REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS ION

of the ( City, August Z.B, tgi4>

SPDCTAL ENLARGEII ESSUD 7- C omntrtnist Prtt graru- ho Vol. XXXlll, No. 9 seprember, e54 politieal affairs TH E AlvtER, ICAN WAY Edilor: Y. J. Jerome TO JOBS, PEACE, E9UAL RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY NATIONAL COMMITTEE, [21 Answer the Attack on the CPUSA Communist Party and the Program of the Communisl PartY Labor Movement!

Utranimortsll, ratifiecl by the recent Nationel Election Crlnferctrcc wrLLrAM Z. FOSTER [ 7 ] Message to the Conference of months of study and disctlssion, ,r{ the Cornmunist Parti' zrfter five the CPUSA this is the fir.raiizetl text of the Party's Pr.grzrtn. Herc the re:rder will lind for himself what the Comrnrrnist Partv actuall)i stands for, :utd may exzrmine its prop,rsals for advancing the intcrests of the v:ist [I2] Greetings of the Conference rnajrrritv of the An-rcrican people.

READ, S-TUDY, SPREAI) 'I'HIS Vi'I'AI, I)OCLTX'IEN'f. PETTTS PERRY [13] The November Elections and the peace, Struggle for Jobs, Equal LE'I T'T REACH '[HE MILL,/ONS1 Rights and Democracy B 32 Pages BETTY GANNETT [47] The Communist Program- copy 5 cents Single A Vital Document

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r9.1t, tt Yotft, N' Y', t75l International Fraternal Greetings ll;F.llRS Neu Century to the Conference J, N. Y., PaYments and lr: $r"5o onth'<; lorcigrt nts. 1

PRTNTED IN U.S.A STATEMENT OF THE CPUSA

any American or group on the basis tectrons. Answer the Attack on the Communist Party of dissent from any prevailing dogma For the Eisenhower-Brownell doc- or orthodoxy. No American can feel trines are based on a decree of "guilt" and the labor Movement! safe in his opinions as long as this and jailing of Americans who cannot law stays on the statute books. be proved guilty of anything but the Not only is this anti-Communist, National Committee Statemeni on the Communist Control Act holding of social views not to the anti-union legislation in itself fascist liking of the government. in character, but so also was the The adoption of the Big Lie of Trm eNacrrrENT rNTo r,ew of the nation," undertakes to establish a sys- frenzied haste with which it was rail- McCarthyism opens the door to the Communist Control Act of 1954, tem of Government licensing of roaded through Congress. Without systematic destruction of the Con- which outlaws the Communist Party American trade unions in accord with hearings, reports or adequate debate, stitution, due process and the liber- as a political party and further their opinions and programs. It sets this barbaric measure was dynamited ties inherent in the r7o-year heritage shackles the American trade unions, up what the entire labor movement through in an atmosphere of ideo- of the Bill of Rights. is a major triumph for McCarthy- had been opposing in this 83rd Con- logical terrorism, as Hitler was wont Most disgraceful of all was the part ism, that arch-enemy of our demo- gress-a system of "trials" and to do. In the words of the Republican played by the so-called "liberal" cratic freedoms. "tests" for unions on which depends Herald Tribune:, "If the Senate and Democrats in the Senate who sparked The law represents the most ex- their right to collective bargaining the House had gone collectively mad the outlaw-the-Communists amend- treme step ever taken against politi- before the National Labor Relations in these last days of the session they ment. They engaged in a vain effort cal and democratic liberties in the Board. This move is a stab at the could hardly have acted more wildly to prove to the McCarthyite fascists history of our country. It is a sharp vitals of the trade unions under cover than they have in regard to the Com- that they too are "loyal" and thus do break with the Constitution and the of the McCarthyite witchhunt for munist issue." The New York Times not deserve the brutal attacks of the theory of government on which it "subversives."* similarly condemned the panic ac- McCarthyites. Senators like Hubert is based. It is a long step toward a ,k ,r tion as a "stampede" which is "con- Humphrey (D-Minn) played fast police state. The law's entire basis rests on arbi- trary to the spirit of orderly govern- and loose with the fate of the na- By depriving the Communist Party trary definitions of a set of political ment." tion's democratic liberties. They have of its political rights, this law is opinions as constituting a crime pun- How did this law arisel in fact fastened a noose with which clearly a -that is, a ishable by heavy jail terms. The law It is impossible for the Congress or the McCarthyites will surely try to legislative decree making a "finding" demands that Americans shall "reg- the White House to claim that there strangle them along with the Bill of of "guilt" without evidence or due ister" themselves as guilty of these is a popular clamor in the country Rights. process. It is a thought-control de- thought-control crimes-or face !ail for a march down the path taken by Leaders of the trade unions who vice aimed to persecute a group of and fines. The entire legal system the Nazis in their "anti-Communist" may have figured in this crude ma- Americans against whom there is not contains built-in guilty verdicts by destruction of democracy and their neuver must realize that the ultra- the slightest proof of any of the overt the law's own definitions. The guilt drive to aggressive "anti-Communist" reactionary legislation of the 83rd acts slanderously decreed by hysteri- is assumed in advance. war. Congress is especially aimed to weak- cal legislators doing the bidding of The law's notorious "r4 points"- This fascist-modelled legislation is en the trade-union moyement, even McCarthyism. concerning talking, wriring, or asso- the fruit of the Eisenhower-Brownell more dangerously than the notorious A malignant feature of the law- ciation, are taken from the New Deal- policies, based on the appeasement Taft-Hartley law has done. It is the carefully combined with the anti- hater Representative Martin Dies of McCarthyism and collusion with height of folly for labor leaders to Communist clauses to conceal its who got it from the Mussolini-ad- it. These Eisenhower-Brownell pol- believe that such vicious legislation true purpose-is that it contains the mirer, Judge Musmanno of Pennsyl- icies to curb democratic liberties have does not concern organized labor. Butler Bill, which, under pretext of vania. These "r4 points" are a po- already seriously undermined the This was the fatal illusion of the "Communist infiltration" or "domi- litical dragnet capable of enmeshing Constitution and its democratic pro- Social-Democratic trade-union lead- 4 POLITICAL AFFAIRS STATEMENT OF THE CPUSA refusing give any ers of Germany in the face of rising stocks, while to icies of provocation and military against the Communi$t Party ig- of Hitlerism. They thought that only genuine tax relief to the masses "aid," which contain the danger of nores the clear truth that the Party farmers and small busi- the Communists were being attacked wage earners, an H-bomb world war. bases its opinions and acts on real ness men. and that they and their unions were The people of the world see in social conditions, on the real needs to "saving country from Com- safe. But when Hitler came the this anti-Communist law a copy of of the people and the nation as they showed power, his Nazis, with one sudden munism," the B3rd Congress the laws of Hitler and Mussolini, develop objectively in the real world. en- a contempt for civil rights is- blow, completely demolished the greater and wonder where the USA is going, Thus, it is impossible for any hys- sues Congress in the past. tire Social-Democratic organization. than any and where it wants to take the rest terical group of imitation-fascists to ,k if The GOP promise to-eliminate the of mankind. outlaw the ideas or the influence of jim dis- ,t It was not by accident that the poll tax, lynching, and crow *r i* the Communist Party. Communist dis- Congress which stampeded through crimination in industry, was The law is based on the Hitlerite Parties have been outlawed by anti- of the the passage of the outlaw-the-Com- carded amid the noisy racism Big Lie that the Communist Party democratic dictatorships in many munists law is the same Congress McCarthyite attacks. teaches and advocates the violent lands; today Communist Parties people got from this which gave more to the giant Wall All that the overthrow of the gov- stand at the head of the peoples' "anti-Communist" Street trusts and less to the people super-reactionary ernment. This is completely false. movements of many nations because was an extension of the in- than almost any Congress of the past Congress The Communist Party in its j5 years they represent the needs of their na- security system, and fifty years. adequate social of existence has never advocated, nor This Congress and the White a 5 per cent pay rise for postal work- does it advocate today, the overthrow House shocked the country with their ers-which President Eiser-rhower of our government by force and vio- "give-a'way" policies favoring- the lence. The official Program of the corporations and the looters of the Communist Party states unequiv- the American people of the right to national wealth. "saving the coun- ocally: make their own political and social for try from ing in the "defense" program "The Communist Party advocates decisions in the market-place of gress tur guns' a peaceful path to in the ideas. It will carry this fight J( *( ,* to the worth of United States. It brands as a lie the courts, and to the people. to the oil trust; struck a blow at This anti-Communist law is a charge that it advocates the use of The widespread condemnation of cheap power through ordering TVA heavy blow to the honor and prestige force and violence in the pursuit of the measure by newspapers, lawyers, to buy private power; oPened the of our nation in the eyes of the world. its immediate or long-range goals. historians, trade unionists and per- door to the plundering of the gov- Nations everywhere are marching It declares that Socialism will come sons from all walks of life gives us ernment's atomic Power develoP- to peaceful negotiations and co-exis- into existence in the United States confidence that this fascist law will ments. tence with the Socialist countries, in only when the majority of the Amer- be nullified, even as were the Alien "saving the country from Com- exact contrast to the McCarthYite ican people decide to establish it." and of years ago. munism," the Congress spurned Taft- hysteria in the United States. This is the position of the Com- *Acts ,8155 Hartley revision, smashed down the While the Big Lie about the "Com- munist Party. All the lying testimony Is the battle lost to the McCarthy- Federal aid to the American farmer, munist menace" is being dicarded, of the army of stoolpigeons and in- ites I wrecked even the meagre Federal along with the , in West formers in the numerous Is America doomed to take the low-cost housing program, refused to Europe and Asia, the political lead- trials has been unable to provide evi- fatal path to and warl grant the country the Federal health ers here are intensifying the Big Lie dence of a single act of violence or Emphatically no, despite the disas- system it needs. and the cold war as far as theY can. of any plan on the part of Commu- ter of the present anti-Communist "saving the country from Com- They are taking 4o billion dollars nists for the violent overthrow of our and anti-labor monstrosity ! munism," it gave a bonanza in tax every year from the country's pockets government. The needs of the people can break "give-away" to owners of Wall Street to finance this cold war with its pol- The slander of "conspiracy" aimed through the hysteria. The honor of POLITICAL AFFAIRS

America and its devotion to its demo- tion in 1956." We are lonfident that if labor, the Message to the Conference of the

c. P. ll. s. A. thyism. If the Humphreys in Congress- with their frantic aPPeasement of electing men and women who will By William Z. Fosier McCarthyism and their cry for more have the courage to defend the Con- guns and more war Provocations- stitution and the Bill of Rights. ihi.rk to "play ball" with reaction, Greetings to the National Election This r,vill this is not the feeling of the millions be a central and decisive Conference. I am very sorry that I issue the November elections. of workers, small farmers and Ne- in cannot be with you to participate in As our Party has repeatedly point- gro masses who follow the lead of your deliberations. May neverthe- ih. D.-o..atic Party because theY I, ed out, ever since the end of Wodd less, make still believe in it. The line of the a few remarks on the War II, Wall Street monopoly capi- general Humphreys would sPell big gains question of the fight for tal, by means of its control of the for tlie Republicans and McCarthy- peace I United States government, has been Conference meeting in carrying ites in the coming elections-this line peal this monstrosity. Our is on a reckless and reaction- nermits the worst reactionaries to We Communists wiil continue our what is indeed a crucial point of his- ary drive to master the world tory. As mass- por. ,, anti-war and "middle-of-the- fight Peo the world democratic through another great world war. s of es fight for peaceful co-existence be- We were among the very first to roaders" ! pl-.'r The will of these millions of Amer- labor sPite tween the capitalist and socialist signalize this terrible reality, and ican voters-who kePt the New Deal this new attack, our Parry stands un- states, which means for world peace, thereby we did a vital service to the the American forces reaction push in office, who won trade-union rights, terrified. It walks in the great tradi- of cause of world peace. World con- program arrd who now went an America free tion of American movements like the on with their for imperial- quest has throughout been the cen- trade ist aggression and war. This situa- tral goal the Truman of war and repression-is Yet to be abolitionists and the pioneer of and Eisen- heard from. They must and will be unionists who survived organiz.ed tion presents grave responsibilities hower Administrations, both of heard from now and in November. orts for the American working class, the which have thus faithfully done the The Communist PartY Program nist Negro people, the working farmers, bidding of big capital in its drive for on this point is in agreement with and and the other democratic strata of domination of the world. This has the thoughts of millions: its this country. The Draft Program been the purpose of the whole body "The immecliate obiective in 1954 legal existence. In so doing it is fight- clearly presents these basic tasks, of foreign policies of these two Ad- mLrst be to prevent the Eisenhower ing not for its own rights alone, but chief among which is the fight ministrations, as well as of the gi- Administration and Congress from foi the Bill of Rights for all Ameri- against the war danger, against Mc- gantic armaments-militarization pro- taking the country further down the cans. Carthyite fascism, against the devel- gram carried out in this country. To road of McCarthyism. Defeating Mc- oping economic crisis, and for the further this huge program of im- For the National Committee, rights of the Negro people. Of these perialist conquest and war some $z5o C.P.U.S.A. elementary tasks in this period I billion of the American people's William Z. Foster shall deal only with the central one, money has been squandered here that of the fight for peace, for the and abroad. then by electing a new Adn-rinistra- Pettis PerrY peaceful co-existence o[ all nations. It is a tragedy for the American 7 POLITICAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE peoptre that the top trade-union lead- broken by the USSR. is a great It vast country and its tremendous in- world and serring up new military ers and the heads of Negro, farmer, victory for peace thus to take the dustries, natural resources, and work- blocs and war bases. . . . ett this ui- and other people's organizations, sole control of such frightful weap- ing forces, remain uncurbed by the gently demands that all those who grossly betraying the most vital in- ons away from the reckless reaction- people. terests not only of their own rank aries now dominating the United The greatest mistake that could be and file, but of the entire American States government. made now would be to conclude nation, have shamelessly supported The huge propaganda of Wall from the many recent peace victories the Wall Street program of imperial- Street to convince the world of the of the world's peoples that the dan- ist conquest. By the same token, Big Lie that the is a ger of war is now past. Especially it is to the great honor of the Com- menace to world peace has also back- our Party, living in the United States, munist Party that, notwithstanding fired, to such an extent that the must be keen to alert the world to violent government persecution, it United States, controlled as it is by the danger of American imperial- has steadfastly dared to expose and reactionaries and warmongers, has ism. We must step up our efforts to combat the attempt of Wall Street become the most hated and feared and utilize the victories won in or- to plunge the world into an atomic country in the world, the main der to inspire the people to win new war in order further to swell its al- source of the danger of war and and still greater successes for peace, ready stupendous profits. fascism in the world. so that the peoples may finally as- It is to the profound benefit of all These victories for peace have sure the peaceful co-existence in the humanity in general, and of the been matched also by the peoples' world of all capitalist and socialist says: American people in particular, that defeat of Wall Street's attempts to states. The Draft Prograz outlines American imperialism and its allies expand the Korean and Indo-Chinese the next steps in this basic fight, and are being defeated in their deadly wars into great Asian atomic con- so also will the Reports to the Con- program of aggression. This is be- flicts, as well as their defeat of the ference. Therefore there is no need cause the peace-loving peoples of the lune rJ, 1953 insurrection in East for me to stress all these practical world, including those of the United Germany, which was initiated by programs in these remarks. States, are resisting this program and agents of the State Department for Let me cite, however, that the fuly mains in c are thus making bankrupt! This the purpose of launching a broad issue it zd of For a l-asting Peace; For the shadow basic fact should cause civil Germany. Their latest the whole war in a People's Democracy, contains a action by democratic world to rejoice. Here attempt, to develop the Hainan most timely warning against any hangs over are some of the elements of this island plane incident into an Asian tendency to slacken the fight for bankruptcy: war, has also been frustrated by the peace because of recent victories won The second quotatior is from The world capitalist anti-soviet peace resistance of the peoples. in this fight. It says: "The signifi- Prauda of July 3, 1954.This great war alliance, upon which the Ameri- All these victories of the peace- cance of the relaxation in the inter- Soviet .Communisr journal, deiling can government has squandered loving masses, in which the Ameri- national tension must not, however, with American maneuvers to diJ scores of billions of dollars, is being can people have played a role, have be overestimated, since the enemies undermined by the refusal of the substantially eased international ten- of the strengthening of peace, in the peoples of the various countries to sion and the fear of war. They have first place the ruling circles of the be cannon fodder for Wall Street. checked the warmongers on many United States, have not abandoned The A- and H-bomb monopoly, fronts. But the peace of the world their aggre-"sive designs and are con- upon which Wall Street based its cannot be safe so long as the Wall tinuing the arms drive, provoking war program, has long since been Street monopolists controlling this war conflicts in various parts of the POLITICAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE TO THE CONFERENCE rI countries, drawing them into a new Draft Program-for peace, for de- rising mass spirit of dissent and re- indomitable fighting spirit. world war." mocracy, and for mass protection sentment from finding expression. The world is moving rapidly to- These are some of the major con- from the ravages of the developing It is the supreme task of the Com- rvards peace, democracy and Social- siderations that we have to bear in economic crisis. munist Party, notwithstanding every ism, and our Party, situated in this mind in handling the question of Conditions are propitious at persecution, to give the maximum main stronghold of world , peace in the coming elections. These the present juncture for lead- possible leadership to these awaken- must do its full part. For over a cen- clections will be a strong test of our ing such a struggle of the masses. ing masses. Especially must we make tury, the workers and their allies Party's ability to mobilize the mass- The people of this country, despite our efforts count in the fight for bave battled, often in the face of es for struggle, above all, the work- the rankest betrayal by liberals and peace. The Draft Prograrz points the huge odds, against the forces of en- ers; for without the support of the trade-union leaders, are definitely in way to accomplish this. trenched capitalist greed and power. working class, the fight for peace a mood to fight against the war- This is a time that truly inspires But now the ramparts of world cap- and the other great issues confront- mongers, fascists and profiteers. If all fighters for freedom and democ- italism are rapidly falling, and So- ing the American people cannot be American imperialism is finding its racy, especially Communists. There cialism is being constructed through- successful' foreign policy of aggression increas- is no place in our Party's ranks for out vast sections of the world. Cap- ingly bankrupt, this is largely be- faint hearts and * * is pessimists. Such peo- italism is being pushed ofi the stage cause of the mass resistance to it by ple are blind to the tremendous ad- of history. Let this tremendous real- The Communist Party of the the working class, Negro people, vances that are being made during ity inspire us to meet the great tasks United States is now under heavY working farmers, etc., in this coun- these years by the world forces of of education, organization, and strug- attack from the government. This try. Although large sections of these peace and freedom, of which the gle now confronting the American persecution requires of us real cour- American masses are considerab,ly American people are most definite- people; concretely, in the important age and a resolute fight to preserve confused by imperialist war propa- ly an important section. They can- struggles now shaping up for the the life and legal status of our Party. ganda, nevertheless, they emphatical- not see beyond their noses. Now, American people in the coming elec- It also necessitates the strongest pos- ly do not want war. This they have more than ever, our Party needs an tlons" sible fight to defend those comrades shown repeatedly, by their active re- now under indictments and to free sistance to the proposals of MacAr- the many who are now in jail. It thur, Dulles, Truman, Eisenhower, has been one of our greatest weak- and others, for the A-bombing of nesses that we have not made a more Chinese cities, by their successful in- determined and effective struggle to sistence upon a cease-fire in Korea free Gene Dennis, Ben Davis, and and Indo-China, by their flat rejec- the many other splendid fighters tion of the Government's scheme to who are now languishing in capital- send American soldiers into Indo- ist jails. China, and by many other actions. A solid fight to defend our PartY The United States will soon be and to protect its members and lead- the scene of broad and vital class crs whether in the capitalist courts, struggles. For the democratic mass- in the forum of public oPinion, or es here are in political harmony with on the floor of union halls, can be the great world . All made only upon the basis of an all- the political misleaders now doing out participation in the class strug- the bidding of American imperial- gle along the lines outlined in the ism cannot indefinitely prevent their Greetings of the Conference The l{ovember Elections and the Struggle for To :

