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COINTELPRO -- Socialist Workers Party (1961-1970)
INTRODUCTION
NEUTRALIZATION OF POLITICAL CANDIDATESJohn Clarence FranklinCREATING "SPLITS" WITH OTHER GROUPS
Sam Jordan
Clifton De Berry
Barbara Talpin and Howard Wallace
Judy White
Fred Halstead
Morris Starsky
Evelyn Rose Sell
Committee to Aid the Monroe DefendantsCONCLUSION
Split with Muslim Mosque, Inc.
Splits with Anti War Groups
Racial Split Within SWP
INTRODUCTION The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) has, over the past several years, been openly espousing its line on a local and national basis through running candidates for public office and strongly directing and/or supporting such causes as Castro's Cuba and integration problems in the South. Offices receiving copies of this letter are participating in the Bureau's Communist Party, USA, Counterintelligence Program. It is felt that a disruption program along similar lines could be initiated against the SWP on a very limited basis. One of the purposes of this program would be to alert the public to the fact that the SWP is not just another socialist group but follows the revolutionary principles of Marx, Lenin and Engels as interpreted by Leon Trotsky. Director to Field Offices, Oct. 12, 1961
Letters to newspaper editors and other various columns in newspapers publishing letters from subscribers could be mailed to newspapers, signed by fictitious names, and pointing out that at the same time these individuals are candidates for political office in the United States they are members of the SWP, an organization dedicated to the revolutionary overthrow of the United States Government. The above idea of labeling the SWP as a subversive organization, which it is, could be expanded upon and other means of adequately publishing this fact utilized. Leaflets outlining the above could be mimeographed and surreptitiously ... SAC, Detroit to Director, Nov. 2, 1961 (page 1/?)
NEUTRALIZATION OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES
John Clarence Franklin Careful consideration has been given to the fact that the SWP in New York City is now getting some propaganda attention through the press, television and radio because it has succeeded in placing on the ballot four candidated for office in the New York City fall elections. With this background in mind, a review has been made of the candidates chosen by the SWP to represent it on the ballot and it has been found that one of them, JOHN CLARENCE FRANKLIN, appears to be particularly vulnerable in causing embarrassment to the SWP.
There is submitted for consideration by the Bureau a sample of the type of story which might be submitted to a friendly newspaper in this regard:
SAC, New York to Director, Oct. 20, 1961One of the minor entries in the New York City municipal elections is the candidate of the Socialist Workers Party for Manhattan Borough President, Clarence Franklin. He was introduced in the Party's newspaper, 'The Militant' in the issue of July 24 and 31, 1961, as being "On the side of the honest productive people of the City'. Franklin accused the Democrats and Republicans of dipping their hands in graft and he offered himself as an alternative.
In giving his background and qualifications, Franklin omitted some facts in regard to honesty and productivity which are a matter of record to the Albany Police Department. ...
Reurlet 10/20/61 captioned as above and submitting for Bureau consideration a Disruption Program
operation aimed at causing embarrassment to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), its leaders and its
membership.
This suggestion is an excellent example of the type desired by the Bureau under the Disruption Program.
The Bureau is pleased to note that the suggestion was well thought out and it is felt that if future suggestions
are submitted with the same amount of preparation and planning, this program will be exceedingly successful.
The necessary action has been taken by the Bureau to carry out your suggestion. No steps should be
taken by you concerning this operation. Should any tangible results come to your attention as a result of
Bureau-initiated action in this matter, the Bureau should be advised promptly.
There is enclosed a copy of the column "On the Town" by
CHARLES MC HARRY, which appeared on page 40 of the "New York Daily News," 11/7/61. It is noted
this includes the information re JOHN CLARENCE FRANKLIN suggested by the NYO as a disruptive
tactic against the SWP.
A membership meeting of the New York Local, SWP was held the evening of
[ ] , which was attended by
[ ]. He stated that he had heard no mention
of the newspaper story, but had noticed that JOHN CLARENCE FRANKLIN and his brothers, ROBERT
and WILLIAM, also SWP members, were conspicuous by their absence.
