. APRIL 12, 1974 25 CENTS VOLUME 38/NUMBER l4 . -

A SOCIALIST NEWSWEEKLY /PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WORKING PEOPLE .

Secrets uncovered ·oil trusts plotted to create .. · .fuel 'shortage' · -See page 10

The battle for union .. democracy: dialogue with a steelworker -See page 19

Which road for Black struggle: Black party or Democratic Party? . -See page 24 In Brief THIS FBI BURGLARY AGAINST ANTIWAR GROUP EX­ to meet you on Saturday, March 30, 1974, at 5:00 POSED: In October 1970, the FBI broke into offices at pm.... in front of the whole community." WEEK'S Brandeis University in Massachusetts, stealing hundreds The consul was "unable" to attend. of documents belonging to the National Student Strike MILITANT Information Center, an antiwar group that grew out of MACEO DIXON INTERVIEWED BY BLACK NEWS­ 3 Nixon's Vets Day de­ the May 1970 student upsurge. PAPER: ·Maceo Dixon, cochairman of the Socialist Work­ nounced as mockery of According to George Kennedy, a Brandeis security cop ers Party 1974 National Campaign Committee, was in­ social justice who aided the burglars, the FBI stole lists of individuals terviewed in the March 26 issue of the Philadelphia Tri­ and organizations, bank statements, and telephonerecords. bune, Philadelphia's largest Black newspaper. Rally launches Colo. so­ 4 Kennedy's account of the raid was reported in the Bos­ The front-page intervieW focused on how the Black com­ cialist campaign ton Phoenix, an alternative newspaper. munity should respond to the recent disclosures of the 5 Texas SWP, Panthers de­ The G-men had the cooperation of the university, said FBI plot to disrupt the Black liberation movement. These mand: Open police files Kennedy, who is himself a former FBI agent. While the new revelations came as the result of the FBI being forced, 6 Supreme Court ducks agents went through the files, school security guards stood to release documents that further corroborate claims that watch to make sure no one saw what was going on. Calif. election case the FBI and other federal agencies were involved in the This particular burglary has added significance because assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. 7 Hospital bosses fire it occurred after Nixon supposedly rejected the Huston Dixon, who is a plaintiff in the suit the Socialist Work­ socialist candidate spy plan in July 1970. That plan specifically recommended ers Party and Young Socialist Alliance have filed against 8 Socialist campaign· hits covert br.eak-ins like the Brandeis operation, noting: " Use the FBI and the Nixon administration, told the Tribune streets of New York of this technique is clearly illegal: it amounts to burglary. that the FBI qocuments "point up the necessity for the · 9 SWP blasts Penna. death It is also highly risky and could result in great embar­ entire lnack movement to pursue its own investigation of rassment if exposed." these murders." penalty To aid this investigation, Dixon called for the release 15 Riverside police assault BOSTON UFW SUPPORTERS HOLD RALLY: Two thou­ of all secret files on Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. frame-up victim sand chanting, singing United Farm Workers/ supporters - He also demanded the publication of the full text of the 16 How Teamsters orga­ converged on Government Center Plaza on March 23 FBI disruption programs. nized independent in Boston to kick off the spring boycott of non-UFW truckers in 1930s grapes, lettuce, and Gallo wine. The central focus of the NEW PALTZ STUDENTS PROTEST CUTBACKS: 18 Discussion on miners' boycott in New England, A&P supermarkets, was the Nearly 1,000 students occupied the admin1stration build­ target of many picket signs and chants. contract opens ing at the State University College at New Paltz on March The featured speaker at the rally, Richard Chavez, an­ 26. 20 Kissinger's Moscow trip: nounced the launching of preharvest strikes in Arvin and Students had held a series of large rallies beforehand behind secret talks Coachella, Calif. Noting the success of the grape boycott to protest cutbacks in an experimental studies program, 21 Washington examines to date, Chavez pointed to the fact that grapes aren't the firing of three women professors and one Black pro­ prospects in Vietnam usually available this time of year. Yet, there are plenty fessor, and administration attempts to abolish a Third 22 Rebellion rocks Ethiopi­ World dormitory. an regime When the administrd.tion refused to even discuss these questions, students decided on the occupation. There are 23 Interest in FBI docu­ 8,000 students on the campus. · ments spurs sales The student government supports the demands and has made facilities available for organizing the struggle. Stu­ 2 In Brief dents have formed a broad ongoing organization to con­ 9 Campaigning for So­ tinue their fight for student control and are contacting cialism other campuses in the state university system in the hopes of planning coordinated actions. 12 In Our Opinion Letters 13 National Picket Line MAGAZINE REPORTS ON CHILE DEFENSE ACTIV­ . ITIES: The latest issue of the USLA Reporter, publica­ Women in Revolt tion of the United States Committee for Justice to Latin 14 The Great Society American Political Prisoners (USLA}, is now available. By Any Means Neces­ This issue contains a roundup of Chilean defense ac­ sary tivities around the world. The magazine also carries an La Raza en Accion article reviewing the present situation in Chile, especially 24 In Review dealing with the condition of Luis Vitale, a noted Marxist Militont-Citff Antunnes scholar and historian, who is in prison. March 23 rally in Boston to support UFW boycott. The Reporter also lias articles on Colombia, Brazil, WORLD OUTLOOK Peru, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and other coun­ 1 Argentine revolutionists tries. call for united front on the shelves and tons in cold storage. "The growers To obtain single issues or bundles of the USLA Re­ are in trouble," he said, "and they know it." against right porter, write: USLA, 156 Fifth Ave., Room 702, New The rally had broad endorsement from labor unions, York, N.Y. 10010. Telephone: (212) 691-2880. 3 Chilean junta: type of political organizations, and religious groups. Among the -NORMAN OLIVER regime businessmen like marchers were representatives from two United Electrical 4 Iraqi gov't threatens of­ Workers locals, International Pressmen and Assistants fensive against Kurds Union, Teachers Union Local 66, LeominsterJointCouncil of the AFL-CIO, Amalgamated Meat Cutters Local- P-575, Drug and Hospital Union Local 1199, International Elec­ THE MILITANT trical Workers, and three locals of the Teamsters. YOUR FIRST .. VOLUME 38/NUMBER 14 APRIL 12, 1974 HAITIAN RALLY PROTESTS REPRESSION: Two hun­ ISSUE? QOSING NEWS DATE-APR. 3, 1974 dred and fifty people, nearly all Haitians, assembled March 30 in the auditorium of Saint Theresa school in Brooklyn, Editor: MARY-ALICE WATERS N.Y., to hear dramatic testimony about political repres­ Business Manager: SHARON CABANISS sion in Haiti. This included the testimony of one of the Southwest Bureou: HARRY RING SUBSCRIBE several hundred refugees now in Florida fighting deporta­ Published weekly by The Militant Publishing Ass' n., tion back to Haiti. 14 Charles Lane, New York. N.Y. 10014. Telephone: The people who attended the meeting came in response TO THE Editorial Office (212) 243-6392; Business Office (212) to an open letter released by several Haitian organizations. 929-3486. Southwest Bureau: 710 S. Westlake Ave., The letter was addressed to Wilson Florestal, who is the Los Angeles, Calif. 90057. Telephone: {213) 483-2798. MILITIIT Correspondence concerning subscriptions or changes consul general of Haiti in New York. Last November, of address should be addressed to The Militant Business Florestal had sent a letter to Le Patriote Haitien and The 197 4 Socialist Werkers Party election campaigns are Office, 14 Charles Lone, New York, N. V. 10014. Realites Haitiennes, two groups that publish newspapers fighting for the interests of all working people. For weekly Second-class postage paid at New York. N.Y. Sub­ of the same names. In the letter Florestal expressed his coverage of the socialist campaigns, subscribe now. scriptions: domestic, SS a year; foreign, S8.50. By first­ class mail: domestic, Canada, and Mexico, S30; all willingness to meet with members of the groups "at the other countries, sst. By airmail: domestic, Canada, date, place and time of their choosing." Introductory ottar-S1/3months and Mexico, S40. By air printed matter: Central The open letter, signed by Le Patriote Haitien, Realites ( ) $I for three months of The Militant. America and Caribbean, S38; Mediterranean Africa, Haitiennes, and five other Haitian groups, was a stinging Europe, and South America, $50; USSR, Asia, Pacific, ( ) $2 for three months of The Militant and three months and Africa, $60. Write ··for foreign sealed air postage· indictment of the regime of "Baby Doc" Duvalier, premier of the International Socialist Review. rates. of Haiti. The groups are demanding freedom of speech, ( ) $5 for one year of The Militant For subscriptions airmailed from New York and then press, assembly, and association; the right of workers to ( ) New ( ) Renewal posted from London directly: Britain and Ireland, L1.20 form unions; the right to strike; the immediate dissolving for 10 issues, L4.50 for one year;-Continental Europe, of police terror squads; an end to economic concessions NAME------Ll.SO for 10 issues, L5.50 lor one year. Send banker's ADDRESS ______draft directly to Pathfinder Press, 47 The Cut, London, given American, Canadian, and French companies; the SE I BLL, England. Inquire for air rates from Landon at immediate release of all political prisoners and publica­ CITY ______STATE------ZIP----- the same address. tion of the names of all those who have died in prison. 14 Charles Lane, New York, N.Y. 10014. Signed articles by contributors do not necessarily "Monsieur Consul," the letter went on to say, "we agree represent The Militant's views. These are expressed in editorials.

2 Nixoris Honor Vtetnam Veterans Day' denounced as mockery of social justice By NORMAN OLIVER Following this, Hartke announced A little more than a year ago, the that there would be more hearings in last of 589 American prisoners of war April. One vet shouted, "We don't want returned from Vietnam. President Nix­ more hearings." Someone else shouted, on hailed their return as the achieve­ "Starvation with honor!" As Hartke ment of "peace with honor." Nixon was gaveling the meeting to a stormy told these veterans they should be close, one vet exclaimed, "They walked proud that they were coming home out on us. They don't want to hear on their feet and not on their knees. what we're saying." Nixon was lying on both counts. "That's American justice, brother, The Vietnam accords didn't bring that's American justice," answered a peace to Vietnam and the more than Black vet. 2.5 million men who served in Viet­ The day before the hearing, on nam weren't doing so with honor. March 28, a group of leaders from the After fighting a war opposed by newly formed American Veterans the majority of the American people, Movement (AVM) attempted to get an themselves included, Vietnam-era vet­ appointment with President Nixon to erans returned to the U.S. to face a discuss the problem of Vietnam vet­ less than honorable existence of un­ erans. The A VM is the group that or­ employment, meager veterans' bene­ ganized the 18-day occupation of Sen­ fits, inadequate health care, and a Militant/Miguel Pendas ator Alan Cranston's Los Angeles of­ government that is unconcerned with VA head Donald Johnson met with disabled veterans in los Angeles only after they fice last month until they got a meet­ their plight. held 18-day protest. · ing with VA director Donald ·John­ When Congress and President Nix­ son to discuss poor conditions of VA on proclaimed March 29 "Honor Viet­ hospitals. nam Veterans Day," it was nothing present GI bill gives vets inadequate sented this and other programs to the After failing to get an audience with but a hypocritical attempt to display support. One of the proposals dis­ Senate hearing, the vets in the hearing Nixon, Ron Kovic, a leader of the concern for veterans. cussed before the Senate committee, room often shouted out their objec­ AVM, and six other vets occupied the However, the problems that confront chaired by Senator Vance Hartke (D­ tions to his lies. At one point, when top of the Washington Monument for Vietnam vets won't be solved by pro• Ind.), was an 8.2 percent increase Vaughn was speaking about a pro­ about an hour. The take-over was claiming a national holiday. There in educational benefits. The Nixon ad­ gram that pays full college tuition for ended. when U. S. park police brutally were many Vietnam vets in Washing­ ministration has let it be known seriously disabled veterans, someone ejected the vets, four of them in wheel­ ton, D. C., on March 29 who protested through Veterans Administration of­ shouted, "Why do you have to get chairs. this sham. ficials that it would support such a shot to go to Harvard?" Kovic, who is paralyzed from the Several hundred Vietnam veterans, bill. Later, the Vietnam vets themselves waist down, told a news conference many of them disabled, jammed into H passed, this increase would raise were able to present their case to the afterwards, "This is Honor Vietnam a Capitol hearing room, where the the present $220 a month received by Senate committee. Warren Nagle, from Veterans Day, and they beat up three Senate Veterans Affairs Subcommittee unmarried vets to $242. This is far New York, read a GI Bill of Rights, veterans and threw them out of their was meeting, to demand higher educa­ from enough to pay the soaring costs which outlined the problems, from less wheelchairs." tional benefits and jobs. of education today. This money must than honorable discharges to inade­ On March 29, Kovic and four other Vietnam veterans are the hardest cover all expenses. quate benefits, that darken the future vets met with Nixon's domestic ad­ hit by rising unemployment, and the As VA official Odell Vaughn pre- for vets. Continued on page 26 Gov't officials let off scot-free Kent State grand jury indicts guardsmen By CINDY JAQUITH The first "investigation" into the Kent When Attorney General Saxbe took self? Was he directly involved in a Eight of the Ohio national guardsmen State deaths was conducted by a over in the Justice Department, he tried Kent State cover-up, as he was in­ at the Kent State massacre of May special grand jury appointed by Ohio unsuccessfully to quell the growing volved in the Ellsberg burglary cover­ 4, 1970, were indiCted by a federal Governor James Rhodes. Turning the momentum for a new grand jury in­ up? grand jury on March 29. They are facts upside down, the jurors indicted vestigation. The grand jury report leaves these charged with violating the civil rights 25 students and professors for Saxbe was the Republican senator questions untouched. As Bernard of the four students killed and nine "rioting." Later, most of these outra­ from Ohio at the time of the killings. Miller explained, "It's not enough." students wounded the day the Nation­ geous charges were dropped for lack A close ally of former governor al Guard opened fire on a peaceful of evidence. Rhodes, Saxbe said two days after the antiwar demonstration. There has never been any proof massacre .that "the blame rests not on The students were protesting Nix­ that students opened fire on the Guard, the guardsmen, but on the way the on's invasion of Cambodia. The the excuse originally cited for the children have been raised, buffered shootings, followed 10 days later by shootings. from the frustrations and disappoint­ the killing of two Black students at In fact, at the time of the state grand ments of the world." Jackson State University in Mississip­ jury's deliberations, an 8,000-page The new grand jury report, while pi, touched off the massive May 1970 FBI report had been prepared. This acknowledging the violence of the gov­ student strike. report, according to leaks in the press, ernment for the first time, specifically Five of the men indicted are held stated that the "threat" of student vio­ rejects the possibility of a conspiracy directly responsible for the shots that lence was "fabricated subsequent to to kill the students. And it lets those killed Kent students Allison Krause, the event." However, the report was who bear the main responsibility for Jeffrey Miller, William Schroeder, and not shown to the state grand jurors, the tragedy off scot-free. Sandra Scheuer. The three other de­ and it remains secret today. According As Bernard Miller, father of Jeffrey fendants are charged with also firing to news accounts, the federal grand Miller, pointed out, the "higher-ups" at the crowd, one with a pistol and jury was given access to the report. have not been charged in this case. two with 12-gauge shotguns. Another investigation of the Instead, a few national guardsmen The grand jury returned no indict­ shootings, by the President's Commis­ are being made the scapegoats. ments against any officers in the Na­ sion on Campus Unrest, found that "It's just like Watergate," Miller com­ tional Guard, or against any state the killings were "unnecessary, unwar­ mented. or federal officials. According to J. ranted and inexcusable." But just as the American people Stanley Pottinger, head of the Justice Despite these reports, John Mitchell, have not been satisfied with the sacri­ Department's Civil Rights Division, no then attorney general, hastily closed fice of Nixon's underlings for Water­ such indictments are likely. the case in 1971. gate, it is unlikely that the new indict­ The grand jury's decision opens up It was not until August 1973- ments will silence the demand for jus­ a new chapter in the Kent State case, under the pressure of Watergate- that tice in the. Kent State case. which has been kept alive by the vic­ Attorney General Elliot Richardson The big questions remain: Did tims' families and by students, anti­ agreed to reopen the case. Many new Rhodes consult with the White House war groups, and others determined questions had been raised about the before ordering troops into Kent? Did to uncover the truth. killings, including the discovery of an the Justice Department afterward con­ Their efforts have been frustrated armed FBI informer at the scene, and spire with Ohio officials to prevent every step of the way by government the unexplained presence of national the "investigation" from turning up the attempts to keep the lid on this ex­ guardsmen who had not been assigned real facts? Kent State. New indictments will not plosive incident. to the campus. What about the role of Nixon him- silence demand for justice.

THE MILITANT/ APRIL 12, 1974 3 Condemns big oil 'shale game' Rally launches Colo. socialist campaign By RICH FEIGENBERG planning the most massive mining op­ can Indians and demanded an end to DENVER- Colorado, one of the nat­ eration in the world. In the early the frame-ups of the Wounded Knee ural beauty spots of this country, is phases, one-half billion tons of shale defendants. Regina Dixon, a member threatened with devastation as profit­ tailings [broken-up scrap rock] will of the American Indian Movement and hungry oil corporations begin a drive be produced per year. The Denver a participant in the Wounded Knee to exploit shale reserves estimated to Research Institute has produced evi­ seizure, addressed the rally. She ex­ contain three times as much oil as the dence that the tailings are cancer-pro­ pressed thanks to the campaign news­ entire Middle East. ducing. The process will also increase paper, The Militant, for spreading the The Democratic and Republican the salinity of the Colorado River, truth about Wounded Knee while all party politicians, both in Washington making its waters unusable for agri­ the major press was distorting the and here in the state capital, have done culture." story. nothing to curb this profit rampage. Houtman said that while socialists Lovida Lujan, from the Weld In fact, the politicians of the two cap­ are in favor of the development of County Raza Unida Party, Los Apos­ italist parties have legislated tax loop­ new energy sources, this must be done toles de la Justicia in Greeley, and holes, sabotaged pollution controls, in such a way as to meet human MI-CASA, told the rally that "the turned a blind eye toward monopo­ needs- not to boost profits for the brothers and sisters in Weld County listic price-gouging, and in every re­ oil monopolies. stand in solidarity with and support spect served to safeguard the interests To bring this about, he said, the Militant/Frank Lord the nominees that are running" on the of the giant oil corporations. books of the oil companies must be Jack Marsh, socialist candidate for U.S. SWP ticket in Colorado. But with the launching of the Colo­ opened to the public and the oil cor­ Senate from Colorado A message was received from Jose rado Socialist Workers Party 1974 porations "must be nationalized under Calder6n, Colorado cochairman ofthe election campaign at a March 22 rally, workers' control- not under some Raza Unida Party. The message said the voters of this state were given an government agency that would be of his union, the Teamsters, has sup­ in part "Throughout the year, your alternative to this "two-party shale composed of oil executives." ported the Nixon administration up party has shown dedicated concern game." Jack Marsh, a 37 -year-old Teamster, and down the line and has failed to for the struggle of our people in Colo­ Joel Houtman, a 27-year-old veteran is SWP candidate for U.S. Senate. lead any fight to defend the interests rado and throughout the U.S. I hope who organized Gis United Against the He explained that the energy crisis of working people. He blasted the you will continue to expose who the War at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., is the was part of a wide-ranging attack on Teamster-agribusiness attacks on the real criminals are." SWP candidate for Congress from the standard of living of working peo­ United Farm Workers and the recent Abdu Bsaies, an Arab student who Colorado's 1st C. D. ple. efforts by the Teamster officials to sab­ is president of the Foreign Student Houtman explained that big oil "is Marsh described how the leadership otage the protests by independent Council at the University of Colorado truckers. in Boulder, also expressed solidarity r Marsh declared that his campaign with the SWP campaign. would be "four-square on the side of A message was sent to the rally from Remarks by UFW organizer the United Farm Workers and the Continued on page 26 Below are excerpts from the re­ Chile and supported the movement independent truckers." marks made by Richard Longoria, there. But we made a mistake, I Marsh hailed the recent San Fran­ United Farm Workers Rocky Moun­ think, in direct contradiction ofthese cisco city employees' strike, the pro­ tain area boycott organizer, to the positions, in endorsing the Israeli tests of independent truckers, the strike 1974 Colorado campaign kickoff side of the issue in the Middle East, of West Virginia miners against phony rally of the SWP. which I was vehemently against and gas shortages, and the conference of protested.... the Coalition of Labor Union Women We as a union have made some I think that the Socialist Workers as examples of workers taking action political mistakes. A prime exam­ Party is one of the few parties we to defend their own interests. ple was endorsing George McGov­ can go to, in terms of what we "There is no eloquence equal to the ern for the presidency, which many need and what we hope to get done, eloquence of action," Marsh said, "and people in the union were against without any jockeying around. Here there is only one party upholding these but which was done anyway be­ we can just lay it on the line on examples and supporting these actions. cause a majority of the workers what we need and how we need it, It's not the Democrats and it's not the voted for such a thing. and we can expect support, especial­ Republicans. The only campaign that ly from the student movement, is pointing to these actions as exam­ We've gone on record supporting which has generated a lot of pres­ ples for American workers is the cam­ the liberation movements in the sure against Gallo wines. And for paign of the Socialist Workers Party." Philippines against the Marcos dic­ the movement that has been gen­ Nora Danielson, SWP candidate for tatorship, the movement in South erated, we owe our thanks to the governor of Colorado, chaired the Africa against the white govern­ party. Just in the crowd here, I can rally and introduced a number of Militant/Muffle Page ments, and the movement in Angola pick out the main people behind guests who voiced solidarity with the Nora Danielson, SWP candidate for gov­ against the Portuguese. We have the movement on the different cam- SWP campaign. ernor of Colorado, addressing March 17 condemned the right-wing coup in puses.... Danielson also pledged the SWP's rally in defense of Denver Crusade for ' support for the struggles of the Ameri- Justice. Black leaders urge support for socialist suit In the wake of the revelations about of the PRDF." victims.... From 1968 to 1970, the Others who signed the appealinclude government disruption of the Black The PRDF is the nationwide civil Nixon gang was at its height in 'deal­ Julius Hobson, D. C. Statehood Party; Panther Party and other Black groups, liberties committee publicizing and ing' with the 'Black problem.'" They Margaret Sloan, National Black the Political Rights Defense Fund financing the socialists' suit. cite "the murderous police attacks on Feminist Organization; Josephine (PRDF) has released a letter signed by The Black leaders say that "the real the Black Panther Party." Hulett, president, National Committee 13 Black leaders who urge support victims of 'Watergating' are those en­ The letter maintains that "disclosures on Household Employment; and at­ for the Socialist Workers Party and gaged in protest." of widespread governmental use of torney Conrad Lynn of the National Young Socialist Alliance suit against "Socialists have not been the only paid provocateurs and similar uncon­ Conference of Black Lawyers. the government as "an important fll"St stitutional tactics raise obvious ques­ The PRDF is circulating this appeal step in halting attacks on the right tions about the unresolved mysteries widely. To order copies of the Black to dissent." surrounding the assassinations of Dr. appeal and other PRDF literature send Signers of the appeal include Repre­ Martin Luther King and Malcolm X." in the coupon below. sentative Ronald Dellums (D-Calif.); The recently released and highly Georgia legislator Julian Bond; Black censored FBI "Counterintelligence Pro­ ·----.------·Clip and mail to: Political Rights De­ Panther Party leaders Bobby Seale gram-Black Nationalist:Hate Groups" fense Fund, Box 649 Cooper Station, and Huey P. Newton; and Dr. Ralph dated March 4, 1968, indicates that New York, N.Y. 10003. Telephone: Abernathy, president of the Southern one of the government's primary goals (212) 691-3270. Christian Leadership Conference. was to "prevent the rise of a 'messiah' ( ) Enclosed is $ __to help cover Also, Robert Allen, managing editor, who could unify, and electrify, the expenses. Black Scholar, Percy Sutton, Manhat­ militant black nationalist movement" ( ) Enclosed is $ __ for __ book­ tan borough president; the Reverend That paragraph contains apparent­ lets, "Challenge to the Watergate Willie Barrow of Operation PUSH in but censored- references to Malcolm Crimes." ($1 each or 75 cents each Chicago; and Audrey Colom, vice­ X, who had already been murdered on orders of five or more.) president, National Women's Political by that time, and Dr. King, who was ( ) Please send me more information Caucus. murdered one month after the initi­ about the suit, including a copy of the The appeal, addressed to Black ation of this "disruption program." BlackName ______appeal. _ groups and individuals, points out In urging support to the suit, the Address ______that "those concerned with defending Georgia legislator Julian Bond, a signer appeal asserts that "a victory in this City ______civil liberties now have an opportunity of appeal for support to Political Rights case will mean a victory for the to fight back by becoming sponsors Defense Fund. political rights of all." State ------Zip-----

4 Texas SWP, Panthers demand: Thousands Open files on police infiltration! hearSWP By NELSON BLACKSTOCK leader on HOUSTON- On March 28 the cam­ paign to end police use of Watergate­ style tactics against the Socialist Texas tour Workers Party and other radical By KRIS VASQUEZ groups here was brought to the office HOUSTON -During a 14-day tour of Mayor Fred Hofheinz. of Texas, Maceo Dixon spoke to a Confronted by a delegation of SWP wide range of audiences in Dallas, candidates and other Houston citizens, Austin, and Houston at colleges and the mayor rmally felt forced to state high schools, before Black community that "the Socialist Workers Party is groups. and on radio and television. not now infiltrated, nor will it or any Dixon is a cochairman of the Social­ other legal political party be infiltrated ist Workers Party 1974 National Cam­ under this administration." paign Committee. However, the head of the Houston In Houstqn his tour began with a police department's Criminal Intelli­ confrontation over his right to speak gence Division ( CID) had previously at predominantly Black Yates High stated that the question of whether School. The media had called the the SWP is currently inrutrated by school and asked whether they could Houston undercover cops was clas­ fJ.lm Dixon speaking there. The prin­ sified information. Unsatisfied with cipal, uncomfortable about the pros­ pect of such publicity, told the teachers Hofheinz's response, SWP guberna­ who had invited Dixon that he had torial candidate Sherry Smith replied, done an "FBI check" on Dixon and "I would like to hear that police of­ that he would not be permitted to ficer say publicly that the SWP is not speak. now and will not be infiltrated." The teachers argued with the prin­ Moreover, Hofheinz refused the Dixon confronts Houston Mayor Hofheinz (back to camera). · Militant/Nelson Blackstock . cipal for about two hours, and finally SWP's demand to open police rues on won out. Dixon was allowed to ad­ the department's past infiltration and dress a class of 140 students. inrutration of the Socialist Workers checked activities of the Ku Klux Klan "disruption" of .the socialists, Black The students were very responsive Party." in this city, that arrests were made of groups, the antiwar movement, and to Dixon's talk on "The Energy Crisis the Pacifica radio station here. Hawthorne also presented a separate Klansmen who took credit for terror-' and Watergate: How to Fight Back." The confrontation in Hofheinz's of­ statement demanding cessation of il­ ist attacks against Blacks, socialists,,' Most of the .questions dealt with fice was the latest in a series of events legal police activity against the SWP and antiwar activists. Dixon's stand in favor of a Black liet off by the court-ordered release on and other groups that had been "However, since that time, every political party. The Little Rock Black March 7 of FBI secret memos out­ adopted by the Harris County single charge involving attacks on our political convention had just taken lining a plan for disruption of Black Women's Political Caucus at its recent party has been dropped. Those guilty_ place, and students wanted to know organizations and the SWP. These convention. of bombing, machine-gunning, and from Dixon, who attended the con­ documents brought an admission by Steve Edwards pointed 'to the pos­ breaking into our headquarters have ference, "Why hadn't a Black party Joe Singleton, former head of the CID, sibility of police complicity in the de­ never been brought to justice! been formed at Little Rock?" They that the local police had in the past struction by fire the previous weekend "It is in the interest of all people were interested in Dixon's views of infiltrated the SWP and other groups. of a building operated by the Black who honestly support democratic what a Black party could do to fight Accompanying Sherry Smith in the Panther Party. Edwards also .called rights to have that full record made year-round for the interests of the delegation to the mayor's office was for an investigation of the frame-up available. We demand to know what Black community. Maceo Dixon, national cochairman of of Houston Panther leader James the role of the police was in Klan ac­ Afterward 10 students asked to join the SWP campaign committee; Paula Aaron. Aaron was sentenced to two tivities and if the terrorist attacks on the Young Socialist Alliance. Hawthorne of the Political Rights De­ years in prison last year for allegedly the -SWP were part of the program Dixon was also scheduled to address fense Fund; Steve Edwards, a leader assaulting a police officer and was to, in the words of the FBI memo, a general assembly at another Black of the Houston Black Panther Party; recen'tly ·sentenced to another year on 'disrupt and otherwise neutralize' our school, Kashmere, but again faced an and Don Sorsa, SWP candidate for a trumped-up charge of attacking a party." attack on his right to speak. Refusing state representative, 90th District bailiff. Maceo Dixon explained to Hofheinz to say who was responsible, the princi­ Hawthorne read a statement to re­ This type of harassment closely and the press that one of the reasons pal told Dixon that "higher-ups" had threatened trouble if Dixon were al­ porters assembled in Hofheinz's office parallels the plan to destroy the Pan­ he was visiting Houston was to "col­ lowed to speak. The principal can­ calling for an end to secret police thers that was revealed in the FBI lect evidence concerning the admitted celed the meeting. harassment of the SWP. It was signed memos. inrutration of the Houston Socialist Dixon also spoke at predominantly by a broad range of individuals, in­ At first Mayor Hofheinz had refused Workers Party by the police depart­ Black Texas Southern University, as cluding State Representative Ron to meet with the delegation standing ment. well as the University of Houston and in his outer office, and sent one of his "The information I am gathering Waters; Gertrude Barnstone, a former Rice University. aides as a substitute. But about a will be examined in connection with member of the Houston school board; The high point of Dixon's stop in dozen reporters had come to cover the charges my party has rued Thorne Dryer, writer for Texas Austin was his speech before a class the event When Hofheinz realized the Monthly; ACL U attorney Ben Levy; against Nixon, Agnew, Dean, Mitchell, of 250 at the University of Texas. attention this issue was receiving, he the Reverend Webster Kitchell of the the CIA, the FBI, et al. "Throughout my speech," Dixon said, finally emerged from his inner office Unitarian Church; the Reverend Wil­ "These charges include illegal wire­ "the students would stop me and cheer liam Lawson from the Wheeler Avenue just as Sherry Smith was beginning taps, burglary, surveillance, mail­ and applaud- especially when I called Baptist Church; Ray Londo, vice­ to make her statement tampering, sabotage, and even terror­ for nationalization of·the oil monop­ president of Postal Workers union "Joe Singleton made a public admis­ ism to try to stop our opposition to olies and of all basic industry under Local 107; and several prominent sion to the Houston Chronicle that government policies." workers control." professors from the University of he has ordered and carried out in· Following these statements, Hof­ In Dallas he spoke at. a. Black com­ Houston. rutration of the Socialist Workers heinz charged the delegation with munity center and at a community The statement demanded of Hof­ Party," Smith said. "It was during using his offices for their own "parti­ college. He found general agreement heinz an "immediate halt to the col­ Singleton's tenure in office that our san political purposes." Although he among Black audiences with his call lection of illegally obtained informa­ headquarters was bombed. denied infiltration of the SWP, he for an independent Black commission tion for secret rues on the individual "Fred Hofheinz was a candidate for avoided explicitly making a similar of inquiry into the killings of Martin members and supporters of the Texas mayor the year this bombing took statement about the Black Panther Luther King and Malcolm X, based SWP as well as other Black, Chicano, place. His socialist opponent in that Party, which according to a recent on the new revelations of FBI plans and radical gro\lpS in this city. race, Debby Leonard, was accused Houston Chronicle article, is assumed to disrupt the Black movement. "And furthermore, we call on you of having planted that bomb. It was to be heavily inrutrated. "We need an independent inquiry," to release the entire record of police only after public outrage at the un- Dixon said. "Depending on govern­ Hofheinz maintained that the pre­ ment bodies to conduct this inquiry vious illegal acts against the SWP were would be like setting the fox to watch of no concern to him since they did not the chicken coop, because the gov­ occur under his administration. ernment is the one that's been attack­ When asked by reporters for her re­ ing us." sponse to Hofheinz's statement, Sherry In Houston Dixon spoke on seven Smith replied, "Mayor Hofheinz has radio stations, including three Black not seen the last of us. If the mayor · stations, totaling six-and-a-half hours were truly concerned with democratic of radio time. He also appeared on rights, he would be interested in bring­ Channel 39 TV's "Black Viewpoint" ing out the facts about the illegal acts and for 20 minutes on CBS-TV, and against my party and other groups, was interviewed by the Houston Post. whether they occurred under his ad­ ministration or not We want him to Sherry Smith and Panther leader Steve Edwards (right), Hofheinz (left). open those records."

