*in the Regina trials our Own immediate circle.’ August 7, 19386 B.C. WORKERS’ NEWS Unity On Day To Da National Convention Favors United Front On Al] Immediate Issues (Continued from Page i) things were left to be brought up in resolutions submitted by and to the delegates. Lord Snell, chairman of the Lon- don County Council, Labor Party representative in the House of Lords, was present and Sreeted the eenvention. Amid tumults of applause and on a standing yote, a resolution back ine the heroic fight of the Spanish people against their fascist and monarchist enemies was adopted. William Irvine, Wrestaskiwin, Sas- katchewan, former ©.C.F. member of parliament, moved the motion from the floor of the convention, Jf it were formally seconded the voice of the seconder was lest in a storm of applause and shouts of “‘question!”’ The motion was immediately put by Chairman ©. J. Garland. “Lett wing bodies, though con- Stitutionally elected, have been forced by the fascists who know no Constitution, to face an illegal re- actionary, fascist revolt," the reso- Jution read in part. In speakin= on the repeal of Section 98 Del. Havelock gave al credit to J. S. Weoodsworth, omitting to make ary mention of the nation- Wide mass pressure Organized by the Communist Party to brine about the repeal of this infamous Piece of legislation. Splendid appeals for unity were made by Delegates Wun. irvine, Geo. Williams and Harold Winch, representing respectively the pro- vincial councils of the C.CE. of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Winch warned the con- Vention that the B.C. rank and file membership will insist on its leaders Carrying out its wishes as expressed at the recent provincial convention held in Wancouver. He stated that the present trouble Within the €.C-F. in B:C. is due to a small frac— tion of the leadership not earrying out the decisions of the rank and file. “Unity with Communist and other progressive forces is desired in Sas- Katchewan because economic con- ditions force it,” asserted George Williams, C.C.F. leader in that proy- ince, By a standine vote the delegates expressed their opposition to the use of police and military forces against Strikes and demonstrations of the working class. Backs Mass Pressure A sharp discussion followed the readings of a resolution from Brit- ish Columbia demanding the imme- diate release of the camp boys who are serving prison sentences follow- ing the Regina police riot. Coldwell and Woodsworth opposed it on the -grounds that it “might create prejudice’ and endanger the possibility of arransin= immediate release. Mr. Coldwell explained that the CCF. members in the House of Commons are now working through the minister of justice for the re- lease of the prisoners. The sgovern- ment he said, does not like to be placed in the position of yielding to pressure. “I speak with the approval of the leader of our parliamentary group,” he said. “Yes,"" asreed Mr. Woodsweorth, “the mover of this resolution States that these men are wrongfully im- prisoned. I think that from eur point of view this is true. But what we are trying to avoid is that some ill- founded, ill-worded resolution from the convention would have the ef- fect of keepine these men in longer than is necessary.” E. A. Beder, Toronto, of the So- cialist Party was first on his feet following Woodsworth and Gold- well’s objections to the mass pres- Sure motions. Governments will yield to mass Pressure, he said citing the repeal of section 98 and the successes scored by the defense as evidence. Charles Procunier, Toronts, and Mrs, Jean Laing, Toronto, followed, Mrs. Laine adding that the force of Public opinion had brought about the withdrawal of the kidnapping Charges against arrested York Township relief strikers. Angus MaciInnes, M.P., British Co- lumbia, declared his belief in the ef- fectiveness of protests. ©. S. Maund of Pee] County, de- Clared that the resolution was not half strone enough and urged that > Covered Convention SAM CARR Who was special correspondent for the B.C. Workers’ News at the three-day national convention of the €.C.F. in Toronto. it go back to the resolutions coni- mittee for redraftins. : Jack King, Regina, national sec- retary of the Co-operative Common- wealth Youth Movement. backed the resolution with figures of the Regina trials. At first, he said, more than 100 had been arrested but mass pressure succeeded in freeing all but six, the six who are now in prison. “Let’s have more and get them out lenged, At this point Felix Lazarus de- Clared that “we as Socialists believe in Constitutional means” ana he op- mass too,” pressure he ‘chail- posed the launching of a protest campaisn. Professor Kine Gordon here as- Serted that there is nothing uncon- Stitutional about applying pressure. George