CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE IN C.N.D. EXECUTIVE by a special correspondent
Canon Collins! statement on his resignation as Chairman of CND earlier this month showed that there has been something amiss at CND headquarters for some time. On April 23rd, George Clark resigzved from the Executive and his reasons point again to internal wrangles and fundamental differences of opinion, interpretation of policy and methods of working.
He speaks of “a fundamental cleavage in approach between myself and that body" (the Executive)...."the policy af the Campaign must be clear and unequivocal, and this policy must be represented in the strongest possible way by the Executive and our administrative staff....It is now being suggested that we should discuss alternative policies which involve the acceptance of 'minimum deterrence' within the general framework of a phased withdrawal from the alliances. This I cannot accepteeeeeethe basic tenets of our _ policy are minimum conditions.....ewe have a principled opposition to the whole notion of deterrence as such.ee.eeOur Executive and staff are meant to 'serve! not to dictateccerces
"We are spending money at the rate of over £1,000 per month and have for some time been carrying a debt load running at between £300-£400 per month, Our commitments are now in the order of £3,500 eseeceeeDespite the arguments about policy we are told that we cannot produce a leaflet which states our policy.....Ve have the capacity within the Campaign to wipe off our debts and to raise sufficient money to fight a general election campaign This could be done if there were a strong lead from the Council and Executive and if assurances were given that disproportionate sums were not being spent on administrationecesese
"At the Annual Conference the working grrup and planning group were agreed methoé of workingseeeewe find ourselves bogged down in a morass of committees which call themselves planning groupSeeeeethe existing groups are devices whereby alternative ideas are talked out of existence.....part of the machinery whereby the General Secretary and administrative staff block initiatives,"
To combat the present financial crisis George Clark suggests "that every local group be asked to contribute a once and for all sum of £10 which should be sent to the Treasurer marked 'debt repayment', That our administration should be overhauled in direct relation to the service given and changes made which are appropriate to our incomeee.e..eWe need some fresh air at headquarters. Let twelve disinterested campaigners have a close look at the method of working and let these findings be put to the National Council without fear or favour, Above all let us act quickly before the Campaign dies of committee strangulation,"