WILSON CAN STILL WIN NEXT BRITISH ELECTIONS

Mr. Eric Butler reports from London:

Objective British political observers believe that Prime Minister Harold Wilson can still win the next British Elections. I can report that this view is also held by one Embassy representing a country with a very special dislike of the Wilson Government. The late John Paul, whose recent tragic death has been a major disaster for genuine British Conservatives, was one of those who believed that if Wilson could retain control of the Labor Party, and could complete a full term in office thus having another two years before facing the electors at a General Election, he could still win. I must agree that the reasoning, based upon solid facts for this view, is impressive.

A recent Public Opinion poll shows the Conservatives still maintaining a most impressive lead. And there is little doubt that Wilson will suffer further electoral rebuffs at coming by-elections. But a close survey of the pattern of voting since the Wilson Government has been in office, reveals that there has been no substantial increase in the Conservative vote. Large numbers of traditional Labor voters, and middle class voters who supported Labor at the last two elections, are demonstrating their displeasure with the Wilson Government by not voting. One of Prime Minister Wilson's greatest assets is, beyond doubt Conservative leader Mr. Edward Heath. One of the Conservatives' younger, and much better informed candidates, had no hesitation in telling that there is widespread dissatisfaction with Mr. Heath inside the Tory Party. Public Opinion polls consistently show that Mr. Heath's personal electoral stocks are very low. There is not only the failure of Mr.Heath to project any type of appealing image, but the lack of any real alternative policy to that of the Wilson Government.

I listened to a recent BBC radio interview with the Conservative Shadow leader Mr. Maudling, and when Mr. Maudling was asked whether a Conservative Government would pursue a different financial policy from the restrictive one being imposed by the Wilson Government, he had to hedge and finally concede that there would probably be no real difference. It is the "me-tooism" of non-Socialist Parties everywhere which is permitting the steady advance towards Socialism throughout the whole non-Communist world. Unless the British Conservatives can convince the British electors that they offer a complete change of direction, both in domestic and foreign policies they leave Wilson in the position where he has two years in which to win back lost electoral support.

General elections do not always reflect the pattern of by-elections, which are often used to criticize a Government without the risk of defeating it. In the next British General Elections, Wilson is banking on large numbers of traditional Labor supporters voting for him rather than risk the election of a Conservative Government. And two years is sufficient time in which to ease present restrictive financial policies, and to convince the short-sighted that having successfully weathered a major financial and economic storm under Captain Wilson's "courageous" although un-popular measures, there are much better times ahead.

One of Prime Minister Wilson's most masterly moves is his proposed legislation to "reform" the Trade Unions and industrial relations. At the time of writing the struggle between Mr. Wilson and the Trade Union Congress has not been resolved. But it is certain that so long as Mr. Wilson can achieve what appears to be a victory for the outlawing of "wild cat" strikes, he will gain the applause of a wide cross-section of the British public. Even the Conservative Daily Express has editorially criticised Mr. Heath for his "pin-pricking" criticism of Prime Minister Wilson's proposed legislation, agreeing with Wilson's charge that the Conservatives were in office for a long time without attempting any type of industrial reform legislation.

A large number of British electors supported Mr. Wilson at the last General Elections because his attitude appeared to be much more cautious on the Common Market than the whole-hearted support of the Conservatives under Heath. If it suits his political purposes, Mr. Wilson is quite capable of once again adopting a most lukewarm attitude before the next Elections. But Mr. Heath continues to make it clear, as he did in New Zealand recently, that he is still a dedicated Marketeer.

The Conservatives offer nothing constructive on the Rhodesian issue, only a small group urging recognition of the reality of Rhodesian independence. One of these is the much-abused "racist" Mr. Enoch Powell. Many look to Mr. Powell to lead a Conservative revival. It is certainly true that the great majority of the British people support Mr. Powell's clearly stated policy on the explosive race issue. He appears to have shifted from his original support for British entry into the European Economic Community. But his support for the Wilson policy of removing all British troops from "East of Suez" reveals a failure to grasp the reality of the global strategy of International Communism. Whatever merits Mr. Powell may have compared with Mr. Heath, the fact is that he is most unlikely to gain leadership of the Tories until they suffer another General Election defeat.

