‘Another Example Of Red Trickery’

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1948, Page 5

‘Another Example Of Red Trickery’

SYDNEY, Mon. (11.30 a.m.).—The Slate Minister of Housing (Mr Clive Evatt) refused to comment on a statement by the New South Wales president of the Australian Labour Party (Mr J. A. Ferguson) who is a member of the Legislative Assembly, that the Australian-Faissian Society was a Communist Party auxiliary. A panel of senior officers of the Labour Party will ask the State executive next Friday to declare the society as such. Mr Evatt’s position as president of the society, has caused considerable controversy since its chairman, the Rev. E. J. Davidson announced his resignation from the society on August 4. In the Legislative Assembly ■ last week Mr Evatt said that it was a deliberate falsehood to describe the society as Communist-controlled and added: NO BLACKMAIL “If any member of the Opposition can nominate a member of this society who is a member of the Communist Party or a Communist sympathiser, I will write out my resignation today, but I will not be bludgeoned and J blackmailed out of trying to preserve peace in the world.’’ Mr Evatt is at present in Canberra attending the Premiers’ conference. In his report, Mr Ferguson said: “The report is based on a dependable j investigation which leaves no doubt in the minds of the committee that the society is just another example of trickery to deceive prominent people ] into allowing themselves to be used. | “CUNNING” “Nobody could be condemned for his association with any valid attempt to promote friendship between nations, and to aid the cultural development of any country. j “The „ Australian-Russian Society’s use of this as part of its policy is regarded by the committee as an inexcusable means to conceal a cunning political purpose.” \