in Reading A fascist march in Reading last Saturday, ostensibly about the Ugandan Asians, met with a vigorous response from local socialists (see photo on front page).
The march, organised by a variety of rightwing groups including the National Front and the National Independent Party", was opposed right from the start by the united action of all the local socialist groups (except the SLL)* under the banner of the Reading Anti-Fascist Co-ordinating Committee.In the week leading up to the march the Committee organised agitation and propaganda activity with leaflets, posters, etc., in all the working class areas of the town and many of the local factories. Despite disagreements about tactics, for instance on whether or not to stop the march if possible, on the afternoon of the march the rival forces were almost equal. The antifascists, marching as one contingent, therefore made several determined attempts to block the path of the march and to generally disrupt it.
However, despite the undoubted success of its impact, the AFFC had seriously underestimated the role of the State. The attitude of the police rapidly changed from sarcasm and amusement to open hostility once they saw the numbers and militancy of the anti-fascists. At the first chance they tried to decimate the AFFC's ranks, and in the ensuing scuffles seven militants were arrested, mostly on obstruction charges. Only one fascist was arrested. The counter-demo has abruptly changed the relationship of forces in Reading. The racists and fascists now know that they cannot come out onto the streets unchallenged. Their march, only 150 strong at its height, was meant to be part of a big campaign in Reading - something which is now seriously in doubt. While for local socialists the event has given a focus for anti-racist propaganda among all sections of the working class. A Defence Fund for those arrested has been set up. All contributions should be sent to:
AFFC Defence Fund, 245 London Road, Reading, Berks.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Tariq Ali, Robin Blackburn, Peter Gowan, Alan Jones, Martin Meteyard, John Weal, Judith White.
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