[ ] said he could not recall a meeting when
one or more of the FRANKLINs were not in attendance.
The main activity of the SWP in the San Francisco area at this time is the campaign being conducted by SAM JORDAN for the position of Mayor of San Francisco. ... It is believed that an anonymous letter should be sent to JORDAN pointing out that he is running for Mayor to help his Negro race but is committing political suicide by affiliating himself with communist organizations, such as the SWP. SAC, San Francisco to Director, Oct. 4, 1963
Set forth below is a proposed letter to be sent to SAM JORDAN in an effort to force him to oust the SWP
from his election campaign committee.
Dear Mr. Jordan.
First of all, let me apologize for sending this letter without any name on it, but I am a longshoreman
and would not like to have Asher Harer know I am writing this. If he knew he could make things pretty
tough for me on the waterfront.
When you indicated that you were running for Mayor of San Francisco to represent negros and other
groups who have never been properly represented in San Francisco government I was delighted.
However, after attending some of your meetings and noticing who is runing your campaign I have come
to the conclusion that you are committing political suicide by allowing people like Harer (a long time
wheel in the Socialist Workers Party - the Trotsky communist party) and his stooges Nick Nicklas,
Hayden Perry, Connie Hann, Aaron Chapman, and Alan Willis to run your campaign. By letting them
run your campaign you are indicating to the public that you support communism and that if I support
you, then I too support communism. Now I have no intention of being branded as a "red" and I know
that a lot of other people, negro and white, who will not continue to support you in this election unless
you publicly denounce the SWP and completely cut them out of your campaign.
You have a big following in San Francisco and could really do a job in the local political picture. Please
don't ruin everything by allowing yourself to become a tool of the SWP.
Sincerely,
Disappointed
P.S. Harer is really using you as a pipe line for the commie line.
SAC, San Francisco to Director, Oct. 10, 1963
Authority is granted for you to prepare and then anonymously mail the letter set out in relet to Sam Jordan
who is running for the office of Mayor of San Francisco as an independent Negro candidate. ... The letter has
definite disruptive potential.
Director to SAC, San Francisco, Oct. 21, 1963
The NY Local of the SWP is presently running a candidate for the position of Councilman-at-large in the borough of Brooklyn. A review is being conducted of CLIFTON DE BERRY's file to determine if there is anything deorgatory in his background which might cause embarrassment to the SWP if publicly exposed. It is noted that on a previous occasion it was possible to have printed in a daily NY newspaper the prison record of an SWP election candidate. SAC, New York to Director, Oct. 17, 1963
The 11/18/63 issue of "The Militant," page eight, column three, carried an article entitled, "Negro Socialist Opens National Speaking Tour." In summary, this article states that CLIFTON DE BERRY, a Socialist Workers Party candidate for Brooklyn Councilman-at-large, has begun a coast-to-coast speaking tour. In the election last week which drew few people to the polls DE BERRY received 3,514 votes. [several completely redacted pages omitted] SAC, Chicago to Director, Nov. 29, 1963
On 12/6/63, CLIFTON DE BERRY was arrested at Chicago on non-support charge and placed on $1,000 bond. SAC, Chicago to Director, Dec. 19, 1963
The Bureau realerted its contacts relative to the derogatory information concerning Clifton DeBerry.
The Bureau, of course, cannot insist that such material be used; however, it is possible that through
this additional contact the information may subsequently be used. You should consequently advice [sic]
the Bureau of any information concerning the use of the material.
In April, 1964, the New York Office recommended and the Bureau approved the release to certain public
sources information of a derogatory nature concerning Clifton DeBerry. DeBerry is a functionary of the
SWP and is its candidate for President of the United States in 1964. The derogatory information referred to
past arrests of DeBerry on nonsupport charges of his wife and children and also information relative to his
living with the daughter of the National Secretary of the SWP.
The Crime Records Division released this information to a press source, however, there is no indication
it has ever been used. Crime Records Division has advised that it has alerted its contact to the DeBerry
material and it is hoped something will now be done with it.
