Socialist Challenge No. 198, 21 May 1981

Socialist Challenge · 21 May 1981 · 16 pages, 18,797 words read by machine

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Page 1 scan of this page

Challenge Greet the March

KICK OUT THE TORIES

21 May 1981 25p

Rugby 21 Coventry

Hemel Hempstead 26 Watford 27

SAVE

ROVERS

The inside story by Pat Hickey, Rover Solihull

deputy

convenor

Tribute to Bob Marley

1945-1981

Unemployed and strikers 10p

Socialist

Northampton 22 Bedford 23 Letchworth 24.

Luton 25

May 30/31 Wembley 28 Southall 29 London

Peoples march

jobs

NATIONAL JOBS DEMONSTRATION LONDON 31 MAY Assemble noon

Hyde Park for

Page 2 scan of this page

Dump Concannon' campaign launched

- Editorial

PO Box 50, London N1 2XP Phone 01-369-8189/8180 (editorial and distribution)

Now Ireland

is an issue

Labour Party's

cant new departure politics. Whatever the

Ireland.

threatening

differences between Ireland which is. for Foot. the crunch issue

traartionally stood togetner on side the narrow Scotland and Wales.

British troops were sent

perialist adventures. Break

usually used as no respectability for Western intervention.

1950s, when

British, vaded that country.

Benn's correct view north and

an outside military force.

Nevertheless,

withdrawn, and for

Benn's campaign to be deputy leader.

be logical for Tony

Torm.

within the Labour Party.

formulate an Irish policy.

partisanship and the

fuence. Debate

precedented opportunity

Socialist Challenge Inat tre Immealate witnarawal the most practical and principled sołution.

of Fermanagh and South cal all for the prisoners,

north of Ireland is a 'law and order'

population.

but our admiration goes to Bobby Sands, Frankie

and the women in Armagn

Socialist Challenge

THE comments of Tony Benn on the

policy on Ireland, reprinted on this page, mark a signifi-

in British party qualifications Benn made or the conditions he attached, the fact remains that he is the most prominent British politician so far to call for the withdrawal of British troops from

The significance of this development can be judged by the reports that Michael Foot is

demand that Benn from the shadow cabinet should he make any more comments on Ireland. Of all the politica

Foot and Benn, it is

That is not surprising. Whatever the differences between Labour and the Tories on wages policies, trade union rights, unemployment, or social reform, the two parties have

matters outconfines of England,

The bi-partisan approach to Ireland, which the Tories and Labour have followed since

back on the streets of the six counties nearly 12 years ago, is just one example of a unanimity of praise for the vast majority of Britain's many im-

Tony Benn's words threaten to break that consensus. It is true he coupled his call for the withdrawal of British troops with a demand that they be replaced by a United Nations force. It is also the case that UN troops are

cloak of

wearing the uniform of the UN US, and other Western troops in-

There is also an obvious contradiction in

that 'the irish neople south must solve their own problems' while at the same time suggesting an uninvited intrusion into those problems by

«novem Benn remains vague about when British troops should be

us that should be immediately, the significance of his remarks is substantial. This is especially true given the fact that they were made in the course of

Already his opponent, Denis Healey, has attacked Benn for what he said on Ireland; already, tneretore, ireland is an issue in the campaign for the deputy leadership. It would

send to ormany British withdrawal from Ireland to his plat-

Whether he does or not, the Irish issue will no longer be avoided by those who have shied away from it for so long, and especially those

This year's Labour conference is due to discuss the report of the study group set up to

All the signs are that the study will come out in favour of bi-

Unionist cause. The campaign in the Labour Party and the unions to resist such a policy should now be stepped up in every area where socialists have any in-

Tony Benn's statement represents a growing pressure inside the Labour Party to break the bi-partisan policy. Socialists have an un-

engage wider sections of the labour movement in a debate over what will be the real and long-lasting solution to the situation in the six counties.

remains convinced ot troons is

Benn would not have spoken out as he did without the clear indication from the voters

Tyrone that the five demands of the and their challenge to Britain's attempts to pretend that what is going on in the

problem, represents the mass feeling of the nationalist

We encourage Tony Benn to speak out,

Hughes, the other hunger strikers, and the men in Long Kesh

21 May 1981 Page 2

troversial Ireland in the course of an interview

said:

'Britain's military

the problem.

of allowing wuy found in Ireland itself.

British troops cannot solve the problem.

'The time has

to set up an international commissIon, ask for a United peace-keeping

keeping force withdraw British troops.

policy has reached a dead end; that

army in Northern Ireland to main

By Tom Marlowe The Labour Committee on launched Concannon paign in the Labour Party, to have Concannon as the spokesperson Ireland.

The committee is also circulating a model resoltion for submission to this year's party conterence.

Anger was first expressed cinlv after his visit to Bobby Sands.

Concannon. who mar. ched into Sands' the H blocks unannounc-

LeS tar as the labor Party

was concerned he could starve to death.

Distaste

Martin Flannery MP described ghoulish

unimaginative, sensitive, and like sending a British tank to a Northern Irish funeral'.

The LCI is calling for resolutions from labour parties in support of the sacking of Concannon. demonstration in field, Concannon's constituency, on 27 June where

Parti and others can their cistaste tor the cur.

Irish policy of

leadership.

Lobby

A similar will be available on 27 May when the LCI is organising a lobby of Labour's na. tional executive.

The 01 f tion for this year's conference reads:

work of the Study Group thern ireland

on Ireland

TONY BENN made his con-

comments on

BBC radio Tuesday of last week. Benn

presence in Northern Ireland is a maior part of

We have got to find a solution to

I think the situation is such that

come when we may have to ask the United Nations

Nations force In Northern Ireland, and when the UN peace.

established to

"There is a very widespread feeling, which I share, that the present

the idea of maintaining a standing

Ireland has 'Dump cam-

Don sacked party's on

Concannon

TOON HI Concannon's

totally in-

local

policy Ireland.

Mans'Conference presses however, express

the Pallainellaly views OT

debates taken Hake vowultunity British ment.

'Accordingly, ference policy model resolu- tions from group This base itself notes the NEC'S rollowing points. on Norover the • Opposition

What Benn said

tain law ana order political initiative is failed, and is likely to fail. 'The prison issue is much less important than trying to find a way of breaking the deadlock, and there is a big international dimension here 'Nobody thinks violence is going to solve the problem, Will a standing army in Northern Ireland. 'But when you have the the general secretary of the United Nations, Mrs Ghandhi, American European Commission of Human comeressmen

Rights coming in, country have now gold respon sibility to seek a new initiative of a political character, a lot of people would like to see take place. 'The real question is not about choines The

Northern Ireland and hope to solve the problem There is a view, and I hold it past 12 months in its ef.

Tories. dependent Labour Party

Northern

British exits concern, extended the documents produced to date by the study group do not reflect either the

the Irish Labour and democratic

For which have British inside the labour move- military from

conrejects any recommendathe study fails on the such

five to

- Ireland

walnou. failing, has people,

about conditions people themselves.

nor frankly,

the Irish must solve Pope,

and and the together

people in this once bruin wanarew

Soluton and that is what

ple of Ireland in posed government.

Guestion

an army in coverten.

there. bipartisanship with the

• Renunciation the right of veto over

policy in Northern Ireland currently

the Unionist community.

• Support for the reunification of the 32 counties of Ireland.

• Commitment and

political withdrawal the six Northcanyon counTes

The LCI has pointed

amended, and one obvious

amendment would ralse ine granting or Int

demands of the political prisoners.

very strongly, that the partition of Ireland was a crime against the Iris

and that the legitimate ob-

where the Irish solve the problems

I think that we should set as a clear objective of British policy that

people north and south thei probiems without violence and that there is a strong case for the trade unions in the north and south to try to get

establish Some He W structure that would carry the strain

'But I am not ready with an easy

'Partition took place without the consent of the maiority of the peo

1920. It was imby And the British view. has no long-term future in Ireland.

'The problem has to be solved

Socialist

Challenge

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Page 3 scan of this page

Seething with anger

By Gerry Foley, Dublin, Monday THE British

govern ment continues to

policy oursue designed to provoke an explosion of desperation and rage in Ireland.

This was graphically. illustrated last Friday, when the coffin carrying the body of hunger-striker Francis Hughes was • commandeered by ine ponce.

They refused to let it go through the streets of nationalist West Belfast, where

large crowd •had gathered, waiting to

Photo: JOANNE O'BRIEN pay its respects.

A statement from the Hughes family described their agony:

A large force of RUC tonowea inp 'nearse iron the RUC Jorcibi, the ho. Minutes later

stopped the hearse. The RUC tried

pull out the driver.

ruiner Wus assaulted by the police, as

vere other members of the family

We then proceeded

more. We were in ed or Within

a Lovanst gathered in housing estate into which we led by the RUC The RUC made no effort to protect

"At the Randalstown slipway une KUL halted the hearse. and refused the family permission to accompan" ...

'We. the parents, brothers and Francis Hughes, murdered by the British government. Wich protest strongest possible the manner in which. Fran. cis's body was hilacked by the RUC, who were obviously the orders their political masters.

Throughout the North, the nationalist people saw the desperation of the

motogans and are wi

cIs Hughes, and they not soon forget it.

Even moderate Catholic

are saying that 'DOlllicialls the will never tolerated Catholic neighbourhoods. Hero

By the time Hughes' cóffin finally arrived his family home in south

county huge crowd of mourners had assembled. More than 20,000 strong, it was the largest funeral ever held in

this the nation istarea,

crowd left doubt that Francis Hughes was a hero. As a reporter from the Irish Times wrote:

'When three masked gunmen stepped out from the crowd and raised their

cheers MUSE almost have reached the army helicopters swooping

The British government has always claimed tht Francis Hughes was a

convided on Killing was

COrViCIcu killing member of the Special Air

services in gun battle which he tought against a whole squad of this terrorist counter-insurgency

In the fighting he wore a military uniform. He was gravely wounded, manag-

ed to escape but lay under bushes, carly bleeding to three days, nearly death.

for his adversary,

following the gun battle ir which Hughes s wound ed they murdered at least a

16-year-old youth who was incautious enough to see if an arms cache he had found and reported had been taken away.

Even unwary Sulked and killed By thes hunters found military murder squad

Jnlike the SAS. Francis Hughes did not kill for money or for a sense of powel uvei fellow humar beings, but to strike back

The brother of hunger-striker Ray McCreesh, speaking in Dublin against oppression He loined the IRA as a vouth

after bein drastematically

systematically beaten uo ov me Dolict an experience suffered by

ordinary Catholics crippled brutal and humiliating

Hughes slowly starved to death to defend #is nonour anu inlal or tic people for whom fought.

for Hughes family, they are calm in-

dignified, with a Lolacill. sense of humour

I could see this riding

weeKs a20 with one of the Hughes sisters, watching the way she talked herself through Dublin demonstration in support of the prisoners

Ireland

a police cordon that had blocked the road, leading To e one

I could see it watching her mother serve tea to a large crowd when her son was already approaching death.

Monster

The entire Irish people could see it when Hughes descroce brother's suffering when he had only a few hours to live: 'We are sad, but we are proud that we have a son and brother who prepared to give his life for his country.

The government continues to reject every altempt by the most respec-

table Irish politicians ic negotiate even purely

that would throw a veil over the arrogance of the British aulllullic. Pleas from both John

Hume. leader the SDLP and Cardinal O'Fiaich been

Ilave jecica by a sanchmonious Thatcher in the past week

This small

'COUIlLI V where hundreds of people know the hunger-strikers

They knew what Bobby Sands meant when in an essay smuggled out of prison he wrote:

'I fought a monster 1oday, and what's more defeated a monster's ar-

monsier shrewd, it plays with me, it hummute. and tortures

'I'm like a mouse

10 this giant. comparison But when I repell the tor lure it inflicts in-lics upon me. 1. feel

'Wher resist

You see it doesn?! even try anc comprehend why! resist

Il says • "Give in to us," th monster's army jibes. My body wants 10 say

''Yes". I am bearen, you have beaten me, spirit says "No... I refuse

• Dearer 'This the monster. Ii gues mad.

brutalises me to the point of death.