Williams, Saskatchewan party leader. and Alderman Toothill of Regina, both spoke for the reso- lution as did Saul Berman of Mont- real, Dr. Rose Henderson of Toronto, Bruce Robinson of Toronto. David Lewis of Ottawa, Mrs. Louise Lucas of Saskatchewan, and A. H. W ood- son of the York Township arrested relief strikers. “I was not arguing for or against mass pressure,’ Mir. Coldywell said. “Whatever this convention decides. I am sure will be Quite satisfactory to both Mr. Woodsworth and my- Self.” In spite of the Woodsworth- Coldwell opposition the resolution Passed unanimously, following speeches made by King Gordon and Angus MeInnis urgine= its adoption. Coldwell and Woodsworth ab- Stained from voting on this import- ant resolution. Tuesday mornine Inainly occupied with dealing with amendments to the constitution, primarily affectine= the composition of the National Council. Woods- worth reconsidered his first position of establishing separate offices for the positions of party leader and leader of the parliamentary group. The convention elected unani- mously Woodsworth as president for the next year, and Coldwell was elected vice-president defeating Ir vine for this post. Neutrality for Canada Resolutions discussed included one assuming that in event of war Can- ada maintain a neutral attitude. An amendment improving the clarity of this resolution, introduced by Dele- gate King of Regina, was defeated. Session was Delegates Douglas and Spry ap- pealed for support of a resolution affirming the Solidarity of the C.CF. with the World Peace Con- Sress. The attitude of the convention with regard to the imminent danger of war was strongly permeated With bourgeois pacifism, a strone militant stand on this very pressing question bein= noticeably lacking. Resolutions on nationalization of the Bank of Ganada, control of credit, for old age pensions to be paid at sixty, the thirty-hour week, and for the establishment of educa- tional centers for unemployed, were all passed. Six members of the National Council were elected Tuesday night: Lewis, Irvine, Jolliffe, Gardiner, Associated Labor Press Appeals For Financial Aid TORONTO, Ont., July 31.—Read- ers of Canada’s working class press were asked today to come to the aid of the world’s first co-operative Labor news service, the Associated Labor Press. The appeal for fin- ancial help was made by Fred Hodgson, editor. Founded more than 18 months ago by Labor newspapers, the As- sociated Labor Press, known more familiarly as ATP, has been sup- ported wholly by monthly payments from affiliated newspapers. This is the first time that any effort has been made to obtain necessary funds outside of the circle of papers. “And we hope that it will be the last time,” Hodgson Said, “because we feel that with sufficient capital we will be able to so extend the Service that it can be sold to papers outside of Canada, to papers out of “The Associated Labor Press is a ? ice,” Hodgson said, “and we en- deavor so far as we POssibly can to report labor news fairly and ac- curately.” “Capitalist newspapers pay hun- dreds of thousands of dollars for their news services, while we have been Struggling along on a monthly budget of less than $250 for all ex- penses, including wages, office rent, payment for news services which we receive, and other costs.” “During the summer many of our Papers find themselves in financial] difficulties and are unable to do their share towards the upkeep of their service. For this reason we are asking individuals and organi- zations to lend us a hand over a dif- ficult period.” Donations should be mailed to the Associated Labor Press, Room S), Mail and Empire Building, Toronto. Checks or money orders should be payable to Miss Elizabeth Birkett, non-party co-operative news serv- business manager. y Struggle Adopt Letter From Communist Party Of Canada Chairman and Delegates, Third National Convention, Toronto, Ontario. Communist Grave problems face the common Though normalcy,” the unemployed people o ject to ever-growing misery. The o jority of the working class remain and implement companies as well a collection agencies. tien 98, the Liberal governments, enforce further starvation condition Srowth of anti-capitalist forces, are wave of terror, as exemplified in t of war, policy of the Liberal theless completely supports the wa policies of the British Wational Gov the Federal as well as all recentl for a way out. So far, the tragedy Sive forces have not with an alternative party that will and, at the same time, based on a to lead a counter-offensive agains It is our contention that the C with the Regina Manifesto, beco Labor Party of Ganada, in the bro the term. To achieve this, we re the Communist Party Sive associations should be sought. itself to work energetically