Democratdemocrat and Jobs

The For National Independence, Democracy DemocratDemocrat and Jobs

Paper of the Campaign against Euro-federalism ISSN 0967-3806 Number 146 May-June 2015 50p Referendum wake-up call

he Labour Party's belated U- are now unemployed in Greece and turn in support of a referen- Spain, with youth unemployment at T dum on EU membership - double that. Living standards have which could be held as early as May been cut as economies have contracted 2016 - will not win it support from under the lash of austerity and thou- working class voters as the party dog- sands have been forced to move abroad gedly supports EU membership. to look for work. Unemployment in Spain has been the report by Brian Denny equivalent of over seven million without jobs in Britain. Labour went into the election with a Three-hundred thousand Irish work- Page 5 suicidal position of opposing a referen- ing people have left their homes to look dum and saw its core vote collapse, for work overseas since the 2008 bank- mainly to UKIP, yet it still refuses to ing crisis, the equivalent of over four listen to working people and blindly million in Britain. supports every anti-democratic devel- Membership of the euro has acted as opment within the EU regardless of an economic vice on these economies, how damaging it is to workers and the fixing them at unsustainable currency economy. parities above all with Germany. Analysis by Labour MP John Healey Only when the euro is dismantled so Jobs and EU Referendum p4 has revealed that UKIP's share of the that those EU members in severe eco- vote was higher in Labour-held seats nomic difficulties can begin to manage than in Tory ones yet the party's obses- and rebuild their own economies again sion with empire loyalism has contin- will the sufferings of their peoples be ued unabated. reversed. Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has just Despite the fact Syriza in Greece and launched a pamphlet The European Un- Podemos in Spain have grown quickly ion: A view from the left, as part of the to fill the political vacuums on the left, What ‘working people’ must do p3 campaign to expose the true neo-liberal these parties are still wedded to the and anti-democratic nature of the EU. idea of staying in the Euro zone and the Lat- "The reactionary Thatcherite revolu- EU itself. History tion inflicted on Britain has pushed the However these developments could Exclusive neoliberal agenda far beyond that of be viewed as stirrings towards a more Roots of Continental Europe, but the direction realistic analysis of the nature of the EU the EU and and objectives are the same. particularly as its internal crisis deep- domination "However, on the Continent, it is fear ens. by of the likely political reaction by mil- Yet many on the left still refuse to un- Germany lions of workers which has held back derstand the simple fact that the EU p8 the neoliberal thrust," he said. empire was built to increase the power He points out that one in four workers of the market and monopoly p2

Discussion on General Election p6-7 Democracy not hypocricy p12 Recent EU factors on the railways p9 capitalism and progressively dis- and marginalised. Literature mantle the socialist and social democ- It is time for democratic governments ratic gains established following the de- across the EU to reclaim power from EU feat of fascism. institutions and begin again to represent This refusal of left forces to face up to the real interests of their peoples and these economic and political realities move in a socialist direction. will make them increasingly irrelevant See editorial opposite and discussion on p6 Action on tax evasion harder in EU Listen to the EU Commission or the EU the form of dividends on its shares in the Parliament and you’ll hear from all sides daughter company concern will remain that they have been working hard to tackle light. However, the assumption being that tax evasion by transnational corporations. tax has already been paid by the subsidiary. Yet the real negotiations are taking place in This may be true, but this example shows Paris, at the Organisation for Economic Co- that even if this were the case it may have operation and Development, which brings been at far too low a level. together developed countries. One of the The accumulation of income is something papers published recently the OECD is looking at, but £2.50 each plus 50p by the OECD reveals the it’s difficult to draw up pre- postage fact that the rules of the cise rules. You can easily European Union’s internal bypass this problem by stat- OR 5 copies for £11 market are in reality an ing that if a great deal of in- post free obstacle to effective ac- come is coming directly to tion. the subsidiary, extra taxes Nothing more has been will be charged to the parent heard about this, but it company until all income is should and must be high accumulated and the Dutch on the EU Parliament’s list of priorities. rate paid on the total sum. But the EU Court Because this autumn decisions need to be of Justice has moved to prevent this from taken in Paris, the OECD is producing being imposed on subsidiaries within the document after document dealing with pos- EU, ruling that such a policy would jeopard- sible measures to counter tax evasion, one ise freedom of establishment, which is an of which concerns taxation on subsidiaries. aspect of the internal market. Only if it can Say, that a transnational corporation is es- be shown that a subsidiary has been set up tablished in the Netherlands with a subsidi- purely and simply for the purpose of avoid- ary in Ireland. In the Netherlands, company ing taxes, and that it has developed no eco- taxes amount to between 20 and 25 per cent, nomic activities of its own, is any action whereas the rate in Ireland is only 12½ per permitted. This is also a problem for the cent. It’s advantageous to the corporation in Conservative Government and yet another question to put down as much of its profit as reason to leave the EU and for Britain to possible to the Irish subsidiary, so that control the movement of capital. hardly any tax need be paid in the Nether- (Based on a report in the newsletter of the lands. Income received by the parent firm in People’s Movement of Ireland) Social Europe