'My broken and cold, I'm lonely and I need comfort. Somewhere ajar i near Jammar voice. which keep going

'We are with you son, OrP sOn we art with you, don't let them defeat vou.

" need lo near inos POLES monster. The retreats anger the the

voices scare the devil. know if they shout louder they will scare the monster away and my suffering will pe enata

Freedom

Sands' mother sat with him before h died. Her last, words to him . were, 'You have finally , got the freedom vou tought tor

This is the human victory of the hunger-strikers

the smug British bourgeois British prime minister conIs it any wonder that this country is seething anger

Sands' death was lollowea oy ine growin o

protests. momentarily

population and disorientated the movemeni. The

Block campaign understand this problem and are trying to overcome il.

In particular, the Republican leaders in the campaign seem to be com-

, clear comprehension of ine need put pressure on the established political leaders in order to open the way to uniting the Irish people against British Imocklalsill

There have been some riots in Dublin's city cen-

immediate resul that suosecuchi demonstrations were smaller and made up almost entirely of young males

This has enabled the pro-imperialists to the offensive, to claim that the h Block campaign promoting violence But the continued shift

public opinion against th

British government indicates thai this setback will only be temporary.

In Derry, a major out

ours l aneer amnone youth now seems

evitable. . I arrived there a

tew hours after Hughes

Aller a snori vigi youth in sight allacked the police. Deadly

They waged a bitter

and deadly fight. Large

numbers of petrol. bombs,

blast bombs and nail

bombs were thrown, and

there was shooting. Las

week, three young people

in De Fats KHar

•O'Hara dies

this week, as he is expected

to, it will almost certainly

be a signal for an eruption

of thehat is needed is tof whole of Derry.

outbreaks

esposation is an accelera

tion of active international

wich will make of this counter Thale lear to the youn

cher cannot get away wit!

her defiance of truth and

human values; that the

people of Britain and the

world have the same sense

of justice and humanity as

they do

And that they will join

the protests of the people

of Ireland if they are giver

the time, and shown the

way

Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Page 3

Page 4 scan of this page

POST OFFICE

ENGINEERINC FOR SOCIAL AND

OLOCICAL PROGRESS

By Davy Jones THERE'S nothing like an election to force discussion of politics. Benn claimed that his candidacy would concentrate Labour Party sonalities'. The reverse has happened. Labour Party and union has discussed what policies they want the deputy Labour leader to implement.

why Michael as acca win such against Benn's recent hes calling for British withdrawal from

dissident voIce

*a.ens to make reland

sue inside the labour

Cement upsetting the bipartisan ap-

Benn's critics claimed

the internal party on democracy

Moral chances. That

Labour's landslide esses in the local elec-

Revenge

some labour move- PETE GRANT (Socialist Challenge) 'lefts' claimed that standing for deputy weaken ine left's for democracy in the Again the -se has occurred. 4 CI the Wembley ference Michael Foot right con-

ently boasted of over-

Wing the 40-30-30 eleci college formula at the Labour conNow that hope is

*ng fast.

Photo:

unexedly voted to defend hormula and now the

insport workers and the

seem likely suit. To

y union to back Foot's

: eferred 50-25-25 option

APEX.

Amazingly this right *ng union voted in the WHIC I COOIULIUM for the = anifesto to be drawn up "i the national executive rather than the parliamen:ary Labour leaders. As a result there may well now be a slim majority inside Socialist Challenge 21 May, 1961

Post Office engineers back Benn

UNION their conference will

ty.

GINGER KELLY, son of south

unions.

Benn campaign

strengthens

Labour left

Opponents of Tony

discussion on perEvery Tony Benn at last November's unemp/cyment march in Liverpool the Labour Party for the left's position on manifesto at the next conTerence Neither have the votes for Benn at the union conference been negligible.

His candidature received more than 30 per cent of the vote at the APE› ference and 20 per at USDAW Both unions were expected to overwhelmingly oppose Page 4

POST office engineers hold their national conference at the beginning of June. Like other unions affiliated to the Labour Party

be dominated by Benn's candidacy for deputy leader of the Labour Par-

Socialist Challenge spoke to challenge

vice chairpercentral external ed. branch of the POEU, and chair of the area council of post office

My POEU branch has put a proposition to the conference which reads: 'This conference instructs the union's Labour

him the pattern of union cecisions one neoul. leader now becoming Ciedr. led by the right wing are unashamedly swinging their bloc vote behind Healey. Those led by the left, under pressure from the media campaign about 'union leaders smoke-filled rooms', are seeking 'more democratic' methods.

Labour Party

Party delegates to vote for Tony Benn at the Labour Party conference.

We put the resolution because many

come a conterence in recent vedrs felt that Tony Benn reflects the mood of the rank and tile trade union movemen and of our branch.

Tony Benn's candidacy may divide the party but we feel that this open

to the leadership is the only way that the issues will be fairly discuss-

Of course the present leaders of our union will be totally against the election of Benn, and firmly behind Healey. I say Ine bresent redders or me umor becausi if more Broad Left candidates are elected on to the nationa executive we mav well see a change.

BENN

FOR

OUT NOW!

Badge faste ou

Badge.

each postage) bulk rates

Alan Fisher's proposal which was adopted by the NUPE conference was for branch Dalols shine the deputy leader1000 word SOlD manifesto from each candidate will be circulated to the members but no deci-

the form of local ballot.

John Suddaby, retary of Camden dod chairpEson of Londivisional council, Challenge: In Camden use Socialist

W1l1 organise mass members meetin discuss which candidate to support and I hope that the London division will

with the didates. Secret Such forms of mass democracy and collective branch discussions can on democratising the unions aid the process and the Labour Party. But any proposals that union branch ballots should take the form of secret ballots should be firmly resisted Without such collective aiscussion within ine union individual members are left in secret ballots to the slander campaigns of establishment press Anen one thing that's certain in the Labour leadership election is that not one of the mass circulation dailies will be backing Benn!

I've attended union conference over

the last ten years as a delegate or observer

and very little time has been spent on

political matters.

reflected opinions at the time, but now

things have changed.

The working class, and that includes

the POEU membership,

more political and obviously debates will

become more intensitied as a result.

¡The media have made well criticism about democracy and the bloc

vote That's because

threatens the capitalist press and the type

of society we live in.

I'm in favour of the election of the

leader taking place completely outside

the framework the

Labour Party, and held within the ranks

of the ordinary rank and file Labour Par-

ty members,

members By Mark Turnbull THE ASTMS national

Benn for deputy leader of the Labour Party.

Fifteen emergency mo-

supporting Benr

But the ASTMS na tional executive everything in its power to avoid being clearly mandated by the conference on the issue.

The original executive motion called for support for the present leadership

Foot and Healey.

But they soon withdrew this when they sensed the tremendous hostility to the IMF's darling boy Healey.

This was made clear by the size fringe meeting with Tony Benn organised by the number 5 divisional council More than 500 •coole alleluc and gave Benn a standin ovation after hard hitting speech against the Tories and the ruling class.

The national executive therefore submitted a new motion calling for divisional council discussions

"advise' the ASTMS delegates to Labour Party conference. This piece of take cenoc acy wan

That adequately

SLEUCLIOn delegates to are becoming ference.

aot of

democraci

union.

after the deadline parliamentary

including the trade union conference agenda.

Clive Jenkins got a rude shock as ASTMS conference backed Benn

ASTMS backs Benn

conference last weekend voted by 14,684 to 14,034 to back

roundly denounced as it would have given the national executive no mandate, leaving Clive Jenkins a free hand to continue for Foot/Healey On a card vote this pro-

We have a very active Broad Left in London and we'll be pushing for other branches to support this proposition at conference. I believe it's fundamentally important that conference gives an in ot tha SOIL LO the union's the Labour Party

*As we went to press we heard that the south central external branch proposition on Benn had been omitted from the conference propositions published by the

The union leaders claim it arrived The branch secretary claims he delivered it by hand two days before the deadline, and so the branch are appealing against the omission from posal narrowly defeated and the resolulIon lo back passed Two hours later the ex ecutive was deteated again For drawal in to Cruise when contercuce vultu lu opposition Cruise and Trident missile and for unilateral nuclear disarmament.

Labour Party

School

Sat/Sun 23/24 May Day l Formation of LP & developments to 1945/

Election of 1945 Labour govt and rise &

decline of Bevanism

Rise of new LP left & Bennism/ Tasks for

socialists in LP now Workshops History of LP women's sections/ 1931 LP split/ Labour League of Youth in 1930s/

LPYS in 50s &t 60s School open to Socialist Challenge supporters. Admission by lcket only. Price Lz.Ju for boln days or Ła single day. Limited places available so apply urgently to local Socialist Challenge organiser. All applications

must enclose payment, cheques to 'The Week'

Page 5 scan of this page

What

next

against

the

bans?

By Toni Gorton

eND future

See overleaf for Itinerary • For a nuclear free Europe • Jobs not bombs •Stop Trident • No Cruise missiles

Published by GOODWIN STREETS Disarmament.

No Nuclear Weapons Pluto Press/Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, £1 The other half World military expenditure is more inan double lial spent on world health. For the price of two American Trident nuclear submarines, primary schools and teacher training facilities could be provided for half the population of the third world which lacks minimum levels (as per UNASCO standards) of education.

National Demonstration 6-7 June

March forthe

VNA TELEPHONE 01 2634954

August 1945 - Japan

Tomorrow — Britain?

THE IMAGES of nuclear war are strikingly brought home in the popular little handbook No Nuclear Weapons produced by the Campaign for Nuclear

The photo-montages by Peter Kennard which catch the imagination and strike horror in the soul are complimented by the texts of Ric Sissons which lay out some of the facts of the drive to nuclear war.

by Peter Kennard and Ric Sissons.

Britain and NATO There are more than 100 American NATO bases in Britain. Trident and Poseidon submarines at Holy Loch on the Clyde, F1-11 bombers at Upper Heyford, Phantom F4 fighter bombers at Alconbury, Bentwaters, Lakenheath and Woodbridge. All carry nuclear weapons.

THE Appeal Court has refused to overturn the month-long blanket ban on marches in the London area imposed by the police.

tried to get the bans declared illegal, but it ran into the brick wall of judicial prejudice and solidarity with Tory class interests.

Sir David McNee, behalf of the Metrobolitan Police, argued that near the end of April there was clear evidence of a highly volatile tinder box situation throughout the area (786 square miles) and that a month's respite from all marches in London was necessary prevent serious public disorder.

This affadavit, McNee pointed 'serious disorders' in Brixon walca ao resurcu 23 buildings

154 police aestroycu. ficers being injured, 157 police vehicles damaged and 58 members oile public injured.

Mr Justice Comyn said

were provocative'

elements who wanted disrupt them. would go to any area to Cause SOUCH

Lord Justice Ackner said that in the last five Target Britain

ALERT

Accidents will happen Nuclear war or devastation coula be caustu actrucitaly The American government admits that since 1943 been 36 serious accidents in-

dependent estimates put ine number at well over 100.

-Stop the missiles

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

years there had been great increase in violence and in these times some of our rights might have to be restricted.

In his opinion there might be a good case to amend the provisions of 1936, when it was reviewed Public Order by the government

Lord Denning felt the ban was well iustitied to preserve the peace of the Cily The

attitude of the courts is clear. They not only detend the wide inter pretation of the law held by the lories and police, but they would support changes in the legislation restrict public rights of protest and assembly.

Whatever pretence they make of defending peaceful processions, like inose or LID, tremist' elements like the National Front, won't wash.

