As might have been expected the successful participation of the U.S.S.R. in the Second World War has proved a godsend to the Communist Party of Great Britain. It was claimed in August that over 30,000 had joined its ranks since the beginning of the year, bringing total membership up to well over 50,000. Literature sales by Central Books amounted to £92,000 in that half-year : despite the paper shortage plans are announced for increased output. It may be of value to attempt an analysis of the current communist appeal as it is put forward in this propaganda. This analysis is given without comment. Its aim is not to confute communism but to provide information for those who lack time or opportunity to examine the literature themselves.

The readiest objection likely to be made against the Party is that of tergiversation. It is met by the explanation that Communist Party policy is to suit tactics to circumstances while always keeping the final goal of socialism in view. The circumstances of the war have changed : it was an imperialist war until June 22nd, 1941, and as such opposed : since that date it has been supported because it has become a People’s War of Liberation. Similarly the Soviet Non-Aggression Pact with Germany in 1939 is justified as having shattered plans for an imperialist anti-Soviet coalition. Our present Russian alliance is established on a basis of ‘temporary common interests ‘and ‘the mass of the people ‘desire co-operation to continue beyond the war and peace settlement. New members are however reminded that ‘socialism cannot be won by votes, but only by the workers setting up their own Government, with armed strength behind it to put down any attempts by the rich to overthrow it.’