Socialist Challenge No. 248, 4 June 1982
The scan: sc-no248.pdf (PDF, Marxists Internet Archive)
Uncorrected machine reading of the whole issue. This text was read by machine (Apple Vision OCR) from the scan and has not been corrected or cut into articles. Each page gives the headlines first, then the columns in order, so one article runs on into the next. Expect misread words. Use it to find things; quote from the scan.
Page 1 scan of this page
Challenge STOPTHE MONGERS EXCLUSIVE! • Labour's • US hospitals: nuclear plan
No. 248 4 June 1982 Unemployed and strikers 10p
Socialist
WAR
SPECIAL 4 PAGE PULLOUT Labour women's festival & conference new programme
Page 2 scan of this page
HAS Britain e to war? Not for edom, not for nocracy, nor to ip the peace'. We at war to protect ampire: it belongs Thatcher's class. and her cronies defending 84bn worth of intments throughthe world - more
they have inted in Britain. "heir military Isence in the ribbean, Mediterean, Indian Ocean
Britain
Socialist Challenge 4 Juhe 1982
The WAr
and South East Asia which gives Britain political influence could over half the world. • The spoils of world domination as America's junio Act. artner - and the se cond biggest military power in the Western world.
The task force is allegedly being used to 'protect islanders CANADA RAF training unit :.By Martin. Collins i*
page 2
who were told three years ago they
not have British citizenship stay under the Tories' racist Nationality
It is supposed to be 'resisting a fascist dictator armed with ships and planes sold
Britain's are the decaying jungles of Belfast and Derry and the rolling countryside of South Derry and South Armagh. That Marines and
for smashing the young innocents. This is war.
by the British government.
But if the troops the island they will be used in exactly the same way as the task forces Bri- ly tain has stationed in the rest of the world: to crush by force or terror anyone who
BRITISH AS THE task force blasts away in the South Atlantic,
other war continues close to home. A war where the weapons are the armoured cars, plastic bullets and prison camps of an occupying army.
No state of war has been declared, yet over 2,000 have been killed in the past 13 years. For the Irish, the cost of this war is measured not in pounds, but in the grief of a whole community, currently re-living the hor fors of last year's H-Block hunger-strike, through the anniversaries of ten lingering deaths.
The battlefields of Ireland
concrete
is where Paratroopers they No guilty repression soldiers are brought to justice
skulls ed nor submit.
As in the
It is a war where peace journalists
and politica
threatens to revolt against the economic slavery imposed by the Western multinationals.
Britain is currentthe most warlike of Western powers because its rulers are the most desperate.
That is why the oc-
ARMY ON THE BREED
DIEGO GARCI USA MA side
government
Colonial justified
solutions employ thousands tain's of paramilitary policemen and republican
parasitical politi- be the cians. But they have achieved and neither peace nor solution. In
reinforce the of results people who will not be sileno. difference
South Atlantic, even try to present a view of the other
rupation of a tiny island in the South Atlantic barrie of Star Wars led
dimensions.
This war was provoked by Thatcher. It is not our war. It will not benefit working people anywhere. is a rich person's war, directed against the colonial, semi-colonial and depen ay the poet seemed goes cutting through the mist of self-censorship and are branded as traitors under mining the national interest.
war can only. by lies. by news management and distortion
They say it's a war against lawlessness and anarchy. We know it's a war against the Irish people to maintain Bri
grip. defeat resistance it will British establishment Western imperialism which is strengthened.
They say it's a war that
petty religious We know it's to ensure that workers do not unite as class - North and South, and across the sectarian divide
dent peoples of the
world. That is why
Socialist Challenge
says, and has said
from the outset:
• Withdraw the task
force.
• Get rid of Thatcher
and her government.
• Recognise the
Argentinian claim
anc unite with
Argentinian workers
to depose Galtieri.
their enemies
Our demand that Britain get out is not just the road to peace in Ireland, but is
step LOWEDE weakening imperialism everywhere. premier. Boyd George, said. years Britain's Suppose we gave in to them it will lower the prestige and
of this COUTE and reduce British authority to a low point in Ireland It will
ost our grip, that the Empire has no further force and will have an effect in India and throughout Europe.
Change the time, and it's Thatcher today on the Irish Change the place and that's her on the Argentinians.
Page 3 scan of this page
ed living standards
Tebbit's law - is launched.
the South Atlantic, has been done in the
back:
TEBBIT'S LAW: claiming freedom for individual
this 'unemployment' Bill gives rights' to 400 who refused to join a union and attacks the rights of 10 million trade unionists -
I000
JOIN THE TUC FIGHTBACK
AGAINST TEBBIT'S LAW
rights that have been fought for over two centuries.
Trade unionists everywhere are giving their answer to the present employment act and Tebbit's new bill. Miners, water workers. steel workers, all intend show their solidarity with hospital workers by
FREEDOM and
don't extend to the Black
British forced to queue to
get. into Britain.
under the Tories does it
extend to the Falklanders
themselves. Last year the
Tories opposed
amendment to
notorious Nationality Act
which would have given
the islanders full citizen-
ship. "The fact remains
that the Falklands are not
and have never been part
of the United Kingdom,'
said Lord Trefgarne
speaking on behalf of the
government. As far
'hatcher is concerned,
the same criterion
plies to black people.
COMMANDER Margaret Thatcher and her motley crew on the HMS Tory government has sent the task force out to attack the working class in Britain. Right from day one three years ago. Thatcher has first blitz
and created millions unemployed. When even that has not resulted in any significant defeat of the workers movement, a direct assault on the rights of trade unions - in the form of
And all of this, like the sending of the task force to
name freedom. But the only people who will benefit from their vicious policies are the Tories and their friends in high places: the bosses and the landowners. But like the Argentinians, the workers in Britain are fighting
taking strike action. miners' president, Arthur Scargill said, Oper could care s couldn't care about this legislation. If we are in violation of the Tory government's legis-
EVERY LAW
HAS ITS PLACE
IN HISTORY
lation, then so be it.'
The South miners' message to the NUPE conference summed up what the the population feel about the Tories derisory offer to health workers: know and what you do for us. to is a little in return.' Such unity will defeat Tebbit and Thatcher.
rights
Nor
KHAN
FAMILY
the
STILL
UNDER
THREAT
as
ap-
of
NO CONSPIRACY
of
As 'We don't
less
Photo: STEVE PROCTER
money'
Photo: PETE GRANT (SC)
Wales
mass of
We appreciate
This
POLICE CONSPIRACY
The poor are poor because
they don't have enough
in
drivers Tories
face
Ta athome
NO CONSPIRACY
POLICE CONSPIRACY
O CON
Sir Keith Joseph THE TORIES have lost some important battles
their war on the unions. The miners took strike action and forced
pit closures. train
took on the they and all raorkers won. Now
were another fight against job losses and worsening of conditions
Council workers have taken industrial action against privatisation of local services, such as in Wandsworth and workers have occupied up and down the country in defence of jobs.
The most determined
the workers of Laurence Scott in Manchester. For over a year they fought tooth and
THATCHER has declared war on all fronts. Black poople are harassed by
horrendous immigration laws which divide families and they are brought before courts on trumped up charges.
Today in Leeds th Bradford conspiracy charges which carry the possibility of life imprisonment. As Mick Connolly from the South East Regiona Council of the TUC said on a picket in Leeds last week: These people are being victimised for their past political activity The charges are designe to put tham in jail fo years.'
Now one of the defendants Jayesh Amin, has had all the charges against him dropped. Although he had a cast iron alibi for when the offences were alleged to have taken place, he spent 3 months in jail and has sat through four and half weeks of the trial before it was agreed he had 'no case to answer'. nail to save their jobs Occupying their factory. they faced bailiffs, police and flying helicopters. When the leaders of the engineering union failed to support them, the
Scott workers took up a
COCCI INTO ENEMI itself. Their struggle was an inspiration to all other workers facing -redun dancies.
Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982 page 3
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Sign up against war
y Jim Coutts CND National iommittee A VICTORY for the reedom fighters
Salvador will be a ictory for the youth f Britain, and a vicory for the youth of iritain in their fight gainst nuclear reapons will be ictory for the people fEl Salvador. This is ecause we face the ame enemy - the nperialist expanIonism of Reagan nd Thatcher.'
This 'British represen- how Manuel iravo — ative of the Salvadorean MLN views Youth ND.
CND has dealt rious biow to the warrive of Reagan and Thatter by mobilising thousnds of Cruise and TWILL people Tri-
ent.
But Youth CND nlike the leadership of ND. have called to the urgest possible mobilisaon on June cagan arrives and have structed local groups to impaign against Thatter's task force under the OTHES OUTO war with rgentina and "Bring ack the fleet*
Youth CND has taken rese decisions because it nderstands the unice of being against imerialist 44103301 hether it be introducing irst-strike nuclear ly Richard Rozanski, Revolution Youth HE CND rganised London's anti-war marches, calls for negotiated solution through the United Naons. Unfortunately this will not bring peace. he United Nations is dominated by the major Vestern powers Vest Germany. In this olonial era it is used by them to defend their sternational interests.
These imperialist
rediate between them-
the workers ates of Eastern Europe,
on struggles, and when ecessary fully back ounter-revolutionary rojects like in Korea and ic Congo.
Many Just causes :cognised the UN ieneral Assembly are ig. ored by the imperialistominated Security CounI. Namibia is a good ex mple. Constant calls to itroduce black majority ile are ignored by the /estern powers who suport the apartheid South frican regime.
The problem is tis: why should anyone iner than WHERE LEILE ivolved in negotiations ver the Malvinas? If there as no one living on the lands then it would be bvious from their loca-
cialist Challenge 4 June 1982 page 4
siles, aiding the murderous regime in el salvador, or using the navy to attack others.
The ever-increasing use military Reagan and Thatcher shows they are scared by revolutions erupting
places such as Nicaragua, Grenada and Bi Salvador, and worried by the grow-
their policies
unemployment.
The time is ripe to new war against Reagan and Thatcher; international unity and solidarity by the youth. However when we
of other countries the first obstacle the leadership of the Labour Party and trade unions.
When Foot lets Thatcher send the navy against
thousands of Argentinian 55460 he condemns workers to aeam. Omy Dy aiding workers in Argentina SETSE imperialism will we gain their
struggles against Thatcher
So in our fight against war we also have to fight to remove the Labour misleadership. By uniting the Tabour movement and
struggle with workers of other countries we can son out tac lones and the Foots, and we can make SUIC that STILLED never again sends its fleet against other countrics.
Jobs not War No Cruise no Trident Hands off El Salvador
How can we ensure
a lasting peace in the
South Atlantic?'
Ad Hoc Committee, which has
Britain, United States,
supposedly post-
tion that they're Argentinian. A colony of settlers doesn't reverse Argen-
historically Just claim to islands stolen by
Thai todders are That-
used as fodder by cher who doesn't give a damn if they all die in the fighting. The primary question for socialists
predatory claim to the islands, not self-
the Falklanders (as some on the left SULLES The islanders do have rights, but cannot be allowed to negate Argentina's claim to sovereignty.
The arrogant Tories refuse Argentinians the LOADS to settle on the islands, whilst their own Nationality Act denies the islanders' right to settle in Britain. They should have the right to continue living on the islands or be resettled wherever they want
N OUT OF NATO:
London Line). at Britain's expense, not to claim the territory on Britain's behalf.
If Britain wins the war, that will not be the end of the matter. British troops will be
BLANCE DUC islands for years to come, not only to stop Argenti-
military re-occupation but to stop the spread of any opposition to imperialist domination in the whole region, which is just waiting to explode.
The imperialist powers are not just sitting back. Already they are contemplating Nicaragua and Salwil do the same in Brazil, vador. Tomorrow Chile and Argentina. The resoung wars win make the present one look like chicken fecd. TaH bringing peace. • British victory WOUld- up future bloody conflicts.
By demanding an end to Thatcher's war and the recall of the fleet we are already placing the blame
Thatcher. We must take this to its logical conclusion: Tull recognition of Argentina's claim to the Malvinas! Britain must hand over the islands!