By Toni Gorton CAMPAIGN for Nuclear Disarmament organ-

demonstration in London on 24 October.

Arrangements are not yet finalised, but they consider that Trafalgar Square would not be big enough as the final rallying point, and they look to fil Hyde Park with the hunoreos thousands pected.

demonstration and rally will be

PHOT

there have

InA sense of priorities

health.

new homes.

CND cannot continue to declare its 'unhappiness' with the situation. It's life or death for the labour movement and CND. The groundwork is being laid for the government to assume greater powers to outlaw political protest.

Those movements that choose to defy the law will find more militarised police opposing them and vast confusion the working class unless we take up the question now. Unless we clarify the labour movement on the issues we will lose one of the biggest democratic rights we possess. In addition, many organisations wach as verack mass suD port will become frustrated with the bans and get smashed up in trying to dety them The Labour Party, the TUC and CND must show the way. We must prepare tor a big campaign to change the balance of forces in support of the right to protest.

This means ; a clear call to oppose all bans and to mobilise the masses of people the against ine bans isers plan a hunge turnout for the national

culmination of a week of senanars and activities on the theme of Steps to Survival.

Among the proposals for discussion are aren natives to the arms industry following the Lucas Aeorpsace project a trade ference scheduled for

PROTECT

SUN

AND

SUR

Britain spends more money each year on defence than on For the price of 385 Tornados the government could build more than 320,000 thilcalciis.

household.

FALL DUT

WITH THE 4 BLO

MARCH

colla

UND

CND prepares for massive

October demonstration

this; local government and CIvil detence alternative detence strategies.

In the next few months many local festivals meetings and demonstrations will be taking place.

Youth One that will be especially important for young campaigners will be the Glastonbury CND Festival

VIVE

If the bomb drops The British government has produced a pamphlet, Protect and Survive giving vou ad. vice. When nuclear war

La free copy will be distributed to every

@aND

3S NO

OMRa

SAT.6thandSUN.

7thJUNE PASLANE 1 TO GLASGOW

RALLY & CONCERT

•TRIDENT OUT

• CRUISE OUT

•NO NEUTRON

BOMB

•NATO.OUT

•NUCLEAR FREE

EUROPE See over fordetails

19-21 June. There will be

theatre and bands

cluding Aswad, Decur:

Fall , and Hawkwind

general secretary C

CND, and EP Thompson

author of Protest and Sur-

vive.

Scottish CND is now

able From Faslane to Glasgai hold marc

and activists should

range contingents to sup

port this march August: 1945 On 6 and 9 August 1945, over 200,000 people died when the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshim and Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands of others were maimca, wea premalureiy o were born deformed.

The real choice You do have another option. Campaign against nuclear weapons. Oppose the siting ci Cruise missiles in Britain. De mand that the government cancel Trident, scrap Polaris and all other nuclear • weapon! Get Britain out of NAl0 ari close the American bases. Sa:

Join the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament They can be contactes at: 11 Goodwin Siree: London N4. Telephore 01-263 4954

Socialist CHallenge 21 May 1981 Page:

Page 6 scan of this page

"Brixton may look like a tea-party...

IT used to be okay to be with coloureds at school. But when they get on the streets it is totally different.

They have no right to be here,' said Brad, 16-year-old unemployed Coventry Evening Telegraph.

•Pakis' are his sworn enemy and he explains the significance bootlaces

racist skins oventry.

Red laces means

NF,

ri-Paki League, and

British Movement.

Brad and his mates are among the white skinheads *7o - encouraged by the

1-5-13

By Adrian Shaw One man walked a Southall street, minutes later, lay at the feet of a helmeted, shielded man in blue. Inquest held, but the coroner said, not murder.

Five men held an embassy fast, minutes later, killed in the blast of firearms held by men in black. Inquest held, but the coroner said, not murder.

Thirteen went to a party game, minutes later, went up in flame of incendiary thrown by persons

unknown.

Inquest held, but the coroner said, not murder. Deptford families call for new inquest Ard meting test reached at open in it e

inquest reached parents of all 13 victims decided to call for a new inquest.

cause of the fire, vestigation and the inquest and press treatment of one attail.

Lawyers, Caribbean, North America, Africa and Britain will be asked to form this commission.

Donations to Ven Cross Massacre Action Committee, 74 Shakespeare Road, .andon SE24. Tel 01-737 2268.

6 June Manchester

Assemble 12,30 at the corner of Princess Rd and

Moss Lane East, Moss Side.

London phone Satnam 01-485 6672

Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Pagé 6

Coventry-

a long hot

summer?

This is a white man's city.

skinhead, to the

propaganda of the NF and the BM - have been attempting to enforce no-go areas for blacks in Coventry Precinct This is the frightening aspect of events in Coventry. Why Coventry?

Is it exception Or Is Il Lne beginning new phase of racism in Britain? the Was boom town of the bus and verdict

They also plan an international inquiry into the the handling of the

people from the

helo the families are still needed. Send them to

Demonstrate for Cynthia and Nasira For coaches from

many blacks, and cast curopeans came to the city, where work was plentiful.

landscape has changed dramatically. The boom town of the SUs and ' 60s becoming the cravevaru LIC '80s. Thousands of jobs have been destroved in the last couple of years - the car and the machine tool industry are at the centre of

Young people have no

of the unemploy-

leavers rise to 80 per cent.

Against this backlord mayor and citizens of Coventry

WE ARE a group of black young people living in Coventry. some of us came here at an early age and all have had our formal education in this country...

anyone wishes conduct meaningful survey of our situation, he

she find that perhaps more than 80 per cent of us are unemployed ane nave o prospect 01 employment whatsoever

we are rudged only by the colour of our skin, not

strength character.

We are accorded little respect, either as citizens

residents this country.

All the indications are that we are not wanted in this country. A colour bar is operated at all the entertainment centres in this city.

Dress

will not admit us or wil only aamit two or inree in order relations get around the TaCt laWs doesn't matter how well you do or do not dress.

The people from the housing department push us around and when they feel like it they offer us houses which are unfit for even pigs to live in. Police

We do realise that as a matter of priority we must

OUNCIVES COCcupational skills so that we can present a positive selfimage to our children, to our parents, and to socie ty. However, of all the problems we greatest is without doubt LIC DOuCe

Anti-racism-

The funeral of Satnam Singh Gill

ground an increasing allack have taken place. Fascists al C capitalising the frustrations and anger felt by white unemployed youth and point the finger to black people — as in the 1930s scapchuals found. Unity 'It's the niggers and the Pakis...send them back and there would be no bro. blem and them Kampuchean boat people and all,' says Brad These ideas are having A message from young West Indians to the

Many of us were born here,

We are always seen as problems; by your

In the Precinct on 2 May The harassment we suffer at their hands are unimaginable and perhaps may not be fully understood if you are white, particularly if you magistrate. Words like t...ing black bastards' "jungle bunny', 'niggers', 'my father didn't fight the war for black bastards like you, Why you black c..nt don't you go back to the fucking jungle where you come

fromiends our brothers,

One of our who was under age, kept in the cell for a very long time. When he asked 'How are my parents going

wide impact among unemployed white kids who want to vent their frustrations and despair at not having a job, money or anything to do.

This what makes Coventry different. In Brixton Southall and

Bristol there had been unity in action of the youth against the oppressive role of police in their

Coll At Coventry in the last three months has that unity ex-

Racist feelings, never TAT below une surace British society, are expioullo will a velgeance your teachers,

by the police.

ed on racism prejudice and discrimination. told by the officer that he will the "jungle drums'

The police deliberately DrOVOKC Us, make false arrests, and Halas. us evervwhere we

so. magistrate acoss

magistrate always believes the police evidence against ours..

Hs as molen we nave now reached the point of

which took place in the Burgess last night 6 May 1981, convinced us that the ponce are real enemies. The skinheads first hit one our brothers, yet after the fight the police only ar-

Racist youth vent their bitterness on black people But black youth have shown that thei will no longer tolerate racist abuse 1alisu violence. They will fight!

Mass street violence is a distinct possibility. Black youll. organising around the slogans 'We are Coventry kids - No no-go areas and black selfdefence' have been altempting to defend their and teach cullull racists and fascists

Despite appeals by the establishment and the Communist Party to cool social workers, by your probation officers, by by your housing officials, by the careers department, by your social security departments and last but by no means least

The stark realities of our daily life are bas.

rested the blacks.

The name of our black brother who was beaten up was given to the police by a responsible member of our community yet no action Wal sOnindecenuy of sisters was assaulted by four skinheads. When she wen to the police station she mocked asked whether she was 'on the game The whole thing was treated as a big joke. She was questioned by three male police officers and asked to lift her dress up It was only when she kick. ed up a fuss that they sent female police of-

it and to 'put pressure on the police to deal decisive ly with racist and fascist provokers of the violence' black youth have no faith in the police.

They are not prepared to wait until the labour movemen or men elder back them. Their presence in ine rrecine on a satur day is symbolic of their stance Self-defence

They are Coventry kids as much as anyone else.

I ney are not preparec

wait, although they would welcome

Calls we must campaign for their right to defend themselves against

The demonstration this Saturday is an expression ol ine anger lell by Diach people and anti-racists at the death of Satnam Singh Gill and the increasing number of racially motivated attacks Coventry and other cities It is also a show of deter mination by black youth that they will fight back

But we should also take it warning unless there is a concerted

out callivale Coventry will be in

for a long, hot summer of race rioting.

We do sympathise with our Asian brothers and sisters. We kept ourselves at a distance in this matter because we did not want to influence the situation and hope that by keeping a low profile Skinnedd would not interfere : with us; but in the light of what happened last evening we want to give this message

This is a message to the lord lhavor. the city councillors, the white community of this city and particularly the skinheads and other white racist thugs who think they can attack us and get away with it.

We as black young people Coventr peaceful law-abiding peo ple. The white community has nothing to fear from us. We don't beat up old ladies or arond smashing things. We don't interfere with the police, skinnedes or racists But we reserve the right to walk the streets of this cut! unmolested and feel

citizen has the right, every be s/he black or white.

Anyone, we repeat, anyone, who will be attacked in returr with every means at our disposal.

So skinheads and racists beware; leave alone and we will leave you alone; but if attack ally of our brothers sisters again then we declare war. If you want this city to remain peaceful then the message is clear leave us alone.

We hope everyone takes this message serious ly, because we are dead serious. If you don't and the attacks on our brethren then

Coltille Brixton might look like a tea-party to what will happen in Coventry:

Page 7 scan of this page

-What we want is jobs...

All photos: G. M. COOKSON [Socialist Challenge

ON MANY occasions last week, the eastern leg of the People's march from Sheffield to Nottingham took the form of a triumphal procession of working class solidarity.

to town, but everywhere the warmth of the welcome was the same. In Chesterfield, 3,000 local people joined the march.

In the mining village of Hucknal. macher wee billeted with local people. heir warmth and generosity made for many emotional farewells the next day.

Aim

So far the march has achieved its stated aim of stirring the conscience of the 'people'. But it has already done more than that. It has given vent to all

pent-up hatred the working class feels for this Tory government.

But instead of going on Irom inis to oller some practical steps workers should take in the tight against unemployment, the Communist Partv the main organisers of the march has fought keep 'politics' off the march.

One little incident sums it up. As we were marching intó Nottingham, an elder-

shouted: When 'you ge Did the march fall down a hole?

union SOGAT may take action over the lack

of reporting of the People's March by the na-

tional press.

next week the coverage

sider calling action to secure the right of reply or to

halt newspaper distribution.

disappeared down a hole on leaving Liverpool.

London itinerary

Thursday 28 May, noon, Brent Black People's March

TOr TODS.

main march al 2pm at Wembley trading estate. 3pm rally

with Benn al Brent lown

Friday 29 May, Ser off 9.30am arrive Southall town hall

at 2pm and community centre 2.30pm.

