Courts are nothing if not kangaroo courts - where some bigoted Paisleyite acts as judge and jury and sentences the liberation fighters to

long terms in prison on the basis of confessions secured through torture (see Amnesty International’s Report and the government’s own Bennett Report) and uncorroborated statements of members of the so-called security forces. By singling out the liberation fighters in Ireland for such treatment, British imperialism has implicitly granted a de facto political status to them.

And what the

hunger strikers are demanding is that this de facto status should not only be ac-

companied by a de jure recognition of this status but also by all the privileges

that are its natural concomitants, namely, those contained in the hunger strik-

ers’ demands.

hunger strikers is the esFinally, as to the allegation that the cause of the tablishment of "dictatorship by force and fear in N Ireland", the truth of the matter is there already does exist such a state

in N Ireland without any help

on N Ireland in 1922 a from the hunger strikers. British imperialism i mposed whose main instruments of

naked, terroristic - that is a fascist - dictatorship, Republicans (who incipolicy have been discrimination and oppression of the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

369

dentally happen to be Catholics); this fascist state was able to function by its sole reliance on force and fear. In making this the most absurd of her accusa-

tions against the liberation movement, Mrs Thatcher is deliberately falsifying history. The reasons behind this deliberate falsification are not difficult to seek ~ they are to be sought in the interests of British monopoly capital, whose ex-

ecutive committee, to wit, the British government, Mrs Thatcher has the honour (or dishonour) to head.

Engels was not far wrong when he made the

following pertinent and penetrating remark:

"The bourgeoisie turns everything into a commodity, even the writing of

history. It is part of their being, of their conditions of existence, to debase all goods.

They debase the writing of history. And the best-paid historians are the

ones best able to falsify history for the purposes of the bourgeoisie." (History of Ireland).

The case of the hunger strikers is the liberation of N Ireland and the unification of Ireland free from British imperialist domination and exploitation. For this cause they do not seek any legitimacy from the British government, their cause is already legitimised beyond a shred of doubt by the support of the Irish

people, both North and South of the borde. Witness the number of people who voted for Bobby Sands and elected him MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone in the teeth of opposition from the united forces of British imperialism, the Unionists, the SDLP, Paisleyites, the Church and a host of other such unsavoury organisations. Witness the results of the local government elections in N Ireland on 22 May

1981.

Gerry Fitt, for his treachery to the cause of Irish

unification, lost his seat on the Belfast City Council which he had held for 23 years. The Irish Republican Socialist Party (the political wing of the INLA) won two out of the three seats it contested on the Belfast Council. The SDLP suffered heavy losses. And, finally, witness the results of the general elections,

held on 11th June, in the Republic, which resulted in a much reduced majority

for Fianna Fail, the party of the Prime Minister, Charles Haughey, and the victory of the H-Block candidates, Paddy Agnew and the hunger striker Kieran

Doherty. Both these constituencies (Lough and Cavan Monaghan, from which

Agnew and K Doherty were elected respectively) were Fianna Fail strongholds.

This is the price Mr Haughey had to pay for his collaboration with British im-

perialism. The elections results in the Republic are even more of a blow than was the victory of Bobby Sands in Fermanagh-South Tyrone for British impe-

rialism and its collaborators.

ee

In these, and these facts alone, must be sought the legitimacy of the cause

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

of the hunger strikers - not in the willingness of British imperialism to grant legitimacy to this cause. The cause of Irish liberation is legitimate, for it has the

support of the overwhelming majority of the Irish people as a whole. cause is just and shall be victorious. No force on earth can stop that.

This

Attempts to gag the news media No propaganda in the world, no ministerial, or prime-ministerial, lies can

demolish truth and abolish reality. The facts give lie to the propaganda of the British government. ’Our’ government wants us to believe that the hunger strikers are terrorists isolated from the people of Ireland. The truth, however, is

that the Irish people rightly regard the hunger strikers as heroes of Irish liberation.

‘Our’ government wants us to believe that Bobby Sands was an ordinary

criminal, but the Irish people elected him to be an MP, and when he died one hundred thousand people thronged to his funeral. So our media - press and TV - which by and large follow the government in describing the Irish liberation fighters as terrorists, in the face of these stubborn facts, had no option but to report these events. And our ’democratic’ Prime Minister, sensing as she rightly

did that such reporting gave lie to her government’s campaign of vilification against the Irish patriots, flew into an impotent rage at the sight of TV pictures

of the heroes’ funerals given to the hunger strikers by the Irish people. In a crude and ill-disguised attempt to gag the media, Mrs Thatcher, speaking at the Tory Women’s conference on 20 May 1981, had this to say:

"Newspapers and television can provoke the very reaction the terrorists

seek. It can give the convicted criminals the myth of martyrdom they crave ... " Even bourgeois journalism - at least the relatively intelligent, decent and democratically inclined section of it - could not tolerate this crude interference by the Prime Minister and her attempts to muzzle all reporting of any disagree-

able (to her and her government) events and facts pertaining to Ireland. Sir Ian

the BBC, was Trethowan (no great revolutionary), the Director-General of forced to reply to the Prime Minister’s criticism of Northem Ireland coverage through the following Shakespearean dialogue, full of irrefutable logic:

"Cleopatra: Thou shalt be whipt with wire, and stew’d in brine, smarting in lingering pickle.

"Messenger: match."

Gracious Madam, I that do bring the news made not that

“All that we have to do is to substitute Mrs Thatcher and the

fortiori other media) for Cleopatra and the Messenger respectively,

ae

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

371

British Isles for Ancient Egypt, and we get a picture clear as clear can be. The BBC, through Sir Ian, is telling Mrs Thatcher Blame us not, Gracious Madam;

we are merely the bearers of ill tidings, not their makers, we are not the crea-

tors of the ’Troubles’, merely their reporters’. In reply to the suggestions that the cameras should be ‘pulled out’ of Northern Ireland, Sir Ian correctly retorts: "But there was no television at Easter, 1916, nor in the years of the Troubles’ which followed, let alone in all the

earlier periods of violence in Irish history." (Should the Terrorists be given Air

Time, The Times, 4 June 1981). The conclusion, though implied, is clear enough: if you don’t like the violence in Northern Ireland, don’t blame the reporters for it, blame the real culprits. And the real culprit is none other than British imperialism whose occupation of a part of Ireland against the wishes, aspirations and interests of the

Irish people as a whole is responsible for the ’Troubles’ in that unhappy land now as in the past eight centuries of English colonial rule in Ireland.

Sir Ian

camnot, and does not, make this explicitly clear, nor would we expect him to do sO. Another myth - a myth deliberately propagated by the British government and in particular by the Prime Minister, Mrs Thatcher - that Sir Ian explodes

most effectively in the article referred to above - is that the hunger strikers are terrorists’ who do not command any support among the ordinary citizens of Ireland who want to have nothing to do with these ’men of violence’.

cism of the media," says Sir Ian,

"Criti-

"has been particularly sharp over the

coverage of the hunger strikers, above all Bobby Sands.

One crucial point

which many of the critics missed was the significance of the Fermanagh and South Tyrone by-election. Whatever the reasons for Sands being the only Catholic and Republican candidate, electors were Sree to abstain, or spoil their

papers, if they did not wish to support him. Instead over 30,000 of them voted him into Westminster, and so transformed the situation. When last did an elected MP starve himself to death? When last did someone starving himself to

death receive ‘a procession of eminent and international emissaries." (ibid).

When indeed!

Thus it is clear that the British government are cracking

their heads against the stone walls of mistress reality in blaming the ’Troubles’

in Ireland on either the hunger strikers or the media. In short, the British government is bound to lose the propaganda battle as surely as it is bound to

defeated in its attempts to stamp out the struggle of the Irish people for national liberation and unification of Ireland.

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Labour Party’s lackey service to British imperialism Following in the footsteps of Mrs Thatcher, and trying to outbid her in ren-

dering flunkey service to British imperialism, the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, the ever-so-left Mr Michael Foot, with characteristic hypocrisy, uttered the following sanctimonious twaddle: "The whole country’s affairs are darkened by the events that have happened. We must all be greatly concerned about them. In my view and the vast majority of those sitting on this side of the House, the central question is this one of conceding political status. That cannot be done without the Government itself giving sure aid to the recruitment of terrorism.

"If it were conceded it would couraged to join and that in turn of innocent people that would get land and all parts of this country the point of a gun."

greatly increase the numbers who were enwould mean a great increase in the numbers killed. We believe that the matters in N Ireshould be settled democratically and not at

Nothing could reveal more clearly the imperialist prejudices and ossified

thinking of a social-imperialist (socialist in words and imperialist in deeds) than the above-quoted remarks of Mr Foot.

Like an imperialist chauvinist, not

only does Mr Foot regard, as a matter of course, Northern Ireland as part of this’ country, but he also reveals his trench pacifism when he implies that the only people wanting to settle the Irish question at the point of a gun are the na-

tional liberation fighters.

Are the British army of occupation in Northem

Ireland armed with no more than copies of Hansard, containing eloquent, not to say useless and hollow, speeches of the smooth-tongued flunkeys, such as the Foots and Thatchers, of British imperialism? Is it not the British army that

has over the centuries tried to settle the issue at the point of a gun? Marx was a thousand times right when he observed in a letter of 29 November 1869 that "In fact, England never has and never CAN so long as the present relationship lasts [i.e., that of subjugator and subjugated] rule Ireland otherwise than by the most abominable reign of terror and the most reprehensible corruption. :

If Mr Foot is really serious about practising democracy, let him put the

question of the partition of Ireland to the Irish people in their entirety in an all-

Irelazd Referendum. We would gladly accept, as indeed would the Irish people, the outcome of such a Referendum. But, has Mr Foot, or any other im-

perialist politician, the courage to leave this matter to the Irish people as a whole?

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

373

It is pure nonsense, of course, for Mr Foot to suggest that the granting of

political status would aid recruitment to the ranks of those fighting against British imperialism. What brings such recruitment today is the same cause that has

swelled the ranks of Irish freedom fighters over centuries past, namely, the forcible occupation by England of Ireland - the attempts by England to exterminate the Irish people and to assimilate Ireland.

The time-honoured practice

of English colonialism was to execute the Irish patriots. After the 1916 Easter

rebellion, which the British imperialists suppressed most ruthlessly, General Sir John Maxwell declared a state of martial law, arrested 3,500 people, and imprisoned more than half of them in Wales. He then had the leaders of the uprising, including James Connolly and Padraig Pearse, executed. Did that

stop the Irish people from fighting with even greater vigour against British imperialism?

Did Lloyd George’s Black and Tan campaign of terror and mass

murder do anything other than to increase the numbers of those who were encouraged to join the fight against British imperialism and for the liberation of Ireland? History affords the irrefutable proof that on each occasion the British colonialists adopted a policy of ruthless repression, of countless arrests and wholesale executions, the Republican movement became more potent as it

went underground.

So it was in the past and so it is today. If the ruthless re-

pression of the Easter uprising proved only to be a prelude to the establishment of the Republic in the 26 Counties, the present attempts of British imperialism

to subdue, with all the military might at its disposal, the Irish national liberation fighters are bound only to be a prelude to the establishment of an independent and

united Ireland embracing all its 32 counties. Thus it is clear that the great-

est encouragement to the Irish people to join the fight for the liberation of their country is provided by British imperialism. This simple truth, which eludes our *scholar’ and *historian’, to wit, the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Michael Foot, is even known to the reactionary clerical establishment of

Ireland, which in no way supports the struggle for the unification of Ireland,

which is hostile to the use of arms to achieve that end but which nevertheless

realises that the policy of repression pursued by the British government is producing

effects completely the opposite of those intended.

Listen to the

desperate cries of the Roman Catholic primate of all Ireland, Cardinal Thomas

O’Fiarich: "In near desperation I appeal to both sides for a compromise ... If the Government continues its rigid stance ... it will ultimately be faced with the wrath

of the whole nationalist population. Already, Government policy has provided the IRA with its greatest influx of recruits since Bloody Sunday." (2 May 1981).

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If Mr Foot does not wish to give any encouragement to any Irish person to

join the ranks of those who fight against the British occupation of Norther Ireland, let him pursue the only policy that can make

his dream

come

true,

namely, work for the withdrawal of the British army of occupation from Northern Ireland so that the Irish people may determine their own affairs without interference from outside parties who have no business to be in Ireland.

The last comment that we must make in regard to the above-quoted remarks of Mr Foot concerns his description of the Irish liberation fighters as terrorists. In doing so, Mr Foot joins a long list of third-rate bourgeois flunkeys who see nothing but terrorism in every war of liberation, in every struggle for national and social emancipation. Ronald Reagan describes the struggle of the Palestinian and El Salvadorean people for national liberation as terrorism,

Just as his predecessors maligned the struggle for national liberation of the Indo-Chinese people as terrorism. But, then, the US Presidents do not claim to be socialists. Michael Foot, however, not only claims to be a socialist, but left

socialist at that! And by describing the present struggle of the Irish people as terrorism, Michael Foot is following in the footsteps of those pedants, who also called themselves socialists, who denounced the Easter uprising of 1916 as a *putsch’. It is not surprising that Michael Foot’s monstrously doctrinaire and pedantic opinion about the liberation fighters in Ireland being terrorists coincides with the opinions of such incurable reactionaries as Ronald Reagan and

Margaret Thatcher. Whoever characterises the struggle of the Irish people for the liberation and unification of their country as terrorism is either a hardened

reactionary, or a doctrinaire hopelessly incapable of imagining a social revolution as a living thing.

So far we have deliberately concentrated on Michael Foot, for it is he who leads the Labour Party. Let no-one, however, think that Michael Foot is an exCeptionally treacherous and malicious individual.

He is of his kind; he is a

social-democrat who leads a social-democratic party. And social-democracy is

nothing if not an agent of the bourgeoisie in the ranks of the working class.

Michael Foot has only done what his predecessors in the Labour Party have always done ever since its inception, that is, to betray the working class and serve the interests of British imperialism. For it must never be forgotten that

after the Easter uprising when the news reached Westminster that James Con-

nolly, the great Irish socialist and one of the foremost leaders of that uprising, wounded and strapped to a chair, had been executed by a firing squad, Arthur Henderson, the then leader of the Labour Party, led his Parliamentary col-

leagues in rapturous applause.

With the only difference - Henderson did not

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

375

perpetrate, unlike Michael Foot, the insult of calling the IRA prisoners ordinary Criminals.

That is the essence of the ’socialist’ progress made by the Labour

Party in the last 60 years.

.

During the Second World War a Labour Home Secretary, Herbert Morri-

son, made sure that the Mosleyites were not only treated as political prisoners but afforded them every comfort.

This notwithstanding the fact that they were

fascists and open admirers of Hitler and Hitlerite Germany with which Britain was at war. This is how Colin Cross in his book The Fascists in Britain describes their extremely comfortable and privileged conditions: "The leading detainees, including Mosley, were in F wing of Brixton Prison. Their cell doors were unlocked during the daytime and they were al-

lowed freedom of association and the right to purchase their own food from outside. "During the hot summer of the Battle of Britain they played cricket in the courtyard under the tuition of Gordon-Canning and Ramsay." After being moved to Holloway Prison, the Mosleyites were not only given a four-roomed flat, but the authorities also allowed them to employ other detainees as domestic servants. From the foregoing it is clear that in the Labour Party’s book of ’socialism’ it is better to be a fascist than a fighter for national liberation. For let it be remembered that it was yet again a Labour Home Secretary, Merlyn Rees, who in 1976 deprived the Maze prisoners of the political status (special category status, if you please) which they had had hitherto! There is, therefore, nothing

unreasonable in the demands of the hunger strikers that they be treated as political prisoners. And that is what they are: they are fighting for the liberation of their country, they have been tried by political courts (Diplock Courts) and have been locked up for taking up arms against British imperialism’s occupation of their country.

Duty of the working class The working class must not only support the hunger strikers’ demands to be considered political prisoners,.it must also support the struggle of the Irish people as a whole for self-determination and unification of Ireland. In short,

the British working class must demand the withdrawal of the British army from

the six counties of Ireland. This demand must be put forward not just in words but backed by deeds.

Only such a programme is in the interests of Irish free-

dom, of accelerating the development of the struggle of the British working

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

376

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

class for its own social emancipation because, as Lenin said:

"The British

allowed) the workers could not become free so long as they helped (or even keeping of another nation in slavery." (British Liberals and Ireland). It is not just a question of the British working class being kind and humane to the Irish people. In supporting the struggle of the Irish people (or any other

people for that matter), the British working class would be aiming its blows at all the abominations in Britain. It is in the direct and absolute interests of the

British working class to support the struggles for national liberation everywhere,

including Ireland.

Marx

and Engels,

the co-founders

of scientific

socialism, understood this very well and this is how they, with characteristic genius, presented the question of Irish liberation and its inextricable link with the emancipation of the British working class.

In a letter of 20 November 1868, Engels notes that:

"Irish history shows

one what a misfortune it is for a nation to have subjugated another nation. All

the abominations of the English have their origin in the Irish Pale. I have still to plough through the Cromwellian period, but this much seems certain to me, that things would have taken another turn in England, too, but for the necessity of military rule in Ireland and the creation of a new aristocracy there."

In other words, the subjugation of the Irish nation was a subjugation of the English proletariat as well; it was a misfortune for the Irish people and the English working class alike. A year later, on 10 December,

1869, Marx writes that his paper on the

Irish question to be read at the Council of the Intemational will be formulated on the following lines: " ... Quite apart from all phrases about ‘international’ and ‘humane’ justice for Ireland - which are taken for granted in the international council - it is in the direct and absolute interest of the English working class to get rid of their present connection with Ireland ... The English working class will never accomplish anything until it has got rid of Ireland ... English reaction in England has its roots ... in the subjugation of Ireland." (Marx’s emphasis).

The alternative to the policy of supporting the demand for Irish liberation is for the working class to join the ruling class in Britain in a common front against Ireland and thus forge the chains for its own continued slavery. Marx, therefore, quite correctly insisted that the British working class will never be able to do “anything decisive here in England until it separates its policy with regard to Ireland in the most definite way from the policy of the ruling classes, until it makes not only common cause with the Irish, but even takes the initia-

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

tive in dissolving the Union.

377

And, indeed, this must be done not as a matter of

sympathy with Ireland, but as a demand made in the interests of the English proletariat. If not, the English people will remain in the leading-strings of the ruling classes, because it must join with them in a common front against Ireland." (Letter to Kugelmann dated 29 November, 1869). The 112 years that have elapsed since Marx and Engels made the above remarks, full of genius and penetration, have fully bome out their correctness.

It

is high time the British working class acted on them, made them an article of its pronunciamento and thus facilitated not only the Irish struggle for national liberation but also the struggle for its own emancipation. The British workers must stop being duped by the twaddle peddled by the liberal and conservative spokespersons of the bourgeoisie alike to the effect

that Britain has none but the most altruistic motives for being in occupation of Northern Ireland.

Let the liberal Guardian state in its own language its agree-

ment with the conservative Mr Peregrine Worsthome of the Sunday Telegraph in exactly the same fashion as Michael Foot has stated his with Mrs Thatcher: "Mr P Worsthorne of the Sunday Telegraph is right to point out that Britain’s continued attempt to administer Northern Ireland for the benefit of its people is an act of the highest political altruism. There is nothing in it for Britain; nothing at all, but a draw on lives, a hole in the pocket, and a reputation in which the worst regimes of Eastern Europe can take malicious pride."

(Leading article, 6 May 1981). It would require a separate article to show what Britain has gained from the subjugation of Ireland throughout the centuries as well as what it gets now.

This much is certain though, that the occupation of Northern Ireland by Britain, and the religious bigotry and sectarianism that this occupation fosters, is one of

the chief causes of the strength of reaction both in Britain and in Ireland.

To

strengthen reaction in the British Isles, to impede the development of the social

movement for the emancipation of the working class, can hardly be called "an

act of the highest political altruism" on the part of British imperialism. reminds us of the well-known remark of Marx and Engels that:

This

"Bourgeois socialism attains adequate expression when, and only when, it becomes a mere figure of speech ... It is summed up by the phrase: the bour-

geois is a bourgeois - for the benefit of the working class." (The Manifesto of the Communist Party).

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN

378

Engels’ Prediction

"But if after 700 years of fighting this assimilation [ie., England’s attempt at the complete assimilation of Ireland] has not succeeded; if instead each new

wave of invaders flooding Ireland is assimilated by the Irish; if, even today, the Irish are far from being West Britons, as they say, as the Poles are from being West Russians after only 100 years of oppression; if the fighting is not yet over

and there is no prospect that it can be ended in any other way than by exterminating the oppressed race - then, all the geographical pretexts in the world are not enough to prove that it is England’s destiny to conquer Ireland.” (Engels, History of Ireland). The above remarks of Engels, written over 100 years ago, with suitable

modifications resulting from the partition of Ireland in 1921, ring truer today than ever before. If after 800 years of English rule and attempts at the complete assimilation of the whole of Ireland (and, since 1922, the Northern part of

it), the Irish are far from being West Britons; if the fighting is not yet over and, there is not prospect that it can be ended in any other way than by exterminating the oppressed Irish nation - then all the geographical, economic, pseudo-constitutional and pseudo-democratic pretexts are not enough to prove that it is England’s destiny to rule any part of Ireland. The truth of this state-

ment is more than borne out by the 20th century history of Anglo-Irish relations in general, and the history of the Troubles during the past decade in

particular.

Possessed with "terrific recuperative powers," after the most gruesome suppression, after every attempt to exterminate them, the Irish have, after a

short respite, emerged stronger than ever before.

After the earlier gruesome

suppressions and attempts at extermination the Irish rose in rebellion against

the English rule during Easter 1916. After the suppression of the Easter uprising, resulting in the execution of the leaders of this uprising - notably that of James Connolly - after Lloyd George’s attempts at exterminating them through the terror unleashed by the Black and Tans, the Irish people struck back with

unparalleled energy and vigour, forcing the British government and the self-

same Lloyd George to recognise, for the first time, the case for Irish independence.

The Irish people were, however, deprived of the fruits of their

victory, for which they had fought for 800 years, through the Partition plan under which the Six Counties of Northern Ireland were separated from the rest of

the country. These Six Counties have continued to be forcibly occupied py

British imperialism against the will and wishes of the Irish people and are the

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and

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IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

Cause of the continuing troubles in Ireland. Stormont comes crashing down Having separated these Six Counties from the rest of Ireland, Britain established

a puppet

government

at Stormont.