We delegates to the National Elec- years to our Party and the American .fobs, Peace, Equal Rights, and Democracy tion Confe"rence of the Communist working class. We need you in the Party, USA, meeting in New York crucial struggles -of today; and we By Pettis Perry City on August 7th and Bth, send pledge to intensify ou-r- campaign to win your freedom. With love and you our warmest greetings, ,dear (Main Report) tlo-.rd. 'Gene, ori yor." fiftieth comradeship, we wi-sh you- good birthday. We express io yor, o.r.. health and many_ long years of active of again, our profound appreciation of leadership in the great .cause I. INTRODUCTION been brilliantly demonstrated. And, tf,. ,rrp..-ily able ,rrd .o.r.rg.orrt peace, democracy and socialism' what is morg new millions of peace- leadership you have given over the Tnr punposr of our National Elec- loving people are coming to insist tion Conference is to equip our upon peaceful co-existence To the lmprisoned and Refugee Members as the Party to make its most effective con- only possible alrernative to H-bomb Commitfee: of the National tribution to the fight {or jobs, peace, destruction. The National Election Conference are guided in our deliberations bY equal rights and democracy in the The anti-McCarthy upsurge has of the Communist Party, U.S.A., the ilear and sound political lead- crucial November Congressional and reached a new peak in thi co"u.se of meeting in on Au- ership you have given our move- State elections. the Army-McCarthy hearings, with gust 7th and Bth, 1954, salutes and r.r".i ou.. the years; and we Pledge These elections are taking place in a majority of the American people sends warmest comradely greetings to fulfill our responsibility to our a period of growing opposition to declaring themselves against the to Eugene Dennis, Ben Davis, Gus Party, our class and our nation with the Eisenhower-Big Business Ad- rvould-be American Hitler. The Hall, , lohn William- that Communist courage and selfless ministration and its policies of war, anti-depression programs and actions son, |ohn Gates, , Irving devotion which your example in- depression and the embracing of of labor, the farmers and the Negro peo- Potash, , Bob Thompson, spires in all true fighters for the McCarthyism. It is a period charac- people have become key national Carl Winter, beloved national lead- ple. terized by ever greater opportunities questions. The Negro liberation ers of our Party who have been im- The McCarthyite frame-up which to win victories for peace and democ- movement and its white allies have prisoned or forced to become refu- led to your imprisonment is bccom- cracy. It is a period which fully con- won a signal legal victory against gees by the growing fascist tyranny ing clear to more and more PeoPlc firms the forecast made by the Na- segregation in education. and oppression in our country. in our country and throughout the tional Party Conference (summer, These victories, in turn, open up This Conference is dedicated to world. We plcdge to continue to ex- 1953) and the Party's Program. further new possibilities, which must the task of guaranteeing that the pose the colossal injustice of your Think of what has happened be grasped with boldness and vigor. 1954 elections will bring about the conviction, and to develop a power- within just the past few months! For victories cannot be won without defeat of McCarthyite, McCarranite ful people's movement which will The fight for peace has won a struggle-a struggle that becomes and candidates of both ma- achieve your freedom and restore great historic victory with the Ge- sharper as the camp of war and reac- jor political parties-of all who sup- you to active leadership in the mo- neva cease-fire and settlement in tion becomes more desperate. port the war and fascism Program mentous struggles of our time. This Indo-China. Today, for the first Can one doubt that with every of U.S. imperialism; and that these we regard as an indispensable task time since World War II, there is people's victory, American imperial- elections will register great advances in the defense of peace and freedom no large-scale shooting war. World ism and its spokesrnen seek more by the working class and its allies- for the whole American peoPle. tensions have been further eased. desperately than ever to further the overwhelming mass of the Amer- Each and all, we clasp your hand The power of peaceful negotiations their policies of world domination ican people-in defending and ex- in comradeship! as a means of settling disputes has and war against the Soviet Union ? tending democracy and peace. We t3 r4 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 15