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Page 2 The Democrat Number 146 Editorial May-June 2015 What must be done by ‘working people’?

embers of the millionaire’s ply been passed through cabinet have probably Parliament by secondary M placed bets on how many legislation and have not times they can say ‘working people’ been discussed by MPs. In in a speech. The phrase was even in other words rubber the Queen’s speech which was of stamped to become part of course written and approved by Her legislation in Britain. This Majesty’s Government. undermines all forms of democracy. The electorate is overwhelmingly made up of the working class. Un- The Government now fortunately many people were per- wants to attack trade un- suaded to vote for things they don’t ion rights including the right to penthouses, yauchts and one or two want and are not in their interest. strike – if you can’t strike then or more very posh cars. The public The list is long but can be used as you’re a slave! The European Court purse was handed over to the banks part of a wide ranging referendum of Justice has already passed legisla- to save them and we have not have campaign. tion to inhibit collective bargaining the money back! and other hard won trade union Meanwhile there are food banks and Austerity policies stem from Brus- rights. soup kitchens. Millions are unem- sels and in particular the 1992 Maas- ployed, especially cruel for the tricht Treaty which put in place the A huge distraction is the myth of young who see no prospects for a rules for the European Single Mar- what is called ‘Social Europe’ which decent life. To say the least, for ket drafted in 1986 in the Single gives nothing whatsoever for the many it is an unnecessary, shameful European Act. The Maastricht benefit of trade unionists. Social and disgusting situation. What is Treaty laid the basic rules for the Europe is nothing more than a con required includes the right to have a euro currency which were slavishly trick and has to be exposed as such. job, a place to live in without paying followed by the Government here, On top of all the above we have out most of your income, to have the although Britain didn’t actually join TTIP and ISDS being ‘negotiated’ in fundamental right to play their part the single currency. secrecy by the Brussels Commission in a family of their own and many and the US Government to the bene- other aspects of normal life. The criteria for the single currency fit. The implications of these treaties All the above has generated a grow- included severe limits on govern- are profound. Jobs will be lost and ing resistance on many issues and ment borrowing and expenditure on transnational corporations will ‘rule factors of life. We are not alone in the public sector. From this came the waves’. It is recognised that the Britain as there is a growing move- privatisation and knock down prices NHS will be smashed to smither- ment both sceptical and opposed for nationalised industries. Included eens as the privateers move in more across the EU. This is especially so was PFI (Private Finance Initiative) deeply than now. in Southern Europe. which has ham strung the NHS and PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Austerity policies are common Those in Britain who oppose any schemes to make profit for the pri- across the EU hiding behind the item or issue in the above list must vateers. PFI schemes, especially ‘need to get rid of the debt’ in which bend their efforts and energy to ob- those for hospitals, are more expen- we all must allegedly contribute. tain a vote to withdraw Britain from sive to cancel than to complete. Everybody really knows the rich at the reactionary and totally undemo- the top have made a huge advance cratic EU. The EU is in place and, in Common policies and EU legislation in their accumulated wealth and particular, functions for the sake of have been carried out without any possessions. What they patently the transnational corporations. It is protest or objection by successive don’t do is invest in industry, facto- time to get the pitchforks out and Westminster governments. In fact ries and manufacturing. Instead rebut the Tory claim of being on the the diktats from Brussels have sim- they purchase ‘luxury’ apartments, side of ‘hard working people’.

May-June 2015 The Democrat page 3

“3 million jobs depend on EU Referendum Britain being in the EU” But, what is this myth of a figure based on?