The

Stormont

government

was

throughout its 50 years’ existence, nothing but a naked terroristic and fascistic dictatorship whose chief function was to discriminate against and oppress and

suppress the nationalist elements of the population. But the Irish people, mustering their customary energies, heroism and capacity for sacrifice in the cause of liberating Ireland from English colonial rule, struck back and swept into the dustbin the entire edifice created by British imperialism in the Northern Ire-

land. Failure of the British Army to pacify Northern Ireland For just over a decade British imperialism has instituted a reign of terror in Northern Ireland; it has been engaged in the most gruesome suppression and an

attempt at exterminating the heroic fight of the Irish people for national liberation. That this attempt is failing, that the revolutionary war of the Irish people for national liberation is bound to be victorious over British imperialism be-

comes clearer with each passing day. The march of events reveals that British

imperialism can maintain its occupation of Northern Ireland only by exterminating the Irish people, and since it is unable to achieve this extermination, in

the final analysis it is unable to maintain this occupation.

The Irish people

have given ample proof that, in their struggle for national liberation, no sacri-

fice is too great (in this context, the deaths of the hunger strikers are the latest,

though not the only, proof of this iron determination). Bourgeois spokesmen forced to recognise the truth

This truth is not only the lodestar in the Irish people’s struggle for self determination,

for Ireland’s

unity

and

complete

independence

from

British

imperialism, but it has also begun to penetrate the stubborn and thick skulls of the spokesmen for the British bourgeoisie. James Callaghan, the former ’Labour’ Prime Minister, has called for an independent state of Northern Ireland. Reportedly there is serious and growing dissent within the British government

over the cabinet’s policy on Northem Ireland. One minister is reported to have

made the remark that : "Jt would be better to lead with our chins" (Guardian,

13 August 1981).

The liberal Guardian has been forced, not by genuine

change of heart but by the sheer impossibility of subjugating Northern Ireland

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through a military victory over the Republicans, to talk of "Britain's impossible mission in the North" of Ireland and of the IRA as a "national institution whose stated aims, as opposed to methods, are sanctified in the [Irish] Constitution." The Guardian is forced to admit that the success of the Republican struggle in Northern Ireland has been on such a scale as not only to eliminate the SDLP but also seriously to embarrass the Irish government in the Republic. Says the Guardian, "successive statements by the members of the Irish government invite the inference that the new administration is seriously embarrassed by the

political gains derived by the IRA from the hunger strikes and does not know where to turn next." And further: "the Social Democratic and Labour Party, where the best hope for peaceful constitutional change could be found, has had the ground swept from under it. It dare not fight the by-election next week in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, and has had to leave the Republican Clubs, the heirs to the Official IRA, as the only, and dubious, standard bearer of peaceful nationalism."

The conservative Sunday Times, is no less respectful, if grudging, of the successes and the cause of the IRA; it is no less emphatic in pronouncing the

utter defeat of the British government’s policy of keeping Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom and calling for the abandonment of that policy. Having

stated that the British government has a right to resist the demand of the hunger strikers in the Maze for political status, the Sunday Times of 16 August 1981 goes on to say: "Yet it is vital to make the distinction between method and aim. The methods of the Provisional IRA are hateful, and no humane government ought to countenance them. Its basic aim, on the other hand, is shared by a majority of people on the island of Ireland, and respected by great numbers in the world beyond: a New York Judge’s decision that an alleged provisional attempt to kill a British soldier was non-extraditable because political is only the latest indication. That aim is for an end to British rule over those six counties

of the island of Ireland where it still survives." We shall leave aside here the prejudices of the leader writers of the Sunday Times which are implicit in the above remarks and according to which the methods and aims of British govern

ment policy in Northern Ireland have been *humane’ and ’honourable’. We

shall leave aside also the flaws in the Sunday Times’ argument according to which a judge in New York regarded "an alleged provisional attempt to kill a British soldier as non-extraditable, because political," and at the same time

maintain that "Britain has been right to resist ... a demand for political recognition of men convicted of engaging or assisting in random murder." We shall also not dilate on the question that what were the national liberation fighters to

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

381

do if all their most persuasive, authoritative and irrefutable arguments in sup-

port of their aim, which, even according to the Sunday Times, is "shared by a majority of the people of the island of Ireland, and respected by great numbers

in the world beyond," brought them no joy and were rejected by the British goverment, as indeed they were? It is clear that in the face of such stubborn refusal by the British government to countenance facts, only the *hateful’ methods of the national liberation fighters could prove more persuasive than the most persuasive arguments.

That this is so is proven by the belated conversion

of the Sunday Times to the cause of an Ireland free from British rule and occupation. It is just one example of force, "hateful methods" if it pleases the Sunday Times, acting as the midwife of a society pregnant with revolution. What is essential and good about the Sunday Times remarks quoted above, and

which we must welcome with open arms, is that a very respectable, intelligent and authoritative organ of the British ruling classes is literally for the first time

forced to recognise the legitimacy of the aim of a united Ireland, to recognise the entire people of the ’island of Ireland’, and to pay regard to the opinion of mankind in general which has over a long period of time supported the struggle

of the Irish people for national liberation against British colonialism. The "hateful methods" of the Irish patriots have forced the “sad” recognition by the Sunday Times that "British policy in Northern Ireland - to try to keep it in the United Kingdom by general consent has not worked, is not working and will not work [our emphasis]. Even among those who wish it would work, and know the attempt to have been honourable [!!!] that sad fact is recognised every day. The signs multiply ... the SDLP has again decided not to oppose the terrorist cause in an important by-election; terrorist violence itself

persists; and the wretched hunger strike in its support grinds on, defying all predictions of collapse." (ibid).

Dealing with the threadbare and time-worn argument, repeated ad nau-

seam by all apologists of British occupation of Northern Ireland, that the withdrawal of the British army would provoke a ’bloodbath,’ the Sunday Times

pertinently remarks that "the luckless British army now provokes by its mere presence part of the bloodletting it came to stop.

There is also the possibility

that to do nothing now would occasion a fiercer bloodbath later." The Sunday Times’ solution As

far as the solution to the Troubles in Ireland is concerned, the Sunday

Times is as “luckless" in finding it as is the British army in pacifying and sub-

duing Northern Ireland.

So, the Sunday Times opts for the Callaghan solution,

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

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viz., the creation of an independent Northern Ireland.

How, one may be par-

doned for asking the uncomfortable and rude question, will the so-called majority, i.e., the Unionists, alone in an independent Northern Ireland, be able to subdue the struggle for a united Ireland if this selfsame fraternity has been unable to achieve this nefarious aim with the help of British imperialism and the latter’s powerful army, armed with the most sophisticated weapons? But

this is a question which will bother only the Sunday Times and such other spokespersons of the British bourgeoisie. For our part, we who have always supported the struggle for a united and independent Ireland, free from foreign domination and interference, must rest content with what the Sunday Times

calls "a concession to the logic which Britain has reluctantly acknowledged in many other parts of the world, and cannot much longer evade in this most difficult instance," to wit, the withdrawal of the British army of occupation from the northern part of the island of Ireland.

The inevitable victory of the Irish struggle for national liberation And when that happy event occurs, no matter what sadness it brings in the

circles of the Sunday Times and suchlike spokespersons of the British bourgeoisie, it will spell victory for the Irish people’s centuries-old struggle for a united, free and independent Ireland. And that victory against British colonialism and imperialism, in the language of the Guardian,

"would be on sale in

ballad form all over Ireland [and beyond] next morning." If the British working class has failed, as it sadly has, to lead the movement for the withdrawal of

the British army from Northern Ireland, let it waste no time in adding its own

voice to those of the spokespersons of the bourgeoisie who, reading the writing on the wall, are demanding this withdrawal. For the withdrawal of the British army is in the interests not only of the national liberation struggle of the Irish

people, but is also directly in the interests of the cause of social emancipation of the British working class itself.

If the leading spokespersons of the British

ruling classes are being forced to realise that the laws of history are stronger

than the laws of artillery, if they are being forced to recognise the sad (for them) truth that the British policy in Ireland is as doomed to failure as the victory of the Irish people’s struggle for independence and national unification is inevitable, then let not the British working class lag behind in the cognisance of

this truth.

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

383

LALKAR April 1982

Hands off the Falklands Las Malvinas Argentinas On Friday 2 April, 1982, the Argentine armed forces invaded, and estab-

lished complete control over, the Falkland Islands, which the Argentines have always laid claim to and which they call Las Islas Malvinas, thus restoring these islands to Argentinean sovereignty. Following this successful Argentinean action, the British government has found itself in the throes of a most

severe crisis - of the kind not seen since the days of the Suez crisis more than 25 years ago - and the chief hallmarks of its policy have aptly been described by that great friend of the Tories, the Daily Telegraph, as being "confusion,

ambiguity and irresolution". The government simply does not know what to do and in which direction to move. It is simply being propelled by the unfolding events into actions and in directions not of its own choosing. This governmental crisis has already produced three ministerial resignations - that of the Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington, and two of his junior colleagues at the For-

eign Office, Messrs

Atkins and Loos - and all the signs are that more

ministerial heads will roll. The resignation of the Defence Secretary, Mr Nott,

is almost a foregone conclusion. And the future of the Prime Minister, indeed of her government, is far from assured. The Question of Sovereignty

Before going into the questions of right and wrong, the legitimacy or otherwise, of the Argentine action, it is important to look at the question of

sovereignty

over the Falklands in the proper historical perspective. Mrs

Thatcher claimed the other day in Parliament that Argentina "has not a shred of justification nor a scrap of legality". The British bourgeois press and media have put forward the same viewpoint, painting Britain as the victim of an unprovoked aggression. Here are a few salient facts appertaining to the history of the Falkland Islands. Both Spain and Britain claimed title to these Islands by discovery, the former through Vespucius and the latter through Drake and Hawkins. The French seem to have landed a party on these islands in 1764 and were only turfed out

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

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the by the Spaniards. The French called the Islands Les Isles Malouines (after

sailors who came from St Malo) and the Spanish called them ) Las Islas Malvi-

nas. In 1767 the French transferred their rights to the Spanish. In 1770 the Spaniards ejected a British landing party. A year later in 1771, for some un-

known reason, the Spaniards relented and allowed the British back. However, the climate proved stronger than the collapsing Spanish Empire, and the British settlement packed it in three years later. The British withdrew leaving behind a British flag and a lead plaque saying that the Islands were "the sole right and property" of George III. Thereafter the Islands went through many vicissitudes of claims to their sovereignty and periods of internal disorder. Spanish occupation ensued until 1810 followed by occupation by the government of Buenos Aires. In 1820 the newly-independent Republic of Buenos Aires announced that it had inherited the rights once exercised by Spain, and started to develop a colony on the Islands. The poor Argentinean colonists made the mistake in 1831 of seizing 3 American sailing vessels for taking their stocks. The Americans, wielding their big sticks as has been their wont since then, organised a sharp naval assault which laid waste the Islands and declared them to be "free of all governance”. The British government saw in this Argentinean misfortune and re-occupied the Islands with a military force in January 1833, expelling the local Ar gentineans from the Islands. Since then, though Britain has hung on to these Islands which gave it domination of the strategic South Atlantic and Cape Horn routes, Argentina never forgot and never gave up its claim. In 1965 the General Assembly of the United Nations voted by 94 votes to nil, with Britain abstaining, that the two sides should hold talks to resolve the issue peacefully. Since then talks have been held between the two sides, interrupted by several naval confrontations,

and the breaking off of diplomatic relations between 1975 and 1979. The Bnitish government employed the tactics of delay and procrastination and in the

end the Argentine patience ran out and they took what was theirs by force since they could not get it on the negotiating table.

From the above facts it is clear that the Argentines were forced to leave by

the superior force of arms at a time when the British Navy really ruled the

waves; it is clear that the Argentinean population of these Islands, the Matvi-

nas, was expelled by the same superior power of the day. If history has tumed round and played a joke on the British ruling class, why should the latter com-

plain even if what has happened is not much to their liking? What was

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

385

conquered by sword and fire has been taken back by those who had legitimate claim to it, and who have never dropped this claim even if they were hitherto

powerless to press it militarily. Much is being made of the undisturbed occupancy for the last 150 years by the British of these Islands, but then much has

always been made of such occupancy by all the colonial powers. Did not France make such a lot of its occupancy of Algeria and other countries? Did she not regard her colonies as mere provinces of France? Did Britain herself not make similar claims -with regard to the territories that once constituted her vast empire? It is also said that the people of Falklands do not wish to be part of Argentina, that they are passionately British - more British than the British

themselves. That is undoubtedly true, but that is no fault of the Argentinean people, who were as much the victims of British colonial expansion as were the

people of British descent on these Isles who were brought there on the underStanding - false as it turns out - that these isles were British forever. These Islands were British for as long as the British might of arms was in a position to sustain this. This has in fact been implicitly recognised over the decades by

the successive British governments who have conducted negotiations with the Argentine government over the question of sovereignty to these Islands. And if these isles are British and their sovereignty is unquestionable, what then is there to negotiate about with the Argentineans? The fact of the matter is that the 1700 Islanders are not worth a farthing to our government. What has made these Islands now such a bone of contention are the rich fishing stocks and oil deposits around these Islands. People have

never mattered very much to our ruling classes but considerations of strategy and profits have always done so.

One has only to contrast the present demands of some Tory and Labour

MPs for governmental blood over letting the people of the Falklands down, with their deafening silence over the expulsion in 1968 of 1300 inhabitants of the island of Diego Garcia, to realise the utter hypocrisy of these jingoistic lickspittles and flunkeys of monopoly capitalism.

Jingoist hysteria

For the first time in more than 25 years the House of Commons sat on a Saturday on the 3 April. During the debate on the Islands, it has to be admitted

the Tory Right-wingers and Labour Left-wingers vied with each other in jingo-

ist hysteria. During the debate was born the Leader of the Opposition. So

jingoist was Mr Foot’s performance that the Daily Telegraph gave him a kiss

of death by describing his performance as the best ever, adding that this was

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"the language of gut patriotism". And further "The furrowed, white-haired old pacifist was leading nothing less than an opposition drum-roll for war". "It was Labour at its patriotic, flag-waving finest". Such is always the fate of social-chauvinism! And The Times in its editorial of 5 April, full of sabre-rattling and patriotic fervour, i.e., imperialist jingoism (we shall shortly return to this editorial) commented on Labour’s performance in the following terms "7he time may come

when the unilateralist Left will look back on its Churchillian posture on Saturday with amazement and regret. For the present it is enough to welcome the prodigal’s return". Large Task Force On Saturday 3 April the House of Commons gave a near unanimous mandate to the government to dispatch a formidable naval task force, composed of 36 ships, including the Aircraft Carriers Invincible and Hermes

as well as

guided missile destroyers, frigates and nuclear-powered submarines, for the purpose of "liberating the Islands from Argentinean rule’. This force is already on its way and there is every prospect at the moment of a bloody battle over these Islands. It is of the utmost importance that we make our attitude to this impending battle clear. The bourgeois attitude has been outlined by the government, by the Opposition and by the press. Not a single one of these has, not surprisingly, said or done anything that is in the interests of the working class of this country. In the circumstances the working class and its leadership must in the interests of its own class make its attitude clear. Our attitude is that the Falklands belong to Argentina and not to Britain. We have no wish to forcibly take other people’s territory or loot other people’s wealth. Our demand

should be that our government desist from all military action against Argentina and conduct negotiations with the Argentine government on the single issue of

securing the lives and well-being of the 1700 Islanders. We should refuse to be

fooled by the hysterical leader-writers of the imperialist press, and we should treat their outbursts with the contempt that they deserve. In its editorial, referred to above, The Times tries to compare the Faikiand

invasion with the Nazi invasion of Poland, and with a racist tinge adds: “7he Poles were Poles; the Falklanders are our people. The Falklands - e British an invasion OJ our territory. When British territory is invaded, it is not just

land, but of our whole spirit. We are all Falklanders now". ng side by side in Britain - one As a matter of fact there are two spirits livi

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

387

imperialist and the other proletarian. To the former all other people’s territory is ‘our’ territory, to the latter it is not so. To the former it is an invasion of ’our’ spirit when we cannot plunder other people. To the latter it is not so. We are

not all Falklanders, and if the British bourgeoisie wish to go and fight it out, let them do their own dirty work. We in the working class have no wish to shed a

single drop of blood for protecting the interests of British imperialism. The Argentine Fascist Junta It is now being claimed that we should knock the hell out of Argentina and oppose the latter’s claims to the Falklands because it is ruled by a fascistic military dictatorship. Says The Times: "It is the misfortune of the Argentine

people to live under a fascist dictatorship as they have done many times over in their turbulent, truculent, unstable 150-year history. The people of Argentina are again today on their knees under the rifle butts of a military tyranny which has introduced a sinister new idiom to their language - ’the disappeared ones’.

The disappearance of individuals is the junta’s recognised method of dealing with opposition. We are faced now with a situation where it intends to make a whole island people - the Falklanders - disappear" . (ibid. ) There is not the slightest doubt that the Argentinean government is fascis-

tic and its rule the most bloody most nasty and most sordid, it is true that more than

12,000

Argentines

have disappeared since this fascist junta came ‘to

power. And we congratulate The Times, and the rest of the British media as well as Her Majesty’s Government and Opposition, for having made this be-

lated discovery. Some of us have correctly characterised the Argentinean junta as fascist right from its inception. Over the years The Times and most of the other newspapers, who today wax eloquent over the disappearances, kept silent. The British government and British big business were doing good

business with Argentina and making jolly good money out of the misfortune of the Argentine people, as they have done out of the misfortune of the South African, the Chilean, the Salvadoran and countless other peoples.

The fact of the

matter is that these nasty, bloody, fascist regimes would not last a day if it were not for the financial, political and military support afforded them by the various imperialist countries, Britain included. It is indeed ironical that the Royal Navy will be facing in a couple of weeks’ time some of the sophisticated hardware provided to the Argentine fascist junta by the benevolence of the British gov-

ernment. These facts ought to be remembered by those who are now calling upon the working class to make sacrifices in a futile and unjust cause, as well

as by the working class.

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The fact that Argentine people are under the heel of fascism should in no way blind us to the national rights of the Argentinean people over the Falklands. Nor should this fact lead us into the camp of British imperialism and into

the defence of its interests. We should not be fooled by the crocodile tears of the age-old apologists of British colonialism and imperialism such as The Times. These tears are not shed over either the misfortune of the Argentine people nor that of the Falklanders, these are tears shed over the humiliation and misfortune

presently afflicting British imperialism. No doubt the Falklands

question is a popular issue in Argentina and the fascist generals need it to distract the attention of the Argentinean people and to retard the latter’s resistance to their fascist rule. No doubt that temporarily the generals will gain some

popularity. But in6 months’ time this will no longer be the case; there will be no more Malvinas to inflame national feelings. Then the people of Argentina will still be under the heel of the fascist junta and they will doubtlessly get rid of it by waging revolutionary war against it.

National Issue "Falklands is a national issue and no regrets about the past or anxieties

about the future should be allowed to conceal from Argentina Britain’s total resolution .... What matters in the next few weeks is that the government should have the fullest possible backing for a combined military and diplomatic operation which calls for nerve and skill on an unusual scale." (Ibid.).

So says The Times, expressing the desires, wishes and interests of British

imperialism. For our part we, expressing the desires, wishes and above all the

interests of the working class, say that Falklands is not a national issue. The isunemployment (3 sues that matter to us are those concerned with getting rid of sm, million at present), housing shortages, inadequate social services, of raciali

present nasty government of war - indeed getting rid of not only the repr oduces these problems. whole nasty system of production that ever

er than concerned with conquering these real problems rath

and policy whic people’s territories. This is the line of thought every working-class organisation.

but the

= =

Te

permeat

:

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LALKAR February/March 1991

London Demonstrations Show British People Opposed to Gulf War On Saturday 12 January 1991, the last weekend before the UN deadline ran out, over 200,000 people attended a massive and militant anti-war demonstration in London, which started from Hyde Park and ended with a Rally in Trafalgar Square, where a number of militant speeches were made. Outstanding among these was that of Bernie Grant M.P. who spoke of the right of the

Arab people to determine their own destinies. The main slogan of the demonstration "No Blood for Oil’, showed that most people there understood the real nature of this war - that it was nota war for the democratic rights of small nations but a war over who should control Middle East oil, the people of the region or the big imperialist-owned oil companies. Moreover La/kar was bought by large numbers of people, many of whom expressed their apprecia-

tion of the firm stand that La/kar is taking on this issue and the guidance it is giving on the nature of the imperialists’ machinations. Anticipating their role as the propaganda arm of the British government,

the media reported the demonstration as only being attended by 42,000 (according to the police). The Sunday Express outdid all its rivals by claiming only 13,000 people had been there. Maybe it only counted the Sunday Express readers. Bernie Grant’s speech, and even his presence, went unreported.

Ignoring public opinion in Britain and in America, where the peace movement is even more militant and widely supported, the governments of the imperialist countries decided to go ahead anyway, launching their first bombing strike on the night of Wednesday

16 January.

As a result the following

Saturday, the 23rd January, there was another demonstration - this time of 20,000 people - held to protest against the war.

It will be noted that the immediate effect of declarat of war hasion been to cause a certain decrease in the number of people prepared to voice their opposi-

tion to war.

In particular the Labour’ Party, which had in a half-hearted way

opposed entry into the war, promoted with some success the petty-bourgeois

line that we must support ’our’ forces. Certainly when working-class young men are herded off to give their lives in an unpleasant and brutal war, it is hard

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- THE ENEMY WITHIN

to have to tell them that their cause is unjust. Nevertheless, brutal though the truth may be, much less pain is caused in the long run if the truth is faced rather than attempts made to hide it. It is extremely important that we develop a consistent strategy to oppose this war. It is our firm conviction, based on facts and not sentiment, that the

present war waged by the US-led imperialist coalition is an unjust predatory war for controlling the Arab people’s fabulous oil wealth, preventing revolu-

tion and protecting medieval and feudal regimes who are nothing but stooges for the attainment of the above two nefarious aims. In the light of this strategy we wish to review very briefly the stands taken

by some of the participants in the anti-war movement. As we noted above, Labour Party support for the anti-War movement has plummeted since the war began. The Labour Party supports imperialism to the hilt, and its leadership’s only opposition to war was tactical - i.e., it claimed n that the war could still be waged in a few months’ time whe Iraq had been weakened by sanctions, as a result of which ’our boys’ would suffer fewer

casualties. Probably if the Labour Party had been in power rather than in opposition, not even that much opposition’ to the forthcoming. Robert Harris of the Sunday Times of manding war as soon as possible, dismissed the contempt that it (and almost all other Kinnock lines)

war would have been 13 January, who was deKinnock line with the richly deserved when he

wrote: "There is a famous joke ... which seems to sum up the Labour party's posi-

tion on the war in the Gulf, A man angrily demands of his son if he has cut down the family’s apple tree. "Father, I cannot tell a lie,’ replies the boy, solemnly. ’Maybe I did, and maybe I didn’t.’ last week "The opposition’s policy on the restoration of Kuwait, as: set out

of an Oscar by Neil Kinnock and Gerald Kaufman, has the pithy brilliance

Wilde epigram: Labour does not support the use of force e the immediate fu-

ture; but if force is used in the immediate future, Labour will support it. "That nicely covers just about every eventuality ...

sition: supporting the

"Labour is properly doing its duty as 4 loyal oP. ee

government when British lives are at stake, but giving voice to the widespread

Its policy is ... utunease which should properly be represented in parliament. terly fallacious.

|

a time "The fallacy is sanctions; more particularly Labour's refusal to put

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

391

limit on how long it would be prepared to wait jor sanctions to work... I have

yet to hear a proponent of sanctions indicate, even in vague terms, when that point will come... "In these circumstances sanctions ... serve ... aS a sort of moral escape

hatch: a funk hole for those who lack either the wit or the courage to make up their minds."