That they intensify their efiorts to a new Administration in '56. . . . er, the Negro people, the small busi- impose fascism at home and to de- "The 1954 elections are crucial in dc- ness man and professional, the wom- the path America will take. stroy the living standards and rights termining . What is needed is unity of everY people ? This is . . of the American honest force of our people, of of decent, shown by the monstrous act all independent-minded voters, whether over- Eisenhower and Dulles in Democrats, Republicans or Progres- throwing the democratic govern- sives. Such unity must set itself the ment of Guatemala. It is shown bY objective of electing an anti-McCarthy Secondly, we maintain that the two_ the Eisenhower-Brownell drive to UongressCongress byDy defeatingoereatlng everyev€ry McCarthy-lYrc\.ar,Lrry- jam through Congress their Plo- McUarran-IjlxlecratMcCarran-Dixiecrat typetvpe oIof canoloate,candidate, thyite charges gram of new Mccarthyite legisla- every pro-fascist and rabid war-monger. to "infiltrate," tion.* It is also necessary to bring into the bloc of articulate significance of the No- halls of Congress a JBHT3ff: The vital of Mc- they bring and uncompromising opPonents Party. vember elections is that courageous spokesmen Carthyism, of Why are rhese lying charges madel all these struggles to a focus; that for a further relaxation of world ten- They are made first in order to ob- they pose the basic issue: Will the sion, and for the defense of the people scure the main party Administration and the McCarthY- from the ravages of economic depres- objective of our Program, sion. Labor and Negro rePresentatron which is to further thl party. unity in Congress must be strengthened by of every decent, honest force We recognize as a fact that labor's oJ the electing a large- number of American people against Mc- and N.g.o candidates. This will Carthyism and war. Selond, the facilitate the election of a new Ad- GOP makes these charges to further in 1956. . . . course of the new mass struggles ministration its McCarthyite "twenty years of that lie ahead in all fields-includ- "The key to both the crucial ry54 ar,d treason" campaign to weaken and ing the next Congress, the '55 elec- 1956 elections lies in the ability,of or- destroy the Democratic Party. The labor to come forward as a tions and the decisive Presidential ganized McCarthyites in the Democraric rection oF labor's political action Eistinct political force even within the as elections Party make them in order to further rts srruggles within of ry56? frame-work of the two-Party the two-party issue and this deter- Present system unfold. This is the system. Labor must come forward with electoral objectives of la- mines the its own clearcut Progresslve Program bor and the people. As the Program for the nation, its own ties and al- states: liances with other independent elec- "Tire imrnediate obiective in r954 toral forces and its own highly organ- must be to prevent the Eisenhower Ad- ized and efficient election machinery. ministration from taking the country The objective must be to helP bring further down the road of McCarthyism. about a re-grouping and realignment of death" and with pleas for ',anti- within the Democratic Party nationally, in Io- and within the Republican Party II. THE FIRST cal areas." ROUND OF PRIMARIES These objectives can and will se- -l rrri.-of Report was delivered prior to the enao- theY reflect tlie Communist Control Act' That cure broad support, for who make them well know! We As the first -.o,- in round of primaries ,i,io" f"ttt sttbstaotiares the aoalysis made the basic interests o[ iabor, the farm- Communists have our own Party and this Report ". draws to a close, it is necessary to -ed. 6 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS r7 appraise the results and chart the deepgoing dissatisfaction with the is in question for a number of rea- appreciable number. This is taking sons. course ahead for November. Prima- Administration on the main issues. It is in question first and fore- place in the face of extensive GOF most because ries have been held in such key states The r95z illusions in Eisenhower's the Democratic lead- maneuvers to attract Negro voters ership as Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Cal- peace demagogy have been weakened supports rhe war policies of through the appointment of Negro the Administration----ever ifornia, Michigan, New ]erseY, Ala- by such events as the mass uPsurge criticizes leaders to governm.r,t offi..r, ih. many and North Carolina. A number against intervention in Indo-China of these policies from the Right. naming of some additional Negro bama It has still lie ahead, including New York, and the H-bomb menace, the defeat not learned the lesson of candidates, and a large scale cin- '52. aljenates Massachusetts,'Wisconsin, Minneso- of Dulles' attempt to Prevent the Ge- It the peaceJoving paign to exploit the Supreme Court neva settlement, and the failure of masses and opens the door for Mc- decision on segregation in education. the "massive retaliation" policy. The Carthyite and Administration peace Moreover, even should a Demo- illusion among independent and lib- demagogy. The GOP high command cratic victory take place despite all eral voters that Eisenhower is a bar- intends to n fully. this, a change in party control of As to strengthen the prospects for labor rier to McCarthyism has been dissi- has be it wiil Congress-while having important base its and people's victories in November. pated by the revelation of Adminis- fa on the In chirting the course ahead, we tration appeasement of McCarthy as theme of " need to examine the issues and the shown in the Army-McCarthy hear- way in which they are reflected and ings, by the Oppenheimer case, by fought out in the electoral field; the Eisenhower's endorsement of the developments within the maior par- McCarthyite Meek, and by the em- ties; the role of labor, the Negro peo- bracing of McCarthyism typified in ple and other allies of labor; the the Brownell program. The refusal Democratic Party and connives with particular the independent interven- it in the policies and activity of the advanced of the Administration to take reme- GOP. Thus, National Chair- tion of labor as regards issues, can- ilectoral movements and of our dial action in the face of growing man Mitchell launches a McCarthy- didates campaigns. The prima- ite attack -and Partli and the main tasks between and declining farm on Congressman Condon ries held thus far show that thii must now and November. incomes has further alienated labor, of California; and Senate Minority be greatly strengrhened if the labor Leader a few remarks on farm and Negro voters. And the Lyndon Johnson of Texas- and people's electoral objectives are home state McCarthy's on. First, the Pres- failure of the Administration and of big oil to be attained. nd the Eisenhower Congress to carry out even the fee- men supporters-sabotages the Sen- Let us turn now to the main is- ate fight at its lowest Poirt ble gestures towards social legislation for the Flanders resolution sues and movements as they refect censure since the fall elections of 1953. This contained in Eisenhower's State of to McCarthy. And in the themselves in the primaries, to rhe is borne out by the unexpectedly low the Union and accompanying mes- closing days of Congress, Senate main tactical problems to be solved sages has largely defeated the dema- Democrats undertook to go Brown- and the tasks to be achieved. gogic purpose of the messages-that ell one better by introducing their is, to check the decline of GOP pop. own McCarthyite legislation to out- III. THE STRUGGLE FOR ularity and offset the "postpone and law the Communist Party. PEACE study" record of the "give-away, take- Finally, it is in question because of Stevenson's abandonment ture both maior PartY nominations away" 83rd Congress. of civil The struggle for peace is of deci_ rights legislation, for its leading candidates and must The result is a situation which his wooing of the sive importance for the 1954 elec- , now campaign for its ticket in contains potentially the elements for and the refusal of the tions. What are the chief new fea- Democratic November. a large-scale Democratic victory in Party to name Negro tures this struggle today as re_ candidates -in Why is thisl Clearly it is due to November. But this potential victory in the primaries in any vealed by the evenrs leading to rhe I8 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS r9 winning of the cease-fire in Indo- months in resPonse to the threat of not be cured by intensifying the war main overall theme is support to thc drive. Chinal H-bomb war and militarY interven- The Indo-China srruggle has war Program. tion. It was this, together with the stimulated growing popular opposi- What is new, however, is that the world factors, which stayed thc tion to specific aspects of the Eisen- popular upsurge against the H-bomb hands of Eisenhower and Dulles on hower war program and a growing the very brink of large-scale armed mood of questioning and reassess- intervention in Indo-China. ment. Even among those who do not This neru scoPe and Power of as yet recognize the war role of the second Administration, senhower Administration can be Americsn peace action is the there is widespread peace. fear of the Knowland-Radford forced to assent to the results of ne- neu feature in the fight for lt clique June). And this, in rurn, has begun eat expansion and its advocacy the McCarrhy- eotiations once its plans to block a of to have an impact on certain Demo- iettlement are frustrated' ctivity of all ite policy of "preventive" atomic war. cratic Party circles. The Indo-China settlement is a lation to the As a result, the Administration is The fourth neru feature which n the unions compelled to resort to new peace emerges in the fght for peace, therc- and people's organizations, in the demagogy. fore, is the beginning of a certain conseivative peace centers and on the The third new feature uhich thus differentiation on the peace issue in part of the advanced peace centers. emerges is tlte GOP-Eisenhower plan the Democratic Party. This process This is very much needed. Com- to erplo:it American peace sentiment of differentiation, however, is com- rade Foster, who first called our at- by posing as champions of pea'ce, plicated. It is necessary to distinguish tention to the new possibilities in the particula:rly in the period between several different ways in whicli the his mes- now and the Nouember elections. popular upsurge is reflected in the he great- They will seek to deceive public Democratic Party. e would opinion as in the'52 campaign. While be to conclude from the present eas- they will not be able to succeed as ing of world tensions that the war readily as then, the danger nonerhe- danger has disappeared. IJnder no less is very great. circumstances can we permlt any re- The danger is so great primarily Democratic Conference in May criti- laxation of the struggle for Peace because the Democratic top leader- cized Dulles' "blundering" in Indo- ship continues and the world camP; to the such as occurred after the Korean to support the war China-it did not criticize the drive Peace program. oI the colonial-liberation move- cease-fire. This is true of all main to intervene, but the inability to carry Dower national 'rn.n,, ,nd especially the valiant figtrt For events show that the Adminis- groupings-the McCarran- the "allies" along. The restoration oi by no means adoPted a Dixiecrat, the Symington-type "mod- bi-partisanship for freedom-of the PeoPle of Indo- tration has in foreign policy was policy of negotiations. Quite the con- erates," the official Stevenson-Tru- den-randed, coupled wirh the ihreat trary, unable to stop the Geneva set- man - lohnson - Rayburn leadership to r,vithhold such support unless the tlement, it is now pressing German and the Right-wing ADA forces. GOP ceased its "party of treason,' rearmament and opposing the ban- Stevenson, for example, continues to campaign against the Democrats. ning of the A- and H-bombs, and urge a policy of "Eisenhower-must- Stevenson criticized the "new look,, preparing a vast new plan to militar- succeed," while Lyndon ]ohnson even policy because of "cuts" in war ex- ize the youth. endorses Knowland's war-rnongering penditures. His attack on "massive The crisis in the war policies of demand that the USA quit the UN retaliation," while directed against the Administration, however, can- if People's China is admitted. The the criminal "preventive" war idea, POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 21 demands of the was ded to a defense of Korean-tYPe the growing peace in making it so. Why is thisl peace issue, through the develop "little wars." people. ^ new fea- First, there is the pro-war policy ment of peace activities This criticism is within the frame- fh^t impact have these among thc had of labor's top leadership. Meany's forces who constitute their mass o[ general agreement with the tures in thi strugJle for Peace base. work disgraceful speech at the N. Y. State war drivi. The main Democratic on the elections thus far ? There is Such tendencies must be rejected A.F. of L. Convention in July went if the difficult tactical siruations pre- Ieaders give no signs as Yet of re- no doubt that election-year Pressures as a gen- so far as to oppose the cease-fire and sented by the November sponding to the peace desires of the have to some degree acted elections to the war drive. This reject peaceful co-existence. Further- are to be solved. For example, the piopl. and making a fight for Peace eral deterrent be distorted to more, while growing sectors of labor key contesr in Illinois is the in the elections. should not, of course, Meek- mean that simPlY because this is an are speaking for peace, they do not Douglas Senatorial race. The Mc- election year, the Administration as yet put pressure on the candidates Carthyite Meek campaigned as a won't dare make war-like moves. (generally Democrats) whom they "p.lge candidate, opposing the support. On this, as on matters, Had it not been for mass Pressure, other sending of troops to Indo-China. The intervention in Indo-China might they tend to tail behind the Demo- "liberal" Douglas favored interven- cratic Party. tion, although well have taken Place. he has since admitted But it must be said that, while the Secondly, progressives are held that his mail opposed intervention. recent mass upsurge is changing the back in their efforts to change this Meek is thoroughly antilabor and situation, the peace issue entered the situation by two wrong tendencies. anti-Negro, opposes FEPC and all early primaries onlY to a small de- These tendencies are based on a me- socl has the g..., in most cases ncgatively. chanical counterposing of the fight full abor and "td for peace and the fight against Mc- the Indo-China-without, however, in the Senatorial contests, Douglas no rhird in Carthyism. The first calls for the candidate; taking a fully forthright position (D.-Iil.), running unoPPosed in the the election lews prevent even to the "defeat of the McCarthyites, period" that. aeainst it' primary, took a Position and thus makes the peace question "The third, found among Demo- ifieht of the Administration, favored breaking secondary. This t..rd"n.y argues crats closer to labor circles, exPress- iniirvention and called for Illinois wrongly that to make the peace is- es the beginnings of a more gennjne relations with Poland. The between sue primary will exclude support for difierentiation. Thus, Senator John- Republicans offered a choice Eisenhower supporters and certain antiMcCarthy candidates Tribune McCarthyites; in Ohio be- whose stand on peace is not satisfac- tween two Taftites. In California the tory. This position obviously ignores Democratic Party endorsed a rabid the main point-that is, the need to warmonger, YortY, for the U.S. Sen- struggle to influence the candidate and his campaign through the pres- Morse (I.Ore.), frequent speak- ate. The Democratic nominee in New tor sure of his mass base. er at labor conventions and confer- |ersey proposed to his RePubljcan be kept The other tendency holds thar the ences, in which he condemned the opporr.t,t that foreign policy defeat of McCarthyites is not enough, GOP as a "war Likewise, out of the camPaign bY "adhering PartY." that candidates must be judged on Senator Kefauver (D.-Tenn'), who to a bi-partisan aPProach"! Whatls true of the Senatorial races the peace issue alone. Since very few conservative-led unions and organi_ is trtte pretty generally' Up to now candidates indeed now take a forth- zations. At all times there exisri the peace peace his not b€en the central issue' right stand, this precludes a danger of a sectarian policy of sit_ Th. p.".. forces have not succeeded coalition tactic noru. This approach ting out the campaign, or-making likewise ignores the fight to change Douglas rhe main trig.t, and of ail the position of candidates on the opportunist policy of going along POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 23 surge with the pro-Douglas forces without elections a struggle to advance the has given new range to the in July urged support of the FIan- making a real fight to influence the cause of peace. expression of peace sentiment, so the ders resolution. rising opposition character of his campaign. z. To develop mass activities to the war policies Am To of the Administration-to the war The weak role of the Peace issue around the main peace issues' activit hysteria which is in the fi.rst round of primaries should enter the debate on the question of the breeding ground as the not, however, blind us to the tre- peaceful co-existence, and fight for a of McCarrhyism-has givin new demic momentum mendous new possibilities that are ieal change in America's foreign pol- ro the anti-McCarthy like. Grass-roots petirions have been beginning to appear. The events in icy. To defend peaceful negotiations struggle. This upsurge and around the Indo-China cease- and the UN against the Knowland- has had important consequences. fire will have a profound effect. The McCarthy crowd, while exposing the A majority of anti_ McCarthy Knowland-McCarthyite camP are maneuvers of the Eisenhower Ad- sentiment has come into threatening to make the UN and the ministration. To defend the cease- professional circles have taken on admission of People's China an elec- fire; support the admission of Peo- new vigor and depth. The UAW tion issue. Their drive to upset the ple's China to the UN; oppose Ger- Educational Conference gave Bishop cease-fire and their frank advocacy man and Japanese rearmament; ban Sheil a forum from which to address moment. of preventive war are stimulating the H-bomb; oppose UMT and the It has finally forced the is- a very imporrant anti-McCarthy sue of McCarthy great mass alarm. new plan to militarize the youth; onto the floor of the peal to Catholic workers. And this"p. colo- Senate in the form the Flanders Among the Democrats the Process cut war budgets; support the of week saw the passage of al anti-Mc- resolution. of difierentiation on the peace issue nial-liberation struggles; expand Carthy resolution in the Massachu- Most significant labor and popular opin- East-West and world trade. is that mass anti- setts State A.F. of L. Convention, in_ McCarthy -reflectingion-is continuing. The reception of 3. To help make the pro-peace activity has begun. The troduced by A.F. of L. leaders from outstanding example the Mazey speech among the work- position of the working class a real is the Wiscon- McCarthy's reputed stronghold, Bos- sin "Joe-Must-Go" ers will not be lost. Senator Morse influence in the campaign of the la- recall movement. ton. This spontaneous, centers his fire upon the Knowland bor-endorsed candidates. Likewise, grass-roots move- Especially important is the grow- ment took . camp, as in the peace demands of the Negro peo- on real mass proportions. ing tendency in labor and othel cir- Despite campaign fo ple, the farmers, the women, the the initial lack of organiza- cles to brand McCarthyism as Hit- tion and the because "the youth. failure of state and na- lerism, that is, fascism. A number of tional labor, Congress would be looked uPon bY 4. On this basis to help defeat the farm and Democratic unions have spoken in this vein the war crowd in the Administra- most rabid warmongers and elect a (Transport, Amalgamated) as did tion as a mandate to go to war in number of peace spokesmen to the Dallas Convention resolution of Asia." Others, like FDR, lr., and Congress. the NAACP. Harriman, with all tieir anti-Soviet IV. FOR AN ANTI-MCCARTHY beliefs, begin to speak of reassessing CONGRE,SS our foreign policy and argue against stage for a H-bomb war as a means of resolving The anti-McCarthy struggle has new recall campaign after conflicts between East and West. already become a central issue in the November. In this situation, the keY tasks of elections. This is due to the powerful Other movements heve arisen. Thus, the the peace forces are: anti-McCarthy upsurge of March "I Believe Benton" Com- mittee placed r. To grasp the new oPPortuni- and April which was further stimu- ads in z5 dally papers laws of this type have been enacted, throughout ties to make peace the central issue lated by the Army-McCarthy hear- the countiy, cailing^for as in Texas. In Flint, Michigan, Con- Senate in the elections, and to make the ings. lust as the antiMcCarthy up- investigation and action gressman Clardy and General Mo- against McCarthy. Additional ads tors are promoting a rcign of terror 24 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 25 against militant trade unionists in a McCarthyite, fascist drive is prem- in this struggle. on this level, while growing, is much disperate efiort to ensure Clardy's re- ised. The most urgent need today is to more limited. It is confined as yet eleciion. The indictment of Claude Third, while labor and other PoP clarify and strengthen the mass to certain sectors of labor, somc Lightfoot, under the membershiP ular forces have spoken out with movement against McCarthy, Mc- liberal forces and the progressives. provisions of. the.Smith Act, is a greater vigor, they have not taken Carthyism, and fascism. Among The strengthening of this level will new senous tnvasron of democratic the leadership in organizing action. other things, this requires that pro- be facilitated by the expansion of the rights. There are increased deporta- This is shown by the shocking fail- gressives distinguish three difierent struggle on the first Ievel. But that tions, denaturalizations and other at- ure of the state and- national CIO but related and overlapping levels is not enough. The events in the last tacks on the foreign-born. and A.F. of L. to take the lead in on which the mass movement is days of Congress show how neces- How is this possible? How can we the Wisconsin recall drive. Likewise, now simultaneously developing. sary it is to concentrate special ef- explain this contradiction between labor failed to intervene in the Army- This requires further that progres- forts upon strengthening the fight thi powerful anti-McCarthy upsurge McCarthy hearings, with demands sives taken an active part in all three of labor and the people against Mc- o. th" one hand, and the continued for serious action against McCarthy levels. Carthyite legislation and repression. advances of McCarthYism on the and his committee. Nor can it bc First, there is the anti-McCarthy Third, there is the conscious anti- leading role other ? said that labor played a movement. This is the b,roadest and fascist struggle which is beginning in the struggle around the Flandcrs contains even some Big Business to challenge the "Big Lie"-the pre- resolution. It was an important step elements. Its limited aim is to curb mise of McCarthyism and the breed- forward when the A.F. of L. and McCarthy. Its demands vary from ing-ground of fascism. Here, too, the C.I.O. opposed some of the key recall to removal from the Senate, new opportunities are arising. As features of the Brownell Program, or some form of censure, as in the the other levels of struggle develop surge that McCarthY-much less Mc- though this came late and was not Flanders and Lehman resolutions. and as the peace movement grows Carthvism-is a dead duck. backed up with mass action. Labor and people's activity at pre- in scope, more and more the oeoplc Second, the anti-McCarthY forces, Labor's failure in this respect is sent is developing primarily on this will come to reject the Big Lie. due to the treacherous role of the first level. The activity tends to be What is most essential for progres- Right-wing Social-Democratic and limited to this level because rhese sives to grasp here is that the general reformist trade-union leadership. forces by and large do not yet see anti-McCarthy and pro-peace up. Tied to the war program, they sharc that McCarthyism is fascism, be- surge makes possible new, broader McCarthy's own premises, the Big cause they do not yet challenge the approaches to the struggle against Lie of "soviet aggression" and Big Lie. the Smith Act prosecutions, against other Big Business forces simply want "Communist conspiracy." Always Holvever, it must be strongly em- further indictments, for amnesty for to cut MccarthY down to size. The fearful of mass action, they seek to phasized that the further develop Eugene Dennis, the General Sec- World-Telegrdm terrns him "a ma- restrain labor's participation in or- ment of this first level of struggle retary of the Communist Party, and ganized mass anti-McCarthy activity. (simultaneously with the other two) for all political prisoners and polit- key to breaking above labor's The immediate -and all growing lead- ical refugees. It makes possible through, as is shown by the A. F. of ership in the fight for the main similar approaches to the Right for L. Massachusetts State convention action demands-is vital to the whole repeal of the Smith Act, McCarraa resolution, is the mass exposure of mass movement. Act, the McCarran-Walter Act, and number who see the fascist charac- McCarthy's anti-labor record, lt is Second, therc is the level of anti- the fight to win back full legality ter of and some who on this basis that an aroused rank McCarthyism, the lcvcl of struggle, for our Party. begin he Big Lie of and file recognizing the anti-labor for example, against the Eisenhower- As has becn pointed out, Mc- "Sovie and "Commu- essence of McCarthyism, will insist Brownell program. Thc movement Carthy and McCarthyism have al- nist c on which the that the unions take an active lead 26 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 27 and ready become a central issue in the New ]ersey and Jones in Maine. Kerr Scott in North Carolina- A difierent problem has arisen in elections. As to the GOP, some Particularly important was the all supported by labor and the Ne- New Jersey. There the Republican months back their National Com- smashing defeat of the openly anti- gro people-staad out in sharp con- Senatorial candidate, Case, has come mittee announced plans to use Mc- Semitic Mc-Carthyite State Senator trast with r95o, when the Dixiecrat out against McCarthy, and the labor- Carthy as the star campaigner, un- Jack Tenney of Los Angeles. But offensive defeated Pepper and Frank endorsed Democrat, Howell, has der the slogan "The GOP needs opportunities to develop struggles in Graham. And this is further con- kept silent because of McCarthyite both Ike and Joe." But McCarthy's Republican primaries against Clardy firmed by Kefauver's victory in Ten- Democratic pressure. This has be- position and influence have been so of Michigan, Scherer of Ohio, and nessee and by the July Texas pri- come a big national issue and poses weakened that these plans have un- others, were missed. mary in which Dixiecrat Governor a first rate crisis for New Jersey la- dergone considerable change. As to the Democratic Party, the Shivers was forced into a run-of[. bor. The problem certainly cannot A Looll magazine survey pub- national leaders do make McCarthy- Clearly a new and growing anti- be resolved by embracing Case, lished in May gave this result: z6 ism-in-the-GOP a talking issue. Dixiecrat movement is taking shape whose opposition to McCarthy is of roo voters polled in March said However, the role of the Senate in the South. coupled with support for Eisen- they would be less inclined ro vore Democrats on the Brownell program It is likewise significant that labor hower's embracing of McCarthyism. for a candidate backed by McCarthy, and Lyndon ]ohnson's role on the and the Democrats in California The announcement that Dirksen, 2r more inclined; in April the score Flanders resolution (and Steven- renominated Condon despite Mit- McCarthy's chief apologist in the was 46.qo 17 against McCarthy. So son's silence!) show that in actuality chell. Nor should it be ignored that Senate, will campaign for Case it is Ferguson inconsistently should that now doei not they sabotage the fight and at times -however - certain make this clear. The need want McCarthy to come into Michi- openly join forces with McCarthy- ADA forces, the Neu Yorft Post, here is for mass pressure on Howell gan; Case, the Republican Senatorial ism. At the same time they appease Douglas, Senator Lehman, for a forthright fight against Mc- candidate of New ]ersey, has taken it in the Democratic Party, as il- Governor Meyner, press for more of Carthyism. a public stand against him. lustrated by Chairman Mitchell's a fight against the McCarthyites. There is no doubt that as the fall The GOP primaries bear this out, call for the primary defeat of Cali- The primary results raise some primaries and November elections especially in Illinois, where Mc- fornia Democratic Congressman new tactical problems for the anti- draw near the growing anti-Mc- Carthyism was a dominant issue. Condon, target of McCarthyite at- McCarthy forces. How, for example, Carthy consciousness of the voters Thus the primary campaign against tacks. to cope with a situation like that in will create new opportunities to fight Pennsylvania, Velde cut his vote from 43,ooo in the This helps explain why an out- where a large section for an anti-McCarthy Congress, and standing weakness in the electoral of labor supported t}re Musmanno- to sharpen the struggle on this issue struggle against McCarthyism, up picked candidate, McClelland, in the within both parties. to now, is tlte lailure to fight the Mc- Democratic gubernatorial primary? In this connecrion the New York Carthyites in tlte Democratic pri- McClelland, because of his anti-ma- primary (September r4) and final maries. The most shocking example chine and pro-labor demagogy, ran elections shape up as leading battle- feat Velde in the finals. It is un- was the absence of primary opposi- a close race with the liberal State grounds. Always of key national im- fortunate, however, that the anti- tion to Walter in Pennsylvania. But Senator, Leader. Clearly, McClel- portance, these elections take orr McCarthy forces in Chicago did not others can be cited in Ohio and in land's large vote, despite Musmanno's special meaning this year because of support, get into the primary against Vail New Jersey. must not be taken as a pro- the powerful role played nationally and failed to develop primary op- The South stands out as the great Musmanno and pro-McCarthy vote. by the pro-McCarthy Farley forces position to Busbey. exception, for there the Dixiecrat Rather, all labor, especially ttre steel in the Democraric Party and the In other areas, several rabid Mc- allies of the McCarthyites have taken workers and the coal miners, should Dewey-Brownell group in the GOP. Carthyites were roured, including some severe defeats. The victories of unite to defeat GOP reaction in The labor and people's forces, hav- cx-Congressman Parnell Thomas in Sparkman and Folsom in , November. ing achieved some important vic- 28 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 29 tories against Dewey and Farley in It should bc added that the first Second, to press the struggle for is some rc/6 below last year's peak, '53, pointing toward the bigger stage of the fight to defeat DewcY an anti-McCarthy Congress around with the drop concentrated in such battle^r. of '54. neJessarily t"q.ri..t that labor and the issues of curbing and expelling basic mass production industries as What are the main electoral objec- the people go into action to defeat McCarthy; rejecting t}le Brownell steel-now operating at Q/o of cap- tives of labor and the people in New the maneuvers of the FarleY-Mc- program; repealing the McCarran- acity-and auto. The situation in the York this year? They are: (r) to Carthyites in the Democratic Party Walter, Smith and McCarran Acts chronically depressed industries like defeat Deweyism and the Dewey- and compel the Democratic Party to -as rvell as ending Smith Act prose- textile and coal has been further ag- Farley alliance by building a broad name a state ticket of a liberal, anti- cutions and securing amnesty for gravated. The jobless total some labor, farm and people's anti-Dewey McCarthy character. Such a ticket, the victims of McCarthyism. 5,ooo,ooo (the faked official figures coalition movement; (z) to change as the State A. F. of L. has just Third, to prepare to defeat ,in admit 3,4oo,ooo), with large num- the composition of the New York proposed, would be very much November the outstanding Mc- bers having already exhausted the Congressional delegation in a direc- strengthened by the inclusion of a Carthyites, Velde, Clardy, Kersten meager unemployment benefits. tion favorable to the struggle against trade unionist. It would likewise be and others and to elect active anti- Hundreds of thousands of auto, steel McCarthyism and for peace, jobs strengthened by the inclusion of a McCarthy fighters to Congress. and other workers face the prospect and equal rights; (3) to expand the Negro candidate. V. THE, ANTI.DEPRE.SSION of being permanently eliminated independent political action-and The struggle against McCarthYism STRUGGLE from industry. representation----of labor, the Negro in the Democratic PartY thus comes The situation in industry coin- ways in the anti-depression people and the Puerto Rican Peo- to the fore in a number of The struggle is a cides with the further development ple; and, progressives add, (4) to September primarY and state con- fundamental mass issue in the '54 of the crisis in agriculture. Despite itrengthen the ALP, as an essential veltion. The persistent campaign to elections. Already in '53 economic steadily increasing retail food prices, factor in building the anti-DeweY block the candidacy of FDR, |r. is questions-job and farm income- the prices received by farmers con- coalition, through support of its obviously of Farley-McCarthyite in- played a primary role in the striking tinue to decline and are now t8/6 activities on peace and other issues spiration. The revolt within the Dem- GOP setbacks in the Wisconsin below the level of r95r, as reported and of its campaign for its state oiratic Party against the Roe-Farley special election in October and the by the House Agricultural Commit- ticket and other candidates' machine in Queens is precipitating New Jersey, New York and Ohio tee, August z. As a consequence, the The central objective is the defeat a series o[ Congressional Democratic elections in November. Today, after poor and middle farmers generally of Brownell's boss, Dewey. Is this primary fights in which McCarthY- a full year of economic decline, these face ruination. possible I ism is the key issue. These battles, questions have become far more It is true that the spring months The answer is yes. The growing as well as a number of leadershiP acute. saw a slowing of the decline in pro- opposition to the Eisenhower Ad- fights in Brooklyn, Point to increas- This is why the Eisenhower Ad- duction-a development which the ministration is more than paralleled ing possibilities for labor and the ministration is now bending every Administration is utilizing as the by the growing popular hostility to anii-McCarthy Democrats to make effort to convince labor and the peo- main basis for its depression-is-over the Dewey State Administration. further gains against the Farleyites. ple that the depression is over. The propaganda. But this is a temporary Dewey fathered the rent and fare In the nation as a whole, what aim obviously is to eliminate or at situation and is due primarily to steals. The state GOP scandals this then are the main tasks for the anti- least limit the impact of the eco- seasonal and other short-range fac- year have further exposed the mYth McCarthy forces ? First, to utilize nomic issues on the elections. tors. Every indication points to a of honest, efficient administration. the new opportunities to strengthen But what is the real picture? renewal of the decline in the late And Dewey's Hartford sPeech in the anti-McCarthy mass movement A general decline in industrial summer and fall. Thus, the auto in- Dccember even went Brownell one in the coursc of the elcctions, taking production, presaging the approach dustry has just announced new pro- better in the vulgarity of its embrac- into account the difierent levcls of o{ an economic crisis, set in in the tracted shut-downs under the pre- ing of McCarthyism. struggle. summer of ry53. Production currently text of model changc-ovcrs. THE NOVEMBER 3o POLITICAL AFFAIRS ELECTIONS 3r Even with the slowing of the top of last year's elimination of the west, the rubber strike and other line in the Park Drop Forge strike decline, unemployment steadily .i..r, profits tax, which enabled struggles. in. Cleveland just before the May worsens as speed-up increases and Generaf Motors, DuPont, GE and Labor and its allies are becoming prlmanes. technical changes, like automation, the other big trusts to show such big more and more confirmed in their Third, it is urgendy necessary to are accelerated under the pressure increases in profits alongside of sharp opposition to the economic policies overcome the serious weakness in of 's drive for max- cuts in payrolls and sales. of Eisenhower and the GOP, of the the legislative activity of the labor imum profits. The big trusts, o{ Underlying the record of Con- billionaire Cabinet, of the give- and farm movements. The record course, are faring very well. In the gress are the economic Policies of away, take-away Congress and Ad- shows that the Administration's tax face of a rc/e drop in production, the two old parties. The Administra- ministration. As a result, the anti- steal and "flexible" parity bills could the big manufacturing corporations tion and the GOP deny the existence depression struggle has been and have been defeated---or at least with assets of over $roo,ooo,ooo show of any real economic problem for will continue to be a key factor in the amended----even in this Congress, '54 a 7/6 increase in profits for the first the masses. They revive the Hoover elections. It is this which largely had labor and the farmers intervened quarter of '54, as compared with a "trickle-down" theory and seek to accollnts for the low GOP primary in a more energetic, mass way. The ye^r ago. indict their Democratic critics as vote and contributes to the defeats biggest obstacles have been the It is the workers who carry the prophets of "gloom and doom." suffered by the Dixiecrats in the "wait-torj54" theory-that is, that burden of the depression-loss of The Democrals feature economic Southern primaries. nothing can be done with this Con- However, there iobs, short weeks, speed-up, wage- issues in their speeches and intro- are certain im- gress-and the opposition to mass cutting drives and new attacks on duce numerous bills. But theY do portant weaknesses in the way in legislative action on the part of the the basic rights to organize and not make a serious fight in Congress which labor and its allies are ap- reformist labor and farm leadership. strike. Negro workers feel the special for an anti-depression Program. proaching the economic issues in the This must now be corrected by mak- effects of being the last to be hired Tied as they are to the war Policies, elections. First, not enough is being ing the record of Congress and the and first to be fired. Women work- they do not oppose the huge war- done to combat the Eisenhower-Big individual Congressmen on the anti- ers carry a heavy burden and the budgets. On the contrary, they even Business propaganda that the "reces- depression questions a major issue youth, lacking skill and seniority, call for increases, thus aggravating sion" is over. This propaganda is in November. face a critical situation. the whole economic problem. Hence, beginning to have some effect in Finally, there is the continuing The economic position of the peo- they too bear heavy responsibility retarding the development of labor's failure to relate the economic issues ple is further aggravated by the re- for the deteriorating conditions of anti-depression activities. It must be to the struggle for peace and against fusal of Eisenhower and the Big the great masses of the people. refuted (as the national CIO and McCarthyism, to refute McCarthy's Business Congress to take any re- Faced with the urgent problems other unions are beginning to do) demagogy on the farm question, to medial steps. No positive action was of unemployment and the depres- by making known the real facts on expose the McCarthyites and their taken on labor, welfare, housing, sion, labor and the farmers are ex- growing unemployment, on the anti-labor record, to advance the health, and similar legislation. What panding their economic and political chronically depressed industries, and fight for peaceful negotiarions and is more, the new "flexible" parity action. Over the past period, the on the new lay-offs in auto and steel, trade as an integral part of the anti- law will mean further cuts in the in- main labor centers have adopted which have followed the brief spring depression struggle. oome of poor and middle farmers, anti-depression programs and organ- pick-up. As the Administration's promised thus intensifying the development of ized a number of unemployment Second, there is too little linking fall pick-up fails to materialize, and the farm crisis. conferences and other actions, A up of the strike struggles with le- the new damage done by Congress On the other hand, the new tax- new militancy is evident in the gislative and political action. Where in its closing weeks becomes appa- steal passed this session provides ranks of the workers. This is seen the tie-up is made both fronts of rent, the resentment of labor, the further "relief" for the greedy in- in the Dodge strike against speed- struggle are strengthened, as in the Negro people and the farmers will stead of the needy. This comes on up, the lumber strike in the North- case of the police artack on the picket grow. The whole fight on the eco- THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 32 POLITICAL AFFAIRS 33 thc GOP nomic issues in the electoral field the defense of the living standards will try to exploit this de- wedge may be driven between the cision as will sharpen. of the people against Big Business. part of the Administra- Negro people and the labor and tion's demagogic campaign to make What are the main tasks ? liberal forces who are more and inroads r. lb make the economic record VI. FOR NEGRO RIGHTS among the Negro voters. more uniting in opposition to the This makes of Eisenhower and Congress a lead- AND REPRESENTATION it all the more necessary GOP. ing issue in the elections (as labor to review the real position of the Thc probl Administration is already doing) and on this basis The Supreme Court decision on and the GOP on the by the result question to involve the broadest masses in the segregation in education reflects the of Negro cquality. What The central election campaign. tremendous new growth in the Ne- are the factsl tion between the great increase in z. To project as an immediate gro liberation movement. This vic- To begin with, as the Afro-Ameri- Negro candidacies and representa- can program of struggle, labor's anti- tory likewise is due to the increased pointed out editorially (I"ly tion movements, and the absence- depression proposals. These include support of a broad section of the 3r), the GOP controllcd B3rd Con- prior to the Michigan primary of gress (a) the raising of purchasing power rvhite population, particularly the scored zero on FEPC and August 3-of any real break-through through wage increases, shorter labor movement. It is due {urther other civil rights legislation, and in the Democratic primaries. work week with no reduction in to the new growth of the colonial- this after their pledge of many years' This increase in candidacies fol- pay; new tax legislation providing Iiberation movements and their standing, that once they took control lows the big gains made in the New from the Democrats for $rooo exemption instead of the powerful impact upon the events in they would York elections of 1953. It comes enact -Communist present measly $6oo; higher mini- our country. It is due in no small a full civil rights program. after many years of mum wages; increased unemploy- part to the pioneering role of thc Moreover, Eisenhower personally initiativc in boldly projccting Negro has come ment insurance benefits and Federal, Communists and the Left in the out againsr FEPC. He has candidates and raising the need for hobnobbed State and Local FEPC; (b) a pro- struggle for Negro rights. with the mosr vicious Negro rcpresentation as a mass issue. anti-Negro gram of welfare-not warfare; Fed- The decision can give new Dixiecrat politicians like Many other forces have taken up eral housing, health, education pro- strength to the Negro people and Shivers, made States Rights his of- thc fight. The ALP and PP ari gram; a broad network of public their main organizations, such as the ficial policy, and appointed Dix- making signal contributions. The iecrat works; an end to the give-aways; NAACP. It opens up broad new Byrnes as representative to the various non-partisan representation (c) a farm program based on full possibilities in every phase of the UN. Firially, as the NAACP and committees in , Bedford- the parity with production payments to struggle for Negro equality, for American ]ewish Congress have Stuyvesant and other Negro com- repeatedly poor and middle farmers as a means FEPC, and an end to segregarion in pointed out, the growth munities are making this demand of lowering consumer prices; (d) housing transportation and the like. of McCarthyism and attacks on a major issue in the two old parties. expanded world trade (including It serves as a powerful stimulus to civil liberties have seriously ham- What do the 1954 primaries show? pered East-West trade) in a world at peace; the fight for increased Negro repre- the suuggle for civil rights. In Ohio there was a record num- sentation levels govern- Thus the policies of the Administra- Negro candidates, (e) an end to McCarthyite Big Busi- in all of lcr ^of including ness attacks on the rights of labor ment. tion and the GOP are a most deadly the first Negro candidate for a Dem-- and the people; repeal of Taft-Hart- What is necessary first and fore- menace to civil rights. ocratic nomination to Congress, l.y. most is a struggle to implement the Meanwhile, Stevenson and the ]ohn Holly. After an active iam- Democratic leadership have also 3. To press all labor-endorsed can- decision in the South, as well as in be- paign he failed of nomination by didates to champion such measures the North. The fruits of vicrory will trayed the civil rights struggle in 2,ooo votes. All other Negro candi- and make them leading features in not come without the most active, appeasement of the Dixiecrats. Ob- dates in Cleveland in the Demo. their campaign. To guarantee that militant fight by the Negro people viously this plays into the hands of cratic primary also lost, including thc Administration the electoral struggle will stimulate and their white allies. demagogy. The the lone legislative candidate en-- mass activities of all kinds around At the same time, it is clear that rcsult is to create the danger that a dorsed by thc machine. On the other THE, NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 34 POLITICAL AFFAIRS 35 Such support hand, the GOP named Negroes for elections, with the election of the is in the best interests based on this type of struggle, as of the white Congress, for ]udge and the State Council, a workers. well as on an examination of the In fighting to achieve Senate. he unity of . this support, character of the candidates and the rt rs necess:lry Chicago, too, saw a number of support of to solve some imme_ relation of the individual campaign diate tactical new Negro candidacies for the Le- Maryland, problems. These arise to the whole state picture. In the ic- most sharply gislature, with a gain of one assured. a Negro won the Democratic nomi- where the Democrats maining primaries (especially New have named Most, however, lost in the primaries' nation to the State Legislature' white labor-supported York) represenration movements will candidates, In Philadelphia, the Democrats Some very striking victories were and the GOp has named do well to concentrate-in addition Negro candidares again refused to name a Negro for recorded in the South-with a num- (as in Cleveland to the fight for unity in the Negro and Philadelphia). Congress in the Fourth District, and ber of new "firsts," for CitY Council community-on getting labor to de- Two tendencies the Negroes suffered a loss of two posts (North Carolina and Loui- must be combat- mand Democratic Party support for ted here. the State Legislature as a result siana), also Democratic Committee The first is simply to ac- increased Negro candidates, and to in cept re-districting. Meanwhile, the positions (Alabama). the Democratic candidate on enter into primary fights where of ^ the partisan GOP named an active Negro candi- The overall picture is one of and Right-opportunist necessary. concepts that any date for Congress in the Philadelphia many new Negro candidacies. There Democai is pre- The Supreme Courr decision has fe rable Fourth. is, however, no general breakthrough to any Republican. tt i, opened up new possibilities in the stre.ngthens party In California, some gains are likely in the Democratic Primaries-as con- the Democratic fight for representation. It is more policy- o[ ignoring in the State Legislaturel but again, ffasted with the GOP gestures of the Negro peopll than ever possible to win broad sup and plays into no Negro candidate for Congress the hands o[ the GOp port of white voters and to develop demagogy, designed was named from Los Angeles. VerY to split the Ne- representation movements beyond gro people significant, however, was the unPre- from labor. The second the present tendency to confine them is simply to accept cedented naming, by the Democratic Negro candidates to Negro majority areas. The elec- irrespective Party, a candidate of Mexican of the character and tion of Dr. Clement in Atlanta, Ga., of program Lieutenant-Governor. of the candidate, thus con- in to the School Board, already origin, for tributing ry53 This shows what new possibilities bor alliance. to a conflict between the proved this. laborliberal forces exist. Why no breakthrough in the Dcm- and the Negro In particular, it is possible today movement. This, The first major exception was ocratic Party Primaries ? The basic too, plays into ihe to make an effective fight to win la- hands of thc GOP. Michigan, where State Senator Dig- answer is not only that the Demo- bor support. Thus, the Detroit PAC, What is essenrial ges won a sweePmg two-to-one vlc- crats do not slate Negro candidates. here is that the while it did not endorse Digges, the laborliberal iory in the Democratic Congressional In Cleveland, Holly could have won forces be convinced to Negro Congressional candidate, did demand noa., primary. This opens up the fighting without machine suPPort if labor that the Democratic withhold supporr from the incum- Party (and the prospect for the election in Novem- as a whole had taken uP his cam- GOP) champion the bent O'Brien for the first time. This issues of ber of the first additional Negro paign. The point is that labor and Negro rights in the cam- was a key factor in the Digges vic- paign; make substitute Congressman since ihe-liberal forces are tailing behind nominations tory. o-f candidates, ened political con the Democratic Party, instead of J\egro where still pos- Further, the pivotal role of the bringing independent pressure uPon sible; make specific commitmints Negro vote in the key Negro popula- Negro people was for future that more than it. Therefore, the central Problem elections and appoint- tion centers-New York, California, 5o ments; and accord filed in the primaries, as against 14 the Negro people Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Michi- a major role in campaign it 1952. commit- gan and New ]ersey-should make tees and In Newark, too, an imPortant vic- organizations. the Democratic Party more amen- Final electoral tory was scored in the spring citY decisions can be able to pressure. POLITICAL AFFAIRS 36 THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 37 are: ministration's attemPt further to The main tasks, therefore, The labor press and conventions are quate. Trade unions, especially in the Taft-Hartley Act, as well worsen of political action material. steel and auto, are increasingly tak- as Brownell's demand that the full in Active preparations are under way ing part in fights for local and statc McCarran Internal SecuritY Act be for November. FEPCs-as well as for FEPC con- to cover trade unions. extended The political action arms of the trac[ clauses and against discrimina- Faced with unemployment, wage- CIO and A. F. of L., however, are, tion on the job. But for the most cutting drives and an openly hostile whole struggle against McCarthY- for the most part, acting only along part this has not yet carried over into peace; (z) Administration, labor is expanding ism-Dixiecratism and for parallel lines. What is needed is the fight against discrimination in activities. Unemp;loyment con- to build non-partisan Negro unitY its united political action. This is still the holding of public office. and ferences have been held bY UAW, for increased rePresentation the exception, as in some'Wisconsin There has been a notable emphasis re- by CIO, by main state and citY registration, combatting sectarian cities and a few states. Conditions by the LLPE on political activity bodies, anti-depression programs ad- ieJtion o[ thc all-class character of for achieving this are becoming among women voters in and out of vanced, and demands placed before ih.r. *or..nents and of the role o[ more favorable, as is shown by the the unions. Both rhe LLPE and the city, state and federal governments. the main signing of the A. F. of L.-C.I.O. PAC have set up special women's The Lewis-Beck-McDonald meeting tions; (3) no-raiding pact. Is this not the time divisions with National Women's likewise featured the job issue. unity by for labor to carry this unity into the Directors. Such special programs some wage-cuts have been tive on i While Lewis-McDo- stressing the issues of jobs, UMT is political field? The pecially in relation to the labor- imposed, nald-Beck agreement holds forth and the r8-year vote are very much engaged i to influenced sectors of thc Democratic such possibilities for these three big needed, as well, among young voters. for m- Party; (4) to win new victories maintain unions in such states as Pennsyl- With all this expansion in labor pri- ber, rubber). The steel workers won Negro representation in the fall vania, Ohio, and West Virginia. political action, the early primaries wage increases and todaY the auto m^ii.r and the November elections Labor is beginning to give more nevertheless indicate a very uneven ad- rvoriiers are already preparing for thus lay the basis for new attention to its allies. First, the C.I.O. situation as to the quality and con- -and the expiration of the five-year GX4 vances in '55 and '56. and A. F. of L., as well as the inde- tent of this activity. This becomes contract it 1955. pendent unions, have given increased clear when we ask the fundamental VII. THE INDE.PENDENT Labor succeeded in fighting ofi support to the farmers in the fight question: to what extent is labor POLITICAL ACTION OF LA- the Administration's plan to toughen on farm legislation. This resulted in emerging as a distinct political BOR AND ITS ALLIE,S the Taft-Hartley Act. A sharp stand the pro-parity vote in Congress last force I To what extent is labor ad- against McCarthyism was taken bY The American labor movement in month of a bloc of big city Demo- vancing its independent position- the UAW, Amalgamated Clothing this election year is experiencing a crats, led try FDR, The UAW is and this is the key to political inde- 'Workers, Packing, Railroad and Jr. rebirth of activitY' Not since the developing an extensive program of pendence----on the vital issues of other unions, davs of the New Deal has so much farmerlabor cooperation in Michi- peace, McCarthyism and the like? Particularly noteworthy is the stress been placed uPon Political gan. farmer-labor political To what extent is labor carrying out new activity in the field of inde- Joint actron. action, which featured the Wiscon- the fine political action resolu- pendent organization for political The initial illusions in Eisenhower, sin special election last October, is tion of the '53 UAV/ convention, action. The LLPE has held regional which some sections of labor enter- being developed in a number of which outlined many steps to greater de- conferences and local meetings, set tained, have been PrettY much areas. But much more initiative on political independence ? up stalTs and local committees. The stroyed by the anti-labor record of the part of labor is necessary. The answer is: very little indeed. PAC is conducting similar activities. the Administration. This was sYm- As indicated above, labor's ap- And it is this failure which poses indicate the best bolized by thc Durkin resignation Everyrvhere reports proach to the political struggles of the most serious challenge to pro- response in years to the dollar drives. last fall. It is expresscd in the Ad- the Negro people is still very inade- gressive tradc-unionists in this year's T}IE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 38 POLITICAL AFFAIRS 39 ticket. This movement is clections. In Chicago, for example, primary, of a bloc of labor candi- continuing for example, shows that if labor had to grow after the primaries. really moved labor sat out the primaries. Because dates-including two Negro trade into the GOP primary, The primaries labor exerted no independent pres- unionists and an independent anti- in general showed this outstanding McCarthyite could a serious sure there were no Democratic pri- machine A. F. of L. member, run- lag in labor representation have been defeated. at the Congressional mary contests. A political hack like ning for State Senate. This activity level. At the lo- However, there are increasing in- cal level, however, there some stances Bowler was again permitted to oc- ensured the nomination of the A. F. was where labor is beginning to increase trade-union candidates. cupy the seat once held by the well- of L. candidate and the slate C.I.O. in intervene. Some rich experience is This is true downstate known liberal, the late Congress- member, and stimulated a more in- of Ohio, Il- accumulating as to various partial linois, Indiana, among man Sabath. The role of labor was dependent labor outlook in political New Jersey, steps toward greater independence others. geared simply to the endorsemenr action. This was further strength- The request made last week (Ohio). There is growing resistance by New York of the Democratic ticket and, there- ened by a conference of Negro trade labor that the Demo- to top deals with reactionary politi- crats name an fore, to the November elections. unionists. A. F. of L. man for cians (California). Lieutenant-Governor One of the consequences was the In Pennsylvania labor was active is a new de- Another major weakness is the velopment which shows absence of any labor candidate. in the Democratic gubernatorial pri- the potential virtual absence (except for the work power and scope the Prospects, however, do point to mary, but it was divided. In the of fight for in- of some of the independent unions) creased labor representation. an active campaign against the reac- East labor tended to go along with of consistent year-round mass legis- In regard to labor representation, tionary GOP Congressmen in the the successful Democratic State Iative struggles on Congressional should finals. Committee-endorsed candidate, Lead- it be added that as trade- issues. Without this, electoral work unionists are elected to office, new Iacks a firm foundation New Jersey labor, especially the er. The Steel Union leadership in and tends problems course arise. PAC, exerted some influence upon Western Pennsylvania, however, re- of Some suc- to lose real content. The absence of cessful labor candidates mass Democratic slate-making for the fused to accept Leader, arguing that seem to labor )egislative action was think that once elected Senate and many Congressional the Democratic machine had not they should particularly felt in the closing weeks dissociate themselves labor, of Congress. races. This involved a struggle consulted labor. This by itself is a from as if there could be a conflict between Likewise, against pro-McCarthy forces in the very correct position-but where unity of labor in the the interests of labor and the inte- Democratic Party. And Newark this did it leadl Labor in Western political field still remains to be rests of the people generally. This, achieved spring provided an outstanding ex- Pennsylvania wound up supporting nationally and in most of course, is false. On the contrary, areas. ample of labor participation with its McClelland, the Musmanno candi- More, too, is needed with re- labor should strengthen its ties gard allies in city elections. date! Since the steel leadership with to labor's approach to its allies. unionists elected to office help In Ohio, as in Illinois, Iabor had adopts this position of independence, and In particular, there is a need for a them develop programs in the inte- basic strengthening in the past played primarily an en- would it not be correct to ask that of labor's rela- rests of labor and the people. dorsing role. This time, under the they show this independence on is- tion to the struggle for Negro repre- To sum up, while labor is greatly sentation. pressure of local union activities, the sues, by rejecting Musmanno, Mc- It is necessary to extend expanding its political action, its the important beginnings city PAC broke precedent by en- Carthyism and uniting to defeat of support intervention in the primaries remains dorsing only part of the Democratic GOP reaction? to the farmers and farmer-labor limited. First, tends accept joint Party's slate (with its one C.LO. In California, the top level it to political action. The important whatever Dernocratic candidates are L.L.P.E. member in a list of zr). This made L.L.P.E. deal to endorse the reaction- women's program should put forward by the machine. Sec- be aided, and similar it possible for a number of local ary incumbent, Governor Knight, activities pro- ondly, it ignores the Republican pri- jected unions and individual trade union- set ofl a mass revolt. Large numbers for the young voters. maries, because of its ties with the Further, much ists, representing important auto of locals and State bodies of the of labor's political Democrats. This is a very shortsighr- work is based and other shops, to form a coalition A. F. of L. united to support the on a plan of concen- ed policy indeed. The Velde primary, trating for the support, in the Democratic Democratic Party Graves-Roybal on the margin or 5/e dis- POLITICAL AFFAIRS 10 THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 4t tricts. While concentration is a good should be given real content, placing siderable weight, there are practical- in words-if not always in deeds- thing, it is obvious that the me- heavy stress on the record of Con- ly no independent or Progressive that the existing P.P. organizations chanical 5/e rule leaves out of ac- gress and the candidates on the main Party candidates.' can play an important role in pro- count the key questions of policy rssues. An cxception is Pennsylvania, jecting issues, especially the peace and a program of defeating outstand- Third, labor needs to takc a morc where some r3,ooo signatures were issue, in the political arena. Likewise ing McCarthyites, warmongers, and independent position in relation to collected in zo days to qualify a PP they can be of great service in ad- labor-haters. the Democratic Party and to develop state ticket-a really outstanding vancing the concept of a political Finally, with labor increasingly closer relationships with its allies achievement. But in New ]ersey, de"- realignment, led by labor, based on I in opposition to the Administration through Congressional district ac- spite the nominal requirements, no the f urther unfolding of labor's and the GOP, the outlook for tivities, conferences, etc. It should I state candidate was filed, and simi- struggle within and without thc November (and the remaining pri- exert more influence upon the i$ larly in states where requirements two-party system. maries) is for a big increase in la- sues and candidates in the remain- are difficult. The result is that in z. What is obviously not recog- bor's political action. In this context ing primaries and in November. many instances the voter in Novem- nized is that the electoral role of the opportunities to help give an in- Despite the uneven situation, la- ber will have only a choice between these bodies can and must bc creasingly independent quality to bor is making major strides forward outright reactionaries-that ir, no strengthened. This means fighting this action will multiply. in its political action. To achieve choice. for and achieving certain coalition The situation requires that every the labor and people's objective in The '54 elections continue a tend- relationships; and this, in turn, means progressive trade unionist, as a November as regards changing the cncy already evident in r9r53. It is among other things advancing their good unionist, make a maximum composition of Congress, it is nec- therefore necessary to examine the own or independent candidates, contribution to political action in the essary that all progressive-minded reasons. There can be no doubt that where this is in the interests of the C.I.O. and A. F. of L., as well as trade unionists make labor's politi- the Left forces have yet to overcome overall struggle tor peace and in the independent unions, whose cal action their number one concerrr,, certain distortions of the National democracy. It is only through e example exerts considerable in- It is through these legislative and Committee Resolution on the 1952 strengthened independent existence fluence. The main tasks are: electoral activities in close relation elections. The absolutely correct and that such movements can exert in- First, to help build and strengthen with labor's struggles on the eco- necessary call to direct main atten- fluence upon the mainstream of pol- the political arms of labor, the L.L. nomic front that labor will increas- tion to the mainstream was taken I tlcs. by P.E., P.A.C., and the political and ingly emerge as a distinct political some to mean dropping support 3. What is needed today, therefore, legislative committees of independent force even r,",ithin the two-party sys- to the advanced electoral and other is a clear affirmation of the proposi- unions of all types. True, there are tem, and prepare itself for the greater organizations; the call to avoid rigid tion that electoral victories for labor many obstacles. Some unions do not battles of ry55 and 1956. third party attitudes to mean ihe and the people require three essen- have political action committees or abandonment of third party forces tial interdependent elements: r) are not affiliated to the political VIII. THE ADVANCED and independent candidacies. unity for the defcat of the main war- action centers. Often officials dis- ELECTORAL MOVEME,NTS It is necessary to establish clariry mongering candidates of McCarthy- courage committee activity. But pro- as to our attitude to these organiza- ism and reaction; z) the expansion gressive unionists will find ways to The record to date in r95,i indi- trons. of the independenr political acrion of overcome these obstacles and take cates a most serious underestimation _r.j" bcgin with it is rccognizcd labor and its allies; 3) thc growing an active part in all the immediate of the role of the advanced electoral 1. A most grievous blow to the quse of ad- independent electoral influence of activities, such as the dollar drive, movements, tending in fact towards the advanced forces, the ALP, IPP registration campaigns, and other their liquidation. The fact is that and the P.P. preparations for November. outside of New York and California, The ALP and IPP are the two Second, labor's political action where the ALP and IPP carry con- main advanccd third party state or- 42 POLITICAL AFFAIRS THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 43 ganizations, and their role is par- account its present ties to the two- tendencies. The result would be to paign, centering its main fire on ticularly important. For some time, party system. But from this it draws weaken this organization to the point Dewey and his embracing of Mc- two wrong tendencies have existed a wrong conclusion, that the ad- where it could no longer play a sig- Carthyism, will make a contribution in and around these parties. vanced or independent electoral nificant role. In such an eventuality, which no other anti-Dewey force The first is the "go-it-alone" posi- movement should be given up. This independent political action in New will make? Will it not, while rally- tion. The "new" argument ofiered wrong conclusion is based on the York and the nation would sufier a ing the maximum vote for the ALP, this year is specifically directed mistaken idea that the advanced very grave setback. at the same time set masses in mo- against the whole idea of anti-Mc- movement necessarily collides with, It is well that the ALP, in its tion against Dewey far beyond those Carthy coalition. It says that peace and is an obstacle to the development electoral policy, has rejected any go- who are now prepared to vote ALP? is the only issue, that both major of labor's political action at its pres- it-alone full-ticket-for-all-offices ap- The ALP gubernatorial campaign parties are war parties-and that ent level. This is an opportunist po- proach. At the same time it has cor- is therefore needed for a victory over both are equally parties of McCarthy- sition which from the Right surret- rectly decided to enter a guberna- Dewey, and its independent vote is ism-that therefore the only correct ders the struggle for labor's greater torial ticket. And in this the ALP necessary to help assure ttrat the vic- policy is to call down a plague on political independence. An ad- should receive full support. tory will have positive results in the both parties and their candidates and vanced electoral movement, provided Is this support based primarily on new Administration. run a full ALP slate for all offices. it bases itself on a proper coalition the need to run a gubernatorial can- From all this it is clear that what Leaving aside the mechanical coun- approach, is an indispensable factor didate to maintain the ALP's position is essential is immediate moblliza- terposing of the peace and anti-Mc- in the fight to advance labor's politi- as a legally recognized party I There tion of support to the ALP guber- Carthy struggles (which was dealt cal action. can be no doubt that this is a very natorial campaign as a vital fact in with above) this argument totally What do these two apparently op important consideration. the whole struggle against the ignores the present level labor's posite viewpoints have in common ? of But the key reason is the great Dewey-Farley camp. political action, its ties with the two- Both agree in leaving labor and its contribution which the ALP guber- To sum up; it should be re-empha- party system, especially the Demo- allies to the mercies of the two-party natorial campaign will make to the sized that the new opportunities now cratic Party, and the role of the GOP system. Further, one tendency feeds fight for peace and against Mc- arising in euery field of struggle as the preferred party of Big Busi- the other. The go-iralone position Carthyism; for jobs and for Negro also include new opportunities to ness. It thus cuts off the advanced collides with the obvious need for rights and representation. It is the strengthen the role of the advanced electoral movements from any con- coalition and thus feeds the liquida- new srrengrh which it will bring to electoral bodies in the November tact with labor and its allies and any tionist attitude. The latter plays into the labor, farm and people's coali- elections. It would be most strange opportunity to influence their polit- the hands of the former. In particu- tion by registering publicly the grow- if this were not the case. For there ical action in the direction of greater lar, the liquidationist attitude plays ing independent power and influ- is taking place today a cerrain un- independence. This sectarian into the hands of Trotskyites and is a t nce of the advanced forces. freezing of political relationships. petty-bourgeois position which from near-Trotskyite agents who, under There are some who oppose the This process should not be overesri- the "Left" abandons the decisive cover of "Left" phrases, seek to pre- ALP decision to run a gubernatorial mated and sectarian errors should be struggle to unite labor and its allies vent any united struggle against war ticl