Malvinas/Falklands
FREE FR
-FE/
March with Revolution and sall Socialism! Join us on the big day and help sall socialist papers. Socialist Challenge and Revolution contingents on the 6th of June are joining the South London feeder march. Look for the Ravolution/Socialist Challenge banners. There will be a collection point for paper sellers just by the banners. If you are coming down by train or coach look for a Revolution or Socialist Challenge seller who will have a map of how to get to our central assambly point, at Belvedere Road next to Waterloo Tube. There will be sellers with information at the following places: Paddington Station; Kings Cross Station; St Pancras Station; Euston Station; Waterloo Station; Victoria Station; Ladbroke Grove Tube; Hampstead Heath BR (North
• STOP
LOUTH
Part of lobby at South Wales Labour Party conference
RESOLUTIONS are fooding from Labour Party and trad Michael ORDOST roots disgrace/ni BLOUSE TO THE WOr •pk tp them coming: we hope print a selection to show extent opposition to Thatcher's war But a further step is need-ed. We appeai to our readers
to and the war.
MISSILES socialist papers our future.
more. security.
FOOT HEALEY
break my heart'
PRIES
photo- C PUGH ISC
Call Foot to order
to see that resolutions go up to MPs who voted against the ference supporting tho Totemen condemne n ront bench's position calling for withdrawa of al British forces from the South unilateral
Cut 10 De We MONE manifesto. Keep us posted!
Socialist Challenge
FUND DRIVE '82
Fight the warmongers
HOW CAN YOU fight back against the warmongers?
Socialist Challenge and its sister paper, Revolution Youth, are dedicated to world socialism; we think this is the only way
In our view, it is imperialism, its greed, thirst for profits and the dageneration it brings, which causes war. We place our trust in those who have nothing to gain from war: the working and oppressed people of the world.
Socialist Challenge opposed the war in the South Atlantic, demanded the withdrawal of the fleet. Ustied States robbed the Argentinian come and people of the British claim, and showed how Britain and the We have campaigned tirelessly against it.
Our articles
States. We fight to build an
Revolution. Help us sell our paper; help write it: but most of all, heip us put its ideas in practice. Fill in the form below, and we can put you in touch with your nearest local group. Join us
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£5,000 raised
LAST WEEK we announced that mounting costs threatened
We appealed to you, our supporters and readers for a week's wages to put us back on the road. Our paper staff set a target of E4000 in the first week
There is only one way to describe the response
with pledges amounting to hundreds of pounds
Last week we said "We are quite aware that in asking for a week's wages we are asking a tremendous sacrifice from our readers and supporters. But we think it is worth it to keep the flame of revolutionary internationalism burning
Hundreds of our readers have responded to that appeal in a fantastically generous way
One of the most moving letters we received, together with a £10 donation, came from a retired woman living on social
She told us: 1 cannot send you my week's wages. I have not got any. I live day to day on Social Security. On top I am ill and old. I real-
might be the poorest of your readers.
Malvinas is a disgrace. This country should have returned it to Argentina a hundred years ago.
"How can an island in South America be part of Europe? Thatcher is playing with the lives of other mothers boys. nere. And the boys c ome to vour help, If sometning happened to vour paper it woul
On top of sending us £10, she also sent us a subscription to the paper. To her and all the other readers and supporters who
rush to our help, we extend our heartfelt thanks
But the response that we have received is only a quarter of what we need to stabilise us. The costs of producing a revolu tionary socialist paper, without the benefit of big advertising which sustains the national press, is becoming
We ask all of your to follow the example of some of our poorost rodours who nave mace an immense sacrice Just to send us a small amount of money. We need all of you to send a week's wages to set us on a firm footing to carry on the fight.
Next week we shall publish a full list of all those who have donated to our special fund drive appeal.
below Name.
Address
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Union/CLP (if any).
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From the very beginning and exposed the in-
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as far away as Brazil, Peru and the United
international socialist organisa- overYou have saved our paper. We have already receiv-
What is happening in Las
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Page 5 scan of this page
Reagan prepares hospitals for Euro-nuclear war
THE US DEFENCE Department is campaigning for every major US hospital to set aside a minimum of 50 beds to supplement military medical facilities in the event of a major war overseas. Nuclear war is included among the possible justifications for this programme.
DAVY JONES looks at Reagan's preparations for a limited nuclear war in Europe.
The Civilian-Military Contingency Hospital System (CMCHS) was launched by the Defence
bandrook entitled na
handbook entitled Combat, In the Community, Saving Lives Together" It explains role as follows: 'CMCHS is a mechanism which will prepare our nation medically support a future major conflict outside the United States.
*Because of technical advances in weaponry and the great mobility of armies today, a future largescale war overseas will probably begin and end very rapidly. produce
asualties at a higher rate than other Wit historv.
Thus we have created the CMCHS, which provides a mechanism for civilian hospitals to agree in advance to supplement the military capability carly in any large-scale future
The handbook goes on to explain how the civilian medical facilities harnessed by the CMCHS would
co-ordinated by area military medical commanders. explains that some 50,000 beds in all are sought for the CMCHS programme for US casualties from such a war in Europe.
A response from the US Department of Defence to an inquiry concerning possible nuclear conflict states: The most likely scenario for a future military conflict would be in an overscas arca using conventional weapons.
This does not rule out the
RAYGUN
including p&p. Sizes small, medium and large.
Cheques payable
T-shirts, PO Box 50, London NI 2XP.
possibility that such a war could escalate to a tactical nuclear exchange and planning must of course, consider that possibility. states: it is possible, ot Another course. that such a war could escalate to the use of chemical or tactical nuclear weapons within a combat theatre. believed however that any casualties resulting from such an escalation could be accommodated by our present military iealth care system and through the CMCHS framework.
The US Defence Department by March this year had persuaded some 433 hospitals to participate
programme, providing over 30,000
COSI of this massive operation in reim-
centres for their charg
The cash could only come from Pentagon's military budget
Last year there was considerable publicits given to the remarks of
Reagan and Sure Hair of State Alex-
about the possibility of limited
war in Europe through the use of tactical lucical weapons These 'tactical' nuclear weapons are defined as those of 20 to 25 megatons. To grasp the awesome scope of this limited" war it is enough
recall that the Hiroshita was oneeightieth of a megaton.
The CMCHS programme clearly illustrates that detailed planning. 1500% being made by the Reagan
REAGAN
The T-shirt to be seen in this summer! Just the thing for all CND/El Salvador demonstrations. Only £2.95
to Cardinal Enterprises. Orders to
administration for this NOTTCTCOUS military tion. Opponents of CMCHS programme within the US medical profession has been led by -the Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR).
The PSR Cans Una the Defence Department's nints at TENC STELE character of casualties envisaged strongly imply limited overseas use of
weaDons. SHIC their hypothetical casualty list shows 'a predominance of blast and thermal injuries" of a kind incurred in a nuclear exchange.
They also point out that the number hospital beds envisaged
(an unknown proportion
85,000 Veterans'
Administration beds, SUIC 20,000 Defence Department beds plus further 7,000 for war time,
the CMCHS) 162,000, which is more than the number of hospitalised casualties in the 15 years of the Viet-
The PSR's campaign has had some eitect. number of hospitals, including the University of California and Stanford University, as
medial a frid reginal
local regional bodies have refused to participate in Reagan's war preparations
Many of those opposing the CMCHS scheme have allened that its tung tion is to accustom the public to and preparations for so-called limited nuclear war in Europe', They point out that preparations for dealing WItn casualties from such a catastrophe are about as useful as our own Ministry of Defence's SETOLEEI Survive handbook, with its tips on makeshift fallout shelters made of old doors.
For example, there are only 1,000 special care burn beds in the whole of the United States. Yet such treatment would be at a premium for victims of nuclear war. Dr Howard Hiatt, vard School of Public Health, Tenorcer ERIS
Stop the missiles
SAVING LIVEE... TOGETHER
point for the PSR by recounting the case of a casualty with third degree burns over 85 the body roughly similar to cent of
nuclear casualty proportions.
In a special burns unit he received 281 units of fresh frozen blood plasma 147 units red blood cells units platelets and 36 of serum albumin. After six surgical procedures and a vast
of drugs, Ile supporting technology and specialist attention roundthe-clock the patient died on the 33rd day What chance the 150.000 other che CMCHS seramme casualties under
Socialists and peace campaigners HAVE been joined by many specialists and experts in questioning the very idea of a limited nuclear war Europe' Even former US Secretary of Defence Harold Brown and former Presidential Science Advisor and weapons' expert George Kistiakowsky have argued that once nuclear weapons are used the parties in the
wil be driven To the use of strategic nuclear
subjecting world to the risk of annihilation.
These new revelations of Reagan's nuclear war-mongering should be publicised as widely as possible. They illustra ust how ruth-
US imperialism prepared to be in
of its wide interests just as Thatcher's the South Atlantic has confirmed perialism's war capacities.
As Reagan visits the European capitals in the coming week socialists and peace campaigners should demand to know whether their own COVErTMENE laborating on the CMCHS programme. They should use this new information to extend the movement for an end to all nuclear weapons, and for the overturn of the perialist system which engenders nuclear
By Davy Jones
Quoting US secret service sources Der Spiegel claimed that Admiral 'Sandy" Woodward is empowered to use these nucicar missiles 'under serious circumstances LICENSLOVE DONCI the missiles and the torpedo estimated at between 13 warheads
and 20 kilotons, compared with the 13 kilotons of the Hiroshima bomb.
Tony Benn demanded from Thatcher at the outset of the conflict an answer on whether the fleet was carrying nuclear
Thatcher conWHOLDUES
fight World War Three in Europe -former Pentagon planner
Task force has
nuclear weapons
THE BRITISH Falklands fleet is equipped with nuclear anti-aircraft missiles according to the German news weekly magazine Der Spiegel.
sistently refused answer. When confronted last week with the report from Der Ministry equally refused to comment. the Us parmongers are warmongers are unhappy the prospect of Britain's task force carrying nuclear weapons.
Der Spiegel claimed that the US government was 'extremely concerned'
For the labour movement in this country it is even more serious. In our
EXCLUSIVE
We fought World War One in Europe; we fought World War Two in Europe and if you dummies will let us we wil
Rear Admiral Gene La Rocque, name the British arme forces may have •OCI authorised to nuke Arger tina.
Most British worker are completely unaware c this possibility thanks our fre press which has cor sciously failed to repo the Der Spiegel story (wit the exception of a sma report in the Times).
The Campaign Nuclear Disarmament an socialist activists shoul utilise this Spieg story to boost the growin opposition at the base c the labour movement British aggression in th South Atlantic.
Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982 page
Page 6 scan of this page
NUCLEAR I
ALEM MUSAF
By Phil Hearse RONALD REAGAN's visit to Europe will demonstrations Paris, London and Bonn. Britain the main demonstration will be organised by CND on 6 June. Ronald Reagan is rightly regarded as the person who has given the green light for a massive arming of US imperialism.
But the new and deadly nuclear arms race is only one arm of Reagan's military policy. In El Salvador the US is more deeply involved in a counterinsurgency war than at any time since Vietnam.
US involvement in CATESS against Nicaragua and Cuba, and its massive conventional re-armament, are pari of the same policy which leads it to boister its Imperialist chieftain Nixon are part of defending the American empire.
Here we attempt to explain the new rise of American militarism, and why Us imperialism is of necessity nuclear imperialism. that t the US has come closest to using nuclear weapons.
Defending the Empire 1 - From Saigon to Teheran
In the early 1960s President Kennedy decided to take the United States to war. He decided to draw the line against "international communism' in Vietnam, million American troops fighting the National Liberation Front and the North Vietnamese army.
At first sight this seems extraordinary. Why should the US go to such extraordinary lengths to save South Vietnam, a country of little economic significance? The answer has to be found in America's world role - that of international cop for capitalism.
In 1959 the US suffered a severe defeat. In Cuba, Fidel Castro's guerViotnamese leader Ho Chi Minh rillas came to power, overthrowing
see mass in Rome, In
nuclear rebelieves that
COULLITE.