Saturday May,

The Clash.

ner noon.

The size of the reception varied from town

down there kick the bastards out!

The marchers cheered back. But one added: 'Quick, calla steward She's breaking march discipline!' joke, Dul not a funny one.

Throughout the march the stewards had been attempting to stop the marchers ralsing anti-Tory Slogans The back-up truck kept blasting out Radio One to drown any chanting. Anti-Tory stickers and badges were forcibly removed. Chant

At one boint we were informed that it was okay to chant 'Maggie Out' - a non-political chant, we were but that "Tories Out' was banned.

Despite promises regular march meetings and our ettorts to initiate them, there has been no democracy on the march, THE Central London branch of the print

If by the time it arrives in London at the end of

is no better, George Willoughby, who is a full-time official, will con-

To judge by the national papers, the march

2pm-7pm, Carnival against Brockwell Park Brixton tube Herne Hill BR). With Pete Townsend and The Who, and Sunday 31 May, demonstrale for jobs. Hyde Park Cort

Peoples

march

LIVERPOOL TO LONDON 1-31MAY

ON THE MARCH

AGAINST

THE

ORIES

no open debate, no election OI stewards. Some sections of the march have inevitably become a little demoralised and cynical.

While the march has acnuevea manaucen response in all the areas it

passeu Inlough. full potential for mobilis-

workers benina it lr the fight against ployment and the Tory

has barely been scratched

Many banners have lined up behind the march as entered the

NUM branches

have a host of ollous, as

have AUEW, UCATT, ,host others

CPSA.

But mostly the banners have only been followed

small groups of union officials.

There has been no consistent | attempts _to gel large contingents of union members marching by calling for strike action as the march passes through.

In many, cases cases, the

even made an attempt to conLaCI workers WIO had already decided to out to greet the march. We simply walked by, , waving. There was no discussion no political contact. Route

In a Nottingham pub atter the dav's march we talk evoro Pr. He expalined a local tex tile worker. that the march had generated enormous interest

workmates.

They had eventually decid

LOlaKe work to meet us.

Unfortunately, although they were massed at their factory gate only a couple of hundred yards from the route of the march. thev didn't recerve a single leaflet explaining what was happening.

Interest turned into confusion cynicism. This has been the story on far too many occasions.

For Jobs DIARY OF A JOBS MARCHER

shower, but everyone is very friendly.

rector makes a demagogic speech:

olace in the arternoon.

van key to the SWP. I politely refuse.

SATURDAY 9 MAY: we stay in the worst ac commodation yet, a disused factory in Con-

Cheshire, with no washing facilities.

The Tories once again show their 'sympathy' for the unemployed by denying us town hall SUNDAY: after a fractious start, because two members of the march have been threatened with expulsion for unsocial behaviour,

pithead baths at Walstanton by miner Keith Lockett. It's probably a bit of a shock for the miners coming up from the pit to see females waiting to

evening | get a shock when on entering the Kidsgrove working men's club there's a large sign above the snooker table

play polite discussion takes place between

Phil, one of the miners, and me, which we are told that 'tradition is tradition', rules are there to be obeyed and that women can't play snooker because 'they don't work

we march to Stoke, where the social security make up for the insecurity felt by the toreman or fitter made redundant for

The sun is shining as we march down the Meir Road. Loads of people come out of the factories to greet us, and the march swells in

chief marshall, had tried to expel two SWP

The 'democratic assembly' had previously decided that no one should be expelled without the marchers agreeing to this

The stewards recommended the reinstate ment of the two marchers and the SWP successfully press for the disciplinary decisions to be transferred to the stewards rather than the democratic assembly. Nerves are strain-

Stafford - once again we are greeted by the drive the mini-bus | go off to visit Rists, Belstaff's and Silverdale, and Hem Heath collieries. Through John Deason, the SWP has tended to dominate the delegation up

At lunchtime I'm invited to give up the

In the afternoon we visit Walstanton colliery where two of the marchers speak and urge miners to come out on 31 May for the na-

the march.

try.

view that what worries him

wne (no ever discipline is like. firmly on the television set. THURSDAY:

Wolverhampton.

carnival atmosphere.

brightly coloured, ine rally, service, underlines this enthusiasm.

May. Enough is enough

Thatcher. Get out now.

speak.

unemployment.

live!'

right in England", John Ball said, perty is held in common. hung,

Mail.

Benn argues:

government.

argued that men

ing enough of a profit.

Valerie and Sherean on the road

He concludes:

and / wish you every success.

after such a successful day.

hilarating experience.

the clergy up front again.

there.

their jobs.

WEDNESDAY: The march leaves Stafford at 9.30am for Cannock. Halfway to Cannock a hundred miners come out of the pits to greet

That evening Sherean and | are billeted with a local Labour councillor who claims to be the only socialist estate agent in the coun-

He's very keen on getting Sherean and I away from the pub early and he expresses the

most about unemployment is young people like Sherean

rearning work Sherean keeps her eyes

we march from Cannock to Asian workers, women workers, workers in overalls line the streets clapping us as we pass their factories. It's a sunny day and the band at the front gives it a

The march has a broad appeal because it is

young and enthusiastic , following a rather painful church

Merl Haywood argues that 'the women of this country, who are among the weakest and mererore noroestar sector orme coouieron should be in the forefront in London on 3

Red Robbo echoes this theme: 'It's time we got rid of the likes of Edwardes. We need maximum unity to give a clear message to

Tony Benn, the speaker everyone is waiting for, receives a standing ovation as soon as he starts to

'An injury to one is an injury to all, ' he says, explaining why people should oppose

'If all men and women are brothers and sisters then they have an equal right to govern the country in which they

Referring to the rebels of the past - Wat Tyler, John Ball, the Hedgerow Priest - Benn explains the socialist philosophy behind early peasant rebellions: 'All things will not come

'until all pro John Ball was drawn, and quartered for his views then. Now they do it in the Sun and the Daily

'What the French munists and socialists have done in France in electing Francois Mitterand, the English people would do when they got rid of the Tory

Bellows the Quaker, Robert Owen who formed the first national trade union, the Chartists and the suffragettes all

and women should be treated equally and not discarded by those who own the wealth when they are not mak-

FOR

'The march has done more than many political leaders to bring the reality of unemployment home to the British people

The Spinners play us out singing The Family of Man, and We

The atmosphere is electric

The People's March is becoming an exFRIDAY: the march sets off at 9.15am with

Outside Bilston steel works a small coffin is carried contain ing one of the last pieces of steel to be made in the works, a symbol of the 24,000 jobs lost

The bishops at the front are causing some discontent. There is a lack of people speaking on platforms who are actually fighting for

SATURDAY: the people's marchers drown out Brian Mathers of the transport union and demand an Ansell striker on the platform.

Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Page 7

Page 8 scan of this page

march

MAY WERPOOL-LONDON

All photos: G. M. COOKSON [Sociallal Challenryo|

Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Page 8

Peoplesgos

done now.

Monday 11 May.

about SD1. Now we

producion

the plant's being by and so on.

Tuesday: ment will be

2.30pm.

for

Jobs.

BL deputy

convenor's diary

of resistance

BL has announced the closure of the SD1 plant

at Solihull. Last week a

mass meeting decided to

'resist the closure by all

means necessary.'

PAT HICKEY, deputy

convenor at SD1 Rovers,

Solihull, tells

Challenge how that deci-

sion was reached, what the mood is in the plants, and what needs

There's staft unions been speculation for weeks

the future of the personnel know that has a degree the company will make an reads

statement:

Rumours are rife: SD1 smaller

be increased; the Jaguar is com- rale cost ing to SDI; we will be buil- Metro doing well. ding the metro overflow;

bought have decided to the Japanese transfer The announce Cowley by April al 2.30pm;

The morning is like sitting launched in a condemned cell, not next year.' knowing whether you will be reprieved or hanged. table, ceople are lense, servous sary, ensure

Manual and heard

when

allcul

justify.

WOrk

allu shape

biggest

of the

Wing Socialist to be

assemble in the conference room. The

manager, in zoology,

trom prepared

...shift vehicles.. silong pound... budget... accele-

production...

Then the crunch. 'We

stop car SD1 and production '82. An exciting new Rover will be

in the spring of service.

He carries on: "Regret- The

painful but neces- conditional

sul Vival the

By Mick Drake, Ford Dagenham TEN THOUSAND body and assembly plant

workers at Ford Halewood are on indefinite strike against the company's two-shift lay-off

'disciplinary code.

In response Ford is laying off many more

workers at Dagenham and Southampton, and

it is threatening to shut down the whole of its

British operations -

plants in the world.

The trouble started on

the night shift on 6 May

four men the

Halewood body Diall

underbody area

disciplined for refusing to

new timings

their jobs timings that

Ford's industrial

engineers could not

When the men's

Mera insupped ford

SUDDOIL.

suspended the whole plant

latel the assembly By Pat Hickey Since the last Labour government gave bu a saviour in ine

Michael Edwardes, more than 56,000 jobs at Britain's

car firm have destroyed.

Speke assembly the Triumph plant at Canley, the MG plant at Abingdon and mos

Castle Bromwich plant nave been axes. neremain

plants work doubled and trebled, trade unior rights have been trampled on, and shop stewards victimised

The latest 'survival plan', anAlthough we expected it, it is still a shock. Reaction is bitter and angry

Meanwhile the news is given to the shopfloor in a printed statement so as not to stop production! Along

redundancy terms. An ad-

Day Diu one week for each year's

extra money co-operation with the run down of

Ford's disciplinary o

the most profitable Ford

plant for two shifts. The company then withdrew the discipline on the four, admitting it was wrong in the first place.

Rather than meekly accept suspension, the body, assembly and truck fleet night-shift struck On Monday of last week mass meeting of a further 6,000 day-shift workers voted overwhelmingly join them on indefinite strike until the disciplinary code is revoked.

BL:SAJE

BL plants under the har

nounced last week, means 6,000 jobs to be axed immediately and up to 10,000 more in the next 18 months. The toundrv, the sion, and the been

solihull are to close. Many otnei plants will be affected. shop,

that the whole of BL is liable to

not be viable in capitalist terms, have but if the

ripe for closure and hiving off

A shop stewards meeting is called tor 8.30am tomorrow.

Wednesday, 7.30am The blall committee meets How are we going to fight?

There as many dit-

opinions as there are individuals

Some are for basing ourselves on the efficiency of the SD1 and arguing for the Jaguar production be transferred to Solihull.

Others want to look for a buyer. Some are for im-

Halewood has been a

the sharp end of the com

pany's stick ever since the

mast Aust The worker The worker what al

al c capercas

Ford workers can expect ir

the wake of the massive ef

ficiency programme nounced by the compan! on 24 April

Cuts This calls for drasti cuts in manning on th lines; line workers to d minor repairs to their ow tooling: an end to dema among skille workers, and the introduc tion. of 'quality circles productio meanine workers doing their ow inspection and eliminatin quality control inspector of wai

Wellingborough uni Cardiff parts divi-

SD1 plant at

wel

Presi be no doubt

be chopped. By 1984 BL will still Uni

not cuts continue it will be Mic

me UnI The company's policy can only mean plants competing with up each other. Resisting the closure thri

port conlols al zuc for attacki: the Edwardes plan any resistance depends i Solihull, the large plant affected. We to occupy Tanner lar that to involve the othi Plallis We must go to a ma meeting, DUI WILl Wi. resolution? There is ger ral agreement mood must be built Action now _ Is no

Page 9 scan of this page

JOBS, SACK EDWARDES

ode has to go

All inıs so-called arA of Ford's 'After Japan' programme naiven codenamed

and it means the of 29,000 jobs 40 perhen of Ford storal the next four shopfloor and office worktorce.