Frankly we could not have put it better ourselves.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, too, is coloured with a strong pro-imperialist streak, which tends to divert it from its aims.

Hence its ’anti-

war’ position, trying to please both the pro-imperialists and those who

genuinely oppose war, ended up with the absurdity of opposing the war while at the same time opposing withdrawal of the imperialist troops from the Gulf. Obviously if there are troops in the Gulf they are there to be used. The Camialis paign was prepared to go along with the imper line that the cause oftthe war was aggression by Saddam Hussein against Kuwait, and totally failed to appreciate that it was imperialism’s moves to stifle the Arabs’ right to control the oil situated on their own territories that had precipitated the crisis. Nevertheless, there are within the Campaign many honest people who will sooner or later reject with disgust the efforts of some of its big leaders, like Bruce Kent, to herd them into the imperialist camp, and thus mobilise them FOR war rather than AGAINST it. Similar attempts to accommodate both imperialism and opposition to the

war at the same time are made by various Trotskyite groupings as well as the Anarchists of Class War.

With earsplitting militancy they condemn both impe-

rialism and Saddam Hussein. In this way they help imperialism by neutralising those who cannot stomach being on the imperialist side.

At least they do not

go over to the side of the oppressed and exploited people of the world who are struggling for freedom.

Whenever REAL confrontations take place between

imperialism and the people of the world, these *ultra-revolutionaries’ find all kinds of reasons for undermining the freedom struggles, which are never revolutionary enough for their tastes. Forget that, they say, until you get a chance to fight an ideal fight that is uncontaminated by reality.

Class War put out a

leaflet which really comes over as a caricature of this line, though we believe

they actually meant it to be taken seriously.

This leaflet thunderously con-

cludes: "When it comes down to it, Bush, Thatcher and Saddam are all on the same side - the side ofthe rich and powerful.

We have no interest in fighting

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SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

their battles for them. The only war worth fighting is the class war to get rid of these scumbags for good. In Iraq, Britain and everywhere else working class people face similar problems (war, dangerous jobs, increasing poverty, etc.) and have the same enemies. By fighting together in a social revolution we can sweep away all the warring states and build a classless world human commu-

ity in their place, a world where human needs are what counts, not money." Well, what is wrong with supporting the Iraqi people now against ’our’ imperialist masters?

Why don’t we all get Bush and Thatcher (or Major) now while

the going is good? For the moment Saddam is doing a good job against world imperialism. Can’t we worry about him later? The most disgusting leaflet was the one distributed by the Committee Against Repression for Democratic Rights in Iraq (Cardri). Its authors, unable or unwilling to make a distinction between the right and struggle of the Iraqi people for a democratic regime in Iraq on the one hand and the just struggle of the Iraqi people against imperialism on the other hand, give succour to the imperialist forces waging war against Iraq in the following terms: "The continued intransigence of the Iraqi regime, its continued deliberate policy of sabotaging peace efforts by various international and Arab quarters, and refusal to comply with the UN resolutions, have exposed the utter contempt

of Saddam's dictatorship for international values and norms. It demonstrates once again its preparedness to gamble with the fate of the Iraqi people in order to hold on to political power at any cost." One has to be wilfully ignorant to blame Iraq for the present crisis which

even some bourgeois analysts admit has been in preparation ever since the Iran-Iraq war. Cardri reveals its truly reactionary and ing: "Cardri supports the call by all the main forces made at a press conference in Beirut on 29 December lution to the conflict through intensifying the pressure

treasonable role by sayof the Iragi opposition, 1990, for a peaceful soon Saddam’s regime to

withdraw unconditionally from Kuwait." Every intelligent observer of the political developments in the Middle East and in Europe knows that the so- called forces of the Iraqi opposition who gave their call from Beirut on 29 December 1990 are acting as despicable tools of the CIA and intelligence agencies of other imperialist countries, and are being carefully groomed to take over the government of Iraq after, as is the hope of imperialism, the overthrow of the

Iraqi regime by the NATO aggressors. In the next issue of Lalkar we shall give detailed proof of this assertion of ours.

The most entertaining leaflet was produced by Richard Burns under the ti-

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY and IMPERIALIST WAR, AGGRESSION & OCCUPATION

393

tle We are the wimps against war’. From this extremely hilarious long leaflet we reproduce just one sentence which is Mr Burns’ panacea to cure all ills of our society, which he calls a *phallocracy’: "J believe the only basis for peace is the voluntary surrendering of all arms and their destruction, the practice of pacifism, sustained arguments against patriarchy and a woman-led worldwide

Peace movement." One can guess at the hilarity contained in the rest of the leaflet from this single sentence. As the war progresses into bloody confusion, we are convinced that British

working people, like working people the world over, will rapidly learn the true nature of imperialism, will lose their illusions and their faith in imperialist leaders and will start forming themselves into the mighty force that will soon be wiping imperialism off the map forever.

Appendix

APPENDIX

397

LALKAR June 1984

SCARGILL NAILS BOURGEOIS LIES As we go to print the mineworkers have been on strike for nearly "12 weeks.

During this time

the strikers, representing 85% of the entire membership of the NUM, braving police violence on the picket lines, hardship caused by the Government’s denial of social security payments to miners’ families (treatment not even meted out to the families of common criminals and murderers), the Judge Jeffreys-type decisions dished out by the ever compliant judiciary, the denial to strikers of their already-ecarned holiday entitlement etc., have shown rock-like unity, unflag-

ging morale and a grim determination to win. So the NCB, the Government and Fleet Street have all coalesced their not inconsiderable resources and unleashed a campaign of lies, distortions, misrepresentations and half-truths in an effort to isolate the miners from the rest of

the working-class movement and pressurise the strikers into a drift back to work. To counter this malicious campaign Arthur Scargill, the President of the NUM,

has re-

cently put out a brief statement containing the true facts about the coalmining industry and the issues at stake in this strike. We publish Arthur Scargill’s statement in fall so that our readers may arm themselves with the true facts and not the libellous lies that emanate from our "free" press.

“Bnitain’s miners are fighting to save their industry, pits and jobs. They are fighting against the Coal Board’s pit closure programme, which threatens to close over 70 collieries and units, wiping out between 70,000 and 100, 000 jobs in the next few years.

“It was Coal Board Chairman Ian MacGregor’s announcement on March 6th that at least 20,000 jobs would disappear, and over 20 pits close, this year, that sparked off

strike action in the coalfields.

_ “All of our members have, of course, been involved in national industrial action since last November, when the Union began an overtime ban following the NCB’s breaking off of wage negotiations and the continued run-down of our industry. ““We know the British industry is worth saving and it’s worth fighting for. No redundancy payment in the world can match the value of a job passed on to the next gen-

eration.

“There is no bribe big enough to compensate for lifetime wasted without emplo y-

ment.

1

There is no cash hand-out stunning enough to make up for the loss of a vital na-

At the time, Arthur Scargill was accused by the Government and the bourgeois media of Scare-mong

ering. As a matter of fact, if anything, he was guilty of a gross underestimate, for today there are just 7,000 miners - and the coal industry passed into private hands at the beginning of 1995 almost unnoticed (note to present edition)

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| tional asset: Coal. “The Coal Board’s closure programme is frightening in its implications for the Brit. ish people - and the British economy. What is also frightening 1s the way in which the NCB has lied to the miners and to the general public about its plans. “Jan MacGregor claims that in closing 20 pits and axing 20,000 jobs this year, the

NCB will only remove about four million tonnes of coal capacity ... , this is untrue.

“The Coal Board budget for 1984/5 is 97.4 million tonnes. That is 8.2 million tonnes less than the 1983/4 budgeted output of 105.6 million tonnes. The truth is. that more

than 40,000 jobs could go over the next year, and the Board could close double the

number of pits indicated on March 6th. “Indeed, the NCB Chairman said less than 12 months ago - on June 14th, 1983, at an industry consultative meeting - that it was the Board’s intention to take 25 million tonnes of capacity out of the industry as new capacity such as that from the new Selby coalfield came on stream. “To phase out 25 million tonnes capacity means eliminating six times the amount publicly stated by the Board, and it is equal to the closure of between 70 and 100 pits, with a drop in manpower from 180,000 to 100,000.

“No coalfield area is safe from the American butcher, Ian MacGregor, and his closure programme. “Tf the closure plan was implemented, it would mean the death of half the collieries in Scotland, 60 per cent of those in the North East, 70 per cent of those in South Wales, and a 40 per cent reduction in the Midlands. “Tt would wipe out 50 per cent of the pits in the North West, and close 20 of Yorkshire’s mines and 20 in North Nottinghamshire. The Coal Board is on record as stating - at an industry joint policy meeting - that 50 per cent of all pits in South Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire are ear-marked for closure.

“When the Coal Board claims that there will be no compulsory redundancies, its spokesmen are not telling the truth. “When, on March 6th, Ian McGregor announced the closure programme, he told the Union that he could not guarantee there would be no compulsory redundancies. The truth is that the Board’s closure programme will leave miners without work, and families without a livelihood.

Communities will suffer: related industries will be badly hit, and unemployment in the coalfield areas will rocket. The regional poverty which is now a standard feature of 1984 Britain will intensify.

“What is the purpose behind this butchery? What is point of decimating an industry that in fact produces the cheapest deep-mined coal in the world?

“The policies of this Government have nothing to do with what the British people

need. Our nation is built upon an island of coal - enough for 1,000 years ahead.

“Coal to meet our industrial needs. Coal for heating hospitals, schools, community

nu institutions. Coal which will outlast oil and gas. Coal instead of terrifyingly unsafe clear power. Coal, liquefied into oil. 3 ate . combined ; giv’ e heat and power schemes, wou “Coal, which, used to provide

efficient, effective and clean system with warmth for all our elderly during winter months.

APPENDIX

399

“Coal is the fuel of the present AND the future. And ours is the cheapest ep ne mined coal in the world. “The cost of producing a tonne of British coal in 1983, before the NUM overtime ban began, was only £38, and that makes British coal, before subsidies, cheaper to de-

liver to any power station in the nation than deep mined coal from Easter or Western

Europe, the United States of Amer or ica Australia. “Even

the NCB

hasn’t seriously tried to deny that ours is the cheapest coal

produced in Europe (East AND West).

“The Board does, however, distort our production costs when compared with those in selected parts of the United States (such as Appalachia) and Australia (New South Wales). But one can’t make comparisons on that basis. We would never claim that Selby coal, for example, at £14 a tonne, is typical of British production. In using New South Wales to represent Australia, the NCB says nothing about areas such as Queens-

land., where deep-mined coal, at £43 a tonne, is £5 more expensive than the coal produced last year in Britain.

“The only honest and sensible comparison is that of like with like: the British coal industry as a whole with that of any other mining industry as a whole, taking all factors into account.

“The truth is that other nations, the U.S. and Australia included, pay large subsidies to their coal industries, thus enabling them to sell their output - which cost a lot more

than ours to produce - at a cheaper price than ours. “We know that the NCB claims that Australian and US coal are not subsidised -

BUT THEY ARE. In the United States, there are Government subsidies of over.£1,330

million a year, covering research, development and industrial disease. And in Australia there are similar arrangements.

“The West German government gives £2,472 million a year to their coal industry,

while in Belgium, coal receives a subsidy of £96 per tonne. But in Britain, we’re given

only £4 per tonne - and then we’re expected to compete! their subsidies, Britain could sell all the coal she pro“Tf other nations withdrew duces - and, on the other hand, if we received the same level of subsidies as our comthan talking in petitors, we would now be developing our industry, and expanding rather terms of contraction. “We have a second handicap which is just as crippling. Interest charges of nearly £400 million per year, coal stocking charges of over £200 million per year and other payments result in the NCB paying the Government over £2 million a day ! “Far from pouring money

into our industry, this Government

is intent on

bleeding it to death. “The Coal Board, the Government and the media accuse the NUM of not wanting to negotiate and of not being prepared to compromise. I’ve already pointed out that the Coal Board broke off negotiations with our Union last autumn.

we'll

“We've consistently made it clear that all they have to do is pick up a phone, and

meet them any time and anywhere within the agreed procedures of the industry’s

conciliation scheme.

“There is an agreement - signed by Government, Coal Board, and the mining un-

ions - which lays down the programme to be followed years ago, it’s called ‘Plan for Coal’.

sl

industry. Drawn up 10 =

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400

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

n’s mining indus“Plan For Coal recognised the need to expand and develop Britai would enable the try, and the need to prepare a massive investment programme which

mining industry to meet the energy demands of the twenty-first century.

“Tt recognised coal as the fuel on which the nation’s economy could depend, and it

its mlaid down the conditions in which Britain could get the best possible returns on

“The miners have adhered scrupulously to the spirit and the letter of the Plan. We have improved coal face production by well over 5 per cent per year during the past 10

me

vestment in coal. The Conservative Government accepted the Plan For Coal when elected in 1979, and (more importantly) re-affirmed its support as recently as 1981.

years. We have also witnessed and accepted during this time the rapid introduction of new technology - more rapid and far-reaching than anywhere else in the world. “Plan For Coal states very clearly that pits will be closed only on grounds of exhaustion - a point which the NUM has never, ever disputed.

“The Plan envisaged output rising up to 150 million tonnes by 1985, and to 170 million tonnes by the end of the century. The Coal Board chairman at that time - Sir Derek Ezra - believed output would exceed 200 million tonnes by the turn of the cen“What has happened ? The truth is that the NCB, under Government directive, has been steadily reducing output, cutting capacity, closing pits and axing jobs. The

planned budget for 1984/5 is only 97.4 million tonnes - that’s nearly 53 million tonnes less than the output projected in the Plan For Coal ! “Under the Plan’s terms, Government agreed to provide assistance if this proved to be necessary in order to counter the effects of fluctuation in demand. “In other words, Plan For Coal provided for subsidies similar to those given to our

international competitors, including those within the EEC. programme of expansion and development for our industry.

This is part of an overall

But Plan For Coal did not envisage a Government intent on dragging this nation away from a coal-fired energy programme towards an inefficient and frighteningly dangerous nuclear one.

“The CEGB has in fact admitted during the course of the Sizewell Public Inquiry that it intends, on the basis of a high nuclear profile, to be 90 per cent dependent on nu-

clear power by the year 2020. “Such a complete reversal of policy can only happen with Government blessing,

and such plans to build up the nuclear programme can only be carried out if the coal industry is decimated. “The NUM calls upon the Coal Board and the Government to honour the Plan For

Coal, signed in 1974, for which the Government re-affirmed its support in 1979 and

1981. “Tf that is done, no pits will be closed other than on grounds of exhaustion, and we shall have an expanding and developing industry, bringing on stream modern new pits capable of meeting Britain’s energy demands now and through the next century. “We know there’s a need for British coal and it’s in the interests of the British people to develop it.

“The miners’ strike is biting, and it’s biting hard. One indication of this is the ex-

2

tury.

APPENDIX

401

traordinary outcry by the Department of Energy and the NCB about the state of coal stocks, in particular those held by the CEGB. Confidential information received from within the Electricity Generating Board itself reveals that at the beginning of April, it held 20 million tonnes of coal, and it was conceded that without any additional supplies it had a total endurance time of 12 weeks. That was over five weeks ago. “The NUM’s predictions about coal stocks related to normal levels of coal burn have been absolutely accurate. “Coal stocks, of course, have been and are being affected by the CEGB switching

from coal to oil, and by the decision to increase oil-fired electricity from 5 per cent to 27 per cent at a cost to the British taxpayer of over £20 million per week. “Tn addition, the CEGB is keeping nuclear power stations operating beyond the dates they would normally close for safety checks - a decision which holds its own dangers. “These measures indicate the lengths to which the Government will go in trying to force its pit closure programme upon the miners and the nation. Money - taxpayer’s

money - is no object. The dispute in our industry (the dispute brought on by Ian MacGregor’s closure programme) has thus far cost the taxpayers £1,350 million enough to keep all our threatened pits open for the next 10 years. “To go to such lengths to close pits, to seal away valuable coal, can only be de-

scribed as a criminal act. It’s criminal to be thus prepared to destroy jobs, to take the economic heart out of communities, to throw people - especially young people - on the ‘scrap heap.

“Tt’s criminal to press ahead with a pit closure programme which, if implemented, will cost the taxpayer £4.3 billion - while to subsidise our industry, to keep pits open and jobs safe will cost £2 billion: less than half the cost of closures. “This dispute started on November 1, when the NUM began its overtime ban. That national action is still in operation.

“During the past nine weeks, over 80 per cent of the British coalfields have been on strike, and had it not been for our Nottingham colleagues continuing to work, the power

stations would not have received any coal supplies, and would now be close to exhaustion.

“So far the dispute has lost the Coal Board over 24 million tonnes of production, and already industries are beginning to feel the pinch. Towns throughout the mining areas have suffered as a result of the MacGregor philosophy.

Whole communities which

depend on mining are feeling the effects of this, the longest dispute since 1926. “The hysteria of the Government, the NCB and the media should demonstrate to any miner that we are winning. “Our hope is that our colleagues in the Nottinghamshire coalfield will join us and bring this dispute to a swift and successful conclusion. “There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind about the policy of Ian MacGregor -

he was sent into British Steel to butcher that industry, and in three years he slashed the workforce from 166,000 down to 81,000, while increasing the corporation’s LOSS per worker from just over £3,000 to over £4,700. “Mrs Thatcher has now appointed him to carry out the same ruthless exercise in the

coal industry, and we believe that in defending our "right to work" we are standing firm

for all workers against the vandalism of a Tory Government intent on destroying Brit-

402

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

- THE ENEMY WITHIN

ain’s industrial base’. “We have witnessed tremendous solidarity from other trade unions, and in particular from the transport unions, which have been absolutely magnificent. ‘They understand that an attack upon our industry is an attack upon them, and for that reason they have responded swiftly and decisively to this situation. “We have also seen the development of women’s support groups all over the British coalfield. Women recognise the threat not just to pits and miners’ jobs, but to all

mining communities. “Our young people, above all, have been magnificent throughout this dispute.

“The miners know that to keep pits open is right: it makes sense - economically, so-

cially, and politically. “We call on Ian MacGregor and the Government to withdraw the pit closure programme now. We ask them to adhere to the Plan For Coal to which both Government and Coal Board are signatories. “We ask that our industry be developed ana expanded, not merely in the interests of miners, but in the interests of the taxpayer and

the British nation as a

whole”’.

1

system, which is This, of course, is inherent to the imperialist stage of the capitalist

characterised by export of capital (note to present edition).

APPENDIX APPENDIX

403 403

LALKAR November 1984 LALKAR November 1984

Lalkar interviews Malcolm Pitt Lalka r inter views Malco lm Pitt 6th October 1984 6th October 1984 Harpal Brar (HB): Comrade Malcolm Malcolm Pitt, Pitt, II welcome welcome you, you, on on behalf behalf of of the the Indian Indian Harpal Brar (HB): Comrade Workers' Front, to Southall. We are very pleased and honoured that you have found Workers’ Front, to Southall. We are very pleased and honoured that you have found timeto to come this Rally, Rally, which whichisis ininsupport support of of the the NUM and strikethat thathas has been been time come to to this NUM and thethestrike

going on for 77 months. going on for months. Now the strike has been been going going on on for for 77 months months and and there there has has been been aa lot lot of of comcom Now that that the strike has

ment the miners, miners, perhaps perhaps because because of hardship, will will go go back back to to work, work, could could you you ment that that the of hardship, comment on that that and and tell us what the determination determination of ofthe the mining mining community community is? is? what the tell us comment on

MALCOLM PITT (MP): In fact fact the the opposite opposite is is absolutely absolutely the the case, case, because because the the MALCOLM PITT (MP): In

government-inspired campaign toto get get aa return to work work has has failed failed miserably. miserably. Only Only return to NCB campaign government-inspired NCB a handful of miners have actually decided to go back to work, for a variety of (mainly (mainly of variety a for work, to back go to a handful of miners have actually decided individual) We have blacklegs, such such as as Mr Mr McGibbon McGibbon at at professional blacklegs, have professional reasons. We individual) reasons. Betteshanger, has a history of association with with anti-trade anti-trade union union organisations, organisations, er, who who has a long long history of association but as as far overwhelming majority members is concerned, the the determination determination is concerned, our members of our majority of the overwhelming as the far as but

is continue through final victory. victory. In fact, II was was talking talking to to one one In fact, through toto final to continue solid to more solid even more now even is now

of and we we were were discussing Christmas. He He said said to to me: me: discussing Christmas. ago and nights ago few nights members aa few our members of our

'We at whatever cost now now to victory, because because we have been been out out so so long long we have final victory, to aa final whatever cost continue at >We continue

have beensoso great thatas as far far as as we are concerned, victoryisis the the ONLY ONLY concemed, victory we are -- that great have been sacrifices the sacrifices - the

outcome .”

outcome.'