Both
that And we show been during revolutions By 1964 there were half a
terests.
the US-backed Batista dictatorship. The revolution rapidly moved in a socialist direction. Elsewhere in the "third world: were challenging colonial powers. In Africa, movements in Mozambique, Angola and Guinea challenged Portuguese imperialism. The US became convinced that a wave of struggles was going to challenge the interests of capitalism across the face of the underdeveloped world
In 1964 the US started bombing Vietnam. The most barbaric weapons ot war bombs, chemical weapons — were us-
Led against the National - Liberation
Vietnamese peasants were indiscriminately slaughtered. The Us was saying that revolutions anywhere would face the full force of the world's mightiest military power. The war was intended as a demonstration
the US would not movements which threatened its interests.
The ALICECEI broken on the rock of the of the ordinary people of Vietnam. Who was winning the war was made very obvious by the Tet offensive in January 1968. The United States was on the road to defeat.
The final debacle came in 1975. During April the NEF soldiers sent the South Vietnamese army reeling. The NLF entered Saigon on Day. As a final humiliation, maining Americans had to flee the country in a rapidly organised airlift, with helicopters taking off from the roofs of government buildings as gunfire echoed around Saigon.
After 1975. battered demoralised, American pulled in its horns. But the situation was turned around by new and rising threats to American
shockwaves
guerrilla movements
guerrilla
fragmentation
Front. tolerate
effort
resistance May the re-
almost siege
and
imperialism
imperial in
In 1973, the Arab-Israeli war sen
through the world, because for the first time the
the oil-producing states decided to raise prices and supplies as a weapon against Western support for Israel.
The US especially consumption of oil products and vers expensive local oil, was hard hit An
mentality developed the fear of "Arabs attacking US interests was widespread.
This fear of turmoil in the Middle East challenging TO HICCU bolstered by the huge movement in 1978 which eventually led to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran. The Shah,
Wester
then restrict
with its huge
official
one of the faithful and third world"
morale.
tiny countries in the lerests were under attack.
Because
"Russian
colomal revolution.
The US,
the third word American nuclear
with should
Agency
gramme of reinvolve the sper dollars Thi movement af
nsanity of s
he huge MO dated Triden system, the missiles in BONESDET and millions of people
More and limited to Euro especially шаткарс Dron volved in the r this furious reresponse which the US and th
In fact quite delibe strategy to world capita
awars ocen ouse superiority and the use of nuclear
The NATO doctrine conventional weap we will fig weapons until we a blow up the world. - Morton Halperin
an imperial despot put into power 1953 by a ClA-organised coup, le
United States powerful allies in th
His overthrow came as a shatte ing blow to American prestige an
The US received another shat blow when in July 1979, the revol tionary guerrillas of the FSLN over threw the Somoza dictatorship in if
Central American sta of Nicaragua
Further trouble was als developing in Afric When South Africa troops invaded Ang in 1976, the Cub government in conc with the Soviet Union se troops to repel then
Cuban troops were als involved in the defence of the Derg
regime in Ethiopia, which ha overthrown the Ethiopian empero
Haile Selassi The US believed, rightly, that in mas
third world" its i
of the dominant communist ideology of the US, to officials began to sce this as all part c
plots Security advis Brzezinski began to calk of linkag
- that any advance in arms talks wi the Soviet Union must be linked to Soviet commitinent to hold back th
as we shall see lat began preparations for a fight back
Defending the Empire 2 - Nuclear Imperialism
superior should permit us to use mi force in defence of our inter
comparative freucom / becoma, necessory Eugene Rostow, Mead of the t Arms Control and Disermamer
The development of the amis race hi reached feartol proportions Dur 1981 the US embarked on a
deploment or Euros:
Page 7 scan of this page
Committee is now discussing
ference in October.
This Socialist Challenge.
doing so
and to equality.
will advance the cause of women.
which confront women today.
ing to deal with every day:
given by a woman railworker
• interviews with women from different
women
• a programme to beat the Tories
real change in society can take place.
abortionist MPs such as White,
which women need.
Anti-abortionists get smack in eye DESPITE the massive
of money and energy poured into the campaign to stop women having abortions, more people than aver think that women should have the right to choose one.
recent Gallup poll shows conclusively that: • 81 per cent of men and 79 per cent of women support the right to choose in con-
Socialist
Challenge
Labour's new
programme
for women
THE LABOUR PARTY'S National Executive
La gramme which is to be put before the con-
programme has been passed Over the page we print an outline of it, and explain our reasons for
What does the new programme propose for women? We asked Jude Woodward, from Manchester Labour Women's Council to explain and comment on the draft proposals.
Socialist Challenge
greets the Labour Party Women's
Festival and Conference
JUNE is a great month for women in the labour
movement. On 5 June women will come from all
over Britain to a giant festival to celebrate and
discuss women's rights. A march through London to
the festival will proclaim in action our right to jobs
The following weekend in Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
Labour Party women meeting in annual conference
will debate and decide many of the policies which
in thase few pages we take up some of the issues We look at the draft manifesto for the next
general election which is to be discussed by Labour's
National Executive Committee. We also look in detail
at some of the key questions which women are hav
• the basic arguments for positive discrimination as
• why abortion rights continue to be threatened and
why the trade unions should campaign for them
backgrounds on what the Falklands war means to
Even if the best policies in the world were to be
adopted by the Labour Party they would mean
nothing if they didn't get backing in action by the
mass of the labour movement. It is only through
mass action on the streets and in the factories that a
The sort of movement which repelled antiBenyon and Corrie is
necessary to win the fight for positive action, for a
woman's right to work and for all the other policies
sultation with the woman's doctor. • 76 per cent of men and 69 percent of women think that abortion should be provided on the NHS And in a real blow to the Pope the poll also shows that seven out of ten Roman Catholics support woman's right to choose, despite the teachings of the Church.
THE LABOUR draft pro- has long policy women. is that the NEC to discussing one.
It gets one portant issue right: that women's dependence their whole SUBICLY. It changes such as
• Reform of the regula. tions covering abortion by imposing
exists.
group Women in
THE ISSUE of abortion is
highly having as it does ethical, religious and political implications, tendency for people to sit on the fence and declare that it does them. It is solely as issue, but in wider implications as trade union issue and affects everyone.
So long freely available the question of the reliablity of workers lurks background women, the unions face an added dithiculty in working equality in the workplace.
When the government attacks the ability of one section of the workforce to work, unived for tie necess rise this power of the union
Whatever your particular chical view on abortion, that is your right as an individual; but neither the law nor any religion classifies the foetus as an independent human Miscarriages are neither given a death certificate nor a religious
As union the should expect protect the rights of all workers official to exercise as much control as possible over their worklife and
PARTY promised • Extension statement on provision. excellent will be
very im- of workers tively use economic procedures. underpins In status in proposes
social
UNIONS DEFEND
ABORTION
ALTHOUGH the Tories backed down from prosecuting doctors who challenged recent DHSS moves to restrict women's right to
tion form on the health service, the threat still
We reprint here an article written by a
of Post Office engineers Telecoms who argue POEU should defend the right to abortion.
emotive one,
but there is a continue decision on her.
not affect thought of women's and the fact has
abortion is not pregnancy. women
somewhere and their employers and towards
itself the mother's health.
LOTS political
being. of donis.
members our unions to pared
this page
• Labour's economic and
social strategy: page 8
security payments.
of nursery future
• Extension of the Equal Pay and Sex Discrimina- tion. tion Acts so that groups
can collecthe tribunal
addition the paper about recognises that women are being forced to provide unpaid services in the home to make up for the gaps as a result of the cuts. It recognises that women are concentrated in low paid,
choose.
choose,
a restrictive notifica-
ple, would
active in likc Dr that the
their career development. That The means supporting the right an individual woman to decide whether or not she wishes to
an unwanted pregnancy and not impose that
The public debate around on women abortion has its reflection in the TU movement. Both the TUC
Labou Party now understand abortion to be a union issue and have committed themselves to taking action to gain the right of individual women to decide whether not to continue an unwanted quest.
Before the *67 Abortion Act abortion was illegal and women broke the law. If they were rich a private hospital gave them a tion". If they were poor they us gynaecologica opera-
whelming ed knitting needles or gin.
The passing of th '67 Act made abortion legal if two doc abortion act. tors agreed there were grounds which made the continuance of the pregnancy more a danger to of
The doctor could take into tion account the effect of social fac-
leaves the legal, and moral interpretation of the act to the discretion tal part
control has lead to large tility" regional abnormalities: for example, in Dudly six per cent of abortions are on the NHS com-
SOCE CCIE Hartlepool. It is unacceptable that whether or not a woman gets an abortion is the result of
LABOUR'S PROGRAMME '82
• Labour proposals for women:
Labour MPs accept petition from NAC and LARC. LARC's three-point programme should be Labour polic unskilled jobs, and it pledges a
Labour government both to attack low pay and take measures to end job segrega-
This is a step forward. But it would not remove two major weaknesses from the Labour
Party's policy on women
First, what should be done job segregation?
'Women's jobs' have a lower status and pay than men's jobs.
/e need a pledge from the pa
y lor a programme of posit accon to get women into tradi tionally male dominated jobs
The policy is also weak on the issue of a woman's right to
Abortion does not appear in the section on women, and only merits two lines in the scohon on nean. While there is a pledge to improve facilities to achieve a woman's rignt to
the programme does not incorporate the three-point plan proposed by the Labou
Abortion Rights Campaign
This would mean, for exam-
that the Labour Party not pledged to decriminalise abortion. People
humungrord in bas London would remain open to
14 year sentences just for performing abortions.
greatest problem, however is that of a strategy to win women's rights. The docu ment concludes:
an anti-abortion gynaecologist imposing his/her political views
It is also unacceptable that parliament has HOL PUL this right. Sate, early abortions can ovailable on the HS through a become nationally change in legislation to make abortion legal at a woman's re-
In 1975 the National Abor ton Campaign was set up to detend the right of women abortion on demand. In a coalition with the TUC the Labour Party and many other organisations, the NAC organised over
public pressure which stopped three attempts
further 1 TCHETIC 1967
As a union we have not discussed or voted on the issue
abortion Although the POEU officially has no posi-
delegations TELE Labour Party have voted to de fend the 1967 Act and endors the position that a fundamen-
of women's rights over their own fer-
Our sponsored MPs positions on abortion reflect lack of discussion in the union.
The purpose of this article is to argue why the POEU should accept abortion as a legitimate subject for debate and why it
Socialist Challenge
EXCLUSIV
Gordon's Gin
to ensure our strategy fo women's equality is carried ou the next Labour governmen will appoint a senior ministe /with with special responsibility fo all matters related to wome and equality between the sex
Unfortunately a great de more is needed statement does not pledge th party to build a mass women movement could be necessary to sweep aside th obstacles to women's equality
It doesn't point to the cen tral role of the mass abortior
ampaigr e 6 Abortion Act defending th
rains of th or the role of the numerous in dustrial struggles of women fo equal pay in winning the Equa Pay Act.
Moreover women at factories such as Le
Jeans. Koval Pride and Tamar Names defended women's job against the Tories and struck : real blow women': economic independence all right. But what we need firs Women is a Labour Party that fights fc women's rights by building
WONCES movement suppostow will inth DUUUUE L WOENIEN clas women - and that will help pu Labour in office. Otherwise the I.P may not be in the position to give us a Minister for wome for a very long time.
should endorse the TUC's posi tion that women should legall be entitled
To an aporon o the NHS.
Women's rights is a nev area for the union to deal with The influx of women into th engineering grades will natural ly promote these discussions it the whole membership.
Child bearing is obviousl an important and NECESSEN function in society, a functior exclusive to women, and ther is no reason why women should be penalised for it.
The fact the women can fal pregnant when they do not wisl to is not something they shouk
be penalised for either
The power to decide to cor tinue ECTITTE such pregnancy ought not to be held by the Church, State, a docto but by women Themselves. other arbitrary body
ORGANISATIONS that 5U0DS nOre information Branches or individuals ma
affiliating NAC/LARC trade union liaisor committee (NAC Nations
An Roo London iT. 100127
(LARC) Labour Abortior Rights Campaign, PO Box 110 London SE21 BND
4 June 1982 page
Page 8 scan of this page
Labour's programme 1982
EXCLUSIVE
just to aet out and do the canvassing.
the Programme that Labour will base manifesto on. feront aspects of the Programme in more detail.
ments.
basis of Labour's
not a small clique that is accountable to no one.
