Page Two THE PEOPLE’S ADVOCATE October 7, 1938 THE PEOPLE’S ADVOCATE Published Weekly by the Proletarian Publishing Association, Room 10, 163 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. Phone Trinity 2019. Three Months —..$ .60 Single Copy ——___3 -05 Make All Cheques Payable to: The People’s Advocate Vancouver, B.C., Friday, October 7, 19338 Behind The Headlines HE greatest publicity campaign known to history, has been unleashed on the world in an effort to explain away the monstrous treachery of Chamberlain, Daladier and other Fifth Columnists of Hitler who, behind the lines in democratic countries, played the part of Judas in nailing the people of Czechoslo- vakia to the crooked Nazi cross. Press, radio and every other available agen- ey of propaganda are being used to befuddle the people, the central theme being “peace.” But where is the prospect of peace? At the very moment when Chamberlain is shouting that he assured the peace of Europe he calls for more armaments and greater speed in their production. Hardly had the ink been dry on the Munich thieves’ agreement when Hitler announced that he was going to impose reparations on what is left of Czechoslovakia. Even before he formally takes over the territorial rem- nants, he is going to impose such a fine on the betrayed people that they will bend under the burden of paying super-tribute to their oppressor for generations. This, too, will have - the support of Chamberlain. - e HE lying promises of Hitler, which he made for Ghamberlain’s use, are matched by the lies used by Chamberlain to give Mus- solini his way. Knowing the people’s desire to aid the Spanish loyalists, the Tory accom- plice of Hitler and Mussolini held out the promise of the latter that in return for an Anglo-Italian accord he would withdraw his armies from Spain. This was the bait used by Chamberlain for yet another betrayal, for more concessions to fascism. Having brought many of the people to the frame of mind in which for the with- drawal of Italians from Spain they would swallow almost anything, he plans to recog- nize the conquest and enslavement of Ethi- opia, and advance loans to bolster up the IWiussolini regime. This agreement secured, Whussolini now says that he will make a “token” withdrawal only. Which means he will withdraw a few thousand men out of the one hundred thou- sand—and pile more im as soon as he and Chamberlain complete the deal. What reaction throughout the world is bending every effort to do is to make it ap- pear as if the betrayal of Czechoslovakia was the only alternative to war, that is, sacrifice Czechoslovakia and secure peace or defend it and bring on war. © O GREATER falsehood was ever invent- ed. During the weeks of the “crisis it was abundantly clear that Hitler’s will to war di- minished before the firmness of the demo- cratic countries to resist; and every bellicose utterance of Hitler, and Wiussolini, was made only after Chamberlain indicated that Czecho- slovakia would have to fight alone. The war scare was a gigantic piece of stage play, designed to bring the world to such a state of nerves that the people would accept almost anything to avoid the war which at no time was imminent had the democracies held firm. Out of it all the Soviet Union emerges as the greatest defender of democracy, as the only honorable government, as the one state that respects its pledges, while the perfidious Chamberlain and Daladier have covered them- selves and their governments with infamy. But their triumph will be short-lived. The people will speak the last word and, above all, the Soviet Union still lives to hold high the banners of democracy and peace. The Attack On Labor ; T THE recent 54th Trades and Labor Con- sress of Canada delegates endorsed a resolution calling for a government investiga- tion of labor espionage, which it declared to be widespread in Canada. How widespread may be adduced from re- cent events at Trail, dominated by S. G. Blay- lock and the octopus of the Consolidated Min- ing and Smelting Company. The International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers is now making a drive to or- ganize this stronghold of company union with its vicious system of espionage, intimidation, discrimination and, as evidenced by the theft and destruction of Arthur Evans’ automobile, outright lawlessness. This was no ordinary theft, but part of a terroristic campaign to defeat the union. Dis- tribution of copies of Labor Truth, slander organ of big business, by Trotskyists was another aspect of this campaign. Still another was the refusal of radio station CJAT to allow Evans to broadcast. Linked with the similar campaign ot terror loosed on striking employees of the Pacific Time Company at Blubber Bay it signifies a determined onslaught of big business against organized labor. Organized labor must make its reply in un- breakable solidarity and unity. Behind the Scenes in Germany Stuttgart Crowds Defy Nazis : (This information, typical of ‘scores of reports that flood Fleet Street and the British For- eign Office, gives one of the reasons for Hitler’s need for foreign diplomatic triumphs — his in- ternal difficulties.) MAZING scenes which gave a severe shock to Nazis and of which the total effect is a con- siderable moral set-back for the Nazis, took place recently outside Stocken’s large Jewish stores in the Mberhardstrasse in Stuttgart. Bands of strapping young SA men and Hitler Youth stood around outside this chief Jewish shop in the city centre, rack customers. Sneers and in- sults began the attempt at a boycott, consequence