Socialism means dictatorship
From Mr Oleg Gordievsky Sir: In the discussion about socialism and liberalism (Letters, 1 September), one important point ought not to be forgotten. The most central and essential principle of the socialist society is 'socialisation of the means of production'. The implementation of that principle inevitably leads to the creation of dictatorship and an unviable centralised economy. It was demonstrated with greatest eloquence in all, without exception, 30 to 40 socialist states in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America in the 20th century. That's why liberalism and socialism are incompatible.
New Labour, having in the 1990s rejected the principle of 'socialisation of the means of production', has become a genuinely liberal and democratic party.
Oleg Gordievsky
London WC2
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