to build all-embracinge FarmerLabor Party one minute, we will Give up or dela a Socialist Commonwealth. On the Co-operative Gommonwealth Federation, Dear Comrades,—The Gentral Committee of the Party of Canada sends its fraternal Sreetings to all delegates assembled for the Third National Convention of the Co-operative Com- monwealth Hederation. We sincerely ‘hope that your deliberations will be fruitful and far-reaching in ad- vancinge the case of Socialism in our Dominion. capitalist profits have achieved a the lack of powerful, militant organization among the Canadian farmers makes them easy prey for mortgage Though the people compelled the repeal of Sec- napping charges” in Ontario. Over all these problems, like a Sinister cloud, hangs the ever-srowing danger accentuated for the Ganadian é sovernment at Ottawa, a policy which, shrouded in would-be peace phrases, never- The people of Ganada are restless. The results of elections show that the Canadian people are searching of the common people of Canada has been, and stil] remains, the fact that all progres- yet united to present the people answering the needs of the people and strong enough Shots” who have usurped the wealth of that the affiliation to the C.C.F.. of the Trade Unions, and all working-class progres- The Communist Party of Canada sincerely pledges people. Feeling the Sreat need for such unity, the Communist Party of Canada is prepared, without delay, to affiliate to the CCF. The struggle for the pressing needs of the people does not mean that, for To Third National Convention Of C.C.F. considered opinion that only by mobilizing the masses of the Canadian people to obtain amelioration of their immediate distress, only by the organizattion of a mighty Trade Union Movement, will we be making warmest people of Canada. “new f Canada are sub- verwhelming ma- unorganized and S government tax decisive steps towards winning the majority of Ca- nadians for Socialism. Only as an all-inclusive Farmer-labor Party of Canada can the C.C.F. prevent the possibility of the Conservatives, now assuming a demagogie “left’’ mask and once more getting the people of Ganada to vote for them as an alternative. all progressive forces, can wage a struggle for the leadership of the Canadian people and prevent leaders of the Aberhart and Stevens type from being able to influence the common people of the Dominion who, in desperate plight, look for a way out of their misery. Unity is the need of the hour the world over. In France, our brothers of the Socialist Party, joining hands -with the Communists and all Progressives, have successfully repelled the onrush of Fascism. They The C.C.F., embracing are passing over to an offensive to gain concession in an attempt to S and prevent the unleashing a new he so-called ‘*kid- people by the r and pro-Fascist ~ ernment. y-held Provincial after concession for the common people and win the overwhelming majority of the French people for So- cialism. We can and should follow the example of our French brothers and strive to align Canada with the peace forces in the world, led by the country of victorious Socialism, the U.S.S.R. In Spain, it was unity of all progressive forces that won the last election and it is this united effort that is now expressing itself in the glorious battle of all progressives against the cut-throats and assasins gathered by the capitalists of Spain who felt that they were rapidly approaching a period when the people would dispossess them and the rightful owners of Spanish wealth would come into their own. In country after country, unity has proven itself to be not only the main defense of the common people, be broad enough definite program t the “Fifty Big Canada. -C.—E. can, in line me the Farmer- adest meaning of Spectfully submit but also the strongest weapon of the offensive for Socialism. Unity in France, Spain, Austria, Italy, and hundreds of united actions in every country of the world should be a great lesson to us in Ganada. Every section of the labor and progressive move- ment is of greatest concern to all of us in this move- ment. It is because of this that we hope you will fully consider the great problem of unity and fittingly continue the steps taken by the GC.G.F. conventions in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Permit us to take this opportunity to invite your Party to send a delegation to the Ninth Congress of our Party, to be held during the first half of October, in the City of Toronto. On the eve of his departure for Europe to attend the €.C.F. as the of the Ganadian vention. y the struggle for contrary, it is our the World Peace Congress, Comrade Tim Buck, the General Secretary of our Party, asked that we convey his personal greetings to your Third National Con- Wishing