Those who remain are expected to be the kind of slave labour force that the Tories want 'rationalised', 'efficient' British industry, will reserve army of several million unemployed helping them to keep in line. So far there has been a deafening silence from national trade union officials the Halewood strike, OIl although an emergency national meeting with the company. was taking place earlier this week. he SD1 means fighting Ed-

ransport and Engineering

officials made the usual est noise when the closures announced, but they show signs of organising any

¡renville Hawley, national

of the Transport ¿lary an's automotive group, has bothered to come to tne ands, still less to convene a

of the affected plants ess the campaign is stepped

the vuls will go ugh.

Agreement is reached on resolutions: 'This mass meeting rejects the company's plans for the We will not accept the transfer of our jobs. We will resist bv all means necessary the closures of the SD1 And 'As a first step in this campaign this mass meeting resolves to lobby the Transport Union convenors' meeting at Broad Street 18 May and afterwards join the

Yet Ford is so scared of the Halewood dispute spreading that no ettort 1s being made to the

Tusc disciplinary code elsewhere while the strike is Ull.

Lead

National of-

union ficials and senior stewards should cuttle Ford's divide and rule tactics bv explaining inat all Ford workers are now engaged in a major trial of

just over the disciplinary code, but over the whole programme

designed force through.

We have the power to stop Ford's plans — let's

nsele

Birmingham greets the People's March People's March for Jobs.'

we nave coal tended shop stewards meeting for a year but it is quiet and subdued. The

and asks for estimates of the reaction of the members His introduction covers all possible for saving the plant, from our efficiency to humanitarianism.

The reaction from the So stewarus mixed Bring the Jaguar here

don'i Walsull they need to build a new plant

Get Solihull council to reduce the rates

We argue for militant sight against one ad

fight against wardes plan. real or losing

redundancy pay is raised.

we reply lal we must 1gnore these threats _ it hold the plant the conpany will have to talk to

The women at Lee Jeans are stepping up the campaign to save their jobs. At a mass meeting last Friday, dockers and miners came to discuss the campaign. pool, Hull and Stranrath docks and dockers will be asked not to handle them. also own the Berkshire label, jumpers and so on and Blaxnit, socks and tights, which will also be boycotted.

As Caroline from the occupation said, far the occupation's only been we've got to make it hit them. are Ferry Master, Anglo Overseas and Dukes transport and workers in these firms will also be asked to cooperate. a consumer boycott. What's needed is a mass of material - posters, stickers and leaflets to take

way to make the action bite and to publicise the case of the Lee Jeans workers the world over.

ine treasurer.

Brougham St, Greenock, Scotland.

5/3770

are both in the transport union and have worked at SD1 plant for four

section and Sheila works on the

Trimline track: us about the closure on Tuesday. We

were completely shocked. Since the

third line shut down around last

Christmas,

tra work. We've had hardly any time

them all the way.'

The assessment is that ine shoploor is not leauy for an all out or all in!

The resolution Is an 'enabling' one allowing us to open the campaign We agree to recommend ne two resolution to c mass meeting at 11.30.

t us also agreed to pro

Boycott Lee Jeans -

The jeans come from Ireland through Liver-

VF Corporation

'So hitting us, now

The transport firms which the company use

To back this up the workers would like to see

the boycott into the high street as well as into the

The boycott campaign is the most effective

Messages of support and donations can be sent 1o

Lee Jeans shop stewards committee, 4 FETTLE JUNE GREENLEY and SHEILA CASEY

years. June is in the minor rectification

'We got leaflets telling

we have taken on all the ex-

for even decent tea breaks. We're sup posed to be the most efficient plant in Leyland. This is the thanks we get for it. The stewards and ofticials are seeing MPs and councillors and we're backing

duce a bulletin and a badge with 'Save Jobs, Sack Edwardes the slogan.

Shop stewares eave meeting heartened by the 11.30am. The mass meeting assembles. From going around the plant organising the meeting it is

By Pete Clifford THE placards outside Laurence Scott, the Manchester engineering works occupied against

describe employer Arthur Snipe as the 'JR of Doncaster'.

Last week he acted true to form by suspending the

and taking sole responsibility for the dispute.

Snipe is a contributor to the Party he donated £5,000 in 1979. As senior steward Tom Clare puts it, Snipe represents

hard face of Toryism'.

In an area where an engineering factory closes

05/163

clear that the majority of

the members have little

faith in a successful fight.

They are concerned not to

lose the extra redundancy

money.

chair the

Mick Clarke, the con-

rion. Swayed by the assess-

ment of the mood of the

shootloor bends

stick toward a 'political'

campaign. But he does say

that we may need to physi-

cally prevent the company

moving equipment.

One speaker against,

pointing to Speke, Canley,

and Abingdon and saying

we should ask for £4,000

redundancy. I reply. There

are two other speakers for

. Both are car

ried overwhelmingly. A re-

convened shop stewards

meeting is pleased with the

result. We had expected

the vote to be : 50-50

Then Grenville Haw

ley, national secretary of

'We had no option

but to take over'

every week, the 650 workers at Laurence Scott have said No. Tom Clare says: 'We're here to keep a factory open, to keep jobs in the area

we will remain here till we get that. onloe says we've closed the factory by taking action, yet he gave

of the factory refused discuss alternatives

'We had no option but to take over.

A large proportion of Laurence producing motors for the coal industry. ine parcu company ser, i one ies

Doncaster, one those numerous firms, like GEC. which Darasucall! exist off nationalised industries.

Workers at the Nor-

MR GENERAL WORKERS LINE

CREAMERY BRANCH

the TGWU automotive

group, cancels the Mon-

day meeting, so there is no

loDDy

Thursday, 8.30am A shop

stewards meeting agrees to

cancel the day of action.

Instead a delegation is to

be sent the People's

march, consisting of shop

stewards and members,

and fl a head is to be rais.

ed to finance

paign.

Along with the works

committee, five shop

steward: are elected to

form a broader committee

to organise the campaign.

Badge

Friday: The badges arrive

and are given away

those who have paid the

f1; pay for the

The fightback

developing, partly because

the shop stewards are pro

viding a perspective, and

because the reality of the

wich plant of Laurence Scott have agreed not to touch Manchester's work. 'Now we're actively seeking support from the miners, Tom Clare says.

The dispute has been endorsed bv the executive of the engineering union. and the workers are now hoping support throughout the country

tingents from Laurence Scott and Royal Pride where there is a strike, a demonstration Man chester backing industrial action to save jobs and win union rights. and desations to: Suppor Messages Laurence Scott Workers'

20 Roundcroft,.

Hooeul.

Romiley, Cheshire.

dole ge meet the TaN

TGWU meet the district secretary, Sam Robinson. He has seen all this before. ball back in our court. We've got to nail Hawley

In the afternoon we

Gordon Morgan, leader of the Nel about group on the West Midlands county council, and his cabinet. Promises of support, but no clear line of march. They avoid the question controlling the Edwardes plan.

Saturday. In the after10UII MPs Geoff Rooker, Sheila 1W C meet Labour

Wright, Julian Silberman. John Lever, and Terry Davis. They reject any idea of confronting the Edwardes plan. They say

'paromust algur d chial' case for saving the

SD They will see BL

on Tuesday but they are only going through the mo-

We must get the plant committee position to the Edwardes clear on

plan. We also

organise a meeting of all affected plants. But

everything depends on the SD1 taking action.

Messages of support

to Shop stewards 1U00

SDI, Lode Lane Solihull

INEMPLOYMENT

A 35 HOUR WEEK NOW!

BY PAT HICKEY 20p

hour week now!

Socialist Challenge

Order from Birming

ham's Other Bookshop

137 Digbeth, Birmingham

B5 6DR

Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Page 3

Page 10 scan of this page

1930's-

How US

workers

fought

back

y Mike Barr, AUEW and Hayes LPYS HE UNITED STATES in the 1930s was wrackd by the depression. In 1933 unemployment sached nearly 18 unched a policy of wage cutting to preserve reir profits.

- • US workers

afford to lie back Ine 1yjus saw labour upsurge, in the forma. he Congress of InOrganisations : 938. strikes stand out proud record :: fought to unionise production

es like steel and cars.

Aci the major battles i ought Minis by the Teamsters ort workers). 933, there was only anion movement in

"doolis. Dy ine ena

it had become a the

sation campaign aired by Minneapolis

through the local (branc!:)

von

February 1934 the

invers went on strike

union recogni-

From modest

Carve

sunched. By the end August nearly all the

trucking inwas organised. The

da saw two massive

iwo workers shot the police, with the en-

wal labour movement i.eiy involved.

There local 574

on to bigger battles. beiame a byword for

and involved truck drivers in The movement alternative to the ot the 1 callisiers

ship: a class-struggle

back, it's how often the tion

=apolis …ernisters the wone for later One the

•nev pioneered was the

picket, which

struggles case the car industry.

tactic that we

ioday Britain, cine miners and more

21: May 1981

millions and the bosses Heavy fighting between Teamster pickets and the police in 1936

recently the steel-strikers.

Another first was the daily strike bulletin. Again it's something that many militants think today when they're on strike.

Other tactics WCTC developed by the Teamsters. These included the creation of a Women's Auxiliary to involve the wives and girl-friends of

Another was an unemployed workers sec-

of the branch.

All this was possible because the leadership of the organising drive and

strike was firm eye hands. Through the struggles the Troskyists of the Communist League America had become the union leadership.

The advantages of such a revolutionary leadership

Page 10

Local 574 strikers place a memorial wreath

outside strike headquarters for pickets murdered

by police were apparent when it came to dealing with the complex problems they faced.

For example the State Governor, Olson, farmer-Labourite like a Labour Party politician Britain. He was elected by the working class and poor tarmers to serve them. But big business was his master.

Polls

This put him in a quandary when the Teamsters went on strike. With one couldn't afford the polls, he

upset the workers. But he had no intention of supporting their struggle

He declared martial law in an attempt to push through

ment, but understood trike the eder double role. Several times he was either forced to put his name down in support ot their alms or back awar from attempted attacks on LAC SUBKC.

The Trotskyist leadership also paid close attention to democracy and

actively Involving une whole union membership in their struggles.

What occurred in Min-

ing all over the US. A new generation of young workers, many of whom were unskilled, were fighting for union recognition and to maintain their living standards.

Their battles and experiences led to the forma-

tion of the CIO which was

departure from

the traditional

unionism. times the

workers' upsurge threat-

ened unions' tradi-

tional class collaboration.

But the union bureaucrats

succeeded in back.

Lead

But the Minneapolis

Teamsters

The old leadership WelC special.

Iculaccu oi Trotskyist

leadership

This wasn't done by

chasing after posts in the

union. Nor by setting up a

party dominated

tront.

Neither of these

mistaken tactics appeared

in the arsenal of the Min-

neapolis Troskyists. They

were able to lead the union

through massive struggles, drawing out the lessons for une unlos ranks.

Today quite closely

parallels the years of the depression. The Tory government and the bosses there's are the attack. But movement. The steel sance resistance and the miners showed it. Lee Jeans today and the support for Benn and Scargill in their election campaigns show it. Chance

Union leaders al c under a lot of pressure to come up with the goods as

in the 1930 there's a lot of movement i the unions, especially the industrial unions. There's a door open for revolutionary socialists for this movement. We need to ac cept the chance and fight to build a new fighting left wing: a class-struggle left

winSocialist Challenge is

Prowever, that the Mint

like neapolis Teamsters, need to draw the lessons of our fight. The dustrial thanks cast Conference that Challenge is hosting will be Whatever step towards this.

you do, can't afford to miss it.

Fund Drive '81

marches on

from Ellen Monaghan,

Jeans, about our paper.

