Page 4 — April 28, 1945 P.A. PEOPLE’S VOICE FOR PROGRESS AVUCUASUSUAESLASEEEROSOCUSTRESCCEVELURUELELILERSTLATSSERLAECTTERSEUIESATTES RESIS PACIFIC ADVOCATE MESKODOOCSTCOSHECATEOCEERNT OLS S2NTTLLSIAESTAESET NA+ ACATCOES SEEGERS ESI ENt2AT-TENe Published every Saturday by The People Publishing Com- pany, Reom 104, Shelly Building, 119 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia and printed at East End Printers, 2303 Fast Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Subscription Rates- One year $2, six months $1. Editor : Associate Editor ¢. A. SAUNDERS MYER SHARZER San Francisco AN Francisco holds the attention of the entire world today; for in the War Memorial Opera House and the committee rooms of the Veterans’ Building the shape of the future is being moulded. To the delegates assembled on this historic occasion de- volves the responsibility of approving a charter which will conform with the new world relations emerging from the war and, in accordance with these, provide a world security or- ganization. The task has been greatly facilitated and rendered less com- plicated by the basic agreement already reached among the leading nations. From the Moscow Conference of foreign ministers in October, 1943, to the Crimean Conference of February, 1945, the Big Three were able to concert their mili- tary action and evolve joint policies at a level which made pos- sible this San Francisco Conference. Without cooperation of the three major powers all else would have been impossible: with the achievement. of that cooperation it became possible to prepare the peace even as victory is being won. It is this tremendous fact that gives assurance of success at San Francisco and promises that the achievement there will be of a durable quality. The perspec- tive of peace for generations, raised at Teheran, is now brought closer to realization. This is the atmosphere in which’ this meeting takes place, an atmosphere in which all men of goodwill are anxious ‘and striving to overcome difficulties and differences. In these circumstances it is a crime against the peoples of the world on the part of those newspapers, which, in a search for sensation, or-in a spirit of deliberate disruption, distort, emphasize and invent, stories calculated to inject an atmos- phere of suspicion and distrust. _ Such editorials as that appearing in the Vancouver Sun of April 24, fall directly into that category. It plays up to the limit the controversial Polish question, replete with innuendo and invention. What justification, other than a vindictive desire to generate suspicion and hate toward the Soviet Union, could there be in the following insinuation, “‘Or is it possible indeed, that the early knowledge of Stalin’s intention to break away on the Polish question contributed to the death of the President~’ Could anything be more coldly calculated to destroy everything that President Roosevelt lived and worked for. It is of such writings as this Earl Browder was thinkine when he pointed out, ‘‘most inappropriate, however, has been the conduct of most American newspapers in creating an atmos- phere for the opening of the conference, that is filled with clouds of suspicion and recriminations, against our main al- lies, Britain and the Soviet Union. There are no valid grounds for this damaging atmosphere. It is harmful to American interests and prestige. It gives our country an appearance of irresponsibility that is not warranted by the facts, for the American people are overwhelmingly supporting the Dumbar- ton Oaks plan and have faith in our Allies.” In contrast Canadians will welcome the statement of Mackenzie King, ‘‘What we want-is to get results and get this world organization our attitude should be one of helpful understanding.” Along these lines Canada will make her contribution to world peace and ‘progress. oe [ae Shipyard General Workers’ Federation re- cognizing its responsibility to its member- ship in the coming federal elections has laid plans to ensure the fullest participation of its mem- bership in the campaign. Calling together the PAG’s of the affiliated locals, con- Crete steps were taken to bring home the vital impor- tance of the coming contest. Through publicity and the organized work of shop stew- ards every endeavor will be made to get out the vote. This is a good lead to or- ganized labor in this dis- trict, for without doubt, the form of the next parliament will decide the fate of the trade union movement of Ca_ nada for years to come. First every trade unionist should make sure he is on the voters list. Secondly every trade unionist should be thoroughly acquainted with the issues at stake. It is not sufficient to study the election plat- forms of the parties in the field. The old line parties have been contesting elections for 4 long: time. Their platforms are designed to catch votes and win elections. That is why we find planks mh the program of the Progressive Conservative '. Party which on the surface are acceptable to labor. The issues in the present campaign go much deeper than election platforms, the camou- flage vote catching phraseology which promises everything—from soup to nuts—to the prospec- tive voter. The issues in the present campaign We regret to announce that owing to the fact that the Ontario Provincial elec- tien date coincides so closely with the date of the Federal] elections, John Weir, editor ef the Canadian Tribune, will be unable to make the trip to San Francisco to cover the World Security Conference. However we will be able to give our readers adequate coverage with direct reports from Labor News Services on the scene. in Passing By C. A. Saunders [ee Town Planning Commission and the Giti-- zens’ Committee of Wancouver have approved plans for building the city’s Civic center on the site now occupied by Central School. Now plans must be approved by the mayor and aldermen, then the city can go ahead on the job of making the center a reality. 