Dear Comrade McLennan:
what we are witnessing in Oxford is unprecedented witch-hunt not seen in the Transportand General Workers Union for some time. As you are probably aware, the TGWUare union, facing possible suspension and even expulsion, These include Alan Thornelt and Frank Corti, Chairperson and Secretary, respectively, of the largest TGWU branch in Oxford.
This represents, in our opinion, a blatant and flagrant breach of workers democracy, and worse still, a threat to the unity and strength of the union at Cowley. Despite a vicious campaign orchestrated by the right wing and fanned by the local press, Thornett was elected as Deputy Convenor only last December. Bob Fryer, another of those charged, waselected Convenor. Those who had collaborated with management were defeated.
The management, which still refuses to recognise Thornett as Deputy Convenor. recognised that his election as well as that of other socialists to these positions marked a setback for their plan to inflict redundancies in the name of 'rationalisation.
Ernest Mandel and Jean Elleinstein debate Already Fleet Street papers like the London Evenin Standard have lauded the T&G for WE ARE writing to you in this fashion because bringing its militants into line'. Leyland manugement and the capitalist press will be rejoicing at sceing the union do their job for them.
The Oxford District Committee the recommending that 11 members at the British T&GWU has been hostile to Thornert and his Leyland plants in Cowley are disciplined by the supporters for some time. Last October sam unconstitational moves to discipline him. Now a two-day hearing is scheduled for 27 and 28 February. Even before the hearings start, some inefficient official sent oud letters saying that expulsion of Thornett and suspension of Corti were being recommended. The eat is out of the bag sooner than had been planned. What it reveals is that the decision. has already been taken, The TGWU District and Regional Commitlee are prosecutor, judge and jury.
You are General Secretary of a Party whose militants have, in the Twenties. Thirties, Forties, and Fifties been the victims of numerous witch-hunts. When these took place you were supported by many in the labour movement who were not Communists. They acted on the excellent principle that An Injury against One is an Injury against All", We are well aware that you do not aglee with Thornett's political pusitions. But it Is your duty, despite that. to The War in the Horn Up.11 throw your party, its press and its trade union membership into a campaign to defend the Cowley 11, and for the dropping of all charges. The position and strength of the CP In the 16WU is well known. That is why your intervention could be of vital assistance to those under attack.
"If there are any complaints against the 11 by the TGWU, and we do not believe there are, these should not be investigated hehind closed doors. Let us have an investigation before the Cowley workers and let them he the judges.
Weare therefore asking for you to join with us in waging a common and broad campaign in defence of these militants for the immediate dropping of the absurd charges and even more ahsurd sentences. What is, in effect, being challenged is the rieht of militants to defend the living standards of their fellow workers in the most effective fashion. What is at stake is the Independence and unity of the union at Cowley from and against management.
Wearcanxious to hear from you on this matter and will publish any response from you in our neal issue.
Yours fraternally, TARIO ALI EDITOR SOCIALIST CHALLENGE
SOCIALIST CHALLENGE, 16 February 1978 page 2 Working che polis co the ruling class
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Socialist strategy for Editorial p. 2 Europe p.13
Fighting Racism p.8&9 The Forgotten War in Oman by Fred Halliday
An Actor's View on Destiny p. 15 British Communists still in Troublep. 7