COMMUNISM'S ATTITUDE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 1, 24 August 1943, Page 4

COMMUNISM'S ATTITUDE

Sir., —In the Herald of August 11 Mr Frascr, the Prime Minister, is reported to have stated that the Communists were organising the election campaign of Mr Scrimgeour. .Apparently Mr Frascr has been misinformed. In fact two Wellington members of the Communist Party have been expelled because contrary to the policy of the party, they are playing an active part on Mr Scrimgeour's election, campaign. In its issued of July 14th the "People's Voice" official organ of the Communist Party stated: "If Mr Scrimgeour desires to further the interests of the anti-Fascist cause, he is going the wrong way about it. His action in campaigning against tin* Prime Minister in the Parliamentary elections, can help only the Nationalists." On July 28th the "People's Voice" stated: "Scrim's very action in standing as an Independent has already placed him outside the Labour movement and he must inevitably begin to serve the interests of anti-Labour elements." As Mr Frascr" is well aware, the Communist Party offered' tf) give all possible help to the Labour Party in the coming elections. To this offer the National Executive of the New Zealand Labour Party replied that, being bound by decisions of conference, it was unable, to enter into an agreement with another political party. Bn passing it is i'nterst'ing to note that, these decisions of conference have not deterred the Labour Party from collaborating with. the National Party representatives in. the War Cabinet. The Communist Pajty believes that, in spite of its weaknesses,, the Labour Government is doing a better job of work than any which might replace it at the present time. Therefore, in spite of the. refusal of the top leaders the. Communist Party will give all possible help to the Government during the coming" campaign, because they know that their assistance is gladly welcomed by the majority of. the Labour Party members. The Labour movement is a greater thing than the handful of individuals who speak in its name, and it is with this great movement that the Communist Party will co-operate. The Communist Party stands for: The building of wor'king class and national unity against Fascism. The speeding of the war effort and the protection of the people's interests. Therefore"* they say: Let workers, farmers and all progressive unite in the election campaign to return and strengthen the present government. Yours etc., SECRETARIAT, Edgccumbe branch Communist Party.