HB. over the leadership isis the contempt the contempt NUM leadership the NUM hanging over present hanging at present is at that is issue that One issue HB. One

Derbyshire proceedings flowing judgment declaring the strike strike in in Derbyshire declaring the Nicholls’ judgment Judge Nicholls' from Judge flowing from proceedings

and discipline those mem those memto discipline right to no right had no Union had the Union that the and that unofficial and be unofficial to be Yorkshire to and Yorkshire

bers to ask you to comment upon upon two two things: (a) What What things: (a) to comment ask you like to would like work. II would to work. went to who went bers who

is how do do you you maintain maintain unofficial -- how declared unofficial being declared strike being the strike regards the as regards position as your position is your

that to be that you would give give in in the the you would response that the response be the going to is going What is (b) What and (b) official? and is official? it is that it NUM jail? II know the Union Executive Union Executive that the know that in jail? put in were put NUM were the NUM of the leadership of the leadership if the NUM if Committee has unanimously decided not to appear in court and to treat with contempt Committee has unanimously decided not to appear in court and to treat with contempt

the proceedings . contempt proceedings. the contempt

MP. the official the strike concerned, first first MP. As As far far as as the the original original issue issue ofofthe official nature nature ofofthe strike is is concemed, of NUM, decides decides our of all, all, we we are are not not bothered bothered if if aa court, court, or or any any organisation organisation outside outside the the NUM, our

strike decision made strike is is official, official, unofficial unofficial or or whatever. whatever. As As far far as as we we are are concerned concemed it it is is aa decision made

by far as the strike strike itself con by the the miners miners through through their their own own democratic democratic procedures. procedures. As As far as the itself is is concerned, that a mem cerned, it it is is not not so so long long ago, ago, under under Joe Joe Gormley's Gormley’s presidency, presidency, that a ballot ballot of of the the mem-

bership the NCB on this bership threw threw out out an an incentive incentive scheme. scheme. But But because because the NCB were were soso keen keen on this incentive 41 (just (just as incentive scheme, scheme, it it was was introduced introduced into into one one area area and and endorsed endorsed under under Rule Rule 41 as the present strike has been). That decision was tested in the courts, and Lord Denning the present strike has been). That decision was tested in the courts, and Lord Denning ruled Executive that that is, en ruled that that it it was was quite quite legitimate legitimate for for the the Union, Union, for for the the National National Executive is, to to en-

dorse strike: dorse the the action action in in one one area. area. That That is is precisely precisely what what has has happened happened in in the the present present strike:

despite bring down down Mar despite all all the the allegations allegations that that Scargill Scargill had had called called aa political political strike strike to to bring Mar-

garet Thatcher, Thatcher, and and similar similar press press statements, statements, the the strike strike itself itself started started quite quite spontaneously spontaneously garet 409 a2

404

404

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

THEENEM ENEMY WITHIN IN Y WITH - THE

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

ed bybythethe in the Cortonwood collieryininYorkshi Yorkshire. spreadtotoother otherareas, areas,was wasendors endorsed re. ItItspread wood colliery

area leaderships,and andone was puttotothe theNationa National Executive endorsement underRule Rule41.41. ement under ive forforendors l Execut OT eiatigk

ures are concerned strikehas hasbeen beenconduc conducted through normalproced procedures h thethenormal ted throug concemed thethestrike AsAsfarfarasasweweare

of the Union, whereby areas have taken strike action and theiraction actionhas has beenmade madeofof been of the Union, whereby areas have taken strike action and their ficial by our National Executive and also by Special Conferenceofofthe theUnion. Union.Further Further ficial by our National Executive and also by Special Conference will we more, wewe also also feel feel that, that, inin a a situati situation where people people's jobs are are atat stake, stake, we will not not ’s jobs on where more, someconcede to any man or woman the right to put a cross on a piece of paper to vote some vote to paper of piece a on cross a put to concede to any man or woman the right rs totobebe body else else out outofofa ajob. job. We Webelieve believe that thatititisisa a fundam fundamental rightofofour ourmembe members ental right body able to fight for theirjobs, jobs,and andthat’s that'swhere wherewe westand. stand. able to fight for their

regard toto the the court court action, action, itit isis fairly fairly clear clear that that there there are are now now serious serious divisions divisions InIn regard within both both the the ruling ruling class class and and the the government government about about how how far far they they are are going goingtoto take take within miners the of this dispute. dispute. They Theyare are uncertain uncertain because because they they have havemet metthe thesolid solid resistance resistance of the miners this and increasingly broad sections of the trade-union movement. The decisionofofthe thecourt court decision The movement. trade-union the of sections and increasingly broad

give Arthur Arthur another another week week toto decide decide onon whether whether hehe should should appear appearbefore before the the court courtisisaa toto give

symptom symptom ofoftheir their uncertainty uncertainty asas toto which which way way toto go. go. But Butififthey they decide decidethey they are aregoing goingtoto they that them to say put put the the leadership leadership ofofthe the Union Union inin prison, prison, then then II think think we we can can say to them that they will will have toto start start opening opening the the football football stadiums stadiums toto take take all all the the miners miners who who will will stand standwith withthe the have support solid the right, of as demand, would we national leadership. leadership. InIn that that situation situation we would demand, as of right, the solid support of,of, national and action action from, from, the the entire entire trade-union trade-union movement. movement. InIn the the event event ofofthe the courts courts taking taking such such and

certain we aa decision decision II am am certain we would would receive receive that that support support from from the the entire entire trade-union trade-union movemove whatever people ment, ment, whatever people like like Mr Mr Hammond Hammond and and various various other other defeatists defeatists oror strike-breakers strike-breakers

trade union might have have to to say about the the matter. matter. say about union might the trade inin the HB. You You have have already already partly partly answered HB. answered the the question question that that II am am about about toto ask ask you, you,

namely, the the question question of the ballot. ballot. There There has has been such aa hullabaloo the part of Fleet Fleet namely, of the been such hullabaloo onon the part of Street and and government government ministers, ministers, and and even even of people who who call call themselves themselves part part and Street of some some people and

parcel of of the the labour labour and and trade trade union union movement movement -- people people in in the Labour Party, Party, people parcel the Labour people like like Eric Hammond, Hammond, Chapple Chapple & & Co Co -- who who say say that that miners miners have have not not held held aa ballot ballot and and conEric con

clude the the strike strike isis 'undemocratic'. undemocratic’. Recently Recently the the Daily Daily Express Express published published an an opinion opinion poll poll clude

that found found that that ifif the the miners miners were were to to be be balloted balloted they they would would vote vote overwhelmingly overwhelmingly in in fa fathat vour of strike action. What possible objection could the NUM have to holding a ballot? vour of strike action. What possible objection could the NUM have to holding a ballot?

MP. ItIt isis not not an an objection. objection. The The other other fact fact which which came came out out of of that that opinion opinion poll poll was was MP.

that the the majority majority of of our our members members feel feel itit isis totally totally unnecessary unnecessary and and irrelevant irrelevant to to hold hold aa that ballot. You You do do not not start start talking talking about about holding holding aa ballot ballot to to take take strike strike action action seven seven months months ballot.

afier the the strike strike has has begun. begun. The The question question really really will will be, be, when when this this government government comes comes to after to

its senses senses and and recognises recognises that that itit has has already already been been defeated, defeated, how how we we decide decide democrati democratiits

cally whether whether or or not not the the settlement settlement isis good good enough. enough. Then, Then, maybe, maybe, aa ballot ballot may may be be con concally sidered. It is not a question of our objecting to a ballot. The strike started on the basis of sidered. It is not a question of our objecting to a ballot. The strike started on the basis of area decisions decisions endorsed endorsed by by our our national national union union executive. executive. Therefore, Therefore, as as far far as as we we are are area

concerned, the the decision decision toto go go on on strike strike isis past past history. history. ItIt isis ironical ironical that that people people like like concerned,

Chapple and and Hammond Hammond are are demanding demanding aa ballot ballot and and talking talking about about democracy: democracy: inin their their Chapple aleven not are you Party Communist the of member a be to happen you if union Own own union if you happen to be a member of the Communist Party you are not even al deof s tion ques on NUM on questions of de the NUM lecture the lowed people toto lecture the people not the arenot These are office! These hold office! mocracy! lowed toto hold Cracy!

HB. The The next next question question relates relates toto yet yet another another aspect aspect of of the the propaganda has HB. propaganda that that has 1nand violence only is it that is that and NUM the against the NUM and that is that it is only violence and in conducted against ceaselessly been conducted ceaselessly been this strike. The

sustains this strike. The which sustains lines which picketlines timidation the picket on the miners on the miners ofthe part of the part on the umidation on that on that comments on your comments have your Can I I have work. Can majority go toto work. otherwise go would otherwise people would of people ae of please?

ease

APPENDIX APPENDIX

405 405

MP. It It is is an an old old myth myth that that itit is is possible MP. possible for for trade trade union union leaders leaders with with aa small group of supporters to intimidate the membership of aa huge huge national national union union with with strong Seogatne supporters to intimidate the membership of traditions of democracy. democracy. The The miners miners have have traditionally traditionally always of always been been extremely extremely cautious cautious about about tak tak-

ing strike strike action, action, but but one one thing that has has always always happened happened when when they they actually actually do ing thing that do so so is is

that they they have have done done so so solidly and have have exhibited exhibited aa determination that solidly and determination to to see see the the dispute dispute through to a settlement satisfactory to the membership. There is no through to a settlement satisfactory to the membership. There is no way way that that Arthur Arthur

Scargill, area officials, officials, with Scargill, or or area with aa small small group group of of supporters supporters could could intimidate intimidate the the over over-

whelming majority majority of of the the membership. membership. The The members members -- and and not not just whelming just the the members, members, their their

wives and and families families also also have - have demonstrated demonstrated every every day wives day their their support support for for the the Union. Union. There is no way that that you you could could sustain sustain aa strike strike for for over over 77 months months if There is no way of if the the majority majority of

members were were against against such such an an action. action. members

HB. sufhave suf families have mining families the mining that the hardship that the hardship about the concemed about very concerned are very We are HB. We

fered. tremendous suffered tremendous have suffered especially have families especially the families but the suffered, but have suffered, men have The men fered. The

hardship. II would would like like to to know know two two things: things: first, first, is is money money coming coming in to sustain hardship. in to sustain them them in in reasonable conditions, conditions, and and what what more more can can we we do, do, in in addition addition to to holding holding social social evenings evenings reasonable of such as this one, collecting money at work, etc.? Secondly, how has the continuation of continuation the has how Secondly, such as this one', collecting money at work, etc.? bethis Are they ever be than ever determined than more determined they more families? Are the families? of the morale of the morale affected the strike affected this strike parcaused, has it that fore? of the hardships that it has caused, par the hardships because of weaken because to weaken beginning to they beginning are they Or are fore? Or ticularly in in view view of of the the contemptuous contemptuous actions actions on on the the part of the the DHSS, where they have ticularly part of DHSS, where they have been refusing even funeral expenses for children who have died, on the grounds that been refusing even funeral expenses for children who have died, on the grounds that

striker? be aa striker? to be happened to father happened their their father

themMP. about the attitude ofof the the members members them the attitude question about original question the original to the back to go back us go Let us MP. Let

for long selves. clear is that our our members dispute for long been inin dispute have been members have is that quite clear become quite has become What has selves. What

of the and are quite convinced of correct leadership leadership of the Union Union the correct of the quite convinced They are months. They bitter months. hard bitter and hard

inin regard pit closures. One ofof the the dramatic dramatic aspects aspects ofof this this strike strike has has closures. One against pit fight against the fight to the regard to

been of the Unlike previous strikes inin other other industries, industries, where where previous strikes women. Unlike the women. organisation of the organisation been the

women organised toto break break the 1984 miners’ miners' strike strike will will stand stand out out the 1984 strike, the the strike, been organised have been women have used be to going not are "We historically which the openly said: said: 'We are not going to be used women openly the women strike inin which the strike historically asas the

as are going join the the strike strike because because the the men men are are fighting fighting for for our our to join going to We are breakers. We strike breakers. as strike be to right livelihoods and our communities. Therefore we have not just a duty but a right to be a but duty a livelihoods and our communities. Therefore we have not just with them on the demonstrations. We with them on the picket picket lines lines and and on on the the demonstrations. We will will see see this this strike strike through through the end’. One of remarkable aspects toto the end'. One of the the remarkable aspects of of the the women’s women's movement movement has has been been that that the the women, far even shoulder women, far from from standing standing behind behind the the men, men,or even shoulder toto shoulder shoulder with with the the men, men, have the lead. have often often now now taken taken the lead. Often Often you you hear hear aa wife wife say: say: If 'If my my husband husband went went back back toto work without aa proper settlement then then we we would would be be on on the the picket picket lines lines stopping stopping the the men men work without proper settlement ’. II have going toto work, that WE WE could could secure secure aa proper proper settlement settlement'. have heard heard that that said said on on going work, soso that several occasions occasions in in different different parts parts of of the the country. country. Also Also the the children children are are coming coming out out to to several protest- against scabs and and spn so on -- to to protest protest in in defence defence of ofwhat what they they are are beginning beginning to to see see protest against scabs “sas aa battle the family, battle for for the family, for for the community and, and, of of course, course, for for their their own ownjobs jobs in in the the fufu the community ture. €.

‘ HB. HB. You You mention mention the the word word ’scabs’. 'scabs'. Could Could II ask ask you you who who are are the the people people who who pay pay the very heavy legal expenses and the expenses of staying in 5-star hotels of those min ww Vay heavy legal expenses and the expenses of staying in 5-star hotels of those min]

ee I branch 1 The Southall branchofofthe the IWA(GB) IWA(GB) held held several several social social evenings evenings during duringthe the Coal Coal Strike Strike toto

obllecs canvas Political political support support and and raise raise money money for for the the strike. strike. The The Southall Southall branch branch alone alone was was able abletoto

collect upwards upwards ofof£2,000 £2,000 which which was was handed handed over over totothe the Kent Kentminers. miners.

THIN EMY WI THE EN Y SOCIAL DEMOCRACY THE ENEMY WITHIN AC CR MO DE SOCIAL

406

406

nt democrats who want mocrats wh o wa ng de

vi as freedom-e lo vid Taylor, ld up -loan he are on ers who really are scabs, but who are held up as freedom-loving st ul nd Fo hi e be on en TS ers who really are —

and people like

democracyfinances in the Union? Who is actually behind Foulstone and Taylor, and peoplelike them? that? Who

, that Silver Birch - or MP. It is no secret, 1because7 it has been reported inin thethe press, that Silver Birchre- or already is him call to like 5m ener ee sa ss Weeping ae Willow or Dutch Elm Disease or whatever you like to call him - is already re ininour animal aa similar have We companies. ‘butions from lig contributions ag large | ceiving from big big companies. We have similar animal our ceiving quite quite large contr fe 0, was working at the British Ley-

W. Ley own coalfield called McGibbon who, aafew fewyears yearsago, ago, was working4 at the British

who, called McGibbon wn coalfield 0land Works orkers Worksinin Cowley Cowleywhere wherehehe organised organisedagainst againstthe the Transport Transportand andGeneral General Workers

land Union.HeHeattempted attemptedtotobreak breakthethe organisation organisation ofofthe theunion unionthere, there, until until hehewas wasforced forcedtoto leave. He He then then came came into into the the Kent Kent coalfield coalfield toto practise practise his his old old tricks tricks there. there. We We know, know, leave. and it is accepted by Norris McWhirter from the 'Freedom Association' (which as eve

eveisis asthere (which Association’ "Freedom the from McWhirter Norris by accepted is it and there that business) big by financed organisation rybody knows is an anti-trade union organisation financed by big business) that union anti-trade body knows is an

close liaison liaisonbetween between Mr MrMcGibbon McGibbonand andthat that organisation, organisation,asasindeed indeedwith with Aims 'AimsofofInIn “Jose dustry' and and all these various various reactionary reactionary organisations. organisations. We We have have evidence evidence too too that thatthe the all these dustry’ National Front is also involved, feeding feeding financial financial support support to to the the strike-breaking strike-breaking eleele National Front is also involved,

ments. This Thisisis only only one onepart part of ofthe the operation operation which whichhas hasbeen beenorganised organisedby bythe the governgovern ments. ment over several years. Thetrade trade union union movement movementhas hastoto wake wakeupuptotothe thefact factthat thatthe the ment over several years. The government, and the people who sustain sustain this government, i.¢., i.e., big big business business on on an an interinter government, and the people who this government,

national scale, scale, are are people people who whothink thinkahead. ahead. They Theyplan planand andprepare. prepare. Part Partof oftheir their operaopera national tion has hasbeen beento to organise strike-breaking elements elementsnot notonly onlywithin withinthe theBritish Britishcoalfields, coalfields, organise strike-breaking

tion

but also. The The British British trade-union trade-union movement movement must must wake wake industry also. of industry sections of other sections within other but within

thatfact fact and and must must equally equallybegin begin to plan, prepare prepareand andhave haveperspectives perspectivesononstrugstrug to plan, upuptotothat

gle. If we we do to be be always following the the initiatives initiatives of ofopposition. opposition. gle. If do not, not, then then we we are are going going to always following This planning is important, not only nationally but internationally as well. This planning is important, not only nationally but intemationally as well. HB. Front on the side side of of the strike HB. You You mention mention the the involvement involvement of of the the National National Front on the the strike-

breakers, workers. Most Mostofofthe the breakers, yet yet the the fascists fascists always always claim claim that that they they are are for for British British workers.

workers in the the NUM areBritish British workers, they are are white white workers, workers, and and yet the National National workers in NUM are workers, they yet the Front as workers and as work Front is is involved involved in in strike-breaking. strike-breaking. We We in in this this country, country, as workers and as black black work-

ers, try try to make aa small small contribution contribution towards towards supporting supporting the the trade trade union union and andlabour labour ers, to make

movement since the movement throughout throughout our our stay stay in in this this country, country, and and have have been been doing doing so so ever ever since the Second World World War. havebeen beenparticularly particularly keen to support support the the miners miners because because we we Second War. We We have keen to thinkthey theyare arefighting fighting for every one one of us. Can youtell tell me and we wewould wouldlike like nothing think for every of us. Can you me -- and nothing short the truth, short of of the truth, no no patronising patronising recognition recognition of of our our great great contribution contribution -- whether whether you you have have generally generally been been satisfied satisfied with with the the contribution contribution that that black black workers workers have have made made by by way way of of help. help. Has Has itit brought brought the the black black and and white white workers workers closer closer together together during during the the struggle? struggle?

MP. member who who has has been beeninvolved involvedinin the the solidarity has MP. Every Every NUM NUM member solidarity campaign campaign has been aware the tremendous tremendousresponse response they they received from black workers. In In the the May been aware of of the received from black workers. May Day celebrations in London, London, when when our out marching many of of Day celebrations in ourlads lads were were out marchingand andcollecting, collecting, many them they asked asked aa black black worker was northemnoted notedthe thefact fact that that if if they workerfor for aa contribution contributionthen then itit was nor mally mally given, given, whereas whereas often often from from white white workers workers itit was was not not given. given. Yes, Yes, there there has has been been that response, anditit has that response, and has been been recognised. recognised. In In our our own own coalfield coalfield we we have have established established aa link link with with Southall Southall and and the the community community in in

Southall, Southall, and and II think think that that isis valuable. valuable. We We have have toto face face the the fact fact that that racism racism is is something something

which has has been been fed fed into into the the British British working working class class over over several several generations. generations. ItIt isis not not easwhich ily ily overcome. overcome. In In the the mining mining communities, communities, particularly particularly as as miners miners live live in in villages villages which which are often often isolated, isolated, the the reactionary attitudes on the question colour and and race race often often prepre are reactionary attitudes on the question of of colour

one at one vail. ideas at racist ideas had racist have had doubt have no doubt would no who would Elvington, who in Elvington, people in know people But II know vail. But

time, time, but but whose whose attitudes attitudes changed changed completely completely after after the the visit visit of of the the Southall Southall community: community:

APPENDIX APPENDIX

407 407

they recognised recognised that that they they had had friends. they friends. They They discussed discussed the the issues issues of of police police harassment,

and they they realised realised they they were were suffering suffering the and the same same as as black black people people had had suffered suffered over as several eon years. I believe the foundati ons are are being being laid laid for for solidarity years. I believe the foundations solidarity which which will will extend extend far far be beyond the the strike. strike. This This isis aa dimension dimension to to the yond the government the strike strike which which II think think the government itself itself

must fear. fear. What What has has happened happened during must during the the strike strike isis that that large large numbers numbers of of young young people, people

large numbers numbers of of women, women, and and trade-unionists large trade-unionists in in general general have have become become politically politically radi radi-

calised. People calised. People who who previously previously had had no no involvement involvement with with the the trade trade union union movement, movement, no no

real appreciation appreciation of real of socialist socialist ideas, ideas, have have now, now, because because of of their their experiences experiences in in this this strike, strike begun to to develop develop political begun so political consciousness. consciousness. They They are are talking talking about about capitalism, capitalism, about about socialism and about the issue of race and our relationship with the black communities. cialism and about the issue of race and our relationship with the black communities.