arious claims that three mil- and Social Research, said pro-euro insist on undercutting existing terms lion jobs depend on EU supporters had misused his report and conditions.” He accused the V membership are wide of the to make “plain silly” claims about government and employers of ex- mark and not true. If Britain were the impact of British withdrawal. Mr ploiting free movement of workers to leave the EU trade would con- Weale blamed BiE for leaked news- in the European Union to undercut tinue and jobs do not depend on paper accounts of his research which wages.(Morning Star 18.5.15) EU membership but on trade. suggested that 8 million jobs were at An increase in the number of jobs According to Treasury estimates risk if Britain pulled out of the EU. arising out of the Transatlantic the European Movement website The survey, commissioned by BiE, Trade and Investment Partnership claims that 14% of those in work in actually suggested 2.7 million jobs (TTIP) between the US and EU is a Britain are linked to being in the EU. were directly related to trade with forecast without any foundation. That is over four million or 30% lar- the EU and another half million The US Tufts University Re- ger than the usual figure of three were indirectly linked. However, it searcher Mr Capaldo said: million repeated time and again to added that it was “unlikely” that “According to our study, TTIP will try and get this accepted as the many of these jobs would be lost exacerbate, not solve, Europe’s eco- truth. permanently even if Britain left the nomic problems — increasing un- The CBI chief stated at a dinner for EU. (CIB leaflet Busting the 3 million employment, worsening inequality, 1,000 business men and women: jobs lie) reducing workers’ purchasing "Most businesses and governments However, jobs are clearly being power, undermining the dynamism want to see a reform that allows us lost now in Britain precisely because of intra-EU trade, and exposing to grow. Reforms can be made that of EU membership. European countries to asset bubbles we believe can improve our com- An example arises from a GMB led and financial contagion from the petitiveness without the need for protest about a 30 year contract for a United States...At this fragile time in treaty change." Merseyside recycling plant on Tees- Europe’s economic recovery, TTIP But, this is code for more deregula- side worth £1.2 billion. However, looks like a mistake.” tion, more neo-liberalisation, more GMB National Officer Phil White- Guy Taylor, trade justice cam- privatisation, more austerity and hurst says the employer Sita paigner at the World Development ‘competition’ to drive wages and Sembcorp is refusing to employ lo- Movement said: “TTIP falls down conditions down. This must be re- cal construction workers and saves even on its own terms, as it’s sup- sisted by the labour and trade union £4 million in wages. At the same posed to bolster growth in the EU movement. time unemployed local workers are but in fact it will result in fewer jobs In complete contrast, the chairman costing the tax payer £3 million. and lower wages...The research of construction equipment maker Mr Whitehurst stated that: “Sita is shows that some will actually bene- JCB, Lord Bamford, said that the UK not playing fair by the Teesside fit — profits for a small number of had nothing to fear from the UK's workforce. Sita has discriminated corporations grow at the expense of exit from the European Union: "We against them by giving them no ordinary workers. This is truly a are the fifth or sixth largest economy chance to get up to three-quarters of deal for the 1 per cent, and we have in the world. We could exist on our the 400 jobs on the site at the con- to stop it.” (WDM and Morning Star, own - peacefully and sensi- struction phase of the job. 8.5.15). bly," (Lord Bamford, BBC Midlands “The project is being built pre- Meanwhile one million under 25’s Today, 20.5.15) dominately using migrant workers are unemployed and nearly two mil- The history of where the figure of from Eastern Europe who are being lion adults are out of work. three million came from is long and paid £5 per hour below the agreed The answer is to have an economy convoluted but begins back in 2000 rates for engineering construction based on manufacturing in an inde- based on a survey commissioned by workers. pendent self governing Britain Britain in Europe (BiE). The survey’s “This protest is not against Euro- trading across the world peacefully author, Mr Martin Weale, director of pean labour working in this country without interfering in other nation- the National Institute of Economic but unscrupulous employers who states.

Page 4 The Democrat Number 146 Ups and downs of EU opposition to TTIP in US Watch your Language In a massive piece of political cynicism, Efficiency the United States Senate—members of both Republican and Democratic Par- and privatisation ties—voted on 14 May to open a debate When the postal services on a bill that would allow President were privatised it was fore- Barack Obama to “fast-track” the au- cast that the competition would increase efficiency thority he needs from Congress to wrap and lower prices. It is obvi- up trade negotiations with the EU, Ja- days of the President submitting it. No ous that TNT turned into pan, and nine other countries. The deal amendments from the floor were al- Whstl has failed. Two post- came days after members of the Democ- lowed, and debate was limited. As a men going the same rounds ratic Party in the Senate had blocked the candidate, Barack Obama said he would at similar times is highly inef- bill’s progress. It allows five hundred replace this anti-democratic process. But ficient. Who pays? The cus- corporate trade advisers to have access now he has got Congress to grant him tomer of course and the low to the text of secret trade agreements this extraordinary authority—in part to paid on the minimum wage who worked for TNT/Whstl and to set the country’s trade agenda. try to overcome growing public and who are now redundent. “Fast-track” is an extreme procedure congressional opposition to his contro- There are rumblings within created by President Richard Nixon to versial TTIP deal. Congress has now the CWU that they may join get around public debate and congres- given away its right to amend interna- the No! To EU camp. sional control. Under the Constitution of tional trade deals for the next five years the United States, Congress is supposed and has limited the legislature’s influ- What they say to write the laws and set trade policy. ence to a yes-or-no vote. This is a seri- Steve Hilton, former chief For two hundred years the “checks and ous set-back to those in the USA and the strategist to David Cameron balances” between the legislature and EU who are opposed to TTIP. taken from his book talking the executive helped ensure that no However on the Trans Pacific Partner- about democracy being branch of the government had too much ship (TPP) between the US and twenty bought---“America is a de- power. But, beginning with Nixon, other countries there is some resistance mocracy. The EU is no bet- presidents have tried to seize those con- and objection by Senators about the se- ter---spend time in Brussels gressional powers, using the fast-track crecy. and you will find in the Euro- pean Parliament and Com- mechanism. The procedure has been Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) is one of mission a vast, stinking cess- used sixteen times, often to enact the the few members of Congress who has pit of corporate corruption most controversial of “trade” agree- taken the time to jump through the gussied up in the garb of ide- ments, such as the North American Free hoops and read the Trans-Pacific Part- alistic internationalism”. Trade Agreement (between the United nership (TPP). But, he has gone a step (More Human: Designing a States, Canada and Mexico) and the es- farther than other members - he told world where people com first) tablishment of the World Trade Organi- members of Congress what he read. He It is estimated that there sation. told the truth about what the TPP says are 30,000 lobbyists in Brus- sels. The procedure allows the executive and why Congress should oppose it in a branch to control Congress’s voting five page letter to his colleagues. schedule. Unlike normal legislation, It is time an MEP in Brussels carried both the House of Representatives and out a similar exercise on TTIP. That the Senate are required to vote on a fast- would do all of us a service, especially tracked trade agreement within ninety in the referendum campaign in Britain. food which has some benefits, as long as Transnationals want you don’t eat too much, and in commercial products such as cosmetics. Now, a Ca- control of seaweed nadian transnational corporation wants On the BBC Food Programme of 24 May exclusive access to the seaweed. There is was an item about seaweed on the shores local resistance to this. No doubt the cor- of Ireland. Local people have been har- porations will use CETA (Comprehensive vesting seaweed for fertiliser and food for Economic Trade Agreement between hundreds of years. The local people say Canada and the EU) and ISDS secret tri- the seaweed belongs to Ireland and not bunals to get hold of all the seaweed for anybody in particular. Seaweed is used in themselves and their profits.