The SWP weekly newspaper, "The Militant" announced on its 3/22/65, issue that CLIFTON DE BERRY had
been nominated as SWP candidate for mayor of NYC in the 1965 elections. He said he intended to start
his campaign early.
DE BERRY will attempt to utilize public platforms, radio and television to spread the SWP propaganda, and the
disruptive tactic proposed in relet is again regarded as having a good potential.
The Bureau is requested to approve again the release of the derogatory information regarding DE BERRY.
If circumstances relating to the Bureau contact preclude his using the material, the NYO will submit its
recommendations regarding using this data in an anonymous mailing.
On two occasions the derogatory information concerning Clifton DeBerry has been brought to the
attention of Bureau contacts. However, these contacts have not seen fit to use the information.
Therefore, no further effort will be made to obtain a release of this information through these contacts.
New York is requested to submit a recommendation regarding the use of this derogatory material in an
anonymous letter as set forth in referenced New York letter of 4/22/65.
Relet set forth that action would be initiated at the Seat of Government re dissemination of derogatory
background concerning CLIFTON DE BERRY, SWP Candidate for Mayor of NYC.
DE BERRY has made several public speeches, radio and televison appearances, but the NYO has noted
no questioning of him tending to bring out his background. Similarly, there has been no critical comment
re DE BERRY in this connection in the press.
Since the NYC elections will be held 11/2/65, it appears that no positive results have been obtained from
this operation.
BARBARA TAPLIN and HOWARD WALLACE, both members of the Denver Branch, SWP, have filed their
candidacy for the election to the school board instead of ALLEN TAPLIN as previously reported.
Bureau authority is requested prior to 5/11/65 for Denver to send the revised suggested
letter and enclosed newspaper clippings to the President of the
Denver School Board in an effort to prevent those people from being elected.
As the Bureau is aware, the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) is currently running candidates in the forthcoming election in the State of New York. JUDY WHITE heads the SWP ticket as candidate for Governor. It is further known that the Party, in choosing WHITE, was aware that she did not meet the residency requirement for holding such office, however felt that if this was challenged the Party would compare WHITE's New York residency status with that of ROBERT KENNEDY, and the resultant publicity would outweigh any turn of events including WHITE's removal from the ballot. The Party had an old time member standing in the wings to replace WHITE if such occurred. Therefore, to date, utilization of this information has not been recommended under this program. It appears at this time, however, that a good possibility for disruption exists if this information was publicly released at election time making a comparison with JOHN CLARENCE FRANKLIN, a previous Party candidate. It is believed this could be accomplished in a humorous vein and released at the time of election when Party rebuttal would be useless. A Xerox copy of a public release concerning FRANKLIN, effected under this program, is attached. SAC, New York to Director, Oct. 24, 1966
Relets concerned the suggested disruptive tactic of publicizing the ineligibility of the SWP's
candidate for Governor of New York State during 1966, which suggestion was accepted by the
Bureau and furnished to the "New York Daily News" by Crime Record Division. No subsequent
publication of this information was noted in this New York City newspaper, however, a
Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) editorial
subsequently appeared on television on 11/18/66, which
contained allegations similar to those furnished New York City newspapers. Although it has not
been definitely established it is suspected by the New York Office CBS may have received this
information from the "New York Daily News." For the information of the Bureau the State of New
York recently passed a law which would nullify any future instance of ineligible candidates running
for public office.
It is noted that "New York Times," 4/23/67, contained an article on page 75, which stated that the
"anti-Judy White bill" which barred an ineligible person from being nominated for public office has
been signed by New York State Governor NELSON ROCKEFELLER. It was disclosed that New
York State Attorney General LOUIS J. LEFKOWITZ drafted this bill which has was sponsored by
New York State Senator EDWARD J. SPENO, Nassau County Republican chairman.
I am writing this letter directly to you as Superintendent of the D.C. School System because of the severity
of the accusations which I am making against a teacher in the D.C. system. ...