Peoples
march
Jobs
Labour's Economic Strategy The first priority for a Labour government must be to tackle this immediate economic crisis and repair the damage pand the cconomy, to create jobs for all men and women. who wish to work, to rebuild industry and to restore public services
The next Labour government will frame its policies with the clear objective of reducing unemployment at least below a million within five years...
overall economic expansion with a crash programme of job creation, training and employment support to make sure that jobs are available for those who want work We will improve and expand training to prepare young people for working life ... to chiminale discrimination. and to ensure through positive acuon war women aaa brack people have an equal right to
dustrial relations by repealing
tion promoting positive development of trade union rights next Labour government will encourage ... a 35 hour week with no loss of living standards. We will also encourage more flexible rangements so that men and women can share the responsibility of looking after children
We have also made clear
opposition incomes policies There is a need for a national economic assessment of the prospects for the growth of the economy ... (which) has to embrace such issues as the share of the national income going to profits, to carnings
rom employment, to rents, to SOCIE DEICHES SHE TO DEEE E comes ... Consideration is also being given to the possibility of a national minimum wage
Labour will comply with its international obligations and in-
incialist Challange - 4 June 1992 page 8
party leadership because he publicly stated in Tribune that 'the party will be told not to worry about policy.
*Michael Foot does not want the rank and file in the party to discuss
its
This Programme has been passed onto us, with the excep tion of the section on foreign policy and defence. Labour's Programme 1982 will not appear before the membership until after the deadline for conference resolutions. That is why Socialist Challenge has decided to print extracts from the 600 page document. Over the next few weeks we will look at dif-
We believe that the Labour Party can only benefit from having the fuliest possible discussion throughout the labour movement on what policies are needed if Labour is to not repeat the mistakes and betrayals of previous Labour govern-
Now is the time that resolutions for conference are being put in the constituancies. These resolutions should form the
manifesto for the nex- весто manifesto that should be decided on by the membership and
Photo: GM COOKSON troduce a right to equal pay for work of equal value...
Labour will create legal rights tor unions to organise effective industrial without being subjected to legal challenge ...
The key clements of our programme for ownership are as follows: *The public assets sold by the Conservative should be restored to public ownership and the monopoly restored where it has been breached. *The public sector should be extended to include profitable firms in key sectors of industry and public enterprise should be used to support industrial planning ...
We wil thus return al m dustrial assets sold off by the Lones into public ownership at the carliest opportunity; we will restore the public monopoly in the field of post communications and private schemes such as Project Mercury and restore the ar- rights of the British Gas Corporation and British National Oil Corporations Sectors in which we have mace spectic commments to extend public ownership in inpharmaceuticals and dustry and building materials; dustry: major ports; forestry and timber. committed to take a majority stake in all existing and future North Sea oil fields Report on the Financial Institutions will be presented to conference this year. Among the proposals being considered
election
Chanter: 2
chapter 15 =
=
Chapter 19 Chapter 10 1 Chaple 11 1
are the following: - a national bank operating through post offices could be established by developing the Girobank and National Savings banк...
action Apport
our ealth LOUT common
rvice Iff government Stall
LUPE public
Labour's Social Strategy
At its core it must guarantec certain fundamental rights: - the right to work for all who want it. - the right to an adequate income whether in work or our. and tele- - the right to a decent home at
end a price people can afford.
an education which will develop each potential and equip them for their roles as and member of the community. the right to health care on the basis of need notability to pay ...
health
It is essential to act directy on inherited wealth which is by far the greatest source of infishing, equality. The next We are government
the exemption limit would be set at around E150,000 in 1982 prices ...
The National Health Service is today facing a double edged attack. While resources
De saie ser
standastian 1 the tane saras
coloreant and Trainine 20.10m
Food and serinanue
traduction 1 1 bosgzebenetve appract
Chepter 30 1 Nasite and Tarocal Sostal Servienn
Pas Tatt
Tool Dece
tetala and in Do
by taking National Clcaring ownership.
Support
four Izalth Barrice
Service Staff
ANUPE social encourged government
all pay beds years of the TUCEREICHE
profit-making
person's true health needs
walling hists... worker, parent A massive
of the Tories investment substantial reflating the Labour's policy Labour will introduce an
with effect from
ensure that at full market value ...
Labour government...
Democracy Rights
force.
the policies. case.
London...
of CS
street -a public stake in the banking system could be established
one or шоге татот DaNKS Inte public END One of LOW PA equal IN THE discrimination HEALTH the SERVICE governments NUD biem.
1981 will be to the services are being cut, private practice is being actively
government by the present We shall therefore separate private pracLice from the NHS by removing
within the TIrst next Labour Homosexuais We shall also take into the NHS those parts of the We will
private sector ed from which can be used to meet local
and reduce uals….
housebuilding and renovation protramme ha is a priority claim and restoration
LUS HOUSE would make a contribution to economy council The European on house sales is as follows: We will relieve public landlords of any statutory obligation to sell
our first days in office ... We will legislate to tain's
all future sales an We d not expect any increase in council rents in the first year of a
popular
and Humer
Our aim is to ensure that we have a truly accountable police
We will ensure that the
Police Constable will be given
Chief Constable responsibility for determining
area's general policing London is a special We will, therefore, Introduce special carly legislation
o create a policy authority fo
The London Speci Patroi Group and local SPGS .. should be disbanded
We are opposed to the usc
gas. water cannon anc plastic bullers We believe that people with authoritariar anu racis antaes saowa noi be recruited to the police force
should prohibited unless the officer has actually made an arrest or there is clear evidence that an offence might have been committed.... Ethnic minorities
the main reasons that black people do not receive
treatment and face
and immigration law has been
ASSELESC that black people are themselves the pro-
Nowhere has this been
tion control... The repeal of the 1971 Immigration Act and the
British Nationality Act among the bighest priorities for the next Labour government will take the lead in Labour stimulating a wide range of positive action programmes ir favour of black people ...
legislate to ensure that the age of consent is reduc-
21 to 16 for homosex-
The House of Lords
our intention to abolish the House of Lords ...
Economic Community The Labour Party and the labour movement in general is now firmiy committed to Bri-
withdrawal from the We shall therefore put this issue to the British people in the Manifesto and if elected on that basis we will take it as a
mandate tor with-
Our aim is to help bring about the unification of Ireland by agreement Base consen SOCC ween the two parts of Ireland
The people of Northert reland not expelled from the United Kingdom against their wishes. We do not accept, however, that this must mean veto on political developments in the hands of
Until such time that government achieved would wish to continue with direct rule .
We oppose an immediate or
policy of gradual withdrawal should be continued... Whilst we do not sec a return to jury trials for terrorist offences in the near future, we do believe that certain reforms of the pre sent system should be carried out We will repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act as soon as we take office. Local government finance Labour's first priority will be to reverse the Tories" massive cuts in rate support grant and in capital allocations allow councils to reverse the serious cuts in local services ... Labour WHEELE CHOVE BACCALO personal surcharges and bank rupicy which now hanes ove councillors We will repeal Heseitine's legislation and any penaities imposed against councillors …
GINEUSA
Youth The Labour Party recognise that young people are a distine tive section of society whose special needs and aspiration must be provided for... We will give all 16 and 17 year olds the
and opportunity receive education, training and work experience within our two year student-trainceships We will provide these young unempioved the studenttraineeship with at least E30 a week (at 1982 prices) to rise with the increase in average earnings. The allowance could be topped up through collectiv bargainings We will give consideration to reducing minimum voting age to 16 and ot candidature to 18
Page 9 scan of this page
Women and war
about it.
them.
arms, uniforms and drums.
conventions shows this,
poet, lived from 1874 to 1942.
this totally opposed to
war.
necessarily think
Argentinians were
rect to invade in the first
but this
ment's attitude is com-
pletely
amount of money which wrong.
is being poured into the
operation - and hospital
workers are having to
estrike for decent liv
ing wage. I think it's ap-
palling that young
are dying for this
both sides.
I would like to see a
ceasefire. Our union has
called for the implemen-
tation of resolution 502 of
, THINK all young people
should oppose this war in the Falkland Islands. Eighty per cent of schooi leavers are unemployed. We have no financial independence.
In September, with the Tebbit proposals we'll have to wait till we're seventeen before getting social security. When you leave school have to go on a slave labour scheme to get £15 per week. Most of which will have to be /our mum dad. foung people get rough deal out of this government. This war Went give te anything. After deaths and killing young
perle will end up worse
We might end up with this Tory government for another five years if they win.
It's like Ireland - Britain has no automatic right
Why we oppose
votes for men
1.
Because man's place is in the army.
Because no really manly man wants to settle any question otherwise than by fighting
Because if men should adopt peaceable methods women will no longer look up to
4.
Because men will lose their charm if they step out of their natural sphere and interest themselves in other matters than feats of
5.
Because men are too emotional to vote. Their conduct at baseball games and political
while their innate tendency to appeal to force renders them particularly unfit for the task of government.
Alice Duer Miller, 1915 Alice Duer Miller, the American novelist and
Terry Marsland
the United don't There should be an imthe mediate withdrawal cor- the fleet.
govern- I think it would be a good idea for the TUC to The talk with the CGT trade union federation Argentina. always capable of resolving things more than the bosses.
I think the should begin a campaign on among the memberships to explain what is going on. This war is going to escalate and I think that attitudes will begin change very rapidly.
Barbara Pulford
to these places. And the Falkland slands are 8,000 miles away. Britain gone into this war just to show its strength as anim. perialist power.
I'm against this war but I'm not a pacifist. I don't think most people like to see people being killed there's a difference you re fighting for you very existence, like in Salvador. People have got the right to determine their own lives. The Tories don't allow anyone to determine anything.
There are a lot of women in Youth CND, but it's not because we are the peaceful as women. women like us in Nicaragua and El Salvador that are fighting to the death in the war against American imperialism. throughout our history have been determined fighters against oppression - not
Nations
of
in Workers are
unions
to
has
but when
YOUI
Pat Arrowsmith that you would know that from reading school history
more books. The reason is that
It's we've got less to lose than
men.
The women's movement should oppose because Thatcher is waging Women war on women too. Seventy
suffragettes supported the first world war. They gave
up demanding rights and war effort instead.
the war, not because we're this war gentle, peaceful women but because it's against our inyears ago a section of the terests of all working peo- terests — and against the in-
ple young, white, male and female.
jobs.
islands —
solution but,
imperialism
you do nothing you take violent nature
of Trident missiles
to its knees, Ireland for more difficult.
to British policy situations it's not preach pacifism. think violent I was fifteen became a
TROOP SOU far it can go OF IRELAN
to a nuciear
wcapons Force. all weapons are
should name Thatcher. women's supported the
But we should oppose
old, black,
missile site.
TRADITIONAL images of women present them as weak, submissive - and 'peaceloving'. The left has
not been immune to this. In particular many in the Labour Party have fallen into this easy trap of saying
that women should oppose the war because of their
peaceloving natures. Socialist Challenge asked three women about their
attitude to war.
paigner and pacifist. Terry Marsland is secretary of the
Tobacco Workers' Union: Barbara Pulford is a sup porter of Revolution Youth, a sister newspaper of
Socialist Challenge
Pat Arrowsmith
I REGARD the Falklands as a colony snatched by the
British. The people who live there do have a choice -
either to live under Latin American sovereignty or to
move. People are often forced to move -
thinks anything of moving people to find work. Prac
tically the whole of Corby, the steel workers' town, is
populated by Scots who moved down in search of
Britain cannot garrison the in the long run they'l
have to be Argentinian. Many
United Nations as the pead tut putting forward the
in the to my
would depend what the UN dic
It's most likely to suppor
ceaselire but the most realistic tavour should
way to achieve it would be if the
fleet were withdrawn.
