CND the beginning there was a certain contradiction this line.
On the other hand many leading activists posed it as a means of im When the state showed teeth, police attacks and pre-emptive arrests of the '100 leaders before the December sit-downs, we had no reply The real tragedy year that the committee emerged at movement a force that was capable of winning the unilateralist cause - had won the for unilateralism at the 1960 Labour conference.
Yet most CND groups and members didn't take up the campaign to con solidate that victory. Instead the initiative inside the Labour Party was taken by the right wing Campaign for Democratic Socialism (secretary Willlam Rodgers) which won the battle to reverse the unilateralism decision at the 1961 conference.
Blame for this must ultimately be laid _at the COOl ot the then Labou left. Shocked by an unexpected victory in 1960, they failed to organise to extend and defend it. In particular Ine. never fought for CND to take up the fight inside the labour movement.
Making politics at that level was never the strong point of Michae Foot al, and most of the activists were intluenced bi the apparent quick results to be obtained through the sit-downs.
This contradiction was highlighted when the biggest sit-down wa. followed by the Labour conference decision reverse previous unilateralist position.
This period is rich in quick results. Failed The • lessons of 1961 reinforce the importance of the labour movemen conference to ensure tha:
victories.
This doesn't mean tha: mass demonstrations al c without value • indeed it is potentially very damaging that CND is not ye: committed major demonstration for 1981 But it means also tha: we need an effective national co-ordination to do what wasn't done in 1961 — lo lake our messare lt! every CLP, trades counci and union branch, alili make it impossible for the 1981 Labour conference o defeat unilateralism. NEW badge from Newcas oUrLerS catn •ost anc packing each for bulk orders, pay advance. Orders , PO Box 50, Londor Cheques To borest Chaneroe Socialist Challenge 19 March 1981