I have learned that since January of this year, Miss White has held weekly meetings of a socialist
youth group which is active in the Washington area. From literature found in our hallways, I have
determined that this group is known as the Young Socialist Alliance and from personal observation
I have learned that approximately twenty individuals attend these meetings each Sunday evening at Miss
White's apartment.
The literature belonging to this group advocates an overthrow of our present system of government in a
way similar to the Cuban revolution of Fidel Castro. The printed policy of the group supports violent
activities against established authority, particularly the police, and considers ghetto and student rioting
as the beginning of the violent revolution.
I bring this information to your attention in order to protect the D.C. School System from the menace
of a teacher who does not have the interests of the children or the country at heart. I am certain that a
responsible school administrator like yourself could not allow a revolutionist to indoctrinate the fertile minds
of grade school children.
Since most of this information is actually public knowledge, only limited investigation by your office will be
necessary to verify these accusations. For my own protection, I am not signing this letter. I assure you that
this lack of identification in no way affects the veracity of the information contained herein.
A Concerned Citizen
Dear Sir:
FBI-authored letter, May 29, 1969
[ ] Intelligence Unit, Metropolitan
Police Department, (MPD), Washington, D.C. (WDC) telephonically contacted WFO on 6/25/69, concerning
captioned subject. [ ] has the
responsibility of conducting intelligence investigations within the D.C. public school system and was making
inquiries regarding WHITE's activities at the direction of the newly appointed Assistant Superintendent of
Schools in charge of Personnel. The information which
[ ] furnished to WFO was the
same as that contained in WFO's counterintelligence effort approved by referenced communication.
[
] WHITE was currently employed with Headstart
in WDC, earning approximately $6.00 per hour.
[ ] advised that WHITE's
salary under the Headstart program consists of 90% Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), fundsand 10%
D.C. Government funds.
Since Headstart is not 100% funded by OEO, WFO is not considering a security of government employee case
on WHITE.
SAC, WFO to Director, July 3, 1969
The following is a squib, written in a humorous vein, which could possibly be placed with the US Army Personnel Information Service:
The Socialist Workers Party (SWP), the Trotskyist version of a Communist Utopia, has announced that their candidate for President of the United States, FRED HALSTEAD, will shortly tour 'Japan, Vietnam, India, Jordan, Yugoslavia and several European countries'. The alleged purpose of this trip is to reach GI's on foreign bases in order to propagandize on behalf of this Communist splinter organization in the US. ... It should be an interesting experience for Mr. HALSTEAD when he encounters the men who have served both their own country and others in the interest of freedom. SAC, New York to Director, July 23, 1968
New York has prepared a squib which describes Halstead and the SWP in an uncomplimentary manner.
New York recommended the squib be furnished the Army for use in its publications to decrease the
effectiveness of Halstead's efforts to contact military personnel. We believe the squib should be
furnished the intelligence branches of all the services through Liason in order to get the maximum
benefit for use in the publications of the Armed Forces.
Memorandum, July 25, 1968
On the basis of developments to date, it is apparent that New Left organizations and activities in the Phoenix metropolitan area have received their inspiration and leadership almost exclusively from the members of the faculty in the Department of Philosophy at Arizona State University (ASU), chiefly Assistant Professor MORRIS J. STARSKY. The most logical targets for potential counterintelligence action locally are therefore pretty obvious. STARSKY has already received considerable publicity in Phoenix papers in connection with his anti-war and anti-draft activities. [ ] This suggests an avenue of counterintelligence approach as well as that offered by reliable and cooperative contacts in the news media. SAC, Phoenix to Director, May 31, 1968
MORRIS J. STARSKY, by his actions, has continued to spotlight himself as a target for counterintelligence
action. He and his wife were both named as presidential electors by and for the Socialist Workers Party when the
SWP in August, 1968, gained a place on the ballot in Arizona. Professor Starsky's status at Arizona State
University may be affected by the outcome of his pending trial on charges of disturbing the peace.
Bureau approval is requested to mail a copy of the enclosed anonymous
letter to each member of the faculty committee which is hearing the charges against STARSKY.