of the new wave of anti-semitism inspired in the Third Reich. The boycott of Stocken’s had clearly been organ— ized intensively. to bar- The customers, men and wom- en, coming largely from the country, were utterly unpre- pared for the hooliganism. But they were far from slow in re- taliating. Well-built peasants simply pushed aside the Nazis and made they way into the shop. Wews of the resulting uproar spread all over the town. The re- sult was spectacular, something the Nazis had left out of account. From all quarters men and es- pecially women came flocking with baskets on their arms, until they assumed the form of a dem- onstration. The Wazis were beside them- selves. Anti-semitism had gone down fairly well in Stuttgart tor some years—and now this! Furi- ous, they posted camera-men in the way of the shoppers. Instead of taking fright, how- ever, the townspeople, exchanging friendly smiles with the peasants, walked persistently into the Jew- ish shop. Clearly it was their own great mumeabers which carried them through with increasing courage. @ HOROUGHLY rattied, the Wazis began hitting out, snatching at women’s baskets and bags and throwing them into the street. Blows were returned. The people were in the majority. Re- sistance was calm, none the less of iron determination. Loud applause greeted the re- mark of a woman who, when snapped by a Nazi photograph- er, merely asked when the photographs would be ready to be called for. One woman who was being pre- vented from going into the shop caused an outburst of general agreement when she said loudly: “JT have four children. My hus- band’s wages are miserable, and T have to count every penny. At Stocken’s I can get potatoes for 9 pfennigs, and they cost 15 everywhere else. As long as my busband is treated so badly and there are different prices, mo one is going to stop me buying at Stocken’s.” Head high, she then walked past a Wazi youth, who was too startled to stop her ~ “You green kids,” an elderly woman said to one of the most impudent of the Hitler Youth, “you deserve a thorough whip- ping. But you haven't enough sense to know who is really doing the injustice.”’ When the boy tried to take her by the arm to hand her over to the police, the crowd jostled so effectively that she was able tv disappear. The crowd never failed to stand by those who were in danger from the Nazis. The mood of the people, their bitterness against the attempted boyeott, grew to such a pitch, that the police, who had previously held back, began to disperse the crowd. Remarkable mildness was shown in the way they did so. No arrests were made, in spite of the fact that the scene had been go- ing on for some hours. Most significantly, this was the first time that the Nazis had met with open opposition in the form of a demonstration in the street. Suggests Advocate -Federationist Debate Editor, People’s Advocate: Dear Sir,—That the opinions ex pressed in the People’s Advocate as to the stand of the people in the event of a possible war against fascist aggression in Bu- rope or elsewhere should be so much at variance with those in the columns of the Federationist Is rather startling. This is a serious matter, for the power of fascism is growing by jeaps and bounds and it cannot be long before we are face to face with another war Crisis. The editors of both papers will agree, I think, that a single clear and constructive lead given to the workers of Canada in times of erises would be highly desirable. Contradictory proposals and opinions expressed at such m0o- ments succeed only in causing doubt, hesitation, and confusion in the minds of the workers. [I believe the time is propitious for a public discussion of this prob- lem. Qn behalf of the League for Peace and Democracy, may I sug- gest that a debate be held, under League auspices, on this topic: “Should Canadian workers sup- port the principle cof collective se- curity against fascist aggression in international affairs? How should such support be given and to what extent?” I further suggest that the de- bate be held between members of the editorial boards of the papers concerned and that it be held in some central place. The League will make all necessary arrange- ments and bear all preliminary expenses of advertising, rental of hall, ete. The proceeds of the meeting could be divided equally, after deducting expenses, between the People’s Advocate, the Fed- erationist and the League. I have sent a’ similar letter to the Pederationist. A. FEF. BLACK, Provincial Vice-President, Ganadian League for Peace and Democracy. Vancouver, BC. The editorial board welcomes the idea of a debate as suggest- ed above and will be glad to name a speaker to represent it. —Editor. Stewart Comments On Labor Unity Editor, People’s Advocate: Dear Sir, — On August 19 an article appeared in the columns of your paper entitled, “A Mo- mentous Gathering.” This article stressed the urgent necessity of maintaining and ex tending the status quo at the re- cent 54th convention of the Trades and Labor Congress. In this article reference was made to the fact that enemies of Jabor were desirous of a split, but that it was impossible for reaction by itself to destroy our trade unions. So our enemies had en- deavored, and to some extent suc- ceeded, in securing the services of certain trade union officials who were consciously or unconsciously carrying out the policies of the enemies of labor. The article said that those who were conscious of what they did and understood the untold hari a further split in the Canadian trade union movement would