Revolution for change
Sir,—"The Press” of February 6 carried an interview with Jean Chesneaux, a Frenchman who opposes French tests in the Pacific and supports Kanak independence. As, a former member of the French Communist Party, he now rejects revolutionary
change. He mistakenly equates revolution with pointless violence and dismisses Russia as a tyranny. Consequently, he fails to recognise the fact that revolution consists precisely in the struggle to transfer power from one class to another. Forcible overthrow is a necessary step to “changing the whole pattern of society.” Without revolution fundamental social change must remain a hopeless dream. Using Kanaky as an example, Professor Chesneaux naively argues that a ruling class will vacate power after a bit of “realistic” talking. His characterisation of Russia shows no understanding of revolutionary defeat, Stalinism or the current crisis of bureaucracy. I support Professor Chesneaux’s opposition to French imperialism but reject the simplistic analysis on which it is based. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN FREEMAN-MOIR. February 7, 1986.
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Press, 12 February 1986, Page 20
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163Revolution for change Press, 12 February 1986, Page 20
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