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leap toward the “realization

taking place, present open challenge the

Soviet 40-year-old ideological leadership

the Communist movement. and hence are im- mense importance the future Eastern Europe.

Since 1917, Moscow has been the power center

this movement, well its Mecca. Everywhere the world, but particularly the East European countries where Soviet-directed Parties gained State the ideo- logical monopoly derived not only from the fact that the USSR was the most powerful nation the orbit—which still is—but also from the fact that was all times ahead showing the way the millennium. Total collectivization the Eastern Europe, for was more than accepted theoretical goal precisely because was accomplished fact the Soviet Union, the first country have reached this and similar landmarks. Even the more nationalist-minded Communist leaders like Poland always acclaimed the Soviet Union for being the is, most “progres- sive—among “Socialist” countries. Suddenly and massively China has supplanted the Soviet Union pioneer Communist practice.

Gomulka

Reports from China sound like dispatches from gigantic battlefield holding nation military array. Virtually everyone has been mobilized psychologically propaganda and the threat war—as well physically. Millions women have been pressed into service and everywhere men are now busy boosting the national economy building. almost thousands local industrial workshops. Key gets for this year have been raised, some much doubled. The whole country being made over the creation rural communes: collective farms have been abolished separate entities and amalgamated. together with local trade ganizations which peasants become rural wage nearly all

through terror. economic tar-

into new or- property reverts the State; living almost entirely communal. and military organization whole. Ultimately the use money disappear. This scheme was prescribed The Communist Manifesto, whose authors called for the “establishment industrial armies, especially for agriculture.” and for the “combination agriculture with manufacturing industries.” The Soviets, whose efforts create cities” have long been de- layed, must therefore endorse the move. But doing they abdicate their messianic pre- eminence.

The consequent problems will less thorny. How, for instance, can the Kremlin ex- plain why took the Chinese only very few years undertake the kind transitional stride which they themselves have far shunned after thirty collec- tivization? Hitherto was always the Soviet Union which whipped others follow faster. now, unavoidable the speaks “particular circumstances” and points differences between the USSR and China, automatically opens the door revival the discarded concept “separate roads Socialism.” the Soviet Union cast the ironic role recalcitrant laggard. This turn bound cause trouble Eastern Europe, where many “liberal” Communists may take advantage the new opportunities thus presented claim the right their own “separate road.”

“correct”

The Poles, long the forefront, are already beginning stir. The following com- ment, for instance, was made the Warsaw youth journal Sztandar Mlodych and broadcast over Radio Warsaw October “This process change| taking place China, that

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is, country where people, enjoined the Party and the government, exterminate spiders and flies with astonishing sense discipline, where capitalists attend ideological courses and later give their factories—this fact! There another aspect which must not passed over silence. This the question the Chinese Communists’ own contribution the theory and practice Socialist building. The Chinese Communists, ap- plying criteria specific suitability and conditions their own country, confirm once more the correctness the Leninist thesis different roads Socialism.” Even more significant was the similar comment made the Warsaw Stalinist journal Przyjazn, the official organ the Soviet-Polish Friendship Association. this score Polish liberals, Po- lish Stalinists and the Soviets seem—of necessity but for different reasons—to the same boat.

The liberals among Communists will thus use the new issue for attack based the various-roads-to-Socialism idea; the more orthodox will use this same justification for de- fense their lagging programs. But much possible, the official representatives the re- gimes will try keep silent. indeed remarkable how little has been said about the most momentous undertaking contemporary Communism. Only the barest facts were given, and not single serious theoretical appraisal has appeared. The practical reason for this reticence not difficult guess. Ever since Stalin’s death the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc have tried, within strict limits, cater the majority—to the consumers raising their standard living, the peasants easing off controls. Particularly after the disturbances 1956, special attention was given the problem divorcing ferment within the Party from the general popular discontent which gave this ferment its frightening strength. Generally except perhaps Bulgaria where the Party apparently felt stronger than elsewhere meant concessions the peasan- try. Even the Soviet Union, Khrushchev saw fit bolster collective farms allowing them purchase machinery after the dissolution the MTS. such countries Poland and Hungary, the main trouble spots, forced collectivization was abandoned. This go-slow policy still force. Total collectivization remains goal carefully placed the distant future. speak Communization the peasantry, making, effect, State farm work- ers the fiercely independent millions Eastern Europe, might precipitate crises far graver than those 1956, Small wonder then that papers specifically directed peas- ants the area carry even less news about the Chinese communes than the official Party organs.

Many western observers have long pointed inevitable clash between China and the Soviet Union. present only the seeds such dispute have been sown, but they could grow fast—particularly since China’s industrial capacity being developed rec- ord rate. Sooner later the Asian power might well outstrip the USSR not only the dar- ing originality its program but also strength. the meantime, beneath the surface calm, subtle changes may taking place. appears, for instance, that the Soviet Union draw- ing closer Poland. top-ranking Polish Party and governmental delegation was invited Moscow the end October. Its composition and the timing—immediately after plenary session the Polish Central Committee—indicate that the Kremlin now fully reconciled the present Polish regime. And might well be, despite continued differ- ences between Poland and the other countries. According Gomulka’s statements the Central Committee meeting, the Party’s main task the countrywide “elimination post- revisionist fumes.” His strictures were milder, even though there every in- dication that Stalinists lower echelons are still thorn the Party body. Gomulka now feels strong enough announce that the long-postponed Party Congress will

March 1959.

the western fringes the Empire, the struggle against “revisionism” continued unabated. Yugoslavia’s two southern neighbors, Albania and Bulgaria, capital- izing the existence “their” minorities within the Federal Republic, were the most ag- gressive. Tito, however, seemed optimistic. forecast quick and inevitable end the onslaught. Conceivably, the Yugoslavs feel that, the long run, the Soviets cannot afford contend with two the right and the Chinese the left—and will therefore feel compelled due time sue for peace.

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Jozsef

The following are impressions gathered Mr. the course extensive trip through

China from June November 1955. Mr. Domjan, who fled from his native Hungary after the Revolt,

has won worldwide acclaim for the rare excellence his woodcuts. Born Budapest 1907, the

first specialized painting, later took the chisel the wood-engraver, achieving his best effects

color. His works are found museums and galleries throughout Europe, the and China.

His account what saw the new China particularly interesting view his knowledge East European Communism, well traditional China reflected her greatest art.

1955 Ernst Museum Budapest exhibited

colored woodcuts, and this one-man show led being invited Communist China. The hundred woodcuts took the land which, with Japan, the ancestral home the woodcutting art, were shown there exhibitions all major cities and art centers. visited the whole the coun- try, traveling for the most part only with Chinese inter- preter, rather than member easily controlled delegation. Thus was able get know many artists and witness what can only consider the tragic deterioration Chinese art under Communism.

might add that judgment the situation the Chinese art world can hardly dismissed resentment against adverse official opinion work. the end six-month visit, was awarded the title “Master Colored Woodcuts” well the seldom-tendered “Grand Prize Chinese Moreover, the regime offered extremely lucrative five-year contract remain the country and teach art.

The Journey Begins

receive passport, and forth, takes several months, even when the invitation comes from Communist State like China. All travel abroad arranged KULTINT, the Institute for Cultural Relations, which sees passports, visas, accommodations and details the journey. KUL- TINT, fact, well-organized travel agency, hotel serv- ice and counter-espionage apparatus. Under normal circum- stances the traveler never knows when will begin his journey. informed only the day before departure and receives his passport when boarding the plane train; given foreign currency, since his hosts are supposed take care all such needs.

Visits abroad are worked out reciprocal basis, and if, for instance, five Chinese come Hungary visit, five Hungarians will China for the same period time. This, course, makes foreign currency and other problems easier settle reciprocal basis. The traveler accom- panied the point embarkation KULTINT agent whom must hand over his identity card exchange for his passport. final instructions were ask favors

from the Chinese and continue journey without break until reached Peiping.

first stop was Lwow the Soviet Union—the third largest city Poland two decades ago—where had fill out innumerable forms and where ran into great dif- ficulties over woodcuts. Piece piece they were scru- tinized customs officers who found them decadent, capi- talistic and “formalistic.” barely convinced them that had intention taking them into the USSR order contaminate Soviet art. The second stop was the Moscow Airport, where changed the Irkutsk plane for Eastern Siberia. The planes were two-engined ones for twenty-one passengers. meals were served board, all food being eaten along the way the small, Victorian airport restau- rants. There was after-dark flying; passengers spent the nights the modest hotels adjoining all airports. our four-day trip Peiping landed every 300 miles for fuel, and the weather showed the slightest turn for the

Jozsef Domjan, right, watching the great contemporary Chinese artist Ch’i Pao-shih picture him

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worse stayed put. each plane there were several empty seats. Most the passengers were Soviet Army officers.

Arrival Peiping

ARRIVED Peiping 100-degree-plus heat and was re-

ceived eight-member delegation the local Cul- tural Institute and group artists. was billeted the New Foreigners Hotel room with bath.

Being fond exploring foreign cities, immediately ven- tured out for walk, but some hosts, stationed the entrance the hotel, politely though firmly told not leave the building. Later was informed interpreter that could not leave the hotel until schedule had been arranged. When this had been done, was taken care- fully guided tours.

Some time afterwards did manage get away before escorts came pick up, and had wonderful time roaming the streets all myself, exploring the narrow alleys the city. managed return the hotel without getting lost—not easy matter Chinese city. The lobby was swarming like beehive and everyone seemed looking for me; even the police were there with patrol car. was surrounded and told with great excitement what risks had been running, how easily could have been knifed, es- pecially, they added, since fair and blue-eyed. Since that time, the implication hosts—that many Chinese dislike men, including, course, the often fair- complexioned Soviet “advisers” and re- mained uneasily mind. was interested note, how- ever, that Soviet citizens China live completely isolated from the population, specially assigned hotels with Rus- sian cooks, their own supplies imported vodka and even Russian doctors treat them when they are ill.

The prejudice against Europeans rarely found art- ists, some whom seemed almost the point tears—and Chinese seldom reveal their emotions publicly—when they heard was from Hungary; for them country stood for the West and the pre-Communist heritage freedom. met Chinese artists who had studied Paris, who had many friends the Western world. They told that they were afraid corresponding with these friends, afraid repri- sals from regime which sought keep them sealed off trom the world outside.

Peiping has very “progressive” city administration which apparently bent almost everything reminiscent the past. The beautifully carved quered old gates along the main streets the city are be- ing demolished, are many other buildings, historical sites and monuments which interfere with the traffic. The Chi- nese knew were appalled their officials’ lack artistic sense and perhaps because the widespread resentment destruction the name progress the Imperial Palace and the Summer Palace areas have been converted—inciden- tally, extremely good taste—to museums. Ordinary peo- ple frequently visit these museums, and often saw old men and women with their young grandchildren standing ad- miringly before ancient dragon statue the T’ang Dy- nasty blue enamelled Ming vase. was oddly touching

see peasant woman, fatigued after day sightseeing rooms where the Emperor had lived solitary splendor, seated the marble steps sacrificial altar, blissfully nursing her baby.

Peiping, all the larger cities, there exhibi- tion hall where small-scale models local industrial plants are displayed along with statistical data purporting show the future operations the plants. However, curiously enough, the same exhibition pops all over China, whether not there are such plants the vicinity. Natu- rally this leads the suspicion that the exhibits have been ordered wholesale quantities regime more adept producing spectacles than economic realities.

Although artist, was for good reason taken great many factories. the other hand, technical experts, who were interested specific kinds enterprises were not, rule, shown them. visited several factories with Pro- fessor Edmund Erkes (non-Communist East German orien- talist). interested them either, and complained sadly that wanted only study old books, yet was “guided” away from the libraries. When asked for an- cient religious books was shown new Communist propa- ganda literature. For part, visited libraries and leafed old tomes could not read. Erkes told that one our escorts introduced him- self him the very same man told that was artist. Erkes and only looked each other and immediately knew what sort man our was.

every plant there special room for foreign visitors, with pictures and framed maxims Mao Tse-tung the walls and table covered with red cloth. Usually young man greets the visitor and asks whether in- terested the history the plant. Even the answer negative, the interpreter translates it, and commences long harangue, giving exact data regarding the plant, when was founded, how destroyed and how rebuilt under Mao’s the young man provides extensive charts and

figures. took down the data one plant and found that the very same information was given every plant saw all over China. Each report ended claiming the plant had huge sanatorium for the workers. this were true, China would the leading sanatorium State the world.

Backwardness

Manual work continues play extremely important role the Chinese economy. The regime still employs manpower where machines could used, not only because there are very few machines, but also because mechaniza- tion would mean unemployment for millions people.

For example, there are still many coolies pulling rick- shaws and even two-wheel carts which sometimes are loaded with fantastic weights. The construction these ancient vehicles has not changed the last 4,000 years. some instances ten men are hitched wagons the same man- ner pictured carvings dating before Christ. The wagons

are extremely difficult start and stop, and was heart- rending see yellow-clad Chinese policemen ordering them halted crossings occasional automobile might pass.

Another means locomotion provided workers carrying two baskets single pole, the pole over their shoulders, the baskets balanced each end. Thousands Chinese run about the construction works, bridge and hous- ing construction sites and ground levelling projects, carry- ing burdens this fashion. They have special carrying techniques, very rhythmical, and they accompany their work with peculiar humming song. They also carry food the market these baskets. European could lift 160 pounds his shoulder with such easy grace, but China trans- portation still largely accomplished manpower. The highways swarm with two-wheeled carts pulled humans, for very long distances. the south few buffalo, mule donkey-drawn carts can seen. The Chinese are fully aware their deprivations, and now are beginning in- troduce and employ trucks.