ei- tail, should be exposed and driven out of the trade union movement. Exception has been taken to the above statements by a2 num— ber of trade union officials who believe that a slur has been cast upon their integrity. I am indeed sorry if anything in this article has in any way tended to disrupt the harmonious relations that have existed throughout the trade union move- ment in this district, and I take this opportunity of assuring all executive members of Vancouver Trades and Labor Council and other AFI, leaders and offiicals that the statements in question were in no way intended to cast 4 reflection upon their integrity, but were intended solely aS an agita- tional article dealing with a def jnite trade union policy, a policy which I firmly believe is vital to the continued existence of the trade union movement of this country. A speaker at the 54th conven— tion of the Trades and Labor Con- gress, representing the British trade union movement, said or- ganized labor should endeavor to sink its petty differences, uniting to fight our common enemy—or- ganized capital. - I sincerely trust that this policy will be followed and that the trade union movement in this dis- trict will continue to function in the future as it has done in the past, to be an inspiration to the rest of Canada. - CG. M. STEWART. Vancouver, B.C. Our Readers View The News ‘And What A Peace’ Editor, People’s Advocate: Dear Sir,—Chamberlain, his in- timates of the Cliveden set and that section of the Conservative party which fears the developing people’s front movements of the various countries far more than fascism, have shown their hand though they have cunningly tried during the past few years, to conceal their treacherous deal- ings under the cloak of “peace.” And what a ‘‘peace!” Outside each democracy lies the menace of the fascist states, armed to the teeth by Baldwin and Chamberlain’s generous asS- sistance. Inside each democracy, paid, imported fascist agents— and we have them in Canada, tov —are a constant menace to se- curity of the people, the more so pecause they are aided and abet- ted by sympathizers in high places and by ‘Trotskyists who spout their high-sounding drivel in at- tempts to confuse organized labor and the CCF. BC, in particular, is cursed with this latter poison- ous variety of rodent. Manchuria, Ethiopia, Spain and now Czechoslovakia have all taught their lessons to the people. We must heed them now, while there is time. Having sold Czecho- slovakia to Hitler, Chamberlain is now trying to give Spain to Mussolini. At any time now he can be expected to make Hitler a present of Belgian Congo and donate the Dutch East Indies to Japan. What faith can democratic peo- ple have in such treaties as that made at Munich when it is obvi- ous that the signatures of Hitler and Mussolini are not worth the paper they are written on? Already, before the ink is dary, Hlitler is demanding further con- eessions. G MAURICE. Vancouver, BC. Clothing For Unemployed Eiditor, People’s Advocate: Dear Sir,_The District Council of the Workers Alliance wishes to place before the people of Vancou- ver the need for an investigation of the manner in which clothing is distributed to the unemployed. The Welfare Federation will very soon be asking for donations to its annual drive for $350,000- Tt is from money allotted from this fund that clothing for the un— employed is purchased. But hun- areds of people on relief do not seem to be able to get any cleth- ing. The ones affected most are those with children not attending school. We hope the citizens of Vancou- wer will consider this matter when asked to contribute to the Welfare Fund and demand that those on relief be assured of proper cloth- ing. DISTRICT COUNCIL, WORKERS ALLIANCE. Vancouver, BC. The Lighter Side Of Life A certain German was so dis- appointed with Hitler’s Germany that he decided to commit suicide (the suicide rates have been rap- idly mounting lately). He went into a chemist’s shop and bought arsenic. He took it, but did not die because it was “Ersatz.” So he bought a rope, but it broke with his weight. It also was “Wrsatz.”” In desperation he went into the street and met a party of Storm Troopers marching along. “Down with Hitler, long live Stalin!” he shouted at the top of his voice. The leader quickly broke ranks and coming up to him whispered, ‘S7ush, you fool, there’s 2 Wazi at the other end of the street and he might hear you.’ After that he decided to go on living. So to re- cuperate he went into a shop and bought himself a good plateful of “Wrankfurter Wurstchen’’ — the famous German brand of sau- sages. And as these were “Ear satz”’ too, he died within the hour. There is a story told in Vienna three that went to work in Germany— a dog, a cow, and a goat. They soon returned home. The cow said she didn’t like being milked all day. The dog said he did not like standing on three legs and sayings “Jfeil Hitler’ all day. And the goat declared that every time he said “Baa’ he was put in a con- eentration camp. now of Austrian animals SHORT JABS A Weekly Commentary By Ol’ Bill S Liberty, mouthpiece of the Mc- Press Drive Fadden brand of fascism in North America, recently published an interview with Stalin by one of its society gossipers, a dame who was at one time a member of the cod-fish aris- tocracy but is now reduced to concocting tripe for sensation-mongering magazines of the True Lies variety, Princess Radziwill. : According to this ex-princess, Stalin told her he intends to team-up with Hitler and doesn’t give a damn about Spain or China. Very