THEMILITANT/APRIL 12,1974 5 Bars filing fees in seP-arate ruling Supreme Court ducks Calif. election case On March 26 the U.S. Supreme Court Observers had been anticipating a Jenness, then the SWP candidate for The court ruling sending the case handed down three separate decisions major ruling on the California chal­ governor of Georgia, the court upheld back for further evidence, reached by dealing with challenges to state elec­ lenge that would establish the frame­ Georgia's requirement that smaller a 6-to-3 vote, was based on the con­ tion laws. work for election cases for some time parties collect signatures of 5 percent tention of the justices that the 5 per­ The court made a big concession to to come. of the eligible voters. cent requirement "as such, does not ap­ the movement to democratize election In 1968, the Supreme Court first It is in this gray area between the pear to be excessive . . . but to assess laws by striking down filing fees for opened the door to a series of assaults Ohio law, which was struck down, realistically whether the law imposes poor candidates. On the other hand it on ballot laws when it declared uncon­ and the Georgia law, which was up­ excessively burdensome requirements upheld the entire election code of stitutional an Ohio law that required held, that the California law falls. upon independent candidates it is Texas, with its restrictive requirements independent candidates to collect sig­ In California, smaller parties must necessary to know other critical facts for smaller parties. natures on nominating petitions equal petition for 663,000 valid signatures which do not appear from the On the central election challenge now to 15 percent of the vote for governor. or reregister 67,000 voters to win bal­ evidentiary record in this case." pending in the courts-the attempt to The court ruled that the 15 percent lot status. Independent candidates The major missing "fact" cited by the knock down California's reactionary requirement, along with other restric­ must collect 331,000 signatures ( 5 court was whether eliminating all those ballot laws-thejustices chose to duck tions, created an "entangling web" of percent of the vote in the last elec­ who voted in the primary as possible the issue. Under the guise of lacking laws that effectively barred any chal­ tion) in a 24-day period. Moreover, signers makes the job of petitioning enough evidence to decide on the con­ lenge to the Democrats and Republi­ no one who votes in the primary can "substantially" more difficult. This fact stitutionality of the California code, cans. sign a nominating petition. actually was not missing from the the court sent the case back to the In 1970, however, in a landmark These laws make it virtually impos­ record at all, however. As the three district court for further proceedings. decision in a suit brought by Linda sible for independent candidates or smaller parties to win ballot status dissenting justices (Brennan, Douglas, in California. For example, in 1972, and Marshall) pointed out, calcula­ California was the only major state tions based on the state's own figures Socialist placed on Calif. ballot where not a single party that was show that eliminating all primary previously unqualified succeeded in voters means that independent candi­ LOS ANGELES- The California ing filing fees for those who can't meeting the criteria to put its national dates in reality have to collect signa­ secretary of state ruled March 27 afford to pay them. ticket on the ballot. tures from 9.5 percent of the pool that Mariana Hernandez, Socialist The secretary of state had pre­ (The Peace and Freedom Party, of eligible signers. Workers Party-endorsed candidate viously indicated that Hernandez which first won ballot status in 1968, The minority concluded that "the for superintendent of public instruc­ would be denied ballot status be­ was able to maintain its ballot line data leave no room for doubt" that tion, will be on the ballot in the June cause she was unable to pay the because once a party .qualifies, it has the law is "unconstitutionally burden­ 4 nonpartisan primary election. The $700 filing fee. to maintain a minimum party registra­ some." decision was based on the March Hernandez hailed the filing-fee de­ tion of only one-flfteenth of 1 percent The Hall-Tyner challenge may now 26 Supreme Court ruling eliminat- cision as "an important step toward of all registered voters.) be consolidated with the CoDEL suit, opening up California's restrictive and a trial held that would allow the and discriminatory ballot." Last week's Supreme Court decision smaller parties to present the evidence The Supreme Court ruling was came on a case filed by Gus Hall and -which is overwhelming-that the also welcomed by Kitty Cone, Cali­ Jarvis Tyner, 1972 Communist Party California code presents nearly insur­ fornia director of the Committee for candidates for president and vice-presi­ mountable barriers to all opponents Democratic Election Laws (Co­ dent, who sought to be put on the of the Democrats and Republicans. DEL). In a statement released ballot as independents. Their suit was But the evidence alone won't be March 27 in San Francisco, Cone supported by many other parties, in­ enough to convince Nixon's hand­ said CoDEL "applauds this decision cluding the Socialist Workers Party, picked court of the justness of the chal­ to overturn California's legal tra­ which submitted affidavits in support lenge, as the March 26 ruling clearly dition of limiting the voters' choice of a friend of the court brief filed by shows. It will take a massive public to those who can afford to buy a the Committee for Democratic Elec­ campaign to mobilize support from spot on the ballot. ..." tion Laws (CoDEL). all supporters of democratic election "But there are still historic fights CoDEL, on behalf of the SWP, La laws to have these restrictions lifted. ahead to rid our state of the most Raza Unida Party, and several other In its decision throwing out the restrictive election laws in the coun­ smaller parties, has also filed a suit filing-fee requirement, the Supreme try," she added. "We intend to press challenging the restrictions confronted Court took note of the "increasing pres­ forward in our fight against the by independent parties. That case, now sure for broader access to the ballot." other unconstitutional laws, and see in federal court in California, had It is precisely that pressure that can this decision as an encouraging been delayed pending the expected Su­ persuade the court to finally end the Mariana Hernandez move." preme Court ruling on the Hall-Tyner monopoly the Democrats and Repub­ case. licans hold on the California ballot. Unfair election law challenged in Massachusetts By SUSAN LAMONT who allege that their right to vote "The Democrats and Republicans use and opposition from almost all po­ BOSTON- The Massachusetts Com­ for the candidate of their choice is ef­ their control of government to keep litical quarters in order to win the mittee for Democratic Election Laws fectively denied by the Massachusetts others off the ballot," Gurewitz ex­ most basic democratic right for the (CoDEL) announced a major lawsuit election laws. plained, "because they seek to monop­ women of America. on behalf of the Socialist Workers Par­ The voter plaintiffs are Rexford olize political power on behalf of the ty and seven voter plaintiffs at a well­ Weng, vice-president of the Massachu­ corporate interests they both repre­ "Yet how limited and partial is that attended news conference here March setts State Labo:r Council, AFL-CIO; sent." democratic freedom when in the voting 26. Mel King, state representative and Florence Luscomb told the news con­ booth my choice is, in effect, limited The suit challenges the provisions of member of the Black Caucus of the ference, "I was one of the millions of solely to the Democratic and Republi­ the Massachusetts election law that dis­ state legislature; Dr. George Wald, No­ American women who participated in can parties!" criminate against smaller parties. bel Prize-winning professor of biology the struggle for women's suffrage. We The attorneys for the suit, Saul Sha­ Explaining that these laws pose a at Harvard University. had to overcome backward notions, piro and Jeffrey Denner, were "tremendous barrier" to smaller par­ Also, State Representative John Bus­ established customs, reactionary laws, also present at the news conference. ties, CoDEL spokesman Tom Moriar­ inger; former corrections commission­ ty pointed out, "Since 1939, statewide er John Boone; Professor Howard ballot status for independent candi­ Zinn from Boston University; and dates has been secured through filing Florence Luscomb, a longtime activist nominating petitions only three times. in the movement for women's rights The onerous burdens involved in com­ and a member of the Advisory Com­ plying with the law as it stands have mittee of the Massachusetts Civil Liber­ simply frightened off all but the most ties Union. resolute- or wealthy- contenders. Speaking at the news conference at "One of those three parties, the So­ the State House were John Businger, cialist Workers Party, is the principal Florence Luscomb, and Donald Gure­ plaintiff in the suit just filed," Moriarty witz, the Socialist Workers Party can­ said. "In 1972, the Socialist Workers didate for governor of Massachusetts. Party and its supporters were forced Gurewitz said, "The SWP is suing to gather over 120,000 signatures in to protect the rights of the thousands order to insure ballot status for their of voters who wish to express oppo­ candidates. This suit seeks legal recog­ sition to the two big business parties . nition as a political party and ballot by voting for socialist candidates and status for the Socialist Workers Party to make it possible for insurgent po­ in Massachusetts." litical forces, like an independent Black Joining with the Socialist Workers political party or a labor party, to Militant/Betsy Whittaker Party in this suit are seven individuals, emerge. CoDEl spokesman Tom Moriarty at Boston news conference announcing lawsuit.

6 ·Missouri nominee for Senate Hospital bosses fire socialist candidate By _NORTON SANDLER the 1940s. form that I would wager hospital of­ ST. LOUIS-According to the myth Mutnick challenged Democratic in­ ficials do not support," she added. of American "democracy" all citizens­ cumbent Thomas Eagleton to debate "They don't have to vote for me­ not only lawyers and businessmen, her, especially on the issue of abortion, but they have no right to take away but ordinary working people as well "a newly won right for women which my job!" -have the right to present their po­ he arrogantly opposes." Eagleton was Two organizers for SEIU Local 50 litical views and run for public office. the keynote speaker at a huge anti­ attended the campaign news conference Reality teaches a different lesson, abortion "right to life" rally here last to support Mutnick's right to retain as Missouri residents recently learned. year. her job. Within hours after Barbara Mutnick Mutnick also ·condemned "the sys­ A union-backed newsletter written announced her campaign as Socialist tem of unequal justice that allows con­ and distributed by employees at the Workers Party candidate for U.S.. Sen­ victed Watergaters like Donald Segret­ hospital featured the story of Mut­ ate, · she was fired from her job as a ti to serve out their sentences in sunny nick' s firing under the heading "Fired typesetter at Jewish Hospital. California prison camps playing golf Employee of Month." Hospital officials first demanded and picnicking with friends while an In the article, Mutnick said, "Lack­ Mutnick's resignation, asserting that innocent Black youth like J. B. John­ ing huge donations from multination­ her socialist campaign would result son slaves in a furniture factory in al corporations like ITT or from such in "bad publicity" for the hospital and the Missou"ri State Penitentiary for $15 sources as the milk trusts, and not that it was "against the policy of the a month." being independently wealthy, I had hospital to allow employees to run After the news conference, Mutnick expected to continue working at Jew­ for public office." returned to her job, accompanied by ish Hospital during my campaign. When Mutnick refused to resign, she a camera crew from KMOX-TV. When But hospital officials decided other­ was threatened with "disciplinary ac­ . she attempted to punch in, however, wise.... " tion" if she took a few ho1,1rs off to she found her time card had been re­ Mutnick's firing is not the only un­ announce her campaign at a news moved. democratic practice the socialist cam­ conference. Shortly afterward, she was told she paign must challenge. Plans for a suit Nevertheless, Mutnick spoke at a was suspended, and less than 24hours seeking invalidation of discriminatory well-attended news conference here later she was fired. By this time the · Barbara. ~utnick. SWP candidate for Sen-. Missouri election laws were announced March 12. She said her candidacy hospital administration had scurried ate, at picket line In support of hospital at the March 12 news conference. would provide "an alternative to the around for a "reasonable"-sounding workers' right to unionize. The present law requires parties oth­ parties of big business, the Democrats charge. The best they could come up er than the Democrats and Republi­ and Republicans," whose policies serve with was "absenteeism." o ..~~..aves whether to form a union. cans to collect signatures on nomi­ only "to increase the profits of the rich Mutnick explained to the media the They know that my campaign solidly nating petitions equaling 1 percent of while worsening the living standards real reason for the firing. She pointed backs the basic democratic right of all the total vote cast in the last guber­ and narrowing the rights of the Amer­ out that Jewish Hospital is one of the workers, including those at Jewish natorial election from each of ican working people." targets of a union organizing drive Hospital, to organize." the state's 10 congressional districts. The launching of the statewide elec­ by Local 50 of the Service Employees' She said the f:tring was an example The suit will contend that such a tion campaign marks a big step for­ International Union. of the hospital's "long-standing tactic distribution requirement is unconsti­ ward for the Socialist Workers Party She said, "The Jewish Hospital ad­ of axing anyone who so much as tutional. Court rulings have struck in Missouri. The St. Louis SWPbranch ministration is determined to prevent voices a prounion stance." down similar distribution require­ formed last year is the first here since hospital employees from deciding for "There are other planks of my plat- ments in other states. Georgia State stirred by YSA campaign The following article on the Young been active at Georgia State for many posts. Sympathy for the YSA candi­ stance, the SGA has voted to look Socialist Alliance campaign at Georgia years, has always run candidates for dates was increased when it was re­ into the actions of the administration State University is reprinted from the President and VP of the SGA. vealed that the administration kept during and before the election, and March 25 issue of The Great Speckled However'; the election scheduled for special files on YSA members and to hold open hearings on the matter. Bird, an alternative newspaper pub­ February 25 and 26 was the first other "troublemakers" in the University This investigation has stirred an un­ lished in Atlanta. time YSA candidates had been written Security office. Nevertheless, when the usual amount of student interest. The on the ballot. YSA ran a spirited cam­ votes were counted, Mike Weisman, the whole campus appears more political­ By JON JACOBS paign calling for student control of Y SA presidential candidate, had lost ly involved, at least insofar as student The Georgia State University Student the student government, better evalua­ by a vote of 1,853 to 1,451. The Vice issues are concerned. Government Association ( SGA), long tion of course quality, and adequate Presidential candidate lost by ap­ a bastion of fraternity-oriented do­ child care for the children of students. proximately the same margin. Elections for the 28 representative nothingism, came within a gnat's eye­ By concentrating on the specifics of The YSA watched the· vote counting seats in the SGA are coming up this lash of becoming something very dif­ their program, rather than on their closely and believes it was honest. spring. In the last elections, YSA won ferent early this month. Two members overall Socialist politics, they polled Nor do they think that they lost be­ five seats, but they expect to do much of the Young Socialist Alliance the most votes (40%) in both the Presi­ cause of unfair treatment from the ad­ better this time. YSA people tell us running for President and Vice-Presi­ dential and Vice Presidential elections. ministration. A YSA spokesperson told that they have hopes of winning a dent of the SGA forced their respective [While the YSA did poll the most votes the Bird, "The reason we lost was be­ majority. What they will do if they elections into a runoff, and came close in the presidential election, Y SA Vice­ cause the campus was polarized. The win, given the powerlessness of the to winning. presidential candidate Eli Green ran Sloane campaign didn't' get out the SGA, is unclear. At the very least, Georgia State has a well-deserved second. -Militant] Both races were right wing vote, we did." however, it would give them an un­ reputation for student apoliticality. forced into a runoff, which was If the Y SA candidates had won, they precedented opportunity to frame the The mean age of the students is the scheduled for March 5 and 6. could have done little since the SGA is issues facing students from a socialist late twenties, all of them commute, and The administration and many pro­ essentially powerless, but the loss had point of view-which could make interest in student elections has been fessors were flabbergasted by the size some important side-effects. For in- Georgia State a very different place. generally very low. For the recent elec­ of the Y SA vote. During the runoff . --•-• ,_. .. I II ..,U,IV., I •.• tion, however, student interest was campaign, the administration pro­ quite high. vided unfair aid to Sloane, the non­ Many students had been angered by socialist candidate, by giving him for US. Sena Lt. an announcement, in late February, campaign lists of ~tudents with high that the administration had decided averages who might be especially in­ that nine of the 28 people then serving terested in politics, and made it diffi­ on the SGA Council could no longer cult for the YSA campaigners to obtain serve because they did not meet certain supplies to which they had a right very technical requirements. Among from school sources. Some teachers, the nine were two YSA members and especially in business courses, urged ' Hugh Twiggs, the current SGA Presi­ their students to get out the vote to dent. Student resentment was high "stop the socialists." and, when the Georgia State Paper and The Sloane campaign, which had no the SGA itself opposed the action, the platform but opposition to the social­ administration announced that if the ists, contented itself with sending· SGA did not purge itself, the adminis­ fraternity boys running down the halls tration would have to take action. The yelling about the red menace. They question of whether the studentgovern­ also distributed handbills associating ment was controlled by the students YSA candidates with increased crime. or by the administration became a Despite the scare tactics, most major issue in the campaign. students were convinced the Y SA can­ Militant/George Bosley In past years, the YSA, which has didates were going to win the two MIKE WEISMAN: Came 'within a gnat's eyelash' of winning student gov't elecHon.

THE MILITANT/APRIL 12, 1974 Socialist campatgn• rallies hit streets of New York

By ANDY ROSE coming at you to beg or try to sell At another rally at 6th Street and some advance planning, but it is NEW YORK- It's a typical Saturday you something," she adds, nodding Avenue D in· the Lower East Side, neither expensive nor difficult "We afternoon at 14th Street and Broad­ at the band of saffron-robed Hare several people stop who are already check out possible locations before­ way. Krishna freaks chanting across the familiar with The Militant and the SWP hand with sales teams," Finch ex­ The sidewalks are jammed with street because of their active involvement in plains. "Then we get the permit, sound shoppers, mostly Puerto Rican and "The speeches and signs catch the struggle for community control equipment, and a box of literature, Black, bustling past the usual array people's attention, though," Finch con­ of the District 1 schools. and arrange for enough candidates of pretzel and roasted chestnut tinues, "and once they see this is some­ Others who are asked why they and campaign supporters to speak vendors, displays of handmade thing they might be interested in, picked up The Militant cite the cover­ and sell." jewelry, and assorted bargain hawk­ they're more likely to stop and buy a age of the Black Political Convention In New York, permits to use sound ers. paper." in Little Rock. Some remark, "I just equipment on the street cost $5 for want to find out what it has to say." Then an ear-shattering loudspeaker each location and must be obtained Finch believes that receptivity to the cuts through the hubbub, and people Workers need own candidates several days in advance. street rallies has improved noticeably for half a block around turn and Several SWP candidates are present "As the weather warms up we plan since the New York SWP first tried stare. for the rally. Each gives a five- or to hold rallies just about every Satur­ them in 1972. "More people stop now "In just a minute a rally will begin 10-minute speech centering on one day and expand the number of loca­ here for the New York Socialist Work­ and take literature. There's very little point, such as Attica, inflation, child tions. Any busy street corner is a ers Party candidates. The sociali~t right-wing harassment I remember in care, schools, Watergate, socialism possibility," Finch says. candidates are the only candidates '72 sometimes the anti-abortion people and democracy. But all keep hammer­ "Street rallies in other cities might who stand on the side of the working would start screaming and give us a ing away at one theme: be even more successful than ours people and have a program for fight­ hard time, but not anymore." "These rotten Democratic and Repub­ are here, because there's not as much ing these skyrocketing prices and the What issues do people respond to? lican politicians are all tied hand and automatic resistance to stopping, and phony energy crisis. They defend the "It's not usually a question of one foot to the big corporations. They're a rally would be more of a novelty. Attica Brothers and the Wounded Knee particular issue," Finch says, "but the all corrupt They're all responsible for "When rallies are held regularly in defendants, and support the struggle whole idea of an alternative to all the robbing our paychecks and protecting an area, the long-run gains are even for Black, Puerto Rican, and Chinese things going wrong in society -high the profiteering corporations. greater than simply the number of community control of the schools in prices, Watergate, crooked politicians. "Don't put your trust in the Demo­ papers sold or the number of people District 1. Our first speaker.... " crats and Republicans. Working "More and more people are becom­ who sign up to support the campaign. A table appears with socialist cam­ people need our own candidates who ing convinced that the government is The party becomes known as a paign literature and a few books and support our struggles and will work completely corrupt and tied to the big serious political party to thousands pamphlets. Several campaign workers for our needs." business interests. They don't yet agree of people who otherwise would never spread out through the crowd, selling And every speaker urges, "Buy The with everything we say, but they are hear of us. They hear the name of the The Militant and the Young Socialis~ Militan~ the socialist campaign news­ looking for an alternative, and they're the newspaper of the Young Socialist party and hear- even if very briefly­ paper. It's the only newspaper that Alliance. willing to listen to us." some of the positions we stand for, tells the truth about what's going on A street rally bears little resemblance Organizing a street rally requires and they will remember us." in this country." to a campus forum or other campaign A young Puerto Rican stops by the meetings where an audience sits and literature table to talk for a minute. listens to an extended talk on a par­ He is chairman of Latinos United ticular topic. Morrison tours Buffalo at a nearby university, and says the The rallies are not expected to draw By JANE ROLAND in the downtown area. Campaign plat­ group has a subscription to The BUFFALO-Derrick Morrison, So­ a crowd that stops to hear an entire form distributions and sales of The Militant. cialist Workers Party candidate for speech. But hundreds of people pass Militant met with a good response He explains that he is a former by and many listen for a while. governor of New York, has just com­ from Saturday shoppers. member of the Puerto Rican Indepen­ Dozens take campaign literature and pleted a week of campaigning in the dence Party, and since the split in the buy copies of The Militant. Some stop Buffalo area along with a team of During the w-eek Morrison spoke to PIP last year he has been studying Young Socialists. at the literature table to sign a mail­ students at Erie Community College, the politics of many radical groups. Everywhere Morrison spoke he em­ ing list and talk about the campaign. the State University College at Buffalo, He agrees with most of what he phasized the importance of the latest and the University of Buffalo. reads in The Militant and particularly FBI disclosures concerning the secret At the meetings, 15 people signed Soapbox speakers looks for the articles on the Puerto police plotting against the Black move­ cards supporting Morrison's cam­ Rebecca Finch is the SWP candidate Rican struggle and on Watergate. ment paign as a positive alternative to the for U.S. Senate from New York and· A truck from Phoenix House, a local Morrison will be ~ttending the trials Democrats and Republicans. Among a frequent speaker at campaign street drug rehabilitation center, pulls up and participating actively in the de­ those endorsing the SWP campaign rallies. "This is the way I imagine next to the campaign sound car. See­ fense of the Attica Brothers. He has were Don Goetsell, vice-president of the soapbox speakers of the IWW and ing The Militan~ the driver hands out demanded the dropping of all in­ the student government at Erie Com­ the Socialist Party must have done it a quarter for a copy. dictments against the 61 Attica defen­ munity College, and Sidney Herring, in the early 1900s," she says. A high school senior who has never dants. professor of sociology at Buffalo seen The Militant before buys a copy "One of the most important gains is At a televised news conference on State. because of the back-page article on the that we sell a lot of Militants. The the steps of the county hall, a Buffalo Before visiting Buffalo, Morrison's Wounded Knee trials. Two of her rallies are a regular part of both the support group for the Socialist Work­ campaigning took him to Ithica, where friends, she says, are Cherokees who election campaign and the Militantand ers Party campaign was launched. he participated in a rally at Cornell took part in the Wounded Knee seizure, Young Socialist sales drives. The first activity of the Buffalo University in support of the Attica and she's interested in reading a paper "Especially in New York, you hesi­ Young Socialists for Finch and Morri­ Brothers along with defendants Frank that gives the Indians' side of the tate to stop on the street for anything, son was a Saturday campaign blitz "Big Black" Smith and John Hill. because there are so many people story.