May-June 2015 The Democrat page 5

The 2015 General Election A different perspective for discussion by John Boyd

he outcome of the General liaments. That is why it should have NATO and EU membership is a com- Election was a shock and de- been fully discussed in the election plete contradiction to independence. pressing as opinion polls had campaign. The longer term quest for Scottish T indicated a hung parliament. The independence does open up a debate Labour Party exception was that the SNP was fore- and discussion amongst the elector- cast to win a large number of Labour The Labour Party was defeated be- ate about the future in regard to EU seats in Scotland. These would have cause they failed to counter the accu- and NATO membership. This is part to be made up by Labour with gains sation that they were fully responsi- of the democratic struggle for the in England and Wales. It was clear ble for the financial and banking cri- people of Scotland. the Liberal Democrats were going to sis in 2008. The Labour vote overall Despite the SNP policy on the EU lose seats as they had broken mani- went up by one million but seats and NATO the right to self determi- festo promises and joined in a coali- were lost in the North of England nation of Scotland must be sup- tion with the Conservatives which and down the East Coast. The LP ported as it should open the way for imposed austerity policies. tried to occupy the centre ground the peoples of Scotland to win a posi- On reflection with hindsight and instead of adopting left policies for tion where they leave both the EU disregarding the opinion polls it the benefit of the working class. They and NATO. should not have been a surprise. also stated they would continue with Irony the austerity policies which are hated EU Membership and opposed by many. The LP op- Ironically because the Tories are now The issue of EU membership was a posed a referendum in 2017 and do in government there will be a refer- factor in the election reflected in the not want Britain to leave the EU. This endum on the EU. However, the To- large vote of 4 million for the United has now changed to one of support- ries were elected by only one third of Kingdom Independence Party. UKIP ing a referendum but remains besot- the electorate. In the immediate pe- addressed the majority of voters who ted with the EU. The Party opposed riod Cameron is at work on a public want Britain to leave the EU and are independence for Scotland in the re- and media exercise to give the im- concerned about immigration which cent referendum and then stated they pression of reforming the EU to ob- is actually the free movement of la- would not form a coalition with the tain a ‘better deal for Britain’ in the bour within the European Single SNP. This is a total rejection of the run up to the expected referendum. Market. national question and right of na- This poll is to be within two years The Conservative Party have for tions and nation-states to self deter- but could be as early as May 2016 to some time promised an IN/OUT ref- mination. coincide with local elections. erendum in 2017 and repeatedly Part of the Government’s objective SNP made this point both to appease part will be to write a suitable question of the anti-EU section of the Tory The SNP have addressed the national for the referendum and gain a Yes! party and to fend off UKIP. question and this has taken hold result to stay in the EU. The Conser- across England and Wales. The ques- vative Party is split over EU mem- TTIP tion of a federation rather than a un- bership. The SNP, Labour Party and The Transatlantic Trade and Invest- ion is being discussed. The right of Liberal Democrats with other MPs ment Partnership (TTIP) between the Scottish MPs to vote on English mat- are for remaining members of the EU EU and US featured only at the start ters and of English and Welsh MPs and against a referendum. So, even if of the election campaign where Cam- voting on Scottish matters is firmly Tory MPs rebel, their numbers will eron and Milliband disagree over on the agenda. Without doubt SNP be swamped by the official opposi- whether or not the NHS would be MPs will press at every opportunity tion in the House of Commons. included or exclude in TTIP. the objective of independence for What next for Labour? TTIP is an Achilles Heel for the Scotland and more powers to be Yes! EU camp as TTIP will expose transferred from Westminster to Ed- There is now much discussion in the what the EU is really about on behalf inburgh. The SNP opposes the aus- labour and trade union movement of cryto-capitalism. TTIP and other terity policies but is in favour of be- over the debacle of the Labour ’free trade agreements’ are a means ing an EU Member State and of Party’s losses in Scotland and lack of for the transnational corporations to NATO after independence and gains and unexpected losses in Eng- rule with secret courts and to over- wants to be rid of the NATO nuclear land. One aspect of this is the call by ride national governments and par- submarine base at Faslane. Retaining leading Labour Party people and