Socialist Challenge

supporters nave plaved a central role in organising successful tours for the South Wales, London and Lee Jeans occupiers elsewhere

vur supporters have also been marching on the People's March for Jobs as it heads for London on 31 May, to bring you onthe-spot coverage of the fight against unemploy-

But organise these activine. costs money. Last month our local supporters £9039.12 including an anonymous donation £7,500. Three London areas - Brent, Outer Wesi and East London are now within a few hundred pounds of reaching their tarlow's the time to pul out all the stops. The figh against the Tories is stepp-

We urgently need cash to bring you your fighting socialist

Rush it to us now and help us smash Thatcher and her friends for good!

Socialist Challenge/Revolution conference

The fight for socialist policies in

industry June 27/28 Entry by ticket only from: PO Box 50. London N1 Books about the Teamsters

Teamster Rebellion, Teamst ower, Teamster Politics an Teamster Bureaucracy — all b Farrell Dobbs, a leader of th Minneapolis Teamsters and US Trotskyists

All these cap. 3o bper St, London Niher

'SOCIALIST Challange has been a great help in getting out news about our occupation. The more people that read it the better!' That was the comment senior shop steward at Lee

Our thanks this week Glasgow Oxford Bristol .81 Newport .00 Southwark 29 .00

Swansea 15.00 Wolverhampton 20.00 Swindon Wandsworth 8.00

Camden 109.80

Liverpool 65 .00

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Standing orders 115

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Grand total £28,496.15

Page 11 scan of this page

By Joan Twelves GOVERNMENTS around the world are seeking to impose their control over wombs.

their own fertility, together with the worldwide resistance to such measures, subject of a day of action on abortion, contraception, and sterilisation in several countries last weekend.

In London 400 people

ment to raise funds for the National Cam-

In the first session, from developed socancis

Ireland,

Holland Spain, and

uescocu attacks on abortion rights.

Marge Berer explained what is happening in the US, where the gains of the early 1970s when the Supreme Court ruled that women had constitutional right to abortion have been under fire ever

War

The threat to women, she said, 'escalated beyond belief' in the last lew years. It is clear that there is a war going on in the United States.

'A war, she added. 'which being waged against having

their bodies and sexuality: Women are

feminist arallls ideas, and they are organising against them.

This was shown by the growth of the Moral Majority and the National Right to Life Convention, which had helped Reagan

confirmed antiabortionist - to power.

During the presidential election, pro-abortion politicians were the target of smear campaigns.

Humanity

Anti-abortionists the United States HOW want to amend the con-

with a human life' clause, which would confer humanity foetus from the moment of conception. This could make devices such as the coil illegal.

anticipated that this legislation will enacted.

Marge Berer exanD e of

where since last January doctors are required report any indication of sexual activity by single women under 18.

She concluded by sayHolland, [nal women

Ireland, Spain, and the United States are asking for international solidarity.

Abortion, contraception, and sterilisation

United States

and China go

women's

Attacks on women's rights to determine

were the

The other session speakers deali with the Third World. Ginny LOOK. who had returned from China, explained tion policy there. Penalties

Tsasedone child family and is being implemented through centives and penalties

who Collill themselves to having only one child cash bonus, 200EOd space, and other incenuves

their commitment weakens and they have more than one child, the benefits have to be returned. They also have to pay for education and health provision of their children.

This policy is resulting increase ticide of girl children inere are sulli pressures lo have boys. Liberation

Contraceptive and Cook Ginny

said, are still freely available demand China, but this is because ot government regulations based on economic need, not On women's rights.

They are therefore subject to withdrawal with changes governical

DULL Y

• representative from the women's section of the

African National Con-

gress spoke on the position

in South Africa. 'We don't see our priority to be in the area of abortion or con-

for womb control

These Chinese women will be well rewarded by their workers' state if they have one child -penalised if they have more. leadership has little time for women's rights traception,' she explained, 'because in the society we are trying to achieve these rights will be embodied in

'We see our immediate task to be in the struggle for national liberation.

She called for support from the International Contraception, Abortion, and Sterilisation Campaign for their struggle. speaker from SWAPO

Namibia, made a similar appeal. with speakers from Latin America, she emphasised Wal which women were being

contraception An indication of what the right in the USA thinks of women's rights. This concerned women's clinic in Cleveland was destroyed by a fire-bomb

-Women's Rights

and

The bureaucratic

methods before they introduced the West, sometimes with dire

Methods such as DepoProvera, COnsidered unsafe in the West, are wicem used Inne Third World

After these international attacks on women's rights were discussed, we settled down to an evening's entertainment by

Skin, the Chilean Duf-

from Ireland, from Spain, and African Dawn.

For further tion contact ICASC 41/01u 374 Grays Inn Rd, London WCI.

A young wedding..

Divorce 1980s style

By Yvonne Taylor ENGLAND and Wales now have the highest divorce rate of any West European coun try.

And while it's true that many divorcees are keen to have another go, it's estimated that 40 per cent of second marriages end up the samnit way.

"The increase in the rate of divorce amounts social revolution which af fects the whole of society says a report just published by the Society of Conservative lawyers.

Easier

Social revolution was definitely the last thing on parliament's mind when it agreed to the 1969 Divorce Reform Act.

'Divorce easier than parliament had intended or realsed passing that Act and such ed were provided by the courts, claims the report.

The argument will strike a tamilar nole will all those who have been involved in the long - and so far successful fight preserve the gains of the

1967 Abortion Act.

We've been hearing a similar version from the anti-abortionists tion to the liberalisation of une dooruol law idlycals

Make no mistake, the aims of the Tory lawyers are on a par with those of anti-abortionist groups like SPUC and Life.

According these lawyers, it's time to call a halt. They want Darila ment to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate marriage, divorce and the family.

From their report, it's clear that they wish abolish divorce by consent and re-introduce a require ment to establish 'some important not created by consent' in oraer to obtain a divorce.

Why should the SocieLawyers be so Conservative

concerned

to strengthen and preserve marriage?

because as they

spell out in their report

the family as a social unit

Some 150,000 marriages in Britain will end in divorce this year, and Tories want to put an end to that

Everybody's doing it!

• or more accurately, as feminists have explained. the women in the family WN _ to perform many services which otherwise provided and paid for by the state

lawyers estimate these services currently cost more than a billion pounds a year.

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE 40 first marriages, thousands 300.

1961626364656667

The family unit is not only cheaper, it's also more etticient at reproduc ing properly moulded members of the community.

Whatever the problems of nuclear family life, most people even

see it as a haven and a comfort Socialisation by the colo hand of the state machine will always be less acceptable and less effective.

More and more, reactionaries are arguing that the liberalising laws of the late our on abortion divorce. homosexuality,

were a huge miscalculaFlood

Instead of merely relaxing the harsh penalties meted out

"misfits which social was all that the laws intended to achieve - iney opened the floodgates to Hally thousands 'Or-

out to as keen the aevlants to gel abortions and divorces and form homosexual relationships!

The Tory lawyers have begun to realise what every socialist reforming laws don't just reflect Changes in populat attitudes and aspirations, they help encourage them! That's one reason

why socialists are a hundred per cent behind each of them, however inadequate!

For women par ticular the reforms of the late '60s, well as Equal Pay Act which was won in 1970, reflected rea. advances and provided a 68 69 1970 71 12 73 74 75

basis from which womer have against assumption that their place was at home Home

Now that the labour shortage of the 60s ha been replaced by chronic unemployment, ministers are clear abou to the home, and we can expect to see them prepared to consider seriously any measure which would help to women once more to traditional ideas of family life

But they can be in no doubt about the sort reception any proposals to tighten up the divorce law would receive

The massive support to defend the 1967 Abortion Act achieved by the Na. tional Abortion Campaign would rallied OlILC more, and at a time wher. support the govern ment is at its lowest ebb.

Support

The women's move ment has gained a lot of experience and much sup

One thing is certain, tha: however ine up the pros and cons of tightening up the divorce laws the women's move. ment will loom large in Then calculatlols Socialist Challenge 21 May 1981 Page 11

Page 12 scan of this page

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MARXIST.

HUMANISM

No. 2 out now The paper that unites theory and practice *Harry McShane on militarism; *Raya Dunayevskaya on British racism; *Tatyana Mamanova on international feminism; *plus Recession and resistance Editorial; *and articles UTI Labour Party, SDP. Frantz Fanon, Brixton, Nationality Bill, EP Thompson, Althusser and Readers Views.

FRANCE 1944-7

By Pierre Reme IN THE next few weeks a general election will

munist ministers.

in De Gaulle's government.

argued that

party of the French working class

class and formed a series governments in alliance with the right'

unprincipled governments

After the liberation of France, the real power was in the hands of the militias of the resistance, in which the Communist Party had played a leading role.

French bourgeoisle was deeply a screamed ov collaboration with the Nazis during LOCi But Maurice Thorez, generat secretary of the Communist Party (PCF), when he returned from exile in Moscow, imposed the dissolution of the militias.

On 24 November 1944, the Communist Party held paris to popose mesarming huge public meeting in the resistance — • a measure

demanded by Gaulle. But by November the line had changed.

Nationalise

The Communist Party then demanded 'one army, one police force, one government' and argued that the guiding line must be ine reconstruction of

In order to ensure this 're-construction OTI France on a capitalist Dass — was necessary for the bourgeoisie, ruined by the war, carry through several na-

These nationalisations

National Council of the Resistance created in 1943 with the participation of

01-836

accidental

3028

death of an

anarchist

Wyndham's Theatre

a big hit atmos

Communists and

Socialists in the

government

during this period the the Gaullists and Christian Democrats.

Thorez explained

progress socialism But Mollet,

tion: Production

'The money placed at the disposal

just orders for work, will in fact industries.'

nationalisations indispensible part reconstructing capitalism a way of channelling Marshall Aid from the United States to private industry.

In its explanations 1o day, the French Communist Party. insists that the betrayals of the 1944-7 period were those of the

ocialist Party obscures the role played by the Communists. Suc cessive governments chose CP ministers to be in charge labour policy and production. Sacrifice

While Socialist ministers were responsible for the reconstruction of the ponce and planning departments; the Com-

WeTt getting capitalist construction accepted including increased hours of work anc speed slogans sacrifice and stri strikes are

and are the weapon of the trusts'

Against this consolidation of the power of the bourgeoisie, Trotskyists proposed an alternate political line, despite their weak forces.

demanded that the workers parties break their alance wIll the bourgeoisie and form a

International

government of Socialists and Communists. They argued against the dissolution the resistance

and inrew Inen forces into the creation of factory committees.

Trotskyists were in the leadership of the factory committees in ArgenteuilColombes and in various other districts in Paris.

canev wrote aline me 'Inter-factory committees with the aid of the CG

(CP-led union federation) can give rise to a plan for the reconstruction of the economy on the basis of LIC needs of the popula. tion.

The CP put its enormous resources into a battle to disperse the factory committees, just as it did will resistance militias. In doing so, benefitted from the fact that following the libera-

Georges Marchais

Nazi after pati ears he

workers lowered their guard.

They also directly supseverd militants of the PCF were denounced and handed over to the police as saboteurs, for organising a strike at factory considered by the 'decisive' for the

Page 13 scan of this page

War clouds over Arab East

By Charlie van Gelderen THE turmoil which has been endemic in

since Syrian forces entered that country at the invitation of sections of the Christian community in 1976 to 'protect' them from Muslim extremists and the Palestinians, is now threatening to boil over into full scale war between Syria and Israel.

