er The Falkiands/Malvinas crisis, its roots and the attitude of the Com- munist Party of Argentina (CPA) are outlined in this article (abridged) by Mario Jose Grabivker, a feading member of the CPA. For almost a century and a half Argen- tina has sought to regain sovereignty over the Malvinas, which the British had taken by force. Essentially speaking, the problem boils down to eradicating the shameful legacy of the epoch of colonial conquests. However, London wrecked all attempts to have constructive talks on the matter. Britain’s negative stand stif- fened with the confirmation of the as- sumption that in the zone of the ar- chipelago there are large deposits of oil, manganese, and uranium, as well as huge reserves of seafood (krill and fish). The Argentine people regard the prin- ciples of national sovereignty as inviol- able. This is their stand relative to the Maivinas. They regard this issue as part of the general struggle of the continent’s peoples against colonialism and, at the same time, as a major element of the movement for the nation’s democratiza- tion. The conflict over the Malvinas led to Argentina’s confrontation not only with Britain but also with its senior partner, the USA. Washington has long had its eye on the South Atlantic and has been escalating its efforts to draw Argentina into its aggressive plans and seize control of the wealth of the Malvinas. The Reagan administration hardened its aggressive policies not only towards the Central American states but also the nations of the Caribbean. It is out to rein- force its domination throughout the reg- ion, which was at one time seen as the ““‘backyard’’ of the North American imperialists. Here the aim is to halt the liberation movement of the peoples of Latin America and Caribbean, a move- ment that had now reached unpre- cedented proportions. A Southern NATO In the context of these imperial plans the USA saw Argentina as a potential ally and suitable candidate for the role of its policeman. This role presupposed the establishment of military bases on the Malvinas and in south Argentina, and the exploitation of natural wealth for the profit of North American and British monopolies. In the long run, this spelled out economic, political, and military con- trol of the whole of Argentina's Patagonia, the Malvinas, and the south- erm seas, in other words, the strategic zone of the contemplated new military bloc, the South Atlantic Treaty to Washi Four thousand Britons marched through London streets to protest the British invasion of ton s plans for ‘> CEASE-FIRE NEGUTIATE bed the Falklands-Malvinas Islands. The demonstrators called for an immediate cease fire the beginning of negotiations to solve the crisis. supplement NATO. Had these sinister intentions materialized, Argentina would have found itself in greater dependence than ever on North American imperial- ism. Washington maintained unceasing pressure on the governments that re- placed one another in Argentina. Relying on the most reactionary elements in the country, it interfered in the policies of the Argentine government, and gave its sup- port to a military regime that had no sup- port among the people. Democratic freedoms were abolished. Hundreds of Argentines are in prison or listed as *‘disappeared’’. Political parties and trade unions have been banned. The economic policy, geared to suit the imperialist monopolies and the financial oligarchy, has led to the dismantling of part of the production apparatus, un- employment, emigration, and a cutback of the working people’s living standard. The crisis gripping the nation has evoked the growing anger of the people; who are taking the road of an organized struggle. Sharp conflicts have erupted even in government circles. This has generated a new situation. The National Day of Struggle on March 30, this year was an event of im- mense significance. The working people : demonstrated, protesting against the anti-people policy that has led our coun- try to the brink of national catastrophe. _ They demanded freedoms and democrat- ic rights. The most noteworthy development is that despite repressions the people marched, demonstrating the increased unity of all democratic forces. This was the situation on the eve of April 2, when the Argentine Government decided to reintegrate.the Malvinas with national territory. The Malvinas There were a number of reasons and factors behind this step. They include the justified patriotic mood of the Argentine people, many generations of whom fought relapses into colonialism or var- ious nationalistic trends, both civilian and military. It is not to be excluded that to some extent this was also a political manoeuvre, which the government hoped would divert the people’s atten- tion from internal difficulties. The method used by the military re- gime to liberate the islands — seizure by force — has been justifiably deplored. Of course, if Argentina had a democratic government relying on the will of the people it would be quite fair to expect that it might have achieved the same aim by different means. It might have been possible, say, to mobilize the working people for political actions, to rely on international organizations, and have re- course to the assistance of friendly governments and states. But whatever the motives behind the decision of April 2 its significance is explicit. The return to the Argentines ofa colonial enclave after almost 150 years