On Wednesday, July 21st, Young Socialist branches received details of their fifth annual conference to be held at Malvern in Worcestershire on November 20/21st. The details of the conference were circulated by Transport House and referred to the fact that the conference would be discussing two documents (to which resolutions can be submitted) on "Re-building Britian" and "Industrial Training for Youth." Only resolutions on subjects relating to the activities of the Young Socialists and of "special concern to youth" can be submitted,
According to Mr. Reg, Underhill, National Youth Agent, this means that resolutions on such general political subjects as "Vietnam", "Defence", "Immigration}, "Steel", etce, will not be accepted. No reference is nade in the Transport House circular to the election either of a new Young Socialist National Committee, or a new Standing Orders Committee for the 1966 Conference,
The circular also deals with the selection of delegates to the conferences "The selection of the delegate will be the responsibility of the Constituency or Local Labour Party concerned," The consequences of this are obvious. Young Socialists who are not democratically elected by their branches can now, if Local Labour Parties so decide, represent their branches at the Conference,
After the suspensions and closing of branches and federations, the suspending of the National Committee and the mass expulsion of members, the N.E.C.'s latest decision to remove the political voice of the Young Sociale ists and organise an undemocratic farce must come as a bitter disappointment to many members and must mean, in a political sense, the end of the Young Socialists, As the Tories mount an offensive against the trade unions, against coloured immigrants and other sections of the working class it has become imperative that the demand for socialist policies from the Labour Government must increase,
The decision of the N.E.C. with regard to the Young Socialists! Conference can only weaken this demand, and must reflect the N.E.C.!s fear of criticism after a year of Labour rule,
At the end of September the Labour Party will hold its Annual Conference at Blackpool, Could I appeal to Labour Party members, trade unionists and Young Socialists to oppose these latest decision both before and at the Labour Party Conference,
The "Save the Young Socialists Campaign Committee", which represents many Young Socialists, will be calling a meeting within the next few weeks to discuss and act upon these latest developments. Details of the campaign can be obtained from the Campaign Secretary: Mike Caffoor, 75, Tottenham Lane, London, N. 8. * Roger Rosewell is the Southern Region member of the Young Socialists National Committee. Editorial notes The Week will give its most enthusiastic support to the campaign of the Young Socialist to reverse this decision, We have had, incidentally, letters and articles from several Young Socialist activists on the lines of the above, We would like to hear of any protests, etc, on this question so we can publicise them, West Nottm, Y.S. has. passed an amendment,for consideration by its C.L.P., to the Chislehurst resolution,