Page 6 The Democrat Number 146 tives say they are opposed to the EU Greece they want to retain membership of the Bailout by Brics European Single Greece has been invited by Market with the Russia to become the sixth four freedoms for member of the BRICS New capital, goods, ser- Development Bank (NDB). vices and labour. The $100 billion NDB is expected to compete with West- Some want to be ern dominance and become members of the one of the key lending institu- European Eco- tions. nomic Area (EEA) BRICS is the acronym for and European Free Brazil, Russia, India, China Trade Area and South Africa. (EFTA). However, The invitation to Greece to staying in either join BRICS was made by Russian Deputy Finance Min- the Single Market ister Sergey Storchak on or the EEA or both Monday during a phone con- is not actually leav- versation with Greek Prime ing the EU where Minister Alexis Tsipras, ac- the four free move- cording to a statement on ments remain. Greece’s Syriza party website. Tsipras thanked Stor- US position chak, who’s currently a repre- others for an English Labour Party sentative of the BRICS Bank which reflects an understanding of the The US have always supported Euro- for the invitation, and said national question. There is also a call for pean integration (more or less openly), Greece was interested in the the electoral system of ‘first pass the as a pair to the NATO military alliance. offer. post’ to be changed to a proportional This is particularly the case today with “The Prime Minister representation system. TTIP which means Washington has one thanked Storchak and said more reason to oppose Britain leaving he was pleasantly surprised More austerity unless stopped by the invitation for Greece to the EU. The Conservative Government has an- Today President Obama has stated be the sixth member of the BRICS Development Bank. nounced further and larger austerity cuts publicly that the UK must remain a Tsipras said Greece is inter- which have generated some widespread member of the EU. The US would apply ested in the offer, and prom- opposition and growing resistance. The a great deal of pressure probably both ised to thoroughly examine it. major weakness of the widespread resis- political and economic to keep the UK in He will have a chance to dis- tance to austerity is a failure to recognise the EU which includes TTIP. In the cuss the invitation with the that these policies emanate from Brussels 1960’s the US persuaded the French Gov- other BRICS leaders during and EU membership. ernment to agree to the UK joining the the 2015 International Eco- EU, or EEC as it was then. nomic Forum in St. Peters- Building the No! campaign burg,” the statement said. What must be done? During the 6th BRICS sum- There are moves amongst trade unions mit in Fortaleza in June 2014 towards the No! camp with a possible There is a deal to carry out and prob- the members agreed to forge change of heart led by the GMB trade lems to solve from today onwards to ahead with the $100 billion union and in at least one other large win the referendum especially within NDB, as well as a reserve trade union to change from support for the labour and trade union movement. currency pool worth over an- EU membership to opposion. Although This requires bags of agitation, educa- other $100 billion. In March not a large trade union, the RMT has al- tion and organisation at grass roots this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified the ways opposed EU membership and con- level. NDB. sistently raised the question at TUC Con- The new bank is expected gress. [Based on an interview with Ruptures a to challenge the two major Meetings are planned in the near fu- successor to Bastille Republique-Nations Western-led institutions, the ture to bring together forces for a cam- a progressive journal in France] World Bank and the Interna- paign during the referendum and to take tional Monetary Fund. It will a lead in the trade union movement. Succinct contributions to this discussion finance infrastructure projects CAEF will play its part in this. and the referendum campaign are wel- in the BRICS countries and across developing countries. Although UKIP and some Conserva- come with a limit of 500 words. (Global News 13.5.15)