SAC, Phoenix to Director, Oct. 10, 1968
On 10/3/69, [ ] Austin Independent School District, 6100 Guadelupe, Austin, Texas, advised that EVELYN ROSE SELL [ ] is a teacher in the Head Start Program under the auspices of the Austin Independent School District. [ ] the school district desires to terminate her services but is unable to do so becuase of a lack of information from the Detroit Public School System concerning her background. SAC, San Antonio to Director, Oct. 8, 1969
The subject was described as an intelligent excellent teacher who was well qualified in her field. Bureau attention is directed to San Antonio letter to the Bureau captioned "COINTELPRO, IS - DISRUPTION OF NEW LEFT," [ ] dated 1/13/70. [ ] the decision not to issue a new contract or consider the subject further for employment after the termination of her current contract is based upon information received from [ ] the Austin Police Department. [ ] information furnished [ ] would be furnished to the organization which will be handling the Head Start Program in the 1970-1971 school year. Memorandum, Mar. 31, 1970 (p. 3 only)
On 10/5/70, [ ] Austin Independent
School District, Austin, Texas, [ ],
advised that the subject is not employed by the Austin Independent School District. He stated that it was his
understanding that she is employed by the Human Opportunities Corporation (HOC) in the Head Start Program,
(HSP).
On 10/19/70, ALEX PORTER, Office of General Counsel for Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), advised
that the subject is employed by the HOC as Director of the HSP, Austin, Texas, and that she resides at 2200-B
Matthews Drive, Austin, Texas. Mr. PORTER stated that the HOC is a private, nonprofit corporation which is
funded by OEO.
SAC, San Antonio to Director, Oct. 20, 1970
New York by airtel dated 5-10-62 recommended that an anonymous telephone call be made to an official of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which has recently endorsed the Committee to Aid the Monroe Defendants (CAMD) to advise this official that the CAMD is run on a day-to-day basis by the Socialist Workers' Party, which has been designated pursuant to Executive Order 10450 and thereby cause considerable disruption of the CAMD's activities. Memorandum, May 14, 1962
The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) Disruption Program operation as outlined in reairtel is approved. However, in addition to placing the anonymous telephone call [ ], you should prepare an anonymous letter to an official of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in New York containing similar information. ... This letter should be signed a true friend and supporter of Negro rights. Director to SAC, New York, May 16, 1962
ReBuairtel to NY, 5/14/62
It has further been reported that the CAMD has received the endorsement of Local 600 of the
UAW-CIO. This is being directed to the attention of the Detroit Office in the event it is possible
to initiate a similar disruption tactic in connection with Local 600.
... As suggested by the Bureau in reairtel, the phone call was followed up by an anonymous letter which
was prepared on commercial stationery and mailed at a distance from the FBI office to Mr. ROY WILKINS,
Executive Secretary, NAACP, 20 West 40th Street, NYC. The letter set forth the following:
Dear Sir:
An outfit I have some knowledge of, the Committee to Aid the Monroe Defendants, has been boasting lately
how they've been made 'legitimate' through the endorsement and financial support of the NAACP.
No one can deny that the Negro people in Monroe need assistance, but its a shame that it is tied
in with the CAMD.
... It won't do the work of the NAACP in the South a bit of good if it's known its funds and good name are
backing a group in the pocket of the SWP.
A true friend and supporter of Negro rights.
SAC, New York to Director, May 25, 1962
Relet enclosed copies of a mimeographed anonymous letter prepared by the Laboratory for use by the New
York Office in a disruption tactic against the SWP. The New York Office had suggested this letter to bring
discredit upon the Party in the Negro civil rights field, specifically throught he activities of the SWP-controlled
Committee To Aid the Monroe Defendants (CAMD). The letter implied that GEORGE WEISSMAN and BERTA
GREEN of the SWP used the CAMD to their own advantage until they were finally repudiated by the defendants.
