The Bay of Plenty Times FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1949. THE FIGHT AGAINST COMMUNISM

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14883, 21 January 1949, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1949. THE FIGHT AGAINST COMMUNISM

While the Manchester Guardian sees a. rising in the tempo of Communist activity all over the world, it is evident 100 Iha 1 the tempo of resistance to the movement is also rising. Most significant of recent developments is the withdrawal this week of the British, American and Dutch trade union movements from the Communist dominated World Federation or Trade TTnions, for the verv good reasons that the Communists aie. vising the organisation to serve political ends and are turning il into an instrument to further Communist interests. The decision, so far as the British, unions are concerned, is not surprising for the latter have *‘seen Red” for some time past. In recent months the Trades Union Congress issued this manifesto: “It is clear that the Communist Parties are doing their utmost to wreck the entire recovery efforts of Britain and the Fnropean countries which have accepted American aid. The General Council, therefore, directs the serious attention of all trade unionists 10 the malignant character of Communist agitation and 01.ganisation. ft urges the executives of all affiliated unions, their district and branch committees, and responsible officers and loyal memheis to counteract every manifestation of Communist influence. 1t could not have put the matter in much plainer terms. The Australian Liberal Party’s pledge to. declare the Communist party illegal, if it is returned to power, shows how feeling _is mounting elsewhere in the British Commonwealth. As Mr Menzies lias said, “It is madness to wait until yon are at war before you take steps to protect yourself.”