May-June 2015 The Democrat page 7 History Roots of the EU dominated by Germany Exclusive by Horst Teubert

hen the First World War to Naumann, there was no doubt entered its second year in that "Central Europe" would have to W the summer of 1915, Frie- be bigger than just Germany and drich Naumann was working on his Austro-Hungary. Dependent on im- book "Central Europe". porting food and natural resources as well as on exporting industrial Naumann, a well known liberal goods, a German-Austrian "Central politician and a member of the Ger- Europe" would have to integrate man Reichstag, had published a se- neighbouring countries which could ries of books before; but "Central provide agricultural and mining Europe", released in October 1915, products as well as to buy German became his biggest success, a real and Austrian commodities. best-seller sold more than 100,000 copies. Even abroad, the mass me- According to Naumann, two dia took notice of the book. "Austro- things were crystal clear. One: The German Union after the War", the First World War was about whether Manchester Guardian informed its a "Central Europe" could be built. readers on October 14. it pointed out "The people of Central Europe play that Prussia was planning "a new for their power in the world", he 'Central Europe'", one could read in wrote: "If we lose the fight, we will The Times on December 6. On the tween the British Empire in the west probably be damned forever to be a same day, even the New York Times and Russian Empire in the east. satellite nation; if we win halfway, published an article on Naumann's Naumann was not at all the first to we will have to fight again later". So, intent to establish "a Zollverein of propagate this idea. Even the Ger- there was no choice but to win out- Central Europe which weaker states man Chancellor Theobald von Beth- right and to become one of the few must join". mann Hollweg had demanded, in a world powers rivalling against each memorandum on the German war other. Two: It was obvious that Ger- For Naumann, "Central Europe" aims in September 1914, to form a many was to be the dominating was more of a political than a geo- "Central European economic com- force inside "Central Europe". The graphical term. Its core was the Ger- munity". other nations and states between man Reich and Austro-Hungary Russia and the British sphere of in- which Naumann wanted to inte- What Naumann proposed 100 fluence certainly had no interest in grate into one single entity. The rea- years ago resembles strongly today's helping the Germans to act as a ma- son was simple. Looking west, the EU. He demanded to create a cus- jor power in the world. But, as Germans were confronted with the toms union which was to become a Naumann declared, they had no huge British Empire. Looking east, fully fledged economic community. other option: Staying outside the they perceived the gigantic Russian His long-term goal was to establish "Central European" federation Empire. Then there was, as every- a confederation of nation states built would mean isolation, cut off from one knew, the United States of on treaties between countries which any power and wealth. "That is a America, a likewise giant country. were to renounce an increasing part hard fate", Naumann admitted and Compared to their size, Germany of their sovereignty. went on: "But it is the categorical and Austro-Hungary seemed too imperative of human development." small to compete with them in the It was obvious, Naumann wrote, long run. As Naumann put it in his that a full-blown economic commu- As the German Reich lost the First book, everyone felt that "small and nity would have to be supple- World War, "Central Europe" finally medium powers" were no longer mented by a common military pol- was not established by then. Today, able "to do high-level politics", and icy; both would demand a common the German dominated EU fulfills so, he proposed to create a bigger foreign policy of the member states what Friedrich Naumann was aim- "Central Europe" in the middle be- of "Central Europe". And, according ing at 100 years ago.

Page 8 The Democrat Number 146

EU factors on the railways Foreign news US support by Miles-n-miles A recently declassified memo of the US Defense Intelli- gence Agency (DIA) reveals n 1 March 2015 the operation of that the West had supported the East Coast main line fran- the creation of the "Islamic O chise was taken over from the State" (IS). Using jihadist Department for Transport (DfT) sub- forces has been a Western sidiary East Coast Trains by Virgin tradition for decades, as the Trains East Coast, a consortium of Afghanistan war in the 1980s Stagecoach and Virgin Group (90% to and an analysis of the West- ern power struggle with Iran 10% shareholding respectively). This Meanwhile Network Rail, the national (especially since 2003) show. marked completion of an about face in rail infrastructure owner and manager, In the 1980s, western coun- train franchising that started with the has had to become a state owned com- tries - in collaboration with farcical franchise exercise held on the pany, subsidiary to DfT. There are signs Saudi Arabia - had supported West Coast Main Line franchise (51% that similar austerity being imposed on jihadists associated with Virgin Group to 49% Stagecoach). other government departments is being Osama bin Laden, to defeat So at time of writing, Stagecoach applied to Network Rail, who are cur- Soviet military forces in Af- holds sway on three major routes out of rently negotiating pay deals with the ghanistan. Since at least ten years, they have been sup- London, the third being East Midland rail unions. On the insistence of UK porting Arab jihadists in an Trains (100% Stagecoach). The only government, Network Rail was forced effort to weaken Iran's main other major rail route north of London to go to a devolved Route structure, allies. These activities, ac- is now controlled by Deutche Bahn Re- which means each route taking control companying the official "war gio trading as Chiltern Railways. The of everything in its route area. on terror," are "a very high- poor passenger is confused by the It is a similar move to localism that risk venture," warn US intelli- plethora of train companies, a chaotic UK government is keen to promote, gence officials. Saudi Arabia, one of Germany's main allies fare structure and apparent competition particularly since the Scottish referen- in the Arab world, is playing a between the train companies. There dum and the general election success of central role in supporting ji- seems to be a negative attitude to state the SNP. Localism is an alternative to hadists. operation of trains even though it austerity in a way, since it moves re- (German Foreign Policy would be cheaper to the Treasury to do sponsibility for local spending from 20.5.15) this: had Labour come to power in the central government funding to local last general election the party might government funding. This is particu- German arms have changed this attitude. larly popular with the current and for- for India