you a successful Convention, Yours for Socialism, SAM CARR, Acting Secretary, Gentral Committee, COMMUNIST PARTY OF CANADA. Brigden, and Kang Gordon. In addi- tion to these elected from the floor, the National Council is to be com- bosed of three members elected by each provincial convention. Discussion on the Jack of growth and influence of the CCR. in Quebee province eccupied consider- able time, the delesates agreeing that special measures would have to be taken to remedy this situation. TORONTO, Aus. 5—The progress of the C.C.F_ convention climaxed today in the debate following the in- troduction of a resolution on the United Front submitted by the Na- tional Council. Harold Winch, M.L-A., recom- mended that the question of political and economic unity be debated and voted on separately. In presenting his arguments he supported the rec- ommendations of the National Coun- cil, contendinge that the resolution Was correct in prohibiting straight political unity, that is, unity between Political parties of the workers and farmers. He further stated that in BC. the © C.F. wa sin the forefront of all economic struggles and would continue this policy. Saskatchewan delegzates made a powerful plea for provincial auton- omy in conducting arrangements of a provincial nature. Partial Victory for Left The lengthy debate was marked by many anti-Communist Statements by the Old Guard, these views were interspersed with a number of strong pleas for unity. The vote on the resolution show- ed 88 to 7 for the first part of the resolution which called for opposi- tion to political nuity with any other Party. The second part, approving the adoption of joint measures from time to time, was adopted, these measures to include struggles for the maintenance of civil liberties, unemployment relief, etc. An amena- ment to exclude co-operation with Ras eee m Ns Spanish Socialists Swear Fealty tilities between republicans and Fascists. ae Ne | Socialists in Madrid, Spain, are shown with elenched fists upraised as they swore to get revenge for a police lieutenant’s murder by Fascist forces. The murder was one of the events which led up to present hos- political parties was overwhelming- ly defeated. Want Heusing Program The results of the debate on this resolution recorded a partial victory for the Left Wing delegates, as the national leadership was compelled to admit recognition, if not full agree- ment with participation in joint action. active co- unions in de- Scheme was A resolution advocatine: operation with labor manding a housing: adopted. The convention Strongly express- ed itself on the need for preserving World peace, and will Send a dele- gate to the world peace congress to be held in Brussels in September. By META BERGER Some Socialists are afraid of the vote of the Gommunists. Or, more accurately, they are afraid of the public endorsement of the Commun- ists for the Federation. They would not have objected to secret support. They are afraid that Communist votes might scare off some of the middle and upper class votes. And they figured that it was safer to have upper class than to have work ers’ votes, if those workers were Communists or radical, “Their reasons are obvious. Mer- chants are more “respectable” than Communists and make things pleas- anter for elected officials. Cal- culating this way, certain of our candidates forget that they are struggling for the brotherhood of man and that they represent the Socialist Party which has dedicated itself to create the collective society for the workers, They forget their comrades of Germany and Italy and Brazil who suffer the tortures of the damned for Socialism. They forgot their comrades in Spain who are on the barricades shoulder to shoulder With the same workers who em- VETERAN SOCIALI Wath the United Front a burning issue before the working class, this declaration by a veteran Socialist. widow of Victor Berger, delivered to the Milwaukee Socialist or- gamzation, 1s of great historic importance. * a akc * * * barrass Socialist candidates. They forget that in France there is no longer embarrassment but only solidarity and a strength multi- plied by unity. They overlooked the fact that in New York Com- munists and Socialists marched to- gether on May ist, and that in Chi- cago Communists and Socialists joined in a working class demon- stration on that same day. Sometimes I think that, like our German comrades, we Socialists are unaware of the dangers which close in upon us. Do we know, comrades, how little time there is left for us before we may no longer be per- mitted to run for office? Do we realize what poisonous ideas possess the minds of those who control our jobs and our freedom? Do we ST PLEADS FOR UNITY know what Jew-baiting, what labor- hatreds sharpen the conversation