The greatest backwardness found the field agriculture. The Chinese peasant cultivates his land the same methods did his forefathers 2,000 years ago. Often the plough made wood, and works with small hand-hoe. For fertilizer uses human excrement because, supposedly, the soil poor that nothing else can enrich it. Therefore human excrement highly esteemed. Lavato- ries are not modernized—not even the richest people—so preserve every ounce the precious stuff. Wooden pails are employed carry the fields, each member the family transporting bucketful. the cities, even Pei- ping this business done night. rather unpleasant meet such caravan, when coming home late from the theater. The Chinese are not bothered the stench; they are used it, and also they know that the meagre soil simply has fertilized. the hotels there are Western- style lavatories and plumbing, but since there often central sewage system each building has cesspool, and its contents are used the same traditional way. Many Chinese cannot even imagine that this obsolete and extremely un- hygienic method could eliminated. Doctors fight vain put end it. have observed old Chinese peasant was planting seedlings, carefully filling each hole with excrement. have seen the same methods used all over

China.

were fertilized this way. Nothing can eaten raw here.

Canton, the banana trees and the grape vines

All along the narrow side streets the cities, both summer and winter, one can see small coal stoves which large pots full rice are slowly steaming. Many the old apartments have kitchens and the housewives must re- sort this method cook their food. the new housing projects the problem solved allotting one huge com- munal kitchen eight ten apartments, and this, course, the source many quarrels among the tenants, many whom come from different parts the country.

Designs Mr. Domjan based Hungarian folk elements. J

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Once heard noisy argument; probably the women started and the men continued, but the moment the disputants saw stranger they stopped shouting; the time reached the group all were smiling nothing had happened.

first could not figure out where earth the popu- lation 600 million, one quarter all humanity, spent the daylight hours. However, when saw few Chinese apartment, found the answer. Ten dozen people were crowded into tiny room; more the room were large one. Usually three generations live there together, and there are children everywhere. The furniture simple and sparse, only the bare necessities. platform-like bed, table, few chests. Despite their poverty, the Chinese are extremely clean and hospitable.

Schooling

China today makes great efforts teach its people read and write, but has cope with massive shortage schools. Children must attend classes three shifts, morn- ing, noon and afternoon. have seen schools where the pu- pils had bring small footstools for themselves, and many latecomer had sit the doorway and even the hall beyond. There were over pupils one class.

Adults too are studying with great determination, con- centrating the extremely difficult Chinese alphabet. 800 different signs must learned order read the news- paper, for instance. know how write very important China, since people coming from different parts this huge country, speaking many dialects, often cannot under- stand one another.

Life China geared study; apparently everyone strives learn much possible. There are numerous evening courses. Each year approximately 1,000 specialists are invited from the Satellite countries—scientists, engineers, technical experts hold lectures, manage specialized factories and, most important all, dispense knowledge. talked various Czech, Polish and East German engineering experts who informed that not only tech- nical work was expected from them, but that they were also required give lectures their working methods. These lectures met with the approval the Chinese only they were long enough. lecturer dared sum his subject concisely, the Chinese believed they cheated. These specialists receive enormous salaries and their assignments may last for several years. had hold lectures colored wood-cutting and Western art and was told that the lectures were very interesting and enlightening, but too short, because they generally lasted only hour and half. Every word uttered the lecturer taken down the audience, repeated word for word later when the student has become teacher. interpreter was graduate Diplomatic Academy, and “learned” much during the six months were together, that upon de- parture was appointed the position “art expert.”

Surviving Art Forms

Soochow, the center Chinese silk weaving, simple peasants create the most delightful silks and silk pictures

Shanghai 1955. The picture appeared the October 16, 1955 issue Budapest newspaper Muvelt Nep, defunct since the

Revolt.

imaginable. Here saw thousand-year-old looms which the loop not lifted the modern mechan- ism but weaver sitting top the loom using his fingers. The two weavers work complete harmony di- recting each other with the lift eyebrow. The silks are woven exactly the days Marco Polo.

Hangchow the silk woven modern looms. This 2,000-year-old city the most beautiful the country, the Venice China. Situated the shores huge lake, the city overlooked lofty mountains and itself huge garden. Flowers, paths lined palm trees, artificial streams, tiny bridges, garden pavillions are everywhere. The houses are rich with carved red lacquer. All these local scenes are repeated the silks Hangchow.

Silk longer used for everyday wear the past; still use, however, the stage and the opera for costumes and also for bookbinding. Occasionally, beauti- ful piece silk framed like picture and hung the wall.

Unfortunately, the making chinaware has all but stopped altogether, least truly artistic level. Ap- parently, the beauty and delicacy the blue china the Ming period can longer attained.

Lacquer carving, Chinese art for over two thousand years, still exists China, despite the fact that calls for

. photograph the opening show Mr. Domjan’s works

meticulous work and great expenditure time. Several layers red lacquer are applied metal (formerly wood). Each layer must completely dry before the ap- plication the next, until the desired thickness achieved. The more layers, the more valuable the object. The carving done these lacquer layers, geometrical shapes and rich flowery patterns; clouds and dragons, objects nature and the imagination are cut with great artistry and taste. Happily, the style jade, wood and ivory carving has not changed.

There lack artistic sense among the ordinary peo- ple. almost every house, one can find single lotus blos- som bouquet wild flowers beautifully arranged bamboo vase. There are also paper cut-outs called “win- dow flowers” the window panes single artificial flowers the bride has saved from her wedding. Embroideries, hand- loomed materials and window flowers are all made the women the Fall, when there more work the fields. The subjects the window flowers are taken from the lives the people and from nature: fish among lotus flowers, all sorts animals, frilly-leaved cabbage, pome- granate, crickets, etc. All these are portrayed the most delicate and playfully simple way. The fish has for ages been the Chinese symbol abundance, the dragon repre- sents gaiety, while love, according old customs, shown bashfully courting birds ducks.

Chinese folk-artists use the simplest tools. They need only piece paper and pair scissors make the most delicate window flowers. The white paper windows North China are all decorated with these, and they look charming. night they show most effectively houette against the light inside the house.

Another technique for cutting paper pictures utilizes sharp pen knife. Several layers paper are cut simultan- eously beautifully shaped flowers geometrical patterns animal fish shapes. These are often colored with ani- line dyes. have seen richly costumed figurines the

Mr. Domjan, with “guides,” examining Buddha Chinese museum.

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traditional Peiping Opera such paper cutouts. These colored patterns are very much demand the provincial markets and fairs; they are also used decorate lanterns, and their motifs are sometimes embroidered children’s garments, caps and pillows, etc.

New Year

The New Year the greatest holiday China. Homes are festively decorated with lanterns, flower garlands and gaily colored pictures. The use the Nien Huas (New Year pictures) goes back for several centuries, and the Chinese believe that these pictures guard the home from evil spirits. first the image the house-guarding spirit was used prevent evil from entering. Later (627-649) pictures the good gods were replaced the pictures two Emperor Tai-Tsung’s generals. The story goes that the Emperor, victim both disease and pessimism one time his reign, was guarded two his generals against the evil spirits. Subsequently the two were depicted the New Year cards. the time the Ming dynasty, popular heroes appeared these cards, while under the Manchus the pictures represented folk scenes.

These New Year cards pictures express the simple peo- ple’s yearning for happiness and gaiety. Superstition has that images carp roly-poly children bring abundance and richness. The wedding mice stands for humor. Other scenes often painted peasant artists show colorful cocks with many worms and beetles eat, cats with mice feed upon, and similar characterizations the good life.

Unfortunately, this rich source folk art has dried up. Today has been replaced lithographs printed mil- lions; the themes are propagandistic, for the Communist Party has realized the “possibilities” these cards.

Simple earthenware pottery the most used and best- liked ornament Chinese home. Four hundred years ago clay deposits were discovered Usi. These yielded ex- cellent and durable clay and there was need bake it, for, when dried, became solid and hard. Naturally, this locality became center the pottery industry. About 150 years ago, was visited the Peiping Opera troupe, and the traditional masks the actors inspired the peasant folk-artists use the figurines the classic Chinese opera their products. They color these clay masks, and even attach hair them. Children’s toys are also made

The Water People

THE Canton and Shanghai over half mil-

lion people live dsunkas, which are large black boats covered with reed mats. These boats provide one the main sources transportation and shipping the country, and they handle the most oddly assorted commodities for distances 500 even 1,000 miles. entire family lives boat. The father mother, using single oar, poles the heavy vessel with great dexterity. very hard and extremely poorly paid work, yet the dsunkas are often the only family asset, and the entire family may spend its whole life one them,

Abortive efforts were made the regime settle the dsunka families land and force their children at-

tend school. the end, however, the authorities had set schools amid the dsunka fleet; these schools are said operate with great success.

Aside from the national staple, rice, the food these people comes almost entirely from the sea. The dsunka fami- lies fish for living, well carry goods, and they keep “fishing which are trained like falcons for the hunt. Perched the sides the boats, the birds make lovely picture they scan the waters and then swoop their prey.

Once went sailing with old fisherman the Yellow Sea and witnessed his trained birds catching three-foot fish, while the old man merely sat smiling and stroking his beard. shallow waters signalled one the birds who immediately began teaching her offspring the art fishing. The young birds faithfully imitated their mother, and after awhile were able catch several small fish their own efforts; following this happy event, the entire bird family broke into happy twitters.

Love and Death

WOMEN, especially the South, take active parts not only family life, but also doing heavy work side-by-side with their men. fact, the men

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very often look quite passively, while the women per- form some laborious task. Women often tie their babies their backs when work.

Despite their outward lack emotion, Chinese women are not strangers sentiment. the evenings after work- ing hours, the parks are always filled with courting couples. The girls sometimes have flowers their hair, but other- wise adorn themselves very little. They not wear lipstick indeed cosmetics are seldom found anywhere China. was told that Chinese girls enjoy long complicated love stories, and that their swains have great success with such

rule, the Chinese marry very young and the first babies come quickly. They are very discreet about sex, how- ever, and show great reserve public. The same prud- ishness prevails the operas, plays, films and magazines. Kissing almost never shown the stage movies, fact the Chinese seldom kiss; they touch noses moments tenderness. once attended film-show which new Hungarian movies were shown selected audience. Most the audience loudly objected the kissing scenes despite the fact that Hungarian films are prudish enough nowa- days. Because few chaste kisses, the Chinese banned the pic tures.

One the scenes traditional opera shows general his tent, after lost battle. His troops are surrounded the enemy, and only death awaits him. His mistress present, and she, refusing belong any other man, kills herself. Previously, however, listen them take leave each other for hour and half, yet they are never nearer one another than feet.

Religion

Despite strong political pressure religious feeling has not been killed the population, even though religious orders were dissolved and the monks forced into lay occupations. Formerly, there were colonies 10,000 15,000 priests connected with some the old temples. Nowadays there are only five ten left take care the buildings. How- ever, the regime could not close all the temples and shrines. There continues deep-rooted religious feeling the Chinese, even their “progressively” educated youth.

went into the cave-like sombre temples alone, since escorts did not dare enter. They were unable give real explanation, but suspected they feared the ven- geance the gods. visited every temple could, being interested from the artistic well the religious point view their rich carvings, statues and murals. The majority the temples have been turned into “historic” national museums. was more difficult gain access the few still actively operating temples, but with the aid local artists managed so. found these always full worshippers, not only women dren, but also men great numbers, young and old, lighting incense sticks the altars. old church Shanghai, seers, sorcerers, quacks and beggars thronged the entrance. There were fortune tellers offering predict the future reading palms, deciphering horoscopes.

Traditional customs and superstitions follow the Chinese

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child from the cradle through marriage and his death. did not see one Western-style cemetery the country. Everybody interred his own land near the graves his ancestors. Sometimes the people carry their dead far from the city distant places. There are eight ten pallbearers

the deceased was man means—who carry the coffin poles. These pallbearers are dressed pale blue; drums, also covered with pale blue material, are beaten stately rhythm. The next kin are dressed white, the color mourning. the outskirts the city the more wealthy put the coffin truck and ride along beside it. The journey may last for several days; does not end until the corpse has reached the land his ancestors. The poorer people transport their dead two-wheeled carts. All along the railroad lines one can see mounds under the trees, the burying grounds several generations.

Great Figure Chinese Painting

PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS the ancient Chinese arts,

painters, sculptors and wood-cutters, worked very traditional lines. They had their set ideas—indeed, one might term them clichés—for the painting of, for example, reeds the wind, rock-lined brook, solitary boat

moonlit lake. The stroke the brush, the color used, even the movement with which the painting had executed, was prescribed. general, nobody wanted expected anything original from the artists.

The work the truly great artists, however, easily distinguished the subtlety line and technique. early times, the noble simplicity their pictures required critical interpretation, for they represented only what was physically shown, such bird blossoming branch Little little the art has become more abstract, and the lines have taken modern artistic rhythms.

