[p. 64]
Dear Comrades,
The International Committee has taken note of the visit of your representative Patrick O'Daniel [Sherry Mangan] to the SWP, and various suggestions which have been made towards reunification.
In our opinion a successful reunification is essentially a political question, and a realistic approach in this direction must take into account the important political differences which exist between our respective tendencies. The International Committee is absolutely opposed to the slurring over of these differences, and it believes it is entirely possible for the political issues to be studied in an atmosphere free from the antagonisms and bitterness of the past. We must face the situation as it is now, bearing in mind the very favorable period ahead for the World Trotskyist movement.
The International Committee is firmly of the conviction that there can be no return to the organizational relations of the pre-split period. It believes that the unification must be tackled in stages and considers the proposals of JPC and our English section a positive step towards this end. It regards, however, the counterproposals of Comrade Patrick O'Daniel and your IEC as unacceptable.
We have taken note of your request for a parity committee to discuss terms, but we feel that this is much too premature, until we obtain agreement at least in principle on the basis provided by the JPC and English proposals.
In conclusion, we believe that the contribution of Comrade Sinclair [Hunter] should be considered as discussion material, and your reply will also be circulated inside the sections affiliated to the International Committee.
Fraternally,
Preston [Healy]
Secretary, International Committee