2 : It was almost a year ago that the city council gave town planner Harland Bar- tholomew of St. Louis the green light on his task of revamping our town plan. Bartholomew put several of his experts on the job, and the results are eratifyine. The new civic center, with its theatre, art gallery, mu- seum, skating and eurling: rinks, art and vocational schools, playgrounds, parks, government buildings . and auditorium will be some- thing Vancouverites can view with great pride. The Town Planning Commission will receive the Support of organized labor in carrying out the project. The site chosen for the center is also com- mendable. Other proposed sites had the dis- advantage of being too far “removed from the workineclass districts. The Central School site, extending south from Victory Square, is close to the main retail district and all transit lines. To serve the community properly, it is essential that a civic center he easily accessible to all the people of the city. In this respect the site chosen by the Town Planners is unusually fine. And now, let’s look into the future a bit. Tet’s suppose the civic center has been built. The’ proper officials haye made the proper speeches, the doors have been officially opened. What will we do now? Will we walk warily around our new possession speaking in whis- pers? Will we keep it only to show off to visit- ers? Or will we make it an important part of our own lives, making good use of its excellent facilities ? : First, I think, we should make certain that labor representatives are given seats on the Town Planning Commission, because, after all, even 1 have a well defined dividing line and al] and candidates fall to one or the other that line. a For or against the future coopera: the world’s three greatest and decisive ; the USA—the USSR—and Great Britain sure the pos ibility of a Gomity of nations which the peaceful economic and indush velopment of the world can proceed tow; elimination of poverty. ’ : This basic question, upon which the of every nation rests, the peaceful cosy ard cooperation of the now thoroughly lished and irremovable Socialist Soviet Un. the Capitalist Democracies—the USA and ‘Britain, is the touchstone. = According to their attitude toway, question, candidates and parties’ fall jp category of those’ supporting and those to the interests and aspirations of organi bor. 1 ~& HE PAG@’s have a terrific task and re bility during the next six weels. Ore labor must be clarified on the issues ini The tremendous importance of the San Py: Conference must be brought home to ever: vidual. It must be clearly pointed out th carrying, through of these decisions will prime responsibility and task of the next ¢ ment of Canada. It must be pointed out + ensure the carrying through of policies %¢ certain that Canada’s future is firmly ba: the new perspective, Labor must have VC: the next parliament. : All illusions must be dispelled. Ficure: the Gallup polls should be made available trade unionists. From this and other ey it will become clear that no party will con a sufficient majority to form a stable 2 ment in the immediate post-war years. The CCF have absolutely no chance 6 ning such a majority. If Labor is to have 4 in the governing of the country-in fhe De years it must pursue its own independent to elect candidates pledged to ‘co-operate all other progressive forces, and forestall eB ition of reaction. 4 The start made by the Shipyard Work goed. This election is so vital that the oy endeavour must be made to see that the y got out and that the issues are made clear is the task and responsibility of the PAG’s coming weeks. By Cynthia Carter the. best-intentioned business and protes’ men cannot speak for the entire comm Then, when our representatives are ther should be prepared to offer concrete sugee for utilizing the center through our union 3 clubs. ; What can the center offer our children? are a few suggestions—not mine, but thi — mothers with whom I’ve discussed the idea children’s playground should be modern, — equipped, with trained supervisors. Chil art and craft classes should be conducted i eSchool and gallery, and children’s Story - should be held at the library. A young pantomine or theater group could be orga any plenty of young people’s activities £5 be” planned for the new auditorium, rink: theater. : The theater, other people have sugg could be used to help develop a truly Gan culture, presenting plays and pageants Wi | by Canadiahs about Ganada. A lecture § open to the. public, could be arranged. = A young woman sheet metal worker I ; to would like to see the auditorium thrown to the public for a series of “town forum” grams in which people from all walks of could exchange ideas. A unionist from Bot thought it would be a good idea to have wi | educational movie programs provided frei charge in the civic theater. He would prefei ; type of movies produced by our National Board and movies imported from other coun to give us a clearer understanding of our nl bors. At a time when the Civic center exists | on p2per, such suggestions may seem prema’ I don’t think they are. “A well thought out” gram of activity, like blueprints for the b ings, must be prepared well in advance. Town-Planninge Commission and city council O.K. plans for the project, but once the co: Stenes are laid and Mr. Bartholomew's bi young men go back to St. Louis, the city c¢é will be our “baby.” And like an expectant m0 we should do a little studying up in adve: so that when the new arrival is really — well be able to help it grow into somethin: which we can be very proud. : Pe