Chinese art. was years old when met him. lived three tiny rooms. His food consisted tea, few dry crackers

greatest

ind salad greens. The Chinese government bends considerable efforts publicize Ch’i and his work, pre- sumably because wishes capitalize his fame and prove that his traditional style still allowed. This policy also good for China; special woodcutting studio repro- duces his works and those other, similarly artists for wide sale.

traditional The hand-carved wooden blocks are colored and printed, also hand, the twenty carvers and thirty printers the plant, who work with amazing speed. Books, too, and printed scrolls work are also produced for mass sale. The income from these enter- prises, however, goes full the State. Pai-shih got none the profits, nor had any voice the business. The workers the studio-plant are extremely skilled ar- tisans, who reproduce the masterworks with great precision and turn out really valuable copies.

visited Pai-shih two occasions, and the old patriarch told his life story. His family extremely poor. his youth, was cowherd and col- lected the dry cowdung for fuel. the age fourteen became cabinet apprentice, primarily be- cause field work was too heavy for him. carried his tools small basket along with his brushes and paint. night, after his work was done, practiced painting the light oil lamp. painted everything saw, and the time was twenty had already achieved reputation artist. made for his lack educa- tion studying home, reading classic poetry; also wrote poems and studied the lives great men. Particu- larly, observed the lotus flowers, the opening the buds and the fall the leaves. the countryside. When finally settled down, planted fruit-trees and kept birds and insects; thus acquired his unique knowledge entomology and botany.

also wandered

For years observed the activities crabs and insects the water, and his pictures gives his simplified version the life cycle. His waterspiders are immortalized poetic and rhythmic lines. His chickens fighting over worm reflect his humor. Another his pictures shows morning glory, the web its tendrils dramatically contrast- ing with its heavy foliage.

The subjects his pictures, his workmanship and strong use line, his large splashes color, are quite Matisse. One his works, for instance, showing pomegranates black and yellow, modern

reminiscent

able subject; is, course, the balance color values which makes masterpiece. This painting might truly classed one the forerunners abstract art.

Art and Politics

Another prominent artist, Yuan, the opposite pole Chinese art. Although Ch’i Pai-shih considered Communists, from the European point view quite contemporary. the other hand, Yuan, who con- sidered “modern” the Chinese Communists, has nothing new say the Westerners the field art. works according Party instructions, and, what worse, his art permeated ideology. uses obsolete, cliché- ridden technique, and aside from Socialist-realism his only other influence appears 18th century German wood- cuts. His work not only propagandistic, but also photographic. course, reproduced and circulated over the country the millions.

the art schools, young artists are forced copy style and methods, because this—and not Pai-shih’s traditional, yet modern art

fits into the plans the Party.

Indeed, these two artists symbolize China today: the several thousand year old past with all its tradition and beauty; the modern, ambitious “progressive- ness.” The gap between the two cannot bridged. The trend conceal the past with dense, impenetrable bamboo curtain, but the past cannot conquered annihilated China, although the field art the regime can credited with some “success.” The 300 year old New Year cards which abound ideas and dar- ing are pointed contrast the trite, lithographed products today, and show very real decline pure art. Likewise, contemporary oil, done after the Russian ex- ample, cannot stand comparison with splendent, golden-hued painting from the Manchu Dynasty. Besides, oil medium has been, until recently, unknown Chinese art, and contemporary regime painters somehow cannot master the technique. Were they permitted get acquainted with oil gradually, learn like and use they prefer, then perhaps good oil painting would follow. Instead, oil painting has been forced upon Chinese artists; they must paint huge canvasses the style called Socialist realism, which the end amounts nothing more

Must Moved

CHINESE LIKE talk about the stubborn

strength their will. There famous painting

Chinese legend which tells old man trying move mountain, stone stone with his bare

hands, that his village will have beautiful view. When people ridicule him for taking such im- possible task, replies, “If not then sons, their sons and their sons after them will move the moun- tain, but must moved.” The Chinese often tell this story when difficulties arise.

Chinese propaganda poster. The legend reads: “Let harvest every grain wheat.”

East Europe Photo

than prettified, naturalistic duplication. Their discomfort can easily felt their pictures.

Art will not improved ideological phrases. Communist Hungary, too, there has been decline art. Yet the situation different China, for Hungary naturalism had past, tradition. country, was only necessary turn back the clock hundred years, not such difficult feat, especially for the untalented aver- age artist. Chinese artists have more trouble with oil paint- ing, since they not know the technique and have naturalist traditions, and thus roots, draw on. They are extremely able copyists, however, and have made start with plain copying. saw huge collection copies extremely bad contemporary Soviet pictures. Would not have been better copy Rembrandt Titian?

Chinese art, exists today, completely corrupt. Alien and forcibly imposed methods have brought the tra- ditional greatness Chinese artistry into decline. Serious artists the country are aware this fact, but helpless and completely unable rid themselves their Soviet-trained art opinion, Chinese art, well the Chinese nation, will regain greatness only steady progress toward two goals: toward the past intelligent selection the best the cultural and humanistic heritages the country and return the inexhaustible sources folk- lore, the lost path the ancient ink drawings, New Year cards and paper cut-outs; toward the future renewal freedom for the artist and for the people.

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China Through Yugoslav Eyes

Recent Reports from Peiping

The foregoing account Mr. Domjan describes some the characteristic features the struggle between new and old China, the impact Communist theory practice venerable culture and its gracious customs. Mr. visit curred brief pause now known the ill-fated “hundred flowers” campaign. Then, this year, the country was suddenly whipped into new frenzy activity, into breathles rush the steepest and highest pinnacles ever assigned nation under Communism. The rate projected industrial growth was sharply raised; revolutionary leap was un- dertaken the creation nationwide rural communes; all dissent was stilled trictest orthodoxy imposed; and the West was provoked the Formosa Straits. short, the designs seem ambitious, gigantic and aggressive that they overshadow Stalin’s par- allel drive the early thirties. Unfortunately there are relatively few eyewitnesses reporting these momentous events the outside world. Yugoslavia, however, has been able retain her correspondents Peiping, even though the Tito government now reviled daily China for its alleged “revisionism.” The following are excerpts from recent dispatches from China Yugoslavia; they are particularly revealing because their mixture Western attitudes and Communist appraisal applied specific situations and developments

China and tell great deal about the substance and tone Chinese life today.

Title: “The The cannon labeled “1948 Resolution”; the pile ammunition marked “Lies and the man labelled “The Press” carrying more ammunition marked “Theoretical Caption: “We will not lack ammunition.” Yugoslav slap its orthodox Communist erities, led China.

(Zagreb), September 14, 1958

Professional Repentance

recently published the news that

cent the professors Peiping University had de- cided re-educated, become “intellectuals the working “Red They are now writing hundreds statements for bulletin boards, articles for the

daily press, and they appear mass meetings and criticize themselves. This how they it:

Professor chemistry Yin: “My ideological mistakes have had negative influence students.” The Dean the Historical Section the Faculty Philosophy: shall regret bourgeois ideology. Let historical science serve the class struggle, Socialism, patriotism, international- ism and peace the world.” Professor medicine Chen-sian: “Earlier during the movement for ideological reform thought that was carried out too violently and that offended personal dignity. now aware that destroying service interests American Imperial-

They all show the same kind repentance. Many professors are now taking the texts their lectures checked members Party committees universities instructors who are “more mature politically.”

The papers now gladly point new manifestations among professors. One them, man over fifty, who pre- viously had never been athlete, can now often seen the sports How come? they wonder. replies enthusiastically: very confident the future

and feel younger after having been re-educated. want

now strong and serve the motherland another thirty

Judging from the items the press, there are now plenty such wonderful examples the fruitful ideological re- education the intelligentsia.

Bogojevic, from Peiping, Borba (Belgrade July 1958

Political

TER NUMBER extensive meetings and discussions, the Party committee the Union Chinese Writers censured the prominent writer and former Deputy Editor- in-Chief the literary journal “People’s Literature” Chin Chao Jang. According the long communique published this connection today’s press, Chin Chao Jang has been accused “hoisting the white flag revisionism” Chinese literary and artistic circles, “opposition the Party leadership and control” the sphere literature and art, “systematic spreading revisionist ideas litera- ture and art,” “opposition set political aims literature and art,” “libelous assertions that the Chinese writers had freedom whatever” creating their works, appealing writers “doff their dogmatist attire,” series other sins.

and whole The Party committee the Union Chinese Writers condemned him not only dangerous revisionist but also strong rightest and anti-Party element the ranks the Chinese

The most prominent representative this group [of re- cently accused authors] the writer Ting Ling,

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Yugoslav irony aimed its critics: one parrot the others, “Comrades, let the struggle against revisionism directed principle.”

(Sarajevo), September 1958

whose works once received the highest awards. Feng Hsuen Feng, former director the publishing house “New Literature,” has also been condemned bourgeois right- ist and Party renegade. Among those condemned also author Liou Shao Tang who “spread revisionist libels that the world contemporary Chinese literature was full patterns and dogmatism with empty contents and almost without any attractive force.” [The same applies the author Chen Yung according whose rightist conceptions “dogmatism the main characteristic the Party leader- ship literature and art China.”

All these writers, well number other writers such Kwang, Chen Chi Hsia, Ching, Che Ming, Huan Chiou Tun, etc., have been branded and condemned bourgeois rightists, revisionists, anti-Party and anti-Socialist elements.

Tanjug, from Peiping, Politika July 13, 1958

300,000 Sanctioned, the Deaf Hear

intellectuals” together with members families amount some five million China. When the drive for the “improvement style” started this spring, when the Chinese Communist Party did away with the slogans “free and open criticism,” and when this campaign was translated less than one month into fierce and lasting anti-rightist action, was established that vast majority all unmasked and condemned “bour- were intellectuals, rather educated persons. They in- cluded fair number those intellectuals who were al- ready considered re-educated.

According official data, least 300,000 persons have been subjected sanctions, and this campaign still being waged more less intensively today.

meeting the journalists heard—as particularly convincing proof the results the last campaigns the re-education Chinese intellectuals

the example

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prominent Chinese scientist. This scientist was educated the West and was deep bourgeois ideology and far from the working people and simple men that for the last fifteen years had not been speaking terms with his father-in-law. However, the re-education campaign changed this scientist much that even started speak- ing his father-in-law. The success the campaign, far from being attenuated, actually enhanced the fact that the scientist’s father-in-law was born deaf. Branko Bogunovic, from Peiping, Politika Belgrade July 13, 1958

10,000 Small Works

WHAT SPEED the country should proceed the fur- ther building the economy, whether maximal efforts and constant prodding are justified whether, view the economic, cultural, technological and backwardness China, better take more gradual road slower speed—this the current question along with the fierce campaign against “Yugoslav revisionism.”

answer this question was given the Eighth Con- gress the Party and more concrete version this line was formulated terms task “catch with all capitalist countries relatively short that China should become “one the most progressive, rich- better said, that “Chinese industry should outdo British industry fifteen years even sooner,” that ten years “Chinese agriculture should surpass the agriculture all capitalist countries” and also ten years that “Chinese science and technology should reach the highest level the

est and strongest countries the world.”

Probably one the most typical features the scope and tempo the present great flurry the recently-passed decision build within the next twelve months 10,- 000 new small iron works which could produce altogether additional million tons iron annually. prob- able that among these 10,000 new plants there will fair number midget smelteries, maybe even simple blacksmiths’ shops, but the very directive that, the course one year, additional twenty million tons iron must

“That must watched: it’s the third time morning ordered ‘eyes

this

(Sarajevo), August 31, 1958

through the use local investments

obtained—and primarily from local resources and sufficiently points the trend and tempo the forced building now going on.

connection with this trend the papers are full daily reports from all parts and appeals from the highest places the effect that the speed building should stepped

This constantly increased tempo already reflected the demands for prolonging the official eight-hour work- ing day and postponing the introduction paid annual leaves for workers and employees for least another three “The State not opposing the wish the workers increase the eight-hour working day ten hours,” complies with

the wish the working people get

out backwardness soon possible. Accordingly, the efforts the working people must continue in- creased for longer period come, working hours must exceed the usual limits, the question annual leaves and other privileges are not yet the agenda.

the way, just that constant increase efforts and stepped development that represents the main character- istic the adopted “general line.” all those who had some objections this line and speed development, the Eighth Congress replied with the categorical censure that were and revisionists and that they failed understand that “China disposes the most creative forces the world.” Compared with that “compared with great China and the Socialist camp headed the USSR, what are the United States and Great Britain, what the entire Imperialist the Party Jen Min Jih Pao editorial. Answering this question,

wonders organ

the paper promptly replies: nothing but mere

Branko Bogunovic. from

Politika July 20, 1958

The Dancing Dispossessed

THE SPHERE political activities, one the main

topics still the continued search for “right-wing ele- And such elements have been found for some time

past almost all walks life

from the highest State in- stitutions and Party Committees provinces various democratic parties and professional organizations.

Thus, the newspapers say that the rector Peiping Uni- versity, Yin-chou, one the most prominent economic experts China—who had earlier been criticized the press and public meetings the grounds that his books the situation and population China not the spirit Marxism-Leninism and the gen- eral Party line” his previous academic stands.

about

now writes articles which criticizes

Recently, the First Secretary the Party Committee Inner Mongolia made speech leading personalities the ranks lamas. told them that today lamas must thoughts and ac-

support Socialism their ideology,

tions.” Newspapers recently wrote that “in view the demands put forward houseowners mass scale” was de-

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cided place their houses under State administration. After that decision had been made public, under the pro- visions which houseowners would entitled receive only some twenty percent their previous revenues, the majority them, the newspapers assert, danced and re- joiced the streets welcoming the new decision.

Bogojevic from Peiping, Borba August 10, 1958

Earthy Couple

years the new system China have brought

about many changes the conceptions life and the lives individuals and this turn has led gradual change the application ancient customs. True, the

centuries-old,

deeply rooted traditions are resisting stub- bornly, but this does not prevent the new manifestations from spreading slowly.