at the clubs where industrialists gather? I assert that certain of the can- didates in the recent campaign re- sorted to red-baiting which at last won Hearst's approval, for the pur- pose of proving that they were not radicals and T insist that this is inconsistent with fundamental So- cialist principles. Comrades, how can we of the rank and file speak? How can we make our power felt? How can we wield the knife of party discipline to keep our leaders faithful to our cause? We can do it in only one way; only by swift, decisive action, by such clear commanding expression as the job-holders and job-seekers in Our party must heed. Men listen to those who contro] their jobs, We must demand as our political birthright, comrades, the right to decide whether we live or die as a party. We must insist that the de cision of the executive committee on the question of whether we shall enter the Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation as a party or as indi- Convention +t } Resolutions Relations With Other Labor Bixiceten Since its inception the C.C.F. has stood and our ele- We Tates. to stand for the unity of all farmers, workers, protes, ’ and labor groups in their struggle for socialism.- primary purpose of the organization is to transform present economic system inte a co-operative commonwi by methods suitable to Canadian conditions at the pys time. The C.C.F. is the best instrument by means off) Canadians may achieve their vidual or group sincerely desiring a United or Popul; socialist objective. An\ jecial should accept the Manifesto and Constitution of { Bese join its ranks and help tc make it the mass MOovhe — CO the Canadian people. The correct policy; for the C.C.F. remains creasing its mass support among farmers a throughout the country by an aggressive program socialist education, organization and participation im daily struggle of our people for improved conditions. Th fore no good purpose can be served by any attempt to ‘ together political orzanizations the policies and worki methods of which differ in principle and practice. Dy ‘Ore = th RES ae ti ‘ A normal part of the socialist activity of the C.C-F. is _ to work nationally and locally for the protection of civil liberties, the defence of the unemployed, and to carry on propaganda for peace. In such activities co-operation with other groups may be found desirable from time to time. Because of the diversity of conditions across Canada this convention declares that decisions regarding such co-opera- tion shalj rest with the provincial council concerned, subject to review by, the National Council if in its opinion such ¢o- Gperation conflicts with the platform and constitution | of the C.C.F. The imperialist powers have be- trayed the principles of the League of Nations and are feverishly pre- paring for another war. The situa- tion is so serious that it is no long- er possible to content ourselves with Vague declarations about our deyo- tion to peace. A clear and conscious foreign policy has become of para- mount importance. Government Policy ana tne ‘ People The €.C.F. stronely condemns the secrecy with which foreign policy has been conducted by Liberals and Conservatives alike. Under Mr. Kang as under Mr, Gennett it has been the practice to delay and avoid dis- cussion of what our Department of External Affairs has been doing and of what commitments it may have undertaken. Yet wpon these Secret decisions may depend the lives of tens of thousands of young Canadians. Such conduct is a de- nial of all the democratic principles of responsible government. A CCR. sovernment will take the Canadian people into its confidence on this as on other matters. Canada ang me Mmipire At present Canada has not legal- ly achieved complete control over her foreign policy because she is technically at war when Great Bri- tain is at war. The C.C.F. therefore favors legislation similar to that re- cently passed in South Africa. which will remove the lesal and constitu- tional obstacles to independent ac- tion by the Ganadian parliament and sovernment on all questions of peace and war. Such legislation will make it clear to the world that Canada is free to be neutral in any War, even in one in which the other members of the British Common- Wealth are engased. Foreign Policy r } } Se ihe © Con re-affirms its belief that the principal causes of war in the modern world aré economic com- petition, the struggle for raw ma- terials and markets, and the class conflicts, part of the capitalist system. It is evident that the most socialist coun- tries today are the strongest influ ence for peace, whilst ism, aggressive nationalism and war propaganda are flourishing amongst the capitalist and fascist powers. The change from capitalism to a so- cialist economy planned in the