25/12/1947
Dear Comrades,
I would appreciate your Committee considering and handing down a decision upon the underlined points.
(1) As a member of the ’Industrial nucleus’ within the N.U.G.M.W. I put forward the suggestion that the group exercise a little more care in future in the calling–and particularly–in the meeting place of the group. As you may be aware, no care whatsoever is taken to insure that some degree of secrecy is observed. In no way did I at the group meeting, nor am I now, advocating or in any way suggesting a withdrawal of Party forces in face of a possible extensive ’red hunting’ campaign by the reactionaries within the Union. In fact, my views were put forward before the general attack upon our positions inside the Trade Union was even considered a serious possibility.
All I advocated, and all I advocate at the present moment, is that a certain amount of ordinary, elementary precaution be taken in order to make the job of pin-pointing in absolute fashion Party members active inside the Trade Union more difficult for stool-pigeons and right wing officials.
Comrade John Mahon and the majority of the group, who are under his complete thumb, hold the view that a good Communist is exposed in any case, therefore there is no need to worry about the possibility of stool-pigeons and spotters finding out who attends our group meeting. I consider such a way of looking at things as stupid and adventuristic.
(2) In connection with the aftermath of the Savoy strike I have repeatedly asked the Party, through the medium of Comrade Mahon and the industrial group, for a clear understanding of the Party’s attitude to the underlying points:
(a) Where should the Party-line be drawn in our backing and support of various forms of ’unofficial’ action being taken by certain catering workers who are not directly subject to Party control and discipline. For example, a series of bulletins–I append No. 4–has been issued by these Union members. I take the view that these bulletins are playing into the hands of the E.C. of the Union, strengthening their charge that our Union Branch is Party led and playing a game of politics with the Union membership.
(b) In view of the possibility of expulsion from the Union of some of those actively engaged in fighting the Unions E.C. I have repeatedly asked Comrade Mahon for clear and definite instructions as to who among our Party nucleus should be told not to take part in these unofficial activities, in order that under any circumstances at least a part of our forces will be able to remain within the Union should the E.C. decide upon an expulsion policy. The issue has been completely evaded by Comrade Mahon; as an individual, having received no clear-cut Party instructions, I have so far refused to be drawn into these unofficial activities which, to say the least, are amateurish. Because of my stand I am now looked upon with reserve and suspicion, I therefore ask that the Party give me instructions in this matter.
(c) One of our comrades holds a responsible and key position within the Union. I have raised the question of the advisability of this comrade attending these quite open industrial meetings of the group, pointing out should the E.C. of the Union connect him up with the Party his removal from office is certain, and possibly his expulsion from the Union. Comrade Mahon and the majority of the group prove, by the very fact that they still allow this comrade to attend the meetings, that they completely under-estimate the reactionary character of the E.C. of the Union and its real strength at present in relation to the forces of the Left. Such a policy is ultra-leftism carried to the point of utter stupidity. Years of work in this Union stand in danger of going down the river through this type of adventuristic policies from which we gain nothing, nothing at all.