The “Birthday the has been celebrated many places the southern part the province Fu- kien for many centuries. This day was celebrated the people, all sorts ceremonies took place, sacrifices were made order appease the gods and course they did not work that day. All that has gone work that day any other day.

the peasants

After all, when peasants also work Sundays and even the greatest national holiday, the New Year, for the sole purpose increasing agricultural production much possible, why should they not work some unimportant

The marriage two members peasant working collective the district Ninchin, province Hopeh, was quite all according the old customs and ceremonies.

the first place, the cart which brought the bride the wedding place was decorated with three red slogans: the right, principles hard work and the left, “Let establish new rule: present the bride and the bride- groom their own earnings the collective!” And right front, the current politico-economic slogan, “The house- hold should managed principles hard work and The bridal cart was overloaded with sickles, spades, hoes and other agricultural implements.

austerity: down with old customs!”

The bride got down from the cart quite simple and modest everyday dress, but over her breast there was red ribbon and rose.

“Look,” said the onlookers admiringly, “this real au- sterity. She did not even put her new dress!”

“She didn’t have time,” somebody else replied, “instead, she was working the field when the cart came get her.”

“Yes, said the bridegroom’s grandfather contentedly. “My grandson also arrived just now from the fields, response the beating the wed- ding drums.”

that indeed true bride,”

was real merry wedding, the people said. And when and bridegroom took their

spades and went work the fields order that their

the guests departed the bride

marriage should not the

detriment the collective.

The papers write quite frequently about such and simi- lar manifestations, obviously intending popularize them and replace old customs soon possible.

Bogojevic, from Peiping, Borba Belgrade), July 27, 1958

into

HAS BECOME the common practice Chinese propa- ganda show all important events, foreign and domestic, graphically shops and facades Chinese towns. the Peiping railway station which, like all railway stations the world, overcrowded day and night, al- most the whole front the building covered giant horseman and horse supernatural jump. The rider holds Chinese national flag, and the jump his horse great that the entire composition could called symbolizes “the great jump forward,” the catchword which the masses

are moved exert greater efforts make even mightier jumps all fields life China. But this symbol great trends and ambitions contemporary China expressed not only the facade Peiping’s railway station. many other buildings along Peiping’s avenues fierce horses and enthusiastic riders present- day China fly through the clouds. Their jumps into orbit are they were being drawn unreachable heights, ever further from the earth from which they took

contrast this kind poster, Peiping also features decorations quite different character. are about the Anglo-American military intervention the Middle East and about the Arab peoples’ struggle for na- tional independence and freedom. The most important elements these pictures are blood-stained axes and knives, blood-stained hands the elbows, bloody wolf jaws, and paraphernalia slaughtering instruments and cruel equipment depicting the slaughtering nature American Imperialism and Western Im- perialism general. the other hand, when the poster devoted the present weaknesses and actual power the Western bloc, features some degenerate insect-like inhuman creature British uniforms

stunted dwarfs American being crushed underfoot. Branko Bogunovic, from

Peiping, Politika August 10, 1958

PEIPING papers today published reports about the decision the plenary session the Executive Committee the All-Chinese Trade Union Confederation relieving four members the Presidental Board the Confederation all their official functions. punished leaders, Chen Yung Wen, member the Execu- tive Committee, member the Presidental Board the Confederation and former editor the official Union organ, was most severely blamed.

Trade

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— Same da nisme take angasirani « r x ee | orim nasim unutrasnjim pitanjima, * mi bismo tim Jugoslacenima opsirne

teoretshi dokasali njihore greske...

The signs the Chinese wall read “Down with sionism,” “Long live the [Socialist] camp” and “We will strike Yugoslav revisionism deadly blow!” Caption: “If were not busy with our own internal problems would prove the Yugoslavs their theoretical sins.”

(Zagreb), July 13, 1958

The decisions the Plenum say that Chen Yung Wen inveterate rightist and thorough revisionist who smug- gled himself into the revolutionary movement and had been conducting anti-Party, anti-people’s policy for many

The decision about the exposure and punishment these four Chinese leaders also stressed that the Plenum “had exposed and criticized some other leading Trade Union officials who wanted take over authority from the Government and the Party, who propagated [the no- tions of] workers’ self-development and illegally changed the Party’s policy within the workers’

Tanjug, from Peiping, Borba August 13, 1958

Persons Checked

THE HEADLINES “Great Achievements

Uprooting the Counterrevolution” and Counter- revolutionaries Eliminated,” Peiping papers carry front pages reports the just-ended annual conference the Chinese forces national security. these reports pointed out that the security forces under the leader- ship the Party had achieved “great success the struggle for the liquidation the counterrevolution China,” and that this was victory

During the campaign, was stressed the Security Yui Ching his article the magazine Teachings, more than 100,000 counterrevolutionaries and right wing sympathizers had been discovered and exposed “in the ranks ordinary revolutionaries,” that is, among personnel State administration; 5,000 were discovered among membership the Communist Party China and 3,000 within the Chinese Youth Federation. According the same article 220 “unreliable were discovered

the highest bodies the central government. During

the campaign small cliques and 3,600 active special agents” were discovered, and about 1,800,000 people in- interrogated and thoroughly checked.

Tanjug, from Peiping,

Borba (Belgrade), August 22, 1958

The Castrated Cock

LONG AGO, only last year, talking foreigners

visiting their country, even the highest-placed Chinese leaders very often and very modestly stressed the great eco- nomic and cultural backwardness their country, pointing out that the most important task was “clothe and feed the immense population.”

Now, however, that basic task has been replaced new, grandiose tasks and aims: within the shortest possible time, within only decade, China should catch with sur- pass the capitalist countries agricultural and industrial production, and her science and technology should the

Consequently, assertions are often made that China has already reached the highest level, about reach that she already producing, will soon produce, one kind com-

it, one branch the economy another modity another which “of the best quality the world.”

Thus, for example, has been stated that the “most powerful” high frequency transistor was produced China, that this transistor “surpasses far the most power- ful transistor produced the United States,” this proves that China “has reached the highest level the sphere

Some the teleindicator appliances also “surpass the latest achievements Britain and the United States.” the sphere geology, analysis ores possible “six times faster than the United States.” the textile industry, new carding machine for dressing wool “surpasses all the present world standards.”

Yugoslav attack the Hungarian execution Nagy and his

comrades. Title: “Thesis Revisionism.” Caption: know why they are surprised that our country theoretical prop- ositions are proved with axe.”

(Zagreb), June 26, 1958

it *

Great prominence given reports that the pro- duction silk China has already reached first place

Also, alleged that China manufacturing the best accordions, even better than those made Italy, that within year two fountain pens will produced equal quality the pens, and bicycles superior the British “Raleighs.”

Recently, was stressed that China has surpassed the United States the production wheat, and that she now the second largest producer the world.

The most interesting, and possibly unique, record the world was scored China, where alleged that one farm cock was castrated and intoxicated, and then placed sit eggs the place hen. [It was discovered that] when the cock sobers three days later, con- tinues sit the eggs, and even refuses sit the eggs, easily gains weight and has stronger feathers

and all this course said very useful the promotion the development Socialist agricultural estates.

Bogojevic, from Peiping, Borba August 24, 1958

"Struggle for

SOME past the Chinese press has been waging

intensive campaign for the fulfillment the pro- duction plan for steel this year. Under striking headlines like “Every drop sweat means ton steel” and “Time longer reckoned weeks and months but minutes and seconds,” the newspapers call the working class and the entire Chinese nation accomplish this year’s steel production plan.

This plan, formulated the All-China Congress February, stipulated output 6,300,000 tons steel. Already March, the course the campaign, this target was raised 7,000,000 tons. June, all papers published the news that, during 1958, some 200 smaller- type steel mills with capacity 10,000,000 tons would that number these newly-built steel works would begin work this year and that their production would amount least one million tons steel year. That, together with the previously mentioned million tons, would

The papers not cite concrete figures, but basis last year’s calculations the first half this year about 3,400,000 tons steel were produced. means that another 4,600,000 tons percent total annual planned output remains produced. Party Secretaries their provinces personally lead the “struggle for steel.”

Tanjug from Peiping, Politika August 29, 1958

The target for 1958 was subsequently again raised grand total 10.7 million metric tons.

Three Million Protest

PEIPING papers paid maximum attention today’s issues the big meeting which took place yesterday the capital’s principal square and similar meetings held all large towns protesting American interfer- ence the internal affairs China. Jen Min Jih Pao devoted all its eight pages this question, even the cultural page where distinguished poets and writers pub- lished poems honor meeting. All reports today mentioned the figure three million participants estimate two million participants. Tanjug, from Peiping, Borba (Belgrade) September 1958

Dead: Rats

THE BASIS decision the Central Committee the Communist Party China, published all the Peiping papers, the campaign for the extermination flies, rats, sparrows and mosquitoes will stepped up. Com- menting this decision the Central Committee, Jen Min Jih Pao states its editorial that important results had been achieved the struggle against the “four evils” China. The paper says further that similar, former campaign over 1,510,000,000 rats, sparrows, more than million kilos flies and over 8,600,000 kilos mosquitoes had been destroyed through- out China.... Tanjug, from Peiping, Borba September 14, 1958

Military Organization: People's Communes

ADDITION the Taiwan crisis, and the convulsive battle

for steel, the movement create the so-called communes has grown into the most noteworthy event the Chinese press and Chinese propaganda general.

Chinese papers, about 10,000 people’s communes with membership nearly million peasant farms, more than percent all peasant farms throughout the Chi- nese People’s Republic, have been established now.**

was stressed all issued date that the basic method creating people’s communes was the integration several cooperatives into larger territorial productive units, with the proclaimed objective abolishing all personal property ducing military organization into the life and work com- mune members.

According present directives and descriptions achievement, the territory the people’s communes now corresponds, the average, with the territory the former local administrative units; and the former local councils and Party Committees are automatically trans- formed into the administrative councils Party Commit- tees the people’s communes.

stressed the current documents and accounts

(Continued page 27)

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POLAND’S PRESS:

Third series

The Fading Flame

installments described the growing curtail- ment press freedom, such the banning Prostu, the character the leading dailies, the policy the weekly Polityka, and the growing non-Party papers.

Literary Publications the literary papers Poland played the

largest role preparing the ground for ferment and the October changes. The most profound influence was

if Come

Autobiogratia

MARTY

Sladami

Front pages two very prominent cultural weeklies. Left, Vowa (Warsaw), June 19, 1958. The first page Vowa Kultura contains fairly objective life Tychy; two poems brilliant, young non-Communist who died during the Warsaw uprising: and,

exerted the Warsaw weekly Nowa Kultura, whose columns the seeds the writers’ rebellion were sown. far back March 1955, Nowa Kultura printed article entitled, “It Seems That This the Beginning,” describing the atmosphere the country struggle between the “old” and the “new.” April the same year, carried piece calling for the end Stalinism under the title “Closer Lenin,” and August 1955, published Adam famous Poem for Adults” which blasted con- temporary Polish reality.

aspektach mieduplear

é or

Teresie”

P

wydarzenia

Kultura (Warsaw), August 1958: right, Przeglad Kulturalny Silesia’s newly built Nowe

bottom, article the

French poet Apollinaire. Inside, the issue features, among other things opinion poll the most popular writers and books among workers (Sienkiewicz Quo Vadis fame won—no Soviet writer was listed), and discussion the Warsaw uprising which condemns the concept but praises the people’s heroism. The first page Przeglad contains—aside from the mask ancient Egyptian queen—an article the need widen the influence the theater, television, radio, ete.; report Wash- ington correspondent Edmund Osmanezyk the reactions Gaulle’s rise power; the record trip Brazil; and critical piece difficulties provincial town. Inside, the paper features article the Polish theater Jan Kott—who left the

Party last year protest against banning Europa, magazine intended review Western literary and cultural events.

L = | oar

1956, almost every issue Nowa Kultura dealt with one the nation’s “painful and festering problems” the demoralization youth, the acute housing shortage,

rehabilitate etc.

to

the need former members the Polish Home was expected, the Plenum received Nowa Kultura’s enthusiastic support, and the period immediately following Gomulka’s return, the periodical entered into sharp dispute with (Paris) organ the French Communists, which had dis- played markedly cool attitude towards Polish liberaliza- tion. During the Hungarian uprising, Nowa Kultura main- tained its crusading policy openly siding with the One its issues contained poem Wazyk describing the “blood relationship” Hungarian and Polish people. The paper also printed photographs the fighting Budapest and sympathetic on-the-spot reports Wiktor Woroszylski, editor Nowa Kultura the time.

Second only Prostu its forthright demands for freedom, Nowa Kultura began run into difficulties with the Gomulka regime the second half 1957.* the Ninth Plenum, the Party chief reprimanded Woroszylski and editorial staff member Leszek Kolakowski name for their outlook, and from that time Nowa Kultura’s position grew steadily worse. January 1958, editor Woroszylski was forced resign, and for several months the periodical was managed Jerzy Piorkowski, also member the group. this period Nowa Kultura conducting policy camouflaged resist- ance: printed long articles Western writers (e.g., Mann and Faulkner) and instead publishing political articles individual authors, carried exhaustive reports dis- cussions held the editorial staff such topics atheist education, architecture, literature and youth—and this way smuggled into print number bitter comments present-day reality. May 1958, Nowa Kultura’s fate was sealed. The Party appointed Central Committee mem- ber and Minister Higher Education Stefan Zolkiewski the post editor-in-chief and, protest, several promi- nent staff members, including Woroszylski, Piorkowski and Kolakowski, resigned. Whether Zolkiewski will force Nowa Kultura open its columns “conservatives” and impose upon the same “middle-of-the-road” policy imprinted Polityka remains seen. clear, however, that the writers will brought under stricter supervision and will not allowed publish against the tightening Party line.