Iam a pacifist, which means
that I don't believe in war as a
method of solving social con-
Pacifism doesn't mean ment Just means action of a non-
I think it's a contradiction less
for socialists to applaud killing.
I believe in sabotaging property
pacifists in the United State
have messed up the nose cones
There are
methods of non-violent action
— such as mass industrial acton which could bring the state women's
but in Northern example, that is issue.
- don't condemn the IRA bombings in public - I explain that they are a direct response mine.
- in some useful to lands!
But I don't tactics work. I was a child in World War Two.
when the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima; 1
_pacifist because of the nuclear bomb. You have to look for an alternative to arm- ed conflict when you see how We forget
ine Malvinas spisode bears decades ago. this out: suppose it escalates in-
war? We don't know that there aren't nuclear
aboard the Task
I think it's significant that male gods (apart from one lase named after called Helen), but I think they
one after It's simplistic to assume that women are more
Look at Gandhi, Thatcher, Meir, Nazi SS camps were personned by women as Women demonstrators at the Greenham Common Cruise
Pat Arrowsmith is a veteran cam-
no one
well. People who are oppressed
can become oppressors.
There's an element of truth
from the boys' slogan "take the - men do like toys
gadgetry etc, , but that's only on
level. I don't think have
women's section against the
Malvinas war, but 1 do think
the women's movement should
work against it.
Also, women have played a
major part in the CND move-
from the beginning.
think that could be to do with
being a woman -
women nave
Perhaps they are more concern- interest war
ca abou children and the
future; but that doesn't make it
a feminist issue. I don't think
all issues worth supporting are
feminist issues as such. I would
the black, gay and
the fight against the bomb bit movements to
it's not especially a women's
My pacifism has more to do with my family. An uncle of
example,
former governor of the Falk-
RAJ-END
Our flabby union jack now hangs slack. the ack-ack guns of world war two ran out of flak
That shabby flag land all it sags for) no longer fabricated in mills of Accrington, but manufactured where this scrap of cloth no longer flaps its flaccid vanity -in India, Taiwan, Sarawak. The Union jack is just a load of cack. PAT ARROWSMITH Socialist Challenge 4 June 1902 page 9
Page 10 scan of this page
Case for positive action
women BR guards,
tion in law and practice.
British Rail is an equal opportunities employer, What does this mean?
I don't think it's made very much difference at all. Women still do the low paid jobs they still work catering, cleaning, secretarial and office work. work as a guard with two other women guards and over 200 men in my depot. According to BR there are only about 40 women guards in the wnoic county. seven years after the Sex DISCH COACE
I don't think being an equal opportunities has made any difference to BRa all. Jobs in BR are still divided along sex lines with men taking the highly paid, skilled jobs and women in general taking the low paid, unskilled jobs.
Why do you think it is that women don't take these jobs? Surely in many cases they don't apply?
Many women don't know they can get these jobs. How many women know they could become a train driver guard? Working as a guard, you get some very startled looks
rom passengers. The industry doesn't advertise the jobs. London Transport ads, for example, SHOW WOLICE SEVE OUSES CILE this encourages women — but this is not the normal practice.
Also, there's prejudice at the point of hiring. For exam-
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Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982+ page 10
BRITISH RAIL is supposed to be an equal opportunities employer giving women a chance to take jobs that up to now have been open to men only. JUDITH ARKWRIGHT spoke to ROSE KNIGHT, one of the few
about working in rail and the broader questions involved in fighting for positive ac-
ple when I wanted to get a job as a guard, I signed my name without putting Mrs and I got letters back to Mr Knight. I finally got offered a job and it wasn't until I got to the interview that they realised I was a woman they felt too embarrassed to turn me away.
But I did this because 1 knew they wouldn't offer me this job - they would offer me a job in the office or a cleaning job. That's the sort of prejudice that exists. Then there's the question of training. I was treated very well and every ef fort was made to make sure I kept up with everybody else.
But there are certain things in training to make ONCT CEOT VOICE CHEE take the job. For example we had to lift a very heavy piece of metal called a buck-eye. The inSLEUCUOLS training and showed techniques but since I've been a guard I haven't had to lift one because modern trains don't use them.
I found out that women had lent because of it. This example exists in many jobs along with height qualifications which are often totally chest expansion requirements.
Things which are our were to cut women out A lot of it has to do with confidence as well because even very heavy metal bars can be lifted if you feel confident and you're taught the technique.
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But there are jobs women simply do? deliberately
I don't accept this. If you look round the do agricultural work. you ve got over 3000 womer miners. the war period in Britain when women every job that had to be done. The training school at the depot where I work was set up during the war in order to train women guards in fact.
You have to say that there are certain requirements need. ed for a certain job and that joc
then and women. What should
be born in mind is that women,
they've only done certain jobs may need special training order to get over some of the hurdles — particularly in jobs requiring manual labour.
But should want to do these jobs?
Because nave nad loos with rouen pay which are badly Women want well maid 1005 they want jobs which are well
And they want jobs that more interesting. Women only carn about sixty
the types of jobs which we do
But isn't discrimination of the type you describe illegal under For example, employers aren't allowed to discriminate at the point of hiring for a job?
Well if you can prove it, yes. But usually discrimination. prove that someone hasn't of fered you a job because you're a woman. The Sex Discrimination Act respect. What it does is to allow positive
Women's Rights
* BRITISH RAIL =
Unions should fight for positive discrimination at the point of hiring
which could not point of hiring. can
world you see that
YOT heavy taken on.
In the USA anywhere.
You only have to look
did just about
fact,
could be taken to because discrimination. in
expense of men?
women for too long
organised.
available to are
per cent of This is because of
legislation? surely NO WORK.
ACES
ridder 10U cannot
is negative in that
discrimination
153.33
AUDINGTON
IGE SCU STRIKE BULLET
advertising and in training. Bu it doesn't allow any form of positive discrimination at the
It doesn't say that union.
demand that a certain percentage of women must be
So in that sense it doesn't go
What the Sex Discrimination Act did was to terms try to remove certain obstacles needs. but it didn't force employers to radically change their employment practices by forcing them to mire women and tram caci
under
to take on 50 per cent of women
apply across the whole range of jobs to make up for past discrimination, under the present law they
court by
man and accused of sex
So what you're arguing for
favouritism towards But isn't there workforce. danger of favouritism at the
JObs I think that's the kind of argument that the management uses
SCIE CREHECHE you get from the men you work
All jobs ought to both men and women and it's only because of unemployment that people see women as taking men's jobs divisive It's also because of a rather old fashioned idea that men are still highlights the breadwinners. But there sa high percentage of women who other are single parents and bringing
ROSASE O
work
The
pay up children on their own.
1 realit! even if women
vage is made up of the wage o
›oth people. It's quite imposs ble now for most tamilies live on the wages carned by the average man. The woman has to go to work and her work is as equally important as his work
of their economic
But in the present situation where there's only a certain amount of jobs to go round is this policy practicable By in for that because an
jobs because unemployment, you're not tackling the basic issue, which is that more jobs should be provided. What you're doing is discriminating against one section of the lahour force.
What needs to be recognised is that women have a right to
permanent
What positive ac tion does is to show they don' have this. They're only allowed
when the economy te quires it such as during war time. That situation has to be done away with and there must be compensatory measures to make women equal.
Some people think - even people in the Labour Party
that positive action because women's demands at the expense of
working people.
Others say it's irrelevant to
A woman's right to
the case for
positive action
60p plus p@p. Orders ove
each, Cheques to Booksho
Order now from The Othe
BOOKSHO! London N1 2XP 328 Upper St
working women because it's only about getting more women newscasters more women MS. What good will that do us?
Working •divided because
segregation exists The employers use this to their own advantage to lower everybody's
For example, if you're a carriage cleaner in BR - and carriage cleaners work much harder than I do - and take home around 255 per week. that's seen by the employer as the basic rate and all other wages are determined by this They only get away with thi because most of the cleaner are women and because of th threat of unemployment
I don't think that socialist
hould stand back and acce
his situation. I think that you fight to get women yay and equal access to all job
as a campaign every worker, and you're doing away with the idea that it's possible in the 1980s to pay people
question, I can't understand it, because it's precisely working class women that have the rot ten jobs - - who work part time — who work in non-unionised, sweated industries. So positive action is more relevant to them, not less.
What can be done?
We have to take the issue up in the unions and Labour Party
has a very radica
policy which calls for positiv
discrimination at the point o hiring. It wants the law to b changed to allow employers to
recy. misery mean
only actually means
amending section 48 of the Sex Discrimination Act.
This would make a very b particularly dustries like heavy engineering where there are
women at all Some forn of
mandatory procedure needs to be implemented. We need very heavy fines and methods of en forcement. We don't want another situation like the Equa Pay Act where employers spent
five years getting out of it.
The Labour Party should
take this up and commit the next Lapour government to t
necessary amendments. In fac
something that I think
would make people vote
Labour if they showed the were really committed to this
process and not half hearted about it.
We need action as well to
defend women's jobs and at
tack mractement s
discriminatory practices
think that unions must insist or
TOSHEROI WaCK
women work and what percen
tage of women work and wha
they earn
1 think we could start negotiating around the ques-
tion of goals and targets and
monitor the progress
employers like BR which cal
employers but which de
employers
nothing to put this into prac
tice
Many people don't
know if their employer is an
cqual opportunity employer
Such a process will uncover
discriminatory practices in all
areas including redundancie
and has to be part of the overal!
fight against unemployment.
Page 11 scan of this page
IPERIALISM
i that we will fight with IS until we are losing, with tactical nuclesr losing, and then we will
formerly a top Pentagon
dominance is not just about confronting the Soviet Union. It is about providing the strategic umbrella and back up to ail the US military operstions against revolutions.
-In fact, the times when the US hat COLLIC CHOSPSE EO weapons have nor involved an eyeball
cycball confrontation with the Soviet Union in Europe called Central Front frontations with revolutions in the 'third world',
During the Korean war in 1950
when US forces were in fall retreatio the Pusan perinsula and when a year later Chinese trOODs prevent the defeat of Koreans, WHCHILE USE weapons was closely debated in US ruling circies.
In 1962, President Kennedy went to the brink of world war in a conflict
mister in Cuna And when in 1954, French troops verge of their devastating defeat at the hands of communist Vietnam at the battle of Dien Bien Pho, the US hatched a plan to rescue them by using tactical weapons against the troops besieging them.
Again, President Nixon threatened the use of nuclear weapons against the Vietnamese in the early during the siege and blockade of the North Vietnamese ports.
Although from the point of view of humanity the nuclear arms race is totally irrational, trom the point of view of US capitalism, it has a logical and functional purpose. Overwhelming muclear superiority by the US serves four crucial purposes:
maintains aconomic siege warfare against the Boviet Union and its While the arms race business in the US, for the USSR
the Soviet economy is naplanned and not subject to
permanent drain on its resources.
cconomically weaker technologically tar less developed than the LIS. The US has always attempted to economically damage the Sovier Union by controlling exports to the Soviet Union, incloding an embargo on advanced technological goods, through military competition and the use of blackmail over grain
al Khrushchev's ramous We statement, warned the a will bust you'.
2) It forestalis the possibility of the use: of Soviet conventional military force in Europe. The first use of muclear weapoas has been a Key pillar of NATO strategy since the formation of the alliance Soviet conventional Forces in Europe have for vears been immensely more powertut altan chose of the Western
Thus to prevent
the BiES han always threatened the Ist use of nuclear weapons. ty there has been much talk of the son or a meatre nuclear war
mired to Burope: The Cruise missile
reciscly for such a pur-
strategic post
by thousands
nas Many
positions.
However always
missiles in Cuba -
hanless
the so- stopped hut con- tion of Soviet
superiority.
intervened to
the North
nuclear
tional forces
on the
trooDs in
Already it has •nuciear exercise
Sibility OI US bombers flew
1970s, flew home again. ducing region.
form of
good for
volcanic region. - IL ICOTESCHES A
In
Union
and Kingsland Hich Sr. London ES.
