On June 6 the National Committee of the Young Socialists was ~° acjourned by Reg, Underhill before it was due to closes Streatham Y.S. had been suspended by Streatham CLP for issuing a leaflet calling on mods and rockers to unite against police violence, conscription, etc., In the National Committee Sheila Torrance moved an emergency resolution calling for the reconstitution of Streatham Y.S. This was carried 9-3. She then demanded that a member of the Committee should report to some 40 people lobbying outside. Anthony Wedgwood Penn asked the Chairman to rule whether this was consitutional. Chairman Ashby ruled that it was unconstitutional end a vote was forced, resulting in a 6-6 tie, Ashby then voted against his om ruling in favour of soing outside. Reg Underhill ruled the decision unconstitutional and closed the meeting,
This is the issue in all its triviality; the Young Socialists silenced nationally because of 180 minutes = the time it would have taken before the decision became know, We deplore the suspension of Streatham Y.S. and all other branches closed in the last four years - East Islington, Eltham, Glasgow Federation, etc. The futile actions of these comrades in the National Committee only helped the right wing and alienated those in broad agreement with them,
We believe the real fight facing the Young Socialists is on the follow= ing issues?
1) Overthrow of the Tory Government and return of a Labour Government;
2) Opposition to the betrayal.of socialist principles and the shabby manoeuvrings of the Labour leadership in supporting imperialism in Malaysia, Aden and Cyprus. :
We demand a Labour Party conference to determine policy on these issues.
We condemn those sections of the Y.S. and Labour Party who fight on procedure and organisation instead of policy.
Bans and proscriptions are inimical to the growth of a democratic socialist party and are singularly reserved for use against the left.