8 SWP candidates blast • • Penna. death penalty Ca By CARLA HOAG graft, and accused him of actively at­ and DELBERT MAXWELL tempting to block its investigation. Supporters of the Pennsylvania Social­ Rizzo insinuated the report was an for soc· ist Workers Party election campaign "attempt to smear the entire police held meetings March 23 in both Phila­ department with frivolous, unsub­ delphia and Pittsburgh. stantiated, or undocumented allega­ RODRIGUEZ TOURS SAN DIEGO: Municipal Employees Local 1488 at Featured speakers were gubernato­ tions," Philadelphia news media have Forty students signed up to work on the University of Washington and has rial candidate Roberta Scherr in Phila­ launched a campaign to publicize been active in the struggle of UW delphia and senatorial candidate Chris­ the campaign of Oiga Rodriguez for "honest cops" on the force. employees against discriminatory job tina Adachi in Pittsburgh. governor of California during the So­ Meanwhile, none of the more than cialist Workers Party candidate's recent classifications. The socialist candidates have strong­ 400 cops accused by name in the re­ The SWP is also running Fred Lov­ ly condemned the death penalty law tour of the San Diego area. port have been suspended, much less gren for Congress from the 1st C.D., recently passed by the state legislature. Rodriguez addressed Chicano studies brought to trial. which includes the University of Wash­ Governor Milton Shapp vetoed the bill classes at Palomar College, San Diego At a news conference March 22, Tony ington. Lovgren is challenging the March 23 on the basis of "personal, City College, and San Diego State Uni­ Austin announced his campaign as state's lone Republican congressman, moral beliefs," but promised to cooper­ versity. At Mesa Community College, SWP candidate for U.S. Congressfrom Joel Pritchard. Lovgren is a longtime ate with the legislature if his veto was campaign supporters 9rganized an Pennsylvania's 2nd C.D. Pointing to antiwar activist and former national overridden- as it was on March 27. open-air meeting of 60 · people. Rod­ the Crime Commission report, Aus­ coordinator of the Student Mobiliza­ Roberta Scherr issued a statement riguez also spoke to 175 students at tin said the cops "cannot be trusted to tion Committee to End the War in calling the death penalty "a barbarous, San Diego High School. provide justice for Black and working Southeast Asia. inhumane measu~;e which should be During the tour, . the San Diego SWP people. Young Socialists for Fraenzl groups outlawed everywhere. Its maip pur­ announced the candidacy of Ken Da­ "In addition to directly participating have already been formed at four pose is to oppress and terrorize the vey for California state treasurer. Da­ in and protecting illegal gambling, Washington college campuses and four Black community and the poor, vey is a leader of the San Diego Young drug sales, and prostitution, it is the Socialist Alliance. high schools. This month a team of against whom it is mainly used." police who carry out brutal assaults Both candidates spoke at a city-wide Young Socialists will tour campuses Christina Adachi, speaking at the on the rights and lives of Black peo­ campaign eVent March 22 attended by throughout Washington to build sup­ Pittsburgh campaign event, lashed out ple, such as the 1969 murder of Joey 50 people. The meeting was chaired port for the socialist campaign. at her opponents for supporting the Brooks, a 15-year-old retarded Black by congressional candidate Salm Kol­ The campaign kickoff will be April youth." One of the Crime Commission's is, who is fighting a frame-up charge 13 at the Socialist Workers campaign revelations was that a policemanwho of perjury brought against her because headquarters, 5623 University Way witnessed this murder had then lied to N.E., beginning at 8 p.m. Featured protect another cop. she ran as a socialist for San Diego city council last fall. speakers will be Fraenzl, Lovgren, and Austin compared the revelations to Maceo Dixon, cochairman of the SWP Rodriguez linked this political per­ the latest FBI documents disclosing a 1974 National Campaign Committee. plan of harassment and disruption of secution of Kolis to the recently dis­ the Black movement. closed letter by J. Edgar Hoover or­ Austin also demanded the removal dering an "SWP Disruption Program" of the racist and corrupt police force by the FBI because the SWP was from the Black community, to be re­ "openly espousing its line on a na­ placed by units drawn from and con­ tional and local basis through running trolled by the Black community. candidates for public office." The major Democratic and Repub­ Rodriguez pointed out that in spite lican candidates, while campaigning of such harassment and intimidation for the death penalty, have at the same the SWP was campaigning more ac­ time been demanding more restrictive tively than ever before in San Diego. abortion laws on the basis of their The meeting raised $400 for the state "concern for life." campaign. On March 20 the state senate passed an abortion bill requiring parental BLACK VIETNAM VETERAN consent for abortions for women under RUNS FOR CONGRESS ON SWP 18 and a husband's consent for abor­ TICKET: The Indiana SWP has an­ tions for married women. It would also nounced the candidacy of Greg Peter­ Mark Soli end state subsidies for abortions for son, a Black Vietnam veteran, for Militant/Michael Baumann Socialist congressional candidate Tony Congress from the 11th C. D. Peterson women with low incomes. Oare Fraenzl, SWP candidate for U.S. Austin denounces racist and corrupt will be facing Republican incumbent In a statement released the same Senate from Washington. police force. day, Roberta Scherr said, "The pur­ William Hudnut and former Democrat­ pose of these measures is to make it ic congressman Andy Jacobs. harder, not easier, for women to ob­ Speaking at a March 19 news con­ BOUTELLE DISCUSSES LESSONS death penalty and the entire system of tain safe, legal abortions. Many wo­ ference at the statehouse in Indiana­ OF LITTLE ROCK CONFERENCE: capitalist injustice. men who do not wish to bear chil­ polis, Peterson presented the SWP's po­ Following his return from the Nation­ "We all know there are two systems dren would be forced to do so or to sition on the current busing controver­ al Black Political Convention in Lit­ of justice, one for the rich and one seek illegal abortions because of this sy there. He attacked those "who mask tle Rock, Paul Boutelle, SWP candidate for the poor," Adachi said. "If there bill." their racism by bemoaning the in California's 8th Congressional Dis­ were not two systems of justice, Rich­ Scherr called for an end to all re­ 'tragedy and inconvenience' of bus­ trict, issued a statement on the con­ ard Nixon, one of thebiggestcriminals strictive abortion laws and forcreating ing" and supported the right of vention's outcome. in history, wouldn't still be sitting in "free, safe abortion and contraception Black parents to decide to have their "A motion calling for the formation the White House, and Spiro Agnew, clinics available to all women, to be children bused to better schools. of an independent Black political party a convicted felon, wouldn't be walking funded by the state." However, Peterson pointed out that was defeated by the delegates," the streets a free man, while a Black The Pennsylvania SWP has an­ "the solution to the immense social and he noted. However, Boutelle said, man like George Jackson gets sent nounced several additional candidates economic problems Black people face the strategy of supporting Dem­ to prison for allegedly stealing $70 for Congress. is not to be found in busing." He called ocrats or Republicans has failed to and never gets out alive." Speaking at the Pittsburgh meeting of for a massive, federally funded crash bring any improvement in the condi­ While the Democrats and Republicans 50 people on March 23 were Karen program to build and improve schools tions facing the Black community. call for the death penalty and expand­ Pewitt, running in the 20th C.D., and in the Black community. These conditions are worsening, he ing the police force to "prevent crime, a Continued on page 26 Black parents, students, and faculty, a recently released report by the Penn­ said, as "the meat shortage, energy cri­ Peterson said, must have the right to sis, runaway inflation, increased unem­ sylvania Crime Commission provides control these funds and to determine further evidence of who the real crim­ ployment, and government cutbacks in curriculum, facilities, and staff. inals are. social services all hit Blacks the hard­ "If the Democrats and Republicans The 1,404-page report details police est." tell us there is no money available to corruption in Philadelphia that is "on­ Boutelle, who is running against meet our needs," he, added, "let them going, widespread, systematic and oc­ prominent Black Democrat Ronald Del­ eliminate the $1 00-billion war budget curring at all levels of the police de­ lums, declared that "the white Ameri­ which is financing corrupt dictatorships partment." "Philadelphia's finest'' collect can ruling class uses Black Democrats in South Vietnam, Greece, Brazil, and bribes estimated to total at least $1- and Republicans as a way to keep Chile, and which is protecting apart­ million a year from "gamblers, racke­ Blacks politically tied to the system heid in South Africa." teers, bar owners, businessmen, night­ that exploits and oppresses us." club owners, after-hours club owners, He said the SWP calls for a com­ prostitutes and others." WASHINGTON SWP ANNOUNCES plete break with the two capitalist par­ The report also told of cops keep­ FRAENZL FOR U.S. SENATE: The ties. "The simple fact is that if you ing drugs seized in narcotics arrests Washington Socialist Workers Party belong to a party that is tied to big for resale, for their own use, or for has announced that Clare Fraenzl will business, profit comes first and the planting as false evidence in frame be the party'~ candidate for the U.S. well-being of working people gets the ups. Senate seat now held by Democrat short end of the stick. An indepen­ The Crime Commission linked "law LNS/Darby Holmes Warren Magnuson. dent Black political party could real­ and order" Mayor Frank Rizzo, him­ PHILADELPHIA COPS: Killers who rake Fraenzl, 29, is a member of Ameri­ ly fight for the interests of our people." self a former cop, to gambling .and in $1-million in graft each year. can Federation of State, County and -ANDY ROSE

THE MILITANT/APRIL 12, 1974 9 New proof of oil monopolies' lies. By CAROLINE LUND tic reductions in 1969 output in Egypt, Nigeria, agreement between private companies! A New York Times reporter recently described the Libya, Latin America, and Indonesia, while per­ The government's "national security" pretext for inside of the San Francisco headquarters of the mitting production increases in Saudi Arabia and keeping the Libyan document secret was even more Standard Oil Company of California: "The 18th Iran, which they considered "politically palatable." blatantly hypocritical than their use of that argu­ executive floor ... exudes a beige neutrality. Uni­ ment in regard to the Pentagon papers. The agree­ formed black stewards patrol the halls as com­ Hold down production ment was not secret outside the United States, bination messengers and security guards. According to the March 27 Wall Street Journal, since all the foreign companies involved in it had "Until recent years no women were permitted to "The oil economists also assumed that all the ma­ copies. The sole purpose of government classifica­ work on this floor. Even today most of the execu­ jor international companies would act concurrently tion was to keep it secret from the American people. tives' secretaries are men. . . . to hold production down rather than see prices After Libya nationalized some American oil hold­ "There are no titles on the doors. One must know drop." ings in September of last year, the companies, the exact suite number to fmd a particular execu­ To do this, the monopolies often had to use with U.S. government aid, tried to get other oil tive." strong-arm tactics and trickery against the govern­ monopolies to boycott Libyan oil, as had been done It is behind the guarded doors of plush offices ments of oil-producing countries, who were press­ with Iran in 1951. such as these that decisions were made by a hand­ ing for greater production, which brought them Bu.t this time, as the Wall Street Journal put it, ful of oil monopoly and government officials to greater revenues. "the effort to shut off the world-wide market for deliberately create the energy crisis. The Wall Street Journal report says that the hot oil [oil from the nationalized holdings] was Information from the recent hearings of the Sen­ Iraq Petroleum Company, a cartel of five multi­ a complete and embarrassing bust." European and ate Subcommittee on Multinational Corporations national firms, "actually drilled wells to the wrong Japanese capitalists were not willing to go along with the plan to protect U.S. concerns. Domestic shortage In the United States, the oil monopolies had oth­ er devices for keeping their profits as high as pos­ sible. One was the system of import quotas on Arab oil, which until recently had been much cheap­ er than domestically produced oil. By keeping for­ eign oil out and forcing the American people to rely primarily on domestic reserves, the oil monop­ olies were able to increase their take by about $7-billion a year, according to an estimate by Senator Philip Hart of Michigan. The import quotas were initiated at the demand of the oil monopolists in 1959 by the Eisenhower administration, and maintained through theadmin­ istrations of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. They were dropped by Nixon last April with the OK of the oil monopolies. They were no longer needed because imported oil prices had risen enough to Oil executives prepare to tell the big lie. Secret documents from Senate hearings show they deliberately created match domestic prices. shortage. Bob Wyrick and Brian Donovan, investigative· reporters for Newsday, described one incident show­ is incontrovertible proof of the plot carried out by depths and employed bulldozers to cover up others, ing the working relationship between the oil monop­ the oil monopolies to jack up their profits at the all in hopes of hoodwinking the Baghdad govern­ olies and the capitalist politicians. "On Oct. 21, expense of the masses of people of the world. This ment." 1968, vice-presidential candidate Spiro Agnew ap­ information confirms what many Americans have peared before a select group of oil company execu­ suspected all along: the "fuel shortage" has been Government complicity tives at the Petroleum Club in Midland, Tex., to manufactured by the oil barons. The government-including both Democratic and seek contributions for the Nixon-Agnew campaign," The subcommittee released ojl company docu­ Republican administrations- has worked hand in write Wyrick and Donovan. ments proving that world oil production was de­ glove with the oil companies to legalize this prof­ "The Texas oil producers were vitally interested liberately cut back because the monopolies feared it-gouging. in stopping an application to the federal govern- a "surplus" would bring down prices. Thus the com­ The frrst big present the government gave to the panies let their production machinery sit idle while oil monopolies was a tax loophole-the 27.5 per­ the masses of people- especially in the colonial cent depletion allowance granted back in the 1920s. countries-were in desperate need of low-cost fuel. It was shaved to 22 percent in the late 1960s. As millions of Americans were wasting millions The next lucrative concession-which explains of hours of human time and energy sitting in gas Aramco's miniscule taxes cited earlier-was the lines, the machinery that could produce the fuel foreign tax credit, which allowed companies to sub­ they needed was also being wasted by production tract from their U.S. taxes all taxes paid to foreign cutbacks. In Africa, Asia, and Latin America the governments. This tax loophole was added secretly contrived fuel shortage is taking a much more by the State and Treasury departments in 1950, drastic human toll in the form of increased pov­ and did not become publicly known until 1952. erty, disease, and starvation. Then came the nationalization of the Anglo­ Iranian Oil Company by the Mossadegh regime Aramco profits in Iran in 1951. Again the U.S. governmentstepped The lies used by the government and the oil in to further the interests of U.S. oil monopolies, companies to cover up this conspiracy are out­ and the CIA arranged the 1953 overthrow of rageous. While the monopolies and government Mossadegh. were charging "Arab blackmail," the subcommittee Following the CIA overthrow, a new consortium documents show, oil company profits were rising for exploiting Iranian oil was worked out between in direct proportion to the Arab price hikes. Washington and London, with U.S. oil monopo­ The Arabian American Oil Company, Aramco, lies muscling in for 40 percent of the operation. raked in profits of $3.2-billion last year on rev­ In the 1960s, U.S. oil monopolies had govern­ enues of $8.7-billion- almost double its profits ment backing again in their attempts to counter from 1972. demands by the Arab and other oil producing Aramco is the world's largest oil producer. It states for more concessions in regard to control sells its oil only to the four American corporations of their oil resources. This trend was expressed that own it- Exxon, Texaco, Standard Oil of Cali­ in the formation of the Organization of Petroleum fornia, and Mobil. Exporting Countries in 1960. This is the first time Aramco' s profit figures In September 1969 the Qaddafi regime took pow­ have been made public. er in Libya and began demanding higher prices In 1972 Aramco legally got away with paying for Libyan oil. The oil monopolies attempted to "You Were Possessed By An Energy Crisis, only one one-hundredth of a percent of its profits form a united front, codified in what was called But We Exorcised It" in U.S. taxes. This compares with the minimum the Libyan Producers' Agreement, to beat back of 20 percent paid by the averageAmericanworker. these just demands. Another pure lie is the oil company advertising In the Senate hearings on this development in ment by the state of Maine that would have created saying, in essenc~ "We've been telling you for years February, Senator Charles Percy (R-ill.) compared a duty-free trade zone for oil imports at Machias­ that this shortage was coming," and blaming the this pact to the arrangement between airlines for port, Me.... [Agnew] knew the oil men in the au­ crisis on wasteful use of energy by consumers to­ mutual aid against strikes. dience were afraid that if the Machiasport plan was gether with Arab "intransigence." It turns out the The Justice Department smoothed the way for the approved it would be the first step in letting in oil monopolies have known for years, because Libyan Producers' Agreement by granting the U.S. cheaper foreign oil and would eventually force they have been plotting the shortage for years. oil companies immunity from antitrust prosecution down the price of domestic oil and hurt them in A 1968 memo prepared by the economics de­ for this collusion. Then the government helped the the pocketbook.... partment of Standard Oil of California (Socal) monopolies hide this conspiracy from the public "'Agnew said that if he and Nixon were elected posed "the problem of accommodating a large po­ by giving a "national security" classification to they would kill Machiasport,' said Walter Davis, tential surplus [of oil] ... in '69 and over the next the Libyan Producers' Agreement- even though it then a vice-president in Occidental Petroleum, who five years to 1973." The economists proposed dras- was not a government document at all but an was in the audience."

10 are conspiracy to "Nixon got a ton of money out of us," said e It has given the oil monopolists the ability Jack Bradford, president of the petroleum club. to create artificial shortages to keep prices high­ The promise was carried out. condemning the masses of people to manifold hard­ leep prtces ~ Meanwhile, shortages of oil began to develop ships and a lower standard of living. Along with the energy crisis, the number one ques­ in the United States. The oil monopolies had not 8 It has meant secret collaboration of the govern­ tion on the minds of American working people found it profitable enough to expand their pro­ ment with the oil monopolies to force the oil-pro­ is the soaring price of food. Supermarket prices duction and refinery capacity in this country. ducing countries to accept continued imperialist rose 3 percent in February alone. exploitation. Making consumers pay· A Senate study on nutrition has shown that high 8 It has meant placing the world in a constant prices have forced Americans to alter their eating By 1972, as domestic shortages began to loom danger of war, stemming from the cutthroat com­ habits and cut back sharply on higher priced foods. more ominously, the Nixon administration decided petition between imperialist powers for profits, from The study found that more people are eating less what to do about it-in conjunction with the oil the need to crush any rebellion by the people of well nutritionally, and more people are simply go­ monopolies, of course. Reporters Wyrick and Dono­ superexplolted oil-producing countries, and from ing hungry. van quote a classified memo by Frank Mau, a the capitalist need to confront the example of so­ An article in the March 28 New York Times State Department international economist and ad­ cialized property relations embodied in the Soviet provided a glimpse of the causes of this situa­ viser to Nixon's oil policy committee, that stated: Union. tion. The reason for high food prices Is not that "The domestic price of crude oil and products 8 It has meant an inability to rationally plan it costs a lot to produce the food. should be allowed to increase substantially. At and develop clean and safe energy sources to suit a minimum, the domestic price of crude oil should the long-term needs of humanity. · be increased to $4 a barrel.... The answer to this Inhuman system lies not in "The cost would be placed where it should be- looking to the capitalist government to "control"· directly on the consumer." - or "regulate" the oil monopolies. The history of At the time of Mau's memo (October 1972), the oil industry shows that the government- Dem­ domestic crude oil was about $3.39 a barrel. By ocratic and Republican administrations alike-has the time of the Arab embargo last October, "new" functioned as an executive committee to carry out oil had gone up to $5.60 a barrel, meaning bil­ the interests of the oil monopolies and the other lions of dollars more per year flowing into the giant corporations that dominate production in coffers of the monopolies. this country. All of the information that has come out about It is also utopian to think these monopolies can the roots of the energy crisis, through newspaper be "controlled" by the type of superficial legisla­ exposes as well as congressional hearings, has tion proposed by liberals in Congress. The com­ confirmed the analysis presented by The Militant panies are too powerful. They have budgets on from the very beginning. the scale of whole countries. Aramco has even In the Nov. 23 issue of The Militant Dick Rob­ built its own "capital" city in Saudi Arabia called erts wrote: "For the energy crisis is a profit-goug­ Dhahran. Their international connections, interlock­ ing fraud from top to bottom. It is a conspiracy ing directorships, and secret financial arrangements Chicks being smothered last June because they w.ere by the most powerful monopolies in the United make it impossible to "regulate" their power. 'unprofitable.' States (and the capitalist world) -the international Despite the fact that antitrust laws have been on petroleum cartel-to drive up the prices of energy." the books for decades, not even a single large fine The Militant itemized what the oil companies has ever been imposed on the oil monopolies. The Times article dealt with the government wanted to get out of this crisis-higher prices, marketing orders that limit shipments of oranges the driving out of independent producers, elimina­ Nationalize energy industry (as well as all other agricultural products) to the tion of environmental regulations, and whipping The only way to make the energy industry serve market by the growers. The function of these limits, up of racism against the Arab peoples. The latter the needs of the majority is to take the decision­ or "prorates," is to create enough of a shortage was seen as desirable because the monopolies and making power out of the hands of the capitalist to keep prices high. their servants in the government never rejected the owners, through nationalization of the entire ener­ The Times reports that the Agriculture Depart­ possibility of defending their Middle East invest­ gy industry. ment's nave:l oranges marketing committee has ments through the use of armed force. The energy crisis has illustrated what Marxists decided on a new limit-"to market 65 to 70 per cent The monopolies have made significant progress have always said about the monopoly stage of of the crop." on all of these goals. capitalism: that the private-ownership system no What happens to the other 30 or 35 percent of longer serves to advance humanity but rather be­ each grower's crop of oranges? They "are sold gins to drag down production and all human liv­ for processing or animal feed, below cost, or are Results of monopoly ing conditions with its economic crises, artificial destroyed," says the Times. The international energy crisis has been an ob­ shortages, poverty, wars, and destruction of the Appropriately, this article on navel oranges ap­ ject lesson showing the inhuman results of the cap­ environment. peared right next to an article entitled "Rise in food italist system of monopoly. Here is what capital­ To fight for nationalization of the. energy in­ cost in April foreseen." ist control of the energy industry has meant to the dustry, working people need to organize themselves Thus while hunger is increasing in the country, people of the United States and of the world: independently of the capitalist parties. They need good oranges are destroyed. And whil.e, as the 8 It has meant the conscious, criminal waste a labor party, based on the trade unionS, in order Senate study on nutrition noted, human consump­ of valuable machinery, embodying millions of to begin an effective struggle against the policies tion of dog and cat food is increasing-human hours of human labor, due to cutbacks in needed of the Democrats and Republicans, who rule in food such as oranges is ·being fed to pigs and oil production. the interests of the capitalist class. other animals. This is simply another example, along with the "fuel shortage,• of how capitalist monopoly results in the creation of artificial shortages in order to keep prices high. American agricultural production Iran: atmes of oil monopolies is so mechanized and efficient that it could be turn­ The events surrounding the 1951 nationalization ing out a huge abundance of food at minimal cost. of the oil industry in Iran show that the oil But the private profit system precludes this happen­ ing. monopolies and imperialist governments stand ready to use brutal economic and physical force In another development, the Department of Ag­ to maintain their right of exploitation. riculture announced March_27 that it was buying up $45-million worth of beef in order to •improve The nationalization in Iran by the Mossa­ prices to cattle producers and feeders." degh regime involved the Anglo-Iranian Oil And five days later the New York Times reported Company (now British Petroleum). But it repre­ . that cattle raisers are planning to let their cs.ttle sented a threat to the whole international cartel continue grazing this summer rather than moving of the seven biggest oil monopolies because of them to feed lots for fattening up for the market­ the example it set for the colonial peoples. because prices aren't high enough for them. This The "Seven Sisters" made an agreement, ap­ will mean "less beef for urban tables in a few proved by the Truman administration, to re­ months," says the Times, "and, the cattlemen and· arrange their fixed shares of production and others say, the likelihood of a new spurt in prices supplies to make up for the losses suffered by for shoppers! the British company. Then they clamped a total Life expectancy was 27 years Meanwhile, the Labor Department reported that boycott on Iranian oil, stopping shipping firms average real wages in February had dropped 4.5 fron transporting it. percent from a year earlier, because of the rise in In 1953 the CIA organized the overthrow of among the masses wall such that 80 percent the cost of living. On the other hand, the Com­ Mossadegh-whose nationalization program had suffered f:.:om chronic malnutrition. Every second merce Department reported that after-tax corporate been enthusiastically supported by the majority infant died. The life expectancy of the peasants profits have risen 27 pe,rcent from 1972 to 1973. of the Iranian people- and set up the dictatorial was only 27 years. The current price squeeze on both food and regime of the shah. This enabled U.S. fmns to Meanwhile, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company fuel are examples of the antihuman implications of move in on this formerly British territory and was making profits of 180 to 200 millionpounds the capitalist private profit system. From a tech­ take 40 percent of the denationalized industry. a year from Iranian resources and labor-all nical standpoint, both fopd and fuel could be plenti­ In his book Iran: The New Imperialism in of it going into the pockets of British capital­ ful and cheap. But decisions made from thtl stand­ Action, Bahman Nirumand describes the situa­ ists, except 9 percent plus taxes, which went point of maximizing profits rather than satisfying tion at the time of the nationalization. Poverty to the Iranian government. human needs result in shortages, hardships, and hunger for the masses of people.

THEMILITANT/APRIL 12,1974 . .11 In Our Opinion Letters

'Social contract'? Akwesasne Notes that by the time they get their The tightening price squeeze poses a real crisis for working We would like to commend you on rights, they have acquired the habit people in this country. The latest Labor Department statistics your excellent coverage on Wounded of submission and they consider show prices rising at the dizzying annual rate of 15.6 percent. Knee and to express our gratitude themselves subjects of "the govern­ As the last "controls" on prices are lifted, and as earlier whole­ for your continuing support of our ment." people. Too many white left groups They are forced to spend years sale price jumps reach the retail sales counters, more huge act interested in us only when we going to school, where they are sub­ markups are expected soon. are "in," and then forget that we jected to propaganda and treated as This great payroll robbery has prompted angry demands exist as young whites lose interest slaves. To free the people of America, for wage increases big enough to offset the toll of inflation. in their Indian fad. we must abolish discrimination by The ruling circles are becoming worried about how to stave Perhaps you might mention age. off these demands and dampen the labor struggles that are Akwesasne Notes in The Militant Joshua Huppert inevitably coming. some time so that those of your Evanston, Rl. The editors of the New York Times, for example, sharply readers who are particularly denounced the contract recently won by New York City transit interested in Native affairs could write us. In many cases, the vicious workers that includes, for the first time, a cost-of-living escala­ COINTELPRO documents tor clause. The Times warned that this concession would en­ land thefts and other governmental After receiving the March 22 issues courage other municipal workers to demand escalator clauses, atrocities perpetrated upon us would be stopped simply if the public knew of The Militant we find that we and added, "it is delusive to pretend that these clauses, designed about them. So we feel that it is have missed a lot of information. to protect the purchasing power of workers' pay, do not them­ extremely important that people be We are especially concerned about selves fuel more inflation." informed about Native matters; and documents released under the What is really "delusive"- and a deliberate falsification-is you could help us a great deal by Freedom of Information Act the Times's assertion that it is somehow inflationary to raise doing this, since I don't believe Mili­ [COINTELPRO documents]. We wages to match price increases that hav.e already taken place! tant readers are passive and would like to know if that informa­ What the Times editors really mean is that in their opinion, apathetic types! tion as printed in The Militant could workers-not the capitalists-should shoulder the burden of Gayle High Pine be sent here. inflation. Akwesasne Notes After reading Baxter Smith's article and the memos, we feel it very neces­ Meanwhile, corporate after-tax profits last year hit an all­ [Subscriptions may be obtained by sary to gain as much knowledge time high of more than $70-billion. "A year to remember," writing to Akwesasne Notes, Mohawk about this information as possible. Business Week called it. Nation at Akwesasne via Roosevel­ If the continuation of such acts is Now a number of Wall Street economists have raised the town, N.Y. 13683. Akwesasne not stopped, it will continue to idea of a "social contract" between government and labor. Notes has no set subscription rate undermine the struggle. The Times endorses this idea, which it calls "the brainchild but accepts donations.- Ed.] A prisoner of Democratic economists who see it as the only way to stop Pennsylvania labor from demanding huge wage increases to make up for last year's 4.5 per cent drop in real take-home pay.... " A r•luctant subscriber Modeled on the "social contract' the new Labour Party gov­ Your publication has been radical ernment is trying to sell to British workers, this scheme would rhetoric (among other things) to Dial-a-Militant enlist the help of union officials in -holding down wages in many, the truth to some, and at the I get The Militant each week and return for the promise of a tax cut. least proof that we do have a I believe all that is in it. I usually A similar "social pacf' has been imposed by the Peronist relatively free press in this country. put the paper in a phone booth government in Argentina, with the aid of armed police and Since I mistrust all newsprint, yet when I get through reading it. goon squad attacks on workers who demand too much. rely heavily upon it to get a Clem Gerhardstein The whole concept of a "social contract' is designed to cover picture of the ever changing state of Fremon~ Ohio up the fact that the profit-gouging corporations and the mass­ affairs, I believe if I'm ever to get es of working people have fundamentally opposing interests. a somewhat balanced view I must Such a "contract' would not slow down inflation any more supplement that which I get from the establishment press with some than the now-discredited "wage-price controls" did. It would Independent truckers divergent views. Enclosed is a The Militant: s coverage of the na­ only be another maneuver for confusing workers and cutting check for $1 to cover a three­ real wages. tional truck shutdown, and especial­ month introductory offer of The ly the interview with Farrell Dobbs, The miners in Britain refused to go along with the Tory Militant. has been excellent. government's schemes and false promises, and smashed through H. James Quigley I disagree, however, with the inter­ the wage controls there with a militant and successful strike. Cleveland Heights, Ohio view's characterization of indepen­ An effective struggle in this country to catch up with rising dent owner-drivers as workers with prices will require similar class-struggle methods, aimed at expensive tools. In my opinion, this winning cost-of-living escalators in all wages, pensions, Social grouping must, sociologically speak­ Security, and other benefits. A key step forward would be rec­ In support of PROF ing, be placed in the petty bour­ geoisie. ognizing that both the Democrats and Republicans pursue We, the undersigned, are all slaves An independent trucker not only the same antilabor policies, and launching an independent and victims of the "prison business." sells his or her labor power. They labor party to fight in the political arena for the workers' The many of us unequivocally essentially are selling transporta­ interests. endorse and support the Political tion of goods as a commodity and Rights Defense Fund (PRDF) in its are capitalizing their own labor­ efforts to raise funds in support of an essential trait of the petty bour­ the Socialists' suit against the geoisie's, as differentiated from a W atergateers and associates: the real proletarian's, relationship to the criminals in America. Minimum wage means of production. Our struggle is a just and onerous Not only is the cost of their The ballyhoo in Washington about the long-delayed increase one, so let us all, en masse, across "tools" (tractors sell anywhere from in the federal minimum wage, which has been approved by the Nation, in and out of our $25,000 to $80,000 and up) quali­ Congress and awaits Nixon's signature, is still another example slave camps, unite and support the tatively beyond the cost of a craft of the callous disregard of both capitalist parties for the lives PRDF and the great freedom suit of person's shop tools, it is utilized in the SWP and the YSA. We have no of working people. a different way. As another reader funds, but we contribute our hearts, The minimum wage has remained a pitiful $1.60 an hour of The Militant here put it, an spirit, and unity! since 1966. Just to compensate for increases in the Consumer analogous situation would be asking 10 3 prisoners Price Index since then, it would have to be raised to $2.33 a tool and die maker to not only Kentucky an hour- immediately. The bill, however, raises the minimum have several hundred dollars worth wage for most workers covered only to $2 on May 1, $2.10 of shop tools but to also have their on Jan. 1, 1975, and $2.30 a year later. own lathes, jig bores, pay the electricity, rent, etc. Such a tool and It sets an even lower figure for farm workers and many For rights of youth s~rvice employees, while millions of others are denied the die maker would no longer be a protection of even this rock-bottom wage floor. Most Americans have ignored, proletarian but a petty job shop "It is a good report on a good bill and the time has come resisted, or even actively opposed proprietor. most of the ideas that would have To sociologically classify these to put ourselves on record for the workingman in this coun­ greatly helped and served the com­ owner-operators as petty-bourgeois try," crowed Congressman Mario Biaggi (D-N. Y.), who failed mon people rather than the ruling is not to demean them or suggest to mention whether he had ever tried to live on $2 an hour. class. that they do not have a progressive This outrageously inadequate measure is no real advance Why? Because of our great educa­ role to play. for lowest paid workers in the country, who already bear the tional system, that's why. Because As a .grouping they are eco­ worst hardships from inflation, and are falling further and people are deprived of almost all nomically unstable and very vul­ further behind the soaring cost of living. their rights while they are young so nerable to the deepening crisis of