BID
in 1949.
military conannihilation
of miles of hostile
borders from Turkey to Japan while
great strategic security. of the countries which surthe Soviet Union are hostile to like Pakistan and Turkey - and
have US Nuclear bases and forward
The US has, refused to accept
case is the Cuban missile crisis. The
decision to site Soviet medium-range
which in the carly
1960) context of no Soviet possession
of ICBMs would have meant a big
change in the strategic balance — was
mer by the US with the threat to go to
WETS
withdrawn. Cuba was blockaded by
the US navy and Soviet ships were
and searched. The preven"forward basing"
dependent on overwhelming nuclear
4) US nuclear superiority anables
it to use its conventional forces
much more freely. For the US to
respond to developing revolutions in
the colonial and semi-colonial coun
tries it needs new and flexible conven-
- but these have to be
backed up by a nuclear umbrella. The
conventional force build-up is taking
the form of the construction of the
Rapıd Deployment Force which aims
to put 100,000 men in the field within
engaged in a with Egyptian
troops, Just to demonstrate the nex-
conventional Col-
orado, dropped their bombs in the
Egyptian desert, turned round and
The Indian Ocean island of Diego
Garcia is being turned into a fortress
by the US. Diego Garcia is within a couple of hours flying time of nearly
the whole of the Middle East's oil pro-
These are just some of the more visible signs of US preparations to go to war against colonial revolution.
THE PEOPLE are like volcanoes: no one sets fire to them, they explode alone. And Central America is a
Fidel Castro, July 1980 DEFENCE of the revolutions in Cuba, Grenada and Nicaragua and support for the revolutions in progress throughout the region are the twin themes of this new pamphlet.
Published by Socialist Challenge supporters in East London it provides up to date, factual information and is an invaluable introduction to politics in this area.
To pages: 5 colour cover, 30p a single copy plus 12p postage. Bulk rate avanadle on reowest. No sale or return
Also a singularly beautiful new badge! For a Reagan-free Caribbean ir yellow, red and black. 20p each plus 12% p postase.
Order both from East London Socialist Challenge c/o PO Box 36, 136
Other badges can he ordered as well, please specify: 1 Jobs not Bombs; 2 1 wor aeror anarcher: sop cruise Missiles.
Make cheques payable to: Hackney Book Group
FAREWELL DOLE!
I'M OFF TO JOIN THE BRITISH ARMY!
But in addition the US maintains permanent military 'advisors" and aid to reactionary dictatorships world wide
Since the second world war, the US has used its conventional forces directly against the colonial revolution on many occasions. The most notable CATC Korean war 1950-3; the CIA-officered overthrow of the left-wing Arbenz regime in Guatemala in 1954; the sending of marines to the Lebanon in 1958 to put down a left wing revolt; the crushing of the left wing Bosch regime in the Dominican Republic by marines in 1965; and of course the use of half a million troops to try to crush the Vietnamese revolution between 1965 and 1971.
This world wide use of US military muscle requires decisive nuclear superiority because fighting revolutionary, nationalist or other movements detrimental to its interests the US also threatens the strategic interests of the USSR which possesses nuclear weapons.
Thus US imperialism is of necessiSocialist Challenge supporters march imperialism, for a nuclear-free Europe on 6 June, we shall also be marching against the system which gives rise to nuclear
imperialism. nuclear 'exterminism' means defeat the system of permanent oppression and barbarity which Reagan CUE COCHELS Thanks to Mike Davis who let us use some of the material 'Nuclear and minism and Cold War (NLB forthcom ing) in drawing up this article.
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Page 12 scan of this page
El Salvador - the front line
Polish workers fight Stalinist repression
By Phil Hearse POWER in El Salvador has been held for decades by just 14 families. But in July 1979 in neighbouring Nicaragua the dictator Somoza was overthrown tionaries, opening up new possibilities for all the people of Central America and posing the United States with immediate problems.
Its allies - Honduras, Salvador run by oligarchies which rule through military dictatorships or the military.
The US feared the
rowing power of the let
1 El Saivadd "1979 they In October they СПАСССС а CORO AMES the dictator Humburto Romero. This brought to power a combined civilian military junta led by Christian Democrat Duarte, which promised reform.
Romero's replacement by the junta indicated the WeRKHer ruling oligarchy and not SLECHULN From October 1979 there was an exploSIOn o1 mass strugaC demonstrations, land occupations and strikes with the revolutionary organisations being significantly strengthened.
When the Duarte junta collapsed in February '81 the revolutionary groups joined with oligarchy forces In-
the social demoCUU.LL cratic MNR and the Chris tian Social Party to form the Revolutionary Democratic Fron (FDR).
They also formed a Joint military command, the
Liberation Front (FMLN).
February 1980 was a
turning point:
HCI08000 Romero, champion of the poor, was assassinated by right-wing death squads commanded oy Roberto D'Aubusson now president of the assemblv armed organisations 01 the FMLN came out on the Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982
by the Sandinista revolu-
Guatemala and El - are, like Nicaragua, small states
governments incorporating
streets to protect the mass demonstrations.
During Romero's funeral the army and nanonal guard showed their colours by firing on th hundreds of HOU SCLE assembled before the cathedral San Saivador. A bloody war of attrition had opened up. 25,000 people have Since up to
been slaughtered by the death squads - right-wing para-
strong links with the national guard But revolutionar organisations, all of which have
political fronts as well as military wings, wunsea inc new situation to organise in the coun-
zones were established in many parts of the
COTTLEY cluding near San Salvador the capital for a generalised ottend The FMLN sive as the politics of the countryside became polarSCE DE WCR TROse TOrne oligarchy and those for the guerrillas.
The oneni Januar was launched on 1981. Military positions all over the country were attacked. The town of Santa Ana was occupied. Attacks took place all over San Salvador.
But the general strike called for by the guerrillas was only a partial success.
page 12
The urban arly in San Salvador, were noEm a posidon to De Dro anc the F the adeles- tected guerrillas, ted preparatory work in the towns.
But the January 1981 offensive was not the tinal
By Davy Jones
Polish military moved to crush the independent trade union
riot police. camps.
The crackdown by the military outlawed all
activities. Those organising resistance were
Lech Walesa put nouse arrest. All Justitied by the need to "defend socialism'
But Solidarnosc was no threat to socialism, only to the bureaucratic elite who run Polish society. Solidarnosc never called for an end to state owner ship TaCTOTeс and workplaces. It called for
privileges and corruption of the bureaucrats aua DarL oI ficials.
Solidarnosc
TCISCI. ted twelve million workers, small tarmers. students and others united in favour of workers' selfmanagement and democracy.
Solidarnosc was itself a model of democracy. All discussions were recorded and available t0 every
International,
FMLN R
offensive" that the bour-
SEDIS STES CANCa SIwa
La rehearsal for a prolonged war of attrition to bring lown the junta The United States res ponded to the 1981 offensive by pouring in military
and and personnel to ALMOST six months ago, on 13 December, the
movement Solidarnosc. Dozens were killed, factories occupied by the and thousands put in interment
member, all negotiations opcn/V broadcast Every official was elected and recallable. programme was adopted only after exhaustive discussion.
But Solidarnosc posed a deadly threat to Poland's rulers, a huge bureaucratic apparatus organised by the Communist Party with its LEWE and political privileges in a post-capitalist state.
It was this apparatus backed up by the Kremlin which ruthlessly moved to
repress Solidarnosc. In so
doing reinforced the
myth that the only alternative to capitalist misery exploitation Stalinist terror and die-
tatorship.
But Solidarnosc has
not been crushed. Its deep
roots facilitated
widespread underground
resistance. On May Day 100,000 marched in the
PATRIA
Two sides of the El Salvadorean revolution: results of the death squads and an FDR/FMLN celebration strengthen the Salvadorcan armed forces; they launched a counter-attack raiding villages all over the country. Bút the FMLN re-organised and strengthened itself
By autumn 1981 the capital Warsaw and Gdansk, birthplace of Solidarnosc
Solidarnose needs the British labour movement's support. Reagan and *Thatcher shed crocodile tears. Bur as enemies of are no friends of the Polish SOCIISL acmocrac WOEKERS
The Labour Party, trade unions and youth should take the lead in organising solidarity with Solidarnosc. Already exil-
workplaces, and Polish DESCHE have OCCI adopted by labour organisations. The Solidarnosc trade union working ordinates these activities.
Solidarity committees based on the labour movement spread sondarosc s message. The Manchester CULH EICE IEC CA LEO! a national labour movement conterence 1o1 Осtober, already endorsed b several Labour MPs and union officials.
Activists should campaign commit the Labour Party and TUC to
MUERTE
tide had turned again and the FMLN launched renewed offensives, sabotaging industrial and economic targets, bringing down power lines all over the country, destroying half the Salvadorean air force in an audacious atcall a national demonstralion in Decemner to mar. one year of martial law and help establish
Glasgow Morgan 041-649 8958 COLTOn
burgh,
Ring 061-620 2885
490927 South Yorks Polish Solidarity Committee
617174 Nottingham Labour Solidarnosc, c/o 3 Elm Close, Nottingham
Murray, 021-773 5396 Coventry Solidarity ASTMS. 26 Queens Road, Coventry
Road, Oxford. Ring 0865 58238.
London NWI. Ring 01-458 1501
Labour Focus
Kingsland High St. London ES
Solidarnosc Trade Union
Philbeach
tack on the main base, and extending -liberated
zon the seege or ti
The struggle the Salvadorean -DEUDIC WL also gaining more interna tional recognition which culminated with the recognition of the MMwNUk as a legiti mate political force by the Mexican and French governments.
The recent fraudulent elections in El Salvador, boycotted by the opposition, brought a sharp shift to the right in the oligarchy, with the big electoral of the extreme SUCCES Roberto bALbusOn. ARENA evertla. Whatevey the was also marked Turguerrillas. memmenesbe ween 38s andis the and the right-wing LOTELSLCU who run the country, the outcome o the struggle will be settlec by the armed struggle The danger that the US will intervene with troops is very real. But whereas internationa reaction ha lined up behind the milirulers. the FDR/FMLN necd much more international support. They are in the front ine of the struggle agains HSVSLE WHICH KOCOs SMaL and ruthless minorities ir power and inc ordmar
pe Phil ther Poal victory
our task is unrelenting solidarity, continuous campaigning against American involvement GACKEE D" PESSESBEE people of El Salvador, like people Vietnam before them, will not fight a one
Contact the ei Salvador Solidarity Campaign at 29 Islington Park Street London N1. Tel. 01-359 2270. a solidarity movement in TNS COuBErT CanDOnH the cause of workers power.
Solidarnosc Solidarity Committees
Polish Solidarity Committee, c/o Gordon Durward Avenue, Glasgow G41. Ring Polish Solidarity Committee -CFO Edinburgh & District Trades Council, 12 Picardy Place, Edin-
Greater Manchester Polish Solidarity Committee, c/o Jon Silberman, 51 Montrose House, Crete St, Oldham,
-COOS T OnSH DOnCaHL Commute cro wave recker 28 Roundhay Mourit, Leeds 8, Yorkshire. Ring 0532
, c/o Rab Bird, 279 Ellesmere Road, Sheffield, S4 DP. Ring 0742
Movement Solidarity with
Birmingham Polish Solidarity Committee, c/o Roger
Blackford Road, Birmingham 11. Ring
Committee, John Fisher c/o
CATOTO ADOLEME DRORESONB0
Eastern Europe Solidarity Campaign, 10 Park Drive,
Bastern Europe. Box 23, 136
Working Group in UK, 64 Gardens. Earis Court, London SW5. Ring
Page 13 scan of this page
THE VOICE OF THE ARGENTINE PEOPLE Malvinas yes, government no'
Raising the Argentinian flag over the Malvinas THE GENERALS have run Argentina with a rod of iron since 1976, 30,000 oppositionists disappeared' kidnapped and vanished without trace
or killed. believe a British victory in the South Atlantic will help oust this despicable regime.
nian people see it, according to an exile who spent five years in the junta's jails Rafael Runco, Socialist Chellenge, explains that they see the current conflict as a chance to settle accounts both with the junta and imperialism.
the junta? The Argentinian class, which has struggled heroically
What led the junta to take the Malvinas/Falklands?