Fine, James Jackson and Bill Nor- the crucial '54 elections, we must see The 0ommunlst Program llita! ilocument* man. to it that every Party member and -a We must say self-critically that we every Party club makes a maximum have not undertaken a really seri- contribution to the central task in By Betty Gannett ous fight for amnesty. There will be the 'J{ elections, to change the com- a special report on this question, and position of the present Congress, thus the report and discussion must es- preparing the way for a new Admin- INTRODUCTORY strength of inner-Party democracy, tablish guarantees for a drastic istration in 1956. which has made it possible to regis- change in our approach to this vital For the masses are moving for- The Program of our Party was ter the collective will and opinions struggle. ward. And our Party, with full con- universally acclaimed by our mem- of our membership in a program A few words in conclusion. Our fidence, and in the spirit of our bership and leading committees.,Our which expresses the most cherished Party in this period has been under Program, must move forward with membership recognized the profound aspirations of the people. severe attack. It has withstood these them and help give them unity and significance and vital timeliness of The reactionary ruling circles attacks, and stands today united in leadership in the struggle to bar the the program. It welcomed its pene- hoped by their network of FBI po- political action and organization. road to war and McCarthyism. trating analysis of the course of lice agents and paid informers to un- As we now enter the final phase of events in our country, the correct dermine the inner unity of our path it charted to bloik the road to Party, to shake confidence in the fascism and war, and its inspiring leadership, to create dissention and call for unity in action, as the path cause disruption. But our program of salvation for our class and our proves they have not succeeded. people. What is emerging instead is the The fact that our Party, under con- growing ideological, political and or- ditions of increasing persecution and ganizational unity of our Parry harassment by pro-fascist reaction, marked by renewed confidence and was able to issue this program, is in enthusiasm in the correctness of its itself evidence that the ruling class line and policies. It is this unity of has not succeeded in its objective of the Party which we must, at all destroying our Party, of rendering it times, guard and cherish. prostrate before the blows of the It is a tribute to our Party, to every enemy. club and member, that despitc the The reactionary ruling circles, anti-Communist hysteria, 65o,ooo which today are in direct command copies of the Draft Program were of our government, hoped to behead distributed throughout the length our Party by jailing the National and breadth of the land. Committee, by arresting over a hun- The distribution of our Draft Pro- dred other Communist leaders and gram was not "limited to commu- working-class fighters. But our pro- nist Party members and trusted sym- gram is testimony to our Party's pathizers," as the Chicago Tribune virility, to the vitality of the prin- said. On the contrary, it was mailed ciple of collective leadership, to the to scores of thousands-to public fig- ures, trade unionists, leaders of farm- ' Re1rcrt oo ttre Disossioa of the Drafr Pro grrrn-partial tert. ers' organizations and of the Negro

