Page:Resolutions and Decisions of the Third Congress of the Red International of Labor Unions (1924).pdf/6

 shapeless, which still adheres to the program of the Amsterdam International, is, in spite of its half-heartedness, inconsistency and readiness to compromise with the right wing, reflecting a profound change in the masses. If the struggle at the congress of the Amsterdam International was squeezed into the narrow confines of the organizational question, it was not the fault of the rank and file members of the union who are dissatisfied with the old policies, but the fault of the leaders who did not fully and correctly echo the true feelings of the masses. Though the struggle ended in the adoption of unanimous resolutions, it is merely a sham unanimity, for it is easy for the leaders to sign a resolution, but the rank and file workers will find it hard to understand why they should support the leaders of the labor movement who now play a purely strikebreaking role in the economic battles of the proletariat. The left wing of the congress of the Amsterdam International should be looked upon merely as a barometer, which in addition does not very truly reflect the changes in the political moods of the masses, and the situation of the Amsterdam International should be judged not by the words of its leaders, but by the deeds of the working masses, who are discontented with the old policies. This discontent finds an expression not only in the organization of a Left Wing, but also in the formation of minorities, groups and unions adopting the program and tactics of the R, I. L. U.

The war and the Versailles Treaty had the aim of disabling Germany as a competitor on the world market. The same aim is pursued by the reparations policy of the Entente and by the experts' plan. To completely break the productive and technical machinery of the German industries, or to make German production more expensive by means of contributions and levies, is the object of the experts' plan to which the Second and the Amsterdam Internationals are accomplices, The German bourgeoisie, supported by the Social Democrats and by the labor bureaucracy, is shifting the burden of reparations to the shoulders of the working masses: hence the lengthening of the work day, the abolition of a number of labor laws, etc. Thus are the bourgeoisie and labor bureaucracy of the Entente, together with the bourgeoisie and labor bureaucracy of Germany, shifting the burden of the war and the post-war crisis on the shoulders of the German proletariat. The accomplishment of this abominable conspiracy will mean not only the conversion of the German workers into coolies, but also A GENERAL LOWERING OF THE LIVING STANDARD OF THE WORKERS OF EVERY COUNTRY and particularly of the countries of the Entente. This mean conspiracy against the toilers of Germany represents also a conspiracy against the international proletariat. That is why the Red unions of every country must conduct a bitter struggle against the plan of the experts and against the labor bureaucracy which gave its sanction to this shameless document. The devastated regions must be restored, and the victims compensated AT THE EXPENSE OF THE RULING CLASSES OF ALL COUNTRIES, including the ruling class of Germany. The propaganda, agitation and general activity of the revolutionary unions of all countries should be centered upon, and all the international activities of the organizations affiliated to the R. I. L. U. should have as their principal slogans: "Down with the Versailles Treaty," "Down with the experts' plan," "Down with the enslavement of the German workers."