The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1948. TRANSPARENT TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNISM

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14860, 23 December 1948, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1948. TRANSPARENT TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNISM

No tiling’ could serve to confirm more definitely the tact that Communist agents, fanatically dedicated to their cause, arc working tirelessly towards the final overthrow of Parliamentary government in New Zealand, than the use of a simple: monosyllable in the resolution “carried unanimously ”, by the national executive committee of the Public Service 'Association in Wellington on Tuesday night. It was the simple word “smear”. Although of old English origin, because cl! its unpleasant implications, the word, is rarely if ever used in public affairs in Anglo-Saxon countries. In other counfries, where Communism lias broken surface, its use describes a technique very widely employed by Communist agents the world over to discredit men in public life, or those who are considered likely to be dangerous opponents. It involves the spreading of some malicious rumour or, by omission or innuendo, making statements likely to damage the character or standing of some prominent person. Anyone who has followed events in Berlin during the past year or so must have noted how often the Russians have employed another well-known technique—that of accusing the other fellow of what they have already done themselves, or contemplate doing in the near future. The accusation purported to have been made by the Public Service Association executive against Mr Nash (in which he was accused of trying to “smear” its leaders) bears a remarkable resemblance to both these wellworn techniques. In New Zealand, as in other countries. Communism operates in two guises. In the more generally known of these it claims to be a political party deeply concerned with the welfare of its adopted countrymen. Accordingly, all questions for the betterment of the people, such as higher wages fas in the case of the Public Service), the provision of more state houses, public health, education (particularly that of adults), social security, and so on are supported with as much vigour as if Communism was entirely responsible for their initiation. This phase of activity is designed to win converts and influence.

In its more dangerous guise, Communism is ;i definite revolutionary movement. Only trusted and competent leaders know just what its plans are, or to what stage they have progressed. Unless and until it is known just who these men are, and measures taken to. neutralise their activities, Mr Nash, the Government and people ,of New Zealand should not, and must not, rest content.