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THE QUESTION of Tariq Ali's application to join the Labour Party is much too important to be left to brief comment in the Graffiti column (Socialist Organiser 64). What is at stake is the right of Marxists to be members of the Labour Socialist Organiser must take a clear stand on this. It must demonstrate that the right of marxists to be members of the Labour Party has existed from its very origin (the SDF). It must argue that this right is not only a democratic one, it is also a necessary one.

This right is fundamental if the Labour Party is to be an instrument of struggle for the working class. Furthermore it is a necessary prerequisite for the Labour Party to function as a unifier of the working class and oppressed people.

Therefore Socialist Organiser must be in favour of Organiser supporterC Name......

Address Tariq Ali joining the Labour Party, and welcome his political move.

Nor is it appropriate to concentrate one's fire against the CP. The action of the Morning Star in fuelling the right wing witch hunt is despicable, but of much greater importance is the campaign by Labour MPs against Tariq Ali joining the Labour Party.

Syd Bidwell has stooped to 'Paki go home' type argumentation. Neil Kinnock has floated the idea -taken up by Foot and used against Peter Tatchell — that agreement with parliamentary democracy beij the exclusive met od struggle is a conditi on f Labour Party membe shir In this situation it is n helpful to speculate abo whether Tariq Ali ever actually been a Mar ist"

I would think it like that Taria Ali would VIALLY ALLAH agr with 'Where We Stand this is the case, the politic logic would be that Sociali Organiser should seek work together with Tar Ali in the struggle again the Tories and the rig wing.

JOHN WATT Hackne

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Socialist Organiser c/o 28 Middle Lane, London NE.