It is believed that a follow-up to this anonymous mailing may increase the effectiveness of the disruption
operation. We can take advantage of the fact that GEORGE WEISSMAN reported to the Monroe police that
while he was alone in the home of a Monroe Negro civil rights leader, two bandits came in and rifled a wall
safe. A Xerox copy of a clipping from the Charlotte Observer of
2/27/64, outlining the story, is enclosed for information of the Bureau.
Since recipients of the first anonymous letter are familiar with the connection of the SWP's WEISSMAN with
the Monroe defense, it will not be necessary to go into a detailed exposition if they are furnished copies of
the clipping. Bureau authority is requested to send a Xerox copy of the Charlotte Observer article to the
same individuals named above in instant letter. Bureau is also requested to authorize enclosing with the
clipping, as a device to generate further suspicions, the following bit of verse:
The Bureau is requested to advise the New York Office as soon as possible since interest in the Monroe case
becomes less as time goes by.
SAC, New York to Director, April 10, 1964
Referenced letter points out that a rather close relationship has developed between the SWP and the followers of the late Malcolm X, and the SWP hopes to recruit new followers by this means. This situation appears to offer some potential for the utilization of disruptive tactics against the SWP. New York is being instructed to analyze this situation and to submit comments and recommendations concerning possible disruptive tactics that could be used against the SWP in this connection. Director to SAC, New York, May 25, 1965
Since the death of MALCOLM X both the Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI) and the Organization of Afro-American Unity, Inc. (OAAU) have been declining in strength and influence. [ ] the SWP leadership has noted with dismay a strong tendency of the above organizations toward religious overtones. They see in this a loss of militancy and revolutionary zeal. The SWP is, of course, a Marxist and atheistic organization. It is believed that SWP influence on the followers of MALCOLM X would be disrupted by emphasizing the atheism of the SWP as opposed to the basic religious orientation of the MMI. Bureau approval is requested to instruct a selected few informants [ ] to emphasize in conversations regarding the SWP that the Party is anti-religious. It is believed that if this basic issue becomes commonly known as a point of difference, it would serve to drive a wedge between the followers of MALCOLM X and the SWP, thus foiling efforts of the Party to recruit in this Negro field. SAC, New York to Director, circa June 1965
ReBulet 6/28/65
[ ] relations between the
SWP and the former followers of MALCOLM X had been steadily deteriorating.
[ ] the SWP felt that these
people, now under the leadership of JAMES WARDEN (SHABAZZ), had lost all their former militancy and
no longer appeared to view the SWP with favor.
Whereas formerly MALCOLM X and JAMES SHABAZZ had been frequent speakers at SWP forums, the
Party was now no longer able to attract this type of Negro leader. SHABAZZ is now regarded by the SWP
as a "mystic" and his followers no longer incline toward a militant organization such as the SWP.
It is believed probable that the disintegrating relations between the SWP and the followers of JAMES
WARDEN can be attributed to the disruptive tactic authorized in relet and will result in a continued
[unreadable] of influence by the SWP among this group of Negroes.