On the same day as the East Cost fran- mer Passenger Transport Executives, German Minister of Defense chise changed hands, Abellio which have increased powers over local Ursula von der Leyen will (subsidiary of Nederlandse Spoor- bus and train operators, the most active begin several days of talks in wegen) took over at ScotRail. Network of which is Transport for Manchester. New Delhi on questions of Rail and Abellio ScotRail have formed a Centro, the West Midlands PTE, is con- military and arms policies. route alliance, which means joint con- fident it will gain control of West Mid- India's new armament pro- trol of both infrastructure and train op- lands rail routes currently operated by jects are the immediate reason for von der Leyen's visit. erations. This has the effect of partially London Midland when this comes up India wants, among other privatising Scottish railways. This fol- for renewal. things, to construct German lows a similar move that Network Rail The European interest in British pub- submarines under license, followed a while ago when its Wessex lic transport is becoming more appar- and Berlin is seeking a more route was recast into a deep alliance ent. Arriva, once a British plc, was ac- intensified cooperation in for- with Stagecoach South West Trains. quired by Deutshe Bahn in 2010, but is eign and military policy. This Network Rail alliances have so far only only now showing this take-over to the visit will prepare numerous been proposed where the route has one public in a re-brand of all train and bus agreements, within the framework of the German- predominant train operating company, companies owned by Arriva. Each vehi- Indian government consulta- but effectively this gives the private cle will show the logo “Arriva, part of tions, scheduled for October. train operator some control over the DB”. In Malta, having chalked up losses It takes place in the context infrastructure maintainer, something of €50 million after running Malta's of India's efforts to roll back train operating companies have long buses, the company did withdraw from China's influence in the In- wished to do. Malta in 2014. dian Ocean—an effort Berlin supports.

May-June 2015 The Democrat page 9

Puzzles Appeal

Quiz No. 146 We now need more money than ever before to play our part in the Referendum campaign which is now upon us following Solve the dingbats the General Election result. We have a press which will be 1. Mind caught mined put at the disposal of the Referendum campaign and have our own material to publish, meetings to run and to make use 2. MTWTFS S of the social media. A big help would be payment of due membership subscriptions. Please send what you can af- 3. BREAKER

4. IT MED ATE Crossword puzzle No.146

5. ACROSS DOWN Over 1 Antiviral drug (10) 1 Indescribable (13) Over Over 8 Festoon (7) 2 Name (5) Over 9 Pass a rope through (5) 3 Regretful (6) Over 10 Tent (5) 4 Serious (7) 11 Incompetent (7) 5 Exaggerate (13) 6. SHOPPING QUEUE 12 Elegant (6) 6 Sharp blow (4) 14 Wide plain (6) 7 Tenant (6) 7. Quack Quack 16 Stern (7) 12 Meagre (6) Gobble Gobble 17 Male duck (5) 13 Adolescent (7) Cluck Cluck 19 Leg bone (5) 15 Return to normal (6) 8. AffluentTshortbread 20 Christian recluse (7) 17 ‘Uncool’ child (5) 9. B 21 Replicable (10) 18 Level (4) FIRE

10. Freezing Chilly Frosty Bitter Sub-Zero

Answers No. 145 1. Banana split 2. Friends in high places 3. World Wide Web 4. Cash on delivery 5. Thunder Cloud 6. Wise after the event 7. ` Drink to excess 8. Can’t spell for toffee 9. Morning after pill 10. Bed and Breakfast

