War Against Communism
Evidence that trade unionists generally have at last realised the necessity for an active campaign against Communism in industry in this country is the more welcome in proportion as it is belated. No one can doubt that the policy of maximum production is being systematically thwarted by sections of labour which realise, as the Kremlin has long since realised, that prosperity is Communism's worst enemy. In one sense the Communists deserve the limited measure of success their disruptive efforts have secured, for they have been assiduous in their attendance, at union branch meetings and conspicuously successful, thanks to the apathy of the general body of members, in obtaining key-positions which give them an influence out of all proportion to their numbers. The British love of tolerance, a virtue in itself, can be carried much too far when it gives licence to evil forces to work their will. Now Communism at home is to be fought by democratic methods whose effect is not in doubt if non-Communist unionists take the matter a tithe as seriously as the Communists themselves have always done. At the same time, and with equal justification, the Trade Union Congress has given notice of severance from the World Federation of Trade Unions if that body continues its Communist course. These are hopeful signs.
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