The armed forces took power in a bloody coup in 1976 because the in-
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with
Many British socialists
But this is not the way the Argenti-
interviewed here by
Whom should we trust to deal with
working
creasingly strong working class popular mobilisations which had threatened imperansm s grip on the country. But after six years of dictatorship the country was in deepening political and economic crisis The military found it impossible assert its
IMPERIALISM
GOES TO WAR
Cheques to: International,
fleeing from it?
fleet, and recognise
while we deal with ours.
against another working Rafael Runco says, stopping
to help get rid of General Galtieri.
Police races inh
when faced with economic bankruptcy.
Also the internal solidari-
ty of the armed forces was
being weakened
All underground movements recently started to reappear. From last December when Galtieri took were strikes and demonstrations.
Un 50 March, there were
including 20,000 in Buenos Aires. About 2,000 were arrested and, in Mendesa, one killed. There was a movemen, sappeared led by the relatives
people and of political prisoners, against rights violations.
Even sections of the bourgeoisie were disturbed THe CUC class by the cconomic situation. So the armed forces were in a tight corner and need ed to do something.
They had three aims.
First, to divert attention from internal problems. Secondly, to regain prestige internally and also all over Latin America and the Third World, especially after sending troops to Central America, and intervening in Bolivia.
Thirdly, and perhaps
MOS importantly, to rebuild unity and solidarity within the armed forces.
What has been the response?
The government wasn't able to sell its line to the Argentinian people. From the very first, with the demonstrations of 200,000
Malvinas /Falklands.
Argentinian firepower on the streets after 1976 military coup against it for six years? Or Thatcher, who armed it, fêted its ministers, and closed Britain's doors to the refugees
Socialist Challenge supports a class response: stop the war, bring back the
people's rights - including sovereignty of the Malvinas/Falklands - in order that they can deal with their rulers.
International working class unity is only possible if we refuse to support the aggression of our own ruling class
class. As Thatcher's war-mongering is the best way
after the occupation, everybody went on to the SUCCES celebrate not because only of the
ICCOYCTY or me istands. but to demonstrate against the The slogan was 'Malvinas yes, government no'
So the government's first they couldn't divert attention Irom problems.
The second aim, that of gaining prestige, also failed. Although and Nicaragues like Cuba support Argentina they make clear that what the are supporting is Argen tina's anti-colonialist claim, but not the government.
Revolutionary organisations like the Salvadorean FMLN have taken the same position, and have also asked Galtieri to withdraw his troops from Central America — which he has done. Thirdly the government failed to unite the armed forces.
What's been happening recently?
There has been a very fast recovery - bv oppositional organisations: in
idaria, a unifying front of the five main political parties from the Peronists to Christian Democrats.
The trade п101 Neeration dominated the - 15 by Peronists, has been growing because most workers support it.
But people have taken advantage of this, and local CCTs and Multipartidarias are springing up
everywhere. Frequently
they have nothing to do
with the bureaucracy, and
in some Daces they are
formed by the left, not by
the five partes Becauss
he name •Multipartidaria
is allowed by the govern-
ment, they are using it.
The unions have taken into their own
hands and in every factory
are setting up local CGTs.
So now we have the
strongest and best organised opposition the government ever
In the first weeks the effects of the crisis were val) 8000 in on ante was rebirth anti-
colonial feelings, not just
in Argentina but also reactionary governments like Venezuela and Peru posed Britain and America as well Even Venezuela, the most reac tionary civilian government in Latin
has supported American strategy
oI In Central America, has called for an Organisation of American states without the USA because Reagan's stand.
When the actual fighting began, bringing the first casualties, think that the situation changed. Now the continuation of the conflict is
the needs in orde to justify themselves continuing in government.
The people are saying •Malvinas yes government no'. But the govern ment knows that when the crisis is over they will carry
saying 'government no'. So we think that natche giving the justification the armed forces need in order to stay in power.
Argentinians don't want this war, any war But Britain's role in this conflict is the continuation of two hundred years of aggression.
Everybody is ready to go to war against Britain if
But it doesn't mean we support the government.
The CGT made tempt to visit Britain which was rejected Have they made any further attempts?
No one in Argentina put iny confidence in the CGI leaders. But those are the only organisations allow-
Rafael Runco
ed, so everyone takes ad-
vantage of them, and they
are used as a cover to
other activities
A week after the crisis began cians and trade of politi-
trade unionists decided
La proste
government offered to pay the tickets, but they retus-
ed in a press conference They said they were going to explain point view, and that they would have nothing
with the govern ment.
They came to Europe and said they wanted to contact the British TUC.
they received answer.
1980 Nobel prizewinner, Esquivel, spent two weeks in Paris trying to get a visa to come here to put the Argentinian people' point of
view. He doesn't suppor the government he was in prison with me after he
got the Nobel Prize The
Home Office refused hir a visa.
The British government, and probably the trade unions, have been closing their ears to any attempt by any section of the Argentinian people to explain the real situation.
If the TUC, or any sec tion of the abour move ment, invited them and if this was not a manoeuvre to use the opposition of Argentinians
SUPPORT is nand that the Argentinian
Argentnian trade union federation, CGT, - should visit Several MPs have taken it up as did delegates
addressed b ASTMS conference during last weekend's
We appeal to readers ro pass motions in Labour Par
LPYS and trade branches, calling for the CGT
KOYCECH I think the
©GT would still be ready to come. We refugees ars
willing to talk to anyone, if
opposition to the government is not used to support the British in this war.
What do you say to peoBitightas a war against who support the fascist dictators?
We don't think a victory for the junta would mean the end British perialism although would help Nor will British victory end the dictatorship The continuation of the war is what the regime needs to justify continuing themselves in power.
The only way to help the Argentinian people, not only in the war against imperialism but also in the war against the dictatorship, is to stop this war.
Argentina negotiate the can't back and CUSSIOT of sovereignty This is not because Galtier patriotic. His because the and company Argentinian people have taken the matter into their own hands
What we would make cicar is that we are not go sovereignty. This is not ar is now an issue for th Argentinian people
Let them be heard
to be invited to Britain, to se In meetin meetings
refugees, calling on their leading bodies to support this demand. to Socials allenge tutori Please report co-ordinate the campaign. available via the Argentiniar Human KISHES Committee
CARILA. Siste
St. London NI 01-339 2270.
Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982 page 13
Page 14 scan of this page
The left in the Labour Party: what next?
'MANY NOW feel, quite justifiably, that Foot is not the right man to lead Labour into the next general election.' London Labour Briefing's editorial this month took the Labour Party leadorship to task over its 'bankrupt' role in the Malvinas crisis. The editorial continues: "Such weak, decrepit and clapped out leadership is an electoral liability.' Tersa van Gelderen spoke to the editor of Briefing, GRAHAM BASH, on the role of Briefing and the left over the coming period.
Why did you choose to print this month's editorial in which is a direct attack on Michuel Foot suggests that he should be replaced?
The Falklands crisis is an acid test for the labour movement. There can be no fudging at all on this question. A lot of thought went into the editorial and although very strong terms. il was meant to be. If we didn't say now what we think of the Labour leadership, Dureen too later
Our view Michael ROOH and the Shadow Cabinet do not speak for any significant section of activists in the labour movement voices were being drowned
the oiDartisan policies of Foot and Healey. We had to make our position clear in order to give expression to the thousands. and thousands of people in the Labour Party who have contrary views to that of Foot and Healey.
Twa Socialist Challenge said that Foot must go. We argued also that the Falklands/Malvinas issue was a crucial test which Foot had failed
that Tony Benn should stand for the leadership.
This has never been an easy question. Personally, I've had long hesitations ding of the editorial is still a little cautious.
A decrepit clapped out leadership' at the and of the line?
Socialist Challenge 4 June 1982
But we are trying to give expression to the objective reality that there are more and more active members of the Labour Party who have lost any last illusions in Foot.
In many ways it's regrettable. l'd much rather we could say in the editorial that we had leadership -13G could be proud of and above all that we could trust to express the feelings of the
ment. That is not the casc and we have
to test the water to see if there is a possibility of alternative to Foot at the next conference.
DOET person, there is to be an alter-
because of his record over the past lew years and the fact that he already has fought for the deputy leadership.
Foot and the other leaders might argue that the view expressed in your editorial over the Malvinas and hance the leadarship might represent the view of the constituencies. But the recent trade union conferences have been mixed, to say the least, in
opposition to the
the Continual procle
COLHICEI problem that Benn faced in the deputy leadership cam-
winning over the trade unions.
We're not saying that we speak for the labour movement as a whole but for a section of the activists in
page 14
Labour Party
LONDON LABOUR
No 20
CARE FOR
HELP
The left has to orientate to women and the unions the Labour Party. The question of the trade unions is the vital Tacing the left. We went almost as far as we could
the deputy leadership elec-
Having got that far inere now nac to be a turn. in the sense that the constituency activists, really begin to organise in the trade LELLOLS themselves, among the
of inactive supporters of the Labour Par ty. Unless we did that there was a real mune as to nos far we could go. That is still the case
The precondition for reaching out to the trade unions is to show to the mass of members that there is an alternative voice in the Labour Party, that Foot doesn speak for the Labour Party and especially on this life and death question the Malvinas crisis, there is an alternative that must be clearly put forward.
BRIEFING
WE CHUE FOR
NUPE
HELP US
TO
YOU
-
It is true that one of the
strengths of Briefing
has been to unite many
disparate forces on the
left. But over the past
period you have had a
number of issues that
hes allowed you to unite
in action: the GLC elec
elec-
tions and to some
tent the deputy leader-
ship campaign But
NOTECEL more there
seema to be a tension
inside Briefing; for ax-
ample around the
editorial on the GLC a
fow issues back and so
on. How do you decide
policy and
what issues are you go.
ing to take up without a
clear focus?
Of course there is a real
tension at all times. That
shows we are on the right
road. When there is an
absence of tension,
contradiction, then you're
to be going one
sided, one way or the
OLher. There's Deen a.
JUNE 1982
danger that we , could dissolve ourselves in the broader movement so that we are unable to give any lead at all.
On the other hand there has always been the danger that we can so
we can't express anything that's real in the move ment. We have to get the best of both worlds.
Personally, I would like Briefing to be putting
consistent: tionary position on every aspect of life itself. But w are justified in doing that only to the extent that we would bring some important sections of the movement with us.
What do you see the role of Briefing over the
has disillusioned local election results did activists. The not give any more joy to the left than the Labour
London Labour
Briefing Conference
Our Way
which the counciliors in turn
Credentials from Jim Ring, 55 Stonard Rd. London NI3, Price ET.
A creche is available.
against the war
JOHN CUTTS, a Stockport
delegate to the recent Labour THE TORN conterence Na- told
thinks about Britain's war on
and Militant's position
At the LPYS Conference, the Militant-controlled Natonal Committee produced d statement stressing the need for independent class position
Militant difference between
mast take as much respon sibility for the prisons as the
Party as whole. seems that the witchhunt will continue. On all those issues Brisfing, certainly in London, has been in the toretront the HOCUE
defending Peter Tatchell and Tariq Ali.
Put very simply, the rol
f Briefing will be what
to pro vide our readers with tormation in order that they can become aware of their collective strengths. .. Our tasks must be to organise the cross roads'. That is to provide
connections between different sections of the movement: between the
industrial and political wings of th
between different sections of the revolutionary left, bet-
Running London
Saturday 19 June 11am to 5pm
County Hall
cillors in London" to provide a London-wide means through which the pressures and demands of the activists
can organise across borough boundaries, and call on the help of the move
Young Socialists
authorities. Surely Galtieri his fellow sailers world over prisons on behalf of their im perialist employer appeal" to Argentine workers, who сол SUES REDORE APPENETE
Labour comes out ana demands the recall of the
Meternationat
workers meara takig ine side of the oppressed against This mean. back saking
но танет пож ипроршовіл might make us.