Page 10 The Democrat Number 146

The Campaign against Euro-federalism Useful Websites CAEF was founded in 1992 and is ori- and twitter accounts. CAEF produces a ented towards the labour and trade bi-monthly journal called the CAEF does not neces- union movement, socialists, pension- ‘Democrat’ which is circulated to all na- sarily agree with every- ers, students and democrats. CAEF is tional trade unions. Leaflets and pam- thing in these sites not a political party or a socialist or- phlets are published, public meetings Campaign against Euro- ganisation. The Executive Committee are held and speakers are available. federalism with data from has members of several political parties Without doubt CAEF has influence and current, many feature articles and those of none which is probably punches way above its weight’. and back issues of the De- mocrat. unique in Britain. The organisation If you are not a member of CAEF www.caef.org.uk consists of individual members and why not join us? We do need all the affiliated organisations. CAEF has its support and help in the Referendum EUobserver reports daily on EU matters with links to other own press, Democrat Press, a website campaign in which we will play our newspapers and sources. with over 500 pages as well as facebook full part. www.euobserver.com Scottish CAEF: homepage.ntlworld.com/ Democrat subscription foster-prendergast/ scaef/index.files Please forward the next five issues of the Democrat to the address below. CAEF members are sent the paper free through the post. Please make cheques and POs to Democrat Press Trade unionists against the EU Constitution (TUAEUC): tuaeuc.org

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May-June 2015 Democrat page 11 Campaign against Arthur Smelt on Euro-federalism Democracy not walked away with millions. Public money was then used to save the banks The Campaign opposes:- Hypocrisy and small investors from disaster. Who  the EU Constitution which are the real social security scroungers? hands over more powers he Labour Party was formed in The voting system too is chaotic. to unelected and unac- 1900 in combination with trades We have government allowed to take countable bodies and re- T unions and socialist groups, to power with 37% of the votes cast. 1.1 duces further the influence support the interests of ordinary work- million votes were cast for the of Britain in the EU; ing people in an attempt to bring about Greens. they got one seat. 3.8 million  the so called trade treaties a more egalitarian society. voted UKIP and they obtained one such as TTIP, CETA and At the end of the Second World War seat. 3.4 million voted Lib/Dern. ISDS which are grave the need to stand together to solve soci- They obtained 8 seats. 1.4 million threats to all forms of de- ety's problems was well to the fore. voted SNP they now have 56 seats. mocracy and national in- Clement Attlee the leader of the Labour No wonder some people see voting dependence; Party (1935-55), who served in the coali- as a waste of time.  the introduction of a Com- tion government of Winston Churchill Those who support EU are condon- mon Foreign and Security during the Second World War, was able ing bizarre policies like those con- Policy and an EU Foreign Secretary; to succeed Churchill as prime minister tained in CAP where millions in finan-  the formation of a Euro- in 1945. He presided over the establish- cial subsidy is handed to rich land- pean Army and battle ment of the welfare state, nationalisa- owners based on the amount of land groups as part of rapid tion of major British industries and the they own. Royalty own thousands of reaction forces would be a creation of the NHS. acres and receive huge sums in finan- threat to peace. These moderate reforms of British social subsidy paid for by the taxpayer.

The Campaign is a democratic ciety have been op- Owners of large organisation and primarily posed from the start areas of moorland oriented to the labour and in a multiplicity of in Scotland and trade union movement and ways by those po- elsewhere, used people whom these organisa- litical elements aim- for grouse shoot- tions normally represent, in- ing to preserve the ing, receive large cluding democrats, socialists, trade unionists, students and old order, whereby sums in subsidies. pensioners. working together Meanwhile, the for the common good has to be eroded. British taxpayer pays something like The Campaign is for democ- The scramble for private profit goes on £55 million a day to be members of racy and accountability, independence, jobs the pound no matter what degree of damage is EU. Since its inception the EU has and against racism. inflicted on the rest of society. never balanced its books. Billions are During the recent general election chi- lost to corruption, fraud and incompe- The Democrat canery. gobbledegook and blather trot- tence. These examples amongst many ted out by politicians and the media others need to be brought out into the must have reached an all time high. open so that the true nature of EU can Available on subscription of There were lies about the economy, be seen and not blotted out in a £5 for five issues. The paper numbers in employment, future pros- smokescreen of scaremongering. is posted free to members of pects, character assassination and so on. We are constantly told that the NHS CAEF—membership is £15 Poverty, food banks, zero hours em- is not being privatised but the bricks ( £ 10 unwaged ) , affiliations ployment and austerity were seldom and mortar of many hospitals are al- £20 minimum. mentioned. Expressions of surprise and ready in private hands due to PFI. Re- Published by disappointment which came from a ports indicate there are now more than Campaign against number of leading labourites. were for 50,000 private contractors involved in Euro-federalism want of a better description, diversion- work for the NHS. The privateers are PO Box 46295 ary. Many ordinary voters refrained on the march. London W5 2UG from voting, or voted for other parties The word socialism is to do with gov- Tel 0845 345 8902 because they see little difference be- ernment for the people by the people [email protected] tween Red Tory and Blue Tory. which is why the Labour Party came It was under New Labour that the into being. It now seems as if the word www.caef.org.uk banking Mafia was allowed to surge. has not to be used in some ‘New' La- Printed by The banking system was brought to the bour circles in case it offends the glitte- Democrat Press point of bankruptcy and the Mafia rati or damages political careers.

Page 12 The Democrat Number 146