Przeglad Kulturalny

Although its demands for liberalization were less con- sistent and vigorous than those Nowa Kultura, the War- saw weekly Przeglad Kulturalny also made important

Beginning with its September 1957 issue, Nowa Kultura published four installments Leszek “Responsibility and History,” brilliant, detailed analysis and criticism many basic ideological preconceptions contemporary Communism. See East Europe, December 1957, February 1958, March 1958 and May 1958.

contribution the Polish thaw. 1955, for example, the paper spoke for change series criticizing past errors the economy and planning; similarly, February 1956, embarked series dealing with Polish living conditions and such unhealthy social manifestations the abuse public funds and property, thefts and widespread hooligan- ism. Unlike Nowa Kultura, Przeglad Kulturalny ap- proached liberalization cautiously, and its attitude towards the Poznan riots June 1956 paralleled that the regime. Przeglad’s correspondent Jerzy Broszkiewicz wrote that time: “Whoever says that the secret agent and the pro- vocateur [ostensibly behind the riots] are just another myth fabricated the Bezpieka will telling lie.” the fall 1956, however, the paper firmly sided with Gomulka’s supporters, and during the Hungarian Re- volt Przeglad voiced its support the insurgents print- ing “The Struggle Between Progress and Reaction Con- temporary piece the eminent Hungarian Marxist philosopher, Gyorgy Lukacs, member the ill- fated government Premier Imre Nagy who was ab- ducted Romania with the Premier.

Less directly political than Nowa Kultura, Przeglad’s chief efforts the thaw were aimed achieving broader outlook the previously regimented fields science and frequent contributor the weekly

culture.

Struggle, Work and

THIS TITLE, the Party organ Trybuna Ludu pub- lished 1958 May Day editorial characteristic its fairly rigid style. Excerpts follow:

“We are all, young and old, generation builders whose specific task build and change, perfect and transform. Our strength lies ideal and the people who gave life, the dynamics our construction, our momentum and perseverance removing obstacles, our ability find the best roads and the most propitious solutions.

“The premise these achievements vision the future, encompassed the general precepts Marxism- Leninism. point apply these unequivocal and binding precepts wisely and properly Polish conditions, other words, introduce adroitly possible these basic architectural premises the conditions Polish con- struction.

“Under the leadership the Party and since the Octo- ber upheaval, are doing this better and more consis- tently. During this year’s May observances, let there resound with double strength

the poetry our every- day work. certainly cannot complain about lack great words. The fact is, however, that proper intentions should accompanied constructive work and that sobriety, economy and discipline the inseparable com- panions enthusiasm, fervor and liberty. the every- day results our work, encompassed the sum total achievement all work days, that best describe the dis- tance between each May

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i

Poetic Realism

These photos, taken from double-page display prize-winning Polish pictures, are remarkable for their frank realism. Pictorial admission poverty, drunkenness and dreariness now taboo all the other countries the area. That these poetic-realist shots the more seedy side life not only won prizes but were then reproduced paper, indicates that Polish journalism—despite the latest restrictions—is still far the freest the Soviet orbit.

Photos from the illustrated supplement Zycie Warszawy, September 1958

liberalizing sociologist Jozef Chalasinski, who advocated the necessity independent thinking and opposed the “Stalin- ist” identification science with political tactics and “humanism” with political propaganda. Przeglad also published numerous articles defense literary freedom. For instance, February 1956, the writer Kazimierz Brandys, opposing the bureaucratization art, wrote: “The figure the writer-conformer, endorsing with his signature the necessary and expected law progress, completely alien the concept the Socialist creator. And yet, until recently, the tasks literature were understood some our cultural policies and criticisms.”

the same time, Przeglad tried broaden Polish cul- tural horizons making Western life and art known its readers. the beginning 1956, published Jerzy Putra- ment’s report visit the entitled Gulps from snatched the public, this report heralded new phase Communist policy and marked end that period which every aspect American life had ridiculed and deplored. the period that fol- lowed, Przeglad published number articles Western literature and column recent publications the West.

Towards the end 1957, response pressure from the regime, Przeglad began manifest more conservative attitude. While continued print the writings the “revisionists” one issue contained piece entitled and Polish Pawel Hertz who subsequently resigned from the Party after the banning the periodical Europa), also opened its columns the

Stalinists. Furthermore, avoided touchy political and economic subjects and virtually stopped publishing the works Western authors.

Zycie Literackie

For long time, the Cracow literary organ Zycie Literackie remained aloof from the ferment Warsaw and 1955 sharply criticized Wazyk’s Poem for Adults” after its appearance Nowa Kultura. the fall 1956, however, Zycie Literackie had joined the ranks the War- saw rebels, and the time the Hungarian uprising an- nounced that agreed with the Warsaw writers their support the Hungarian literary insurgents. confirm this, Zycie Literackie printed article entitled, “About the Hungarian which had appeared originally the anti-Communist Polish emigre monthly Kultura (Paris), poem called “Hungarian Rhapsody” and laudatory article Gyorgy Lukacs.

Although 1957 Zycie Literackie tempered its criticism Polish reality, continued print numerous discus- sions Western literature and art (it carried reviews the works such authors Wells, Huxley, Mauriac, Camus, Cocteau, etc., and articles the American theater and film events Paris, Hollywood and Rome) and com- mentaries important national problems. Shortly after the Lodz motormen’s strike August 1957, for example, printed piece entitled “Drama Scandal,” describing Lodz one the “saddest” cities the country because

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the housing shortage, poverty and low worker wages pre- vailing there.*

Zycie Gospodarcze

THE PERIODICALS devoted economic problems,

Gospodarcze, which converted from bi-monthly into weckly 1957, made the most vociferous demands liberalization. May 20, 1956, the publication an- nounced turning point its policy aimed breaking the “confining bonds narrow procedure” which had fol- lowed for several years:

“The pages Zycie Gospodarcze will opened bold discussion. The economic side Marxist theory coming the fore. This, course, confronts simul- taneously with the problems our national economy. Theory and practice cannot separated from each other. And this obvious truth which shall strive serve our journalistic activities.”

The break with the past was reflected Zycie Gos- podarcze’s next issue, which contained articles such subjects as: “For Change the Methods Economic Administration”; “The Lowest Wages”; “It has Finally Appeared”—a report the appearance 1955 Statis- tical Yearbook preceded the deleted title “Strictly Con- “Let’s Restore Dignity Economic Cover and “The Citizen Should Know.” Subsequent issues contained articles the anti-Stalinist economists Oskar Lange and Edward Lipinski, well many statistical tables and graphs the state world economy, and reports economic developments the West. October 14, 1956, its last issue before the Eighth Plenum, Zycie Gospodarcze turned its attention political matters and printed sharp attack the Com- munist election system: our rhetorical tongue-twisting assuring the peasants that elections are matter accep- tance and not choice,” wrote, “failed convince them

the contrary, common sense indicated that the peas- ants were

the immediate post-October period, Zycie Gospodarcz continued publish articles that were highly critical Polish reality, but the Gomulka regime pressure the press, the periodical adopted less vehe- ment and straightforward tone. January 13, 1957, be- fore the Party cracked down papers, Gospodarcze printed piece entitled “Meditations Bourgeois Economy,” which contained the mark: “It has turned out that was the Marxists who con- defensive instead scientific version the existing forms Socialist economy. the field social- economic theory, they still have little add that which has already been said Marx.” Although 1958, jour-

nalists Poland were under stricter official surveillance, Aside from these three the monthly de- serves mention the most important literary review Poland. During 1956, published many the thaw writers and its pages reflected the trend away from “Socialist art. Among its contributors was the prizewinning author Marek Hlasko, whose stories exposed some the brutal aspects contemporary Polish reality. Until 1957, was the official organ the Union: now, however, under the direction the RSW Publishing Cooperative

press, which issues all Party publications.

Zycie Gospodarcze tried preserve the spirit the thaw. March 1958, for instance, printed biting com- ment the servility Polish trade unions, describing them mere adjuncts State institutions. This article appeared shortly before the Gomulka regime decided curtail the workers’ councils and give more power the trade unions.

Other Economic Publications

Despite the tightening censorship, there continues much more statistical information the Polish press than there was the past, and new publications have been started for this purpose. The Central Bureau Statistics now issues Wiadomosci Statystyczne and the monthly Biu- letyn Statystyczny, and seems unlikely that there will return the blanket secrecy the Stalinist era. regard agricultural publications, interesting note that although some eighty percent the Polish collective farms

Cena 2 at

(75) WIEDZIELA

PO

Front cover the August 24, 1958 issue the illustrated weekly organ the new group pro-regime Catholics formed about the Christian Social Union. Members the group were formerly associated with PAX, but broke with after October 1956 because its Stalinist policies. The photograph depicts the tower the Jasna Gora monastery Czestochowa— significant choice, since the monastery was raided July for failing submit its publications the censor.

>

have been dissolved, the periodical Produkcyjna

Producers’ Cooperatives) still survives. the other hand, January 1957 Zagadnienia Ekonomiki Rolnej announced that would longer appear quarterly the Insti-

and Reality" TITLE, Prostu, April 14, 1957, described

“the discouragement those who defend the good is, the disillusionment Communist with the post-October

“The phantom internal emigration has appeared again Despite everything, however, history rather original. repeats itself, but not obtrusively. What was the char- acter the internal emigration before 1956? Professor Stanislaw Ossowski, Adolf Rudnicki, Andrzej Stawar, etc., etc., found themselves state internal emigration. They were exiled drastic administrative and police means. They were exiled because defending the sovereignty science and culture, they became dangerous the system constructed that time. This emigration did not mean capitulation and was not sign helplessness defeat. showed the will struggle. For this reason, aroused the respect the nation and its ardent approval.

“Now, what the character the new internal emi- gration?

the moment, the new emigration does not constitute organism throbbing with life. tendency, but extremely significant one.

only

has orig- inated social class able exercise strong moral influ- ence has originated humanistic and intellectual Marxist circles, among leftist activists the October journalists, the most active and mature student groups—in the social class which has large share the October The cause simple, and for this reason seems even more brutal: objective dramatic conflict be- tween utopia—between dreams and wishes—on the one hand, and reality the other; between ideology and tac- tics; between ideals and politics. Briefly stated, the great majority intellectuals who, inspired Socialism, took part the October honeymoon have become disillusioned greater lesser extent. The road from reality the ideal too slow. This indisputable fact which has responsibility for reality, this reality moves slowly the direction the ideal the postulates which had been worked out before October? There are reasons for approving this reality. However, the same time one cannot disapprove it, because the obstacle the fatalistic interest the State. among those

The disillusionment ‘defend the good cause’ creates incalculable dangers for the development Poland’s de- mocratization. the psychology political fatigue be- comes permanent phenomenon, will undoubtedly paralyze various centers political life which played great part bringing about the October changes and which continue represent the most important instru- ments and guarantee democratic transformations.”

Ly

tA

BOE

W numerze: Wiedysiaw Wachejok —,.Babcynsyn’

SPOLECZNO-KULTURALNY

The mastheads three socio-cultural weeklies banned post-October period. Prostu, put out young Warsaw uals, and famous for its articles, was liquidated the autumn 1957 for “revisionism.” The more recent suppression Nowe Sygnaly (Wroclaw) and Kronika (Lodz) ap- proximately one year publication indicative the present policy centralized control over the press and prohibiting the development number autonomous provincial publications. Both weeklies journalists who daringly life outside the capital.

were issued young backwardness Polish

tute Agricultural Economy because “the time has come establish new scientific periodical which will deal broadly possible with the economics agriculture become forum agricultural economic thought for all agricultural economists, and provide the reader with re- ports the national and international situation agricul- tural economy. Although scheduled appear bi-monthly the Agricultural Sciences Department the Polish Academy Sciences, only three issues the new Zagadnienia had been published mid-1958

The Catholic Press

THE CATHOLIC the

Polish October has meant

the destruction the publishing monopoly the pro- regime pseudo-Catholic organization, PAX, which, follow-

TYGODNIK

ing the liquidation the independent Catholic press the years 1951-53, seized control almost all religious publications. Headed Boleslaw Piasecki, PAX made its influence felt throughout the country: aside from issuing the daily Slowo Powszechne, the weekly Dzis Jutro (which 1955 was changed Kierunki after the original title was put the index the Vatican), and the monthly Zycie Mysl—it took management such provincial publications Glos Kato- licki (Poznan) and Gosc Niedzielny (Katowice) and started its own publications such Katolik (Opole) and Tygodnik Lubelski (Lublin). Its aim was install PAX weekly every diocese and, contrary the wishes the Church hierarchy, convert the Catholic press into Party tool. According Zycie Gospodarcze (Warsaw), July 1957, the PAX organization had net income more than 100 million zloty towards the end 1956, and its publishing apparatus “yielded first place only the RSW

Since the beginning 1957, however, the PAX publish- ing apparatus has suffered diminution power with the development two new Catholic groups. One group associated with the weekly Tygodnik Powszechny* and the Catholic Parliamentary Club connected with the monthly, the other formed about the Christian Social Union, headed Frankowski, and the periodical The latter group strongly favor dif- fers from the PAX group, however, that opposes “Stal- inist tendencies” and firmly behind the Polish October. The Tygodnik Powszechny group preserves more critical attitude towards the ideology and policies the Communist State. The new atheistic periodical Argumenty clarified the stand this group article March 13, 1958:

its own central publications

“Doctrinal reservations with regards Socialism, and arising from the orthodox doctrine the Vatican, are interpreted these activists such way that does not prohibit their participation the realization various empirical plans, the sum total which form the Polish road Socialism: “We have our doctrinal reserva- fit into its framework just the Church fitted into the framework classical capitalism despite the critical eval- uation. The fact that have doctrinal reservations about attitude the authorities Socialist State. all depends what sort authority is, how governs, what its methods are, what the moral side the govern- ment looks like, and what the attitude towards people different convictions is. Our attitudes must vary according that. But the fact alone that the system Socialist cannot justify negative attitude towards the government, aside from that democratic and

does

towards

Argumenty also spoke about the appearance another Catholic group connected with the Catholic Intelligentsia

Tygodnik Powszechny was suspended 1953 when refused publish article about Stalin after his death and reappeared under PAX administration. May 1955, Piasecki abolished altogether. The paper was revived December 1956, under Jerzg Turowicz, its editor prior 1952. For further information Przeciw, see East Europe, December 1957, pp. 6-7, and February 1958, 43.