47 48 POLITICAI AFFAIRS REPORT ON PROGRAM DISCUSSION 49 people's movement; to professors, states a very rich discussion. This dis- strategic line for an entire historic day the struggle for socialism and Iawyers, and social workers; to col- cussion revealed the unanimity of period-a line which has for its ob- not the struggle against fascism. umnists, radio and TV commenta- the Party around the main tactical jective to bar and defeat the threat Thus, these comrades minimize the tors; to student and youth leaders- and strategic objectives of the Pro- of fascism and war and thus clear concrete fascist danger. They fail to to_ as broad a public list as possible. gram. Many ideas improvement for the path for the advance to socialism. understand that the victory of fas- The Draft Program was distributed and changes were proposed. The at There are some comrades who say cism is the victory of counter-revolu- autq steel, electrical and other fac- Program Committee studied all these that what we need today is not a tion and spells defeat (although only tories; at union halls and union con- recommendations most carefully and program for jobs, peace, equal rights temporarily) for the working-class ventions; in working-class commu- incorporated many of them in the and democracy, but a program for aim of socialism. nities, and in housing projecrs. We 6nal text. The Program as now for- pe ace and socialism. They argue: Sixteen years ago Comrades Eu- reached a cross section of the Ameri- mulated has approved been by all When we speak about peace and gene Dennis and Gil Green wrote can people, in order that they might members of the National Committee jobs, or when we urge unity of the "Notes on Defense of Democracy." learn for themselves how we Com- and is now before you ratifica- for people against McCarthy, we say This article stands up today, all the munists view the issues and tasks tron. only what the workers hear from more because the peril of fascism is confronting our people today. In this report we want to deal with every party. We are forgetting, they so much greater. After showing why We heartily congratulate our mem- a number questions of which arose rnsrst, our greatest asset, our main monopoly capitalism discards democ- bership on the achievement of this in the discussion around which some aim: "to win the American working racy and substitutes for it the open, major, yes, magnificent rask. This unclarity was revealed. also We want class for the idea of discarding cap- violent form of rule-fascism-Com- was an undertaking which but a to explain why certain changes were italism and inaugurating a socialist rades Dennis and Green asked the year or two ago would have been made, as well as to emphasize some deemed system in the United States. That is question: Can the working class dis- impossible by all of us. And questions which did no[ receive suf- our aim today, now and at all times, regard the struggle to preserve de- if Mr. Mark Starr, the Educational ficient consideration in our discussion. 'not ultimately.'" mocracy and prevent the rise of fas- Director of the ILGWI in his let- Needless to say, Communists do cismi ter to the Netu Yorft Posl, says that ON MEETING THE MENACE OF FASCISM not just repeat "To ignore this struggle," they said, the distribution of our program what every other party is saying on the immediate po- "to permit reaction to accomplish its "proves that the C.P. may be down What is the purpose of our Pro- Iidcal and economic issues of the counter-revolutionary objective is to en- but not out," let me add that it gram? It is a Program which outlines sure the victory day. The distinguishing feature of of fascism and the proves we are neitlter dotun nor out, the hecessary steps that must be un- destruction of the whole labor and the Communist Party is not only the The discussion around the Pro- dertaken today and in the period progressive movement. In short, it is to propagation of socialist ideas, a gram, in our own ranks, was slow ahead to forge maximum unity for task betray not only democracy, but the which our Party certainly must carry in getting under way. This was due the defeat of the threat of war and struggle lor socialism as ucll." out in the course of all of its activ- largely to the very unsatisfactory fascism. It is a limited program for ities. However, because it is the Party manner in which the Program was a given historical period. Their warning to the working of socialism, seeing the full hisroric class then is a thousand times announced and pub,lished, and to the Our Program is not an electoral morc course of the workers' struggles, it timely today. defeating fact that our leading comrades, na- program for '54 and'56, although it The task of is able to provide the most effective fascism, defending extending tionally first of all, but also in the must and will play an important role and lcadership on the day-to-day issues, bourgeois democracy is not a states, did not immediately set an ex- in infuencing the outcome of the "tactic" cnhancing the unity, militancy and or a "maneuver" in order to win new ample by writing and speaking on '54 and '56 elections. To see it simply consciousness of the working class in supporters among and the central ideas set forth in the as an electoral program is to miss its the workers their struggles. the people generally. crucial Program. essential significance. For what the It is a But more significant, those com- struggle which must be waged wher- However, there has been in most Program presents is a tactical and mdes see as the immediatc task to- ever the fascist danger rears its head. POLITICAL AFFAIRS REPORT 5o ON PROGRAM DISCUSSION 5r

