London Feb. 19, 1953
Dear Morris, Farrell and Joe,.
Please excuse my delay in commenting on your recent letter which M. showed me. I have also seen the letter from E. G. & P. to you and in addition it has been possible for me to discuss with them on the spot. This letter, however, is purely personal, although John expressed himself in agreement with the general line I take.
From your letter and minutes, the situation appears extremely sharp. Something big is coming up the line or all our past experiences of such things count for nothing. On occasions such as this we must bring all our thoughts to bear upon the overall picture of our world movement. The problem is not simply Cochran all sorts of questions can be posed, with serious consequences for our whole work.
First, the war seems to be getting very near. Since the end of the last one, our sections in Western Europe have had a rough time, splits and sharp internal fights have taken a severe toll, both in England and France. In other countries, lack of cadres has held us back considerably. Over the past year, it is my distinct impression that the picture on an overall scale has distinctly improved (despite the PCI split). Some very serious work in the mass movements is being done now, and in France in particular. Everyone wants to get on with the job and the nearness of the war adds to their determination.
My first feeling, therefore, is one of extreme worry — are we threatened with another international split? If so we must avoid it at all costs. Our movement must not go into the war, smashed up and divided.
Please do not misunderstand me. I am for the fullest political clarification — this is basic, but it is not wrong to consider all things in an objective way before the fight starts. This is the worst possible time for yourselves and the international. It is not 1939. The steady activity of the Secretariat has co-ordinated and guided our work to a semblance of world organization entirely unknown then. Whatever happens with you will have almost instantaneous repercussions over the most important countries.
Let me add one thing more. I am fully aware that our secretariat has some defects, but it is the best —the very best we have ever had. Their letter to you, in my opinion, is not too good. What it says politically is O.K., but there was no need for a sermon on Stalinism. The line is what is important. There is agreement to support the SWP against a propaganda orientation towards Stalinism. There is agreement on the line of the 3rd Congress —these are the things which are most important. So far as we are concerned here, we will stand firm on these two blanks. I realize that there may be some comrades in your majority who oppose the 3rd Congress resolution on Stalinism. That is a complication. Negativism on this point could very well feed people in the Cochran camp who may be dithering about on the Stalinist issue. We must have clarity all round, no matter whose toes may be trodden on. For instance: S. [Sam Gordon] here took it upon himself to bring to G's notice that he opposes the 3rd Congress on Stalinism. O. K., but it is not our line and we should certainly defend the line of the international if called upon to do so.
[p. 83]
It is absolutely necessary to proceed as cautiously as possible (I know you are doing your best) because we do not wish to have a split in our still very weak international movement.
Best wishes,
Jerry