Reported During the Hungarian Revolt

RUMORS were reaching Budapest.

They said that Soviet troops were pouring into Hungary over the Soviet and Romanian frontiers. They were occupying airfields, railway junctions and other strategic points. Replying the official note [Premier] Imre Nagy Soviet ambassador An- tropov declared that the rumors were untrue and that new troops had arrived Hungary. few hours later was asked again. The reply was: ‘It only matter safeguarding the evacuation Soviet families and wounded

“In the evening Imre Nagy called press confer- ence. Only our journalists knew more less what would talk about. They knew about the futile diplo- matic efforts which were made save the situation, about the unsuccessful attempts mediating; about the fact the Nagy had exhausted all possibilities before decided try the last, desperate measure. The press conference did not start for long time. last short note was read that view the new movement Soviet troops into Hungary, the Hun- garian government strongly protests and demands the withdrawal all Soviet troops. the meantime, the Hungarian government has repudiated the War- saw Pact and has proclaimed Hungary’s neutrality.” (From Wiktor Hungarian Note- book,” Nowa Kultura, December 1956.)

Club Warsaw. The organ this group the new social- cultural monthly Wiez:

“The newly-established monthly touches upon the experiences French Catholicism, particular its pro- gressive tendencies. The editors this paper wish ‘go out meet that why they ac- cept the Socialist perspective, and that why ‘all thought Poland’s going back capitalist forms’ unfruitful them. [The paper] concerned, however, ‘that the Socialist social-economic formation, into which Poland has entered result accomplished social reforms, should develop direction most advantageous the rights man. October 1956 was fundamental step this respect. And just there going back capitalist forms, there can never return from the principal idea October.’ Wiez speaks for ideological dis- cussions atmosphere tolerance and for cooperation with unbelievers the implementation undertakings favoring the spread the free integration the human personality. They also declare their cooperation the struggle against ‘fanaticism, religious intolerance and ig- norance’ Catholic circles condition that ‘we wage struggle against all forms materialist

Argumenty complimented the Catholic press its ef- forts fight fanaticism, and intol- erance. said, for example, that Tygodnik Powszechny had condemned anti-Semitic manifestations, had published

a

articles “Unitarians and Protestants,’ and denounced various forms and “racism.” the basis Argumenty’s discussion seems clear that the present the Gomulka government has been willing ac- cept the growth various Catholic movements long they give evidence and cooperative atti- tude. “No Socialist and democrat,” Argumenty declared, “can remain indifferent the question—which form will Polish Catholicism assume: obscurantist, irrational and fanatic, intellectual, enlightened, sublime and demo-

There however, considerable dissatisfaction Catholic circles with regard the powers PAX and regime restrictions the growth the Catholic press. Although number religious publications have been revived and some new ones started (including Przewodnik Katolicki; Homo Dei; Wspolczesna Ambona; Ateneum Kaplanskie; Biblioteka Polonia Sacra; and Chorych) the Catholics maintain that there are inadequate number mass circulation papers. For instance, address the Sejm July 12, 1957,

One the few illustrated ads the Polish press. The girl, spread- ing the word about Miraculum Shampoo, example the primitive artwork used publicize available consumer goods— when artwork used all. The text, printed undistinguished type, was also far from eyecatching: “New luxurious camomile shampoo. Miraculum, made from camomile flower extracts; pre- vents natural darkening hair, makes hair fluffy and shiny, ex- cellent for care the scalp and hair. Available all drug- stores and perfume counters.” Taken from Przekroj (Warsaw), August 24, 1958; drawing considerably enlarged.

Deputy Zbigniew Makarczyk complained that the Catholic problem had been placed the sidelines:

“Our [Znak allied with the weekly Tygodnik Powszechny and the monthly, Znak; both these publications are directed comparatively small number readers and they are absolutely unable influence Catholics

the spirit which we, here, have agreed proper and nec-

group is closely

those masses who should influenced essary.

call Piasecki’s Slowo Powszechne Catholic publi- cation either misunderstanding form spiteful- ness directed against Catholics. not Catholic publi- When we ask for a

daily, are told: there cannot two dailies, that is,

cation. There Catholic organ.

Slowo Powszechne and another. need daily publica- tion.”

The Changing Press

IMPORTANT ASPECT the immediate post-October

period was the birth variety new publications both the capital and the provinces. For example, two new Poznan weeklies, Wyboje and Tygodnik Zachodni, were started late 1956. The first issues both periodi- cals were confiscated the censors but subsequent num- bers managed meet Party demands. The staff Wyboje, which composed largely former ZMP (Polish Youth Union) from the organization shortly before its dissolution the fall 1956, includes number roving correspondents who are assigned

members

uncover unsavory activities the provincial government Like Wyboje, Tygodnik Zachodni confines itself mostly provincial affairs, but has less than the reach more “serious” audience.

and Party apparatus.

character former and strives

New cultural and literary periodicals also appearance the provinces. Kronika was started Lodz, Nowe Sygnaly Wroclaw and Przemiany Katowice. addition, the student weekly Poglady and the biweekly Pod Wiatr were established Lublin, the monthly Zebra, literary and graphic arts publication, was started Cra- cow, and Warsaw itself new weekly, Nowa, has been founded. publications. Now, addition Warsaw’s famous there Kaktus Poznan and Karuzela Lodz; the latter

already has circulation 350,000.

There has also been increase satirical

Fatalities

Because the increasing censorship, some the new publications were extinguished almost before they had begun take permanent shape. October 1957, the popular Przemiany suffered liquidation ostensibly for crit- icizing working conditions the mines—actually for dis- playing “revisionist” character. Similarly, Nowe and Poglady, which promised become important literary periodical, were suppressed December 1957 and replaced the weekly Odra, which was designed give more space “problems” the Western Territories. Many smaller provincial publications were reorganized the same fashion.

re } _

The Warsaw periodical Europa, intended review Western literature and culture, was liquidated even be- fore hit the newsstands. The first issue, scheduled ap- pear November 1957, was rejected the censors, and the government withdrew the publication per- mit. According reports which have reached the West, the issue included address Antoni Slonimski the PEN Club meeting Japan, essay hope Jerzy Andrzejewski, poems Adam Wazyk, essay Elia Kazan, and translation article the British press Dwight MacDonald which was first published En- (London). Evidently, neither this nor previous draft issues were acceptable the Party, which indicated that considered Europa potential source political

counter

controversy. exasperation and protest, ten Communist staff among them Adam Wazyk, Jan Kott, Mieczyslaw Jastrun and Pawel from the Party, thereby indicating their disillusionment with the in-

members

creasingly orthodox outlook the Gomulka government.

Variety and Amusement

Despite the growing emphasis political conformity, the Polish press can still described when compared with newspapers other parts the orbit, where there has been only minimal departure from Stalinist tenets. The number publications has increased substan- tially, and far more attention paid the readers’ de- mands for light reading matter. Coverage given not only political and ideological subjects, but developments sports, the theater, the motion picture industry and tele- fields were considered un- worthy too much emphasis non-political consideration.

vision which until Now there are periodicals dealing with jazz, bridge, auto- mobile racing and international developments the film Jazz, Brydz, Auto-Moto-S port, Film Swiecie). The trend towards providing readers with infor- mation about the lighter side life evident particularly

industry, etc.

the illustrated weeklies, whose pages are currently filled with picturesque reports places the non-Communist Altogether, there are more illustrations the press than hitherto and,

world, fashion news, film events and humor.*

reaction Stalinist puritanism, some papers have begun

specializing photographs sensational type—i.e.

scantily clad actresses and reproductions nudes.

the Party will tolerate such liberties accept unblink-

ingly the growth periodicals dedicated entertainment remains seen. clear that, present, control being tightened and that the Polish press expected

have non-controversial character, support Party policy,

The most popular illustrated magazines are Dookola Swiata circ, 350,000 Kulis) circ. 200,000 Przekroj, Swiat, Przyjaciolka, woman’s magazine, and Swierszczyk, for children. magazines intended for Polish emigres are also richly illus- trated. Three new ones were begun 1957—7 Dni Polsce Nasza and Magazyn Polski—and chosen subject matter designed present the best aspects con- temporary Poland well the customs and historical traditions preserved from prewar days.

and fulfill political mission imposed the re- gime.

Latest News

(Information received after this was completed gives

evidence new switch Communist policy: instead

expanding the press, the Polish Party now sharply re-

ducing the number newspapers and periodicals the market and curtailing some circulations.)

NEW REORGANIZATION Polish publications seems underway. Both newspaper articles and the activi- ties Commission Publication Matters and Periodi- cal Sales indicate that the Gomulka regime trying strengthen centralized control and, simultaneously, re- impose the press the criteria political and mass influence. contrast the October period, when variety new publications flow- ered overnight apparently spontaneous efforts free the press from its Stalinist bondage, the present trend to- wards tighter supervision carefully calculated prevent

— Grant

stu

Troche o historii kobsece| vurody

ona

Entertainment page Kurier Polski, July 26-27, 1958. includes pictures young women and child, cross-word-puzzle, car- toons, and columns fashion and chess. The newspaper pub- lished the Party.

* Srachy ormba Be gore

the semblance either autonomy undirected luxuriance, and away with what officially described un- necessary duplication contents. The claim that “Socialist” country does not require multitude similar publications because there are opposing political parties and, presumably, conflicting ideological viewpoints.

The second motive the reorganization apparently economic. The government not prepared increase substantially its press investments and, the interests maximum returns, cracking down those periodicals which not “justify” their existence terms money and One sign this the current emphasis the needs the average reader, contrast those specialized groups and members the intelligentsia.

The chief target criticism has been cultural weeklies, whose circulation has declined consider- ably since the “thaw,” when they debated crucial national issues the freer and more vigorous atmosphere that time. Their imminent death was predicted the critic “Kisiel” who, Tygodnik Powszechny, August 1958, contrasted their decline (in many respects unfairly) with the growing popularity the entertainment weeklies such Przekroj, Przyjaciolka, Dookola Swiata and Swiat. Ac- cording the literary weeklies are doomed not only because they are being “pushed aside other means mass propaganda,” but chiefly because they are “not tune with the psychological and intellectual disposition their readers.”

also charged that one the main drawbacks the literary weeklies was that they gave maximum com- mentary and minimum information: “The reader Przekroj feels elevated because invited partake buffet composed many carefully-prepared dishes: the reader the social and literary weekly feels degraded be- cause has been invited not buffet but lecture where told what dishes should

Another attack the literary weeklies appeared Polityka, August 16, 1958, certain who charged them with being snobbish and dealing obscure allusions understood only few added that all the literary papers were alike: “If any basic differences exist between, let say, Nowa Kultura and Przeglad Kulturaln) only the chief editors and perhaps also the editorial stated that country “where there

then these are sweet mysteries known

are opposing political parties and where publications can differentiated most either Marxist Catho- the Marxist press should organized the basis

“types publications.” suggested that there was room

Poland for “non-snobbish” literary weekly and pop-

(actually, Stefan Kisielewski, Catholic deputy the Sejm) did not limit his criticism the literary papers such Nowa Kultura and Zycie said, had cir- culation, respectively, more than 100,000 and 50,000; also referred the small readership the Catholic Tygodnik Powszechny and Kierunki, the organ PAX, and, ac- centing popularity, said that while the readers all weeklies amounted percent the total number urban Poles, only one percent read the weeklies. also added that only people the cities read the weeklies and that not enough was done for readers the countryside.