1.2 National Picket Line Frank Lovell ·\·~ Why we need a labor party American capitalism. They are The trade-union movement in this country ought to there would have been no improvement in the rela­ certainly being affected by the cur­ look closely at the outcome of the recent British elec­ . tionship of forces between the workers and the capital­ rent radicalization and are using tions and draw some ptactical conclusions about the ists after the vote against Heath. proletarian methods of struggle. advantages of independent working-class political ac­ In the U. S., workers have no choice. A shift away They can, and must, be won over tion and the need for a labor party here. from Nixon puts the Democrats in power in Washing­ to the side of the working class by The Labour Party in Britain failed to win a decisive ton; a shift away from the Democrats puts the Re­ struggle- as The Militant explained victory in the Feb. 2~ general election, largely be­ publicans back. These shifts from one party of the it-to transform the Teamsters cause of its failure to put forward a program· clearly· employing class to the other do not improve the union to mobilize and lead the fight based on defending the interests of the working class political position of the workers or of their unions. of the independents as well as the in its fight against the effects of inflation and other Mter every election the same antilabor policy pre­ fleet drivers. social ills. But the working-class vote repudiated the vails no matter which capitalist party wins. Bill Onasch antiunion policy of the Tory government, turned Not so with the Labour Party in power. Even Minneapolis, Minn. former prime minister Edward Heath out of office, though reformist parliamentarians of Wilson's stripe, and made it possible for Harold Wilson to form a like the trade-union bureaucrats of our AFL-CIO, are In reply- Bill Onasch is correct in new Labour government. anxious to find ways to make capitalism work, they placing the owner-operators in a The new government immediately granted a 35 are also under pressure from the workers to imple­ sociological category standing be­ percent wage increase to the striking miners, ended ment policies for the benefit of those who produce. tween the capitalists and wage­ the Tory-imposed three-day workweek, and froze The British workers, the producers, are now in a workers. The owner-operator is a residential rents for the rest of the year. position to fight to make their Labour Party more modern-day member of the type The Labour Party is on record favoring repeal responsive to. their needs and to press it to deliver Marx described in Capital as "a of the Tory-enacted Industrial Relations Act (the on its promises. This is different from starting with hybrid between capitalist and British version of Taft-Hartley). Wilson has also nothing, without a mass party of their own. laborer, a 'small master.'" promised to halt the steep rise in food prices, tax Having the Labour Party in power will also greatly This broad and variegated cate­ heavily the exorbitant profits of the giant corpora­ facilitate the fight to replace its bureaucratic leader­ gory includes the very few at the tions, and take other measures to raise the workers' ship. top who have gathered together standard of living. The union leadership, in Britain as here, is woe­ enough rigs and hired drivers to be Of course, these are still promises. Wilson doesn't fully inadequate. But with all its shortcomings, unions on the verge of becoming full-fledged have much of a track record wheu it comes to de­ provide some protection against the bosses. Union capitalists. It also includes at the fending the interests of the workers he is supposed members are better off than those who have no union. other end the many truckers who to represent. But if he fails to satisfy the most press­ Even the present bureaucratized unions are better hire no other labor power, and are ing needs of working-class families and loses support than no unions at all. The same is true of the Labour often a payment or two away from of the unions, as happened in 1970 when Wilson Party. losing their trucks. sponsored wage-control legislation, then the new There will be criticism of the new Labour govern­ The Militant interview concentrated Labour government will not last long. ment by some union bureaucrats on this side of the attention on this key component of Whatever the subsequent course of events, the British Atlantic. But criticism of Labour Party faults from owner-operators from the viewpoint working class is in a much stronger political position these sources has no merit, coming as it will from of developing a class-struggle union today than before the election, when the Heath govern­ those cretins who support such empty slogans as a strategy. Namely, individuals who ment was jailing strikers, holding a tight rein on "Veto-proof Congress" and urge workers to vote for own a single unit of equipment wages, and spurring the monopolies to raise prices. Democratic Party puppets of the employers. that they operate themselves. The reason the British workers are now in a better When this practice of company unionism in politics The more complex and contradic­ position to defend themselves is because they have a is repudiated and abandoned by sizable sections tory aspects of the owner-operators' party that is based on the union movement and inde­ of the union movement in this country, then will be relationships-which bear on the pendent of the political parties of the employing class. the time for these people to talk about Labour Party forms, demands, strengths, and H there were no Labour Party and the British work­ failures. Until then, the most important discussion weaknesses of their struggle-were ers were at the mercy of Heath's Conservative Party on the labor party question is the urgent need for to a large degree set aside for this and Jeremy Thorpe's Liberals-as the workers here a labor party in the United States and how to build single purpose. are at the mercy of the Democrats and Republicans- it. Their struggle, and those like it, deserves analysis in future issues of The Militant in the broader political context of the concrete Women In Revolt development of the radicalization and class struggle in the U.S. Farrell Dobbs's article in this issue Unda on the teamsters movement of the 1930s throws further light on the background history of a complex and important question of revolution­ ary strategy and union tactics. Foul play in the Liftle League (See page 16.) Hundreds of thousands of young boys each spring tomically. But it's a silly argument anyway. Protec­ look forward to playing baseball with the Little tive equipment exists for both sexes in any sport. League. This spring 150,000 boys in New Jersey When pressed on the question of "Susceptibility to were benched. Why? Because the Little League direc­ injuries" one official blurted out his real reasoning. Save his sanity tors would rather no one played than allow young He said that injuries to "the face and legs" are worse I have just joined the Young So­ girls to participate, too. for girls because of "cosmetic damage." There's the cialist Alliance in Bloomington,· Ind., "We always assumed baseball was a boys' sport," crux of the argument. The Little League claims to and like The Militant very much. says Robert Stirrat, a vice-president of the Little teach boys "manhood" and develop "physical strength This small contribution is all that I League. "We think most people always have felt that and courage." What they expect from a woman is a can afford at the time, but I hope way. We assume they've accepted baseball as a male pretty face and undamaged legs! it can help some prisoners some­ prerogative of some sort." Perhaps the most disgusting argument, however, where. A lot of "assumptions" are being challenged nowa­ is the one that attempts to turn a healthy sport into I have a friend who is also very days, this one by young girls who want some of the a lewd sexual confrontation. One League official put much a prisoner, in the U.S. Army, action and are willing to fight for it. it this way: "I don't want my 10-year-old girl sliding serving in Italy. He would like a The fight centers in New Jersey, where several into a base and having your 12-year-old boy tag her Militant subscription, if it can be girls took the Little League to court in a challenge on the breast." sent "in a plain brown package," to its "boys only" rule. The New Jersey Division on These kinds of comments reflect the hang-ups of as his personal status is question­ Civil Rights and the State Superior Court ruled that the grown-ups, not those of the young baseball play­ able. This Militant could save this girls must be admitted. In. retaliation, most of the ers. Even eight-, nine- and 10-year olds who are in­ man's sanity for the rest of his New Jersey Little League teams have suspended op­ terested in sex can find a better place than the middle term. I can also guarantee that the erations. of a baseball diamond on a Saturday afternoon to paper would fmd its way to many Male officials claim that girls are inferior in bone engage in it! These young people just want to play other readers there. and muscular strength. Wishful thinking on their baseball, that's all. L.S. part! Anyone who played sports between the ages of The whole fight is cruel. It's cruel to the girls who Bloomington, Ind. eight and 12 knows that girls can equally compete want to play and have every right to. It's cruel to with boys at that age. the boys to be pitted against the girls in order to In Tenafly, N.J., where coaches and managers al­ prove their "manhood." H not egged on by parents The letters column is an open forum lowed girls to play, the girls proved they weren't and coaches, the boys would have no obj ectlon. for all viewpoints on subjects of gen­ inferior at all. In fact, the first draft choice by coach­ On television news one night one of the girls was eral interest to our readers. Please es and managers among the 150 eight-to-nine-year­ asked by a reporter why she wanted to play. "Be­ keep your letters brief. Where nece&­ olds in minor league competition was nine-year-old cause it's fun," she replied. "Can you play better sary they will be abridged. Please In­ Amy Dickinson. "She ·was superior to all the boys," than all the boys?" asked the reporter. "No," she dicate if your name may be used or said the manager. replied, "it's not important how good you are. It's If you prefer that your Initials be used The antigirl officials also claim that girls are more just fun." Instead. susceptible to injuries. That doesn't make sense ana- Out of the mouths of babes..

THE MIUTANT/APRIL 12, 1974 13 The Great Society Harry Ring

Contagious disease dept -According agency. The reason for the openings this. A recent survey showed that al­ three family cars, including two Cadil­ to medical researchers at the Universi­ is because top pay is fixed at a measly most 17 percent of bank directors are lacs, got tired of waiting in lines. So, ty of Tennessee, nonsmokers can ab­ $36,000. One federal expert says the over 70, with 7 percent over 75. Di­ for $10,000, he bought a run-down sorb sufficient nicotine to cause heart people on top are so badly underpaid recting a ·bank, the survey commented, service station with a modest month­ attacks simply by being in too close because the ones in the middle and on "appears to contribute to longevity." ly gas allotment, including 1, 700 gal­ contact with heavy puffers. · the bottom are overpaid. lons of high-test He found a mechan­ ic to run the station, rent-free, and sell the regular gas to the public. He keeps You can't have everything-If being Simple solution- There's really no Skip the classified&-If you're looking the high-test for himself and a few close a judge or civil service executive reason to wait to buy gas. For in­ for work, check out the vacancies on stance, a Miami builder burdened with friends. the federal bench. The reason for the doesn't appeal to you, then how about openings, though, is that the pay's so a job in a Canadian lumber mill? bad most qualified lawyers can't af­ According to the Wall Street Journal. ford to take the job. Wages are fiXed­ one }?oss up there says they can't fill $40,000 a year for life, including re­ jobs because of the isolation, lack of tirement Also, you have to be able facilities for married people, low pay, to snooze without snoring. bad working conditions, lack of image and status, and "because the work's A limited-opportunity employer-If hard." you can't qualify for judge, but things are really tight, you might consider a Think ahead-If our previous sug­ civil service job as head of a federal gestions don't impress you, consider By Any Means Necessary Baxter Smith Morale sags in war-weary Rhodesia Tiires have not always been bright for Rhodesia in a crowded theater. Draft-age white men. espe­ be seen toting shotguns and packing pistols. during the nine years since it broke away from cially, are scarce these days. The March 25 Newsweek explains: "Most of their Britain. Lately, due to United Nations-imposed The 1,500 white men who reach draft age each farms are now surrounded by 10-foot-high fences, economic sanctions and a step-up in guerrilla ac­ year face 12 nx>nths of army service. As a result, and for extra protection the more inventive farmers tivity, the white settler regime has been especially "The reaction of Rhodesian youth to the war and have set up intricate systems of trip wires and hard pressed. longer army service has been a veritable stam­ booby traps around their homes. Some have arc Consumer goods are hard to come by. Tourism pede of high school graduates out of· the coun­ lights that are turned on at night when guerrilla and immigration have dipped to all-time lows. try ... ,"-wrote the Washington Post. "In one case, bands are known to be in the area. The windows And the guerrilla war has taken a toll on the a train heading for South Africa included 60 draft of most homesteads are shuttered with steel mesh morale of the 270,000 whites, who are outnumbered dodgers.... " and sandbagged. And to combat the guerrilla tac­ 21 to 1 by Blacks. This knotty problem has prompted the call-up of tic of cutting telephone wires, every farmhouse is During the first 10 months of last year, the net a "Dad's Army," 38- to 50-year-old reservists who being equipped with radio-telephones linking it to gain in white immigrants, 2,030, was down by augment the regular forces for one-month stints. regional security headquarters." 74 percent from the previous year. During the The Rhodesian army consists of only 3,500 reg­ Of course, none of this is included in the "Settlers fll"st nine months, the number of tourists fell by ulars. But there is a 10,000-man Territorial Force, '7 4" brochures. And one Information Ministry offi­ 35 percent. a sort of national guard. In addition, South Africa cial even said: "Whatever problems we have, they In tackling these problems, the government has has an estimated 1,000 troops stationed in Rho­ are not as bad as Europe's and you can encounter launched a "Settlers '74" campaign. "You deserve desia. (South Africa supplies Rhodesia with arms, them in sunshine and a better life in general." a better life. Come and get it," proclaims one slick ammunition, trucks, and French-built helicopters.)_ Nonetheless, Newsweek writes, 1,000 new apart­ brochure aimed at attracting more Europeans to The focus of the f!.ghting is in the northeast, the ments still stand vacant in Salisbury. the white-ruled state. "Most families have two ser­ Centenary district, some 100 miles north of the vants," it continues. "And they are efficient and in­ capital of Salisbury. Several readers have pointed out that in my last expensive." The district is primarily a farming area, popu­ column I mistakenly said that the famous 1954 But while the government is attempting to lure lated by less than 100 families. A flinty lot, these Supreme Court school desegregation decision was European immigrants. many white Rhodesians are stubborn settlers have erected- a vast defense to based on a Little Rock, Ark., case. The ruling fleeing the country as if someone had yelled "Fire!" cope with guerrilla activity, and even children can actually involved the Topeka. Kans., school system.

i La Raza en Accidn! Miguel Pencils Racist schools under attack in Texas- Recent issues of El Sol de Texas, a Dallas Spanish­ Eight demands were presented to a Hondo school food for their undocumented prisoners. Jailers say language weekly, report activities of Chicanos in board meeting attended by 150 parents and stu­ that they can't do any better. But, even at today' s South Texas fighting racist discrimination. dents. The main demand was that the students inflated prices. $4.50 could buy more than dough­ e The racist school system is under attack in be allowed to speak Spanish in the schools. The nuts and diluted chili. Hondo, a small town near San Antonio. Chicana board stuck by its racist rule. The scandalous conditions under which undocu­ mothers began organizing Familias Unidas to fight Chicanos also demanded a relaxation of the mented workers are held at Uvalde jail were de­ the racist policies of the school board. When they dress code that forbids the wearing of blue jeans. nounced by San Antonio bishop Patrick Flores. tried to take their children out of school to protest Chicanos with big families simply cannot afford A member of Los Padres, an organization of activ­ the "no Spanish spoken in the classrooms" rule, to buy the dress pants required. One angry mother ist Chicano priests, said the prisoners went on some teachers responded by locking classroom said, "If you and the other Anglos in town would strike in desperation in the hopes of arousing doors to keep· the chicanitos inside. Nonetheless, pay us a living wage, perhaps then we could af­ public opinion. about 90 to 100 students walked out. ford to dress our sons and daughters to suit you." One young mexicano described how he felt "When The second day of the walkout, some mothers The students and parents also complained that I was outside, at least I could eat roots. leaves. were shoved and pushed by teachers in the school the ruling against long hair is enforced more strin­ grass, or anything to calm my hunger. But here halls. Three mothers were arrested. But the move­ gently against Chicanos than Anglos. A demand within these concrete wails, I cannot find even ment built up steam in spite of retaliation by teach­ for a recruitment program to provide more bilin­ leaves to nibble on when they don't feed me." ers and police. gual teachers for Hondo's school system was like­ The editors of El Sol contrasted the friendly Eventually, 200 students walked out of the town's wise rejected by the board. attitude of the U.S. government toward counter­ elementary and high schools on a single day. e In Uvalde, 100 miles west of San Antonio, revolutionary Cubans (gusanos) to the harass­ Three hundred strong, students and parents undocumented workers facing deportation to Mexi­ ment and deportation of poor mexicano workers marched through Hondo's business district Feb. co conducted a hunger strike in the local jail pro­ without papers. 23, the tenth day of the boycott of classes. testing the lack of adequate food. The mexicanos who are forced to come to this A "freedom school" has been organized with teach­ Prisoners are only fed two "meals" a day. For country in desperate search of work are refugees ers coming in from the Raza Unida Party-con­ breakfast they get doughnuts and coffee; at 5 p.m., from hunger in their own country. If they were trolled school district in Crystal City, 100 miles a bowl of watery "stew" or chili. Federal authorities instead "refugees" from "communism," it would be away. pay the Uvalde jailers $4.50 a day to provide a different story altogether.

14 Beaten in courthouse Riverside police assault frame-up victim By HARRY RING While the group was in the court­ in support of the demand that the their racist practices. LOS ANGELES- The target of ale­ room corridor, a plainclothes officer frame-up charges against Lawton and In 1971 Palmer spoke out when gal frame-up and four of his sup­ approached them and told Palmer that Gardner be dropped. The third trial police began beating one of his neigh­ porters were beaten and arrested re­ his son Mark, a part of the group, for the two is slated for mid-May. bors. The cops turned on Palmer, and cently in a Riverside courtroom cor­ was wanted on a burglary charge. The victimization of Palmer and his he tried to flee. He was shot in the ridor in a new act of brutality by When Palmer refused to let his son son is a real example of how the River­ back and then charged with assault police there. be taken without a warrant, the cop side police mount a systematic cam­ and interfering with a policeman. He The police victims included Zarebu summoned reinforcements. A dozen paign against anyone who opposes was convicted and sent to jail for a Gardner, Chukia Lawton, William cops suddenly appeared and attacked year. Palmer, and Palmer's son, Mark, 14. the group. The assault charge for which he was Along with Gary Lawton, Gardner Chukia Lawton was choked until in court when the present attack oc­ faces a frame-up charge of killing two she fainted. She also suffered a curred stemmed from a New Year's Riverside cops. Two trials have ended sprained wrist. Gardner ·suffered Eve incident. Palmer was walking with hung juries, and the prosecution a black eye and body bruises. down the main street in Riverside with is going for a third trial. Gardner, Lawton, and Palmer were a rusty old hubcap that he had found Chukia Lawton, wife of Gary, has charged with felonious assault along in the street. He was stopped by a been a leading figure in the River­ with Beverly Roelle, a member of the cop who accused him. of stealing it side Political Prisoners Defense Com­ committee. Mark Palmer was placed and demanded to see his identifica­ mittee, which is organizing support in a juvenile home on the burglary tion. When Palmer protested this, he for Gardner and Lawton. charge. was attacked and then charged with Apparently the central target of the Palmer is still in jail under $25,000 assaulting a policeman with a deadly present police attack was William bond. The others were released after weapon- the hubcap. Palmer. A leading activist in the de­ committee lawyers succeeded in get­ In addition to the suffering they fense committee and a longtime out­ ting their bail reduced to $1,500 each. have cost the victims, these police at­ spoken opponent of Riverside racism, Woody Diaz, a spokesman for the tacks have also been an added finan­ he has suffered a series of victimiza­ defense committee said, "None of the cial burden on the defense committee tions by police there. people tried to fight back. They were already drained by two murder trials The members of the defense com­ all knocked down and brutalized. Yet and preparations for a third. mittee were in the courthouse March they were the ones charged with as­ To make a contribution or get more 25 for a slated appearance by Pal­ sault." Chukia Lawton (center) addresses sup­ information contact Riverside Political mer, who faces a previous charge of This latest police outrage came as porters oufside a December 1973 court Prisoners Defense Committee, P.O. Box assault on a police officer with a dead­ the defense committee initiated a cam­ hearing. On left is Gary Lawton. Right 244, Riverside, Calif. 92502, or call ly weapon. paign of picketing at the courthouse is Zarebu Gardner. (714) 686-2362. Attica defense challenges biased jury pool BUFFALO-Attorneys for the in­ underrepresented by at least 34.3 per­ 24 consecutive royal flushes." granted exemptions even though they dicted Attica Brothers have filed a cent, women by at least 68.3 percent, Burns concluded, "The present jury did not request them. Students seem to . motion in the Erie County Supreme and people between the ages of 21 selection process violates the Sixth and have been automatically disqualified, Court challenging the jury selection and 29 by at least 83.6 percent. The Fourteenth Amendments to the United as have persons who were charged process a;nd the jury pool. chances of these inequities occurring States Constitution, similar sections of with crimes even though there was "The defendants in these cases ... accidentally are the same as the the New York State Constitution, the no proof of conviction. have a right to a jury which is not chances of a poker player being dealt New York State Law, and the Appel­ Also at the news conference was Big the product of an illegal selection pro­ late Division Rules and Regulations Black, an indicted Attica Brother and cess. The present selection process in concerning jury selection." national coordinator of the Attica Erie County is not random, not me-< Following ~he September 1971 rebel­ Brothers Legal Defense, who described chanical, and not objective," said Hay­ lion at Attica Prison, in which 43 in­ the significance of the jury pool study. wood Burns, professor of law at the mates and guards died, a special "This is no surprise to me, nor does University of Buffalo Law School and grand jury indicted 61 formerinmates. it surprise any of the Brothers," he former director of the National Con­ Not one state or prison official has said. "There is no possible way for ference of Black Lawyers. been indicted, despite the fact that the poor people, especially if they are Burns, along with other representa­ New York State Special Commission Black, to get a fair trial in this coun­ tives of the Attica Brothers Legal De­ on Attica concluded that "there was try. We haveJived with discrimination fense, joined with the Fair Jury Proj­ clearly indiscriminate firing into con­ all of our lives. We went to prison ect in sponsoring a news conference gested areas" during the assault on under these conditions, and we knew here March 28. The news conference the inmates. it then." was called to announce the results Other representatives of the Fair Also appearing at the news confer­ of a six-month study of the Erie Jury Project at the news conference ence were Dorothy Teryl of the Ameri­ County jury system, which revealed spoke of the means by which the Erie can Civil Liberties Union of Buffalo, that the pool of jurors selected for the County jury commissioner's office has and George Arthur, a Black member Attica Brothers trial does not fairly discriminated against certain groups. of the Buffalo common council. represent Blacks, women, young peo­ Miliilant/Rr>hh Wright For example, cards were found in the Prior to the news conference, the ple, or the poor. BIG BLACK: 'There is no possible way office with the notation "negro" written Fair Jury Project sponsored a break­ "In the pool of .qualified jurors," for Blacks to get a fair trial in this on them, yet no cards bore the des­ fast at which 150 people gathered to Burns told the press, "Blacks are country.' ignation "white." Women have been hear the results of the study.

By BAXTER SMITH blaze. In the federal case, Grant was con­ An eight-week investigation by the Based on this new information, the victed for helping the two flee to Watergate Charlotte Observer has found· that North Carolina Board of Paroles is Canada to avoid charges of illegal Robert Mardian, a former Justice De­ considering recommending that Gov­ possession of weapons and dynamite. partment official, approved a secret ernor James Holshouser commute the During their testimony against defendant $4,000 payoff to two men who testified sentences. Grant, one of the two admitted that the against the Charlotte Three. The Vicki Reddy, wife of imprisoned federal government was paying him Charlotte Three are Black activists T.J. Reddy, told The Militant in a $105 a week. As a further reward, had a hand who were convicted in July 1972 of phone interview that the new informa­ the government agreed to strike prison burning a riding stable in Charlotte, tion was a breakthrough. She said terms they had acquired for armed N. C., in 1968. that the defense committee had earlier robbery. in North Mardian, who was then head of the asked the governor for a commutation Justice Department's Internal Security and that the new evidence would weigh In September 1972 one of the two Division, approved the deal between in their favor in a court appeal. "But witnesses was arrested for slaying a Carolina federal officials and the two men. we'll wait to see what action the man in Charlotte. His bail was set Mardian was indicted last month for governor takes first," she added. at $4,000 and he was even freed pend­ conspiring to obstruct justice in the The Charlotte Observer's investiga­ ing trial. When the Charlotte Three frame-up Watergate cover-up. tion found that the two prosecution were arrested, their bail was set at As a result of this bought testimony, witnesses were each given $1,000 by $50,000. And today, despite the Charles Parker, T.J. Reddy, and Jim Treasury Department officials prior evidence that they were framed, they Grant were sentenced to 10, 20, and to their testimony. They were given still languish in prison. 25 years, respectively, for allegedly another $3,000 following their testi­ More information on the case can. be setting fire to the Lazy B stable be­ mony in the Lazy B case and for obtained by writing North Carolina cause the white owner refused to rent testifying against Grant in an earlier, Political Prisoners Committee, P. 0. to Blacks. Fifteen horses died in the federal case. Box 2712, Charlotte, N.C. 28201.

THE MILITANT/ APRIL 12, 1974 15 cases virtually the entire overhead cost of trucking operations was shouldered upon the owner-opera­ tors, thereby impairing their capacity to earn a living. These and other practices of a comparable nature held sway in coal and ice delivery, con­ How Thamsters union struction hauling, motor freight, and elsewhere in transportation. · Immediate profit-taking along the foregoing lines ~...... ·zed independent was not the only object the capitalists had in mind. Advantage was sought from ambitions that de­ veloped among independent owner-operators to ex­ pand their holdings and go into business for them­ selves. lllusions were fostered that such prospects truckers in the were open to all individual owners, so as to trick them into identifying themselves with the problems of management. To the extent that the scheme worked, divisions were sown between owner-opera­ tors and the drivers of company fleets. Unioniza­ tion of the industry was thereby impeded; the laws of the open-shop jungle could better prevail; and the trucking bosses were able to wax fatter. in all .respects. These dangers to both categories of drivers were further accentuated by misleadership within the In­ ternational Brotherhood of Teamsters. Little at­ tention, if any, was paid to the problems of the owner-operators. Although sporadic efforts were made to organize fleet drivers, IBT policy was so ill-conceived and so poorly executed that not much headway could be made in that sphere either. As a result the union remained weak, at best, and in several important respects it was quite impotent.

Class-struggle policy Such were the prevailing conditions throughout the trucking industry when Trotskyists in Minneapolis began to win leadership influence within the IB T during the second half of the 1930s. In shaping our overall class-struggle policy, close attention to the independent owner-operator ques­ tion was included. On that score we began by taking full account of the realities of the existing situation. Drivers owning their own trucks had become a factor of major dimensions within the industry. To consolidate the union power, they had to be brought into an alliance with the fleet drivers. Before that could be done, however, a course had to be developed that would serve the owner-operators' interests. Careful examination of all the factors involved convinced us that those owning one truck, who did their own driving, should be approached by the union as fellow workers. Proceeding accordingly, we set out to organize as many of these individuals as possible. They were then extended the demo­ cratic right to shape the demands that were made upon their employers, the leasing companies. On that basis the union as a whole followed through Teamster pickets baHie cops during 1934 strike in Minneapolis by backing them in struggles to improve their take-home pay.

Policy proved valid The validity of that policy was confirmed by the The truckers' militant action in February against the Teamsters union in the Midwest. Teamster results that followed. In the major struggles of that the effects of the fuel shortage brought the prob­ Rebellion deals with the 1934 strikes; Teamster period against the trucking employers generally, lems faced by independent owner-operator truck Power with the subsequent organizing drives. A the union's owner-operator members served drivers to the center of public attention. third volume is in preparation. loyally. They both volunteered their trucks to trans­ The relation of these drivers to the International Those who have read Dobbs's books will find port pickets and shared in the picketing. A signifi­ Brotherhood of Teamsters is a question of great this article a fascinating additional chapter. others cant number of our casualties in battles with the importance to truckers and all who support their who have not yet had the opportunity to study cops were from among this category of workers. struggle. While the Teamsters union officialdom these invaluable books are urged to order them After the union had been consolidated, they con­ worked hand in glove with the Nixon administra­ from Pathfinder Press. tinued to play a constructive role. Like other mem­ tion to attack the truckers, many rank-and-file bers of the organization, they looked upon those Teamster members sympathized with the indepen­ of their own kind who took an antilabor stance as dents, and some joined the shutdown. flnks and dealt with them accordingly. The following article by Farrell Dobbs presents By Farrell Dobbs Our course had checkmated the divisive schemes in detail the approach taken toward the indepen­ During the depression of the 1930s individually of the bosses. In Minneapolis the truck drivers and dent owner-operators by the class-struggle-minded owned trucks appeared in the transportation indus­ allied workers had emerged as a power, and the Teamster organizers of the 1930s. Dobbs con­ try in ever-increasing numbers. A major factor union was able to march forward in advancing trasts this with the backstabbing maneuvers by the in this development was an intensive sales cam­ the interests of all its members. IBT bureaucracy today. paign by the auto corporations. Their caper was These experiences became an important asset Farrell Dobbs emerged as a leader in the Team­ to induce the unemployed to buy themselves a job when we launched an organizing drive in the over­ sters union during the bitterly fought strikes in by buying a truck. Workers who could scrape up the-road industry in-1938. There we found an even Minneapolis in 1934 that won union recognition the down payment were allowed to meet the more complicated situation concerning independent for General Drivers Local 574. He went on to balance of the purchase price on a long-term in­ owner-operators. Firms holding carrier rights is­ become the central organizer of an 11-state or­ stallment basis. Incentive for such purchases was sued by the government employed many of these ganizing campaign of over-the-road drivers. given by the federal government, which used in­ independents, paying them flat rates by the mile, This was the union's first real effort to orga­ dividually owned trucks on its "make work" projects ton, or trip for rig and driver. It was truly a cut­ nize the long distance haulers and resulted, after for the unemployed of that period. State, county, throat setup. Diverse methods were used to heap a six-month strike against the Omaha trucking and city engineering departments followed suit, inordinate trucking costs upon the owner-operators, bosses, in the Teamsters' frrst areawide contract. especially in connection with road work. thereby shaving down their earnings as drivers. This victory marked a turning point in trans­ Comparable trends developed within private in­ At the same time devious patterns were woven forming the IBT into a powerful union organized dustry. Firms having their own fleets of trucks to confuse the true nature of the employer-worker along industrial rather than craft lines. Afterward often kept a surplus of rigs on hand by hiring relationship and turn the individuals involved in an Dobbs served on the staff of general organizers of independent owner-operators, who usually found antiunion direction. the IBT until1939. th~mselves payless-despite the time put in-when On top of that, propaganda attacks were Dobbs joined the Communist League of America they were not actually hauling something. Fluctua­ launched- especially by legal tricksters claiming to (forerunner of the Socialist Workers Party) in 1934 tions in business volume were thus compensated speak for the owner-operators-which were calcu­ and has been a central national leader of the for at the expense of the owner-operators and to lated to discredit the IBT campaign. One such . Trotskyist movement since the late 1930s. the profit of the fleet owners. Broker setups ap­ blast came from David I. Lipman, who purported In Teamster Rebellion and Teamster Power, peared in the form of companies that relied entirely to head a "Truck Owners and Operators Associa­ Dobbs has recounted the historic battles that built on individual truck owners to move goods. In such tion." Through an article in ·the December 1939