However, there is no doubt that the race issue is now becoming a major issue in British politics. The Race Relations Act is one of the most restrictive pieces of legislation I have ever studied, and is typical of the sicker attitude of the do-gooders and Socialists (of all Parties) who believe that people of different races can be made to like one another by acts of parliament. An Act, which allegedly is designed to stamp out "racial discrimination" is in fact fostering discrimination against the indigenous British people. Unless resolved along the lines suggested by Mr. Powell the race situation in the United Kingdom will end in a major and violent explosion. The worst victims will be the non-Europeans.

The last Local Government Elections suggested that the Nationalist Movements (there is now a Cornish Nationalist Movement) may have reached the zenith of their support, and will only be important at the General Elections if the contest is close. The National Front has gained some support in Local Government elections, but there is no evidence to indicate that it will make any real impact at the next General Elections.

There is considerable speculation about the new party, the United Democrats, formed by Mr. Desmond Donnelly. MP, who resigned as Whip from the Labor Party after severely criticising many of its policies, including the retreat from "East of Suez". Mr. Donnelly's strategy appears to be to attempt to split the Labor Party as the first step towards creating a genuine "national" party. He unfortunately is ambiguous on many issues like Rhodesia and the Common Market. Few give him any hope of success. He may do well to hold his own electorate.

Many things can happen in two years. But as at this moment, Harold Wilson appears to have an excellent chance of surviving - mainly through the default of the Conservatives. The old saying that things must get worse before they get better certainly applies to Britain. But amongst the brighter news is the excellent showing of the young Prince of Wales whose public statements indicate a potential for statesmanship, which may yet serve the hard-pressed British well.

VALE JOHN PAUL

LEAGUE FACES MAJOR FINANCIAL CRISIS

The following message has been forwarded by Mr. Eric Butler, National Director of the League.
The war in which the League of Rights is involved necessitates the facing of realities that are some times harsh. Since the League was formed as a national organisation in 1960, it has successfully increased its tempo of expansion and activities. Now, for the first time, in is threatened with the possibility of a serious curtailment of its programme. At the end of June the Deficiency Fund of $5000 was $1725.58 short of its objective. This means that unless this deficiency can be made good most immediately, the League will be faced before the start of its next financial year in October with a situation requiring a reduction in full-time staff. This would be a major catastrophe, but one which can easily be averted if all those (and they are many) who have not yet contributed to the 1968-69 Fund, each makes a small contribution.

Those living in Queensland or Northern N.S.W should send their contributions to Mr. Don Martin, P.O. Box 3, Paddington Brisbane, Queensland. Other contributions to Box 1052J, G.P.O., Melbourne, 3001. We specially request no further contributions from those who have already contributed to the 1968-69 Fund, but we do urge that those who have not fulfilled pledges to do so immediately. Our deficiency figure is based upon the assumption that all pledges will be faithfully met. If the League can enter the 70's - which will probably decide whether Civilisation is to collapse or start to revive - with its present full-time team intact, and its programme progressively expanding, will be a major victory. Only a small number of people are required to make this a reality. Will you please send YOUR contribution today? Thank you.

MONEY CAN SERVE ANY MASTER

UNITED NATIONS CONTINUING ATTACKS ON AUSTRALIA

"Consider the denunciation delivered by the Russian delegate, Mr. Issraelyan, in the trusteeship council on Wednesday. He resorted to the oldest clichés on colonialism by accusing Australia of trying to delay the Territory's progress towards self-determination "to continue the exploitation of human and natural resources." - Sydney Morning Herald, June 6th. 1969.

This is the latest in a series of attacks on Australia's role in New Guinea. Australia has continued to defend herself, but the only way that this propaganda barrage can be robbed of its effect is to take the offensive. To continually accept the necessity for self-defence against verbal attacks of this nature is in itself a weakness. Surely it is time that countries like Australia and South Africa took the initiative in forcing examination of Russia's colonial system which is far harsher and more despotic than that of the West.
Events in Czechoslovakia, Poland, Rumania, Tibet and other satellite counties deserve far more attention than they receive at present. It is time that we turned the tables by forcing examination of the skeletons in the Soviet cupboard, rather than to continue reacting to the unjust barbs that are directed our way.