The first meeting of a Parity Committee was recently held by representat—‘ ives of the International Committee and the International Uxecutive Committee of the Fourth International. Following previous decisions taken by both these bodies agreement was reached on two points: (1) to arrange a joint discussion of issues in dispute in the world Trotskyist movement, with the aim of exploring possibilities for future regroupment; (2) to begin organising common actions wherever this appears possible. Both sides agreed that a beginning could be made in campaigning together for full public rehabilitation in the Soviet Union of Leon Trotsky .* all other victims of Stalin's terror, Mutual work in defence of colonial revol§tions was also considered. Additional areas where united action can be undertaken will be conside— red at subsequent meetings where progress in discussion will also be taken up.
In addition to organisations adhering to, or sympathetic with, the I.=.C. and the I.C., it was agreed to invite organisations affiliated to the B.L.A. (Posadas tendency) to participate in the projected international discussion and in the work of the Parity Committec, A welcome development by the editors (iid. note: of the Militant)
The formation of a Parity Committee constituted of representatives of the I.C. and the I.8.C. of the Fourth International, reported elsewhere on this page, is a welcome development. The Fourth International, the world movement founded by Leon Trotsky in 1938 to carry on the aims of the three previous international revolutionary—socialist organisations of the working class, hag been split Since 1953. Two main factions were formed at that time, one headed by the I..C. the other by the I.C. The Socialist Workers Party (S.W.P.), which helped found the Fourth International, but which had to disaffiliate because of witch-hunt legislation in the J.5., has been identified with the views of the 1.C.
By 1956 it appeared to the S.W.P. that the political differences between the two sides wwe rapidly narrowing. In 1957 the S.W.P. voiced the opinion. that the factional formations were no longer justified and that reunification was in order. That was also the opinion of other sectors of the world Trotskyist movement and various efforts were made to heal the split. For reasons we need not touch on here, these proved unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the objective necessity for uniting the ranks of the world Trotskyist movement continued and even increased in acuteness. The de-Stalinisation process brightened the perspective for revival 3 revolutionary socialism in the oviet bloc, facilitated the spread of Trotskyist idéas among adherents of the Communist parties, and set off a regroupmont process that isstill in motion among radicals in important areas. The advancing colonial revolution gave increasing actuality in areas like Africa and Latin America to the program associated with the name of Leon Trotsky. Cuba and Algeria have provided inspiring examples of this. In the imperialist centres, despite years of relative stagnation of the labour movement, prospects have likewise improved. The contradiction between the new opportunities opening up for Trotskyism and the maintenance of divisions lacking sound political justification became more and more glaring.
This was the setting for a fresh attempt to unify the two sides. To facilitate joint discussion and activity, the I.C. some months ago proposed formation of a Parity Committee. The S.1.P.. considered this to be a favourable move. Tho I.ui.C. reacted in a similar way and accepted the proposal, declaring that it would participate in the Parity Committee with the aim of carly reunification despite any residual differences. Thus it is to be hoped that the Parity Committee, which has now been set up, will prove to be an important first step toward early reurification of the divided movement. We must note, however, that the rise in revolutionary struggles on a world scale, which is the fundamental force tending to reunite and reinspire the Trotskyist movement, has also served to bring fresh differences to the fore. The Latin-American Bureau (B.L.A.), a sector of the I.0.C. headed by J» Posadas, recently carricd out a split and is now publicly advocating an ultraleft position, as readers of the Militant are aware from articles we have published in the past few weeks. In addition, differences have app2ared between the $.W.P. and the British Trotskyists of the Socialist Labour Leagwe on some important quest— ions, primarily issues dealing with the Cuban and Alferian revolutions. How these developments may affect the process of reunification of the Trotskyists remains to. be seen.
The main Trotskyist forces on a world scale, howeve?, have recognised it as an imperative duty to bring reunificiation about as soon as possible. We think this is the correct attitude and the correct course and we will do everything we can in a fraternal way to help it along. It is expected that the international discussion projected by the Parity Committee will be confined largely to internal publications of the interested organisations since many of the issues are of primary ‘concern to only a relatively narrow audience. The common activities, envisaging public campaigns, should prove attractive to wider circles . We will report these...