Although both Israel Organisation than they do and the US gave grudging to Israel'. support to the Syrian inva Since the 1976 Arabsion, the israel Israeli war. Israelis regime reight to invade Lebanons never up its have kept up a series of

raids ILLO

The United States and Lebanese territory, while the Zionists were quite still holding to the oreDarcu to stand by and Golan heights which they allow Syrian seized from Syria. Hafez do some of their dirty work for them, but they were Attack well aware inal unis move was deeply resented by the Thousands of people, working people mainly civilians, have died Lebanon and the Palesti- in Israeli air, sea and land nians. allacks wnal the

general strike in Zionists describe as Beirut to protest against TOrISL Callios and the Syrian invasion was strongholds in Lebanon. the Mosien districts of te cent effective in One of the most brutal

attacks came last Easter city. Sunday when Haddad's

Israel used the Syrian Israeli-supported LATISmove as a pretext for ak- tian militia shelled the port ing over southern Leb- of Sidon, a predominantly

Muslim and Palestinian cianon where it established a 'Christian enclave' under touses, restaurants, baeke The targets were the command of the Phalangist Major Saad and cinemas on the main Haddad The Phalangists streets. took nenT Mande At the same time, Franco's fascists. Israeli fighter bombers

were strafing Palestinian Protect

positions live miles across the Lebanese border in

Despite Israel's claim what were called 'prethat its actions were prin- emptive' strikes, having by cipally motivated to pro- now completely abandontect the Christians, not all

Led the DIcicxl illal they Lebanese were 'retaliatory raids'. anxious for this 'protec- The targets were tion' The military cor- Lebanese villages, and LOWIIS refugee and

respondent the camps, not PLO bases. Jerusalem Post reported While the Syrian entry on 11 May that there 'are into Lebanon in 1976 had sectors of the Christian the mixed blessing of US

imperialism and its Israeli community who teel closer

the Syrians and cop, the situation has since Palestine Liberation changed. Sidon

LEBANON

Nobatiyet

Ett Tahia. •Marjayoun

Arnaoun® •Khiam JoDeir Mimas Taibe. or

Kafer Kela SYRIA

ISRAELI OCCUPIED 1

SRAEL

By Frank McBride

Civil liberties and workers' rights are under severe atttack in Spain. Assassinations by the Basque nationalist group ETA are providing the right wing with the

'We do not want wal with Syria, declared Menachim Begin 29 April, 'but will not allow the svrians to take over Lebanon and nintate me cousuais.

Some of Begin's military men were more honest: 'We are on the offensive,' Brigadier General Yaakov Even told the New York Times on 18 April. 'We are the aggressors.

'We are penetrating the so-called border of the so-called sovereign state of Lebanon, and we go afte them wherever they hide.'

Begin's latest outburst of intransigence is over the siting OI Russian-built SAM-6 ground-to-air missiles in Lebanon. These weapons will make

for Soyplans to fly over Lebanese LeTalones. something the Israelis regard as their godgiven right.

Polls

Begin is in a mood for He has an election war.

and until recently seemed certain of defeat the polls. Now, by stoking the war embers, his stock rising. 'Fortress Israel' is in danger; ranks must be closed in its defence.

While Washington would undoubted v like to see Syria weakened and its Israeli-Egyptian allies strengthened, it is not yet ready for a full-scale war

HIde Hast.

Arab-Syrian cannot

war be confined the two countries.

Already Iraq has announced that despite its differences with Damascus

would fight alongside neighbouring Arabs against the Zionist foe. Libyan Gadaffi has pledged his country's resources to defeat Israeli aggression.

Defuse

The Egyptian liasses too, will not stand idly by despite Sadat's friendship

ing its best to temporarily •enuse une sulanod. too full of imponderables and could lead to a direct confrontation with the Soviet Union.

Whether Washington will be able to restrain the impetuous Begin another matter. Even the best trained dog has been known lo tulll savarc.

He could take the plunge knowing full well that US imperialist terests dare not let him go down defeat.

The international labour movement should come out _clearly on the side of Syria and Lebanor and against US-Israeli aggression.

International

opportunity to step up its offensive.

Although the rightwing military coup d'etat

February failed, many of its objectives have already been realised.

WaCI enables

more rapid implementamon or a slale or emeigen cy' has just been passed,

Spanish MPs still on their knees

and its implementation in ine basque country Is ex• pected at any moment.

Another law, in defence of the constitution, has also been passed.

This enables close lcwsoadcis which give any publicity to actions 'against the constitu non The streets of Beirut are filled with gunfire again

paper unique

left stance.

Another makes Spain's paulandent.

_connues

It is feared that this will be used to close coin. a

in Europe for its mass sales and tai

new law onence lo autonomous

Catalonia and the Basque

- to call thei Socialist Challenge

countries 'nations'. Only Spain is supposed to be a nation.

"here are rumours tha yet more jegislation will soon be introduced to cut down minority representa tion in the Cortes (parla ment) in order to eliminate the Basque nationalist deputies.

Loyalty

All the measures have been taken with the sup port of ine Communist and Socialist parties, which both want a tion government with the conservatives. Santiago Carrillo of the CP Felipe Gonzales of the Socialist Partv have beer stressing their loyalty the monarchy and the unity of Spain

'There "greater zalez recemily declared patriot than Gon-

ther, and declared his sup-

• OI Herri Batasuna (Basque Fatherland and Freedom), a far left and nationalis:

grout which

ETA's armed struggle. Even the

Conservalise have not yet proposed Such a mcasule

As an HB leader said: 'After Tejero ordered al: the congress members to the floor. tha: some of them haven't go: Fascists

After his attemptes Tejero is passing his time in a military prison where he watches colcu: TV, writes his meme:r: eats restaurant food recelves an endless sirea

young fascists

"meet-a-hero holida: viean wale Basque detainees are held incorrmunicado with a meag:: diet augmented beatings

Herri Batasuna . COUE cillors and leaders have recently been arrested. have ETA members. The illegalisation OI HE virtually . been achieren May Day and RohSands solidarity marches were broken up by the police — the unwritten la:

ppears I ve lilat du i

eft or radical national: march is permitted.

Troops now occuf: the border France and police road blocks have increased. Spain's far right may not appear it

coup, UU the population beine psychologically

to its imminent possibility

Armed

Neither the Com

munists nor the Socialist

are prepared to state tha the armed forces are riddi

ed with fascists.

ETA's continue assassinations of police and military personnel -including an attempt on a general in the King's our. guard - creates a climate which ı makes it almost im possible argue anc

mobilise in defence of cir: liberties.

Although minute silence in solidari:

'ter.

WIll the victim! rorism' was almost ienored in Euskadi, it receiea massive support where.

Spanish working

class is demoralised by

lack of fight from its trad!-

tional leadership, more than 12 per cent. fa

more than Iz per cent.

military my well feel confi-

dent about another coup attempt, and the next one

might not be so farcical

21 May 1981 Page 13

Page 14 scan of this page

tree-we are the axe...

3. Paul Gilroy DESPITE the fact that his militant music has re ced many a stuffy social find its feet and ter: dancing, there will be many on the left

Fore than a pop star.

Any socialist who fails to see the relevance i che autonomous black politics of which

redia coverage of his death.

went to ridiculous :. io prove inal nis and purposes were =a lo ponues ana ::o do with revolu-

¿ intormed us ир, stand up was : ual plea', while the ribute explained "oz Baldhead car'mystic message of ind reconciliation' were able insult to a man political influence guide the struggies of ion reared on his

story, control your

Marley was not a singer of lo struggies re was not part. He committed artist works were malvis!m the struggles they

powerful words are * of his political inand effects elevated re the shallow pop which he evaded but гаю cal n

Island Records The Wailers' ¿ Fire in a cigarette cover in 1973. , they political and . revolution, whose were felt shout Africa, West •e and the Americas. preached anti-imperialist Built on Dread Africanism and black Dill om a commitment to the ied whatever

SUCCES

- ex's understanding of Se: alist Challenge

will balk at considering Bob Marley as

was part should be warned by the

Babylon was to prove all-

powerful, and far materialist than metaphysical.

Direct intervention in Jamaican politics on behalf of Michael Manley's Peoples National Party got Marley shot for his pains, and he left Jamalla. Symbol

His commitment • an priorities be gauged from the fact that the Survival album, which marked his return to music, was more resolutely outspoken than ever, turning his own experience at the hands of

assassins into a symbol LIC forthe divide-and-rule tactics of the capitalism that ne despiscu

Millions of black people in the world who feel capitalist domination

through racial oppression have taken up Marley' new Garveyism and used it in their struggles.

But they onlv constituencv. He had

Knack o Dresenanca hlack exnerience undiluter in such a way that univer(all general ano Class-based interpretations were also possible Impact

He invited anti-racism

while servicing black

The calculated ambiguities of song

about political violence in

Jamaica made it relevant

England in a different

way.

'They don't want to see us

live together,

All they want us to do is

keep killing one another

The impact of Afro-

Caribbean culture in

general and reggae in par-

ticular on the lives and

politics of white working 21 May 1981' Page 14

class youth in this country

Rather than abandon white youth forever to the swelling ranks of the

Movement, realise how many people found something of their own in the language and symbols of Rastafari which Marley made famous

White young people

'If you are the big

Bob Marley 1945-1981

flocked to see him perform and baved 'stand un for your rights' back at the stage in their cup final atmosphere. relationship flowered briefly in the coof black and vocialivi white which marked the early days of Rock Against and prepared the Kacism ground for the short-lived important two-tone

Clare

Marley's influence powered over all this and the connections he fought to reveal will be harder lo uncover the next time antiracism becomes fashionable.

Of course, his rise to international stardom was only possible once the leisure industry woke up to

the vast profits to be made

man refer records in

markets records Alrica and Laun America demanded new products

10C TOCK scene' had grown slaie under the deadweight of the Eric Claptons.

The image the primitive and licentious herbsman was to prove a novel selling point to the

rock fans who gasped over

Woman, No crv. Ir this period many people were tempted to think tha Marley had abandoned our cause in the cynical pursuit of fame and fortune.

He accepted the constraints commodity Narcom as tne once o a cess to larger numbers of people who could make his vision the internationalisation of Rastafari a reality.

The move away from root reggae towards pop. which started Natty

Will.

Dread his first album after the original Wailers broke up should be understood as a strategic ploy to open black America lo the political

of . reggae and Rastfari Mystic

It is a sad irony that he should have fallen ill just as Steve Wonder's vaster Blaster seemed 1o _have made this conquest likely

Don't fooled into thinking that Boh Marley was a mystic just because

spoke a language of Clas struggle which find difficult to translate

He spanned political and cultural traditions. and the differential effects

political tion in the metropolis and third precise picture of the con figurations of imperialism

His music and political achievements are the best obituary. Listen 1o Burn

and Lootie remember him serenading

dependence.

Page 15 scan of this page

Womens' place in the penalty box

By Dave Carter THE captain of one of Britain's most successful soccer teams spoke to Socialist Challenge this week.

The team is currentlv second in the league; it has won through to the Cup Final, and it played at Wembley last year. But team's captain is not happy with the recognition given to side's success.

Sue Anderson plays in mid. field and Coblallis Spatans, a leading soccer team.

She's a community worker, and plays alongside clerk, a postal worker, a teacher and other women in a branch of soccer where professionalism ISN L allowed enlike European contries.

In Italy. 'crowds 6-7,000 women's soccer games, but in Britain get little

discriminated Guvelaro and against by *OoTAASSOCCUOn

'When we wanted to play a Tund-raising match at Ayresome Park, we gutd lotol

Ted Croker saying we culdn't play on a professional pileu.

Several professional are more helpful, including Mark Proctor, Middlesbrough's land under-21 international, who coaches the Spartans at training sessIons.

'I used to play against Mark at school, 'Sue points out, 'so he knows what we can do and he takes us seriously.

The pay claim now

waiting on platformone

By Martin Eady, NUR THE rail unions have demobilised their members' struggle for a pay rise in line with the rate of inflation, and derailed the fightback against cuts and closures.

pay offer,

Railway Staff National Tribunal, the top level of the in-

dustry's labyrinthine machinery of negotiation.

Its decision will not be binding,

not meet until the beginning of June.

mobilise for the inevitable struggle against management

and the government have been shunted into a siding for

at least a month.

passively accepted by the rail union leaders.