of British rule has objectively become an anti-imperialist act. It cannot be assessed otherwise, although this does not depend on the will of those who accomplished it. the M alvinas The liberation of the Malvinas cause! an eruption of patriotic but by no meal chauvinistic feeling among the peopl The political parties — with the CP among the first — the workers, and se lic organizations declared unequiv: in favor of the restoration of natio sovereignty in the archipelago. But, the same time, they demanded nomic, political, and social changes, al the immediate restoration of civil libé ties, seeing this as indispensable ! strengthening the nation’s unity in face of the threat of ‘aggression. j 1 The CPA declaration May 12 speaks «the need for a faster quest for a no! military settlement in order to keep # peace and safeguard Argentina's inali¢l able rights. The priority aims must & first, the immediate cessation of ho! participation of the UN _ Secreta y General to lay down a reasonable tiff limit for the restoration of Argentina? sovereignty over the Malvinas and esté which the Argentine Government hast fact been observing for many yeals} and, third, the convocation of the UI ‘Security Council to consider these # sues. q The CPA, holds that regardless of character of the mutual concessions t may be made at the negotiations, Argel tina should under no circumstances linquish its sovereignty over the isle n } and that it should prevent any fore gt power from building a military base 0 them. It is the firm belief of the Coit munists that no agreement should given to either direct or indirect medi@ tion by the U.S. government. Return to Democracy To pursue this course, which has the support of the vast majority of the Arge tine people, steps must be taken to f@ consider the economic policy thi weakened the nation’s defence capabil ity through the cutback in production. is important to ensure the participation? the people in decision-making throug? representative bodies, for which purpos* the ban on political parties and trad unions must be promptly lifted and thé operation of the Constitution restored. I the view of the CPA, the milital) government should invite all politic? parties and public organizations, withoul discrimination to a discussion and for th? joint adoption of a minimum program. > decision must be taken on the ways and means of implementing this progrant an on the character and type of governmet! required by the situation to ensure thé victory of the nation’s just cause. Al S. African regime murders exiled ANC rep Special to the Tribune In the past two weeks the military wing of the African National Congress (South Africa), ‘‘Um- khonto We Sizwe”’ carried out a series of actions throughout South Africa causing the racist regime considerable worry. Two weeks ago in Durban a water and fuel pipe- line were biown up. Shortly after, the West Rand administration building in Soweto exploded when that body attempted to impose rent increases. Late in May a large fuel depot was blown up at Hectorspruit near the Mozambique border and seconds later a nearby power station was also de- stroyed. These coincided with military actions launched by the Mozambique army against the. so-called ‘‘Mozambiquan. National Resistance Front” which is funded and armed by the South African regime. On June 2 in Pietersburg, northern: Natal, six bombs exploded at a fuel depot devastating huge storage tanks. On June 4, explosions rocked rail- way lines in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth seri- ously disrupting rail traffic. The same day in Johannesburg, the President's Council building was blown up. The South African regime responded by killing Petrus Nyaose, deputy representative of the ANC in Swaziland. According to a statement by ANC general secretary Alfred Nzo, June 7, Nyaose and his wife Jabu were killed when a car bomb ex- ploded near Matsapa June 4. The ANC statement said a few others were in- jured when the bomb went off in a populated sec- tor. “‘The Botha-Milan regime,”’. it continued, “once again must bear full responsibility for this latest act of blatant terrorism which further under- lines the depth of the crisis which must eventually spell the doom of the oppressive apartheid regime. “It is ironical that against the background of escalating terror by the apartheid regime which is seen in the rising tempo ‘of detention, and in- creasing barbarous torture of detainees,’’ Nzo said, ‘‘coupled with escalating aggression against neighboring African states, apologists and suppor- ters of the regime in South Africa and abroad seek to convince the world that positive changes within the apartheid system are possible. “The present reality clearly shows that nothing short of the total destruction of the apartheid sys- tem will bring about peace and progress both in South Africa and southern Africa and, indeed over the whole continent.”’ Nzo said the murder of Petrus and Jabu Nyaose will not interrupt the rising tempo of the national democratic revolution within South Africa. ‘‘If anything, these desperate acts of terrorism add fuel on the burning embers of our revolutionary strug- le, “The current intensified military and political campaign by the ANC will and must attain new high levels,’ Nzo concluded. He paid tribute to the sacrifice of Petrus and Jabu Nyaose and all other martyrs who have fallen before. = a a PACIFIC TRIBUNE— JUNE 18, 1982— Page 8