in- terest of the people wili be the best protection against war. would be able to organize world opinion against war and to establish a system of collectiv:« establishing a system of Gollectiv security to prevent ageression. Th present League has faiied becai' imperialist governments have vu: it as a screen behind whiat to, the old game of power p, 1218. be effective the League vide machinery for th——— change of treaties; it mus lessly with economic con ing from trade rivalries -7 a the strugesle for raw. ances, must work out in advanG ijeq, policy for collective actic Carl. an ageressor; and its men disarm. The C.GCE. wi Support any policy whi: such developments in thf: Until such reorgau 7964 achieved the C.C.Fr. be, Cut Canada should remain stis De- tral in ease of war resanitry Who the bellizrants may snd Canadian goyernment SHO" and all commitments in-any-s¢ imperial defence =nd shoul——— its defence pricy to local &€ needs. AT Peace Rally And Parade Slight changes in the time of the Peace Rally and Parade on Sunday, August 9, have been decided upon by the Joint Peace Committee. The Mass meeting will commence at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, August 9, on Cambie street Srounds, the parade to the Malkin Memorial Shell at Stanley Park to start at 1:30 p.m. Well known labor Speakers will address the mass meeting and the parade which will be colorful should Sive effective support to the peace meetine= in Stanley Park which has been called by the Vancouver Peace Programme Committee. The CCF. band will lead the labor parade ana there will be sey- eral peace floats, many banners and slogans, etc. The broadest mo- bilization representing many dif- ferences of political opinions is ex- pected to join together at Stanley Park in the common cause of peace. Whilst the Canadian League Against War and Rascism will be the main organizers of the parade from Cam- bie street sTrounds, there is close viduals, be referred to the rank and file. Surely we have a right to de- cide by referendum whether our party shall survive or succumb. Phe leaders are not the party. We are the party. The Gecision is ours to make. So while we continue to Support and work for the Federa- tion and in the Federation, we must insist upon the right to decide upon our own political life as Socialists and the right to affiliation with workers all over the world who are making the glorious fight for human freedom. Comrades, if we raise our voices in mighty collective command on these points we will save our party and redeem it for our cause. And our leaders will listen to us for we of the rank and file are their power. We are the ground under their feet. And it is the way of leaders to keep their ear close to the ground. Almost a century ago, in a little document which rang around the world, a man who has been proved a prophet exhorted us: “Workers of the world unite.’ I remind you, comrades—while there is yet time. co-operation between the leagust the Vancouver Peace Prosshs Ce amittee, ast ull support should be giy this peace movement whicl=— braces broad sections of Britix- lumbians. These demonstration, peace alongs with the tage day = nance a delegation to the WOE’ PEACH CONGRESS mark the’ sinning of a sreater and contin movement for the prevention of ~ Convention Commen_ And Utteranceso« “There should be no disti— as to color, race or creed IrDi- ada.” — Graham Spry, cha de- Ontario C.CFr. osi- 7ho “I remember the Shame Di- when I, as a British subjectuly the Toronto Communists sent »m- Son merely because they beme that force might have to be before the working class co—— tain power. Deep as are the, ) ences dividing us, the @Gh ‘fight to the last ditch to sei they have the right to Boe) opinions.” — Prof Erie Ha’ Toronto University. : “The resent trouble within CCE. in B.C is due to the ref of a small fraction of the leader* to carry out the decisions of= rank and file. — Harold pwr M.L.A. have more Mass pres Set them’ out" —jacic Ki Regina (veferrins- to the imprisv) camp boys): “Let's and (Ge ee “This question Of a ‘United Fr)) has taken time and energy d_ all proportion to its importaace? that might wel have Wee dey _, to a better Purpose. ¥Towever, the Communist Party, a rival £ tical Orsanization, has forced ” issue upon us, we may as welll it squarely. 7. S. Woodswortke r. Look Out! e “Communism is wrong from ey angle, but Communists are childD. Of God like us: they are broth we love them and we wish tog them from error and eyil> complish this task we brie intelligences and our beays the “Catholic Herald,” June 263 ? / : re 2 <> ng —— which are an essential ~ militar—~ It is, however, clear that a prop-_ : Riven? aS ; i > wi ee PAO ewig, een WRT i+ hn 4) om B® (utes ~ seedy: e el LT gS en , Lr} ey, + enn: TALE hy ayer a ee