16 issue of the Transport Driver, a publication circu­ him to abandon his service under lease to an lated among owner-operators, he sharply criticized established -operating company and to launch his Teamster Local 710 of Chicago. He charged the own company. This action, which represents the union with "lack of regard for the truckmen's in­ realization in fact of the secret ambition of every terests" and claimed that the IBT had no right to 'gypsy' individual owner-operator, brings into the represent his clients. full light of day the true nature of the employer­ John T. O'Brien, then head of Local 710, asked employee relationship between the small fleet owner me to prepare a statement for the local in reply to and the men who drive his trucks. Lipman. I did so and sent the draft to him on "It now becomes clear how many operating com­ Jan. 3, 1940. It contained a.quite extensive account panies have cleverly devised a scheme whereby of the owner-driver situation in over-the-road truck­ they obtain driving service at substandard wages. ing. Coucerning the confused patterns of employer­ The drivers are held in a state of continuous con­ employee relations in the industry, the statement fusion by the ever-changing employment and equip­ said: ment ownership relations between the drivers and "The individual owner-operator is by the very _ small fleet owner on the one hand and between nature of his position a composite in one degree the small fleet owner and the operating company or another of the two distinct factors in the over­ on the other. The operating company evades all the-road motor freight industry-the owners of responsiblity for employment relations with the trucks and the drivers. There is a more or less drivers by hiring through the small fleet owner, clearly defmed category of individual owner-op­ who in turn far too frequently pays for driving erators, and there are other categories called by service at varying substandard wage rates by Farrell Dobbs, central organizer of Teamsters' Midwest that name but who are in reality something entirely a wide variety of methods." organizing drive in 1930s, and longtime Socialist different. With reference to the scope of Teamster jurisdic­ Workers Party leader. "There is the individual who owns one truck tion in dealing with this situation, the answer to which he himself drives. Ordinarily he operates Lipman asserted: under lease in the exclusive service of one operating "A man who owns the truck which he drives is plus the union scale as drivers. company. He represents the owner-operator type merely an employee who is required to furnish It will be noted that the union was concerned of driving service in its purest form and deserves his own tools as a condition of employment. He only with the cost of operating the equipment, not -the fullest measure of consideration for his special has a full legal right to be represented by a labor with helping to secure any profit from the opera­ problems. organization. The IBT will not ·relinquish this tion. If we had supported any notion of earning "It must also be recognized that even in this right, nor will it permit the issue to be confused a profit on the vehicle itself, impetus would have group there is a tendency to operate free-lance on a by parading in alleged individual owner-operators been given to the petty bourgeois aspirations in­ catch-as-catch-can basis. These individuals who who are in reality something entirely different. The herent in the ownership of trucking equipment. operate in this manner are commonly referred to true nature of these masqueraders has already been Our aim was the opposite. We approached the as gypsies, skimmers, wildcatters, etc., and are carefully defined above. • . . equipment as expensive tools the individual owner­ found hauling for one company today, another operators had been required to provide in order tomorrow, and the next day trying to drum up to get jobs as drivers. This served our objective, business as a one-man company. They are a 'Our course had checkmated which was to make the leasing companies pay for serious problem to the industry. the use of those tools, as though they were the the divisive schemes of the­ owners. That would reduce their advantage down to having the owner-drivers bv.y the equipment initial­ Owner-driver-employer bosses. In Minneapolis the ly, and there wouldn't be much percentage for the operating companies in such an arrangement. To "Even the most clearly defined type of owner­ truck drivers and allied work­ the extent that we could succeed in that course, the operator has a general tendency toward expansion, ers had emerged as a trend toward an increase in the use of owner­ and the individual frequently becomes the owner operated rigs could be reversed; and a healthier of additional units of equipment. During this power, and the union was situation could be established, with trucking firms gradual process of accumulation he will fll'st again using their own fleets, operated by drivers acquire one or two more pieces of equipment and able to march forward in ad­ paid on a regular wage basis. will employ men to drive these while he continues as a driver of one of his units. As he continues to ac­ vancing the interests of all Fleet drivers wio gains cumulate units he hires more and more men. This its members.' In striving toward that goal we were aided by process transforms him into a combination owner­ gains registered in securing higher wages and driver-employer. better conditions for fleet drivers. Those accom­ "Finally he acquires enough equipment and hires "Those who are genuinely interested in the prob­ plishments were noted by the owner-operators, enough men so that he must devote all or nearly lems of the men who drive motor freight trucks many of whom began to realize that they, too, across the highways will recognize that the IBT all of his personal time to the problems of the would be better off as flee~ drivers. As matters management of his operations. He then is no long­ is approaching the problems of the individual stood then and there, however, they needed im­ er in any sense a driver and is transformed into owner-operators with the same serious considera­ mediate help to secure the cost of operation of the status of an owner of trucks and an employer tion that it gives to the problems of the employed their equipment. In the rebuttal of Lipman's al­ of men who does business with an operating com­ drivers (drivers employed on company-owned legations, union policy on this matter·wasdescribed pany as a small fleet owner who hauls by sub­ fleets- FD). The proper place for the individual as follows: contract under a lease system. Yet he continues to owner-operator to get effective results is in the "Payment for equipment service has been com­ pose as an individual owner-operator and is er­ ranks of the IBT, shoulder to shoulder with the puted in a wide variety of forms, consistently to roneously posed as such by many others. We thus employed drivers." the benefit of the operating company and to the arrive at the ridiculous circumstance whereby, An area committee, composed of representatives detriment of the owner-operator. assuming such an individual to be the employer from key local unions, had been set up to lead "Whatever the declared rate may have been, an of ten men, which is not uncommon, the group is the Teamsters' over-the-road campaign, to which elaborate system of deductions made the real earn­ referred to as eleven individual owner-operators Lipman and his kind were opposed. In dealing ings something considerably less. Almost all of instead of being identified as an employer and ten with the owner-operator question the committee the hazards of the road, including cargo damage employees, which is the true state of affairs. had a clearly formulated perspective from the out­ and equipment layovers, not to mention personal "Occasionally a small fleet owner succeeds in set. The aim was to require leasing companies to layover expense, were transferred by the operating acquiring the necessary operating certificates and pay individual owner-operators the cost of operat­ company onto the shoulders of the owner-operator. permits and enough direct accounts to enable ing their equipment, plus its replacement value, Fake charges for 'spotting,' 'backup,' 'inspection,' etc., further reduced his income until the owner­ operator received very little actual compensation in the form of earnings which could be taken home to meet the household expenses. "The IBT has again in this case sought to at­ tack the problem at the root. Equipment service must now be paid for the full mileage operated, and there can be no deductions by the operating company for any reason whatsoever. A statement of legitimate charges may be presented to the own­ er-operator. However, if they are not legitimate he protests in advance of payment and is no longer in the position of trying to get money refunded which was improperly withheld from his pay. Company gouging quashed "The operating company is now required to pro­ vide insurance, certificates, permits, travel orders, out-of-state vehicle tax, bridge tolls, etc., and to pay any legal charges involved if these are not properly provided. The owner-operator has been freed from the gouging methods of those com­ panies which made compulsory the purchase of gasoline, oil, tires, repairs, etc., through a com­ pany agency, with an unearned profit extracted by the company at the expense of a further reduction in the owner-operator's earnings." Apart from the cost of equipment operation, the Truckers' militant protest in February won sympathy of many Teamster rank and filers, while IBT bureaucrats union required that individual. owner-drivers en­ tried to stab it in the back. ContinufKI on following page

THE MIUTANT/APRIL 12, 1974 17 - .•. independent truckers Discussion on Continued from preceding page which they can undertake to alleviate the difficul­ new miners' joy the same wages and conditions as all other ties now confronting them. Those who remain drivers. That category of earnings had to be paid members of the union are tending to organize separately from money received for rental of equip­ themselves into factions, which act independently contract opens ment. This made it harder for the leasing com­ of the Teamster bureaucrats and, to an increasing panies to cheat the individual owner-operators. extent, in cooperation with nonunion groups of By CINDY JAQUITH Concerning the latter point especially, a passage owner-operators. Formations of the latter kind The militant stance of the United Mine Workers in the reply to Lipman outlined ·the union's ap­ are springing up in various parts of the country. (UMW) as contract negotiations in the coal indus­ proach to the situation. It stated: Cut loose as they are from trade-union influence, try draw closer has the mine owners and the Nixon "The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has factors that cause individual owner-operators to · administration worried. sought through the new Area Over-the-Road Con­ dream of becoming small fleet owners assume The UMW Bargaining Council, which will con­ tract to correct this condition by placing employ­ greater weight in the shaping of their policies. The duct negotiations for the union, held its first meet­ ment responsibility where it rightfully belongs­ negative aspects of that outlook serve to create a ing March 28-29 in Washington, D.C. on the shoulders of the operating company, which situation in which the interests of all over-the­ At the UMW convention last December, delegates is now held responsible for the driver's wages, road drivers are impaired; and that happens at approved far-reaching new contract demands, in­ social security tax, compensation insurance, etc., a time when the union has become enfeebled be­ cluding increased safety measures, a cost-of-living regardless of whether he is employed by the operat­ cause of bureaucratic misleadership. escalator clause, a 30-hour week with no reduction ing company or through a small fleet owner. in pay, ·and a tripling of royalties for the Welfare "Not least in importance in the general problem a11d Retirement Fund. The convention also voted is the driver who is given a paper title to the Bosses' strategy that new contracts must be ratified by the member­ truck by the operating company, usually on a Under those circumstances it becomes possible ship. deferred payment plan, and is then paid as an for the big trucking firms to mount a major at­ The current contract between the UMW and the individual owner-operator, not as a legitimate bus­ tack on the IB T by maneuvering to intensify the Bituminous Coal Operators Association runs out iness relationship, but as a subterfuge to escape hostility of owner-operators toward the organiza­ Nov. 12, 1974. Delegates at the UMW convention the payment of the union wage scale. tion. To the extent that they may succeed in pro­ expressed a clear willingness to strike if an ac­ "Thus we find that while there are men who drive moting such antiunion bias, every worker behind ceptable contract is not reached by then. as actual individual owner-operators and who have the wheel of a truck- owner-operators and fleet The coal operators have shown no intention of a real employment problem, there are other cate­ drivers alike-will be the ultimate victims. Only giving an inch on the miners' demands. In fact, gories incorrectly referred to as owner-operators the bosses will be the gainers. citing the "fuel shortage," the mine owners are ask­ who vary, in different shades, from the truck driv­ This danger can be averted through a shift in ing for a relaxation of the already inadequate er who is being cheated out of his just compensa­ union policy toward application under modern safety standards, which they contend are standing tion by the subterfuge of a fake truck sale, to the conditions of the basic course that was being shaped individual who is in reality a small fleet owner prior to 1941. That would block the bosses from and an employer. If we intend to be logical we splitting the owner-drivers away from the organized must begin by recognizing that the first problem labor movement. Instead, the catch-all category for the individual owner-operator is to ·identify of independent owner-operators could be separated the malpractices committed in his name by the into its component parts. Individual owner-operat­ operating companies and then join hands with ors could be brought back into effective alliance the employed drivers for their mutual protection." with the drivers of company fleets. Small fleet own­ As can be seen from this sketch of the earlier ers, who masquerade under the designation "owner­ situation, progress was being made in shaping operators," could be sorted out and placed in the a viable policy toward independent owner-opera­ employer category where they belong. Class lines tors in over-the-road trucking. But the process within the industry would again become much was suddenly cut short when the Trotskyists were clearer; and the workers would be in a better po­ witch-hunted out of the IBT and its leadership sition to fight collectively in defense of their mu­ in 1941. tual interests. There is an objective potential for such a turn in union policy which is manifested in diverse, West Virginia miners. Gov­ Teamster bureaucracy confused form within the present opposition to the ernment fears 'more serious trouble' in future. Since then the Teamster bureaucracy has reversed Teamster bureaucrats. What the situation now re­ the trends we had set into motion. Democratic quires is the shaping of a course of action in sup­ procedures used by the union's area committee port of the workers' just demands, aimed in the in the way of increased production. in the pre-1941 period have been replaced by dic­ first instance at the bosses and their government. The miners, however, have stated that they will tatorial methods in the present-day IB T conferences. Within that framework steps can then be taken to not sacrifice their lives or living standards in the More concern is shown for the wishes of the em­ oust the IB T bureaucrats from office, establish name of the energy crisis. As one UMW off1cial ployers than is manifested toward the needs of the democratic procedures within the union, and make said, "If they think they can use the energy workers. The problems of the fleet drivers are ne­ it a fitting instrument to serve the workers' cause. crisis to avoid reasonable concessions, there will be glected in many respects. At the same time there Achievement of those ends requires an opposi­ trouble." has been an increasingly pronounced growth of tional formation at all levels of the IBT based on West Virginia miners already demonstrated this independent owner-operators; and the union offi­ a class-struggle program and capable of using by ·their walkout earlier this year against gasoline cialdom has little inclination and even less ability class-struggle methods. Every militant worker and restrictions. Their strike_:_ unauthorized by union of­ to cope with the situation. especially the socialists among them should be on ficials- sent a tremor through the coal industry As a result, the owner-operators are ceasing the alert for realistic openings to help get such a and the government. to look upon the IB T as the organization through movement started. "The Administration fears the wildcats are only a prelude to more widespread and serious trouble," reported the March 16 Business Week. In prepara­ tion, the magazine explained, a special "intergovern­ mental group" has been established under the di­ rection of the Cost of Living Council. Its official purpose is to "develop a national coal policy for 1974." In reality, this administration committee can be expected to do its utmost to keep the miners' wage demands down, weaken safety demands, and chip away at benefits. However, the UMW will have a powerful weapon in its hands with the increased reliance on coal because of the energy crisis. According to Business Week, Nixon economists are already worried about a coal shortage; a nationwide strike would put the coal industry under great pressure in contract negotiations. The other big fear of the coal operators and their friends in Washington is the impact of democratic reforms on the UMW. "Both the government and the industry are wor­ ried that the UMW's new leadership has gone way out on a political limb in its bargaining promises to the rank and file," Business Week explained. "For the first time, whatever the leadership agrees TWO BOOKS ON THE BATTLES THAT BUILT THE TEAMSTERS UNION AND THEIR LESSONS to at the bargaining table must be submitted for FOR TODAY: rank-and-file ratification," the magazine added with obvious distaste. TEAMSTER REBELLION by Farrell Dobbs. History of TEAMSTER POWER by Farrell Dobbs. How Teamsters The next stage in preparation for contract nego­ 1934 Teamster strikes that began to make Minneapo­ carried out Midwest over-the-road organizing drive tiations will be UMW district conventions, where lis a union town. 192 pp. Paper $2.25, cloth $6.95. in 1930s. 255 pp. Paper $2.95, cloth $8.95. delegates will discuss contract demands. After these meetings report back to the union Bargaining Coun­ Monad Press books. Distributed by Pathfinder Press, 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014. cil, initial discussions with the coal operators will begin.

18 Conversation with a steelworker The following interview was obtained Heisler: What's the present status of to vote on a contract; we'll tell you for The Militant by Ed Heisler, a rail­ negotiations between the Steelworkers what's good for you." road worker who was a leader of the union and the companies? It's just their whole attitude. They Right to Vote Committee, a rank-and­ Jordan: Well, that's something we don't really represent working people, file movement in the United Transpor­ really don't know because we're never they have no connection with working tation Union that demanded the right informed of negotiations until there's people, they're of a different class, if to vote on contracts. Heisler is cur­ been a final agreement We read the you will. They're not part of us. rently the Socialist Workers Party can­ newspapers to find out Heisler: What did you think of the didate for U.S. Senate from illinois. Heisler: I understand thatsteelworkers truck drivers' strike? The press really Don Jordan is a leader of Steel­ are not permitted to vote on their con­ tried to do a job on them. workers for Change. This group is tracts. We can't vote on our contracts Jordan: Yes, they sure did. I'm all one of those challenging the Experi­ in the railway industry either. Is there in favor of what the truck drivers mental Negotiating Agreement(ENA), much discussion among steelworkers did. They had a problem and they a no-strike deal cooked up by the on that issue? steel corporations and Steelworkers took action. They didn't wait for some Jordan: It's a very hot issue among President I. W. Abel. bureaucrat in Washington to make a the people in my plant, but again they On March 26, after this interview, decision. They madt: a decision them­ a federal' judge ruled that the ENA don't feel that they can do anything selves. was legal even though rank-and-file to gain that right It's very much a Heisler: How much money do steel­ Steelworkers knew nothing about it part of the rank-and-file groups that workers make? in advance and weren't able to vote combined to initiate this suit Jordan: Well, if you believe the com­ on it. The union isn't "a pure demo­ Heisler: What kinds of discussions are pany figures, we're making $8.11 an cracy," explained the judge, "but ••• taking place on the job about the hour including fringe benefits, but I a representative democracy." Al­ energy crisis, inflation, speedup, etc.? find that rather difficult to believe. though Steelworkers for Change was Jordan: Angry ones! Most people see Heisler: You mean you don't bring involved in the legal challenge to the the energy crisis as a hoax designed home $330 a week like the steel com­ ENA, it sees this as only one aspect to drive independents out of business panies claim? of an overall fight against the Abel and to raise prices God knows how Jordan: No, not hardly. I don't bring leadership and its policies. high. home $330 in two weeks! Most steel­ hint that he was planning to give up Heisler: How do the steelworkers feel workers are hired as general laborers the right to strike. It was rather far­ about the government? and they make $3.68 an hour. Heisler: Who testified for the rank and fetched in our estimation. Jordan: They think that's a hoax, too. Heisler: That's all? flle at the hearing? Heisler: What did I. W. Abel have to People I talk to ·certainly have no con­ Jordan: That's right That isn't too Jordan: Jim Davis, national chairman say at the hearing? fidence in the government, especially bad, Ed. I've been there 14 years and of the Ad Hoc Committee of Con­ Jordan: When our attorney asked him cerned Steelworkers; Alice Peurala, co­ whether he could have polled the chairperson of the District 31 Right to United Steelworkers executive board Strike Committee; Al Samper, cochair­ or the Basic Steel Industry Conference person of the District 31 Right to Strike of the union on the ENA, Abel replied, Committee; and Joe Kransdorf, a "Not if we wanted to achieve it" member of United Steelworkers Local When asked by the judge hearing 65 and the District 31 Right to Strike the case why he couldn't have at least Committee. made an announcement in Steel Labor Heisler: What was the nature of their on what was happening in the negotia­ testimony? tions on the ENA, Abel responded, Jordan: They all testified to the same "I didn't think it was necessary." I facts: that we had no prior knowledge think that pretty much tells the story of the 11egotiations leading to the on I. W. Abel's relationship to the rank Experimental Negotiating Agreement and file. (ENA); that there had never been any Heisler: What kind of activity is the District 31 Right to Strike Committee conducting in addition to the suit? Jordan: A major activity has been leafleting the basic steel plants in the district to inform the membership that Gary, Ind., March 3. Steelworkers protest no-strike agreement. there is a committee in existence to defend the right to strike. The major effort now will be to raise money to this administration. They think they're I make $4.41 an hour. pay for actual court costs. I might in cahoots with the oil companies. Heisler: I didn't realize it was that add that all the attorneys have do­ I don't think they see it any longer as low. nated their services. their government I think this feeling Jordan: I realize it Heisler: What is the attitude of the is spreading. steelworkers to the ENA? Is there any Heisler: I'm comparing to the wages Heisler: Do you think we're going to of railroad workers. We're grumbling confusion over what it represents? see some changes soon in the lllbor Jordan: I can't speak for all rank­ about our low pay and I'm making movement? and-file steelworkers, but in my plant about $5.60 an hour with eight years I don't think there is any confusion. Jordan: I certainly hope so. It's very seniority. The only problem is that they feel difficult to overthrow these bureau­ Jordan: Are there any openings for there's nothing they can do about it cracies. They control the machinery of switchmen on your railroad? Heisler: We received a 4 percent wage Don Jordan of Steelworkers for Change. The rank-and-file steelworkers don't the union. International conventions realize what power they have. of our union are stacked. Many of increase in January this year, and our the delegates are staff representatives wages will remain frozen until 1975. Heisler: How does the ENA violate who work for the International, and We're going to be hurting pretty bad information given to the rank and flle your right to strike? many small locals can't even afford before this contract expires because on this agreement; and that I. W. Abel, Jordan: It not only violates the right to send delegates. of inflation. president of the United Steelworkers to strike, it eliminates it The union I don't say it can't be done. It can Jordan: By that time maybe I'll be of America, and the steel companies officials have guaranteed that there be done. It's a long hard struggle. making $5.00 an hour, but then I'll had negotiated for seven to eight will be no strike in the industry and Things like the ENA might just pro­ need $10. months in complete secrecy. that any unresolved issues will be voke a change in the union. A lot Heisler: Is their anything else you'd Heisler: How did the union officials turned over to the board of arbitra­ of people are very angry with it They like to say to the readers of The Mili­ defend their secret negotiations? tion. The companies have· agreed to a realized they never had the right to tant? Jordan: They said in their testimony minimum 3 percent wage increase a vote on contracts in the past, but this Jordan: I don't think this ENA is an we should have had some hint of the year. is something that goes to the heart isolated thing. I think it's tied to the ENA from an editorial that appeared Heisler: You mean an actual cut in of the labor movement, the right to last several contracts we've had in the in Steel Labor, the official organ of pay? strike. If they're going to try and steel industry, bringing in such things the Steelworkers union. In that edi­ Jordan: A further cut in pay. That's take that away what the hell is left? as the productivity clause and a joint torial, I. W. Abel said there should be what we've been taking for a long I wish a lot of rank-and-file steel­ union-management productivity com­ some new approach to collective bar­ time, and a 3 percent increase is ridic­ workers could have heard and seen mittee. gaining in the steel industry to eli­ ulous the way the cost of living is I. W. Abel on the witness stand in It hasn't been too obvious in our minate the so-called boom-bust cycles going up. Another little goodie they Pittsburgh. The thing that struck me plant yet but there have been some in normal negotiations. threw in is a one-time payment of about him was his complete arrogance instances of reduction in crew sizes, He invited all rank-and-file mem­ $150 for each worker. toward the rank and flle. This whole elimination of jobs, doubling up of bers to write to him on the subject Heisler: That's before taxes. feeling that "we know what's best for work, and I think this is just another That was supposed to have been the Jordan: Oh, of course! you people. You don't have the brains step in that direction.

THE MILITANT/ APRIL 12, 1974 19 Assured Destruction, the SALT I agreement limited war, when Nixon brought the world to the brink the number of missiles Washington and Moscow of nuclear holocaust, was a chilling demonstration By DICK ROBERTS would build to defend cities to 1,618 for the USSR of this. Henry Kissinger ended three days of top-level and 1,054 (technically superior) ICBMs for the secret negotiations in Moscow March 27. Accord­ u.s. U. 5.-Soviet trade ing to Izvestia, the meetings did not solve "all ques­ The idea was that defending cities could be in­ A whole bevy of U.S.-Soviet trade agreements tions" but the "two countries have confumed their terpreted as an "offensive" nuclear strategy since have run into various amounts of trouble because resolve to steadily continue the improvement of it could be aimed at safeguarding cities against of congressional opposition to granting the Soviet Soviet-American relations." a retaliatory second strike. Both sides would be Union "favored nation" status in trade and the The Western press was not so keen. Reporting allowed to continue to build and develop first­ refusal of the U.S. Export-Import Bank to join from London, March 28, Washington Post staff strike missiles so that if a nuclear war started, each banking syndicates in sponsoring loans toMoscow. writer Murrey Marder declared, "The United States side was assured of the ability to annihilate the Opponents of freer trade with Moscow, largely and the Soviet Union failed to come even remotely population of the other side several times over. arguing for the sake of the 1976 elections, have close to an agreement to limit nuclear warheads Supposedly, this assurance would serve to deter gained mileage out of the Soviet Union's anti­ in their Moscow talks, raising great doubts about a first strike. · emigration policies and its suppression of dissident the chances of concluding such an accord at a With this grim agreement, both sides pressed intellectuals. summit conference this summer." ahead with missile development. In August 1973 Men like Senator "Scoop" Jackson (D-Wash.)­ Watergate apparently entered intothenegotiations Moscow tested its first MIRV (Multiple, independent­ nicknamed the "junior Senator from Boeing"-who for the first time. The reports, however, were con­ ly targeted re-entry vehicle). Thisgruesomeweapon, applaud the ordering of billions of dollars worth of tradictory. New York nmes correspondent Heel- long since perfected by the United States, is designed death-bringing bombers and their deployment to defend and extend the world power of U.S. imperi­ alism-have hypocritically denounced antidemo­ cratic policies in the USSR. On this score there were indications that the Soviet Union may have made further concessions. Kissinger'S Moscow trip: One Soviet journalist told Washington Post cor­ respondent Kaiser, "Remember, it is credits from the Export-Import Bank that are most important to us." behind the seaet Perhaps more important is the apparent effect of the Soviet Union's deportation of Aieksandr Solzhenitsyn in defusing the demogogic congression­ al opposition to relaxed trade measures with Mos­ cow. "... by and large, Western diplomats pri­ vately concede, the bold stroke of expelling Mr. Solzhenitsyn has been a success for the Kremlin," New· York nmes correspondent Hedrick Smith reported from Moscow. "Privately, Russian dissi­ dents voice some surprise that the protest in the West died down so quickly," Smith wrote.

Middle East The Moscow summit apparently marked a fUr­ ther slide in the Kremlin's halfway support to the Arab demand for Israeli withdrawai to pre-1967 boundaries. Up to this point, at least publicly, Moscow has supported this demand and bac:ked Syrian opposition to the settlements so far worked out between Washington, Cairo, and Tel Aviv. Prior to Kissinger's visit, Moscow was openly irritated at Washington's attempt to impose a settle­ U.S. carrier lwo J'.na during October Mideost war. Real effect of detente Is to embolden Imperialists, malting ment without even having the Soviet delegates nudeor war more- not less-likely. present to rubber-stamp it. Moscow would rather have a settlement reached at the multipower talks rick Smith stated categorically, "The Watergate fac­ to spray out nuclear warheads in a number of in Geneva where the Soviet Union is present. Kissinger insisted on going ahead with the talks tor was uadoubtedly one reason for the disappoint­ directions including decoys so that it is virtually planned in Washington between Israel and Syria, ing results of the Brezhnev-Kissinger talks. For impregnable to defensive weapons. Mr. Kissinger came here with a weak negotiating Washington, even before this, pressed ahead with with the U.S. present as the "mediator." In Mos­ cow, the Kremlin toned down its criticism of this hand and the Soviet leadership obviously felt no a new generation of MIRVs and the Trident sub­ move in return for a promise from Kissinger that compulsion to rush toward compromise with a marine program, designed to build giant elusive the Soviet bureaucrats would be more closely con~ weakened Administration." nuclear submarines to be equipped with MIRV war­ suited on further Middle East developments. Equally categorical on the other side of this ques­ heads. The 1974 fiscal year military budget, passed Behind these diplomatic niceties is the ne­ tion was Washington Post foreign service corres­ by Congress in October, gave a big boost to cessity from Washington's standpoint of get­ pondent Robert Kaiser: "•.. in Moscow this week, Trident. ting the Kremlin leadership to back an im­ Soviet officials, and senior journalists indicated Meanwhile Nixon's new war secretary, James posed settlement. "Soviet influence in Syria in a series of interviews and informal meetings that Schlesinger, has been calling the "MAD" policy into remains strong," the New York nmes re­ Soviet experts on the United States ... were con­ question. Schlesinger has been talking up the idea vinced that Mr. Nixon still had the authority he of b'!lilding a new generation of antimissile missiles, marked in an editorial March 29. "If necessary needed to reach new agreements with the Soviet which would be aimed at destroying the defensive to insure that this influence is not exerted against Union." missiles supposedly safeguarded by SALT I. a new disengagement accord, the United States and The Soviet experts, according to Kaiser, "ex­ On top of this, the October war in the Middle Israel should be ready to pay the modest price pressed a strong desire that Mr. Nixon remain East may have undermined Moscow's naval po­ of a nominal Soviet role in certifying any Syrian­ in office. sition in the Indian Ocean, as Moscow's relations Israeli agreement." "'How can you do this to your country?' one with Egypt have deteriorated and free Soviet access But there are other more important "prices" to Soviet television commentator asked." to the Suez Canal is put into question. There is Moscow, above all the extension of U.S. trade and the possibility that the United States could have credit. Moscow has already shown in relation to SALT II submarine bases in the Indian Ocean with no Southeast Asia that the promise of U.S. technology These and other contradictory interpretations of USSR counterparts. can bring about a ,political settlement favorable to the Kissinger-Brezhnev summit serve to emphasize Given all these factors, a SALT II agreement the West. The scene is now likely to shift to Wash· the exceptional secrecy surrounding the talks. It with even the minor limitations imposed by SALT ington, where tremendous pressure will be exerted is clear that the issues under discussion are ones the I is extremely unlikely. In Moscow, Kissinger was on Congress to grasp the realities of world politics imperialists and top-level Soviet bureaucrats want apparently fishing around for some sign that both and tone down its pre-1976 campaign rhetoric. to keep to themselves. sides would consider ceilings on MIRV strengths This secrecy is a.further indication that the wheel~ at some future date. Kissinger wants a piece of ing and dealing in Moscow will produce nothing paper like this for Nixon to sign during his planned to advance the interests of the masses of workers June 1974 visit to Moscow. around the world. Mutual "arms limitation" is founded on the false Three subjects were apparently uppermost in the premise, peddled by the Soviet bureaucrats, that the late-March summit: SALT II (the second round interests of world imperialism and the workers of "Strategic Arms Limitation Talks" between Wash­ states can be reconciled- that the capitalists' drive ington and Moscow); U.S.-Soviet trade; and the to reconquer the ground lost to the Soviet Union, Middle East. China, and the other workers states can be blunted The SALT talks, which have been held off and permanently through secret negotiations. on in Geneva since 1969, are the trickiest and most The imperialist strategists are more realistic. As secretive. At stake is the balance of nuclear weap­ the balance sheet on "arms limitation" to date shows, ons between the two superpowers. Ever since three these talks have not prevented Washington from years before the Nixon-Brezhnev summit in May developing and. stockpiling ever more destructive 1972, where the SALT I accords were signed, the weapons. top military strategists on both sides have been Moreover, the real effect of Moscow's "peaceful attempting to work out formulas for some kind of coexistence" concessions to imperialism at the ex­ slowing of the nuclear arms race. pense of the world revolution -like in Vietnam­ SALT I showed the extreme limitations on such is to embolden the imperialists and make nuclear BREZHNEV & KISSINGER: Their wheeling and dealing steps. Appropriately nicknamed "MAD" for Mutual war more, not less, likely. The October Mideast won't advance interests of working doss.

20 utlook A WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MILITANT BASED ON SELECTIONS FROM INTERCONTINENTAL PRESS, A NEWSMAGAZINE REFLECTING THE VIEWPOINT OF REVOLUTIONARY SOCIALISM.