It is a prerequisite, under the condi- ting white against Negro, but an If it is true, as we Communists tions of our times, to the advance to intensified racist attack of genocidal rveli know, that American imperial- socialism-a stage of struggle that p,roportions against colored peoples ism has today become the center of cannot be skipped over. abroad and at home; it meani rabid world reaction, that it is the men With the rise of imperialism the anti-Semitism and violence against of Wall Street who have revived ruling class increasingly discards the all minorities. Fascism means not and encouraged the fascist scum McCarthyism is the ugly face of Amer- bourgeois democracy of its ascendant only regimentation in others parts of the world and of science, art ican Hiderism, American fascism." stage and resorts to openly violent and culture to serve the interests of now strive to impose fascism on our forms of rule. Today finance capital the ruling class, own land, then we must understand bur annihilation of At the same time, our Program is through and through anti-demo- culture, of art, of scientific achieve- that the msk of checking and de- vigorously combats the fatalist and cratic and reactionary, in the political ment. feating this new threat of fascism is defeatest concept that all is lost, that, as well as in the economic sphere. To bar the road a prime task of great national and to fascism, to de- in fact, fascism has already engulfed This course of reaction all along the feat fascism, struggle international significance. For the is a for the our land. For fascism is not inevit- line becomes intensified in the period very survival of the working class victory of fascism at home would able. The people of our country can of the general crisis of capiralism and its organizations. enormously intensify the danger of That is why avoid the disaster of fascism, as the into the drive to fascism. the working class, World War III, and would thus have the most de- lessons of the rise of Hitlerism have We Communists have always cisive class grave international repercussions. in present-day society, taught, if they fight every inch of pointed out that bourgeois democ- must become the unifying and lead- Therefore, to underestimate the the way against any and every fas- racy, even in the most democratic ing force of the pEople menace of fascism and its chance for whole to re- cist encroachment on our democratic capitalist countries, cannot but be sist the fascist victory in our country would be a offensive. There is no rights and democratic institutions. limited, restricted, one-sided. But other most serious error. It is indisputable road to socialism except That is why every defeat adminis- bourgeois democracy, precarious and through the struggle democrary. that fascism has made dangerous for tered to McCarrhy today objectively limited as it may be, enables the Clearly, we have still master headway in our country. The Eisen- to rhe helps the fight againsr fascism, al- working class to orgaoize its ranks, full significance memorable hower Administration as the govern- of the though McCarthy's loss of prestige mobilize its forces, become conscious words of Stalin ment in power (and the Truman Joseph at the rgth is by no means synonymous with the of its own class interests. Congress the Communist Administration before it) has been of Party defeat of McCarthyism. The power- Fascism, it must be remembered, of the Soviet responsible for the adoption of one lJnion, when he said: ful upsurge against McCarthyism, means not only the curbing of dem- pro-fascist measure after another. marking a great advance in the ocratic rights, but their destruction. "Formerly the bourgcoisie This has already drastically under- permitted struggle to check the fascist menace, Fasc,ism means not only attacks on itself to be liberal, championed mined the democratic processes, ac- bour- has tremendous vitality. But if Mc- the working class, their right to or- in doing celerated the whole rempo of the Carthyism is to be defeated, the re- ganize and strike, but the destruc- fascization of the state apparatus, and sistance movement has become tion of the working-class organiza- ',,XL:? has led to the menacing growth of to united and organized, and labor tions and the elimination of all Iiberalism remains. . . . The banner of McCarthyism, the American brand in the bourgeois-democratic the first place must come forwrad rights won in decades of struggle. freedoms has o[ fascism. In the words of our Pro- been thrown as the Fascism means, not only restricting overboard. I think that gram: decisive driving force, assum- you, representatives of the Communist ing more the activity of the Communist Party, and more a leading role. and Democratic Parties, will have to "The gradual whitding away of our The disaster of fascism can be but its violent outlawry, the impris- pick up this banner and carry it for- l,rsic democratic liberties is not some avoided if the people reject the Big onment and murder of all vanguard ward if you wish to rally around your- madness which will pass of Lie, McCarthy's weapon of divide fighters. Fascism means not only the selves the majority of the people. There lx)st-war itsclf. It represents an ominous and and conqucr, which causes the old divide-and-conquer policy of set- is no one else to pick it up." POLITICAL AFFAIRS 52 REPORT ON PROGRAM DISCUSSION 53 disunity and division on which Mc- tories scored by the world peace timate war, on world domination- must plot war, strive to extend the Carthyism feeds. camp, and the devastating defeats then why the fear of war among arena of every local war, and preparc It is necessary to understand that sufiered by U.S. imperialism, some millions all over the world and their for the launching of an eventual new if we work tirelessly, energetically comrades concluded that the easing active struggle against itl world conflagration. That is why and above all correctly, organizing of world tension already denotes a It is, of course, vitally important the National Chairman of our Party, the working class on their present turning point in world relations. that the American Communists be Comrade Foster, has warned time level of consciousness and militancy, They maintain that the people's will clear on the question, for we bear and time again not to overestimate there is a way out, and McCarthyism to peace has already been imposed no small responsibility in providing the significance of the lessening of receive its death on the U.S. imperialists, and that as the answers. Clearly this is -fascism-can comrade world tension in the face of the blow. In the words of the program, a result the Eisenhower Administra- confusing two very different things Eisenhower- Dulles - McCarthy for- tion has accepted the inevitable and "The rising tide of struggle against -the false threat of "Soviet aggres- eign policy which persists in or- McCarthyism is evidence that the embarked on the path of peaceful sion" which the warmakers use as a ganizing provocations to heat up people can defeat this evil threat negotlatlons. pretext; and the real threat of wars world tension, to frustrate all efiorts and maintain our cherished demo- One comrade in the discussion said of aggression instigated by U.S. im- at peaceful negotiations, to violate cratic liberties." that while Wall Street needs the war perialism. the people's aspirations for peace. hysteria to maintain its production, Andrew Stevens, reporting to the Our Program in unequivocal THE PEOPLE CAN IMPOSE it is in fact fearful of and really does Party's national conference last year, terms states: TI_IEIR WILL TO PEACE not seek "ultimate war." "IJltimate stated: war," this comrade argued, is "But the Eisenhower-Dulles-McCar- "It would be the most criminal op, thy forces Considerable discussion took place "against the fundamental interests are striving desperatcly to fo portunist crror to cultivate any illusion ment war hysteria and aggravate world in our ranks on the section dealing of all sections of our society." "What that the leopard has changed its spots, tensions. They are determined to block Crisis U.S. Foreign with The in we must do, thereforer" the comrade that Amcrican imperialism has aban- peaceful negotiations. Thus the present Policy. The rapidity with which proposed, "is to organize a broad doned its central goal of world domi- danger of war rvill continue to exist as events followed one another, since united front to expose the 'false nation and the perspective of an anti- long as the present insane war policy the draft of the program was pub- threat of war."' Soviet u,ar, that it has reconciled itself prevails. Only by their resolute strug- lished, itsell made necessary certain Does our program speak of a "false to living at peace with the Socialist gle for a change in our country's for- additions in this section. New de- threat of warr" or at actual, specific world, that it is prepared to negotiate eign policy will the American people peacefully its diflerences velopments had to be evaluated: in- threat to the peace of the world, with the So- help achieve a further easing of world viet Union." creased awareness of the horror of stemming from the warmakers of tensions. Only a policy of peaceful co- The major advances for peace existence will cnsure a lasting peace." H-bomb warfare; the opposition to Wall Street? Are the U.S. imperial- achieved in the last year have con- Any assumption that U.S. imper- the Eisenhower-Dulles-Nixon plot to ists brandishing the H-bomb merely siderably eased world tensions and ialist war provocations are auto- send troops to Indo-China; the U.S.- as a blufil Are U.S. military bases make possible further victories for matically doomed to failure would instigated overthrow of the demo- being built in the far corners of the peace-loving humanity. But it is paralyze the very peace acLion cratic government of Guatemala, and earth as delensive measures against necessary to understand that these which alone can hold in check the the ending of the colonial war in any real threat of aggression? Are successes were wrested in struggle, desperation of the belligerent Amer- Indo-China, which further eased the military alliances, the revival of in struggle primarily against U.S. ican imperialists. the world tensions and opened up in- German and militarism, If today ]apanese imperialism which conspired to Eisenhower Administration is com- creasing possibilities for imposing the arrogant intervention in the in- negate the people's victories. U.S. pelled to enter into negotiations, it humanity's will for pcace upon the ternal affairs of other countries-are imperialism cannot establish world does so only to impede and obstruct war-makers. these a "false threat of war" ? If U.S. ckrmination by pcaccful mcans. It negotiations. If it is compcllcd to As a result of the significant vic- imperialism is not oriented on ul- 54 POLITICAL AFFAIRS REPORT ON PROGRAM DISCUSSION 55 speak of its "peaceful" intentions, it has begun. They are stepping out on own country and the strength of U.S.S.R. clearly stated: does so only to disguise its real war an independent course. The relent- U.S. imperialism. aims before a people who so recently less struggle of the people for nation- The whole spirit and essence of "The object of the present-day peace demonstrated their desire for peace al independence, free of U.S. domina- our program rejects this defeatist movement is to rouse the masses of the people to fight the preservation in their overwhelming opposition to tion, will determine whether these oudook. Life for of peace and for the prevention of an- any intervention in Indo-China. growing imperialist conflicts will be The events o other world war. Consequently, the Only a vigilant struggle against reconciled at the expense of the peo- showed that aim of this movemenl is not to over- every war move, concrete despite their c only a ple----or will result in the eventual throw capitalism and establish social- struggle for peace directed against breakup of the imperialist front. The ism-it confines itself to the democratic concrete war acts, can safeguard struggles against NATO and the aim of preserving peace. . . ." peace today. European Defense Community, Above all, it is necessary to bring against the remilitarization of Ger- To maintain that the struggle for about a fundamental change in U.S. many and ]apan, for real pacts of peace must be a struggle for social- foreign policy, to reverse the course European and Asian collective secur- China war, in speaking out force- ism would confine the struggle for of U.S. imperialism. That change ity, for the seating of China in the fully for negotiations and against the peace to those who are prepared to can be realized, not through com- U.N., for the outlawing of the A- use of the H-bomb. It was these ex- struggle for socialism. It would place placency that "peace is in the bag," and H-bomb, are the battles ahead 1>ressions of the American people, as a condition for unity in the strug- but through a resolute struggle to which will not mitigate but further joined with the activities of the world gle for peace the advanced under- bring into being "a new political sharpen the imperialist anragonisms. peace camp, headed by the Socialist standing that so long as the capitalist majority" that will have the unity, No less false and harmful than the Soviet Union, People's China, the system is not replaced with socialism the political fighting capacity to "im- "peace is in the bag" attitude is the Iluropean People's Democracies and wars are inevitable. It is, of course, pose on a new Congress and a new position of those who consider war the peoples of the colonial and cap- true that only socialism will finally Administration, a new course in inevitable and see no possibility of italist world, which scored important and irrevocably abolish the threat of domestic and foreign affairs." That winning the fight for peace. These pcace victories, and curbed the war war. But the sign of the times is is the emphasis given by our Pro- comrades see chiefly the aggressive moves of U.S. imperialism. precisely that people from difierent gram. might of U.S. imperialism. They see A particular form of defeatism in groups, of different political opin- The program committee elimi- only the confusion created by the the struggle for peace, expressed in ions and of varied religions have nated reference to the "falling apart" Big Lie among millions in our coun- t he discussion, is the concept that the joined in the fight to maintain of the world-wide coalition organ- try. They see the working class still struggle for peace today must be a peace. This is true in our country as ized by U.S. imperialists against the tied in the main to the reformist struggle for socialism. This concept well, even if as yet the hoax of the Soviet Union, since this statement trade-union leadership's support of rivcs a sectarian interpretation to "Soviet menace" holds back the full might be mechanically interpreted. the war program. They see that the rhc struggle for peace. For the objec- potential and organized strength of Instead the Program now reads: organized peace movement in our tive of the peace movement today is the struggle. What is important to "But this coalition now faces in- country has not yet reached the mass not socialism-its aim is to ease underscore is that today the world creased opposition from the peace- proportions of those in other capi- rvorld tensions, to compel the peace- camp of peace is powerful enough to loving peoples and internal division talist nations. Therefore, they con- frrl settlement of all disputed ques- preaent the outbreak of a particular from sharpening capitalist rivalries. clude that while the world peace lions, to outlaw the H-bomb and Ivar, to imPose peace, to ma:intain It is now in a crisis." forces may be able to secure certain A-lromb, to realize peaceful co-ex- peace. The process of breaking Wall victories, in the long run World rsl ('nce. The easing of world tensions Street's grip on the economic and War III is inevitable because of the Stalin in his masterful work, Eco- achieved in the past year opens up political life of the war-camp allies weakness of the peace camp in our rt,trnic Problems o'f Socialistn in the new opportunities for greater vic- PROGRAM DISCUSSION 56 POLITICAL AFFAIRS REPORT ON 57 tories. Moreover, as Comrade Foster ity and for national liberation has al- lnd all forms of discrimination. ple. It is argued that the Negro peo- shows in his article in Political ways occupied a central place in the The struggle of the oppressed Ne- ple could be no worse ofl under Aflairs, August 1954, "the question policies and activities of the Com- gro nation for freedom, for national fascism than they are today. In es- of peaceful co-existence is taking on munist Party over the years. Thc liberation, lies at the very center of sence, this view means that insofar an ever-increasing importance and Communist Party, as the Party of the struggle for the economic, Polit- as the Negro people are concerned urgency. This is because objective the working class, the fighter for the ical and social equality of the Negro they are already experiencing, Iife conditions are ripening so that the most oppressed, has conducted a re- people, North and South. And this under fascism. concrete development of such co- lentless struggle against the whole struggle can be brought to its frui- The oppression of the Negro peo. existence is becoming more and system of national oppression which tion only when the Negro people in ple has always been accompanied more a practical possibility. ." enslaves the Negro people and places the Black Belt, where they constitute with special violence, both legal and them in the category of second

