TNAG-0722-FCO40-920-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 41

MAIN POINTS RAISED AT MEETING OF THE LABOUR PARTY INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE, TUESDAY 11 JULY 1978

1.

MP

The meeting was attended by Mr Ian Mikardo in the Chair), Mrs Barbara Castle MP, Mrs Renée Short MP, Miss Joan Lestor MP, Mr Eric Heffer MP, Mr Frank Allaun MP, Mr Norman Atkinson MP, Mr Alan Hadden and Mr Sam McCluskie.

RESOLUTIONS

2.

I attach a list of resolutions received from CLPS for recommendation to the NEC by the International Committee. In addition, Mr Heffer proposed the following resolution:

"That this National Executive Committee support those workers in the Soviet Union who wish to organise free and independent trade unions on a similar basis to those that exist in Britain, France, Italy, etc. We welcome the action of the ILO in investigating the complaint of the ICFTU."

This resolution was passed with only one abstention.

3. In addition, Miss Joan Lestor proposed a motion on Hong Kong about which I am minuting separately.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

4. The International Secretary submitted a list (attached) of parties and organisations other than those who are members of the Socialist International who should be invited to Conference. The meeting did not support the recommendation that the Communist Party Marxist (CPM) of India should be invited even though Ms Little said. this was an extremely moderate communist party. Mr Mikardo proposed that Mr George Fernandes of the former socialist party should be asked his views and Mr Mikardo's proposal was accepted. As far as invitations to communist parties were concerned, it was agreed that the same policy should be followed as had been followed in 1977.

CONFEDERATION OF EEC SOCIALIST PARTIES

5.

Mr Mikardo's written report was circulated (it has already been seen here). Under matters arising Mrs Barbara Castle said that she was delighted with the version which had appeared but would like to see a stronger commitment to eradicating unemployment within the EEC. She felt that socialist parties were now dividing into those whose commitments to ending unemployment was genuine and those who took a purely verbal stand on the subject.

REPORT ON CONGRESS OF AUSTRIAN SOCIALIST PARTY, MAY 18/20 AND FINNISH SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, JUNE 8/111

6.

The International Secretary circulated written reports on these conferences (copy to relevant departments only).

1

./LETTERS