APRIL 12, 197 4

lc repression, like Victor Gimenez, a to 1970] when it was a lot harder, leading activist in the building work­ and did not do so in this case? Today, ers union in the western Argentine when there should have been a Cor­ city of Neuquen. dobazo two or three times as big as the previous ones [the insurrectionary What the C6rdoba coup demonstrat­ ed, Avanzada explained, was that "the general strikes of 1969 and 1971), same methods of gangsterism and ter­ nothing, or almost nothing happened. How can this be explained?" ror that are being applied on a small The difference was that the old cen­ Argentine revolutionists scale in factories or unions . . . are trist leaderships that led the opposi­ now being applied on a grand scale tion to the dictatorship were politically · in C6rdoba, to rule a province. And confused or co-opted by the Peronist the most sinister elements of the bu­ call for united front reaucracy are doing this in the hope regime. "Something has changed in the that they can extend this tomorrow to leaderships, in the trade-union and the entire country." political leaderships-which are vir­ tually the same as in 1969-that ex­ against rightist offensive Obregon Cano-A Cordoban plains the absence of a working-class By Gerry Foley of the class-collaborationist Social Allende and popular mobilization. Pact, on which Per6n's second regime Avanzada compared the C6rdoba "And what has changed is the role "What happened in C6rdoba leaves is based. coup to the fall of Allende in Chile. played today by the CP, the JP . no room for doubt," the Argentine Violence and other types of reprisals Despite the smaller scale and the far [Juventud Peronista-Peronist Youth], Trotskyist weekly Avanzada Socialista against union militants had been es­ less grave consequences, the political the Tosco group [the non-Peronist wrote in its March 6 issue. "A semi­ calating for months. Some of those lessons were the same. militant wing of the unions], and the fascist coup has occurred in this prov­ attacked were workers selling Avan­ "A few days ago," the Trotskyist guerrillaist currents. Unlike what hap­ ince. This is a very grave development zada Socialista at plant gates. Also weekly wrot~ "we published an ac­ pened under the dictatorship, all of and the workers must realize the full attacked were union activists belong­ count by the Chilean Socialist leader these leaderships functioned in C6r­ significance of this danger." ing to the Partido Socialista de los J tHme Flores, who is imprisoned in doba like a set of interlocking gears The putsch by mutinous police and Trabaj adores (PST- Socialist Work­ Corrientes. This comrade related the revolving around the Obreg6n Canof labor gangsters who overthrew the ers party, a sympathizing organiza­ odyssey of the Chilean workers on the Atilio L6pez goven.ment, which in provincial government of C6rdoba o ..1 tion of the.Fourth International), which day of the coup. 'What should we do?' turn revolved around Per6n' s govern­ February 27 was not an isolated in- . publishes the paper. 'What is happeniiJ.g?' 'How can we ment. cident but the culmination of a whole• In late February, for example, three resist?' were the .questions that all our "In complementary ways, both the campaign of intimidation against the armed goons attacked a team of PST Chilean brothers were asking as the guerrillaists, with their complete lack workers and left organizations. members selling Avanzada outside tl}.e 'gorilla' offensive raged. These ques­ of a political line to put up against "In order to understand the threat gate of the Tensa· factory in Buenos tions were not answered. There was no the government, and their inherent the events in C6rdoba represent," Avan­ Aires. The team jumped in ·a bus and leadership, no party, no union, no incapacity to mobilize the masses; and zada continued, "the compafieros don't left, but the gunmen followed them. union federation able to organize the trade-union and political leader- need to look very far beyond their factories and their own daily expe­ rience. ·'At some time, for instance, every one of us has seen the trade-union bureaucracy and its goons in action. We have seen them arrive-at the gates of factories where disputes were golng on, not to join the picket line but to act as strikebreakers.... "We saw them_ in action, for example, at t:itroen, where, acting in coordina­ tion with the plant guards and with the blessing of the police, an armed bureaucratic gang hunted down the activists in order to break the last strike. We have just seen them at work in the Swift packing house in Rosario, where they roamed the various sections of the factory, beating up both male and female workers who were protest­ ing against their starvation wages. "And we have also seen these bu­ reaucrats and their goons at work in PST presidenHal candidate Juan Carlos Coral speaks at rally in Plaza ltalia, Bueno5 Aires, last year. Right-wing goons are Comodoro Rivadavia, where in a unit­ trying ·ta terrorize workers and left organizations. ed front with the police they seized the headquarters of the oil workers, and when the ranks tried to protest they One of the thugs tried to grab a and respond. As a result, the reaction­ ships mentioned, with their capitula­ shot them down." PSTer's papers. There was a scuffle. A ary offensive was able to roll on as tion to Obreg6n and L6pez, showed Three workers and possibly more .45-caliber bullet dug a long gouge easily as a knife cutting butter. that they could not lead a Cordobazo. were gunned down by police February across the back of the paper salesman, "Leaving aside the difference ofscale, 21 in the southern port town of Como­ Juan Carlos Cecere. In its course, the the same thing happened in C6rdoba. "In reality, what these leaderships dora Rivadavia as they tried to march bullet went through the hand of one of 'What should we do?' and 'What is set in motion was a tragicomedy of on their union headquarters, which had Cecere's companions. happening?' were unanswered ques­ intrigue. which was opened by the been occupied by a goon squad sent Not long before this, in mid-Febru" tions in the mouths of the C6rdoba governor and deputy governor them­ in by the right-wing labor bosses. ary, members of the PST who were workers. For it should be said that selves. Their inglorious fall transpired Until the C6rdoba coup, this was handing out a leaflet on the metal­ the coup did not have the slightest behind closed doors, where the masses the most violent episode in the bu­ workers union elections outside the popular support. But no one went we;e shut out. When they were released reaucracy's campaign to impose a COR-MASI-CORNI foundry in Buenos out to fight against the fascists be­ from prison, they d,id not call for the tight rein on the· union movement. Aires were also chased by armed cause they did not know how or support of the workers but of the Only iron-fisted control, the bureau­ goons. One PSTer was shot in the where to do it. federal police. When this was refused, crats apparently felt, could keep the back with a .32-caliber pistol. "How is it possible that the people they left for parts unknown. workers from pushing for wage de­ Other PST activists were expelled went out to fight against Ongania [the "The same thing happened with the mands exceeding the narrow guidelines from their unions by the bureaucrat- military dictator who ruled from 1966 .- Continued en iolfowing page World Outlook W0/2

... Argentine right hopes to beat back labor militancy Continued lrom preceding poge supporting the present capitalist leaderships that relied on them. On the government. The consequences are day of the coup, they were nowhere obvious. The 'anti-Cordobazo' was to be seen; the only thing that ap­ the result of this capitulatory and peared was communiques signed by suicidal policy." these leaders with vague 'instructions' The PST paper also criticized those that no one could carry out. The who put the blame for the coup on the fact was that for months they had CIA and the imperialists alone: dampened down their powder. They "We should clear up the confusion had constantly discouraged mobiliza­ that is shared by the Communist tions because, they said, these 'would party, the JP, and the FAS [Frente play into the hands of the right.' Antiimperialista y por el Socialismo­ "All of the political and trade-union Front Against Imperialism and for leaderships in C6rdoba shared re­ Socialism, supported bv some guer­ sponsibility only two months ago for rilla groups and left nationalists]. For the ignominious sellout of the IME them, the brains behind this is the workers who were fired under the CIA; that is, Yankee imperialism. Let 'reduction-in-the-work-force law.' At us leave aside the fact that, especially that time, no leadership called for mo­ for the CP and the JP, this is an ele­ bilizing effectively to fight the layoffs gant and dandy way of absolvmg the and denounce the miserable role government and the Argentine capital­ played by the provincial government. "']'···,·,'.·,·.·.·:;:::-· ists of responsibility. As in Chile, the leaders chorused, 'We !:@ "We don't say that the CIA doesn't must not play · into the hands of the Militant workers struggles like the one by these plastics workers in Tucuman threaten have excellent relations with the semi­ right,' while the IME workers were Peron's economic policy. fascist groups or hold them as a re­ being hit with a flood of dismissals serve card. Nor that the Yankees were and the right was attacking and saddened by Obreg6n' s fall. But it preparing the way for the coup. seems to us that the fundamental line "The defeat in C6raoba marks the fascist coup to triumph without a Trotskyist weekly said, knows too of the foreign monopolies still passes failure of the political line of all those struggle." well the price it would have to pay through the 'great accord' and not stressed the danger rep­ who thought they could defend the Avanzada for fascism: "The capitalists still bear through promoting civil war by workers and civil liberties and could resented by the C6rdoba coup and the the scars of the last two experiences means of the semifascist groups." still place their confidence in the gov­ repressive campaign: with authoritarian regimes, which in ernment and refrain from attacking "The events that have occurred in the beginning they supported almost What Must Be Done it. This represents either an error or C6rdoba are a dangerous defeat for unanimously. We are referring to the a capitulation, because if the semi­ the Argentine workers. When Obreg6n 1955-58 'gorilla' regime and the On­ For its part, the PST paper raised fascist bureaucrats are not the same Cano and Atilio L6pez fell, the semi­ gania dictatorship. In both cases, be­ the slogan "No confidence in the gov­ thing as the government, they are part fascist gangs and the putschist police cause of the reaction they provoked in ernment. Unite and mobilize indepen­ of it and at present an indispensable hierarchy -who have been confirmed the workers movement, these ex­ dently against the semifascist gangs." part." in their posts-won their principal de­ periences ended badly. In particular, "Only with our hands free of any mand. the 'Onganiato' pro'loked working­ tie to, or compromise with, the gov­ "Even if they do not get everything class and popular explosions that ernment, only with an independent they ask, even if the interventor endangered the whole capitalist policy uniting all the political and named is neither Osinde [the organizer system. social sectors determined to defend of the Ezeiza massacre] nor Navarro "The bourgeoisie's fear of a semi­ democratic freedoms can we halt the [the putschist police chief], as they de­ fascist or authoritarian adventure, semifascist onslaught." mand, and even if in the coming days which has been reflected in the'serious' Concretely, Avanzada proposed a a popular response begins to develop, press in recent days, is simply the fear united front of the left and workers for the moment the rightists ... have of the future reactions of the workers organizations for action against the won a victory." movement." rightist offensive. It supported the Avanzada called the semifascist JPA decision to call a rally to protest A Realistic Assessment goons and police the "watchdogs" of the rightist outrages and called on the the capitalists: "It's one thing to have left Peronists to broaden their action The Trotskyist paper warned that a dog in the garden to guard your . to include all left groups: this threat could not be met effectively property but another to let him come without· a realistic assessment of the into the living room and establish "We think that it is only by mo­ strength of the rightists and the aims himself as 'head of the household' bilizing that we can halt the offensive of the Argentine bourgeoisie: and start to bark orders. The bour­ of the right. But we are also sure that "The semifascist body- as we have geoisie has no 'problems of con­ we can strike much harder if we co­ already pointed out- still lacks feet science' in backing a bureaucrat or ordinate our actions in a united way, and a head. That is, on the one hand a goon who breaks a strike or that is, if the JPA invites all youth it lacks mass support; and on the murders a class-struggle leader. But groups to participate and withdraws other, the Argentine bourgeoisie as a the distance between that and en­ its confidence in the 'half promises' whole, although it uses the fascists, is trusting the leadership of the state to of officials like General lfHquez [the not interested in pushing semifascism a goon or a declassed adventurer is federal police chief] .... as such, but in advancing the 'great a long one." "We think that regardless of our dif­ national accord.' That means main­ At the same time, the Trotskyist ferent policies, the attacks of the fas­ taining a bourgeois parliamentary weekly warned against the opposite cist gangs and the rightist groups are regime. error. "Nonetheless, from this fear of hitting all our organizations in com­ hi particular, the PST paper called "This semifascist body is trying to a semifascist adventure shown by the mon, and we must respond in com­ on the youth who followed Per6n in win a base through the Peronist move­ majority of the bourgeoisie we should mon. the belief that he intends to carry out ment. not draw the conclusion that is drawn "We recognize the representativeness a socialist tra':lsf<'rmation to draw the But that is hard to do, because while by those who hope to be able to block of the JPA, and although we are not lessons of the C6rdoba coup and the millions of Argentines still place their the fascists by collaborating with, or part of it we think that the PST as Peronist government's suppression of ·onfidence in Per6n, they also have a supporting, the 'good bosses' ... or well as the J SA, which mobilized those w no tried to protest in the name growing hatred ot the Peronist trade­ the ones that they think are good... . 5,000 compafieros for the Chile of Per6n against the forcible ouster of union bureaucrats and politicians. An "In C6rdoba the watchdogs showed rally . . . and other tendencies of rec­ an elected Peronist administration. index of this is the incapacity of these the unmistakable signs of rabies. The ognized weight in the student move­ "The young people who were beaten sectors to mobilize large masses in bosses, their politicians, and Per6n ment should participate in all the broad up and jailed in Buenos Aires last their public rallies, despite having the himself watched them in action not actions called, Friday because they relied on a colossal union apparatus (and now, without a certain fear. But it was hard "This cannot involve imposing con­ semiofficial promise that the Juven­ partially, the state apparatus) at their for them to put muzzles on these rabid ditions on the organizations participat­ tudes Politicas Argentinas [JPA-Ar­ disposal. dogs, because they cannot do without ing- on the contrary. The slogans and gentine Political Youth Groups, the "We have said that the only sector them. the organization of every action should umbrella of the left Peronist youth or­ that could provide a head for this "Because they don't understand this, be discussed by all the groups taking ganizations] would not be repressed, semifascist body is the Argentine both the JP and the CP, as well part, each one of which should be should now reflect deeply on the events bourgeoisie, and it does not yet have as other tendencies, have been making able to take part under its own ban­ in C6rdoba. It was the policy of their an interest in doing so." the mistake of trying to block the ners. cothinkers there that allowed a semi- The Argentine bourgeoisie, the ultraright offensive by relying on and "So, we call on the Juventud Peron- W0/3

ista, the Federacion Juvenil Comun­ ista, and the Juventud Radical to orga­ nize a united demonstration, raising Chilean iunta as the main slogan the immediate re­ instatement of the authorities elected by the people of Cordoba." The J SA issued a similar appeal in the youth supplement of Avanzada: The type of regime businessmen like "Today the student movement that was able to strike back against the L~st September's military coup in polystyrene plants seized by its ousted Cerro itself had listed the value of the Ongania dictatorship in 1969 must Chile may not kave been very popu­ Marxist predecessor." property as $35.9 million. take the lead in the defense of Cor­ lar with Chileans, but U.S. business Chile under the junta, in Bleiberg's And in the March 16 issue of the doba, where the reactionary forces and sees it as an unmixed blessing- and view, is little short of an economic liberal weekly Nation, Copley News fascist bands want to wipe out with with good reason. The authoritative heaven: Service correspondent Penny Lernoux blood and fire, by killing workers in U.S. business weekly Barron's has "On the economic front ... there's noted: the street and attacking trade-union. been particularly enthusiastic. progress to report up and down the "Some 300 companies taken over and political headquarters, the rights The January 14 issue of the maga­ line. As the case of Dow Chemical in­ by the Allende government are to be that it took so many struggles to win. zine carried an article by Robert M. dicates, much of the property illegally returned to their owners, forty of "The Juventud Socialista de Avan­ Bleiberg entitled "The Junta Has Set seized [sic; laws passed by the Chi­ which are U.S. corporations. Dow. zada appeals to all students, in every Chile on the Road to Recovery"- an lean congress are not valid until rati­ Chemical Co. has regained control department and school, to discuss how analysis so profound that it won the fied by Barron's] from Chileans and of its $34 million Petrodow plant, al­ to defend Cordoba. We must organize endorsement of Congressman Robert foreign nationals alike has been re­ though the junta says it eventually . assemblies in every school, condemn Huber of Michigan, W~<:) inserted it turned; tentative overtures, aimed at will reduce Dow's participation from these events in public statements and in the February .28 Congressional Rec­ reaching agreement with Anaconda, 70 to 40 percent. Kennecott and Ana­ press conferences, and combat them by ord. Huber explained that the article Cerro and Kennecott on compensa­ conda were virtually assured of some other measures democratically decided would help to correct "a great deal of tion, are afoot. The new Chilean kind of compensation for their . ex­ there. - misinformation ... circulated about government has assumed full respon­ propriated copper mines during talks sibility for Santiago's staggering for­ "Likewise we must begin to plan a recent events in Chile." in New York with Chile's foreign min­ big united mobilization in defense of eign debt, and, as the episode of the. Bleiberg's article began with the hap­ ister, Admiral Ismael Huerta. Huerta Cordoba, which today is also the de­ small bills cited above suggests, has py citation of a Wall Street Journal also held out the possibility of a joint fense of the democratic freedoms of taken the first steps toward restoring report that at the end of December venture to exploit the promising Abra the working class and the gains of the its international credit" the Junta "bundled off $19.5 million, copper deposits near the Chuquicamata student movement itself." mostly in small bills, aboard a com­ The reality has turned out in some In its own appeal for action, the mine. Abra contains one of the world's· mercial airliner to Miami, Fla., to cases to be even rosier than Bleiberg largest copper reserves, capable of PST paper said: "Obregon and Lopez pay the first installment of a U.S. had hoped. On March 13, for example,. do not represent us. But the people producing nearly half of Chile's cur­ debt" the New York Times reported that rent output" of Cordoba elected them, and they "Again on January 7," Bleiberg con­ the junta and Cerro Corporation had are the only ones who can remove Lernoux also noted a fact that helps · tinued, "the Journal carried the brief agreed that the company would be to explain the junta's ability. to make them -not fascist gangs or the cen­ word that the Chilean government had paid $41.8 million in compensation tral government." payments on the debt to the United returned to Dow Chemical Co. two for its property nationalized in 1971. An accompanying article called for States: a united front of struggle around three "The prospect of compensation had immediate demands: "1) reinstatement an almost magical effect on the long­ of the Cordoba government and its locked vaults of U.S. banks, which legal heads, Obregon Cano and Lo­ promptly agreed to provide a $100 pez; 2) defense of the democratic and million credit line to the new govern­ class-struggle unions in Cordoba ment Such haste may appear unseem­ threatened by the bureaucratic escala­ ly in view of the three-year freeze on tion; 3) release of all political pris­ any credits to Chile" before Allende oners." was overthrown. Because of Con­ "However, to be effective," the state­ gressional opposition, Lernoux con­ ment continued, "such a ·front must ac­ tinued, the U.S. government "so far tually mobilize the workers and the has been able to extend only a $24 popular sectors. It cannot stick to pa­ million credit" to the junta.- per statements. It must organize cen­ tral public railies now and take mili­ These sums, of course, will further tant actions. All the threatened unions, increase Chile's foreign debt, which along with the Juventudes Politicas Ar­ was already at a level of $3,500 mil­ gentinas, and all parties and student lion. But for U.S. business and its organizations, unions, and profession­ government, a junta willing to give al groups that agree with these ob­ away the national wealth and to shoot jectives must begin immediately to or­ Chilean Ford plant in 1971. Sign at right says, 'We have said enough to Yankee anyone who objects is always one of ganize a great national mobiliza­ imperialism!' the best "credit risks" imaginable. tion."

/ SUBSCRIBE TO Intercontinental Australia Press World Outlook can publish only a small portion of the international news and Socialists fight purge in labor youth Marxist analysis contained each week Left-wing activists in the youth or­ national referendum on government in the newsmagazine Intercontinental out the broad disagreement in the price and wage controls, and that they labor movement with the procedures Press. To be thoroughly informed of ganization of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) are fighting a McCarthy­ "supported revolution." used in the expulsions. international revolutionary develop­ style purge. On February 17 the execu­ A · Committee to Defend Socialists The breadth of support for the ex­ ments, subscribe to Intercontinental tive committee of the Victorian Young has been formed in the Victorian YLA pelled socialists was shown again, this Press. Labor Association (YLA) voted to ex­ and has gained broad support for the time at the March 3 Victorian ALP pel thirty-two socialists from the as­ democratic rights of the expelled mem­ State council meeting. A motion urging I Enclosed is S7 .50 for six months. sociation, including three members of .bers. Protests over the undemocratic the reinstatement of the thirty-two lost I Enclosed is 50 cents for a single copy of the latest issue. the executive committee who had been expulsions have come from the state by the narrow margin Of 95 votes to elected only hours before. council of the metal workers union, 91. Direct Action, a revolutionary so­ Too cowardly to bri.ng the expulsion three members of the Labor govern­ cialist biweekly published in Sydney, Name------motion before the YLA membership, ment cabinet, and leaders of the So­ pointed out in its March 10 issue that Address ______the executive waited until after the con­ cialist Left of the Victorian ALP. "this vote reflected more the unwilling­ clusion of the February conference of Around twenty-five ALP branches ness of State council delegates to the Victorian YLA to make its move. have passed motions calling for the amend an administrative committee City ------The charges against the expelled reinstatement of the thirty-two. recommendation, and the argument members, who were given no op­ In addition, nearly all the branches that the ALP should 'not interfere,' Stat•------·- portunity to defend themselves, were of the Victorian YLA have opposed than any widespread support for the Send to: Intercontinental Press, Box 116 their "support of the Fourth Interna­ the expulsions, and on March 1 the YLA State executive's actions." Village Station, New York, N.Y., 10014. tional," their opposition to the Labor ViCtorian ALP State administrative Also supporting the thirty-two are ./ party position in the December 1973 committee passed a motion pointing five Labor members of parliament. World Outlook W0/4

~ghdad refuses to honor autonomy_Qiedg~ Iraqi gov't threatens military offensive against Kurds By Michael Baumann Kurds, with the active help of their legislative powers, and other specific veto power over the nomination of cen­ neighboring supporters, have carried details of the autonomy plan were to tral government officials dealing with Leaders of the Kurdish national mi­ out a long and bitter struggle for be negotiated in the four-year interim. the Kurdish region, 4) a locally ad­ nority in northern Iraq have rejected self-rule. The final proclamation, issued uni­ ministered budget proportional to the Baghdad regime's March 11 pro­ The current revolt stems from the laterally by Baghdad on March 11 of Kurdish representation ·in the popu­ posal for limited Kurdish autonomy. Baghdad regime's refusal to carry out this year, fell far short of the Kurds' lation, and 5) a program of indus­ The Kurds charge that the proposal, important clauses of the initial auton­ demands. trialization (only three of Iraq's 100 presented in the form of a fifteen-day omy agreement negotiated with the It tailed to demarcate the borders of factories are located in the Kurdish ultimatum, does not fulfill the Iraqi Kurds in March 1970. That agree­ the Kurdish region, merely statingthat region) and local planning bodies to government's 1970 pledge of genuine_ ment, which established an armed truce it applies to "all regions of the Iraqi develop oil and mineral resources. Kurdish self-rule. Republic where the population is ma­ The March 19 Christian Science Mon­ According to the March 18 issue of jority Kurd." itor reported that the Kurdish leader­ the Beirut daily An Nahar, Iraqi Vice­ ship appears to have very little hope President Saddam Hussein has that the Baghdad regime, a coalition responded by mobilizing 48,000 In addition, it permits the central of the Baath party and the Iraqi Com­ troops-more than half the Iraqi ar­ government to retain vast authority munist party, will meet their demands. my- to force acceptance of the pro­ over the Kurdish area, as well as "Justice for Kurdistan," an official posal. The paper quoted sources in exclusive control over the extensive oil of the KDP told the Monitor, "really Baghdad as saying that Hussein would income from the disputed Kirkuk re­ means democracy in all Iraq, too. launch a full-scale offensive against gion. The Kurds charge that Baghdad the Kurds after the March 26 dead­ has already "Arabized" Kirkukby de­ line expired. A March 19 Agence porting 50,000 Kurds and replacing France-Presse dispatch reported that them with 10,000 southern Arabs. Soviet-provided Iraqi planes had al­ Baghdad's plan also gives the cen­ ready begun to bomb areas held by tral government the right to select the the Kurds. head of the proposed Kurdish execu­ Thousands of Kurdish people have tive council, as well as the right to fled northward from areas controlled dissolve the proposed legislative coun­ by the central government. "We have Baghdad promised Kurds autonomy after cil. _Furthermore, it accords the legis­ never seen anything like this exodus, nearly a decade of open insurrection. lative council an "advisory" role only, :wen during the Kurdish revolts of Above, Kurdish troops. with the Iraqi Supreme Court to have Miles 1961, 1965, or 1970," Dr. Mahmoud the final say on all disputed ques­ 0 200 Osmane, a member of the Political tions. The Pesh Merga, the Kurdish Bureau of the Kurdish Democratic par­ after nearly a decade of open insurrec­ guerrilla army, is to be disarmed arid ty (KDP), told a Christian Science tion against the central government, integrated into the national armed Monitor correspondent. "Two thousand appeared to offer a number of con­ forces. The present Baathist regime seems un­ Kurdish policemen and hundreds of cessions to the Kurdish minority. The Kurds charge that apart from likely to grant either." civil servants have defected from their The central provision in the 1970 these unacceptable features, the pro­ The Iraqi CP's role in relation to government posts and joined us." accord promised the Kurds "autonomy posal simply ignores a number oftheir the Kurdish question has in effect been The Kurds, a non-Arab Muslim peo­ in the framework of the Iraqi Repub­ demands that are crucial to the suc­ publicly endorsed by the Kremlin. In ple, make up about one-quarter of lic" within four years. A number of the cess of a genuine autonomy agree­ an editorial in the March 14 Pravda, Iraq's population of more than ten Kurds' demands- especially those in­ ment. These include the following: 1) the Soviet bureaucracy hailed the cen­ million; several million more live in volving language rights and educa­ a democratically elected national par­ tral government's proposal as a "major surrounding areas of Syria, Turkey, tion-were to be implemented immedi­ liament, 2) a Kurdish local assembly milestone on the path of the progres­ the Soviet Union, and Iran. The Iraqi ately. However,_ boundaries, finances, with real decision-making power, 3) sive development of Iraq."

Fourth International holds world congress [The following press release was tionary Workers Party], and their Germain. Comrade Hans reported for these questions were passed by a ma­ issued by the United Secretariat of the comrades, including those in Trelew, the minority, and Comrade Luigi gave jority vote. The congress elected a Fourth International.] murdered by the Argentine military the report for a third tendency. new International Executive Commit­ dictatorship; Peter Graham (Ireland), 2. A resolution on "Bolivia: A tee in which the tendencies present re- The Tenth World Congress of the murdered; Jose Zuniga, peasant Balance Sheet and Line of Orienta­ . ceived proportional representation. Fourth International (Fourth World leader of the FIR [Frente de Izquierda tion." Comrade Serrano gave the The Congress also adopted unan­ Congress Since Reunification) was Revolucionario- Front of the Revo­ report for the majority of the out­ imously the statutes of the Fourth In­ held in Sweden the last week of Feb­ lutionary Left] in Cuzco, Peru, going IEC, and Comrade Lorenzo ternational and appeals for solidarity ruary. Some 250 delegates and murdered; Georg Moltved (Denmark); gave the report for the minority. with the striking British miners, the fraternal delegates, representing forty­ Renzo Gambino and Libero Villone 3. A resolution on "The Political Chilean workers in struggle against eight sections and sympathizing or­ (Italy); Edith Beauvais and Charles Crisis and Revolutionary Perspectives the military dictatorship, and the ganizations in forty-one countries, Marie (France); Joe Baxter (Argen­ in Argentina." The reporter for the ma­ workers and students in Greece. It took part in the proceedings. tina); Lazaris (Greece); Maureen Kee­ jority of the outgoing IEC was Com­ also passed unanimously a statement The delegates paid their respects to gan (Ireland); Kenth-Ake Andersson rade Saoul; the reporter for the minor­ of solidarity with Rohana Wijeweera the memory of the cadres of our move­ (Sweden); Vincent Raymond Dunne ity was Comrade Arturo. and the comrades of the JVP [Janatha ment who have died since the Ninth ,3.nd Constance Weissman (United 4. A resolution on the problems of Vimukthi Per am una- People's Libera­ World Congress. These include Com­ States). armed struggle in Latin America. tion Front] imprisoned by the Sri rade Tomas Chambi, member of the The congress elected to its place of Comrade Roman gave the report for Lanka government. Central Committee of the Bolivian honor the Trotskyist comrades in pris­ the majority of the outgoing IEC, The Tenth World Congress of the section, killed while leading the La on in Spain, Chile, China, Bolivia, Comrade Juan gave the report for Fourth International registered the Paz peasant column that took part and Uruguay. As its honorary chair­ the minority, and Comrade Willi for significant gains made by several sec­ in the August 21, 1971, battle against man, it designated Comrade Luis a third tendency. tions since 1969, as well as an the Banzer coup; Luis Mamani Li­ Vitale, prisoner of the junta in Chile 5. A resolution on the problems of increase in the number of sections and machi murdered by the Bolivian mili­ and symbol of the revolutionary vic­ building revolutionary parties in West sympathizing groups. It concluded a tary dictatorship; Eduardo Merlino, tims of repression around the world. Europe. The reporter for the majority long period of lively internal debate murdered by the Brazilian military The following points were discussed of the outgoing IEC was comrade -marked by the publication of 150 dictatorship; Nelson de Sanza Knoll, by the congress: Livio Maitan, the reporter for the discussion articles- with the unani­ murdered by the Chilean military dic­ minority was Comrade Roberto, and mous acceptance of organizational de­ tatorship; Luis Pujals, Pedro Bonnet, 1. A general resolution on the inter­ the reporter for a third tendency was cisions- confirming the unity of the the other Trotskyist leaders of the national situation. The reporter for the Comrade Herb. Fourth International in accordance PR T-Combatiente [Partido Revolucio­ majority of the outgoing International The resolutions presented by the ma­ with the rules of democratic central­ nario de los Trabajadores- Revolu- Executive Committee was Comrade E. jority of the outgoing IEC on each of ism. Stalinist bureaucrats gressure Hanoi Washington looks at prospects in Vietnam