For For instance, instance, people people are are now now beginning beginning to to look look at at the the whole whole situation situation in in Ireland Ireland dif differently: ferently: some some Yorkshire Yorkshire miners miners have have been been across across to to Belfast Belfast and and they they have have experienced experienced

what what isis happening happening over over there. there. Thus Thus an an issue issue which which the the trade trade union union and and labour labour move movement ment has has for for many many years years tried tried to to hide hide and and to to avoid avoid is is now now coming coming into into people's people’s con con-

sciousness sciousness and and being being recognised recognised as as something something which which has has to to be be discussed. discussed. We We are are in in aa

just but just fronts, but different fronts, on different fighting on maybe fighting common enemies -- maybe common enemies against common battle against common battle

enemy. major enemy. one major against one the battle against one battle is one same itit is the same

HB. at aa time HB. The The government government started started this this dispute, dispute, prepared prepared for for it, provoked provoked it, it, at time it

the defeating the of defeating means of as aa means NUM as the NUM considered defeating the of defeating strategy of its strategy to its propitious to considered propitious like people who, Some people it. Some entire who, like castrating it. and castrating it and subjugating it movement, subjugating union movement, trade union entire trade They that. with that. They say along with go along view, go our view, in our Jimmy renegades in say become renegades really become have really Reid, have Jimmy Reid, probably and bleeding strike the of out that as a result of this strike the NUM will come out of the strike bleeding and probably come will NUM the strike that as a result of this will finished They also also say say that that the of the the NUM NUM strike strike will price of the price century. They the century. of the rest of the rest for the finished for to Party’s fight the Labour labour movement have to of the movement and and that that the Labour Party's fight to the labour rest of the rest by the paid by be paid to be have this strike. by this get into greatly hindered strike. What What do do you you have have toto say say on on that? that? hindered by be greatly will be office will into office get MP. Well, nonsense. II would would not not expect expect anything anything else else from from Jimmy Jimmy palpable nonsense. is palpable Well, itit is MP. by over bought been have should stature his of someone that Reid. It is a tragedy that someone of his stature should have been bought over by the the tragedy a is It Reid. consocial major every in opposition. His His isis the the same same sort sort ofof argument argument we we have have heard heard in every major social con opposition. inin Nazi heard was argument of sort same the doubt frontation... No doubt the same sort of argument was heard Nazi Germany: Germany: asas long long asas No frontation... we we did did not not fight fight then then maybe maybe we we could could protect protect our our organisations organisations and and somehow somehow they they particularly class, working the of defeat every know, we as But us. would not not notice notice us. But as we know, every defeat of the working class, particularly ifif itit would

s organisations isis brought brought about about byby the the failure failure ofof working-clas working-class organisations toto fight, fight, leads leads toto further further

attacks byby the the ruling ruling class. class. II would would look look toto the the fact fact that that over over aa long long period period ofof time time we we attacks

t; we have have had had mass mass unemploymen unemployment; we have have had had attacks attacks onon various various sections sections ofofthe the trade-untrade-un

ion ion movement; movement, many many ofof the the gains gains ofof 1945 1945 inin regard regard toto the the Nationa} National Health Health Service, Service, SoSo

cial Security Security and and allall the the other other things things we we have have fought fought for for have have been been lost. lost. There There was was aa cial n throughout general general atmosphere atmosphere ofofdefeat defeat and and demoralisatio demoralisation throughout the the movement. movement. All All that thathas has

now now changed changed dramatically dramatically -- because because ofof the the miners’ miners' strike. strike. Sections Sections ofof the the trade-union trade-union terms measly the of some accepted have would doubt no which movement, movement, which no doubt would have accepted some of the measly terms which which had had

been been offered offered byby the the government government - - the the teachers, teachers, the the railmen, railmen, etc. etc. are are now now coming coming on. on. s movement, What What the the NUM NUM has has done done isis toto instil instil confidence confidence inin the the working-clas working-class movement, which which

s advance. will will bebe the the foundation foundation (as (as the the 1972 1972 strike strike was) was) for for aa period periodofofworking-clas working-class advance. I I certainly certainly dodo not not see see this this strike strike asas one one isolated isolated incident. incident. We We have have got got aa few few problems, problems, which which will will have have toto bebe sorted sorted out outafter after the the strike strike isis over, over, concerning concerning certain certainareas. areas. But ButI I believe believe that that the the victory victory itself itselfwill will bebe the the means means ofof sorting sorting out out that that particular particular problem. problem. embraces only not which process a of beginning the as strike this see must We We must see this strike as the beginning of a process which not only embraces the theimim beginning but mediate mediate industrial industrial issues issues- - such suchasaspit pitclosures closures ororwages wagesororpensions, pensions,etc:, etc., but beginning loto seek seeka anew newperspective perspective for forsociety, society, totothink think ininterms termsof,of,and andtoto work worktowards, towards,the thesoso cialisation cialisationofofthe themeans meansofofproduction. production. *

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: both the TUC Conference at Even those at HB. The NUM strike has quite rightly dominated both the week. Conference last TUC ference pee rightly quite has strike NUM HB. The ember and the Labour Party Cont eons wait those Brighton in early September and the Labour Party Conference last week. Even it itandand ng with to togogo along butbut option no no hadhad ed totooppose who would have wished opposethetheNUM NUM option with these of chances the are What resolutions. of ari the: tn wish - atst have would who give it full backing least in the form of resolutions. What are the chances of these ed? If the government starts moving coal from pitheads give it full backing - :

resolutions beingimplement implemented? If the8 government starts moving coalare from pitheads, jutions beingto be i ho ar are committed who aais going what the responseofofother otherworkers workersin; inthetheunions unions who committedtototo pa

what is going '0 be Boy Camele has said (although he demands a ballot from you!)

supporting TUC policy? Chapple has said (although he demands a ballot from you!)

that he doesnot notneat want>toabide abidebybythethedecisions decisionsofofthe theentire entireJabour labour— movement- such - suchis is ee

his democratic nature! There Therehave havebeen beenthe thepower powerengineers engineers who who have have also said saidthis. this. also

nature! -"= democratic Also -lorry drivers driversdodo not not always always follow follow thethe instructions instructionsofofthe theT T&& G.G. What Whatdodo you you

think =iscoigoing toto happen happen inin these these circumstances? circumstances? What What isis going going toto bebethe the general generalrere tee

sponse ofworking people? of workingpeople? sponse

a

MP. IfIfwe weleft leftitittoto leaders leaders such suchasasChapple Chappleand and Gavin GavinLaird Laird and andBasnett Basnettthen then obviobvi MP. implemenconcrete any saw we before time ously we would be waiting for a very long time before we saw any concrete implemen ously we would be waiting for a very long tation ofofthe the TUC TUC decision. decision. We We must must recognise recognise first first ofofall, all, though, though, that that inin regard regard toto the the tation

power industry industry and and the the unions unions involved involved ininthe the power powerindustry, industry,the the EEPTU EEPTU and and the the engiengi power

neers are are aa minority, minority, and and we we have have got got the the support support ofof the the majority majority ofofthe the trade trade unions unions inin neers the power power industry! industry! After After Hammond’s Hammond's speech speech atat the the TUC, TUC, Arthur Arthur Scargill Scargill was was informed informed the that six six power power station station electricians electricians had had already already taken taken decisions, decisions, inin protest protest atat Hammond’s Hammond's that picket through come had which coal move to statements, that would refuse refuse to move coal which had come through picket lines. lines. II they would that they statements,

have faith the rank rank and and file file ofof the the trade-union movement inin what what isis becoming becoming ever ever trade-union movement in the faith in have working survival of more clear of trade trade unions unions and and working the survival for the battle for in aa battle issue in class issue basic class as aa basic clear as more power in solidarity We will organisations. We class organisations. class will see see increasing increasing support supportinin terms termsofof solidarity in powerstasta disthe dis escalate the does escalate government does the government if the tions, that if believe that elsewhere. I believe and elsewhere. docks and the docks in the tions, in

pute to to the the extent extent of of using using troops troops to to take take coal coal from from the the pitheads pitheads to to the the power power stations, stations, pute movement. trade-union movement. entire trade-union the entire from the and from workers and power workers from power response from there be aa response will be there will

do not not think time, aa movement movement towards in II do think we weshould shouldrule ruleout, out, atat this this time, towards aa general generalstrike strikeifif in

fact fact the the government government does does decide decide to to escalate escalate the the dispute. dispute .

HB. Can Can II assume assume from from your your answers answers that that the the NUM NUM will will be be victorious victorious in in its its battle battle HB. to ensure that the pit closure programme is withdrawn, that the five collieries that are to ensure that the pit closure programme is withdrawn, that the five collieries that are threatened under the present programme will no longer be threatened, and that you will achieve achieve the the main main purpose purpose of of this this strike? strike?

threatened under the present programme will no longer be threatened, and that you will MP. |I always always said said from from the the beginning beginning of of the the strike strike that that victory victory was was gained gained once once the the MP. miners took up the challenge of the government and the NCB. The battle came after miners took up the challenge of the government and the NCB. The battle came after aa whole period of divisive tactics by the NCB in regard to redundancy, in regard to trying

whole period of divisive tactics by the NCB in regard to redundancy, in regard to trying

take onon one one area area atat aa time, time, and and allall the the divisions divisions that that created. created. Our Our problem problem was was toto get get a2 toto take national unity unity which which was was capable capable ofof taking taking action action on on aa national national scale scale against against the the gov gOVnational ernment and the NCB. We achieved that, and I believe that was the victory. Since then! ernment and the NCB. We achieved that, and I believe that was the victory. Since then I have been been absolutely absolutely confident confident that that the the miners miners are are not not waiting waiting for for victory: victory: we we have have alalhave teady won won the the dispute. dispute. ItIt isis a a question question ofof the the terms terms ofof the the settlement, settlement, and and I I am am abso absoready lutely confident, confident,with withthe the leadership leadership we we have have got, got,that thatthe the settlement settlement will willbebesatisfactory satisfactory lutely members and andthat totothethemembers thatwe wewill willsee seea atotal totalvictory. victory. HB. HB. Do Do you you have have any any other other remarks remarks toto add, add, because because there there may may bebe questions questions on= which you want to say something, which I have so far not been able to ask you? which you want to say something, which I have so far not been able to ask you?

MP. There Thereisisone onequestion questionI did I didnot notanswer, answer,which whichwas waswhat whatmore morecould couldbebedone donebyby MP.

blackcommunity community ininregard regardtotothethestrike. strike.The Theissue issueofofcontinuing continuing collections collectionsis1sim1 thetheblack portant, because it is quite possible that a political decision will be taken ininthethelawey portant, because it is quite possible that a political decision will be taken courtstotofreeze freezeour ourassets. assets.Therefore Thereforeit itis isabsolutely absolutelyvital vitalnot notonly onlythat thatthe thepresent presentlevel ai courts

APPENDIX APPENDIX

409 409

ofoffinancial financial support supportshould shouldbebe maintained maintainedbut butthat thatitit should shouldbebefurther furtherincreased increasedbecause because

we weare aregoing goingtotoneed needthat. that. AtAtthe thepresent presenttime timethe themajor majortask taskisistoto implement implementthe thedecideci

sions sionstaken takenbybythe the TUC, TUC,totoensure ensurethat thatpeople peopledodo gogoout outand andfight fighttoto win winthe thehearts hearts and and minds minds ofofthe the members membersofoftrade tradeunions unionssosothat that weweactually actually dodo see see aadeveloping developing movemove

ment the arity mentofofsolid solidarity with with theminers. miners. We Wehave havealready alreadyseen seen aamajor majorstep step forward forwardwith withthe the

NACODS NACODSdecision, decision, byby anan 82% 82%majority, majority, based basednot notonly onlyononthe thequestion question ofof payment payment for for

not notcrossing crossing picket picketlines, lines,but butactually actually on onthe themore more fundamental fundamentalissue issue ofofpit pit closures. closures. This Thisitself itself isis indicative indicativeofofthe the breadth breadth ofofsupport supportthat that the the movement movementisisgenerating. generating. ItIt

isis atat the the same sametime time aa waming warningtotothe theruling rulingclass class that that new newforces forcesare are coming cominginto into the the field. There Thereare areindica indicationsthat that members of BACM, the managem managementent unionitself, itself, are are field. members of BACM, the union tions extremely extremely concemed concernedatatthe the length length of ofthe the dispute disputeand andthe the way way the the NCB’s NCB'spolicies policies --oror

ratherthe the government's policies, i.e., i.e., the the destruction destruction of of aalarge largesection sectionofofour ourindustry industry -rather government’s policies, arereally really becoming becoming much much clearer. clearer. We Weare are looking looking forwar forwardtotovictory. victory. are d HB. ComradeMalcolm MalcolmPitt, Pitt, on on behalf behalf of ofthe the Indian Indian Workers’ Workers' Front, whichisis the the HB. Comrade Front, which Southall Branch of the Indian Workers' Association (GB), I would like to thank you Southall Branch of the Indian Workers’ Association (GB), I would like to thank you very much for coming cominghere hereand andanswering answering some someofofthe the questions questions which which IIdeliberately deliberately very much for put in hostile manner. manner. The Thehostility hostility is not not on on our ourpart: part: we weare are very sympathetic, of of put m a a hostile very sympathetic, course, to to your struggle. But Butthese theseare are the the questions questions which whichordinary ordinarypeople peopleare areraising raising course, your struggle.

because becausethey they are are constantly constantly being being bombarded bombardedbybyFleet FleetStreet, Street, the the TV, TV, the the ministers, ministers, even by by some somepeople peoplein inthe the labour labour movement. amvery, very,very, very, glad glad that that you youhave haveclariclari even movement. II am fied We will you aa copy of our fied these these issues. issues. We will send send you copy of our newspaper newspaperand andthe theinterview interviewwill will be be published in the November issue of of Lalkar. Lalkar. Thank eversoso much published m the November issue Thank you you ever much for for coming.

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1984 LALKAR December 1984 LALKAR December

Kent Speech Leader’s Speech NUM Leader's Kent NUM at Rally IWF Rally at IWF the by the organised by October, organised 26th October, on 26th evening on social evening the social of the report of brief report printed aa brief we printed month we Last month Last of Secretary Pitt, Malcolm Cde of miners. the support in (Southall) Front Workers Indian Indian Workers Front (Southall) in support of the miners. Cde Malcolm Pitt, Secretary of Cde Mal Malbelow Cde publish below to publish able to be able to be pleased to are pleased We are speaker. We guest speaker. the guest was the NUM, was Kent NUM, the Kent the colm the rally. rally. to the speech to excellent speech most excellent colm Pitt's Pitt’s most

Comrade greetings of Comrade Chairman, Chairman, Comrades, Comrades, II bring bring you you the the fraternal fraternal greetings of the the Kent Kent min miners, The Chairman Chairman has referred totothe ers, and andalso also all all striking striking British British miners. miners. The hasalready already referred thefact fact that the the speakers speakers at at this this meeting meeting come come from from the the Southall Southall community. community. II feel feel that, that, after after the the that visit of of the the Southall Southall community community to to Elvington Elvington and and our our many many visits visits to Southall, II am, am, in in aa visit to Southall, sense, already already part part of of the the Southall Southall community. community. One One of of the the tactics tactics of of imperialism, imperialism, and sense, and particularly has been rule, to to always create divisions, particularly British British imperialism, imperialism, has been to to divide divide and and mule, always create divisions, so that that they they can can maintain maintain their their exploitation. exploitation. We We ought ought to to thank thank Mrs Mrs Thatcher for laying laying so Thatcher for on strike, because one of of the strike is that itit has on the the 1984 1984 miners' miners’ strike, because one of the the positive positive sides sides of the strike is that has brought sections of of the movement and and many many difdif brought together together many many different different sections the working-class working-class movement ferent ferent communities. communities.

II believe instead of of representing representing the the spectre of the the police police state state (and, (and, believe that that inin future, future, instead spectre of by God, God, we have seen someofofthe thepolice police state state inin operation operation this this year year!) 1984 will will be be seen seen by we have seen some !) 1984

as strike, when as the the glorious glorious year year of of the the great great miners’ miners' strike, when the the miners miners and and the the trade trade union union

movement won the movement won the greatest greatest victory victory inin our our history history and and turned turned back back the the tide tide of ofmass mass unun

employment employment and and police police terror terror inin this this country country [applause]. [applause]. Further, Further, there there isis nono question question that that we we have have already already won won this this dispute. dispute. The The miners miners have have taken taken the the front front line line on on the the battle battle against against unemployment. unemployment. We’ve We've said said that that we we will will not not acac cept ghost ghost towns towns inin the the British British coalfields, coalfields; we we have have said said that that we we will will not not accept accept that that our our cept

sons sons and and daughters daughters will will bebe put put onon toto aa permanent permanent dole dole queue; queue; and and we’ve we've also also said said that that we will will banish banish forever forever the the fear fear and and depression depression which which has has pervaded pervaded the the trade-union trade-union we movement movement over over these these last last 55 years years oror soso ofof Tory Tory recession recession and and Tory Tory reaction. reaction. And And asas a a

previous speaker speaker has has said, said, the the miners miners strike strike has has injected injectedaanew newspirit spirit inin the theBritish Britishworkwork previous ing-class ing-class movement. movement. We We have have seen seen dockers, dockers, railwaymen, railwaymen, printers, printers, transport transport men, men, we we

have seen seen every every section section ofof the the working working class, class, with with allall the the defeats defeats they they have have suffered, suffered, have come come together together and and rally rally around around the the call call ofofthe theNUM NUMfor for solidarity. solidarity. And And that that isis why why wewe won won the the overwhelming overwhelming support support ofofthe the Trade Trade Union Union Congress, Congress, and and also, also, atattheir theirConferConfer

ence, the the Labour Labour Party. Party. And And wewewelcome welcome those those decisions decisionsand and wewe look look forward forward toto their their ence, implementation implementation inin terms terms ofofconcrete concrete action, action, I I would would like like toto say, say,though, though, I I dodo wish wish Neil Neil

Kinnock would 'Kinnock would get get off offthat thatparticular particular fence fence inin regard regard toto violence violence ononthe the picket picket lines. lines. I I think it is worth while suggesting that if anybody decides to walk down the middle think it is worth while suggesting that if anybody decides to walk down the middleofof the theroad road ininbetween betweenthe theminers’ miners' picket picketononone oneside sideand andthe thepolice policeononthe theother, other,the theonly only thing that thatheheisisliable liabletotoget getininthat thatconfrontation confrontationisisa asore sorehead. head.And, And, ininfact, fact,ininthis thissitusitu thing ation ationweweneed needtoto know knowwhich whichside sideheheisison.on.I Ibelieve believethat thatisisthe theissue issuewhich whichfaces facesevery every

activist activistand andevery everymember memberofofthe thetrade-union trade-unionmovement movementand andLabour LabourParty Party[applause]. [applause].

APPENDIX APPENDIX

411 411

But But we we have have also also caught caught the the imagination imagination ofofthe the world. world. What What we we are are seeing seeing now now isa is a movement ofof solidarity solidarity ofof internationa international proportions. week ago ago II had had the the privilege privilege of of movement . AA week l proportions representing Athens toto put representing our our Union Union inin Athens put the the message message ofof the the British British miners miners toto Greek Greek workers. And And I’m I'm pleased pleased toto say say that that their their response response was was immediate. immediate. The The dockers dockers ofof PiPi workers.

raeus raeus said: said: “we "we only only have have toto have have the the word word and and we we will will black black every every British British ship ship that that

comes into into Piraeus Piraeus harbour". harbour". Now Now that that isis the the sort sort of of tide tide of of solidarity solidarity which which II would would comes believe is irresistible [applause]. We've won a magnificent victory already. 80% our believe is irresistible [applause].We’ve won a magnificent victory already. 80% ofof our members have voted voted with with their their feet, feet, and and with with bitter bitter sacrifice sacrifice over over 88 months months of of aa long long members have and hard struggle, their solidarity with the Union and its leadership. Confronted with and hard struggle, their solidarity with the Union and its leadership. Confronted with the the

obscenity, and and that’s that's the the only only word word which which can can describe describe it, it, the the obscenity obscenity of of mass mass unemunem obscenity, ployment, the the obscenity obscenity of of seeing whole mining mining communitie communities destroyed by the McGre ployment, seeing whole destroyed by the McGres gor axe, our members said: "we don't need ballots, we will take action action toto stop stop this this take will we ballots, need don’t "we said: gor axe, our members

murder" [Applause]. We We do do not not believe believe that that any any man man or or woman woman has hasa right a right toto put murder" [Applause]. put aa cross on aa piece of paper paper and and vote vote somebody somebody else else out out of of aa job. job. That That isis our our position position and and piece of cross on we will stand through to the end of of the strike on on that that position. position. And And when when we we talk talk about about the strike

we will stand through to the end

ballots and votes votes we we certainly will not accept or or concede concede the the Tight right toto the the people people of of this this ballots and certainly will not accept Government ballot, because because these these are are the the people people who who have have denied denied the people of of the people call aa ballot, to call Government to London the right vote in the Greater Greater London Council; these these are are the the people people who who gerrygerry London Council; in the right toto vote

London the

mandered the constituenc constituencies of Belfast and Derry secure the the dominadomina mandered and and organised organised the Belfast and Derry toto secure ies of tion of British rule in Ireland, the very people who have denied the majority of Irish Irish tion of British rule in Ireland, the very people who have denied the majority of

people and these these are are the the people who for for over over 200 200 years have years have people who nationhood; and to nationhood; right to the right people the

ruled the world world and the thrall of imperialism imperialism These These are are thrall of them inin the kept them and kept of the peoples of the peoples half the ruled half

not can lecture of Mineworkers on the the virtues virtues of of dede Mineworkers on Union of National Union the National lecture the that can people that the people not the mocracy! political strike strike in in aa country country where where the the judges judges now now about aa political talk about we talk when we And when mocracy! And

decide of trade trade unions, where aa government government minister minister can can say that the the minmin say that unions, where rule-book of the rule-book decide the ers' country which which can can threaten threaten aa trade ers’ strike strike is is aa worthwhile worthwhile national national investment, investment, inin aa country tradeunion leader with imprisonment for standing by the democratic decisions of aa union, union, union leader with imprisonment for standing by the democratic decisions of then action by by the the working working class class in in an an emem then every every single single strike strike is is aa political political strike, strike, every every action

ployers' action. And And we we ought ought to to say say ployers’ country country against against an an employers' employers’ state state isis aa political political action. so. managed to to rally rally the the miners, miners, so. But But the the victory victory is is also also more more than than the the fact fact that that we we have have managed

to important ideological ideological victory. to rally rally the the trade-union trade-union movement. movement. We've We’ve won won an an important victory. And And II believe that pay tribute role of Arthur Scargill. normally believe that itit is is necessary necessary to to pay tribute to to the the role of Arthur Scargill. II don't don’t normally

play the the cult cult of of the the individual, individual, but but II think it is is necessary necessary in in the the case play think it case of of Arthur Arthur Scargill, Scargill,

because that that man man has has come come under under the the vilest vilest attacks attacks which which any trade-union leader because any trade-union leader has has come under under in in the the press press in in this this country. country. It It is is because of his his consistent consistent leadership leadership that that come because of

we've won won the the ideological ideological victory victory against against the the cancer voluntary redundancy we've cancer of of voluntary selling aa redundancy - -selling

job, which which in in fact fact attacks attacks the the very very foundations foundations of of our our trade job, movement -- because trade union union movement because our young men are not not grovelling grovelling to to the the Coal Coal Board Board for for aa cheap cheap hand hand out out to our young men are to sell sell their their job. Not so long ago the 'Guardian’ carried articles which suggested that the young job. Not so long ago the 'Guardian' carried articles which suggested that the young

miners were paid paid so cars on ct were so much much money, money, they they had had mortgages, mortgages, they they had had cars on hire-purchase, hire-purchase,

ae on the the Costa Costa Brava, Brava, they they had had joined joined the the middle middle classes, classes, they they were were lost lost they had holidays on jobstrade-union smn movement, movement, they they were were not not the the men men to to stand with the the union union in in the tofor the stand with the fight fight deteatists in haven't th as t our our young young miners miners proved proved them them wrong! wrong! (and (and also also proved proved wrong wrong the the for jobs. But miners have bour movement movement itself itself who who said said much much the the same same thing). thing). Our Our young defeatists in ‘ee the labour young Writes @have leaderbecome a the the front-line front-line troops troops on on the the picket picket lines. lines. When When the the ‘Guardian’ miners 'Guardian' ey intend it oe Suggests that the young miners are "Scargill’s Red Guards", I think think writes a leader and suggests that the young miners are "Scargill's Red Guards", I as some kind of an insult, but I believe that that our our young they intend it was some kind of an insult, but I believe young miners miners have have taken taken it as @ compliment, W

itcountry, as a compliment. the turn country, we are proudWeof welcome doe, turn of of a a new new generation generation of of class class fighters fighters in in this this we are proud ofthem. e welcome the

We are also proud We

:

°

°

‘re also proud ofof the the women women of of the the British British coalfield. coalfield. The The media, media, this this society, society,

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has said that women's place is in the home, the kitchen, never in the front-line of the battle. When our men were arrested onosethepicket picketlines, lines,the andwomen put under bail conditions ed organisthemfT

Wersfrom going on those picket lines, the women organised them our men battle. whichWhen prevented them selves and said: Our job is not just to cut the sandwiches, and stay in the background, J is to be on thefront Our duty said: our and and selves our right frontlinelinewith withthethepickets picketsandandin inthethedemonstrademonstra

which prevented them fom Sn to cut the sandwiches, and stay in the background,

every great but as militancy, of reserve a as not forward come have a — a social upheaval, the women have come forward not as a reserve of militancy, but as in in every great Cuba, of of Sierras in the andand une, in inPetrograd tions. As in the Paris Commune, Petrograd in the Sierras Cuba,

front-line membersinina acommon commonbattle battleforfora acommon commonobjective. objective.I Ibelieve believethat thatthat thatis isa a

y that magnificent victory entireclass. class.I Ibeliev believe victory thatwill willnever neverbebere-re e it itis isa avictor y forforourourentire icent victor magnif versed.