The withdrawal

parcels, agreed to by the

workforce; for

dington, and 150 at Euston.

burgh against increased ticket collecting duties,

would have led to redundancies among platform staff.

Yet the proposed

inquiry.

workers!

the fight for a living wage.

barks and closures

conclusion to the pay negotiations.

the

her

Cleveland women's

La bank

other

explains, watch

press

the

mon come out of a pub to watch from FA us for a laugh -shut up when they see the level of skill in the women's game. players There are some 300 oren's teams in Britain.

Eng- plays the league bocause of competition in the North-east.

Sue conciders that this lack of interest is partly 'Andy Capp' attitude women in the area: a womans Sometimes place is in the kitchen, not in the

Having turned down British Rail's derisory 7 per cent

the unions have referred the claim to the

but the tribunal will Thus efforts to

The delay will make it more difficult to mobilise a membership that is running scared over job losses being

from collection and delivery of unions, is decimating the example 138 jobs are to go at Pad-

That there is a willingness to fight back is indicated by the successful unofficial action taken by guards in Edin-

which

COSure ManchesterSheffield-Wath electrified line, where workers started a militant fightback, has been referred to a commission of

What a contrast with the miners and water-

The union leaders claim that there is to be no productivity element attached to the current pay negotiations, but they are dividing the struggle against job loss from

Management does not need to ask for a productivity deal when the unions are already allowing wholesale cut-

to lake place without a fight.

Socialists in the industry recognise that if the fight for jobs is abandoned, there is little likelihood of a successful

Sue Anderson, captain of the Cleveland Spartans, with her cup-winning team

penalty box but they quickly

Sue: more

Cleveland Spar-

serting up an Notte tem the lack of

TECa . •e 4.

due to the ing from

towards

tine. Sue ball the

By Keith Legg, IRSF Stockton taxes branch

WITH hundreds of tax

collectors on strike, the

Inland Revenue Staff

Federation is in the fore-

front of the selective

strike action being

taken by civil servants

Computer Curentres ult centres

Shipley and

nave been yorcea lo bluse

ne imis or ine selective

action are now apparent,

At the IRSF annual con-

ference on May there

was itue atscusson aboul

Gas workers plan to

stop hive-off

HASS OR wallto

sunake

expected

MuCa doOul

,News

What effect has being an ac- The complished soccer player had on

'At work, the lads take mı •ECESE l've shown I'm as good as them. I'm they

under-16 team for the kids in the community cen-

5-a-side

She reckons that the main in- men). terest in womens soccer is com-

will youth clubs, where new teams are forming all the

ch a session •n oOr recent Cleveland

Selective action iș taxing

civil servants' patience

escalating the dispute The only emergenc motion accepted for debate was one TrOM InE ecutive which merely pledged the SUDDUrl • any action decid eo ov une nanondi councl of civil service unions.

Tony Christopher, the IRSF general secretary. thus has a free hand to op oose a-ou aclon al inle national council meetings Among the members there for a limited strike of a fen austry will stop ine lorles

acoots use ave-onl Dlal NAL ga

willc-cullal

- inciudıng strike ac

were the proposal

vole to ensule eculive dutmur sc. action. orner wise WC

stewara lever lo ensure ia

women's festival.

Sartans played at Wembley •Pool last year as a reward for winning the outdoor British 5-a-side competition. But

only there the entertainment during the interval in the Daily Express national

championship (for

Hopefully, women's football

eventually be allowed to play at Wembley in its own right

and on every other ground in the country.

days, o sovern ment could ride The fear now is that the leadership will accept any sitenu ineredse dn te te cent offer if there about Ter aso mer ers ave encaceu lul otlike al Ton tor ine tirsu time mune federation's history, an( the co-operation with other unions represents unity which has be Transiateo unto dl-oul de tion.

Songs for

Anwar

By Jenny Flintoft ELEVEN of Britain's AtoSI talented folk singers and musicians performed at Imperial College London Tuesday of last week at a concert organised bi the Campaign against Racist Laws It was held to raise money for Anwar Ditta. Ine performers Flowers and Frolics and KOO Davenport, London's most political folk club, the Empress of Russia, in Islington; Frankie Armstrong, Leon Rosselson, Julie Carter and June Younger - all gave their services free.

The concert raised f86 and the audience en. joyed an evening of ex.

Cave omy good

unusually political with songs like fulusic Leon Rosselson's antiimmigration law 'It's all a question of numbers'. Send donations 127 Crawfor message St. Kocdale

I was sacked for not

By Roland Steven Blackpool Central FBU

riage of justice has been carried out.

cap.

I have stood up for my rights and followed union dictates, for example during the 9-week strike. Because I do not fit the fire brigade image, I am now ol wK Ou waal secills to be a most frivolous Charec li is unthinkable that

management should able to get ria ot anvone on some trumped up Charge which in my case was prejudged betore the hearing, while witnesses were discounted

I would like to know

other fire brigade personnel have OCCI sacked for not saluting officers who did

wear caps or indeed did wear them.

It is unbelievable the lengths to which the senior officers will go in pursuit of their vendettas against firefighters they do not like.

Recently an FBU memoer wno was a oraltil

found himself in the middle of one ot thest campaigns. He was accused O1 making Hancidus calls and suffered many months of distress betore finally being taken to court where it was provec that there was no case to answer. dies at 54

not only in Birmingham but throughout the country. dedicated campaigner for a multi-racial society. However

¡winkle of humour in his eves.

present a respectable image

ment ana ine elnmic minordy commannie.

Maurice drove himself on and in

that we continue that Jighi PAUL Council

Sparticists'

methods

exposed —

again

V STeVO rOLEI

IMG national secretary

THE leadership of the

International Marxist

Group has discovered a

secret plot by the inter-

national Sparticist ten-

dency smash

Imu as a couniel revo

lutionary organisation'.

The IMu Political Com-

mittee •16 May experled

from the organisation the so

called 'Communist

A maiority of this faction':

membership were secte

members of the particists

factior

mously expelled for disloyalty

aiter rerusing to characlerisc

the IMG and the Fourth Inter-

national as revolutionary

saluting, says fire fighter

1 WAS sacked by Lancashire County Fire Brigade on 6 April and | believe that a miscar-

I was not sacked for gross misconduct or for failing to do my job properly, but for failing to salute an officer who wasn't wearing a

Arasecuioni said: s.

the OTOsCCulIO would be wrong to holo the police responsible for malicious and unreliable witnesses (three of whom were senior officers) and a man who is biased alsu and bearing a grudge.

The case against me is. not one of not saluting but purely and simply that •I loe management wanting to be rid of me. Step

The sequel to the even is that visiting office: made this statement those on my watch: 'W'e seem to have got rid of the in the woodpile. isil 'Now he has been charged and found guilt! t leaves the door open fo anything. and you will a navc to wallh youi SLC.

I ask readers to peti tion Lancashire count.

Council, which upheld m sacking and Labour-controlled, for = into my case 1 chicalll The FBU has frequen: called for inquiries into : mismanagement of cashire County F.:

Brigade Maurice Ludmer

MAURICE LUDMER, president of Birmingham Traci: Council, died in the night of 14-15 May of a heart artac•

Our immediate sympathy must be with Maurice's wite u":. family. They will mourn in the knowledge that Maurice was : ed and respected by thousands of socialists and trade union:

Maurice was a man of great principles, a socialisi ansi

one who knew nım woula cal nim solemn, ere was arwa» :"

Searchlight, the monthly paper which Maurice edited, i i responsible for exposing the fascist nature of many polin organisations such as the National Front when they saugh:

Maurice Ludmer won the respect of many black and Asii workers by his tireless campaigning for their rights and prot ? ed a bridge of understanding between the irade union mo: :

Line ena cave his fighting for a just and humane society. His wish would sure!! !

MACKNEY, vice-president, Birmingham Trades

organisations, implying tha build

she Fate party to the IMG a-

investigater undertaken leadership incontestable e' •ence was DescH cu iv ..

Polica commitee mar nine members of 'Communist Faction carly as the samimer of 19 joined the particists

They had joned by se ing a secret contract des:: ing the IMG/Fl as a 'coun:: revolutionary oreansa.. that had to be smashed' ar the Sparticists revolutionary organisatior che worta.

The national committe?

Kevouton youn looK s:. ar acunn ası weekene e expelled three Sparticist filtrator Once again the real nat.? of the particists grour heen rever ed. ns Ilsiki: cant sect is a weapon desigr.=. to smash up left-* organisations It has nothing to do w Salis O OLSAyISII Socialist Chatlenge 21 May 1981 Page 1

Page 16 scan of this page

the course of military duties.

other words, * == killed in a war. Ihev

killed because they

seenov

them up as foreign

piers of their country.

he war both sides are gaged in is about who

i control that coun-

he Irish majority,

Socialist Chalșe says it should be the

he fact of this war is

Margaret Thatcher,

ed by Michael Foot,

rues to deny. For the

::and Labour's parli-

SOCIALIST

metropolitan councils.

didate Mitterand.

Socialism in Europe. Late Capitalism,

Socialist

Challenge

ONCE again, in South Armagh on Tuesday, the truth about the Irish situation was starkly displayed. Five British soldiers were killed in

they Ireland is all about 'crime or 'peace-keeping'

And those anallist them are nals'

That is why Thatcher insists the hunger-strikers in Long Kesh prison have to die - because they are *mere criminals, should be treated no ditferently than the ordinary run-of-the-mill bank robber or rapist.

When bers blow up five British soldiers for no mercenary

CHALLENGE

200

FORUM

AT THE beginning of May millions of British voters removed the Tories from control of the major

At the same time French voters removed their 'Tory' president and elected the Socialist Party can-

The austerity programmes that have been enforced in virtually every European country including Britain are meeting with big opposition. Millions of people are on the streets protesting against unemployment, against nuclear weapons and other questions. In Ireland the hungers strikers die one by one and Britain's name stinks throughout the world. In celebration of its 200th issue Socialist Challenge has invited people from two different traditions of working class politics to discuss the way forward for Ken Livingstone is the newly elected leader of the Labour Greater London Council which has responsibility for transport, housing, education and the civil defence of eight million people.

Ernest Mandel is a Marxist economist and a leader of the Trotskyist Fourth International. He is the author of many books including Marxist Economiç Theory,

ism and From Stalinism to Eurocommunism.

Landon N1

IRELAND:

OUTNOWI

leadership.

who fight 'crimi- come through a exercise.

and spelt last week -al of British the recognition

did bank-rob- crime people'

The Second Slump, Introduction to Marx-

gain? When did rapists starve themselves to death to prove a principle?

Recognising that what is happening in Ireland is a war is that first step to ending the conflict. It is to

peace will only to Ireland, 'crime-busting but through political solution

The first condition for finding that solution was

out by Tony Benn - the withdrawtroops, and that Ine partition of Ireland was a

against the Irish

But stating that princi-

Brendan McLaueni chough. it needs to be im- does plemented, and implemented now.

1 nal means ding the immediate with-

troops from Ireland, and the ending of all British military and political presence in Ireland. British conpol of the six The apologists north-eastern counties canady SUCH drawal would lead to a blood bath

Ask the relatives of Bobby Sands MP Francis Hughes about blood baths'. Ask relatives of other The Hall opens at 6.30 with displays on the

struggles

available with rolls, cakes, tea and coffee.

Francis Hughes, hunger strikers due to die soon. Or even quiz those the who knew the five British

ERNEST MANDEL

KEN LIVINGSTONE

DISCUSS

Socialist Perspectives

for Europe

Friday 22 May at 8pm

Camden Town Hall,

London NW1

opp St. Pancras station

women s liberation movement, te anti-nucica! struggles; the Irish liberation struggle and the

Not youth. Also teatured are displays o1 Poland, El Salvador and Turkey. A buffet is

soldiers about their fear of inal answers from all a blood bath. would be similar end

It is a fair guess to say the war, troops out now