From Intercontinental Press By MICHAEL BAUMANN The Western capitalist press, partie- , ularly in the United States, has taken a notable interest in the recent session of the North Vietnamese National As­ sembly. Special attention has been giv­ en to the policy statement delivered to the assembly February 4 by Vice­ Premier Le Thanh Nghi, who spoke on behalf of the Twenty-second Ple­ num of the North Vietnamese Com­ munist party. The attention of the press to policy statements of the North Vietnamese government reflects a very practical interest of the U.S. government. While it is never stated openly, the debate about Hanoi's "intentions" aims to evaluate the likely response of the North Vietnamese and the Provisional Revolutionary Government (PRG) of South Vietnam to the Thieu regime's continued violations of the cease-fire agreement. This debate has been going on al­ most from the moment the agreement was signed in January 1973. Its con­ tinuation and intensification now rest on the unspoken assumption that Saigon troops on patrol. Attacks against PRG areas have continued, with encouragement from Washington. Washington will continue to encourage Thieu to persist in the attacks on lib­ erated areas of South Vietnam- and in a February 17 dispatch from stated, "The internal debate on prior­ likely. Those analysts cited the fact perhaps even to escalate them. Saigon: ities between reconstruction and the that draft calls had been low in North Nghi's speech was seen as signif­ "The North Vietnamese Politburo, war in the South is believed to have Vietnam all year and that the North icant by the U.S. press because of its it is now considered virtually certain, been churning within the Politburo Vietnamese newspapers had been "de­ apparent shifting of priorities in com­ has made a momentous decision to since well before the Paris cease-fire voted almost exclusively to economic parison with similar reports in the shelve at least temporarily any major agreements of January 1973. reconstruction, in contrast to late 1971 past. The section that drew the most military moves in Indochina infavor and early 1972- before the last of­ attention was the following: · of sorely needed economic reconstruc­ fensive," when they frequently dis­ "In the period 1974-1975, the task tion. Role of Moscow & Peking cussed perspectives for large-scale mil­ of North Vietnam consists in quickly "That is the message that Western "The influence of China and the So­ itary operations. completing the healing of the wounds experts read in speeches at the just­ viet Union, was evidently on the side At the end of October, Thieu claimed of war, striving to rehabilitate and concluded session of the North Viet­ of reconstruction. Not only does in a national television speech that develop economy and develop culture, namese Assembly. Hanoi depend on both the Soviets North Vietnam was preparing a ma­ continue to build the material and "While the major speeches pledged and Chinese for munitions and es­ jor new offensive. The claim was dis­ technical foundation of socialism, con­ continued support for the war in South sential economic help, it must [also] solidate the socialist regime in all counted in some press reports, how­ Vietnam, it was equally evident that have something like 800 million tons ever, as a maneuver by Thieu to ob­ spheres, stabilise the economic situa­ military plans have been sharply of imported foodstuffs· this year to feed tain more U.S. aid and to cover his tion and the people's life, consolidate trimmed. The voice of Defense Mini­ its people." own forces' "pre-emptive" attacks on national defence and endeavour to ful­ ster General Vo Nguyen Giap was not McArthur's interpretation of Nghi's the liberation fighters. fil our duty to the heroic South." even heard at the session. speech caps a long series of conflicting Predictions from Saigon of a rna- , "Many sources in Saigon agree that reports in the U. S. press about jor offensive by the North continued this means there will be no major Top priority to economy Hanoi's intentions toward the anti­ through November and December. On offensive this year, as many had Western news analysts have attached imperialist struggle in the South. His December 12, the Wall Street Journal 1 feared earlier. It means that Hanoi's great importance to the fact that this evaluation contrasts with earlier Wash­ military machine will be supported devoted a lengthy article to an assess­ section lists aid to the anti-imperialist ington and Saigon predictions of a only enough to maintain the fighting ment of the evidence for and against struggle in the South as the lowest major Hanoi offensive in the South at something like the present level. such a view. priority, following seven political and in the spring of 1974. economic tasks yet to be accomplished Nixon and his military advisers, Stating that the Hanoi leadership in the North. it became apparent, found such pre­ Washington's view Coming as it does one year after was "quite likely influenced by Russia dictions of an offensive useful in bol­ In a dispatch from Saigon, corre­ the signing of the peace accords, and and China," McArthur went on to stering requests to Congress for hun­ spondent Peter R. Kann presented at a time when the Thieu regime does write: dreds of millions of dollars in mili­ what he claimed was the then current not seem to be giving any ground, "The shift in priorities from war to tary aid for the dictatorial Thieu re­ Washington position on the "menace the statement has created a stir in reconstruction was clearly indicated gime. -The "menace from the North" from the North." Western diplomatic circles. in the assembly speech delivered by Vice Premier Le Than N ghi, the par­ theme was also used in an attempt "U.S. and other analysts," he wrote, Some Western analysts have been ty's leading economic theorist and the to cover up for Thieu's murderous "are less convinced [than Thieu] that quick to seize upon the statement as attacks on the areas held by the lib­ such an offensive is in the offing. But proof that Hanoi intends to abandon man long responsible for international eration forces. they consider it a real possibility.... " the struggle against imperialism in aid negotiations with Communist It has been more than a year since the South. countries. The substance of the speech Kann listed the factors weighin~ the cease-fire accords were signed, yet The editors of the Christian Science was incorporated in the state budget against an offensive, noting that Hanoi and the 197 4 'state plan,' which the the Thieu regime continues to shell Monitor, who have a reputation for "has its own allies to worry about.... reflecting the thinking of the State De­ Assembly routinely adopted . . . Fe­ and strafe the areas held by the Pro­ Russia and China eachhaveimportant partment, viewed the speech as one bruary 9. visional Revolutionary Government bilateral interests with the U.S., and "Nghi's speech," McArthur continued, in a series of recent indications that It has also refused to let peasant ref­ neither nation is considered, by ana­ "was the keynote address. It far over­ Hanoi "has decided to give top prior­ ugees return to their homes and vil­ lysts here, to be eager for a major shadowed the brief and routine mili­ ity to rebuilding its war-shattered lages in the liberated areas and has offensive and the resulting strains with tary report, which was given by a economy, and wants American aid for refused to hold the elections called for America that it could cause." little-known general down in the this purpose. In return it is prepared ~ell in the accords. A few days later, there appears to Party hierarchy." to abandon plans for a new large­ Thieu's open violations of the cease­ have been an important intervention The North Vietnamese people, Mc­ scale offensive in South Vietnam." fire agreement naturally led to con­ on the part of Washington and Mos­ Arthur concluded, "have now been told "The decision," the March 13 Moni­ cern that Hanoi and the PRG would cow. Le Due Tho flew to Paris De­ that reconstruction is the main task. tor editorial continued, "is said to be be provoked into a large-scale mili­ cember 17 and held a closed-door Not only that, N ghi ticked off a long a follow-up to last December's meeting tary response. meeting with Kissinger on December list of priorities- and in Assembly in Paris between Henry Kissinger and In October, press reports pointed 20. speeches such things are carefully [Hanoi negotiator] Le Due Tho." to the fact that the liberation fighters The joint statement issued after the weighed. In two important sections of meeting conveyed no more than the Similar views have been put forward his report, N ghi listed military efforts, were building a network of hard-sur­ fact that Tho and Kissinger "ex­ by another journalist who appears in both South Vietnam and Cambodia face roads in northwestern South Viet­ to have close connections with State as dead last, though in each case he nam as an indication that Hanoi was changed views on matters of mutual Department and intelligence officials. promised continued Hanoi support." planning a major offensive. interest in the context of the current George McArthur, Saigon correspon­ However, some U.S. sources in Sai­ situation." dent for the Los Angeles Times, of­ McArthur then cited the paragraph gon did predict at that time that a ma­ Less than twenty-four hours later, fered his analysis of N ghi' s speech from Nghi's speech quoted above and jor push backed by Hanoi was un- Continued on page 26

THE MILITANT/ APRIL 12, 1974 21 Renewed rebellion rocks Ethiopian regime By TONY THOMAS tics against the Arab peoples. As much On April 1 students at Addis Student demonstrations and clashes APRIL 2- The political crisis and as two-thirds of the country has. been Ababa's Haile Selassie University an­ with the police were also reported in mass upsurge that has gripped Ethio­ reported to be under the control of nounced they would not return to Addis Ababa, Dessye, capital of Wallo pia and Eritrea over the past several the Eritrean guerrilla groups, the classes until the peasants' demands Province, and other areas. In Jimma, months is continuing. Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and were met and until murder of political capital of Kaffa province, the students On March 24, when 25 officers who the Eritrean Popular Forces (EPF). prisone~s by the regime was stopped. detained a number of local officials had participated in the military Leaflets distributed by the mutinous they suspected of corruption. mutiny in late February and early troops demanded legalization of the The struggle in Ethiopia has also March were arrested, a second rebel­ ELF. Massive solidarity within the seen a significant involvement by lion took place. Troops in · the air Ethiopian armed fo:f4!es with the women. On March 17, less than a force, one of the centers of the earlier Eritrean struggle could go a long way week after the end of the four-day mutiny, were prevented from taking toward liberating that country. general strike, thousands of women action by a strong cordon of para­ On March 25 Emperor Haile marched on Selassie's palace in Addis troops loyal to the regime that was Selassie yielded to the demands for Ababa to demand equal pay and placed around the air base at Debre investigations, and on March 28 a rights with men. Zeit. However, troops seized Asmara, government broadcast announced The March 19 issue of the Paris the capital of Eritrea, for the second that two army officers and six civilians daily Le Monde reported: time. had been picked to bring "to court "For the first time in the history The Asmara militants' demands in­ those officials found lacking in of Ethiopia, several thousand women cluded an end to the blockade at Debre integrity." On March 28 the troops demonstrated in Addis Ababa on Sun­ Zeit, reforms of the civil courts, as­ in Asmara returneq to their garrisons, day, March 17. They were demand­ surances that no reprisals would be although the situation remained ing better working conditions and taken against the leaders of the first charged, with the air force troops at equal wages with men. Dispersed by mutiny, and trials of civil and military Debre Zeit still surrounded by para­ the police near Jubilee Palace, they officials, including the new premier, troops. were able, however, to send a dele­ for corruption. Meanwhile, there have been reports gation to the emperor to pres:nt their Eritrea is a colony of Ethiopia, hav­ that the upsurge has had an impact grievances. ing previously been ruled by the on the more than 20 million Ethiopian Le Monde also reported that "the British, the Italians, and the Turkish peasants who live under feudal con­ 15,000 prostitutes of Addis Ababa are Empire. In 1952, against the wishes ditions under the power of the land­ demanding the right to form a trade of the majority of Eritreans, the UN holding aristocracy. union. They distributed leaflets handed Eritrea over to Ethiopia. As According to the March 29 New presenting their main demands: a a campaign of economic and cultural York Times, sources in Addis Ababa fixed rate of payment and regular discrimination and massive political said that in the Langano area, about free medical examinations." repression by the Ethiopian regime 16 miles to the southeast, groups of Other reports indicate that Addis against Eritrea mounted in the early peasants were "burning things on their Ababa's municipal workers have held 1960s, Eritrean militants launched a farms and protesting exploitation by demonstrations demanding their right guerrilla war to achieve independence. landlords." The Times also reported to form a union and collectively bar­ The Ethiopian forces have used bar­ that a number of the peasants had gain, based on concessions made to barous methods, borrowed from U. S. been killed by troops sent to crush the Ethiopian labor movement follow­ tactics in Indochina and Israeli tac- the rebellion. Ethiopian riot police in Addis Ababa. ing the general strike in early March. S.F. teachers' strike: longest, most militant yet By BOB DAVIS for paraprofessionals along with sures from the ranks. But what displayed more morale and more will SAN FRANCISCO- The San Fran­ lower fringe benefits and a wage raise strength the CTA added was more to fight than ever before shown by cisco teachers' strike-which began commensurate with the city employees' than offset by its immediate acceptance teachers here, began to feel isolated. March 8, the day after city employers settlement; a 12 percent wage raise for of the settlement outlined above. Even so, they at first rejected the offer here went on strike-was settled March substitutes, and preferential hiring Not only were the teachers ham­ in a 550-to-547 vote. Then, meeting 27, a week and a half after the city rights consonant with the present af­ pered by this organizational division again on a motion to reconsider, and employees had returned to their jobs. firmative action hiring policy; a few within their ranks, but the important with several executive board members Teachers had originally demanded minor improvements in educational labor solidarity that had been offered publicly changing their vote because a 15 percent wage raise; parity for programs; and referral of other mat­ to the municipal workers during their of the narrowness of the margin, an­ substitutes and children's centers teach­ ters to committees. strike by the transport workers, teach­ other 200 teachers voted to accept. . ers; job security and fringe benefits The strike had been called and built ers, and others was not extended to for paraprofessionals; and a number by the American Federation of Teach­ them. Many cafeteria workers and jan­ Thus ended the longest, and cer­ of improved working conditions in ers (AFT), which represents a little itors crossed the picket lines, often tainly the most militant teachers' strike educational programs. more than half the 4, 500 teachers in pointing with a shrug to the C T A in San Francisco history. In spite of What they got was a 6 percent raise this city. The California Teachers As­ teachers who were also crossing. the fact that many t~achers felt that and a higher maximum salary for sociation (CTA), which is slightly Furthermore, the final settlement more could have be.en won-with regular teachers, 10 additional days' smaller numerically, vacillated be­ offer was made by none other than better outreach to the public and to vacation, five more paid holidays and tween sitting on the sidelines and John Crowley, secretary-treasurer of other unions, among other things­ two more sick days for children's cen­ actually scabbing for most of the the San Francisco Central Labor still the settlement was in no way a ters teachers. strike. It joined the strike for two days Council. defeat. The teachers feel stronger and They also won a cash equivalent at the end, perhaps bending to pres- Therefore, the AFT teachers, who more self-confident than before. Shanker takes new step toward control of AFT By JEFF AMBERS One angry delegate asked during these were a resolution for the estab­ voting, winner-take-all basis. As a re­ MONTREAL-Albert Shanker, presi­ debate on this point: "If we passed this lishment of a statewide strike fund; sult, the views of thousands of dent of the United Federation of amendment, could one person hold a call for demonstrations against the teachers who oppose Shanker's pro­ Teachers (UFT) in New York City, office as head of a local, officer in Taylor Law, which prohibits strikes gram were not represented. New York took another step toward his goal of the state organization, president of by public employees; and a resolution City delegates are elected for two con­ controlling the American Federation the AFT, and president of the AFL­ to allow some diversity of opinion ventions at a time. of Teachers (AFT) at a March 21- CIO at the same time?" in the state newspaper of the union, The only. organized group of dele­ 24 conference here. the New York Teacher. gates in opposition to Shanker was the The conference was the Second An­ New York State United Teachers A UFT-sponsored resolution op­ "Grass Roots" caucus, with 10 dele­ nual Representative Assembly of the President Thomas Hobart answered, posing hiring quotas was passed, al­ gates elected from counties surround­ New York State United Teachers, at­ "Yes." though 20 percent of the delegates ing New York City. The caucus sup­ tended by 1,836 delegates and 320 Last year, the New York State voted against it. The resolution is ported amendments and resolutions observers. United Teachers passed an amend­ aimed at preserving the white job designed to democratize the state or­ ment prohibiting anyone from hold­ trust in the UFT. While 65 percent ganization. None of these proposals Delegates passed Constitutional ing state and local union office con­ of New York City students are Black passed. Amendment 5, which will facilitate currently. This was done to limit and Puerto Rican, 90 percent of the David Selden, president of the AFT, Shanker's bid for the presidency of Shanker's ability to consolidate staff is whit e. addressed the opening session of the the AFT this August. The amendment power. convention. Helen Wise, president of does away with restrictions on the This year's convention rejected or More than one-third of the delegates the National Education Association, number of official positions any one referred to committee many important at the convention were from the UFT, spoke to the delegates via a telephone individual may hold concurrently. resolutions and amendments. Among which elected its delegates on a slate- hook-up.

22 Militant drive tops 9,500 Interest in FBI documents spurs sales By ROSE OGDEN The Militant sold each week, many Supporters participating in the spring additional copies are sent out to sub­ sales campaign sold more than 9, 500 scribers. Our campaign to increase copies of the March 22 issue of The the subscription base of the paper Militant (headlined "FBI plot to closed in March with tremendous suc­ crush Black movemenf'). Additional cess. More than 8, 200 new sub­ sales of this issue include 1, 707 copies scriptions were sold, 118 percent of sold by the 14 Young Socialist teams the goal of 7,000. touring campuses throughout the Combined with this drive was a cam­ country and hundreds of copies sold paign to sell subscriptions to the In­ by supporters in cities not reported ternational Socialist Review. More on the scoreboard. than 1, 700 new subscriptions were Members of the San Francisco So­ sold during the drive, which is 143 cialist Workers Party and Young percent of the projected goal of 1,200. Socialist Alliance set the pace by sell­ Next week's issue of The Militant ing 1,051 copies-200 percent of their will include a final scoreboard on The weekly sales goal. Seven hundred were Militant spring subscription drive. sold in the first 24 hours by teams going out to strike meetings and picket lines, supermarkets, gas lines, and street corners. Almost 300 were sold Scoreboard to Black motorists waiting in gas lines. Sales director Dean Reed reported an incident reflecting the respect The SOLD The Militant gets around in La Grang~, Ga., as photo from La Grange Daily News Militant has gained among workers. LAST shows. Debby Bustin, cochciirwoman of SWP 1974 National Campaign Committee, At. a truckers' gathering, a representa­ AREA GOAL WEEK % urges students to read the socialist Neekly in speech at La Grange College. tive from Overdrive, a magazine for San Francisco 525 1,051 200 independent truckers, bought 20 copies Atlanta 500 631 126 of The Militant to distribute. documents. The 9, 500 papers sold is Nashville 60 70 117 San Francisco supporters had orig­ paign rally -in Bedford-Stuyvesant as the highest point reached so far in the Detroit 400 446 112 inally ordered a large bundle in antici­ well as another 100 in the Black and spring campaign and tops the goal St. Louis 325 338 104 pation of high sales around the San West Indian communities. of last fall's sales campaign. Brooldyn 450 451 100 Francisco municipal strike. Although New York Upper West Side sup­ Atlanta was one area that went well Columbia, Miss. 7 7 100 the strike was settled, they found that porters sold 100 in Harlem on a over their goal for the first time. Dallas 10 10 100 high interest in the exposure of FBI Saturday sale. Ike Nahem, who sold According to sales director Ed Fruit, Denton, Tex. 25 25 100 plans to disrupt the Black movement 39 of these, explained that "people "This issue sold tremendously in the Logan, Utah 10 10 100 enabled them to greatly increase their were interested in discussing the FBI's Black community, where we sold 500. River Rouge, Mich. 30 30 100 sales. roie in the assassinations of Martin All you had to do was show people San Diego 325 325 100 Fifteen areas made their weekly Luther King and Malcolm X." the documents actually reprinted in Ray Markey, a New York librarian St. Ooud 25 25 100 goals. Most reported that increased The Militant and they wanted to buy Tucson 50 50 100 sales were primarily due to high and SWP candidate for New York a copy." state attorney general, reported that Vermillion, S.D. 20 20 100 interest in the Black community and St. Louis supporters also made their Boston 700 650 93 among Black students in the FBI a "steady stream of people stopped by goal. "Sales in the Black community The Militant on the periodical shelf. Philadelphia 400 373 93 and on campus really made our goal A number of people asked if they L.A. (West Side) 350 319 91 for us," reported sales director Dave could sign it out, so I decided to ac­ Oakland/Berkeley 800 730 91 Welters. "Despite the fact that cold commodate them by bringing in a Bellingham, Wash. 30 27 90 weather held sales to 93 on _Saturday, bundle to sell." Iowa City 20 18 90 we were amazed on Tuesday night Facing similar government attacks Washington, D. C. 400 336 84 when sales totaled 248. Most people to those against the Black movement, Ann Arbor 35 29 83 who stopped to look bought The many Chicanos were interested in this Portland 325 270 83 Militant." issue also. Denver supporters sold 127 Seattle 425 323 76 Detroit supporters, who once again Militants at a rally protesting police Houston 500 347 69 sold more than their goal of 400, re­ harassment in the Chicano com­ Cincinnati 50 34 68 ported that interest on predominantly munity. Lower Manhattan 500 334 67 Black campuses was high. They sold Each week the business office re­ Upper West Side (NY) 475 319 67 161 to college students and 24 to ceives requests from readers for weekly Chicago 700 458 65 high school students. bundles of Militants to sell on their Denver 450 290 64 Finding a similar response, the ll­ campus, where they work, or in their Cleveland 350 215 61 linois-W isconsin Young Socialist team neighborhood. Last week new bundles Twin Cities 350 209 60 reported, "Sales were fantastic. All the were ordered by readers in Amarillo, Pittsburgh 350 186 53 Black students we approached on the Tex.; Columbus, Ga.; Raleigh, N.C.; L.A. (Central-East) 350 151 43 Illinois State University campus St. Clair Shores, Mich.; and Toledo, Austin 60 10 17 bought a copy of the 'FBI Memos' Ohio. Huntsville, Tex. 20 3 13 Milltant/Robb Wright Militant. We sold 108 copies." Other readers are encouraged to Nat'l Black Political Convention Good response in ·Black community San Diego and Brooklyn met their order a weekly bundle to sell by send­ 400 TOTAL SOLD pushed Militant sales to highest point goals also. San Diego sold 17 5 in the ing in the coupon on page 27 to The LAST WEEK 10;000 9,520 95 of spring campaign. Black and Chicano communities, and Militant Business Office. Brooklyn reported selling 37 at a cam- In addition to the single copies of End sought to ban on French Trotskyists From Intercontinental Press wrecker law," which enables the gov_­ ing the procedure, and an immediate lice for tasks that are totally illegal [The following statement on the ernment to charge any leader of any opening is to be hoped for. As soon even from the standpoint of bourgeois struggle against the ban on the Ligue organization that sponsors a demon­ as the date is known, the antifascists legality. Several dozen police agents Communiste was published in the stration at which violence occurs with will demonstrate in the tens of thou­ have brought civil actions and are al­ March 9 issue of Rouge, the French responsibility for the violence.] sands their desire to see the dissolu­ ready demanding a minimum of three Trotskyist newsweekly. tion decree rescinded. million francs compensation. While [The Ligue, former French section For almost five months now, the This same absenteeism on the part waiting for their cases to be disposed of the Fourth Intern~tional, was leaders_ of the former Ligue Commu­ of the regime is evident in the prep­ of, Krivine and Recanati remain out banned by the Pompidou government niste have called on the Conseil d'Etat aration of the trial of our comrades on bail and subject to probation. Re­ June 28, 1973, on therecommendation [State Council] to revoke the scandal­ Krivine and Recanati. Judge Bernard canati no longer has identification pa­ of then Minister of the Interior Ray­ ous cabinet edict dissolving the Ligue. has closed the dossier, which has now pers, except a probation card. He still mond Marcellin. But for five months Mr. Marcellin, the been bound over to the public pros­ has to appear before the judge every [The ban on the Ligue followed an former minister of the interior, has ecutor for examinatioa. There are two week. Our comrades cannot go abroad. antifascist demonstration on June 21, refused to send the council his brief theories as to what may happen; the Two battles-one centering on the 1973, in which clashes between anti­ replying to that of the ex-Ligue, there­ case may be dismissed, or it may be Conseil d'Etat, the other on the trial­ fascists and police, who were acting as by obstructing the work of that in­ sent to the court of summary juris­ are beginning to be prepared as one; a defense guard for the fascists, re­ stitution, which according to the law diction. and now along with that goes an ad­ sulted in seventy-three cops being in­ is supposed to pronounce judgment We can understand that the govern­ ditional achievement: Since January 9, jured, including sixteen who were hos­ "in the shortest possible tinle." ment hesitates to proceed with a trial the trade unions and left-wing parties pitalized. We have just learned that shortly in which numerous representatives of are calling systematically for the pre­ [Alain Krivine and Michel Recanati, before his ouster Marcellin finally con­ the workers movement would come to vention of any fascist meeting, in the leaders of the ex-Ligue Communiste, descended to send his document. Now testify, and that would demonstrate same terms the revolutionaries did on were arrested for violation of the"antt- there are no further obstacles to open- in detail Mr. Marcellin's use of the po- June 21.

'iE MILITANT/APRIL 12, 1974 23 In Review BLACK POWER: HOW Strategy for a Black Agenda by Henry Winston. International Publishers. New York, 1973. 323 pp. Cloth $7.50, paper $2.50.

By Tony Thomas The title for Henry Winston's book, Strategy for a Black Agenda, is based on the "National Black Political Agen­ da," adopted at a Black political con­ vention held in Gary, Ind., in 1972. The Gary Black Agenda, accepted by most of the 8,000 Black delegates and observers who attended the con­ vention, was a radical statement of aims and demands. It spoke of the social crisis facing Black . people, blamed these conditions on "a society built on the twin foundations of white racism and white capitalism," and called for "fundamental change." The Agenda denounced the "betray­ al" of Black people by the Democrats and Republicans and called for "an independent Black political movement" Malcolm X addressing Harlem rally in June 1963. Spread of his nationalist ideas was significant factor in civil rights victories to struggle for Black control of the of 1960s. Black community. Though not the intention of the Dem­ ocratic Party-oriented organizers ofthe to falsify the history of the Black lib­ to be subordinated to the liberal wing The new Black consciousness was Gary meeting, the logic of the Black eration movement. The mosttelling ex­ of the Democratic Party and the forces expressed in the rebellions that explod­ Agenda was to move to construct an ample of this is his examination of aligned to it. ed in Detroit, Newark, and other cities. independent Black party that could the dispute that broke out in the mid- King was for keeping the movement It was also expressed in the growth mob-ilize the masses of Afro-Americans 1960s between the supporters of Martin tied to the Democratic liberals. Car­ of support among Black people for in uncompromising struggle against Luther King and the advocates of michael and other Black Power ad­ the freedom struggles in the colonial the capitalist status quo. This radical Black power in the Student Nonviolent vocates were beginning to question world, in the explosion of struggles logic of the Agenda proved to be quite Coordinating Committee (SNCC). or to oppose support to the Democratic by Black high school and college stu­ an embarrassment to Charles Diggs, During the struggles of the 1960s, Party. In Alabama in 1966, SNCC dents, and in the increased militancy Richard Hatcher, and Imamu Bli­ the Communist Party was a consistent helped build the Lowndes County Free­ and organization by Black workers in raka- the key convention organiz­ supporter of the policies of Martin Lu­ dom Organization, an independent the plants. ers- and it was soon shelved. ther King, as against the more militant Black political party, while King sup­ At the recent Black political con­ stance of such figures as Malcolm X, ported Richmond Flowers, Democratic Black nationalism vention in Little Rock further discus­ and later, Stokely Carmichael and oth­ candidate for governor. The surge of Black pride and mili­ sion on the Gary Agenda was ruled er Black Power advocates. Winston's King was an ideological pacifist, tancy that came on the heels of the out of order. Black Agenda attempts to justify this who opposed self-defense of Blacks fac­ spread of the nationalist ideas of Mal­ Winston, national chairman of the approach. ing racist attacks, while supporters of colm X is not even acknowledged by Communist Party, appropriates the Winston has nothing but praise for Black Power defended this right. Winston as being a significant factor term "Black Agenda" for his book with­ King. He writP,I!, "Though not a Marx- in bringing about the gains won in out explaining Ute content of the orig­ Role of SNCC the 1960s. Instead, Winston has almost inal document. And he lays out a nothing but criticism for the Black na­ SNCC, one of the main activist or­ "strategy" that runs counter to the in­ tionalist tendencies, and all praise is ganizations of the southern civil rights dependent thrust implicit in the Gary given to the currents represented by struggles, grew out ofthelunch-counter Agenda. Books King and others who resisted the na­ sit-ins organized by Black students Winston falsely claims that his book tionalist radicalization. in 1960. For years, SNCC played a is a revolutionary Marxist treatment ist, King was steadily moving toward Of course, King and the Southern key role in organizing the struggles Christian Leadership Conference of the Black struggle. But an examina­ a strategy that tended to coincide with for voting rights and other democratic (SCLC), the organization he led, did tion of what he writes, and a look the Marxist-Leninist concept of an anti­ rights of Afro-Americans. at the theory and practice of his party, make a contribution to the battles of monopoly policy.... " The move toward Black Power came the 1960s. SCLC did, on specific oc­ shows that his view is nonrevolutionary In contrast, Winston claims that be­ when SNCC activists learned through casions, initiate actions involving and non-Marxist. ginning around 1965 Black radicals their own experience in struggle that masses of Black people. But King and In order to cover up the Communist such as Stokely Carmichael, James they could not rely on Democratic his supporters generally played a Party's reformistrecord, Winston has Forman, and others, "began to step up Party politicians or white liberals to moderating role, try!ng to keep the their attacks on the Civil Rights strug­ eradicate racism. The Black Power slo­ struggle within linUts acceptable to gle. They placed themselves in opposi­ gan expressed the idea that it was only SCLC's white liberal. benefactors. tion to King, who was determined not through taking their destiny into their When Malcolm ·X. opposed both the to abandon, buttostrengthen, theforces own hands that Black people could of the Civil Rights Decade, to deepen make gains. It was a recognition that Democratic and Republicancandidates and broaden them into a realignment the liberal politicians could not be in the 1964 elections, Martin Luther that could carry the struggle against trusted, that they would sell out the King supported Lyndon Johnson (as poverty and racist oppression to a new struggle. did the Communist Party). King even level." (Emphasis in original.) Support for Black Power did not pre­ joined with other Black leaders to call Winston suggests thatthemajorpoint suppose a rejection of alliances with a moratorium on Black protests in of controversy between Black Power working-class whites. It was an expres­ the period before the elections in order supporters and King was whether sion of the feeling that Blacks should to enhance Johnson's chances. Blacks should ally with other work­ not have to wait for the radicalization King always saw the mobilization of ing-class forces. He gives the impres­ of white workers before launching an working people in struggle only as a sion that in this debate King proposed independent struggle. means of pressuring the capitalist a "working class" strategy while Car­ Far from being an isolated trend, politicians, never as a means for creat­ michael and others proposed a divisive as Winston implies, the call for Black ing, step by step, an alternative to nationalist policy that "helped monop­ Power met with a favorable response capitalist rule. His outlook was limited oly" by opposing a class-sttuggle ori­ in Black communities throughout the to reforming the capitalist status quo, entation. country. Millions of Afro-Americans while Malcolm X, and later many This is a distortion on all counts. were inspired by the concept that Black Black Power advocates, saw the need Although King led many mass demon­ The real issue at stake in the dispute people should develop the political pow­ for revolutionary change. straHons, he played moderating role in over Black Power was whether or not er to take control over their political, In posing the need to break the Black movement. the Black movement was to continue economic, and social destinies. capitalist stranglehold over the politics