rular movement of the New Deal alizable I Is there, in truth, a fighting For Demouratic Youth Unity. period was, as everyone knows, that chance for such a developmentl ttre youth in their overwhelming We often point to the fact, and it rrurnlxrs were won aqairtst pro- is necessary that we do, that today's fascist reaction. Labor could not have young generation is the victim of the played the decisive role it did if the most poisonous campaign of mind- Leon By Wofsy rvorking-class yoLrth did not raliy twisting, corruption, militarism, solidly to the fight, and if there did crime and brutality. The price not arise the inspiring democratic America is paying for Wall StreeCs movement for unity of the young program of national ruin is heaviest It has been some time since our the historic line of march that can generation. in respect to the youth. Reaction Party has had sharply placed before save America in the present crisis, makes major the youth. FOR YOUTH UNITY a bid for it its great responsibility in the fight and can put our people on the high- Basing itself on the fact that this to win the youth for peace and de- road toward social emancipation. What, then, should be the objec- generation does not remember well mocracy. Much of its strength is in the con- tive for the youth today ? The ob- the depression, the New Deal, the One of the inspiring features of creteness with which it approaches jective that corresponds to the task alliance with the Soviet Union, reac- the Communist Party Program is its the present stage of the democratic of this historic period is the unity of tion hopes to win a mass b,ase among strong democratic appeal to the struggle. It points to a very definite the young generation in defense the youth. For the most part, the youth, its clear defense of the needs and immediare objective: the bring- of its needs and interests, in defense youth of today have grown up in and interests of Young America. ing about of a new political major- of jobs, peace, equal rights, and de- an atmosphere heavily drugged with The task that the Program sets ity that will smash the hold of mocracy. Concretely, it is to bring the Big Lie. forth in the crisis of our time de- McCarthyism in Congress, that not just a part of the youth, but the To look soberly at these facts is mands an urgent reappraisal of our will oust the Eisenhower Adminis- vast majority of the youth into united to see all the more urgently the need Party's outlook toward the youth tration, that will impose "on a new struggle for a change in national pol- to work among the youth if Mc- movement. It demands an altogether Congress and a new Administration icy-domestic and foreign policy, Carthyism is to be frustrated and new emphasis on youth. a new course in domestic and for- and, above all, policy as it directly forced into retreat. At our r4th National Convention eign affairs." affects the welfare of youth. It is to But the trouble is that often all we in 1948, Comrade Bob Thompson The objective that we point to and bring not just a part of the youth see about the youth is what Wall said: help to realize among the youth can movement, but the decisiue majority Street is out to make of them. This 'Work among the youth is not just be no less concrete-and no less of the organized youth movement is especially true of our non-youth another important field of work for our bold! For there can be no new demo- into active collision with McCarthy- comrades, of the big section of our Party and for the progressive forces, it cratic political majority that does not ism and the policies of the Eisen- Party which by and large does not is a decisiae field of work. . . . Unless embrace broad masses of youth. A horver Administration. pay attention to youth work. Thus, the working class can enlist in its sup- political majority that can bring In other words, the ob.jective is, these comrades take a defeatist view port decisive sections of the youth, it about "a new Administration whicl under new conditions and in new of the youth; and despair, as always, cannot, regardless of what is does in starts to build again where the New ways, to help achieve a powerful results in passivity and inaction. other fields, win the struggle to check Deal left o1T" requires nothing short unity of youth that in time be- Yet, really the fascism and block war. will if we look into of a majority against McCarthyism come as vital a democratic force as matter, we see that the factors mak- The great significance of our Party and against war among the youth of the American Youth Congress was ing possible broad democratic youth Program is that it clearly illuminates America. in the strr-rggles of the 'thirties. unity are fully as compelling as those ' Speech at the Confermce. One of the hallmarks of the pop. Is this a pipe dream? Or is it re- that lead us to fight with confidence 66 68 POLITICAL AFFAIRS FOR DEMOCRATIC YOUTH LTNITY 69 for the new political majority de- Latin-American, and other working- must not be passed over and missed raid craze. But this year the movc- scribed in the Program. class youth. Instead of curbing the it gives us a glimpse into the ment that spread to campuses in First, there is the fact that the atmosphere of McCarthyism and -for vi- great democratic potential of Amer- every part of the country was the economic crisis threatening the na- olence mirrored that is in the rise ican youth. colorful Green Feather-Robin Hood tion is already striking hard at the of youth crime, instead of meeting In those places where labor has campaign against the book burners. youth. the economic and recreational needs begun to put its anti-depression pro- Furthermore, the idea of student Even the doctored government em- of youth, the answer night- is the gram into action) young workers exchange visits to promote under- ployment statistics for stick, the jail, and the poison pen of July-which have been among the first to rally. standing and ease tension between the blithely ignore the entry of almost a racist slander. The most outstanding example was USA and the USSR has caught hold million youth onto the job market No one can doubt the deep re- the outpouring of young workers in and is becoming a truly mass move- this summer-admit an alarming sentment that among is rising the Ohio at the UAW unemployment ment. This has culminated now in rise in joblessness for young men be- youth these circumstances. in Just conference, many of whom exclaimed the proposed visit of Soviet student tweel 20-24. how bitter youth was during the Ko- that they felt for the first time what editors to the USA, something which Last week saw the call by the Na- rean War is common knowledge. To- a union can really mean. is of immense significance for all tional Security Council for the draft- day's score is told in bold style in a There is the militant, often lead- Americans who want peace. ing of all young men, in the words news item this morning out of De- ing, participation of Negro youth, es- AII of which adds up to rhis: thar of Asst. Secy. of Defense A. troit-sportscaster Mel Allen received ]ohn pecially Southern Negro youth, in the "signs of a new awakening in Hannah, "geared to the day of ac- a police guard, because of warnings the fight against segregated educa- our land" leave the youth by no tive war with the Soviet Union . . . that teen-agers planned to 4oo tion. Moreover, one can note the means untouched. The talk about a the only war that counts." This new "storm" his booth during t}le Yankee- greatly increased activity of the "Silent Generation" is nonsense. super-UMT plan aims at demolish- Tiger game in order to broadcast the NAACP youth councils. There is a tremendous reservoir here ing any hope for a normal life youth truth about the brutal treatment of The past year has seen strong, for the democratic struggles of the may now entertain as a result of the youth by Detroit's cops. sometimes official, majority anti-Mc- working class and its allies. What is successive truces in Korea and Indo- But, as we know, resentment by it- Carthy expression in some of the needed is for labor to go to bat for China. Permanent conscription and self does move the not youth to most important organizations of the youth-to become its champion the goal of H-bomb war is Wall democratic side. In fact, Germany, in American youth. This is all the more against those who are kicking the Street's only answer to mass youth youth's extreme dissatisfaction and significant in that for the first sev- young generation in the teeth. What unemployment. resdessness only became grist to the eral years of the "cold war" a tight is needed is a confident approach by The McCarthyite assault on dem- fascist ' mill. lid was clamped down in the official all democratic forces to the youth of ocratic liberties has bared its teeth to youth movement on any democratic America-active intervention in the the youth, not alone in the systematic THE NEW AWAKENING expression or united action on social city, state and national political are- drive to obliterate academic freedom. issues. Significant sentiment has also nas with a democratic legislative pro- Even more apalling is the sheer ter- So there is a second factor to look been expressed in these organizations gram on specific youth issues: on ror unleashed against teen-agers as a at, namely how the young genera- for "a more flexible policy" toward jobs, against UMT, on "juvenile de- whole in the guise of police warfare tion has been affected to date by negotiations and for easing interna- linquencyr" recreation, etc. against "juvenile delinquency." New what the Party Program calls the tional tensions. York is now witnessing-as have "signs of a new awakening in our HOW YOUTH CAN BE WON On the campuses, the anti-Mc- Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, land." And here we see dramatic evi- Carthy movement has taken on a Through what avenues and other cities-the most vicious, dence of some very important devel- will deci- truly mass, grass roots character. The sive sections of youth be murderous assault by press and po- opments. The evidence should not won for the big innovation on the campuses a new political majority thar lice on entire comrnunities of Negro, be exaggerated, but at all costs it must be couple of years ago was the panty forged in '54 and '56? 7o POLITICAI AFFAIRS FOR DEMOCRATIC YOTJTH UNITY 7r