SAC, New York to Director, Aug 25, 1965
On 11/25-28/65, the National Committee to End the War in Viet Nam held a convention in Washington, D.C. The SWP and the YSA's efforts to dominate and control this convention by forcing the issue of "Immediate Withdrawal of US Troops from Vietnam" as the basic slogan for anti-war work was soundly defeated at this conference. In addition, the YSA received considerable unfavorable publicity for its tactics and attitude at this convention. It is felt that the above defeat by the party and youth can be of significant nature in regard to captioned program. In all probability, the recent split of the Seattle Branch from the party together with the possible future splits of other branches and/or individual members is based in part on disagreements with the party leadership on anti-war policy. To exploit this, an anonymous letter has been prepared which could be directed nationally to selected party members who have some misgivings in regard to the leadership and direction of the party; however, to date, have not made a break. [sic] ... Receiving offices are also requested to furnish the NYO the names and addresses of local or national anti-war committees that exist within their respective territories. It is believed that the above action will definitely create disruption within the ranks of the SWP, particularly on local levels and eventually cause considerable unrest in National Headquarters. Moreover, this action should seriously hamper the party's total occupation at this time, that is, its anti-war actions and objectives. SAC, New York to Director, Mar. 10, 1966
Enclosed for the Bureau is a copy of an unsigned leaflet entitled "Fly United?", mailed this past week to some 230 selected individuals and organizations in New Left and related groups under the COINTELPRO at New York with prior Bureau authority. The leaflet is designed to cause disruption in the peace movement, primarily in the New Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, and to minimize the growing influence of the SWP in the movement. SAC, New York to Director, Feb. 13, 1970
You're a Trotskyite. You've struggled through the years attempting to influence others with your particular line of revolutionary socialism. You've seen your Party's membership cut time and time again by a seemingly endless series of splits, to the point where, historically, the SWP has become known as the "party of splits". ... Your ultimate dismay was recently realized when your party and its movement was bitterly attacked by Fidel Castro as "splitters and agents of imperialism". Thus, you have been made to suffer the final irony. Your party, which has posed as one of the leading defenders of the Cuban Revolution, now finds itself in the most ironic position of defending itself from a scathing attack by Castro himself. Such is the sick state of affairs and mind in which you now find yourself ----- sick with the realization that your party and its youth have finally achieved utter disrespect by all those whom it has strived to influence. Your humiliation in the public and radical press is now complete as you sadly observe your FORMER party press on. An Open Letter to Trotskyites, FBI-authored, circa 1966
During recent months the SWP, particularly in the NYC area, has noticeably decreased its emphasis on activity within local anti-war committees. Party emphasis in this regard at this time amounts to the placing of one comrade in each committee in the event something of interest to the Party occurs in regard to any one of these committees. This slackening of emphasis in the placing of many comrades in these committees has not been explained to the general Party membership to date. In a recent confidential memorandum prepared by the Political Committee of the SWP, the Party referred to a condition of dichotomy as existing within the various anti-war committees and organizations and considered itself as the left organization particupating in committees. It is felt, therefore, that the Party has experienced considerable difficulty in achieving its aims and objectives within these committees which may in part have resulted from information furnished these committees through the anonymous mailings. It is further noted that a Party leader recently stated that the SWP must, under all circumstances, not "antagonize" any elements in the anti-war movement inasmuch as the Party "has always been accused of splitting", which accusation greatly upsets the Party. In this regard the above confidential memorandum also sets forth that the Party should make certain concessions with other radical organizations in order that they will not be accused of diversionary tactics. This is considered by the Party as its "new political tactic." In view of the above, it is felt that the Party's influence and prestige within the anti-war movement is of a tenuous nature at this time. SAC, New York to Director, Aug. 30, 1966
Enclosed for the Bureau is a copy of an unsigned letter
sent to 68 peace groups, new left groups and selected individuals, during 8/68, under the COINTELPRO at
NY, with prior Bureau authority.
Events since the disaster of June 29-30, have again demonstrated that everything the YSA touches turns to pure horseshit. Kipp Dawson and her gang of hypocrites took poor old SMC apart, changed all the pieces around, and put it back in the form of a sterile YSA group. Useless talk and parliamentary procedure is now the name of the game. We who had served SMC from the beginning shed a few bitter tears, packed our bags and left. Linda Morse had the vision too. She saw through the Trotskyite shit and followed her nose through the door. She wasn't alone either. Many others, including Resistance, WRL, SDS and the Du Bois Clubs, followed her into the clear. So, we formed the Radical Organizing Committee to deal with issues related to the dirty war in Vietnam, the draft, racism and campus complicity. We wonder how long it will be before YSA takes a bead on the ROC? ... All of which builds to a fine point -- known to most of the independents in SMC for a long time. The old-line organizations have completely dried up ..... nothing but dust between the ears. Let's face it, the contributions of the SWP, YSA, and PL to the movement have been minimal to say the least. The CP died of old age several decades ago, although we understand Gus is living real well. ... We'll work for ROC now. Let's see what happens. A final word for YSA. "You busted our ass. You and you alone. Good luck mothers." - Peace SAC, New York to Director, Sept. 26, 1966
As set out in our first "Armageddon News" issue, we students are concerned for the need for truth within
our antiwar movement at Indiana University.