24 IT WILL BE WON of the Black community, the sup­ no space in Winston's book is devoted politicians. This strategy is to cul­ porters of Black Power were the ones to Malcolm X, the Black revolutionary minate one day in the distant future responsible for taking the movement figure of the 1960s who contributed in an "anti-monopoly" party, a to "a new level." They were attempting most to outlining a strategy that could third, "progressive," capitalistparty. to advance the struggle without sub­ avoid ultraleftism and reformism. One of the most recent examples of ordinating it to the needs of the the CP's anti-monopoly coalition "liberal" exploiters. Thus it was this Anti-monopoly coalition strategy was their support last fall trend that came closer to representing The concept put forward by Winston for Coleman Young, who was elected the real need for Afro-Americans- and as the solution to the problems faced on the Democratic Party ticket as white workers as well- to move to by the movement is that of the "anti­ mayor of Detroit The CP's Daily the direction of building a class-strug­ monopoly coalition." The closest Win­ World hailed Young's victory as an gle leadership in the fight against op­ ston gets to defining this concept is to example of "independent political ac­ pression. say that the "anti-monopoly coalition" tion." is a bloc "involving the Black and Young's election was significant Black Panther Party white sectors of the working class, in that he is the first Black mayor of To rationalize the CP's opposition the Black liberation movement, the Detroit, and his election showed the to the militant nationalist currents of Puerto Rican and Chicano masses, potential power of the Black vote. the 1960s, Winston preys upon the and all others opposed to war and Nevertheless, his candidacy was not fact that many of the nationalist youth poverty." "independent" of the capitalist parties. ended up going in an ultraleft direc­ Since the term anti-monopoly coali­ Young was supported by some of the tion. tion is never more concretely defined biggest capitalists in Detroit They The most important example of this than this, it is difficult to understand favored his election as a way of nour­ STOKELY CARMICHAEL: Advocated break problem was the Black Panther Party, simply by reading Winston's book ishing the illusion among Detroit with Democratic and Republican liberals. which reached its height in late 1968 what he and the Communist Party Blacks that something would be done and early 1969. The Panthers spread think supporters of Afro-American about their conditions of life. on the basis of being a national Black liberation and socialism should do. The CP is well aware of the coalition the two capitalist parties, such as the political organization that supported It is only by looking at other Com­ between Young and Detroit monopo­ development of a mass Black party Black. control of the Black community munist Party sources, and at what the lists. James Jackson, national educa­ or a labor party based on the trade and opposed the Democratic and Re- CP is doing in practice, that one dis- tional director of the CP, makes this unions, would be a step in this direc­ explicit in the March 2 Daily World tion. A Black party would also be an when he writes: effective vehicle for winning immediate "For the successful realization of a concessions from the capitalist govern­ program for civic improvements and ment, and it would provide an example to make gains in the ftght to provide of workers' political self-reliance for jobs for the unemployed and economic Black and white workers alike. The input for a revival of business ac­ development of a mass Black party tivity, the administration . of Mayor would so weaken the Democratic Party Young must have the cooperation of that the labor movementwouldbecom­ important sections of the industrial­ pelled to reconsider its reliance on the ists. Such big capitalists as Henry Ford Democratic Party and take the road of have their own need for the develop­ independent political action. ment of Detroit; they are coming from But the Communist Party calls neither far different positions than Mayor for the creation of a Black party nor Young and are motivated by the pur­ a labor party. They have been hos­ suit of their own special interests. The tile to any trends within the Black and broadest alignment of class forces are labor movements that move in this both possible and necessary for ad­ direction, just as they have opposed dressing the problems of urban crisis the development of the fledgling in­ which holds Detroit in its grip as it dependent Chicano parties- the Raza does scores of other cities of the coun­ Unida parties-in the Southwest try." Rather than posing a class-struggle Thus, the CP spreads the illusion strategy based on organizing the work­ Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, Henry Ford II (standing), and UAW President leonard that through the Democratic Party, and ing class and its allies independent of Woodcock. Communist Party's 'onti-monoply coalition' means support to monopolists through an alliance with "progressive" their exploiters, the "anti-monopoly co­ themselves. capitalists, the conditions of Black peo­ alition" strategy of the Communist Par­ ple can be changed. The so-called anti­ ty counsels collaboration with these ex­ ploiters. publican parties. covers what the "anti-monopoly coali­ monopoly coalition includes themono­ Winston's book is nothing but a ra­ The Panthers went off on an ultra­ tion" really is. polists themselves! tionalization and cover-up of this non­ left tangent, substituting rhetoric based In an article in the July 1972 issue It's worth noting, if only in passing, revolutionary strategy. on their own recognition of the need of Political Affairs, "Theoretical that this same strategy- dressed up as "the peaceful road to socialism"- paved for revolution for a program that Journal of the Communist Party," Wil­ the way for the recent tragic defeat for could lead the masses of Blacks to liam Weinstone, a longtime CP leader, the workers movement in Chile. There, hold such consciousness. Their "pick gives this description of "the nature it meant supporting the capitalist gov­ For further up the gun" rhetoric and their absten­ of an anti-monopoly coalition": ernment of Allende and relying on the tion from the real struggles taking "It is an agreement in one form or "democratic" capitalist army to combat reading ... place made it impossible for them to another of various working-class and the right-wing opponents of reforms BLACK LIBERATION AND POllnCAL build an effective mass movement, and democratic-minded organizations and being won by working people. POWER: The Meaning of the Gary Con­ made them vulnerable to govern­ people-workers, farmers, profes­ vention by Derrick Morrison, Tony ment attack. sionals, intellectuals, youth, women, Need break with Democrats Thomas, $.35. Winston's criticisms of the Panthers students, some sections of small and Experience after experience of the are not based on the need to build a medium businessmen and others. It Black community- including the ex­ THE CASE FOR AN INDEPENDENT mass movement independent of the consists of people of various political perience of electing Black Democratic BLACK PARTY. Socialist Workers Party, capitalist parties. He derides the views- Republican, Democratic, inde­ Party mayors- shows that support to $.50. Panthers' ultraleft errors, but fails to pendent, Socialist, Communist and the Democratic and Republican parties .. criticize their oppor.tunist errors, most others." (Emphasis added.) has not led to the alleviation of the HOW A MINORITY CAN CHANGE importantly, their turn toward the If by this the CP meant attempting problems of the masses of people. These SOCIETY by George Breitman, S.50. Democratic Party. to win over Black people and others parties are dominated by the capitalist Winston implies that the only alter­ who vote for Democrats or Republi­ rulers, who profit from racial oppres­ A TRANSmONAL PROGRAM FOR native to the ultraleft policies of the cans to struggles against racial and sion and class exploitation. BLACK LIBERATION. Socialist Workers Panthers is the reformism of such class oppression, this would be one A real working-class strategy is one Party, $.35. figures as King. Purposely ignored thing. But, the practice of the CPshows that seeks to build a mass revolu­ by him is the revolutionary strategy that this is not what the "anti­ tionary workers party that can lead the Order from: of building a mass movement that is monopoly coalition" means. It means struggles of working people and all the PATHFINDER PRESS, 410 West St. New politically independent of the ruling winning over Black and white work­ oppressed with the goal of taking power York, N.Y. 10014. class and its parties. ing people to support liberal Demo­ out of the hands of the capitalists. It is thus not surprising that almost cratic (and sometimes Republican) Any break by working people with Write for' free catalog.

THE MILITANT/APRIL 12, 1974 25 palgn Committee; Care Fraend, SWP candidate for country if pressing problems aren't gotiating session. U. S. Senate; Fred Lovgren, SWP candidate for U.S. solved soon. Third, Moscow announced a pro­ Congress, lsi C. D. Sat., Apr. 13, 8 p.m. 5623 Uni­ versity Way N. E. Donation: 52. Ausp: Socialist Workers In another veterans action, 1,000 gram of economic aid to the Provision­ Calendar Party. For more information call (206)522-7800. Vietnam vets rallied at the State Uni­ al Revolutionary Government in versity of New York in Farmingdale, South Vietnam. According to a Decem- BOSTON TWIN CinES IRAN: A PEOPLE'S FIGHT TO SURVIVE THE SHAH. PRISONS: 'WHO ARE THE REAL CRIMINALS? Speakers Long Island, on March 29 to protest ber 21 dispatch from Moscow by New Speakers to be announced. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 655 to be announced. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 25 University government neglect of their problems. Atlantic Ave. (app. South Sta.), Third Floor. Donation: York Times correspondent Hedrick Ave. S. E., Mpls. Donation: $1. Ausp: Militant Forum. The meeting was organized by the Smith, "Pravda reported [today] that $1. Ausp: Militont Forum. For more information call For more information call (612) 332-nBI. Long Island Collegiate Veterans Fo­ (617)482-8050. Moscow would send machines, farm rum. WASHINGTON, D.C. equipment, oil products, fertilizers, DmOIT Bill Brown, a member of the group, REPORT FROM THE CONFERENCE OF LABOR UNION metals, medicines, foods and other GARY TO UmE ROCK: THE STRUGGLE TO WIN BLACK WOMEN. Speakers to be announced. Fri., Apr. 12, told The Militant in a phone interview goods under an agreement signed by POLmCAL POWER. Speakers to be announced. Fri., 8 p.m. 1345 E St. N. W., Fourth Floor. Donation: $1. that what Vietnam era veterans were Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 3737 Woodward. Donation: $1. Ausp: Vladimir N. Novikov, a Deputy Pre­ Ausp: Militant Forum. For more information call (202) fighting for was "parity not charity." Mlbtant Forum. For more information call j313) 831- 783-2391. mier, and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Binh, the 6135. He listed some of the demands raised Foreign Minister of the Vietcong's Pro­ by the group: increased veterans' and visional Revolutionary Government" HOUSTON disability benefits to bring them in line LA RAZA UNIDA PARTY AND THE RECENT aECTIONS with the cost of living; improved em­ "Reflecting evident concern over the IN SOUTH TEXAS. Speaker: Miguel Pendas, South­ danger of sharper and more serious west Bureau of The Militant. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. ployment opportunities for vets; and 3311 Montrose. Donation: 51. Ausp: Militant Forum. a review of less than honorable dis­ hostilities in Vietnam, the Soviet press For more information call (713)526-1082. ... Colo. charges to be carried out by Vietnam also quoted Leonid Brezhnev, the So­ Continued from poge 4 vets themselves. viet Communist party leader, as reaf­ LOS ANGaES: CENTRAL-EAST three leaders of the Associated Stu­ firming support for the cease-fire. PROSPECTS FOR A BLACK PARTY. Speaker: Omori The Veterans Forum has also called Musa, participant in National Black Political Conven­ dents at the University of Colorado, for a congressional investigation of "Some Western observers," the dis­ tion in Little Rock. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 710 S. West. who said, "Change is imperative for the VA and for the resignation of patch continued, "saw the moves, in lake Ave. Donation: Sl. Ausp: Militant Forum. For Colorado's future and we know the VA administrator Donald Johnson. connection with the visit here of Ngu­ more Information call (213)483-0357. SWP is dedicated to action on all the yen Huu Tho, leader of the Vietcong's issues that confront us." LOS ANGELES: WEST SIDE National Liberation Front, as part of BEHAVIOR MODIFICAnON AND THE FIGHT TO GET They added that they were "especial­ a Soviet effort to bolster the fragile lME VIOLENCE CENTER OFF UCLA CAMPUS. Speaker: ly enthusiastic" about Joyce Tally's peace agreement ..." Mariana Hernandez, Socialist Workers Party candi­ campaign as SWP candidate for Colo­ "Soviet sources" also told Smith "that date for superintendent of public instruction. Fri., Apr. rado University board of regents, be­ ... Penna. 12, 8 p.m. 230 Broadway, Santa Manica. Donation: Moscow played an important behind­ cause "we need a strong voice on the Continued from page 9 11. Ausp: West Side Militant For.um. For more informa­ Jon Teitelbaum, running in the 14th the-scenes role in arranging the meet­ tion call (213)934-9050. regents, and we know from working C.D. Debby Bustin, cochairwoman of ing yesterday in Paris between Secre­ with Joyce that she will represent us tary of State Kissinger and Le Due NEW YORK: LOWER MANHATTAN both as a student and as a socialist." the SWP 1974 National Campaign Tho.... VICTIMS OF WATERGATE SPEAK OUT. Speakers: Marie In response to an appeal for funds Committee, also spoke. Afcide, Committee Ia Defend the Democratic Rights of "The Soviet explanation," Smith con­ to launch a statewide tour by Nora Tl;le Philadelphia meeting heard the the Haitian People (KODDPA); Katherine Sojourner, tinued, "is that both Hanoi and the Na­ Socialist Workers Party candidate for U.S. Congress, Danielson and other campaign proj­ announcement of Lea Tammi's can­ tional Liberation Front were becoming 18th C. D.; others. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 706 Broad. ects, the 90 people present contributed didacy in the 1st C.D. Other speakers increasingly restive and impatient" way (near 4th St.), Eighth Floor. Donation: Sl. Ausp: more than $1,800. at the meeting, attended by 100 peo­ Mill toni Forum. For more information call (212) 982- ple, were Roberta Scherr, Tony Austin, Presumably their impatience 6051. and Karen Detamore, an activist in the stemmed from the fact that Thieu­ backed by massive shipments of U.S. PHILADaPHIA Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense 'ATTICA': A DOCUMENTARY FILM BY CINDA FIRE­ Committee. military aid -was continuing to bomb STONE. A firsthand report on the Attica rebellion The enthusiasm for the campaign and strafe PRG-held areas of South with interviews with participants. Fri., Apr. 12,8 p.m. ... vets was indicated by the resRonse to fund Vietnam in violation of the cease-fire 1004 Filbert St. (one block north of Market). Dona­ accords. lion: $1. Ausp: Militont Forum. For more information Continued from page 3 appeals. Supporters contributed $1,- call (215) WAS-4316. viser James Cavanaugh for an-hour 100 in Pittsburgh and $1,800 in Phil­ That fact, however, seemed to carry in the White House. adelphia. little weight in Moscow. Smith report­ PmSBURGH "Mr. Cavanaugh assured us," Kovic ed that Soviet officials appeared to rest PROBLEMS OF WORKING WOMEN. Speakers: Renate Jaeger, Coalition of Labor Union Women state con­ said, "that the administration will content with trying "to appease the venor for Western Pennsylvania; Candice Cohen, Med. begin to respond to the fact that there North and South Vietnamese Commu­ leal Committee for Human Rights; others. Fri., Apr. is a national veterans crisis in this nist leadership both with more active 12, 8 p.m. 304 S. Bouquet St. (near Oaldand). Dona­ country." ... Vietnam diplomacy and with pledges of eco­ lion: SJ. Ausp: Militant Forum. For more information Continued from page 21 call (412)682-5019. "The people in this country don't nomic aid to the Communists in the seem to realize that the national vet­ three important developments oc­ South." SAN DIEGO erans crisis is a powder keg," Kovic curred. First, the Saigon regime's ne­ An alternate explanation, of course, lME MUNICIPAL WORKERS' STRIKE IN SAN FRAN. continued. "If something isn't done, gotiators in Paris apparently pro­ would be that Moscow was holding the CISCO. Speaker: Harry Ring, Southwest Bureau of voked an incident, forcing the PRG The Militont. Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m. 4635 El Cajon Blvd., the whole thing is going to explode," aid agreement as a club over the liber­ Second Floor. Donation: 51. Ausp: Militant Forum. he said. delegates to walk out of the negotiat­ ation forces in South Vietnam and For more Information call (714) 280-1292. Kovic also said that the 6,000-mem­ ing session. over the Hanoi leadership, tossing in Second, a similar incident occurred SEA mE ber A VM and thousands of veterans as a sweetener its promise to use dip­ SOCIALIST WORKERS CAMPAIGN RALLY. Speakers: in other groups are ready to set up the same day in Saigon, and PRG lomatic pressure to counter Thieu's Maceo Dixon, cochairman, 1974 SWP Nat!Gnal Cam- tent camps in key cities across the delegates there walked out of a ne- cease-fire violations. Socialist Directory ARIZONA: Phoeniz: YSA, c/a Steve Shliveck, P. 0. IUINOIS: Chicago: SWP, YSA, Pathfinder Books, 428 Tel: (612) 332-7781 PENNSYLVANIA: Edinboro: YSA, Edinboro State Col­ Box 890, Tempe, Ariz ..85281. S. Wabash, Fifth Floor, Chicago, Ill. 60605. Tel: SWP­ St. Cloud: YSA, c/o Atwood Center, St. Cloud State lege, Edinboro, Pa. 16412. Tucson: YSA, S.U.P.O. 20965, Tucson, Ariz. 85720. (312)939-0737, YSA- (312) 427-0280, Pathfinder Books College, St. Cloud, Minn. 56301. Philadelphia: SWP, YSA, Pathfinder Bookstore, 1004 CAUFORNIA: Berkeley-Oaldand: SWP and YSA, 1849 -(312)939-0756. MISSOURI: Kansas City: YSA, c/o Student Activities Filbert St. (one block north of Market), Philadelphia, Pa. University Ave., Berkeley, Calif. 94703. Tel: (415) INDIANA: Bloomington: YSA, c/o Student Activities Office, U of Missouri at Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill 19107. Tel: (215) WAS-4316. 548-0354. Desk, Indiana University, Bloomington, lnd.47401. Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64110. Pittsburgh: SWP and YSA, 304 S. Bouquet St., Pitts­ los Angeles, Central-East: SWP, YSA, Militont Book­ Indianapolis: YSA, c/o Dave Ellis, 309 E. Vermont, St. Louis: SWP, YSA, Pathfinder Books, 4660 Mary­ burgh, Pa. 15213. Tel: (412)682-5019. store, 710 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90057. Indianapolis, Ind. 46201. land, Suite 17, St. Louis, Mo. 63108. Tel: (314) 367- TENNESSEE: Knoxville: YSA, P. 0. Box 8476 Universi­ Tel: (213)483-1512. IOWA: Iowa City: YSA, c/o IMU, Univ. of Iowa, Iowa 2520. ty Station, Knoxville, Tenn. 37916. Tel: (615)524-8967. Los Angeles, West Side: SWP and YSA, 230 Broad. Oty, Iowa 52240. NEW JERSEY: New Brunswick: YSA, Box 445, Wood. Memphis: YSA, c/o Maryrose Eannace, 3681 Win­ way, Santa Monica, Calif. 90401. Tel: (213)394-9050. KANSAS: lawrence: YSA, c/o Christopher Starr, Dept. bridge, N.J. 07095. Tel: (201)634-3076. chester Pk. Cr. t7, Memphis, Tenn. 38118. Tel: (901) Los Angeles-City-wide SWP and YSA, 710 S. West­ of Entomology, Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, Kans.66045 Paterson: YSA, P.O. Box 1532, Paterson, N.J. 07509. 365-2528. lake Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90057. Tel: (213) 483- KENTUCKY: La

26 READ THE YOUNG New from SOCIALIST Pathfinder This is only a small part of what you've missed if you haven't read the last six months of the YOUNG ~OCIALIST: • Socialists Sue Watergate Gang e Roots of the Mideast Crisis • Why Chile's Allende Fell • Defend the Farm Workers: Press Boycott lettuce and Grapes • Blacks in America's Wars e Feminism and Social­ ism • lessons of Thailand and Greece Student Uprisings e The Movement to Save Black Colleges • Behind the Energy Crisis e Malcolm X on African lib­ eration. -Enclosed is $1/6 months. -How did Nixon's affacks on civil liberties diHer from those of --Enclosed is $2/1 year. previous administrations? Name,~------Who rules America? Address:: ______-Is there any alternative to a government of secrecy and dirty City, State and Zip~·------tricks? YOUNG SOCIALIST, P. 0. Box 471 Cooper Station, New York, N.Y. 10003. The authors conclude that Watergate is no mere surface blemish but the symptom of a far-advanced disease at the core of the whole governmental system and a confirmation of the Marxist analysis of American capitalism. 208 pp., cloth $9.00, paper $2 ..45 Pamphlets on· Genocide Against Available from the bookstores listed in The Socialist Directory the Indians on the facing page or by mail from: PATHFINDER PRESS, INC. Current Issues by George Novack 410 West St., New York, N.Y. 10014 Our newest pamphlet: $.60 SOLZHENITSYN IN EXILE PATHFINDER PRESS, 410 West by Allen Myers, $.35 St., New York, N.Y. 10014. 20% oH until April 30- sale price listed below. ENERGY CRISIS: A Bonanza for the Oil Giants by Steve Beck & Clift Connor, $.45 FEMINISM AND THE MARXIST MOVE. Puerto Rican, Black, and Chinese . Sell MENT . Community Control in New York City; by Mary-Alice Waters, $.45 VIVA LA HU ELGAI TheRght The Struggle of the Farm Workers by Jose G. Perez, $.20 Against The WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: The Socialist View Racism in by Dave Frankel, Dick Roberts, Tony Thomas, $.45 Our Schools WHAT SOCIALISTS STAND FOR by luis Fuentes Militant by Stephanie Coontz, $.40 Join The Militant's sales campaign by ( ) Enclosed is $4 for a Militant Only $.25 from: taking a regular weekly bundle to sell shoulder bag (large enough to carry Order from: Pathfinder Press ~PATHFINDER PRESS, INC. on your campus, at your job, or near dozens of Militants plus books, leaf­ 410 West Street, New York, N.Y. e 410 West Street where you live. The cost is 17 .cents lets, etc.) 10014 New York, N.Y. 10014 per copy, and we will bill you at the end of each month. Name ----~----~ Address ------__,..­ City------'- I want Jo take a weekly sales goal State ______Zip ___ of __ . Send me a weekly bundle of. __ . 14 Charles lane, New York, N.Y. 10014. in tbelpril issue of

SEATTLE------~ International Socialist Review Continuation of a debate: TI~~~ WASHINGTON The Vietllllll8S8 SOCIALIST levolution·and the Bole ol the Partr WORKERS bJ Plem Bouset Vietnam, Stalinism,

:::>A:l'URDAYCAMPAIGN 1 APRIL l3. Rally begins atRAllY 8: OOpn. Speakers: MACEO DIXON, National Co-Chairman of the 197 4 Socialist Workers Campaign Carmittee; CLARE FRAENZL 1 Socialist and the Postwar W9rkers Party candidate for u.s. Senate; FRED LOVGREN, Socialist Workers Party candidate for 1st Congressional District. Other candidates will be announced at the rally. Socialist levolutions Location: Socialist Movement Center, 5623 University Way. Donation: $2.00; high school students and unemployed $1.50 bJ 8eorpJohnson and l'red l'eldman $1 for three months For more information call (206) 522-7800. International Socialist Review, 14 Charles Lane, A con or OQI' report tiled vitb tlM appl"'priattl ott1eer h(or v1U be) aT&ilable to!' pureh&M tro. the Superiateadeat. ct DoC\but• Unitd. Sta"e Gcrre~aat l'r'1At1q Otf'ice Vuhf.Dct.oa rx: 204.l2 New York, N.Y. 10014.

THE MILITANT/ APRIL 12. 1974 21 THE MILITANT 't • own lies at Knee By GREG CORNELL The U. S. attorneys now trying the ST. PAUL, Minn.-The U.S. govern­ case supported the request for the wire­ ment became further ensnarled in its tap, Trimbach's affidavit states. own lies last week as evidence of il­ The request apparently was denied legal activity by the FBI continued and no "legal" wiretap-if there is such to mount at the Wounded Knee trial, a thing-was ever authorized. now entering its fourth month. The defense,. however, is expected Kenneth Tllsen, a defense attorney, to present evidence of extensive gov­ told The Militant of even more devas­ ernment electronic surveillance. tating evidence to come. Tllsen called Lane told The Militant that the de­ the case against the government "over­ fense can prove the FBI had a key to whelming." the telephone company offices in Pine "There are few trials," said Tllsen, Ridge, S. D., near Wounded Knee. The "in which every day there is a new FBI also had a schematic drawing of revelation of government misconduct." the entire phone cable system and had The defense has flled motions that brought in about 15 technicians along the charges be dropped against Rus­ with equipment to wiretap. sell Means and Dennis Banks, leaders Lane said the FBI supervisors have of the American Indian Movement lied during the hearing about a num­ (AIM), who face lengthy jail terms if ber of essential facts. convicted for their role in last year's "For example," Lane said, "Tommy 71-day seizure of Wounded Knee, S.D. Hudson, a U.S. marshal, testified he Mark Lane, another defense attor­ did not have a key to the telephone ney, outlined in an interview the main company." reasons why the defense is seeking Lane said that Joe Pourier, the man­ dismissal. ager of the phone company and the chief installer and repair man, will testify that he himself gave Hudson Illegal wiretaps the key. At the end of the siege, Hud­ Means speaks at Wounded Knee defense rally sponsored by Crusade for Justice First, evidence of illegal wiretaps son gave it back to Pourier. in Denver. of defense conversations by the FBI Lane noted that FBI agent Thomas has come to light. Government offici­ Parker; a wiretap expert, had already als lied, Lane said, telling attorneys testified that he saw many gray wires coming out of the cables in the Bu­ earlier that there were no illegal wire­ pants in the seizure were "trespassing," The defense has also· questioned reau of. Indian Affairs building in the taps. Further, important government they had no right to privacy. whether it is fair that the prosecution area of the facility maintained by the witnesses have perjured themselves on The prosecution is using another be allowed to determine which FBI FBL the stand, he said. spurious argument. It contends that files would be "beneficial" to the de­ In addition, Lane said dismissal will "Parker also insisted," Lane said, the government could not. be inter­ fense. ·be sought because of "the suppression "that no FBI personnel put those wires fering in an attorney-client relation­ Even now, despite the court order, in, that [rather] they were installed by of evidence by the government." ship, since none of the defendants had little more than 100 documents have Joseph Trimbach, the. FBI agent the Bison State Telephone Company. yet been charged. been turned over. who heads the Minneapolis Bureau "Pourier will testify," Lane said, "that In another development, Nichol and supervised FBI acitvity at none of those wires were installed by 'Prosecute everyone' threatened to dismiss the case if At­ the Bison State Telephone Company The defense countered March 22 by torney General William Saxbe and and that they were installed by FBI entering as evidence an FBI log, dated FBI director Clarence Kelley did not agents." March 1, 1973, three days after the let the prosecution sift through FBI The actual trial is now in recess seizure began. The log states: "Mr. files to see whether any informers had while the evidentiary hearing into gov­ Gallagher from the Bureau advise that infiltrated .the defense team. Saxbe ernment misconduct continues. Attorney General wants all individuals agreed to open the informer flles to the The hearing was ordered after the prosecuted. There is to be no amnesty prosecution. U. S. attorneys were still defense charged that the FBI had been, or b9nds set. Identify all newsmedia looking through them at Militant monitoring a telephone used by par­ that are on the scene so that they can press time. ticipants in the Wounded Knee seizure. testify later as to what they saw. Nichol is expected to act soon . on Pourier testified he had installed the Prosecute everyone of any crimes the defense motion of dismissal. phone, and three agents testified they possible." "One of the elements I'm going to had listened in. Ramon Roubideaux, an AIM at­ consider," the judge said, "is whether Several defense lawyers have tak~n torney, testified that the log proved or not there has been a deliberate the stand to testify that they were told MiloTanl'/ur•ea that "the government was unequivocal" refusal to comply with the discovery during the seizure by government Defense aHorney Kenneth Til sen in its plans to charge Banks, Means, order, not on the part of the U. S. representatives that no tapping was in and others. attorney, you understand, but it's the progress. Trimbach also appears to have lied whole government is what we're talk­ Wounded Knee,. apparently lied when concerning the monitoring of the tele­ ing about." he took the stand last week to state 'Perfectly safe' phone. He earlier told the judge that Indeed, the government action has that he had "never participated" in Lane told The Militant that "Kent there were no wiretaps involved dur­ been so gross that anything less than the making of an affidavit seeking a Frizzell, the chief negotiator for the ing the Wounded Knee seige. a dismissal would be criminal at this wiretap. Department of Justice, told me that Judge Fred Nichol last month juncture in the trial. One government "I've never seen one [a wiretap ap­ the telephone was perfectly safe. I told ordered the FBI to turn over relevant witness after another has been trapped plication),". Trimbach said in court. him I was going to be carrying on files to the defense, after it was revealed in his own lies. As Lane observed, The defense, however, showed this attorney-client discussions over the that the FBI still held under wraps "everyone who knows anything is reporter a photocopy of an affidavit phone. He told me there was no way 31.6,000 separate documents on lying." seeking a wiretap on Wounded Knee the government could hear me," Wounded Knee. A dismissal would enable the court phones that was signed by Trimbach. Frizzell took the stand March 19 William Kunstler reminded Nichol to avoid ruling on the validity of the The signature is clearly legible and to deny Lane's claim, asserting that that one of the primary reasons for 1868 Sioux Treaty, which made the dated March 7, 1973. the defense knew the Wounded Knee the dismissal of the case against Wounded Knee area Indian territory. Trimbach says in the affidavit that telephone was a "party line." "I Daniel Ellsberg, "as revealed by Judge The treaty question is an important "the telephone which is sought to be wouldn't think any lawyer worth his Byrne's decision, is that the govern­ issue for the Indian people. tapped has been used extensively by salf' would use a phone under those ment had time and again failed to Nonetheless, a dismissal would be the leadership of the American Indian conditions, Frizzell said. make timely production of exculpa­ a monumental victory for all Indians, Movement." He lists a number of per­ Furthermore, U.S. attorney Richard tory material in its possession." (Ex­ and for the American Indian Move­ sons he wants wiretapped, including Hurd makes the scandalous argument culpatory material is any material in­ . ment, which the government is trying Banks, Means, Clyde Bellecourt, that since the phone line was installed dicating the innocence of the .defen­ to destroy through the Wounded Knee Clara Camp, and Pedro Bissonnette. by the government and the partici- dants.) frame-up.

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