interesting and enlightening for the readers of such pornographic gutter productions as McPadden publishes, no doubt Only one thing spoils it; the interview occurred en- tirely in the mind of the ex-aristocrat. The princess is a liar and her interview a blatant forgery. The New Masses calls it 100 percent phoney The Prin- cess Lotoswill has not been to the Soviet Union, and Stalin has not been interviewed since his well-publi- cized conversation with Roy Howard in 1936. The difference between Liberty and other capi- talist papers is only one of degree. Hew of them are so raw as the McPadden forgery—factory, but they are all tainted with virus for poisoning the workers. The need is the greater then to support our own press, there in BC, the People’s Advocate and the Clarion. We are committed in this column to raise $100. Let this be our answer to Liberty’s blast of lies! England’s New Baldwin’s historic pro- FE = nouncement while he was rontiers prime minister of Britain “The frontiers of England are now on the Rhine,” was amended at the Munich wolves’ conference. The frontiers of England are now located about Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Shadwell and Depttord. The English people who refuse to accept the rule of Hitler which the cunning of Chamberlain is try- ing to impose on them will find that the battle- ground on which their fighting is to be done will be the districts of London in which the workers and poorer sections of the people Ilve,—or rather, exist. Capt. Liddell Hart, the foremost military writer in Britain today, explains this well in the Fortnightly Review for June last. “The further Germany's ex tension eastward was carried,’’ he wrote, “the more it would strengthen her capacity for sustaining a long war... . it would be folly to buy momentary relief from the danger of war at the cost of ultimate downfall.’’ Although Hitler’s program calls for Nazi domina- tion through the destruction of the Soviet Union, France and Britain, when the Nazi war-birds begin laying their eggs in London the blame will not lie on Hitler but on Chamberlain—as great a traitor to his country or his God as any Benedict Arnold or Judas Iscariot,—and his reactionary government. New International serene ee aeee 2 a big par Brigade these days in Spain and China. We cannot, however, all go to lands where the struggle against fascism is carried on with guns and bombs, but we can prove our worth right here in BC. To prove this assertion I am going to or- Fanize an international brigade to execute a flank attack on the forces of reaction in this proyince. I want one hundred volunteers to join this brigade with me; one or more from every Mining camp, every logging camp, every fishing village, every farming community. From every town and city I want many volunteers, but the total number will be limited to i100. Only a small task will be undertaken by each member of the brigade, but the result of their collective efforts will be not only enormous but magnificent. The brigade will accomplish some- thing that has never been done in this country be- fore. There will be no mystery about what this bri- gade is going to do, but only the members will be in the secret until its work is finished. With the successful accomplishment of its work every member of the brigade will be proud of him- self or herself and will be honored by all the anti- fascist forces in Canada. Membership in the brigade will not be limited by any barriers of sex, race, nationality, color or creed. It is open to everyone who is in the struggle to destroy fascism. T want every reader of this column to consider this proposal seriously, to make up their minds that they will do a little more than they are doing at present and to join this brigade immediately Immediately you decide to accept this invitation, send me your name and address and I will outline the full plan of campaign to you. Remember, only 100 members will be accepted. If you don’t hurry you will be left out of the honor and real glory that will =o with membership in this international brigade. f It is commonly said that the Is It Peace? English have no sense of humor; they hear a joke one day and laugh (perhaps) two weeks later. However correct or incorrect this may be, it seems to be undoubtedly true that “irony,” a most subtle form of humor, is too deep or profound for the English capitalist newspapers. They are actually taking seriously an announce- ment in the Paris Ce Soir that subscriptions are being opened to buy a small simple house on a fish- ing creek in France for Chamberlain, as a token of national thankfulness for his efforts te avert war. Tt is proposed to call this shack “The House of Peace.” Marx, who was a master satirist, never wrote any- thing more ironical. Ce Soir advises the English people to give Chamberlain a fishing rod and send him to some place where he cannot do his country or France any more harm, and they are willing that the French people provide the stream and the lodging. The supreme satire, however, is in the name pro- posed for this monument, “House of Peace.’ Louis Aragon, editor of Ce Soir, is one of the foremost fighters in the united front against fascism in France, one of the staunchest adyocates of the Span- ish people in exposing the atrocities of Chamberlain and his non-intervention swindle in Spain and one of the leading intellectuals in the struggle against re- action in the world today. Louis Aragon proposes a “ETouse of Peace” certainly because Ghamberlain, in betraying his own and the French people, has made an end of Peace.