TEACHERS AND SOCIALISM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 15

TEACHERS AND SOCIALISM

ro THE EDITOR Sir, —In reply to Miss Gow’s last letter I still affirm that Russia is under '“the dictatorship of an oligarchy, limited to 2 per cent, or less of the people who are Communists. Their purpose, to use the words of Lenin, as quoted with approval by Stalin, is a dictatorship ruling with unlimited power, resting on violence and not on law. . . .” When M. Stalin coolly contradicts this I do not believe him! It is very easy for him to face both ways and speak with two voices when it suits his purpose. I have read far too much about the sufferings and hardships of the people of Russia during the past years to be easily taken in. Here is the real Lenin idea which Stalin is carrying out: “It is not at all a Utopian plan. It really means creating a Socialistic State, and Russia will be the first country where this idea will be realised. ... I don’t care what will become of Russia; to hell with it. My dear friend, all this is only the road to a world revolution.” Some years ago George Solomon asked Lenin a question in a letter he wrote him. The foregoing is Lenin’s reply. This was the question: “I beg you. Wladimir Iljitsch” (Lenin), “explain to me. old pal, your intentions. Have you really the Utopian plan of establishing radical Socialism oh an immense scale all over the world? ” “Among the Red Aristocrats” is the title of a book of which George Solomon is the author. It is important to know that he is a convert from the Communist Party. Why did he ever cast in his lot with the Soviet? Because he believed that he was serving his own land and people. He was a disciple of Karl Marx. He was also a revolutionary and a friend of Lenin. He held posts in the Soviet Embassy in Germany, Moscow, Revel, Tallinn and London. In London. Solomon was a director of what has been described as the now famous and infamous Arcos. In the preface of his book, of which I have read more chan one review, he says: “I am convinced that I have no right to continue in silence. Only my conscience and duty towards my fellow men have brought forth this decision, and I shall endeavour in all sincerity not to say anything but the truth.” Mr Solomon declares that his whilom friends and colleagues " made beggars of the peasants; millions were exiled and put to forced labour in the con centration camps: masses of people were shot without trial, not only of the intelligentsia, but also the peasant! and working class. . The Red leader created the 0.G.P.U., with their dark dungeons, where such cruelties have been executed as would cause even Torquemada. the deluded fanatic, to grow pale. . . Russia is only a pawn in a world-wide game.” According to Miss Gow “the authority of the Communist Party (in Russia) is maintained by the confidence of the working class.’’ If that is so, then why is everybody In Russia set to spy on everybody else? And why do the leaders take such good care to keep the workers well under their feet? This is evidenced in your issue of last Friday under News and Notes of the Industrial World—- “ Labour Discipline in the Soviet Union.” The ruthless Red despots of Moscow intend to take all the screws and bolts out of the structure of modern civilisation throughout the world so as to cause everything to fall to pieces! It is desperately wicked to pit class against class in every country. They are trying to destroy civilisation by means of hate and distrust. They take delight in raising the worst passions in human nature! But “ God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man (Christ) Whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.”—Acts xvii. 30, 31.—1 am, etc., Maran-atha. fAbridged.—Ed, O.D.T.]