STYCZTEN NUMER

CENA Et

we

Cover Zebra, monthly published graphie arts students Cracow, January 1958. According Nowa (Warsaw), Oct. 1958, has suspended publication for funds.”

ular literary monthly which would deal with problems such way that the average reader could understand them; also said that there was room for comprehensive and serious political-social publication the style the gel” which would appeal the average reader. conceded that there was also a place in Poland for a seri- ous literary paper like Nowa Kultura, but his implication was that the country needed only one paper this type. attempt defend the literary press was made Nowa Kultura, August 24, 1958. Without di-

¢ hange d conditions in Poland, loeplitz

1 I

rectly discussing

remarked:

silently accept the situation of, say, two years

ideal state, the apex reader interest, the era journalism’s great prosperity. The sources this pros- perity were easily understandable: the masses readers

assurance that the words appearing

They were convinced

were exhilarated by th the press would have effect. that problem discussed the press was problem enter-

When, corrections belief

ing the last stages solution. however, reality

introduced far-reaching when

the problems became much difficult their

appearance had seemed warrant and when they were

iby — 2 / | | 4 4

solved far more slowly than had been expected—the reader became mistrustful. noticed that there was difference between journalism reality. there- fore put aside publications touching problems and turned Przekroj and Kulisy, towards ‘amusement,’ ‘diversion’ and

While proposals how reorganize the press are still being aired, the Commission Publication Matters and Periodical Sales, established earlier the year, has effected some important changes the press setup. According Prasa Polska, August 1958, its work the first three months its existence resulted in: the withdrawal from the newsstands “specialized” periodicals, whose small circulation allegedly warranted their being sold only subscription basis; the discontinuation either because their circulation was “below minimum” because they duplicated other periodicals and were too ex- pensive; the decision distribute periodicals only certain newsstands; the transformation eight monthlies into quarterlies bi-monthlies; the merger periodicals

FOLLOWING excerpt from article Zycie Gospodarcze, June 1958, the “liberal” Commu- nist economist, Edward Lipinski:

“The development [economic] science hampered various taboos and all kinds ‘timidities.’ For example, follows from the ‘science’ planned economy, based law proportional development’ that this econ- omy inflation impossible, that the plan provides con- sumer for each product and product for each consumer. the meantime, certain type accelerated growth irrevocably gives rise inflation, but such phenomena are not analyzed: they are ‘shameful.’

“Further: for example, the prices certain consumer goods are raised offset the excessive demand for them. The supply such goods cannot increased because in- vestment has gone primarily towards capital goods. turn, the prices capital goods are fixed too low order conceal the real ratio accumulation against consump- tion. These phenomena are not mentioned openly, an- alysis made growth conditions underdeveloped

Prophets

(in ten instances two papers were combined into one, and one instance three were merged) and the decision that returns, and five periodicals will permitted returns amounting percent.

Although Prasa Polska did not mention name the periodicals affected, did indicate that the Commission’s activities have aroused strong protests various quarters. The Commission, according Prasa Polska, has met with “lack understanding” the part those involved, who have refused accept explanation the paper short- age, financial difficulties, etc.: “Almost always, the answer this the only publication—what will they say abroad?’ This almost case raison d’etat. There are also threats, curses, complaints sent Comrade Gomulka, and delegations the Premier. There are also in- stances resounding resolutions made congresses certain organizations and associations which patronized the publications affected. Several complaints have reached Par- liament. only some people could see beyond their own backyard!”

economy, where the accumulation level must extremely high employ the growing population and increase pro- duction basic production facilities. This high accumula- tion level renders impossible increase real wages despite increased work productivity. Wages rise only specified higher level growth when excessive accumula- tion becomes such that safeguards full employment, in- creases work productivity and thus proportionately makes possible increase real wages, since further growth does not require excessively low level real wages. All the above problems were never analyzed, and the theory growth was reduced empty scholastics.

“The ‘taboo-ization’ and ‘magic-ization’ the economy has heretofore been the greatest and most insurmount- able obstacle its development. certain sectors still the ‘status quo’. Remnants the ‘taboo-istic’ methods linger among us. Most frequently, coupled with divining attitude, with the feeling possessing the secret correct solutions, and with pathos resulting from

‘lawfully proper’ and ‘lawfully attitude.

a ep

f

_|

ig pry: ‘+. Ber i

+

Peak

SS.

SAN

Fn

‘

Peak

1952 STEEL

fons]

1957

(Continued from page 16)

basic principle governing the solution the property problem the people’s communes the trend transform the present cooperative ownership into “ownership the higher type,” tire people,”

that the

“ownership the en- called here officially. practice, this equivalent State ownership. There also trend toward transforming all personal property the former cooperating members into commune property. Mass meet- ings the communes are determine what every peasant can keep and what transfer the commune.

the communes was decided that all private prop- erty, including all tools, fruit trees, cattle and other animals, furnishings, and even the house itself, would transferred the commune, and that the commune members would only keep for themselves clothes, watches, cycles—if they owned any.

beds, and bi-

such cases, and indeed most larger people’s com- munes the food problem solved the opening common eating-houses; this also “complicated housework” useful activities production.”

The slogan “to according his labor” claimed the basic principle apportionment people’s commune; however, the provisions for priori- ties, and the satisfaction needs, first priority goes the State, second priority the commune, and the last the commune member.

liberates women from

them free for

CEMENT

2225;

STOCK

Official claims for industrial expansion Communist China. Broken lines refer plan targets; solid lines achievements. Numerals boxes are Five Year Plan targets for 1957; numerals give achieved 1957 percentages 1952.

1957

1957

1952

1956 COAL

1957

Chart from Affairs (Moscow), August 1958

some communes the all commune

system monthly salaries for members has been introduced,

ing from yuan per month.

salaries vary- The average wage industrial worker yuan, with possible additional maxi- mum benefits percent the wage.

all military work has been introduced.

communes organization life and

The production units are di-

vided into battalions, platoons, squads, and on; they

work carrying arms, and substantial part the work- ing hours spent military training. Tanjug from Peiping, Politika

September 25, Radio Belgrade, Oct.

Information the actual number communes set and the speed the process somewhat garbled. September 27, that is, three days later, Radio Peiping announced that “the movement set people’s communes sweeping rural areas, and expected completed most parts China the end this month.” The New York Times, October 13, said that according the New China news agency “as September ex- actly 90.4 percent China’s peasant families had joined the communes. that date 23,397 communes had been organized with 112,240,000 peasant families appears there- fore that, after preparations Spring and early Summer, the movement was started earnest August and forced through maximum speed September. can assumed that much the are paper only; the Yugoslavs point out, the

old organizational framework has been preserved and the practi- cal application the scheme varies from region region. How- ever, with the basis thus laid, with all the hands the State, evitably become rural wage

“means production” now some half billion peasants will in- earners in the near future.

Current Developments

AREA

Anti-Yugoslav Drive Continued

The most strident aggressors the campaign against the Yugoslavs during the early weeks autumn were the southern flanking regimes Albania and Bulgaria. Their attacks, while diversified and personally calumnious before, centered alleged “persecution” Mace- donian and Albanian Moslem minorities the Tito govern- ment. all probability, this tactic had double objective: promote internal trouble within the multi-nationality Yugoslav Republic, where the minority problem has long been difficult one, and compromise President Tito and his followers the eyes the uncommitted countries the Middle and Far East picturing Yugoslavia “colonial oppressor subject peoples.” The Yugoslavs continued word and deed refute these attacks, the same time retaliating with counter charges both countries.

Quarrel Over

Bulgarian-Yugoslav polemics over the Macedonian ques- tion represent new topic Balkan politics. The quarrel was full force, with Serbia the chief anti-Bulgarian disputant, even before the creation Yugoslavia, after the first World War, and has continued since that time under both right and left wing regimes. was muted after the Communist take-over the area, due part the close relationship between Tito and the late Bul- garian Party chief Georgi Dimitrov. Meanwhile the Yugo- government made attempt solve its own share the problems creating autonomous Macedonian Republic under the Yugoslav Federation Republics with full recognition the Macedonian language and with schools and newspapers that language. The Bulgarians, however, have taken different tack: they are hesitant recognize the Macedonians minority, they do, for example, the Turks; they hold that the Macedonian language should more properly called dialect; they claim—quietly before the outbreak the latest anti-Yugo- slav campaign, but more and more loudly since—that those living the Macedonian Republic are reality Bulgarians, and mistreated Bul-

Macedonians now garians that. Politburo member Dimitur Ganev upheld view speech, broadcast over Radio Sofia, September 22. After alleging that “the Yugoslav leaders have rushed place themselves the service the American im- and after calling the Tito regime “traitors

charged that the Yugoslav officials de- manded their Macedonian population break with all which Bulgarian and end shared past and history which has always been held common with the Bulgarian people.” asserted that Bulgarian newspapers and books were prohibited Macedonia and that the people were “compelled give their mother tongue for artificially molded, strongly Serbianized language forced upon them.” This was reference the “dialect” “language” spoken the Macedonians living under Tito’s government.

The rebuttal Ganev’s address was printed

The tension between the and Communist China over Formosa and the off-shore islands has, course, produced area-wide campaign attacking the American position. Above, Secretary Dulles junk between Formosa and China, with Chiang Kai-shek clinging the mast: “Mandarin that damned east

wind. Cartoon from Sturshel (Sofia), September 19, 1958

=

Current Developments—Area

two days later. (As the propaganda battle waxed hotter, the Yugoslav press responded more and more quickly attacks; some Satellite newspapers were answered matter hours, indicating that each new attack longer the subject drawn-out, high-level deliberations, and that, the contrary, general strategy anti-Satellite counterattack having been arrived at, the lower echelons are now position deal swiftly with every sally the adversaries.) September Radio Belgrade broad- cast summations editorials the Belgrade Party organs, Borba and Politika. Both newspapers made the point that the Ganev speech, especially that came from in- dividual very highly placed the Bulgarian regime, was “actually attack one the Yugoslav republics and therefore also the integrity the Federal People’s Republic Yugoslavia whole.” Both newspapers also charged that Bulgaria had territorial designs the Mace- donian part Yugoslavia.

September the Yugoslavs held highly publi- cized celebration the fortieth anniversary the break- through the Salonika Front Dobro Pole World War The Bulgarians reacted angrily, accusing the Yugo- slav leaders “instigating nationalistic and chauvinistic feelings.” They charged that the celebration “had nothing common with the Marxist-Leninist appraisal World War (Rabotnichesko Delo September 18.) The following day Borba rejoined follows: “In men- tioning the ordinary historical fact that the Serbian Army had withdraw over the Montenegrin and Albanian cliffs and crags because units Coburg Bulgaria, without any declaration war, attacked Serbia cannot inferred that ‘hatred everything Bulgarian being in- tensified Yugoslavia Borba also recalled that Lenin had emphasized “the liberation character the Serbian struggle against Two days later, Politika, September 21, also rebutting Rabotnichesko Delo, accused the Bulgarians designs Yugoslav territory and stated that “the part the Macedonian nation which lives Bulgaria does not even have the status national mi-

Radio Sofia broadcast, October there was variety accusations against the Tito regime. was al- leged that “about five percent Yugoslavia’s workers were subjected various repressions during 1957 for criticizing the ruling group.” The Yugoslavs were also accused “treacherous during the Hungarian Revolt, and “drive wedge between the Soviet and Chi- nese Communist The latter accusation had not before been prominently voiced.

The Yugoslavs sent note the Bulgarian government, October which, according Radio Belgrade the same day, “vigorously protested overt and coarse was mentioned name.

Another contribution the Yugoslav counterattack was made Central Committee member Ivan Karaivanov, prewar Comintern official who emigrated from Bulgaria “the most important point” the 1956 Soviet 20th Party Congress, the doctrine roads from capital-

Delayed Action Fuse

the following indignant words were emitted Radio Prague:

Japanese meteorological station has angrily an- nounced that according its data the USSR cently] carried out thermonuclear explosion. was unable, however, ascertain the locality this explosion. would much easier ascertain with precision the place from which the wind blew this provocative news item Tokyo. Not just the Japanese government but even the meteorological sta- tions and their apparatus collect only those impulses which come from Washington! Who else would interested blackening the USSR the eyes world opinion? was the USA which, after the Soviet government had announced its decision con- cerning unilateral suspension nuclear tests and had invited other Great Powers join this decision, This was answer the peaceful step the USSR: infect the air over the countries the Far East with radioactivity and, addition, release slanderous reports through peripheral news agen- cies which would wipe out the impression created the USSR its unilateral suspension tests.

carried out the largest series atomic tests.

the Japanese meteorological station has indeed caught some explosion could only have been explosion fury some Washington politician, be-

cause the USSR has once again demonstrated before

the entire world its peaceful intentions. few hours later, early the morning October Radio Prague broadcast news report beginning: “According resolution the Soviet govern- ment, tests with nuclear weapons have been resumed

the USSR.”

ism Socialism.” This point, averred, had been “for- gotten” the “champions Stalinism the Soviet Union.” Karaivanov also charged that the Soviet hierarchy considered that had “vested right monopoly and hegemony over the fate other nations.”

One apparent result the Bulgarian attack was con- the the Orthodox Church Macedonia, which was granted semi-independence from the parent Serbian church. (Borba, October

Yugoslavs

Albanian Virulence Unabated

Underlying the claims the Tirana regime that Alban- ians the Yugoslav Kossova region were being mistreated, was the potentially explosive fact that the majority those Albanians are Moslems. Thus the smallest Satellite State sought muddy the clear waters lations. Zeri editorial, September 28, accused the the

tempting “isolate the Arab Communist movement

“emissaries revisionist clique” at-

Mess ° 44

Current Developments—Area

and divert the national liberation movement from its natural line against imperialism, especially against Ameri- can imperialism.” The article continued:

“The concern the Belgrade press lest the tragedy and martyrdom the Albanians Kossova, Macedonia and Montenegro learned Arab countries and thus unmask Yugoslavia there, reveals the mission which has been en- trusted Yugoslav revisionists these countries. The \rab peoples will angered the crimes the Bel- grade chauvinists against the Albanian population, because

the Arabs are also struggling for freedom and also hate national oppression.”

typical Albanian horror story was recounted the newspaper Bashkimi, September 10. Listing the “crimes” Yugoslavs against Albanian minorities since 1944, the journal alleged “merciless persecutions,” and contained the following passage purportedly describing the treatment Albanians Yugoslavs Drenica during the war: “People were buried alive, children and pregnant women strangled, men impaled; people died from torture terrifying agony, with their stomachs slit and filled with burning charcoal.” Bashkimi claimed that the “policy annihilation minorities” had been resumed the winter 1955-56 and called this state affairs “typical Fascist

Politika answered the Bashkimi attack September repeating the accusation that internal affairs had been directly intervened against” another Soviet

Satellite, and terming the offending article call rebellion.” Politika also said that “Albania has been given the special role provocateur [in the anti-Yugoslav cam- which has wholeheartedly embraced.” Radio Belgrade broadcast, September 27, averred that “the lead- ers the Soviet Union and China believe that the anti- Yugoslav campaign will more convincing the govern- ment small country, such Albania, formally placed the foremost ranks.”