——

that is why

thetheTories their thetheboardrooms of of thethe in-in Ofcourse, that is why Toriesandand theirmasters masterswithin within board-rooms ternational monopolies hatethetheminers minerssosomuch muchandandthat thatis iswhy whythey theyarearewilling willingto to ies hate tematio nal monopol have they that throwthethefullfullforce forceof ofthethestate stateagainst againstus.us.ItIthashasalread already beensaid said that they havesunk sunk y been throw

en inina avain lowthatthatthey theywill willtake takemoney moneyfrom fromminers miners'wives wivesandandchildr children vainattempt attempttoto sosolow

e they s sent starveususback. back. WeWehave haveseen seen our ourmember members senttotoprison prisonbecaus because theyfailed failedtotopaypay starve ity and theirrates. rates. WeWehave havehad hadmen men and and familie families withtheir their electric electricity andgas gascut cutoffoffininpetty petty s with their e they s sacked s of victimisation. We have have also also seen seen large large number numbers ofour our member members sacked becaus because they victimis ation. We

eap havedared daredtotooccupy occupypits pitstotoprevent preventthetheentry entry ofofscabs. scabs. WeWehave havealso alsoseen seenthethewhol wholeaphave have police of thousa coalfie nds British lds, the paratus ofofpolice police terror terror thrown thrown into into the British coalfields, thousands of police have oc-oc paratus ed off, s have coalfields, whole cupied cupied the the coalfields, whole village villages have been been cordon cordoned off, aa state state ofof virtual virtual curfew curfew

exists in many of our mining communities, horses have been used in cavalry charges against unarmed boys in plimsolls and tee-shirts, dogs have been unleashed against come when Eldon Griffit hs that and and wewehave havebeen beentold told byby Eldon Griffiths that the the time time will will come whenwewewill willsuffer suffer in died mem our of 5 that seen ha We pickets. miners against bullets plastic ve ber plastic bullets against miners pickets. We have seen that 5 of our members died insthis this with fou Jones was Davey Jones Young Davey line. Young picket line. the picket on the murdered on them murdered of them disput--e22 of ndhis dispute was found with his Tun was Gre Jo post’! lamp a into run have must "He said: They in. br chest ok en en chest broken in. They said: "He must have run into a lamp post'!! Jo Green was run have charges have no charges published, no been published, never been has never name has driver’s name The driver's lorry. The scab lorry. by aa scab down by down kill to legal is it 1984 in Britain ’democr in Appare him. against made been ever ntly atic’” ever been made against him. Apparently in 'democratic' Britain in 1984 it is legal to kill miners' pickets. Yes, there is indeed blood on the coal. miners’ pickets. Yes, there is indeed blood on the coal. own your own and your Ireland and of Ireland people of the people what the course, what of course, is, of experienced is, have experienced we have What we What times many times that many say that have toto say years. I I have many years. many many for many suffered for have suffered communities have black communities black looked have we times many violenc state of uses these on backs our tumed have we e, we have turned our backs on these uses of state violence,I can manysaytimes we have looked miners the th now at moveme tradeand nt. labour a as union way other the the other way as a labour and trade-union movement. I can say now that the miners my of my behalf on pledge can I baton. police a of end hard the at lesson the lea have , on behalf of rnt have learnt the lesson at the hard end of a police baton. I can pledge, class working class theworking sections ofofthe other sections against other used against are used weapons are those weapons when those thatwhen members, that members, - like the black communities - then we will stand with you. exists in many of our mining communities, horses have been used in cavalry charges against d against unarmed boys in plimsolls and tee-shirts, dogs have been unleashe unifomn police in lines picket on used being are know, we personn army women; s, el, women; army personnel, we know, are being used on picket lines in police uniforms,

- like the black communities - then we will stand with you.

We have have also also seen seen them them use usethe the Courts Courts - -the the 'impartial' ’impartial’ British British Courts. Courts. We We have have We seen them them take take away away the thefunds funds ofofthe the Welsh Welsh miners, miners, even even to to the the extent extent freezing the the seen ofof freezing money collected to feed miners’ wives and children. We now see another bewigged money collected to feed miners' wives and children. We now see another bewigged clowncome come out out and and say say that thatArthur Arthur Scargill Scargillisisinincontempt contempt ofofcourt. court.On On this thisone, one,it clown seems,they theyhave havegot gotcold coldfeet, feet,because becausewhen whenArthur ArthurScargill Scargillsaid saidhe'd he’dgot gota Conference a ee seems,

attendand and it's it’srather rathermore moreimportant importantthan than going goingtotothe theHigh HighCourt, Court,they totogive attend we'll they said merch him anotherweek weektotosee seeififwiser wisercounsels counselswill willprevail. prevail.I hope I hopewiser wisercounsels counselswill the giveprevail him another with them! If they put Arthur Scargill in prison they will have to open UP prevail withstadiums them!toIftoputthey putrestArthur Scargill inminers prison will have to open up footballstadiums putthetherest Britishminers too. football ofofthetheBritish in intoo.they the

It mustsicken sickeneverybody: everybody:A AGovernment Governmentnow nowstands standsforfor"law “lawand andorder" order"and weee It must

have a Home Secretary like Leon Brittan. I don't think it's any secret that not so long Governmenthadhad to issue D-noticesto to preventa public a publicscandal scandalabout about a agoagothetheGovernment to issue D-notices prevent a Cabinet

have a Home Secretary like Leon Brittan. I don’t think it’s any secret that - Cabinet

APPENDIX APPEND IX

413 413

Minister, to to prevent prevent aa prosecution. prosecution. That That shows Minister, the hypocrisy hypocrisy of of the British Government Government. shows the the British . They protect protect aa Cabinet They but they put miners in prison car Cabinet Minister Minister against against aa scandal, scandal, but they put miners in prison for for carrying this across the rying out out their their legitimate legitimate right right to to fight fight for for work. work. We We should should expose expose this across the length such shame. shame. length and and breadth breadth of of this this land. land. Britain Britain has has never never known known such

But voice of But II do do not not believe believe that that the the Thatcher Thatcher Government Government in in anyway anyway stands stands for for the the voice of the Thatcher has the mouthpiece the British British people, people; II believe believe that that Mrs Mrs Thatcher has become become merely merely the mouthpiece of of the monopolies which the world. world. the executive executive committee committee of of the the international international monopolies which dominate dominate the

Those up coal reserves in in Australia, Australia, South South Africa Africa and Those monopolies, monopolies, which which are are buying buying up coal reserves and America, which are Government on on against against Amenica, are are the the same same monopolies monopolies which are in in fact fact urging urging this this Government the our Union, they can their greedy on the the rich coalfields the miners, miners, to to break break our Union, so so they can get get their greedy hands hands on rich coalfields of struggle is not an an isolated isolated industrial industrial dispute. dispute. It one of Selby Selby and and Vale Vale of of Belvoir. Belvoir. This This struggle is not It isis one battle and we have to get that through to to the battle in in an an international international class class war war and we have to get that message message through the ranks ranks of and trade-union trade-union movement. movement. The The crisis crisis of of their their of the the entire entire international international working-class working-class and

system of the Third World, World, where where we we can can system can can no no longer longer be be contained contained in in the the far far reaches reaches of the Third look at India and Palestine from the comfort of our TV screens and see it as something look at India and Palestine from the comfort of our TV screens and see it as something which with us. crisis has has now come home home to to their their own backyard. which has has nothing nothing to to do do with us. That That crisis now come own backyard. That is the final note of doom, not only for this Government but also for the system That is the final note of doom, not only for this Government but also for the system which the true true voice voice of of British British people people isis the the voice voice of of organorgan which sustains sustains it. it. We We believe believe that that the ised generation to consistently, for what is just ised labour. labour. We We alone alone stand stand from from generation to generation, generation, consistently, for what is just and decent the labour which organises organises the the aspirations aspirations of of and decent in in our our society. society. It It is is the labour movement movement which our we ought opportunity in in this of commemoration of our people. people. II believe believe we ought to to take take this this opportunity this year year of commemoration of

the began the real history history of of the the intemational international trade-union trade-union the Tolpuddle Tolpuddle Martyrs, Martyrs, which which began the real movement, ourselves to to secure secure a victory for for the the miners, but also also again again to to the the movement, to to pledge pledge ourselves a victory miners, but task the emancipation emancipation of labour and and the the winning winning of of aa socialist socialist soso task of of our our times times which which isis the of labour

ciety this country. country. ciety in in this

_ II believe believe we we have have already already won the dispute. dispute. It of the the time time when we won the It isis only only aa matter matter of when we will settle the terms terms of will settle the of our We have been on on strike strike for for 77 -nearly -nearly 88 months. months. We We our victory. victory. We have been have actually actually seen have seen the the entire labour movement come back back to to life. life. II believe believe we we ought ought to to entire labour movement come

say this this is is not not the the end end of say of the struggle, it of our our struggle struggle for for our our people people the struggle, it isis the the beginning beginning of

toto change change the the conditions our society. But II believe conditions of of our society. But believe that that is part of of our our international international is part struggle, quoted in in Elvington Elvington the the first first time we met, met, in in the the words words of of Che Che struggle, so, so, as as II quoted time that that we

Guevara, in his last letter letter to to Fidel Fidel Castro, Guevara, in his last Castro, the the Argentinean Argentinean who fought in in Cuba Cuba and and died died who fought

inin the the fight fight for for the "We are are living the liberation liberation of of Bolivia Bolivia "We living magnificent magnificent days’’. days". We We believe believe that if we stand together together we we will will not glorious page that if we stand not only only write write aa glorious page in in the the history history of of our our class and the entire international working class, but class and the entire international working class, but we we will will begin begin that that process process whereby whereby we will see one of the the lesser-known lesser-known objectives we will see one of objectives of of the the NUM NUM in in its its constitution, constitution, Rule Rule 3f. 3f. To join join with with other organisations with with the the view view toto the To other organisations the complete complete abolition abolition of of capitalism. capitalism.

VICTORY TO VICTORY TO THE THE MINERS! MINERS !

LONG LIVE THE SOLID ARITY OF THE BRITIS H MINER LONG LIVE THE SOLIDARITY OF THE BRITISH MINERS AND THE THE PEOPLE OF S AND PEOPLE OF SOUTHALL! SOUTHALL !

LONG LIVE THE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARI TY OF LONG LIVE THE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY OF THE THE WORK WORKING CLASS! ING CLAS S !

IN SOCIAL WITHIN ENEMY WITH THE ENEMY DEMOCRACY - - THE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

414 414

LALKAR April April 1985 1985 LALKAR

LESSONS STRIKE -NUM STRIKE THE NUM OF THE LESSONS OF Malcolm Lalkar to Lalkar talks to Pitt talks Malcolm Pitt On 9th 9th March March 1985, 1985, on ofaarally in Southall Southall in support of of the the miners, miners, Harpal Harpal On onthe the occasion occasion of rally in in support miners. Kent miners. the Kent of the President of Pitt, President Malcolm Pitt, Brar, interviewed Malcolm LALKAR, interviewed of LALKAR, behalf of on behalf Brar, on

LALKAR: LALKAR: On On behalf behalf of of the the IWA(GB) IWA(GB) we we welcome welcome you you to this this Rally. Rally. The The first first

question question that that II would would like like to to ask ask you you is: What What do do you you feel feel about about the the outcome outcome of of the the

NUM NUM strike? strike?

MALCOLM MALCOLM PITT: PITT: Obviously Obviously we we are are disappointed. disappointed. II believe believe this this was was the the greatest greatest

opportunity that that the the trade-union trade-union movement movement has has had had to to turn tum back the tide tide of unemployopportunity back the of unemploy

ment in in this this country. country. II think think that that many many trade-union trade-union leaders leaders and many trade-unionists trade-unionists ment and many

should place with with aa certain of shame, the should look look to to what what has has taken taken place certain amount amount of shame, for for not not giving giving the sort of support sort of supportthat that was wasnecessary. necessary. On Onthe the other otherhand, hand, IIstill still think think that that aa major majorvictory victory has against the of this this country. country. has been been achieved achieved against against the the Government Government and and against the ruling ruling class class of What seen is mobilisation of over 150, 150, 000 000 men, and families, families, What we we have have seen is the the mobilisation of over men, their their wives wives and against the Government policy toto close against the Government policy close pits, pits, and and also also really really against against the the system system itself. itself.

Many our people become aware aware of of what exploitation really really means means and and the the Many of of our people have have now now become what exploitation methods whereby methods whereby that that exploitation exploitation isis sustained sustained by by the the establishment. establishment. So So when when we we look look

atat the the miners’ miners' strike strike of of 1984-85 1984-85 we we will will be be seeing seeing those those young young miners miners that that were were not not looking looking for for an an easy easy way way out out with with redundancy, redundancy, were were not not looking looking for for an an easy easy way way out out toto

leave leave the the coalfields, coalfields, but but were were willing willing toto gogo onto onto the the picket picket lines lines and and face face the the most most territerri ble police ble police violence violence and and harassment harassment that that has has been been seen seen in in this this country country for for many, many, many many years. years. Also, II think think we we need need toto look look atat the the women women who, who, inin many many of ofour our communities, communities, have have Also,

been been regarded regarded asas second-rate second-rate citizens. citizens. They They came came toto the the fore fore and and fought fought for for their theirright righttoto participate participate inin the the dispute. dispute. They They have have been been very very much much the the back-bone back-bone ofofthe the strike. strike. What What we we have have seen seen isis the the rebirth rebirth ofofmilitant militant trade-unionism trade-unionism inin this this country. country. For For many many years, years, the trade-union trade-union leaders leaders thought thought that that the theway way forward forward was was wheeling wheeling and anddealing dealingwith withthe the the employer and and whatever whatever government government was was inin power. power. We We have have been been through through the the experiexperi employer ence ofofthe the ’social 'social contract’. contract'. We’ve We'vebeen beenthrough throughthe the new newrealism. realism. The Theminers’ miners' strike strikeofof ence 1984-85 said said that that that that isis not not enough; enough; that that isis not not the the way way forward. forward. The The way way forward forward isis 1984-85 militant action. action. Far Far from fromseeing seeingthe theend endofofthe thestrike strikeasasa adefeat defeatfor forthe theworking workingclass, class,anan militant end ofof militant militant trade-unionism, trade-unionism, I I believe believe this this isis the the beginning beginning ofof anan overall overall process process end

whereby working working people people begin begin toto challenge challengenot notjust justone oneemployer, employer,but butthe thewhole wholesocisoci whereby live. they which under ety ety under which they live. LALKAR: Would Wouldyou youthink thinkthat thatone oneofofthe thelessons lessonsofof thisparticular particularstrike strikewas wasthat that this LALKAR: inineconomic economicstruggle strugglealone alonecapital capitalisisstronger strongerthan thanthe theworking workingmasses? masses?Therefore Thereforeififthe the working class want to be victorious, in the ultimate analysis, it must raise the question working class want to be victorious, in the ultimate analysis, it must raise the question ofofpower, power,asastoto who who rules rulessociety society and andininwhose whosebenefit, benefit,rather ratherthan thanjust justtrying trying totosolve solve thecrisis crisisofofthe thecoal coalindustry, industry,ororindeed indeedofofthetheentire entireBritish Britishindustry, industry,within withinthe thecondicondi the tions tionsofofcapitalism, capitalism,nonomatter matterhow howheroic heroicthe thestruggle?. struggle?.

APPENDIX APPENDIX

415 415

MALCOLM PITT: PITT: II think think that that isis definitely definite] y one MALCOLM ofthe thegreat great lessons.* IIPasuppose ~ a that . that 1lessons. : she oftaught that one

was that she taught that lesson to hundreds and made was Thatcher made that Thatcher mistake that biggest mistake the biggest the

thousan ds of of people, people, not not just just in in the thousands the mining mining industry, industry, but but also also in in other other sections sections of of the the trade-u nion moveme nt that did respond to trade-union movement that did respond to our our appeals. appeals. The The NUM, NUM, when when itit was was founded, founded,

enshrined in in its its constitution constitution one enshrined one of of those those early early demands demands of of the the South South Wales Wales miners miners which which called called for for the the Union Union toto support support all all other other groupss inin the the fight fight for for the the abolition aboliti of capital. politicalcagwdive perspective in Union. cometines Sometimes capital. There There has has always always been been that that strong strongpolitical nonour Union.

itit has has been been submerged submerged by by right-wing right-wing leaders leaders like like Joe Joe Gormley Gormley but but it's it’s come come out out very very

clearly clearly in in the the last last few few months. months. II believe believe that that that that itself itself will will be be reflected reflected in in other other trade trade un unions, jons, whereby whereby workers workers begin begin to to say say industrial industrial action action is, is, by by itself, itself, not not enough. enough. What What we we

have have to to be be talking talking about about isis political political action action on on aa broad broad front front in in terms terms of of the the entire entire class class against the the system system of of exploitation exploitation which which keeps keeps us us in in aa situation situation where where men men and and women women against

have jobs have to to face face the the arbitrary arbitrary nature nature of of the the state state and and society, society, whereby whereby they they lose lose their their jobs and of and communities. communities. In In the the end, end, one one of of the the great great lessons lessons has has been, been, particularly particularly for for many many of

our young young men, men, that that they they understand understand now now the the nature nature of of the the state, they have have experienced our state, they experienced

itit at what the etc.) courts, etc.) the courts, police, the (the police, state (the the state know what They know truncheon. They of aa truncheon. end of hard end the hard at the isis about. They are now beginning to question the very basis of this society. I think in about. They are now beginning to question the very basis of this society. I think in service. great service. us aa great done us has done that Thatcher has Mrs Thatcher sense, Mrs that sense,

LALKAR: outcome of of the at LALKAR: To To what what extent extent is is your your disappointment disappointment at at the the outcome the struggle struggle at-

Party the Labour tributable despicable, of TUC and and the Labour Party the TUC of the is despicable, view is our view in our which in role, which the role, to the tributable to jeadership? leadership?

MALCOLM beginning there there have have been been Labour Labour Party members Party members the beginning From the PITT: From MALCOLM PITT: who active in support ofof the the leadership, leadership, particuparticu of the position of The position NUM. The the NUM. in support been active have been who have initially about took he ambiguity The larly diabolical. The ambiguity he took about initially supsup quite diabolical. been quite has been Kinnock, has Neil Kinnock, larly Neil the ballot, he got porting strike, the the way got involved involved inin the the issue issue ofof the ballot, which which was was aa way he the strike, porting the

diversion from the major major issue; the way that hehe got got himself himself into into aa position position ofof condemncondemn way that issue; the from the diversion

ing which had had been been produced produced byby the the militarisation militarisation ofof the the picket picket line line violence which for violence pickets for ing pickets

by the the masses masses of of police, police, are are all all things things that that worked worked very very much much against against us. us. The The TUC, TUC, dede by minthe to support total give to Congress spite the fact that we won, won, overwhelmingly, overwhelmingly, Congress to give total support to the min that we the fact spite ers, came came out out very very clearly clearly asas seeing seeing its its role role asas trying trying toto fix fix some some sort sort ofof shabby shabby ers, Government the and hand, one compromise between between the the leadership leadership of of the the NUM, NUM, on on the the one hand, and the Government compromise inin the that, evident quite is It and the NCB, on the other hand. It is quite evident that, the period period we we are are going going into, into, hand. other the on NCB, and the we fixers inin Congress we don’t don't need need fixers Congress House, House, we we need need militant militant trade-union trade-union leaders leaders who who are are willing willing toto use use the the full full industrial industrial strength strength ofof the the working working class class toto achieve achieve our our legitimate legitimate aims inin terms terms ofof our our own own industries industries and and also also on on the the broader broader issues issues facing facing the the workingworking aims class movement. movement. Class

LALKAR: But But even even inin cases cases where where the the trade-union trade-union leadership leadership ofofindividual individual unions unions LALKAR: unable were they that found we deeds, in but was supporting supporting you, you, not not only only inin words words but in deeds, we found that they were unable toto Was deliver deliver their their membership, membership, which which isis aa serious serious weakness weakness inin the the working-class working-class movement. movement.

What What are are the the steps steps you you feel feel we we can can take take inin order order toto rectify rectify that that position? position? The The membermember

ship were were taken taken in, in, not notjust just byby the the propaganda, propaganda, but but also also byby the the large large amounts amounts ofofmoney money ship that thatthey they could could make make byby scabbing scabbing -- for for instance, instance, the the scabbing scabbing lorry lorry drivers. drivers.