Tween the revolutionary lef and the hard Bennite left and between the labour movement and women's movement We must attempt to fuse different leveis politics on the one hand personal sexual politics on the other. Unti we can unite all of these different forces then we
power at any level. constituencies themselves do not represent the mass of people We must ensure that the Labour Party orientates to the masses of people who not yet politicised. That mean: not only relating to the trade unionists but to the people stuck at home, especially WOCE That's the crucial questior for the left to address itself to.
Page 15 scan of this page
victory beause of the teachery of Johnny Johnson. will capitulate redundancies. There will be new attacks on the black population in Lambeth.'- Ted Knight, now leader of the opposition in Lambeth coun-
after Labour's TUCKER, Labour election agent in Vauxhall, looks at the situation in Lambeth.
150 picketed Lambeth Town Hall last Wednesdav
outgoing Labour mayor, Johnny Johnson, used his casting vote to usher in new Tory
Lobbying parliament
Rail closures
By Dave Carter & Chris Jones
THREE thousand people
Salsoma
over the proposed closure of British Rail waggon
works.
the impact of closure on the town,
around the works, opened in 1827.
ment will top 50 per cent, yet no speaker proposed
strikes or occupations.
field, near Consett.
of the mistakes made there in the fight against
closure, and of the demoralisation now, two vears
later.
workshops at Horwich and Swindon are not to go
the same way then support must be broadened. As
part of this process the previous Tuesday, 25 May,
delegates from the workshops, backed up
workers from Shildon,
Westminster.
quences that the closures
towns. Roger Stott, MP for the Horwich area, and
a shadow transport spokesperson, stated that the
Labour Party is preparing a plan for BR based on
investment and modernisation.
save their jobs. Shildon works chairperson, John
Parry Ha waoed hast rt trike ws ineritable
Darlington, warned of the dangers of parochialism
and stressed the need to maintain unity. In fact,
the Triple Alliance, of coal, steel and rail workers,
needs now to be brought into effect.
EXPON
GANTT
EUROPEAN WORKERS AND YOUTH SAY "JOBS NOT BOMBSI"
summer, they'll get them'
THE PEOPLE of Lambeth have been robbed of
Lambeth concil under the Tories to Heseltine with cuts and
defeat last week GREG
Commander Hugh Chambers. This allowed the Tories, reling on the votes of the SDP, to take control of the council.
There have been some about how
SAVE
SHILDON
WORKS
opposed
marched through Co Durham, last Saturday, to protest.
Several MPs and trade union leaders spoke of
which is built Unemploy-
Shildon is in the centre of the Durham coal-
A former steel worker spoke
If Shildon and the two other threatened BR
by 600 lobbied
Local MPs admitted the disastrous conse-
would have on LECTE
Delegates expressed their readiness to strike to
district secretary of AUEW
News
Lambeth: 'If they want riots this
Labour lost control. Some
pomted to ultra-leftism in
YOLAIE CISNG 13C1 was that we in Vauxhall merely attempted put across our policy of "no cuts, no -4 C124 or rate increases.
Now we must stop the Tories from attacking the local community. As
UILE black youth on the picke put "If the Tories reverse the concil's race policies there'll be one hell of a show. If they want riots this summer then they'll get them.
Janet Boateng, who
had been Labour's choice
new talks
By Frank Gorton, shop steward, Metal Box, Hackney, East London
dancies, including
cost to the workforce.
A mass meeting last Wednesday week agreed to management's demand to end the occupation and return to work. Engineer-
clear that official support and any future strike pay Strikes at S&K Wholesalers
Birmingham 15.
stay out
THE 80 women strikers at Ligass SCOTUSEU and Abex in Warwick decider to continue their nine-weck
Alew, voted unanim ushe
FO CE MEMOUS"
had offered at both plants but with 'strings
MARXISM 82
JULY 2-9
to head the local Social Services Committee, says: *For the first time people have realised how important it is to be involved in politics. We will be going out to make sure they are organised."
With no guarantee of overall majority, the Tories must attempt push their policies through Ine counci sub-commit. tees and they will not allow detailed debates on policies at ordinary council meetings. Even at the first concil meeting some
Metal Box workers force
stewards, hangs in the balance at Metal Box, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Top management has been forced to the negotiating table - but at a
depended on a return to work.
Shop stewards successtul winning WY CTE suspension of the LULLE pulsory, redundancies but one AUErS o real ine only first rejecting Birmingham. On strike for 2 weeks for union recognition. Donations to S&K strike fund, TGWU, 211 Broed St
Kigass and Abex strikers
By Stuart Sleath "Thas. company had previously stated that unior recognition was not on offe
SLACC SUCCEST engincering employers federation rates of pay are on offer.
At Kigass not only do Socialist Worker
Ihor gnar
-ouw 3awence or orino. cai SPECIAL UNEMPLOYED RATES For e Week, In advance only
Book the date now
Labour concillors were threatened with expulsion from the chamber.
The Labour Party will have to mobilise the local labour kine an et. especially making fort to repair Ineir rela tionship with the local authority unions. Organismg tenants against the D.ECE rent increases will also be imporThe lessons of thesc LETLAL elections — that taking on the Tories half-heartedi: doesn't work - has to be learned. mand for compulsory redundancies on a "last in first out basis. The workforce is still united.
During negotiations last week, the workers stopped WOEK Such unity will bolster the shop STEWATES confidence that the "suspension' of compulsory redundancies will soon b replaced by their "withdrawal"
Messages denations to the point shop and
Stewards Committee, c/o No: FE 0272 5030. Mackin Westeliffe Rd. West T.G.W.U
OFFICIAL
STRIKE
previously reported restrictive conditions apply but MEnaLCC Sa LIL C I r will on TAKE DACA Skes in mediately with the rest to i work builds The strikers intend to stic) together until union ECCUSIH •LUE COCCE on their terms, not management's. • to Mirs E San/ord, T7S, Heten Rd. Leamington Spr, Warwickshire.
Seven days of discussion and debate organised by
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Socialist Chellange 4 June 1982 • page 15
Page 16 scan of this page
Socialist Challenge
Thatchers
warat home
SAVE
THENHS
UP
MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT WE NEED MORF ON 0 stand s noboan whih ihs Drai Mara
SOCIALIST
ASTMS Womens'
pay. If the Tories win, the
BIETe
because
TrEITCU
staff will be driven out. By
backing our claim you are
not just supporting badly
paid
WOTES
defending your health ser-
vice against a governmen
that spends f2.5bn to kill
hundreds of workers in the South Atlantic,
begrudges the
necded tor decent health
car The Tories have cut the
NHS to the bone and want
TUI.
cheaply as possible.
Janet Maguire
Junior have not been offered a
SCILL Obviously three million unemployea the Tories think there will be plenty of cheap labour around giving money to the junior grades? 400,000 workers than E82 per OVCHC IESUEDOYCRa line for a married person with two children.
Anté - 1-
ple can't live decently on these wages. But they want
"cost effective" service. How HOSPITAL workers in Edinburgh have been on strike since 20 May in opposition to ine 4 pe support of their 12 pet CONLOEY cent claim.
NUPE the Royal Infirmary and the City continuing their action. Initially bers in thesa nosoitas were out as well. the union's organisers make the ficial.
unions leel that a one-
national on 4 June is not enough. They want an all-out national strike, with only proper COVER.
Socialist spoke to people involved.
Davy Burnett, shop stewards' the infirmary, said that the hospital are acting in a typically hypocritical
making people iying in
great about their own muck
He pointed out that the strikers viding emergency cover and so no one will die as a result of the strike. Hie is annoyed at press slurs that patients will ciences of the strikers,
Le mores the optout teo-
for they stories about people dy-
CHALLENGE
Maguire, a health worker at Guys Hospital. London, about the 12 per cent pay claim advanced by National Health Service unions. She is secretary South Medical branch of ASTMS, and a member of
she speaks in a personal capacity. This is not just about
WIll suffer dead cheap thousands of experienced
it could are Thatcherism.
Because
and pittances
tion.
LETE as
of our claim
plant, steel in solidarity with us.
If we technicians backing, norms will with LOLA
The - so why bother ОП health are earning less week - the workers-to
will make strikes illegal.
The Tories know peo- But
NHS health health do you
By Neil Cruickshank & Duncan Smith
of NHS
offer and in
members in no national
Hospital are strike committee COSE mem- tacted the but area HEITOREI refused branch action OCTAEO
from both Ferranti stoppage port.
Billy. at the Infirmary. emergency
at the
convenor at
managers
manner,
Claner
are -UTU
desths Clerk the cons-
print Porter
PAY THE HEALTH WORKERS
asked Janet
East London
advisory committee. Here
measure the value of a life? If you're a Tory
The dispute challenges norms, ives a dispute that government's
can be won. If we do win,
begin a real national light back against
working peo-
ple want a free health service they can be rallied to take action in support of
our claim, Already miners
in parts of Yorkshire have
sommarIy smike de Water workers are and
South Wales miners voted ov an overwaeming ma Jority to strike in support
At BSC'S River Don
workers are coming out on strike for 24 hours on 8 June. I think
th The TUC has nói cai-
ed for coordinated strike action, but when it meets on 9 June it must remed this and call on all the affiliated unions to come out Thatcher's pay are given the be broken.
LUC LACCOE LE working class will be forc ed back on the pay front anti-union challenges the Tories at dispute
union rights.
Prior's 1980 picketing laws made it illegal for other
Join our picke lines. Now Norman Tebbi
sympathetic
workers should have the right to support keep
IL'S their that's affected.
Who else is going to de-
vice
Edinburgh-all -out strike call
expenditure cuts. and they only taik about how vital is the work of health workers HOLC hospital when they're on strike. couldn't
COSÉ, he said, are
because in a weak position with
funds finance the strike. The said
coordinating NUM has con- and gate.
Eric Clarke, the Scottish
secretary of the NUM has arranged with
secretaries for COLOG ONS The National Union of plained Seamen and workers at tion
Electronics Southern have also promisad sup- Hospital
La NUPE picket received ed the police had been backing trying to start trouble The sympathetic driver of a mail van had halted dry
picket but the definitely.
Present annual basic basic weekly wage
£3071
Technician £3339
Statt Nurse £4438
E3160
E3339
Health workers are mainly women or black
Tory talk
'THE cost of the union demands is £700m in England this year which is more than the country can afford in its present economic position. Kenneth Clarke, Minister for Health *WE have made no estimate of costs. We are con cerned with the success of the operation. John Nott, Secretary of State for Defence speaking on Falkiand war which has already cost an estimated fibn to rise to £2.5bn
fend us? The Tories are always going on about the greedy unions -BILLIE
laws aim to stop the unions defending the sick and the low paid
Of course they should come on our picket lines.
We want to see them on out octet imeg.siiners president Arthur cargill is right to say he will defy the government. The Tories want to use their laws
workers on the poverty line and go on running down the health ser-
- which means more
police informed him he couldn't stop inside the
because property and stop OU LS EE he Was obstructing traffic
The police had also
there should only be six pickets on sach
According to Bill that's 'only
Thatcher's
Vernon Sollas. shop steward in the laundry at the City Hospital, ex
that a delega had gone the General . in Glasgow, where laundry workers are aiso on sike. he
promises of from the unions, who are raising a levy to keep the laun-
workers out in-
Present Weekly increase wage proposed hs DHSS
£59.05 £2.36
£64.22 E2.57
£85.34 15.46
E60.77 E2:43
£64.22 62.57
deine printend ee
OLGIaTUE labour movement must not permit that
As Scargill said: II wc are in violation of the Tory government's legislation then so be it. The antibit's Bil can be swep aside by a united labour movement. There is no pay claim inhe1 es has doubt that the 12 the power to create such a LOEWES Such an opportunity to win must not be thrown away.
Vernon said that a faw COHSE workers are STEE out ficial strike with them and the NUPE strikers had agreed to help them through
HO CHEON. from their own strike
Management, said are tryin! undermine the strike b mergelacy cover probi manipulating sions: the more the strikers provide, the more management want.
Cathy, full-time
laundHospital.
worker at the City in atos which involves handling soiled laundry, and thus risking infection, takes home only 649 per
4 per cent would mean an in
per week after deduc tons
Net weekly increase after deductions
79р
85р
12.34
-76р
85р
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