September 26th both Borba and Politika answered article the Soviet newspaper (Moscow) September which had been written Albanian Party boss Enver Hoxha. Although the article had been far less venomous than many other Albanian contributions the campaign, the Yugoslav papers responded heatedly. Borba said: “The regime Enver Hoxha definition hates everything that truly Socialist, human and democratic and feverishly resists every progressive movement and trend the Socialist world.” charged that Izvestia’s publishing the Hoxha article was “an effort inject fresh vigor into the anti-Yugoslav

The Tito regime dispatched note protest the Albanian government similar that sent the Bulgarian. October Radio Belgrade stated that the Albanians had refused accept the note, and that this action “created precedent which makes normal contact betwen the two governments difficult.” This was, perhaps, allusion possible future break diplomatic relations.

Planned Areawide Integrations Transport

PLANNERS the Soviet bloc have been draw-

ing area-wide “perspective plans” covering the pe- riod from 1960 1975. While the details are generally kept secret, the following sketch proposed plan the field transportation was published the Slovak youth paper Smena (Bratislava) August 16.

“Part this perspective plan the dredging all har- bors Socialist countries Europe, the construction new dockyards the German Democratic Republic, con- struction one the world’s largest ports Warnemuende, near Rostock, and the opening regular shipping lines be- tween the member States COMECON. Just next year, regular traffic opened between seaports the Soviet Union, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and the Black Sea and Mediterranean; between Soviet ports and those Poland, the GDR and the Baltic Sea. Albanian ports, which now have been used very little, will become transit ports for merchandise carried Polish ships.

“The railroads also present many problems. will necessary above construct—and not merely from na- tional funds—lines similar the Railroad Friendship Prague and the order speed traf- fic between Socialist countries. Many these States, how- ever, have inadequate freight car sidings. Bulgaria lacks sufficient trains carry fruit, vegetables and grapes

the GDR, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Meanwhile the problem has been solved borrowing cars from Czecho- slovakia and the GDR. Czechoslovak representatives COMECON suggested that one the member States (preferably Czechoslovakia) produce new freight cars for all Socialist countries Europe.

“The utilization domestic waterways also deserves attention. all improved traffic between the USSR, Poland and the GDR, between the ports Kaliningrad, Bydgoszcz, Berlin and Madgeburg, canals and natural waterways. Also, regular traffic between the Danube ports from Bratislava the Black Sea. this connection plans have already been made for passenger traffic the Danube which, need be, would also include Vienna.

“Research institutions the member countries are sub- mitting their first projects for gas and oil pipelines. The most important project will gas line from the USSR Bratislava, built the near future, and which will help solve the energy problem Czechoslovakia. The oil pipeline will extend far the GDR.

“At the end July, the special committees COME- CON became regular committees, working close contact with the governments the member COMECON will coordinate traffic and will settle all the common prob-

Ke 5

a

The Harvest Festival was celebrated Poland September Above, miner and peasant girl demonstrating solidarity during the festivities.

Photo from Chlopska Droga (Warsaw), September 10, 1958

Czechoslovakia, Poland and Agriculture

The Czechoslovaks were far less raucous their attacks the Tito regime, but they opened one relatively un- tapped source conflict the present campaign. The Prague Party newspaper Rude Pravo, October devoted which characterized being present “generally low average yield.” According the journal, the chief cause the poor crop the lack collectivization and the large number independent farmers. Rude Pravo also registered its disapproval that “neither the newspaper nor speech-making officials mention kulaks and the class strug- gle the Yugoslav Summing up, the Prague publication declared that “exploitation man man still exists the Yugoslav villages the Socialization the Yugoslav countryside making headway.”

Obviously this Czechoslovak attack could, great stretch the imagination, applied Poland, which also possesses largely non-collectivized agriculture. undoubtedly significant that the continuing good rela- tions between the latter country and Yugoslavia have been marked apparent disinclination the part the Poles join the anti-Yugoslav campaign any more than absolutely necessary. prominent Polish journal official strongly attacked the Yugoslavs the early weeks autumn, and several low-level delegations travelled be- tween the two countries. October Radio Belgrade, broadcast both the Czech and Slovak languages,

Current Developments—Area

pointed out the “successful cooperation the economic sphere between Poland and The broadcast made the point that “Yugoslavia belongs bloc, and Poland the Socialist camp, yet this obstacle further intensification mutually advantageous also remarked that nomic pressure obtain political would ac-

Radio

complish good purpose the present situation.

Hungarian, Romanian Attacks

The Hungarians continued belabor the Tito regime with accusations complicity the October 1956 Revolt and its bloody aftermath. speech the National As- sembly, Premier Ferenc Munnich made the following state- ment: “In connection with the trial the traitor Imre Nagy and his accomplices, the Yugoslav government once again impermissible manner interfered our in- ternal affairs and questioned the right Hungarian judi- cial organs act exclusively domestic concern.” Previous Hungarian allegations contained the “white the Revolt and the July note Yugo- slavia were rebutted note from the Yugoslav govern- ment the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, October The Yugoslav note “rejected trumped-up accusations” wrong- doing Yugoslav citizens connection with the Revolt.

The Romanian regime also remained less virulent than its Bulgarian neighbors, though continued support the campaign fully. The angriest article the national press appeared Scinteia (Bucharest), September 13, and was chiefly devoted denunciation Yugoslav cor- respondent Bucharest. The latter had provided far more extensive coverage the wave repression Romania than the regime’s own press had been permitted print.

For details see East Europe, October 1958, pp. 43-44. Scinteia characterized the Yugoslav reportage “poison- ous also accused the foreign correspondent “de-

fending thieves and embezzlers distorting the facts.”

Yugoslavs Apportion the Blame

summary the campaign from the Yugoslav point view appeared the September issue Borba, which spoke “new attempts separate the Yugoslav leadership from the people, well unscrupulous actions calculated cause much damage Yugoslavia pos- sible, both the internal and international planes.” Borba continued theoretical arguments and persuasion, such actions are being taken the uni- lateral refusal fulfill inter-State nouncement credit arrangements, non-delivery agreed

follows: agreements, the de-

wheat supplies, the spreading monstrous inventions about Yugoslavia, harangues against Yugoslavia the Asian and African countries, attempts nullify the concrete results international cooperation which Yugoslavia has achieved thanks her policy active coexistence and on.” The same issue Borba denied charge Pravda Moscow), September 11, that Tito had spent far more time Western exhibits the Zagreb Fair than those Communist countries. Previously, September 13, Borba had complained that Yugoslav newspapers could longer bought Moscow, although “the distribution

° i te

Current Developments—Area

of Soviet Yugoslavia.”

papers and reviews not hindered

Another interesting development was the announcement over Radio Belgrade, September 23, that the program the League Communists, already translated into Albanian, would also issued Hungarian, Ro- manian and Slovak. This program, course, provided the nominal starting point the entire campaign, and for several months after was first circulated (March 1958 the Yugoslavs held off from “propagating” its ideas the languages the Satellite States.

September Radio Belgrade reported that spokes- man for the Foreign Ministry—replying question “whether the campaign which being pursued the USSR, China and some East Euro- pean countries also affects that: “In addition what generally known connection with the breaking off credits the Soviet Union, there are difficulties with some these countries carrying out the contracted lists for This new point, not further amplified the press radio, although the September issue Borba mentioned above stated

that there had been wheat supplies.” This

economic

goods was

reference was also left hanging the air. Relations with China continued very bad, spite the Chinese Communists see below). The September

the Quemoy crisis

support for issue Politika cited the bloc’s “transparent attempt weaken ties between Yugoslavia and the non-aligned countries Asia and Africa.” The journal went say that “Yugo-

The latter were accused “ignoring during the leave-taking the Chinese Ambassador from Belgrade. the official news agency, September 19.) The same report stated that the Yugoslav authorities “had not been informed” the Ambassador

countries, appears, troubles the Chinese most.”

provoc ol obligations”

would would not return. Septem- ber Radio Belgrade leveled charge “bad the Chinese, because they forced Yugoslav delegation student conference Peiping submit customs inspections which were waived the case other dele-

President first major speech the autumn season contained the standard amenability and defiance which has featured most his public pronounce- ments during the dispute. averred that

combination

“we know this state affairs cannot last long and that one day there will better but also declared, has done often the past, that “nobody has the right interfere our internal Radio Belgrade, October 12. While the Albanians and Bulgarians were occupied with the minorities Yugoslavia, while the Hungarians continued denounce com- the Czechoslovaks demeaned Yugoslav agriculture and the Romanians Yugoslav news- men, the USSR kept its eye “the big picture” fining the purity “Marxism-Leninism.”

affairs.”

noisy “defense”

Revolt, while

re-de-

The only immediately apparent problem this score remained,

course, unorthodox Poland, which, its ever firmer alignment with the

spite bloc and against the

Comment

FOLLOWING BIT good news was announced Glos Pracy (Warsaw), September 12:

collection Stalin’s interviews with Western news- paper and news agency correspondents will soon pub- lished Czechoslovakia. This will the first revival Stalin’s writings Czechoslovakia since the Twentieth Soviet Party Congress [February 1956].”

Yugoslavs, continued exchange gations with the latter country (see below) and refrain much possible from attacking the Tito government. Radio Moscow broadcast the Polish language, Septem- ber 10, contained several oblique, but pointed, “lessons” for the Gomulka regime. There was reminder the necessity profit from “Soviet denunciation the Yugoslav “separate road” and defense the theory the dictatorship the proletariat:

large number dele-

harmfulness the theory national Communism consists of the fact that, under the cover of ultra-revolu- tionary demands for the immediate withering away the State, this theory comes out against the dictatorship the proletariat, which the main instrument the workers and peasants the struggle for the defense Socialism.”

The broadcast also contained pointed praise “Czecho- slovak aid grants Socialist along with the implications that similar aid from Western coun- tries—such credits Poland—departed from sound Communist doctrine. Lastly, there was strong defense Party control States, outright denun-

to various

ciation Yugoslavia for weakening orthodox principles this control, and implied censure Poland for pro- ceeding, for short distance least, along the same lines.

Events the Far East

The Satellites, like the Yugoslavs, continued give full support Communist Chinese policy the Formosa Straits crisis, and, unlike the Yugoslavs, fulsomely partici- pated celebrations, September 30, the ninth anniver- sary the Communist take-over China. each Satellite capital receptions the Chinese Embassy were attended high Party officials Gomulka and Cyrankiewicz Poland, Gheorghiu-Dej and Stoica Romania, etc. Telegrams congratulations were sent Peiping, signed the Party chief and Premier each country, and state- ments backing the Communist position and denouncing American support Chiang Kai-shek were issued all the Communist States. (For earlier details, see East Europe, October 1958, pages 36-37.)

Exemplifying the official Satellite backing Chinese Communist policy the following excerpt from speech Czechoslovak Premier Viliam Siroky: “Everyone knows that not the Chinese people and their Liberation Army standing their own territory who are causing the ten- sion the East Chinese coastal area, but the American armed forces occupying part Chinese sovereign territory, American war planes flying over Chinese territory and

dy aig aan | i + oc 32

Current Developments—Area

American war ships operating the area around the Chinese mainland and the Chinese islands.” (Rude Pravo, September 30.)

The Hungarian regime demonstrated its “solidarity” with the Chinese organizing Hungarian-Chinese Society the pattern the existing Hungarian-Soviet Society. (Nepszabadsag, October 1.) The Kadar regime maintains similar organization with any European Satellite State.

The Polish position was stated Trybuna Ludu, Sep- tember 16: “The stubborn maintenance the ruling circles the United States their present policy toward China and the continuation armed intervention the region the Formosa Straits constitute serious threat the same day Trybuna Ludu editorialized hopefully that the talks Warsaw between Ambassador Jacob Beam and Peiping’s envoy Wang Ping-nan might bring about solution the problem with the aid “mutual good will.” The Party organ reiterated its stand that “the right the Chinese nation full unity all its lands finds complete support Poland.” week later, however, the Warsaw daily, Zycie Warszawy, September 23, was less optimistic: talks can results only good will shown both sides. have serious doubts the good will the American side.”

Chinese Communes

The official Chinese Communist News Agency, Hsinhau, September 30, announced that the reorganization China’s rural areas into “communes” was almost completed. Ac- cording the report, 90.4 percent the peasant families have joined the organizations since their beginning last April. The communes combine huge scale existing collectives and industrial establishments. They will manage all phases economic life, develop all new and existing industrial complexes, oversee schools and grams and will embody the governments towns, villages and entire rural areas. All individual farms will abol- ished, well private plots ground and private owner- ship livestock and farming equipment. