LABOUR UNITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26177, 13 June 1946, Page 6

LABOUR UNITY

COMMUNIST PROPOSAL “ELECTORAL UNDERSTANDING’' SOUGHT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 12. Delegates to the Federation of Labour conference yesterday were handed by representatives of the Communist Party at the door of the Trades Hall a handbill from the National Executive of the Commtmist Party headed “Open Letter to the Labour Party Delegates. The Communists Seek Unity with Labour.” , The handbill stated: “The Communist Party considers that a gettogether conference between our two parties is a matter of vital urgency if the entire might of the Labour movement in New Zealand is to be mobilised against reaction in the general election campaign. The return of Labour can only be assured if the working class is organised round the slogan of unity.” “ Right-wing Diehards ”

The handbill added that the Communists had no illusions that unity could be won without struggle because of “ irreconcilables and Right-wing diehards in the Labour Party ” would use every argument against working with the Communists.

It continued: “Fundamentally, the Communist Party and the Labour Party are united on the immediate economic issues. Many members of the Labour Party are sympathetic and very friendly disposed to, and express admiration for, Communist keenness and organising ability in the working class movement. But appreciation alone of the good qualities of the Communists will not win elections. Many present members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister, know full well the excellent work done by the Communists during previous election campaigns. We want an electoral understanding which would delight all true friends of Labour and terrify its enemies.” Democratic Labour View

Democratic Labour Party sympathisers have issued a booklet entitled “Labour Unity or Labour Defeat.” This points out that Democratic Labour supporters are 40,000 strong, and may be stronger at the next election because “ it seems that an increasing number of Radicals feel more and more uncomfortable in the Labour Party. They are looking for a more militant set-up—a party where the interests of the worker are first —and always first.”