The present issue is rather larger than was originally planned, but it was felt that all of the material should be included because of the import and interest of all the items,
Certainly, the article on the international monetary system is most topical and apposite to the situation that has obtained over the last few months. . All the signs are that the monetary crisis although it has been allayed cannot have been said to have been settled. One rather clear lesson has emerged from this crisis, and this is that although the capitalists can partially ~ overcome certain problems inherent within the system they are unable to escape them completely.
The discussion on the role and nature of the Fourth International we believe is one that is intimately linked with many - indeed most - of the problems facing revolutionaries. It is in this sense that we welcome David Fernbach's contribution, without agreeing with his conclusions. We said in our first issue that one of the aims of this journal was precisely . to initiate discussion and the exchange of views. Therefore we are carrying out what we set out to do. The pages of the Bulletin are always open to those who have a serious contribution to make, despite the fact that we, as editors, may not be wholly in agreement with some of them.
The item on Sects and Groups follows very closely our concern with this question, which was explored in our first issue. Since it is related to a concrete situation - France May/June 1968 - we feel it extends our own analysis.
The reprint of the Rakovsky article serves two functions. Firstly, it presents to readers an item that is not readily accessible, Secondly, and more important, we consider that it throws light on some of the questions that need to be examined by all those who are concerned about the devop= ments within Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. The nature and origins of bureaucracy in transitional regimes is one that all who are socialists should be concerned about. The notes on alienated labour and political economy, together with the item from Czechoslovakia both, help throw light on this question. We shall be returning to this problem in our next issue,
AN APPEAL
Once more we return to the question of finance. Although there has been & good response to our appeal in the last issue, we still need more money and more subscribers. For any socialist journal this is a never ending battle, and particularly so with new and relatively unknown ones. One of our readers wrote saying that "When I first heard of your venture I thought 'not another paper', but having seen it I have modified my views.” This has been the reaction of many people, who once they have had a chance to read the Bulletin have become enthusiastic about it. Therefore we would appeal to all our readers to make sure that as many people as possible see and read the Bulletin. And if you do have that odd bit of spare cash lying around (1!) make us your favourite ‘charity! for the new year.
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