"A direct appeal to the SWP to agree to arrange a united world congress": letter from Leslie Goonewardene, secretary of the LSSP, to James P. Cannon

From Towards a History of the Fourth International, Second series, vol. 3: How Healy and Pablo Blocked Reunification (Documents, 1956-58), Plus Documents on Algeria and Ceylon (Education for Socialists, Socialist Workers Party, New York, July 1978), pp. 15. Reproduced with the permission of Pathfinder Press. Scan: Encyclopedia of Trotskyism On-Line.

[p. 15]

Lanka Sama Samaja Party

49 Drieberg's Avenue

Colombo 10

Ceylon

Dear Comrade Cannon,

As you know a World Congress of the Fourth International is being planned. We are also informed that a fresh appeal for unity of all the Trotskyist forces has been launched in relation to the proposed World Congress.

We of the LSSP wish to make a direct appeal to the SWP to agree to arrange a united world congress at which all the Trotskyist forces in the world could come together within a single organization framework. We believe that such a unification will be an act of the greatest political significance because it would demonstrate concretely the determination of the Trotskyist movement to give a lead to the ever increasing sections of the revolutionary forces of the world which have become disillusioned with Stalinism. We also believe that without such unity we cannot make with a Trotskyist movement a sufficient point of attraction for it to become a decisive factor for world revolutionary development.

We also believe that the present is a time for political stock taking with a view to arming ourselves in preparation for a forward surge of our movement. Such a stock taking requires the fraternal coming together in comradely discussion for the purpose of united action of all the Trotskyist forces.

It is also our belief that a lead from the SWP in this matter would be decisive. Whatever the differences that may have divided various trends and organisations of Trotskyism in the past, we believe they are all united in their respect for the SWP. An international Trotskyist movement without the SWP is a wounded international movement, just as an SWP outside such a movement is a grievously weakened SWP. Thus, whatever our differences, we also require each other.

I am making this appeal to you on behalf of the LSSP because we are confident that you yourself are conscious of the need today for unity for the utilisation of the tremendous opportunity with which history has provided us, as we always knew it would.

With fraternal greetings for the New Year,

Leslie Goonewardene,

SECRETARY LSSP