[iDeas S.0, We invite readers to send us…]

Scan page 12

iDeas S.0, We invite readers to send us their letters, up to a usual maximum length of 400 words.

Send to Socialist Organiser, c/o 28, Middle Lane, London N8. Dear comrades, PLEASE acquaint your readers with these lines, seeking to currect the inexplicable fictions and distortins contained in Martin Tromas's article on the split in the Fourth International (International Committee) in Socialist Organiser No. 67.

Ine lesson comrade Thomas draws from the split is that the Fourth International (IC) was not based on 'solid political foundations' bul on 'hasty self-proclamation' . Nothing could be further from the truth. Over a year elapsed between the split in the United Sucretariat and the setting up of the Fourth International (IC), during which a lengthy document of principles was elaborated and discussed by all those organisations participating in the international regroupment. At the same time, we sought to ascertain the attitude. to the initiative of other groups claiming adherence to the programme of Trotskyism.

The Socialist Labour Group believes • that the principled reunification of revolutionary forces on a world scale is an urgent necessity for the international working class and a precondition for building mass Trotskyist parties, In this conteet, split perpertrated by Moreno is a criminal act against the Trotskyist movement internationally. His 'criticisms' of the French OCI are only a mask for his intentions; Moreno broke off all links with the International Executive Committee of the Fourth International (IC) less than one month after he first articulated these criticisms.

The method of the OCI is not that of a sectarian grouplet, but the method of mobilisation based on the Transitional Programme. Daily propagana . in the orm of criticism and expos ure of the popular front in France, which Moreno seems to think is the proof of a correct policy, is totally inadequate in the present pre-revolutionary situation in France. The OCI is in a position to lead real struggles in the French workers' movement and has already done so since the election of Mitterrand. The demonstration for the reduction of military service was the first mobilisation against the policies of Mitterrand since his election -and was organised • on the initiatives of the OJR, the Trotskyist youth supporting Fourth International (International Committee).

Finally, it is interesting that Martin Thomas gives his opinion on the political questions involved only once, in nine words, in brackets. A more fruitful discussion could take place on the basis of comrade Thomas stating clearly where he stands on these matters.

Trotskyist greetings, MIKE PEARSE Socialist Labour Group