First, such a development will come Could the organized youth move- Oarthy. It exercised a powerful im- programs, opening the union halls about only it the major existing or- ment of the 3o's have played so vital llact o1r the official student organiza- for organized activity of unemployed ganizations of American youth begin a role in the struggle for democracy, lions, was embraced by various stu- youth, the appearance of union more and more to reflect the desires without the struggles for youth's dent councils, and was made the spokesmen at legislative hearings on and concrete needs of youth; if sev- elementary needs which spread from theme of several official Academic "juvenile delinquency" and other is- eral of the most important of these one end of the country to the otherl Freedom Week Observances. sues-these are all forms through organizations move with the anti- Could an American Youth Act have A third avenue is moving the which the labor-youth alliance can McCarthy stream and with those cur- come forward without hundreds of trade unions into the field of youth be advanced. rents that are arising for a new, less local united struggles for jobs, for activity, advancing the whole spirit A fourth avenlle, is the develop- bellicose approach to foreign policy. education, for recreation, and against and idea of labor-youth alliance. We ment of varied, colorful forms for Why is this the first question? Be- conscription I do not have in our country the tradi- direct youth participation in politics. cause these organizations - despite Struggles that arise on a particular tion of a trade-union youth move- The past year or two has seen a big problems and even internal crises, issue can involve the entire youth ment. Nor is there now the possi- pick-up in movements for the eight- and despite the fact that they are movement. In one area, for example, bility of a mass farmerJabor youth een-year-old vote, and more youth dominated in the main by wealthy a few unemployed young trade un- organization and movement, which candidates have come forward in adult directors-speak in their com- ionists got the idea that job seek- will eventually come into being. elections than in a long while. bined memberships for millions of ers should get a quota of free or FIowever, millions of young Amer- Youth committees in support of young men and women. reduced-rate tokens for their iob icans are in unions-in fact, there various candidates have also more Many of the most varied youth or- hunting. The union local, somewhat are more young people organized in frequently appeared. Especially since ganizations have already felt the hot unenthusiastically, agreed to let them unions than in any other single form 1952, the Young Democrats have be- breath of McCarthyism on their own draw up a petition to be circulated of organization. There is no limit to come more active, as have the Stu- necks. The Y's have been labelled as on the unemployed lines. The re- what the unions can do, once there dents for Democratic Action. The "subversive." And on Friday, a day sponse was so big that the union was is an awakening to the Battle for NAACP Youth Councils have de- before /oe McCarthy addressed the impressed, and moved to set up an Youth. veloped a legislative and political ac- Convention of the Illinois American unemployed council to further activ- There are a few signs recently that tion program, highlighted at the Legion, that Convention blasted the ities. In fact, it decided to call a jobs can mark the beginnings of such an youth legislative conference in Wash- Girl Scouts for "un-American influ- conference in the fall to which it awakening. In any case, there are ington last February. ences" in spreading "IJnited Nations will invite the NAACP youth coun- examples of the kind of trade-union Direct political action is a very propaganda." cils and other youth organizations youth policy that should be fought important avenue toward democrat- Of course, the fact that the Mc- in the area. for. In a few localities, trade unions ic youth expression and unity. In Carthyites cannot tolerate even a An even more graphic example have recently assigned representa- fact, at times and for a given period, bourgeois-dominated youth move- is found in the campus Green tives to work with local youth coun- it can become the main link in the ment which has any kind of link, Feather development. This move- cils or conferences, In three areas, whole chain. Such is certainly the however feeble, to democratic tradi- ment began independent of any ex- unions have thrown open their halls case in the next few months of the tion, will not by itself produce demo- isting organization. Nor was it a for a regula. t.en-rg. program; in '54 Congressional elections. Gener- cratic youth unity. Left movement-in fact, while di- one case, r,5oo teen-agers came to a ally, the political party machines do There is a second avenue, the most recting fire at McCarthyism, it union-sponsored picnic. In only one not encourage the growth of youth decisive avenue to youth unity. And avowed opposition to . area have the beginnings of a trade- political forms-and small wonder, that is the development of struggles As the movement rapidly spread, it, union young voters' committee ap- for organizations such as the Young of a mass grass-roots character on however, included students from peared. Democrats have often been associ- the specific issues that stir the youth. Left, Right and Center against Mc- The further building of athletic ated with the more liberal, rather na POLITICAL AFFAIRS FOR DEMOCRATIC YOUTH UNITY 73 than the more reactionary, forces in well they might be. For a significant ly involved in every struggle and the young generation. No part of given localities. trend toward united actions and con- rnovement of the youth. Certainly, the Party can be removed from this No doubt in the Congressional ferences in major communities of :rll of this was more then amply "decisive field of work." elections, with a more fuid political Negro youth is beginning to assert proved in the r93o's. How much There has been a certain type of situation, youth can and will cut out itself both North and South. What rnore is this true today, when in ad- experience recently in a few places for itself more of a place in the po- the times call for is the organized tlition to everything else, a bold, ac- that is worth dealing with. In a litics of our country. unity of the broadest sections of the tive, and expanding challenge to the couple of Districts, after a long pe- Negro youth and their organizations, llig Lie is more than ever needed riod of neglect of youth work, the THE NEGRO YOUTH all of whom are deeply stirred by within the ranks of the youth them- Party has sharply placed the need the recent victory registered scl ves ? for a change. This is very good. But Taking stock of all avenues to- in the Supreme Court decision, While the League remains a small what happens I The effort is not u'ard democratic youth unity, all of whom are most sharply afiected organtzation, and affected by a made to sit down to examine the something special b. said about by the crit- is -rrri ical issues joblessness, weaknesses, youth situation, to think through and the development of the Negro youth of the draft, number of serious and all forms its firm establishment under increas- collectively apply national Party movement. In the past four or five of Jim Crow. ing McCarthy-McCarranite fire is a youth policy in the District. Instead, years, we have spoken of the per- THE LABOR YOUTH LEAGUE signal advance for the entire work- a so-called simple approach is taken. spective of an "independent Negro ing-class movement. Already the That is to create youth clubs of the youth movement," or on occasion, With such a bold perspective, with LYL has become vitally concerned Party, and, in one case, even a youth of an "independent, anti-imperialist such important new opportunities in many places with some of the im- section of the Party-for the stated Negro youth movement." for democratic youth unity, the im- portant developments beginning to purpose of developing cadre training But perhaps it would be better to portance of the Marxist youth move- take place among the is and Marxist-Leninist education for speak of the goal, today, of a united youth-and seriously beginning tackle prob- young Communists. And what fol- Negro youth mouement. to lems youth unity, trade-union lows is even more confusion in youth The original slogans advanced o[ activity, labor-youth work than before. On the one hand, were often interpreted in sectarian youth and :rlliance. is beginning to fight, as the Party as a whole is left unaffected fashion by the Marxist youth lead- It shown the Conven- and does not have its attention turned ership. "Independent" was taken to at znd National tion of LYL in February, some of to youth; on the other, an internal mean "exclusive" of the NAACP nist and non-Communist youth, this the sectarianism within the League discussion develops on forms of and existing organizations of Negro organization with a Marxist outlook organization itself sectarianism youth organization, to the detriment youth. "Anti-imperialist" was taken and educational program, is indis- r,vhose main expression- has been the of the whole Leninist approach to- to mean "more advanced" than the pensible as the main center of work- failure to develop a popular, mass ward the organizational independ- existing organizations and move- ing-class leadership to the youth of education as the corner- ence of the youth movement. ments. Because the emphasis was not movement on every front. Without l)rogram srone of all its activities. Is it wrong for the Party to pay placed on unity, on a united Negro youth learning in a living special attention to Communist edu- .I'HE youth mouement, there was, until way, in their own independent PARTY'S RESPONSIBILITY cation of youthl On the contrary, the last year or two, preoccupation youthful organization, there would this should be a cardinal objective with schemes for creating from But, Comrades, the purpose of of Party work. But this is not accom- scratch some kind of new and ad- thcse remarks is to help advance lor plished by substituting specific forms center. vanced Negro youth otr entire Party clarity and active of Party youth organization for a These initial sectarian errors have concern with the meaning of our rounded policy of youth work. by now mainly been discarded. And rrew Program to the fight to unite Can the Party substitute for inde- 74 POLITICAL AFFAIRS pendent youth organizationl Can the plans, and attention to youth work. present rich perspectives for mass These Commissions should help muster the forces of our Party in lnternational Fraternal Greetings to mass work and the trade unions to help score a real breakthrough in the youth field. They should bring the the Conlerence educational workers and leaders of alized without, in fac, the flowering our Party into a major efiort to of the independent organization that assist Marxist education among educates youth in a working-class youth. spirit and Marxist outlook I Comrades, all of this, I think, is In the name of the Labor-Progressive Party of Canada, and all progressive Rather we should look at some implicit in the tasks set by our Party Canadians, I send you heartfelt fraternal greetings. I am confident that your Na- Districts that are beginning to take Program. The job is to make it ex- tional Conference will strengthen the fighting Communist Party of the United a somewhat different approach. Here plicit in the near future. States, indomitable champion of peace and friendship among the nations. We hail the heroism of the leaders, members and supporters the CPUSA there is no effort to substitute for One of the most serious weakness- of who are proving every day in the battle against McCarthyism, that vile poison youth organizatiom, but rather a new es of our Communist leaders in fascism-the passionate patriotism of the Communist movement of the look at what the whole Partv can youth work is that we have not ful- United-U.S. States. Your greatParty is an example to all Canadians who cherish truth, do in the labor movement an'd the filled our responsibilities in helping honor and the solidarity of the working people. You uphold the finest traditions people's organizations to help devel- to make youth work the property of of the United States in these days of stress and storm. op the democratic fight for the mass- the entire Party. We have not helped The LPP salutes the valiant CPUSA! es of youth. A new look at what the creatively to enrich and develop the We hail the new Program of your Party; The American Way to lobs, Peace, Party can do to encourage and give yollth policy advanced at the last two Democracy, It truly is the modern Appeal to Reason, a powerful document that guidance to the new developments National Conventions of our Party, will contribute immensely to the solution of the national crisis that grips the U.S. among youth and students. A new and spelled out with such clarity In this Program, with its ringing appeal for people's action around the immediate national-democratic tasks, the CPUSA comes forward as the true of the look at what the Party can do to by Comrades Betty Gannett, Bob defender national interests-peace, democracy and the welfare of the people of the U.S.A. encourage and assist the Marxist ed- Thompson, Carl Ross, and others. The LPP heartily greets the policy and work of the CPUSA towards the ucation of the advanced youth. Comrades, Program our points the forthcoming crucial Congressional elections. Your decision to concentrate upon Comrades, our Party is proceeding path to a bright future. Ours is the bringing about unity at the polls of all peaceJoving citizens to achieve the election to reestablish a National Youth Com- Program of the Youth. It is the Pro- of a majority pledged to maintain U.S. democracy, to halt the rampage of Mc- mission. District Youth Commissions gram of hope and faith in the future Carthyism, to stop the Eisenhower-Dulles drive to an atomic World War, is a vital, are needed urgently. Such Commis- of America and its great working timely contribution to the real national interest and to the hope for world peace. sions should call in and review area class. We greet the struggle of your Party and the U.S. working class, Negro peo- by area the Party's responsibility, ple and the farmers. This struggle undoubtedly played its noble part at Geneva in winning cease-fire and peace in Indo-China and administering a heavy blow to Dulles and McCarthy. We are certain that the struggle will go forward to contribute towards winning an all-inclusive Security Pact for Europe, as proposed by the government of the Soviet Union, the seating of People's China in the United Nations, the fr-rrther easing of international tensions. While fightig against the Wall Street monopolists who have sunk their talons into Canada, to cast ofI U.S. imperialist domination of Canada and restore the national independence of our beloved land, we never forget that the U.S. working class and democratic forces and the patriots of Canada are united in the common cause of peace and democracy. Together, the peaceJoving people of the U.S.A.

75 76 POLITICAL AFFAIRS FoR DEMOCRATIC YOUTH UNITY 77

by U.S. imperialism. U.S.A. is leading courageous struggle against reactionary fascist tendencies of ions to national inde- American imperialist circles in genuine interest of American people, and for isphere to uphold the realization of peaceful co-existence with nations of whole world. We believe that present i {or your comrades and decisions of your conference tionat sovereignties. Internationar sorid ;:1llit#."lr"'1,i3; will still Party, American working class, and American people will prevail over rhe U.S. imperialist to active and democratic rights. We wish that your conference We greet Gene Dennis, titan son meet wit day and pledge to strengthen our wor Long live C.P., U.S.A.! the brave sons and daughters of the U.S Long live cooperation amorg all peaceful nations all over world! persecuted under the Smith and McCa Central Comrnittee, freedom. ' Communist Party ol Czecho'slouaftia . y. sgqd h_eqty greetings to ]Milliam Z. Foster, the great pioneer builder and leader of the GPUSA and wish him good health and *"".ry, -".ry years of fruit- ful work for our mighty cause. The Central Committee of the Yours fraternally, your national conference. Your work Tirn Bucft and stimulating the resistance of the fascism, against the war policy of *1,:.ri"!;:!,r;; party ot canada world domination, as well as the struggle against the threat of economic crisis. The end of the war in Korea and the cease-fire in Indo-China, achieved through the initiative of the Soviet Union which proposed the Geneva Conference, to delegates party - _Hearty _Greetings of National conference of communist as well as the result of the world popular movement of struggle against the war of united states of America from party central committee of communist oi camp, represents a new and important check to the policy of the leading circles China. of the United States. The communist Party of united States of America, along with democratic We look forward with the whole of the working class and the people of forces in united States, waging relentless struggles for peale and democracy France to the successful outcome of your conference and for the victory in the under the most difficult conditions, have won the d.ep affection and sympathy United States of the fight for peace and the development of peaceful relations of peaceJoving people throughout the world. among all peoples of the world. we believe that the communist Party of the united states of America, which Long Live the Communist Party of the United States! unites around itself the broad masses of the Americ,an people who desire peace Long Live Peace ! and cherish demo,cracy, surely make will {urther and greater achievements in its For the Central Commitue struggle to consolidate the Party, strenpthen the uniiy of all forces in united ol the Cornmunist Party ol France, States for peace and progress, the livelihood of the working people, . -improve lacques Duclos secure democratic Ireedom and defend world peace. The chinese people have always esteemed their friendship with the American people. we trust that the traditional friendship between the chinese and Ameri- The Executive Committee and all the members of the British Communist can peoples will develop and strengthen in thiir common endeavor against war Party send you warm fraternal greetings and good wishes on the occasion of and for peace. your National Conference, and wish it every success. Success to the Conference. You occupy a most vital sector in the world progressive movement at the Central Committee ol the present time. Your fight against the war policy of American imperialism is Comrnunist Party of China watched with admiration by peaceJoving people throughout the entire world, and is of the greatest importance in humanity's fight for peace. Here in Britain, opposition to the policy of war and surrender of Britain's central committee of communist Party, czechoslovakia, sends to all National national independence is growing daily. There is a powerful movement of oppo- conference oj your Party warm brotherly greetings. we are following with great sition to the rearmament of German militarism, an almost universal demand for attention endeavour of your Party, which in front of all progressive forcJs of POLITICAL 78 AFFAIRS FOR DEMOCRATIC YOUTH UNITY 79 the banning of !y.d-ff3. and aro.m lrcmbs, and a strong conviction amongsr the The Polit Bureau of the C.entral Committee of the great.majority of.the British people that the chinese peoiple,s Government should greets the National Conference of the Communist Party of the U.S.A. be admitted to the united 'We Nations. The hatred of Mciarthyir- i, *iderpr."d,- are sure that this Conference will enable the courageous Communist and there -- is firm resistance ro all attempts ro inrrodu.. ii t 6r.l Party of the United States of America, fighting against heavy odds for peace spur us on to win new in the world and against Fascism at home, to further strengthen the struggle for s, but in their despera- ;rcace. We are sure, that with the new program which the Party is adopting, cts, the recent events in the C.P.U.S.A. will be able to help the process of strengthening the democratic s to which they are prepared to go in lorces ir the country which are on the eve of an important electoral struggle. y of the Soviet Union and.its successes The Communist Party of India, which is itself carrying on a struggle against source of encouragement to us and all the maneuvres which American imperialism is resorting to in Asia, is watching rvith eagerness the courageous fight which the American Communist Party is carrying on, against the same imperialism which is threatening the peace and na- peace and for the best interests of the tional sovereignty of our own country. E. M. S. Nancboodiripad Ag., General Secretary, aims and true interests of the America Communist Party of India advance. 'We send thro To the National Conference of your Party, which is being held at a moment and especially to :",il:H,'ili','i:l't,l:f?:? in which greater prospects of growth and of Peace are outlined on the interna- tional horizon, we send the fraternal and warm gr€etings and well-wishes of the P:ac:, qemocrl:y encouragement to millions Italian Communists. or p€opre outslcle America. w.P Well do we know from our experiences during the zo-year struggle against tween ou fascism how difficult are your efiorts and sacrifices. But we also know that your racy in t road, to liberate the United States from the menace of McCarthyism and from between the incubus of new military ventures, is the high road on which the American peace and national independence, and haste nation must set out if it wishes to equal its traditions of the past and to be ican peoples worthy of a great future. will place their two countries in the forefront of the forces of peace. Of this future, you, today, are the promise and the guarantee. We suc- With warm fraternal greetings, wish cess to your conference and to all your work. George Matthews, With fraternal greetings, Assistant Ge neral Secretary Palmiro Togliatti Communist party of Great Britain General Secretary Comncwnist Party of ltaly The Central Committee of the Hung sends MEXICO militant fraternal greetings to the party, Nationai The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Mexico sends revolution- U.S.A. Best wishes for the success of your th the ary greetings to the national conference of the Communist Party of the United R'1ty program. are aimed towards peace. the defe nse of democratic '.tY the unity States. At the same time, it expresses its absolute certainty that this conference :ishts, of the working class, and the strengthe"i"J-"lirr.-raiis of the Party. will constitute a very important milestone in the fight for world peace, respect for the independence of nations and the existence of democratic liberties, against Warm Communist greetings. the oppressors of the people of North America and the war inciters, the monop- Central Comntittee, olists of Wall Street. Hungarian Worfting People's party The defeat of the war policy of North American imperialism at the Geneva 8o POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Conference and the growing vigor of the camp of peace, democracy and socialism headed by the Soviet Union, encourage the Mexican people in their fight for Reody peace, for national independence, for the creation of a democratic government - and for the people's welfare. In its fight against McCarthyism, for the freeing of political prisoners, for THE ORIGINS OF peace, for respect for the sovereignty of nations and for the realization of its popular program, the Communist Party of the United States can count on the CFIRISTIA..NITY deep sympathy of the Mexican people. Long live the Communist Party of the United States! By ARCHIBALD ROBERTSOhI Long live the camp of peace, democracy, and socialism! Long live the Soviet Union! For the Central Committee Serious and thoughtful students will hail the publication this month Dionisio Encina by of Archibald R.obertson's Tbe Origins o! General Secretary C h ri st iani ty, price Communist Party of Mexico $2.)0.

On the occasion of the national conference of your Party we send you hearty The author, a renowned British Marxist scholar and historian, pro- fraternal greetings and wish you fruitful discussion. Working masses of our vides in this volume a comprehensive analysis of the social roots of country greet progressive forces of American people which fight despite rePres- early Christianity, of the forces which contributed to the founding of sions, persecutions and terror against fascism and reaction; unmask criminal war the Christian church, and of the revolutionary and conservative ten- plans of American imperialist aggressive circles; defend democratic liberties and dencies within the first Christian communities. His srudy reveals how peace. We wish you best results in work for strengthening your Party and unit- ing all sound forces of American people for struggle against the danger of a new the early Christian writings reflect real controversies berween social world war, for peace and friendship among peoples. classes which developed in the sick and dying slave society that was Cenffal Comrttittee mrking way for feudalism. His siuCy also tmces the developmenr of Polish Worfters Party United messianic ideas among the Jews of the Roman Empire, discusses the 'myth" theory about jesus, mainraining rhat rhe Christ story originates in definite historical events.

In demonstrating that Chrisdanity was the product of a long and complex historical evolution which began cenruries earlier, Dr" Robert- son unravels the tangled problem of Christian origins, throwing a brilliant light on this focal question, and on the rer.olutionary roie of the Prophets and the final crystallization of a nes/, dogmatic and authoritarian religion.

Here is a book you will want for your permanent librar"y.

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