(2) Lifting of emergency and the British Troops stationed here, to leave our country 3
(3) Genuine Independence this year.
We thank you for your solidarity in our struggle.
With fraternal greetings.
Yours in the struggle.
Ahmed A. Qullatein.
Deputy -— Director International Dept. Zanzibar shows the true face of British colonialism by a member of the @.B.
It is a popular misconception fostered by the British press that Britain is willingly divesting herself of colonies to create independent Commonwealth countries, but occasionally we have evidence which clearly shows that where British colonialism is in a strong position, the same traditional methods are still used. such was the case in Cyprus, and more recently Zanzibar where a State of limergency has existed since July of last year.
We have recsived information about the situation there from two independent publications "Zanews" and "Yorker", produced by left-wing organisations in Zanzibar. These organisations, the Federation of Progressive Trade Unions, the Zanzibar Nationalist Party and the Youth Own Union, have consistently campaigned against British colonialism and for real independence for their country. The reaction of the British administration was swift and sure. On May 5th of this year altogether 15 leading members of the 3 organisations were arrested and thrown in prison, without trial, where they remain under emergency powers, only the British Resident can order their release. Relatives, friends and wives are not allowed to visit them. Since then provocations hgve continued, people in the street are arrested on 'suspicion', beaten up to obtain 'confessions' before they are released after 24 ‘hours detention without food. As is usual with British colonialism, a 'plot' was discovered to burn dow the British Information Services.
As reported in the letter one of the arrested men Comrade Babu, publisher of Zanews has since been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. This is in a general attempt to suppress the progressive forces of the working class in Zanzibar before any moves are made to create another 'independent' state. Our comrades con tinue to circulate their papers exposing the lies and hypocrisy of the colonial administration, not knowing who will be arrested next or for how long they will be allowed to go on publishing.
They ask for our support, moral and financial, in their struggle, and also tat we make known our protests against the imprisonments of their political leaders. Resolutions passed through trade union and Labour Party branches should be sent to the Colonial Office, Church House, Great Smith St., London 3.1.1. and to The British Resident, Residency, Zanzibar, ast Africa.
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The struggle reported in the Bulletin of 8th June continues in the Mersoyside C.N.D.. Despite the adoption of industrial action by the National Conference the bulk of the Merseyside Central Cormittee remain opposed to any effective industrial work. Pat Arrowsmith, the industrial organiser, is nominally employed by the Central Committee, but is actually paid by donations from individual Campaign supporters. Some of these supporters were originally under tho impression that Pat's activities would be confined to convential C.N.D. matters, and they are now agrieved to find that their money is being used to "foment industrial strife."
Things came to a head at the last Central Committee moeting when the treasurer announced that the Industrial Committee was £12 in debt. This :a an outcry from the familiar co ition of stalinist, ‘liberal'-pacifi s and religious elements. At one stage it looked as if Pat would be given notice at once but determined protests from two of the delegates brought about a compromise, and it was decided to defer the matter to a special meeting with the Industrial Committee.
It is clear from all this thet if industrial action is to continue on Merseyside the Industrial Committee mst become self-financing.