Following almost two months of consistent lies about the negotiations, symbolized most clearly by Henry Kissinger's Oct. 26 statement that "peace is at hand," Washington's ferocious escalation of the war is enraging the world.

Despite Kissinger's claim that Hanoi is responsible for the collapse of the Paris secret negotiations, it is clear that the sole responsibility for continuing the war lies with the Nixon administration. The White House never abandoned its goal of securing the Saigon regime's power over South Vietnam.

It was not over minor issues that the secret talks were deadlocked. At issue was Washington's demand for guarantees that the proimperialist regime in Saigon would remain in command.

In this strategy Nixon is counting on Moscow and Peking to continue their treacherous pressure against Hanoi. Nixon hopes to demonstrate that no matter how heavy the bombing, Moscow and Peking will not provide an adequate defense to North Vietnam.

The Kremlin's policies of doling out obsolete military equipment to Hanoi with an eyedropper have never been clearer than today, when the best North Vietnam can do against a storm of bombers and bombs is fire antiquated missiles into the air on a hit-or-miss basis.

December 29, 1947
FLINT, Michigan, Dec. 21 - Five GM Local Union Presidents, representing over 50,000 workers in General Motors met today and released a highly important "Statement of Policy."

Pointing out that "This conference unites the GM local presidents for the first time in the history of the Flint Auto Locals," the five presidents issued a fighting 3-point program of action that called for:

1) 25-cent hourly wage increase and a sliding scale cost-of- living bonus clause.

2) revision of the GM contract.

3) a single termination date for all contracts in the auto industry.

The "Statement of Policy" announces that "We have united for all future struggles. General Motors understands only one language -power. In unity there is strength."

This Statement of Policy, prominently quoted by both the Detroit and Flint daily papers, found immediate response from militants throughout the union. The actions of the Briggs and Budd Locals are reported elsewhere in this issue. And their actions had repercussions in the top leadership. Asher Lauren, labor writer of the Detroit News reported on Dec. 22 as follows: "As the wage clamor spread, Walter P. Reuther revealed that the 22-man executive board was being summoned here Jan. 15 to discuss the issue."  
 
 
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