control: in the struggles in important advances in socialist theory and analysis.
It is a mark of the success of independent Left' activity that many of us who have been dosely involved have come to see more clearly the urgent need for mutual cooperation and formation. It if a vital characteristic of this dependent Left that it is not in any way stralised: that people act on their own aims Without this sustaining and many-centred power (in characteristically, the system and its believe, preferring ringleaders and cies), we could not act so effectively so many fronts. But as the scale of the many problems, tactics and strategy, into view. They are only likely red on a quite open and equal basis. id Left is not open to anybody for bid. It is just because this is so that ave been discussing the form of a the campaigns the dent Left could meet in thel own their own terms, to discuss prepare for In 1968. the scale and intensity of independent Left activity in Britain widened dramatically. More clearly than at any time since the early sixties, a Left opposition made its presence felt, against the weight and inertia of the orthodox political system. Moreover, this activity was on a broader front than at any time since the war: in the struggle against imperialism; in the peace movement; in the movement for workers' wages, housing and the social services; in education. especially in the universities, and in communications. During the, year, also, there were Such a cavention ill not be easy. Telle ne important rivalries, misunderstandings and suspicions, between some existing groups. The urgency of the political crisis does not, in any case, make fol even te that mad of our & Metends an suppose that of our differences with all their consequences different styles of action and work, would not survive the most exhaustive discussion. All the same, cnough of us are convinced that here is something to be making attempt to get together, and to see where we'te going.
At Scarborougt in September 1967. I saw a one end of the seafront a demonstration of the Yorkshire agricultural workers, and at the other end a Committee of 100 demonstration on Vietnam. What struck me most was that they were wholly separate events: although in final analysis their issues were connected.
Again, twice in 1968 I spoke in the Camden Town Hall, at big political meetings: one with an audience mainly of trade unionists: the other with an audience mainly of students. I was bound to ask what would happen, in Britain, # a serious attempt were made to bring those two meetings together: with all differences of style and interests, but with so much, as 1 could see, in common to win and to lose. I see the attempt at a convention as an attempt to move to a higher the cople and the issues that have been s active in these last few years: people who are now preparing for even harder struggles in the years ahead.
Somebody had to make a preliminary move As Editor of the May Day Manifesto 1 signed a letter to some eighty Left groups and organisations. inviting them to send representatives to a Preparatory Commission We have had two preliminury meetings and were sufficiently couraged to go ahead with practical arrangements. Organisations represcoted so far are: Workers"
Community Workshop, Committee, Committee Haslemere Declaration, Manifesto.
and Peace, Solidarity (observer), S.C.M.
by Ken Coates. Political Commission (observer). There is still plenty of room for other groups to join in the work of beliuon and urgansacon The watchword is that this will be open and equal throughout. In introducing tge furst general statement of the Preparatory Comunission, 1 want to appeal again, to everyone on the Left, to look at the problems and the proposals, and from their own position and point of view to join in and make the Convention a success. Details Sect information tory omnion the Secretary. Commission, Pitzroy Square, W 1. The next meeting of the Cornisame will be on Saturday 25 January at 24 Pembridge Gardens, W 2, from 11 am to 4 pm approx. The Connissions on issues up as follows: Organisation ard Action; Social Services; Imperialism; Race; Demoacy and the State; the Economy: Trade Unions; Education and Conunanications, commissions will be holding their first •meetings during the week preceding January 25th. Anyone on the Left is invited to porr then. Full detalls from the Secretary, IT Fitzroy Square, WI.
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Declaratiamentary Democr Derational Confederation for Disarmineo