Last semester, Block and Ritchey announced the CEWV [Committee to End the War in Vietnam] sponsorship
of a series of lectures on "Socialism" and "The Communist Manifesto." Those lectures were given, in part, by
an officer of the Young Socialist Alliance, Ralph Levitt, a former IU student. Levitt is now the State Chairman
of the Socialist Workers Party ticket in the State of Indiana. What we want to know is what relationship do the
topics "Socialism" and "The Communist Manifesto" have to do with a free people's rights and attempts to
protest the policy of their government.
If this is the way the CEWV is to act, let's not be duped by its name. It's no longer a committee to end the war
in Vietnam, no longer a forum for just dissent. It's a recruiting ground for subversives.
Let's find out who we are declaring ourselves in solidarity with and what this Student Mobilization Committee
really is. It wouldn't be surprising to find a considerable covey of SWP'ers behind it.
Armageddon News, FBI-authored, Oct. 25, 1968
Attached is a copy of an anonymous leaflet entitled
"NOTES FROM THE SAND CASTLE" sent to
individuals and organizations just prior to their participation in the jointly sponsored YSA, SWP, SMC
and Fifth Avenue Peace Parade Committee "peace" demonstration in NY, 4/5/69.
Mark well the date April 5th, kiddies. That's the day our old pals in the YSA-SWP-SMC coalition fall flat
on their hard-worn asses. Any demonstration planned by the young Socialist Alliance is bad enough,
but when they are joined by their fellow finks in the Student Mobe and Socialist Workers, we develop
a strong urge to vomit into the wind. In any event, April 5th promises to be a genuine "peace dud" to be
salted away with the YSA collection of duds. Our fair city may be waist high in dog shit now, but on
April 6th you'll be swimming in bull shit. ...
The truth of the matter is that the SWP-YSA-SMC coalition has never had the guts to play it like it really
is. They march to confront the establishment and find the landscape crawling with pigs. Since you can't
sell the "Militant" to pigs, they cut and run. You'll never see Matilda Zimmerman with battle wounds, chums.
SAC, New York to Director, Sept. 30, 1969
In an effort to further polarize blacks and whites within the SWP, and particularly to further irritate
BOUTELLE over the "racism" within the Party, Bureau authority is requested to prepare the following
anonymous letter on commercial stationary for transmittal to BOUTELLE at his home address
'Comrade' Paul --
Some of us within the Party are fed up with the subversive effect you are having on the Party, but since
a few see your presence as an asset (because of your color only) not much can be said openly.
Your racist remarks at the Convention show you to be utterly useless to the revolution to come. And then,
as could have been expected, you and your friends have put the Party in a position of possibly having to
defend a common thief.
Why don't you and the rest of your fellow party monkeys hook up with the Panthers where you'd feel at home?
Maybe then we could get on with the job Trotsky had in mind for us. --
Your 'nasty' friends.
SAC, New York to Director, Sept. 30, 1969
Authority granted to prepare and mail anonymous letter set forth in relet.
The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) is a militant communist splinter organizaton which is growing rapidly.
Members of the SWP are running for the office of mayor in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. Candidate
for mayor of New York City is Paul Boutelle, who is a Negro and who is a national leader of the SWP. At the SWP
National Convention in August, 1969, Boutelle criticized "racism" existing in the SWP. NYO proposes to exploit
this issue by sending an anonymous letter to Boutelle in the expectation that Boutelle, who is quick tempered,
will become even more outspoken on this issue. This will create a devisive split within the SWP. Such action
may well result in Boutelle's resignation from the SWP along with other members who support him, thus
crippling the SWP in its march for expansion.
Director to SAC, New York, Oct. 8, 1969
In order to eliminate paper work whereever possible, it is recommended that captioned disruptive action be
discontinued as a program. In the future, the disruptive action directed against the SWP will be handled on an
individual case basis as deemed appropriate.
C.D. Brennan to W.C. Sullivan, Oct. 9, 1969