_ MALCOLM MALCOLM PITT: PITT: This This raises raises the the elementary elementary question question ofoftrade-union trade-union organisaorganisa 1S years many many, for seen have tion, education education and and propaganda. What wewe have seen for many, many years is people people propaganda. What lion, Mitaking 8 our vehicles for our organisations organisations for for granted, granted, using using them them asas vehicles forcareers careersrather rather than than forfor nei work active work atatbuilding building shopfloor shopfloororganisation. organisation. ToTo aa large largeextent, extent,many many ofofour ourtrade tradeunun

oiions have ve been been bluffing. bluffing. They They have have used used resolutions resolutionsasasaasubstitute substitutefor foraction. action.ItItwas wasin-in

evitable that the theGoverment Governmentwould would call call their theirbluff. bluff.That Thatisiswhat whathas hashappened. happened. We’ve We've Vitable that Vered that discovered thatwe’ve we've been beenusing usingup up the thecredit creditofofthe the work workwhich whichhas hasbeen beendone donemany many

416 416

THEENEM ENEMY WITHIN N Y WITHI CRACY - THE L DEMO SOCIAL DEMOCRACY SOCIA

d the recognise actually people when 30s, the period of ‘1 the . years ago, particularly in theteenperiod of the 30s, when people actually recognised the daatiot Go back to the sacking of

years ago,buildeae need to up

shopfloor organisation. Go back to the sacking ofDerek Derek Robinson. Robinson. EA had to a people need Previously had always always said said that that you you could could never never sack sack a a shop shop steward steward without without

ussions, but very serious repercussions, butthey theywere wereable abletotosack sacka aleading leadingconvenor, convenor, for fornonor reason, y eat Previousl nt Governme the and it did not receive the response that was necessary. From then on the Government OY Fa aok receive the response that was necessary. From then on

get got wanting. We them found ions and organisat our probed bed and -has probed and probed ourgoing organisations andminers foundnow. themWe wanting. Wetohave have got toto get back to the the basics. basics. That That isis going to face the have got go back to the the to back go to got to face the miners now. We have at

pits and our first first priority priority isis toto rebuild rebuild our our own own organisati organisation. We are are now now fighting fighting for for on. We

its and our

elementary issues such such as as union union recogniti recognition, the right right toto negotiate negotiate freely freely and and toto oppose oppose on, the

y issues ceernexier victimisation. All

these very very basic basic issues issues are are now now inin the the forefront forefront of ofour our minds. minds. That Thatisis victimisation. All these an issue that has got to be confronted by the whole movement, otherwise it leaves us in an issue that has got to be confronted by the whole movement, otherwise it leaves us in dream world world which which will will always always be be shattered shattered when when the the oppositio opposition put their theirforces forces into into n put aa dream

ion. on organisat thefield. field. To To me, me,the themain maintask taskisis getting gettingback backtotothe thebasics basics ofoftrade-uni trade-union organisation. the organifor need We must must get get back back toto the the shop shop floor floor and and win win our our people people toto recognise recognise the the need for organi We

sation. LALKAR: Might Might II suggest suggest that that the the trade-uni trade-union leadership that we we have have got got has has on leadershi p that LALKAR: been found wanting, not every one of them, but the vast majority, because they are the the are they because majority, vast the but them, of one every not been found wanting, sation.

t exploitas were product ofof the the old school when when condition conditions were quite quite all all right right for for imperialis imperialist exploita old school product

tion and and there there was was aa lot lot of of money money about. about. tion

When high super super profits profits were coming in, in, the the trade trade union union leaders leaders were were able able toto reach reach When high were coming some or shabby, shabby, compromise (whichever way way you you look look atat it), it), with with the the workers workers some decent, decent, or compromise (whichever getting some that the the conditions conditions of international competition among varivari getting some rise. rise. But But now now that of international competition among ous much harder, harder, they they cannot cannot carry on inin the the old old way. way. ous imperialist imperialist powers powers are are getting getting much carry on Theonly only way waythey they can cancarry carry on makingBritish British industry industry efficient efficient inin terms termsofofthe the The on is is by by making conditions of of imperialism. imperialism. That That really really means means aa major major onslaught onslaught on on the the British British workingconditions working

class. Therefore, Therefore, the the working-class working-class movement movement has to learn leam through through hard slog, to to produce produce class. has to hard slog, and leaders which can actually cope with situation, and throw throw up up new newtypes typesofof leaders which can actually cope with the the new new situation,

rather rather than than the the Willises Willises and and Murrays Murrays and and Kinnocks Kinnocks of of this this world. world. MALCOLM PITT: PITT: II think think Lenin's Lenin’s analysis analysis of of imperialism imperialism clearly clearly laid laid out out the the ba baMALCOLM

sis on on which which reformist reformist trade trade unions unions have have been been built. built. That That has has always always been been on on the the basis basis sis of superprofits superprofits and and the the crumbs crumbs from from the the master's master’s table. table. That That situation situation has has quite quite evi eviof as Then period. whole dently that whole period. Then as of that leftovers of the leftovers is the got is have got we have what we But, what changed. But, dently changed. enough was enough that was contributions that his contributions paid his long and paid card and trade-union card carried aa trade-union person carried as aa person long as

not evidently not quite evidently But itit isis quite as concemed. But was concerned. union was the union of the organisation of the organisation as the far as as far itself capitalism itself is1s where capitalism it, where put it, clearly put so clearly you so as you crisis, as enough. of crisis, period of this period in this Now in enough. Now having organisaof organisa type of that type people, that working people, of working expense of the expense crises atat the own crises its own solve its having toto solve

for inadequate for is inadequate limited. ItIt is severely limited. tion, perspective isis severely of perspective type of that type attitude, that of attitude, type of that type tion, that

the tasks which confront the class. We are going through a similar period to that which

the tasks which confront the class. We are going through a similar period to that which

once when once 1920’s when the 1920's in the also in and also century and nineteenth century the nineteenth of the we end of the end at the through at went through we went again perspectives, new perspectives, develop new reorganise, toto develop got toto reorganise, has got movement has working-class movement the working-class again the

new new tactics tactics and and aa clear clear political political objective. objective. ch I LALKAR: LALKAR: Would Would II bebe right right toto conclude, conclude, inin the the light light ofof the the NUM NUM strike, strike, which whi” I

think British working class,of think was was one one of of the the most most glorious glorious chapters chapters inin the the annals annals of of the the British et ay

that that one one of of the the things things that that stands stands today, today, politically politically speaking, speaking, inin the the way way of of the™e victory of the the British British working working class class isis actually actually the the rotten rotten Labour Labour Party? Party?

eT

MALCOLM positiontrade-union is that the MALCOLM PITT: PITT: No, No, II don't don’t take take that that position. position. My My own own Pose

great Labour Party isis the fact that itit was created by the trade-union great strength strength ofof the the Labour Party the fact that was crealed DY TT ment movement. movement. ItIt was was aa clear clear issue issue of of the the representation representation of of working working people peoP in parliament

APPENDIX

417

through ation. II don't don’t think throughtheir their organis organisation. think itit isis aa questio question the organisation itself, be n of of the organisation itself. be-

cause is like TUC. Some causeitit is like the the TUC. people compare the TUC unfavourably with the the CGT or Some people compare the TUC unfavo urably with CGT or other trade trade union union bodies. bodies. But Butone one ofofthe the strengt strengths the Labour Partyisis the the unity unity of ofthe the Labour Party of the other hs of movement. the leadership. leadership. II orientation ofofthe political orientation the political for the is for battle is major battle the major it, the Within it, movement. Within

still think think that that the the prime prime objective still the trade-union objective is is to to develop develop aa leadership leadership ofofthe trade-union and and La La-

bour consocialist con develop aa socialist to develop and to objective and socialist objective clear socialist has a a clear which has movement which pour movement

sciousness whichisis necessa necessary forthe the advance advanceofofthe theclass. class¹. sciousness Which ry for LALKAR: March, 3rd March, Sunday, 3rd last Sunday, TUC last the TUC at the Conference at Delegate Conference the Delegate After the LALKAR: After

whichdecided decidedtotocall call off offthe the strike, strike, Jack Secretary ofthe the Kent miners, said saidthat that Kent miners, Collins, Secreta Jack Collins, which ry of this was a decision that the trade-union movement and the NUM would live to regret. this was a decision that the trade-union movement and the NUM would live to regret. Hecalled called people people who whovoted votedtotocall call off offthe thestrike striketraitors traitors to to the workingclass. class. What Whatisis the working He your view your viewononthat? that? MALCOLM sometimes MALCOLM PITT: PITT: II hesitate hesitate to to use use the the word word traitors, traitors, because because people people sometimes misjudge situations, situations, take take decisions decisions under which weakens weakens the the advance. advance. IIthink misjudge underpressure, pressure, which think that the decisions that were taken were a catastrophe as far as the strike was concerned. that the decisions that were taken were a catastrophe as far as the strike was concemed.

There was wasno no question questionthat that there there was wasstill still aa majority minersthat that were willingtotorally rally There majority of of miners were willing to the Union on the straightforward issues which were presented to them particularly particularly them to presented were which to the Union on the straightforward issues the issues of The slogan Victimisation' has the issues of an an amnesty amnesty and and going going back back together. together. The slogan of of 'No *No Victimisation’ has always been basic. It was an unnecessary attack upon the Union's strength for the South always been basic. It was an unnecessary attack upon the Union’s strength for the South Wales leadership leadership toto put put forward forwardthe theresolution resolutioncalling callingthe thestrike strikeoff. off. II believe believe itit was was Wales

possible winthe the National National Union and toto win fight particularly particularly on on toto fight membership the membership win the Union and toto win possible theissue issue of novictimisation. victimisation. of no the We bitter about aboutit. it. Our action following following the Conferencewas wastoto try try and and sussus We felt felt very very bitter Our action the Conference tainthe the strike. strike. We are now nowextremely extremelyisolated isolatedand andhave havehad hadtotobite bite the thebullet. bullet. Today, Today, We are tain the Kent miners, almost almost unanimously, unanimously, agreed agreedthat that they they would wouldreturn returntoto work work on Mon the Kent miners, on Monday. are very, the battle battle continues. continues. We We are are still still unbroken”. unbroken². We We day. But But we we are very, very very clear clear that that the will continue to fight and rebuild our organisation. Maybe the flame has to be picked up will continue to fight and rebuild our organisation. Maybe the flame has to be picked up someother othersection sectionofofthe theclass class for period, but but II can canassure assure everybody everybodythat thatthe theresilresil byby some for aaperiod, ience ienceofofthe the miners minersisisstill stillthere. there. II am amsure sure we wewill willbe be playing playing aa leading leadingrole roleinin the the movemove ment in future battles. ment in future battles. LALKAR:Can CanI Itake takeititthat that the the attempt attempt of ofthe the bourgeois bourgeoispress pressand andthe theentire entirebourbour LALKAR: geoisie put aa cross crossagainst against the the NUM ratherpremature, premature,and andthat thatpractice practice will will show show geoisie toto put NUM isisrather

that before, notwithstanding that the the NUM NUM isis stronger stronger than than ever ever before, notwithstanding all all the the disappointments disappointments inin

connectionwith withthe the outcome outcome of of the the present present strike? strike? connection MALCOLM PITT: The The miners miners have have suffered suffered defeats defeats in in the the past. past. We We suffered suffered the the MALCOLM PITT: great defeat of 1926. Men were were forced forced back back to to work, work, again again tlirough through starvation. starvation. But But the the btcat defeat of 1926. Men came back. back. Maybe thenext nextbattle battlewill will bebesmaller, smaller, but butthe thefighting fightingspirit spiritwill willstill still beUnioncame Maybe the be there, there, and, and, inin addition, addition, we we have have now now got got the the experiences experiences of ofthe the present present battle, battle, experiexperi “aces are never a process encesthat that are never lost. lost. Even Even ifif we we go go through through a process of of closures, closures, which which we we may may

. Sfwithstanding his 1 Notwithstanding hismilitant militantrole roleininthe the NUM NUMstrike, strike, Malcolm MalcolmPitt Pitt was was either either unwilling unwillingoror incapable breakingfree free from from the the shackles shacklesofofsocial social democracy, democracy, which which isis hardly hardly surprising, surprising, since ble ofofbreaking

many self-proclaimed self-proclaimed ’communists’ 'communists' and and ’revolutionaries’ 'revolutionaries' are are unable unable toto make makethis this leap. leap. .since “0so many

Ost regrettab , 2 upMost thestrike strike broke broke Comrade Comrade Pitt, Pitt, asas itit probably probably did did many many others. others. HeHe has has given given his regrettably, earlier ly, the

up his earlierSocialist socialistviews views and and now now works works for for aa religious religious charity. charity.

418

418

SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

find difficult difficult to to resist, resist, over over the the next next period, period, those those militants militants that that leave leave our our industry industry and and find go into into other other industries industries will will be be carrying carrying the experience of of the the great great miners’ miners' strike strike of of go the experience

1984 with with them. them. II think think that that that that will will have have an an effect effect throughout throughout the the whole whole movement. movement. 1984 Certainly itit would would be be very very premature premature to to write write the the NUM NUM off. off. Certainly

LALKAR: IsIs the the NUM, NUM, not not just just you you personally, personally, and and its its leadership leadership fairly fairly pleased pleased LALKAR: with the the support support they they have have received received from from especially especially oppressed oppressed sections, sections, like like black black with workers in this ntry workers in this country?

MALCOLM PITT: PITT: II have been asked asked this this many many times. times. II can can honestly honestly say, say, without without MALCOLM have been any form form of of patronising, that the the support support of of the the black black community community has has been been quite quite excepexcep any patronising, that

tional. When When our people first first came came toto London, London, they they actually actually remarked remarked upon upon the the fact fact that that tional. our people

when they had collecting collecting buckets buckets out out inin the the street, street, itit was was black black people people who who were were the the when they had first to Certainly the the relationship relationship that that has has been been developed developed between between Southall Southall and and first to respond. respond. Certainly the Kent Kent coalfield my own the coalfield and and my particular, Tilmanstone, Tilmanstone, isis aa relationship relationship that that will will own pit pit in in particular,

continue for for many years toto come. come. That That can can only only be be aa major major advantage advantage and and benefit benefit toto the the continue many years

entire working-class movement. movement. entire working-class

LALKAR: Thank you Comrade Pitt. Pitt. We We would would like assure you you that that we we have have anan LALKAR: Thank you Comrade like toto assure

abiding sense because, by putting up up the struggle that that they they have, have, abiding sense of of loyalty loyalty to to the the miners miners because, by putting the struggle they have the old-style and fighting spirit to to working working people people whatever whatever they have restored restored the old-style honour honour and fighting spirit their colour, We shall never forget struggle. Many thanks indeed. indeed. their colour, religion religion or or beliefs. beliefs. We shall never forget this this struggle. Many thanks

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

.

419

419

LALKAR LALKAR June June 1985 1985

Miners' Miners’ strike strike 1984-5: 1984-5:

Malcolm Malcolm Pitt Pitt sums sums up. up. We reproduce reproduce below below extracts extracts from from the the speech speech made made by by Cde Cde Malcolm Malcolm Pitt, Pitt, President President of We of the the

Kent Kent NUM, NUM, on on the the occasion occasion of of aa Rally Rally in in Southall Southall which which honoured honoured the the victories victories of of the the min miners' ers’ struggle. struggle. Since Since the the Rally, Rally, which which was was reported reported in in the the April April issue issue of of Lalkar, Lalkar, took took place place on on

the the 9th 9th of of March, March, just just after after the the National National Conference Conference of of the the NUM NUM had had voted voted for for aa return return to to work, the the excellent excellent speech speech made made by by Cde Cde Malcolm Malcolm not not only only sums sums up up the the miners' miners’ strike strike but but work, also also draws draws lessons lessons for for the the entire entire working-class working-class movement. movement. After After a a hero's hero’s welcome welcome and and a a standing ovation, ovation, he he began began his his speech: speech: standing

II was was thinking thinking of of the the various various words words we we use use in in the the movement movement to to address address meetings. meetings. II think "brothers and and sisters". think tonight tonight in in Southall Southall the the best best means means of of address address is is "brothers sisters". Certainly Certainly over the the last last 12 12 months months we we have have become become brothers brothers and and sisters sisters in struggle. over in struggle. Great Victory AA Great Victory

Tonight, in one sense there there isis aa sadness. sadness. Today, Today, we had aa meeting meeting of of 1,000 1,000 of our Tonight, in one sense we had of our

members Ramsgate, and and sadly sadly we we had had toto pass pass aa resolution that we we would would retum return toto members in in Ramsgate, resolution that work this this Monday. Monday. Last Last Sunday Sunday the Kent area area ofof the NUM did did not not agree with the the posiposi work the Kent the NUM agree with tion taken taken by by the our National National Conference. Conference. We We believed believed itit was was still still possible possible tion the majority majority atat our

rally the British coalfields coalfields on the issue issue ofof amnesty amnesty for for those those ofof our our members members who who had had toto rally the British on the been sacked. sacked. We We tried tried toto hold hold those those of of our our Union Union nationally nationally who would stand stand on on that that isis been who would sue. Well, Well, we we were were not not successful. successful. Today Today we we took took the the decision, decision, with with sadness, sadness, that that we we sue.

would would go go back back on on Monday. Monday. But But II must must say say that that that that meeting meeting was was one one ofofthe the most most inspirinspir

ing meetings meetings that that II have have ever ever attended: attended: there there was was nono air air of ofdefeat, defeat, there there was was nono air air ofofdede ing

spondency, there there were were no no bowed bowed heads. heads. They They were were men men who who were were proud proud ofof what what they they spondency, had achieved achieved inin staying staying inin struggle struggle for for aa year year against against terrible terrible forces. forces. They They were were also also dede had termined that that the the struggle struggle would would continue continue through through the the difficult difficult months months and and years years ahead. ahead. termined

This This meeting meeting tonight tonight must must not not bebe aa requiem, requiem, aa funeral funeral service, service, itithas has got gottoto bebe aa celebracelebra tion ofof aa victory, victory, aa great great victory victory (applause), (applause), aa victory victory where where ordinary ordinary men men and and women women tion have stood stood against against aa Government, Government, a ruling a ruling class, class, anan establishment, establishment, for forthe the right righttoto work, work, have the the right right toto organise, organise, the the right righttoto the thedignity dignity they they deserve deserveasashuman humanbeings. beings.

few years years ago ago atat our our pit pit we we had had aa Bolivian Bolivian tin-miner’s tin-miner'swife wifecome cometoto Tilmanstone. Tilmanstone. AA few She was part of a women's delegation in Europe who were going around winning sup She was part of a women’s delegation in Europe who were going around winning sup-

port port for for their theirown own struggle struggleback back ininBolivia. Bolivia. While While she shewas was inin England, England, she shehad had aareport report

that that their their mining mining village village had had been been surrounded surrounded byby troops, troops, martial martial law law had had been been estabestab lished lishedand and her her husband husbandand and 33 children childrenhad had disappeared. disappeared. She Shesaid saidtoto ususI Iknow knowthat thatI Iwill will never never see seethem them again. again. We We said: said: What Whatare areyou yougoing going toto do? do?She Shesaid: said: I Iam amgoing goingtoto concon tinue with this delegation, I am going to win support for the continuing struggle. And tinue with this delegation, I am going to win support for the continuing struggle. And

that thatisis the the message message tonight: tonight: the the battle battle continues, continues, Venceremos, Venceremos,wewe will willwin winthat thatvictory victory (applause). (applause).

420 420

SOCIALDEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE ENEMYWITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL THE ENEMY

The minersare areproud proudthat thatwe wehave havebeen been thefront-line front-lineofof thebattle battleagainst againstunemunem the in inthe miners The ployment. We are proud that we have been able to set an example, and, I believe, a shin a ployment. We are proud that we have been able to set an example, and, I believe, shin-

ingexample. example. IIwill will not notbebe modest modesttonight. tonight. IIbelieve believethat thatititisis aashining shiningexample example totothethe ing whole working-class working-class movement movement of ofthis this country country on on how how we we must must conduct conduct ourselves ourselves inin whole thenext next few few years, years, because becauseone onething thing isis absolutely absolutely certain: certain: there there is isno no way waythat, that,ininthe the the

crisis ofofthis thissystem, system,we wecan canresolve resolve our ourproblems problemsbybycreeping creepinground roundtotothe theback backdoor doorofof crisis by Downing DowningStreet Street orormeeting meetingininsecret secret venues venuestoto work work out out some someshab shabbyform formofofcomprocompro mise government. misewith withthe the emplo employerororthe theyer government. The The only onlyway way forward forward for forworking workingpeople peopleisis struggle,and andthat thatisisthe thegreat greatvictory victory ofofthe theminers’ miners'strike strike of of 19841984-85.That That85. thevicvic totostruggle, isisthe hs, tory for for which which 150,000 150,000 ofofour our members, members, for for 12 12 mont months, with withtheir their wivesand and families, families, tory wives

were werewilling willingtotogive givethe thesacrifice sacrifice day daybybyday, day,thetheterrible terrible hardship, hardship,the thebroken brokenfamilies, families, thebroken broken marriages, marriages, even eventhe thesuicides. suicides. the

We Wemanaged, managed,also, also, and and IIam amagain againproud proudtotosaysayit,it,not nottotofall fall for forall allthe the propaganda propaganda that that the the only only way waythat that working workingpeople people can canexpress express themselves themselvesisisbybysigning signingpieces piecesofof paper and putting crosses What the paper and putting crossesononpieces piecesofofballot ballotpaper. paper. What theminers minerssaid, said,and andwill willstill still Say human being, sayagain, again,isis that that no no human being, no no man manoror woman, woman,has hasthetheright righttotoput put aacross crossonon aa

piece ofofpaper piece paperand and vote vote somebody somebody else elseout outof ofaajob job (applause). (applause).IIbelieve believethat thatthe the miners’ miners'

strike strike will will gogo down downasasthe thegreatest greatest example example ofofworking-class working-class democracy, democracy, because becausemen men

and feet every day over twelve months and women womenvoted votedwith withtheir their feet every day over twelve monthsononthe theissue issueofofthe theright right toto work. That is the true democracy work. That is the true democracywhich whichweweallallstand standfor. for. Tribute Arthur Scargill Tribute to to Arthur Scargill No doubt II would wouldlike liketotopay paytribute tributetoto the the leadership leadership of of Arthur Arthur Scargill. Scargill. No doubt over overthe the

next few weeks, when peopleininFleet FleetStreet Street begin begintoto analyse analyse the the miners’ miners'strike, strike, next few weeks, when various various people more and more of them will begin to level their attacks upon Arthur Scargill. We more and more of them will begin to level their attacks upon Arthur Scargill. Wewill will See ee see the criticisms begin to develop that he should not have done this, and he should not have believe that, despite all the the press campaign ve done that, but II believe ite all ign to to persuade miners miners that

cw

un ni tes os atee a

Sa,

now is the time to rid themselves of this "Marxist wrecker", this Arthur Scargill, the

British with even British miners miners will will respond respondtoto that that with more support. support. They recognise that that Arthur even more They recognise Arthur

Scargill, unlike almost almostevery every trade-union trade-union leader this country, hasactually actually done done what what Scargill, unlike leader ininthis country, has

he hesaid said he he would do (applause). would do (applause).

odds Organisation tremendous odds against tremendous Organisation against 12 months Whenwe wetalk talkof ofvictori victories: haveseen seenover overthe the last last 12 monthsisis the the latent, latent, we have What we es: What When against struggle to ves themsel hidden power power of people toto organise tre organise themselves to struggle against treworking-class people of working-class hidden

going toto bebe aa long was going mendous odds. When we wewent went into into this this strike strike we we knew knew itit was long ont: one. mendous odds. When = I we because strike long a said, you have to expect it to be

AsArthur Arthur himself himself said, As

you have to expect it to be a long strike because we are not a nes. ing our open our fightingg just the issue issue of of keeping ourpits pits and andprotect protecting our Commu communities. keeping open on the just on fightin SYS whic system the of e principl of the system which says very principle challenging the doing isis challenging What we are, inin reality, doing the very we are, What

improvement grants, grants, 336 336 improvement 'In Place of Strife’, Strife', 77, 77, 163 163 "In Place of incomes policy, policy, 77 77 incomes Independent Independent Labour Labour Party, Party, iii, iii, 16, 16, 66, 118 118 66, . India, India, 64, 64, 66, 66, 68, 68, 124, 124, 413, 413, 422, 422, 428 428

Indian Indian liberation liberation struggle, struggle, 1928-3 1928-31, 1, 66 66 Indian Indian National National Congress, Congress, 64 64 Indian Indian Workers Workers Association Association (GB), (GB), xiii, 276, 276, 290, 290, 308 308 xiii, Indian working working class, class, 67 67 Indian Indian Indian working-class working-class movement, movement, 66 66 Indo-China, 73 73 -- 74 74 Indo-China, Industrial Relations Relations Act, Act, 163 163 Industrial inflation, 268 268 inflation, International International Class Class Prisoners’ Prisoners'Aid, Aid,

BIBLIOGRAPHY/INDEX BIBL IOGRAPHY / INDEX

56 56 International Class Class War War Prisoners’ Prisoners' International

Aid, 56 Aid, 56

International Federation Federation of of Trade Trade UnUn International ions, 57 57 ions, International Labour Labour Defence, Defence, 64 64 International

International Marxist Marxist Group, Group, 85, 85, International 139, 187 139, 187 International Miners’ Miners' Organisation, Organisation, International 287 287

International Socialists, Socialists, 92, 92, 139, 139, 177 177 International International Working Women’s Women's International Working Day, Day, 282 282 International, Labour Labour and and Socialist, Socialist, International, 36 36

International, International, Second, Second, 54 54°

Basle Congress, Basle Congress, 25 25 Berne, Berne, 36 36

i

1

439 439

judiciary, 277 277-278 judiciary, - 278 Kaufman, Gerald, Gerald, 390 390 Kaufman, Kautsky, Karl, Karl, vi, vi, 109, 109, 132 132 Kautsky, Kent miners, miners, 417 417 Kent Kent, Bruce, Bruce, 391 391 Kent, Keynesian consensus, consensus, iii, iii, 97, 97, 132, 132, Keynesian 134 134 Keys, Bill, Bill, 320 320 Keys,

'Kick the the Tories Tories out’, out', 106 106 ’Kick Kinnock, Mrs, Mrs, 127 127 Kinnock,

Kinnock, Neil, ix, ix, 75, 75, 78, 78, 88 88 -- 89, 89, Kinnock, Neil, 127, 213, 213, 223, 223, 249, 249, 252,259, 252,259, 270, 270, 127, 276-277, 281, 285-286, 333, 338, 338, 276 - 277, 281, 285 - 286, 333, 344-345, 416, 422, 422, 429 429 344 - 345, 390, 390, 415 415 -- 416, Kitson, Brigadier Frank, 159 Kitson, Brigadier Frank, 159 Korea, Korea, 155 155

Korean peninsula, 73 Korean peninsula, partition partition of, of, 73 Korean war of aggression Korean people, people, war of aggression

Copenhagen Congress,25 Congress,25 against, Copenhagen against, 73 73 Stuttgart Stuttgart Congress, Congress, 24 24

Kronstadt rebellion, Kronstadt rebellion, 190 190

International, Two-and-a-half,

International, Two-and-a-half, 36 36

Kruschevite revisionism, 124 124 Kruschevite revisionism,

Iran, Iran, 73 73

Kuwait, Kuwait, 391 391

Iran-Iraq Iran-Iraq war, war,

392 392

Iraq, Iraq, vii, vii, 68, 68, 78, 78, 392 392 Ireland, Ireland, xii, xii, 92, 92, 117, 117, 124 124

Ireland, Ireland, troops troops sent sent in in 1969, 1969, 76 76

Irish Irish people, people, struggle struggle for for self-deter self-determination, mination,

76 76

Irish workers,

282

Irish workers, 282

Iron Iron and and Steel Steel Trades Trades Confederation, Confederation,

78

78

Israel, Israel, 252 252

Japan, Japan, 424 424 Jenkin, Jenkin, Patrick, Patrick, 339-341 339 - 341 Jenkins, Jenkins, Clive, Clive, 127, 127, 320 320

Jenkins, 229 Rev.David, 229 Jenkins, Rev.David, Johnson, Johnson, Lyndon, Lyndon, 75 75 Jolly Jolly George, George, 36 36

Labour Government, 1923,

161

Labour Government, 1923, 161

Labour 66 61, 66 1924, 61, Government, 1924, Labour Government, Labour Labour Government, Government, 1929, 1929,

161 161

Labour Labour Government, Government, 1929-31, 1929-31, 64 64 Labour Labour Government, Government, 1945, 1945,

162 162

Labour Labour Government, Government, 1964, 1964,

163 163

Labour Labour Government, Government, Second, Second, 68 68 Labour Labour Government, Government, Wilson-Cal Wilson-Cal-

laghan, laghan, 74 74 Labour Labour Governments, Governments, 1945-51, 1945-51, 71 71

Labour Labour leadership, leadership, 81 81

labour movement, 265 duted cojeM 69, 66, 69, 64, 66, Labour 61 -- 64, 3 - 4, 61 Party, 3-4, Labour Party, 98, LEMM 96, 98, 71, 94 -- 96, 92, 94 90 -- 92, 88, 90 80 -- 88, 75, 80 71, 75, labour movement, 265

117 102 113 - 115, 117109 - 111, 113-115, 106, 109-111, 102 -106, 134 -130, 134 125, 130, 118, 124 -- 125, 122, 124 120 -- 122, 118, 120

THE ENEMY ENEMY WITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY DEMOCRACY - THE SOCIAL

442 442

-

Pollitt, Harry, Harry, 36, 36, 60, 60, 62 62 Pollitt,

Orgreave, 208, 208, 354 354 Orgreave,

Popular Unity Unity Government Government (Chile), (Chile), Popular

Pacific Rim, Rim, 423 423-424 Pacific - 424

156 156

pacifists, 118 118 pacifists, Page Amot, Robin, 170 170 Page Amot, Robin,

Post Office, Office, 116 116 Post

Palestine, 68, 79, 252 Palestine, 68, 79, 252

post-war boom, 97 post-war boom, 97

poverty, 107 107 poverty,

Palme Dutt, R., R., 60, 65, 67 67 Palme Dutt, 60, 65,

power cuts, 247, 270 270 power cuts, 247,

Paris Commune, 145, 195 195 Paris Commune, 145, Parkinson, Cecil, Cecil, 301 301 Parkinson, Parliament, Parliament,

Prentice, Reg, 165 Prentice, Reg, 165

122, 278-279 122, 278 - 279

parliamentarism, 91 parliamentarism, 91 parliamentary cretinism, cretinism, 158 158 parliamentary

Prevention of of Terrorism Terrorism Act, Act, 76 76 Prevention printworkers, 349 349-350, printworkers, - 350, 354-355, 354 - 355, 357-359 357 - 359

Parliamentary Labour Party, Party, 63, 63, 69 69 Parliamentary Labour

privatisation, 88, 98, 98, 293 293 privatisation, 88,

parliamentary party, 121

parliamentary party, 121 parliamentary road socialism, parliamentary road toto socialism,

privatisation, coal, coal, 301 301 privatisation,

108, 108, 111 111

privatisation, privatisation, electricity, electricity, 301, 305 301, 305 privileged layers of of the privileged layers the working working class, 118 class, 118

Pearce, Padraig, Pearce, Padraig, 373 373

petty petty bourgeoisie, bourgeoisie, v, v, vii vii

privileged privileged upper upper stratum, stratum, 130 130 proletarian proletarian revolution, ii, 151 revolution, ii, 151 propaganda, 276 propaganda, 276 PSBR, PSBR, viii viii public ownership, 116, public ownership, 116, 118 118 public services, 343 public services, 343 public works works programme, programme, 428 public 428

petty-bourgois opposition, 347 opposition, 347 petty-bourgois

*put welfare 'put welfare to to work', work’, 116 116

picket picket violence, violence, 421en 421

Queen, Queen, 278 278

Pitt, Pitt, Malcolm, Malcolm, 403, 403, 414 414

racialism, 282

pensions, pensions, 98, 98, 107 107 Pentonville Pentonville Five, Five, 244 244

People's People’s army, army, 156 156 People's People’s Charter, Charter, 66 People's People’s Democracies, Democracies, 33

de

People's 311 People’s March March for for Jobs, Jobs, 311

plastic 412 bullets, 412 plastic bullets,

racialism, 282 racism, racism, 406 406 railwaymen, railwaymen, 222 222

Poland, Poland, 386 386

Railways, Railways, 116 116

police, 415 356, 415 278, 356, x, 278, police, x,

rate rate capping, capping, 342 342

police police harassment, harassment, 407 407

rate rate support support grant, grant,

'Plan ’Plan for for Coal', Coal’, 266, 266, 285, 285, 400 400 MUM

208 Police Units, 208 Support Units, Police Support 207, 197, 207, police 78 - 79, 197, x, 78-79, violence, x, police violence, 414 259, 355, 414 282, 355, 276 - 277, 282, 259, 276-277, 260 strike, 260 policing coal strike, the coal policing the 422 political courts, 422 political courts, 279 power, 279 political political power, Poll tax, tax,

Poll

78 78 7

336 336

rate rate support support grants, grants, 337, 337, 342 342 re-nationalisation, re-nationalisation, 98 98

Reagan, Reagan, Ronald, Ronald, 374 374 Red Red Flag Flag Union, Union, 64 64

Red International International of Red of Labour Labour Unions, Unions, 57

57

Redgrave, Redgrave, Vanessa, Vanessa,

176 176

$

BIBLIOGRAPHY / INDEX

BIBLIOGRAPHY/INDEX

redundancy, 307 307 redundancy, Rees, Merlyn, Merlyn, 375 375 Rees,

287, 287, 292, 292, 294, 294, 298, 298, 300, 300, 344, 344, 357, 357, 420 420

reformism, 95 reformism, 95 - -96, 96, 416 416

Scottish Scottish parliament, parliament, 117 117

93 reformists, 93 reformists, 344 344

134, 233-234 134, 233 - 234

Relief Ctte. Relief Ctte. for for Victims Victims of of German German Fascism, Fascism,

443

SDLP, SDLP, 380 380

refuse collection, refuse collection,

Reid, Jimmy, Jimmy, Reid,

443

64 64

Republic of of Buenos Buenos Aires, Aires, 384 Republic 384 resolutions as resolutions as substitute substitute for for action, action,

415 102 -96, 102 88, 96, 83, 88, 72, 83, revisionists, 72, revisionists, 119 -117, 119 115, 117, 111, 115, 107, 111, 105, 107, 103, 105, 103, 278 141, 278 120, 141, 120, 415

142 110, 142 108, 110, revolution, 108, revolution, 112 - 113 alternative, 112-113 revolutionary alternative, revolutionary 124 party, 124 revolutionary party, revolutionary 74 Rhodesia, 74 Rhodesia, Nicholas, 222 Ridley, Nicholas, Ridley, 222 right to , 197, 'right to work’ work', 197, 280 280 420 work, to right right to work, 420 Robin son, Tony, Robinson, Tony, 330 330 Churc Catho Roma lic n h, 190 Roman Catholic Church, 190 ’Roun 'Round Table Confe Conference', 65 rence’, 65 d Table Royal ng, 315 ge of Royal Colle College of Nursi Nursing, 315 RUC, RUC, 367 367 Russel l, Bertra nd, 133 Russell, Bertrand, 133 Russia , 6161 Russia, Russi ution, 9090 an Revol Russian Revolution,

Saklatwala, Saklatwala, Shapurji, Shapurji, 56, 56,5959 sale saleof ofcouncil councilhouses, houses, 9898 Sands, Sands,Bobby, Bobby, xii, xii,78, 78,365 365 Scanlon, Hugh, 173 Scanlon, Hugh, 173

Scargill, Scargill,Ann, Ann, 281 281

Scargill, - 81, 9090-91, - 91, 95, Scargill,Arthur, Arthur, 7979-81, 95, 103 104, 117, 193, 195 196, 202, 103 104, 117, 193, 195 - 196, 202, 205, 205,210, 210,215, 215,237, 237,243, 243,246, 246,268, 268, 270, - 273, 275, 270,272 272-273, 275,280 280- -281, 281,283 283- -

SDP, SDP, 95-96, 95 - 96, 234 234

SDP/Liberal SDP/Liberal Alliance, Alliance, 278 278 Seamen's Seamen’s strike, strike, 163 163 self-rule, self-rule, 64 64

sequestration, sequestration, 79, 79, 218, 218, 281, 281, 287, 287, 351, 351, 358 358 Shah, Shah, Eddie, Eddie, 221, 221, 326-327 326 - 327 Shaw, 24 Shaw, G.B., G.B.,.24 Shaw, Shaw, Giles, Giles, 355 355 Sheffield Sheffield Council, Council, 342 342

Shrewsbury Shrewsbury building building workers, workers, 166 166 Simon Simon Commission, Commission, 58, 58, 64 64 -- 65 65 Sirs, Bill, 78 Sits, Bill, 78 Sizewell, 400 400 Sizewell, Skinner, Dennis, Dennis, 292, 292, 296 296 Skinner, Smith, Ian, Ian, 74 74 Smith, Smith, John, John, 75 75 Smith, Snowden, Philip, Philip, 22, 22, 63, 63, 161, 161, 175 175 Snowden, 'social imperialism’, imperialism', 72 72 ’social social benefits, benefits, 117 117 social

social chauvinism, chauvinism, 109 109-110, 132 - social - 110, 132 133 133 social con-trick, con-trick, 77 77 social socialcontract, contract, 77, 77, 330, 330,414 414 social socialdemocracy, democracy, 8383-84, 88, 90, 90, social - 84, 88, 94,96, 96, 103, 103, 112 112 - 113, 115, 117, 9292- -94, - 113, 115, 117, 119 120, 125, 133, 347 119 - 120, 125, 133, 347

socialdemocratic, democratic, 107 107 social SocialDemocratic DemocraticFederation, Federation, 20 Social 20 socialdemocrats, democrats, 134 134 social

socialsecurity, security, 276, 276,335, 335,397 397 social socialservices, services, 334 334 social social-democraticcretinism, cretinism,107 107 social-democratic *socialism 'socialismininone oneCity’, city', 347 347

44d

444

SOCIALDEMOCRAC DEMOCRACY ENEMYWITHIN WITHIN SOCIAL Y - THE THE ENEMY

'socialistcolonialism’, colonialism', 2424 socialist Socialist Challenge, Challenge, 85 85 Socialist

T&GWU, 199, 199,221, 221, 315 315 T&GWU, TaffVale, Vale, 2121 Taff

socialist construction, construction, 8787 socialist

tax, 98 98 tax,

Socialist Labour LabourLeague, League, 139 139 Socialist Socialist Outlook, Outlook, 85, 85, 87 87-91, 139 Socialist - 91, 139 Socialist Review, Review, 94 94 Socialist Socialist Worker, Worker, 93 93 Socialist Socialist Workers Workers Party, Party, 71, 71, 9191 -- 94 94, Socialist >

102, 105, 130, 134, 139 SOGAT, 350 350 -- 352, 352, 358 358 -- 359 359 SOGAT, 102, 105, 130, 134, 139

Soley, Clive, 356

Soley, Clive, 356

South Africa, Africa, 74, 74, 102, 102, 252 252 South

South Atlantic, 384 South Korea, 424 South Korea, 424 Southall, 418-419 Southall, 418 - 419 Soviet 84 Soviet Russia, Russia, 84

South Atlantic, 384

Soviet Union, 69, 87, Soviet Union, 3,3, 69, 87, 93, 93, 124, 124,

133, 233, 424, 428

133, 233, 424, 428

Spain, 124, 384

Spain, 124, 384 Spanswick, Spanswick, Albert, Albert, 315 315

Taylor, Jack, Jack, 243 243 Taylor, teachers, 360 360 teachers, Tebbit, Norman, Norman, 319 319 Tebbit, Thatcher, - 79, 81, Thatcher, Margaret, Margaret, iv, iv, 77 77-79, 81, 97, 202, 97, 202, 213, 213, 265, 265, 267, 267, 270, 270, 275, 275, 281, 281, 284, 284, 321, 321, 352, 352, 356 356 -- 357, 357, 371, 371, 391, 415 415 391,

The The state, state, Marxian Marxian teaching teaching on, on, 141 141 third world, world, 423 423 third Thomas, J.H., J.H., 47, 47, 63 63 Thomas, Tories, 61 61 Tories, 66 Tory, 66 Tory,

Toxteth, 334 334 Toxteth, Trade Disputes Disputes Act, Trade Act, 22 22 trade unions, unions, 121-123, 134 trade 121 - 123, 125, 125, 134

trade-union & labour movement, 280 280 trade-union & labour movement, trade-union bureaucracy, 331 331 trade-union bureaucracy,

Spartacist, Spartacist, 90 90 -- 91 91 Special Patrol Group, Special Patrol Group, 354 354

trade-union trade-union card, card, 416 416

Stalin, Stalin, J.V., J.V., 86, 86, 93, 93, 199, 199, 233, 233, 277, 277,

Trade-Union leadership, leadership, 78, 78, 415 415 -Trade-Union

299 state, state, 415 415

416 416

trade-union 319 trade-union legislation, legislation, 117, 117,319

state state capitalism, capitalism, 30 30

trade-union 126 membership, 126 trade-union membership,

state control,

trade-union 126, 124, 126, movement, 124, trade-union movement,

299

state control,

116

116

state state machinery, machinery, 422 422 Steel, 245 222, 245 David, 222, Steel, David,

Stockport 323 282, 323 Messenger, 282, Stockport Messenger, Stormont, Stormont, 76, 76, 379 379 strike strike ballots, ballots,

116 116

student 107 98, 107 grants, 98, student grants,

subsidies, 399 Suez Canal, 383 124, 383 73, 124, Suez Canal, 73, subsidies, 399

Sun Yat-sen, Dr., 49

Sun Yat-sen, Dr., 49

superprofits, superprofits, i,i, 128, 128, 359, 359, 416 416 syndicalists, syndicalists, 118 118

trade-union 422 trade-union leaders, leaders, 414, 414, 422

131, - 416 415 416 337, 415 285, 337, 273, 285, 265, 273, 131, 265, trade-union 415 - 416 organisation, 415-416 trade-union organisation,

trade-union rights, rights, 106 106 trade-union 372 trench pacifism, 372 trench pacifism, Trethowan, Trethowan, Sir Sir Ian, Ian, 370 370

105 - 108 Trevett, Eric, 105-108 Trevett, Eric, 'Tribune', Tribune’, 166 166

Tribune Tribune group, group, 119 119

233 94, 233 L., 94, Trotsky, L., Trotsky, 83 Trotskyist phrases, 83 Trotskyist phrases, 88, 86, 88, 83, 86, 72, 83, 62,71 Trotskyites, 71 -- 72, Trotskyites, 62,

BIBLIOGRAPHY/INDEX BIBLIOGRAPHY / INDEX

90, 92-94, 92 - 94, 102 102 - - 103, 103, 105, 105, 107, 90, 107, 111, 111, 115, 117, 119 -- 120, 120, 130, 115, 117, 119 130, 141, 141, 278, 278,

347, 424 424 347, TUC, TUC,

63, 88, 63, 88, 105 105 -- 106, 106, 123'123- 124, 124,

272, 274, 274, 276, 276, 281, 272, 281, 285, 285, 319, 319, 351, 351, 415, 417 417 415,

TUC Conference, Conference, Blackpool, Blackpool, 1983, 1983, TUC 231, 236 236 231,

445

445

virginity virginity tests, tests, 76 76 Wade, Wade, Joe, Joe, 328 328

Walker, Walker, Peter, Peter, 206, 206, 229, 229, 246 246 356 354 -- 356 Wapping, 350, 354 Wapping, 350, war, war, 279 279 war credits, war credits, 25 25 Webb, Beatrice, Webb, Beatrice, 20 20

Webb, 161 103, 161 84, 103, 18, 84, Sidney, 18, Webb, Sidney,

TUC TUC Conference, Conference, Brighton Brighton 1984, 1984,

220, 228 228 220,

TUC Congress, Congress, 273, 273, 281 281 TUC

Webbs, Webbs, 86-87 86 - 87 welfare welfare benefits, benefits, 428 428 welfare welfare state, state, 98 98 -- 100, 100, 132 132

TUC leadership, leadership, x, x, 69, 69, 80, 80, 196, 196, 221, 221, TUC 260, 270, 270, 299, 299, 317, 317, 321, 321, 324, 324, 359 359 260, TUC TUC Liaison Liaison Committee, Committee, 276 276 TUC-Labour leadership, leadership, 277, 277, 281 281 TUC-Labour

Welsh 117 assembly, 117 Welsh assembly, Westland/Sikorsky, Westland/Sikorsky, 357 357 white white minority minority rule, rule, 74 74 Williams, Shirley, 95 Williams, Shirley, 95

TWGU, 119

Willis, 252, 259, 263, 270, 270, Willis, Norman, Norman, 252, 259, 263,

107, 87, 107, xiii, 87, viii, xiii, unemployment, viii, unemployment,

276-277, 288, 416, 416, 422 422 276 - 277, 281, 281, 286, 286, 288, Wilson Government, Government, 163, 163, 182 182 Wilson

TWGU,

119

280, 268, 274, 124, 196, 117, 124, 196, 268, 274, 279 279 -- 280, 117, 423 321, 334, 311, 334, 349, 349, 414, 414, 420, 420, 423 311, 321,

Union block votes, 85 s, 85 k vote Uni on bloc Union bosses, 85 Uni on boss es, 85

uni on dens ity, 129 union density, 129 ers, Union of Com Communication Workers, munication Work Uni on of

351 351 rs, 294 Union ofDemo Democratic Miners, 294 cratic Mine Uni on of UNISON, 120 UNI SON, 120 United Nations, 384 ons, 384 Uni ted Nati United States, es, 7171 Uni ted Stat rage, 151 univ universal suffrage, 151 ersal suff

yard, 233 e Ship Upp er Clyd Upper Clyde Shipyard, 233 US rialism, 71, USimpe imperialism, 71, 7373 - -7474 USUS NatNational rity Agen ional Secu cy, 7979 Security Agency,

Wilson, Harold, Harold, 74 74 --75, 88 -- 89, 89, Wilson, 75, 88 102, 235, 235, 429 429 102, Windsor, Roger, Roger, 80, 80, 251 251 Windsor, withering away away of of the the state, state, 147 147 withering Woddis, Jack, Jack, 157 157 Woddis, women, 84, 84, 128, 128, 281, 281, 402, 402, 414, 414, 419, 419, women, 421 421 Workers Hammer, Hammer, 90 - 91 Workers 90 - 91 WorkersPower, Power, 92 92 Workers Workers' International International Relief, Relief, 56, 56, 64 64 Workers’

Workers'Revolutionary Revolutionary Party, Party, 139, 139, Workers’ 173 173

US ession, 102 USwar warof ofaggr aggression, 102 USS R, 3,3, 7070 USSR,

working-class democracy, 420 work ing-class demo cracy, 420 work working-class movement, 415-416, ing-class move ment, 415 - 416, 422 422 WorldWar, War,Second Second, 119 World , 119

Versailles VersaillesTreaty, Treaty, 46, 46,6161

YouthTrainin Training Scheme, 319 Youth , 319 g Scheme

victimisationofofblack blackworkers, workers, 282 282 victimisation Vietnam, Vietnam, 7373- -75, 75, 102, 102, 155, 155,286 286

Zimbabweanliberation liberationmovement, movement, Zimbabwean 74 74

violence, violence, 6767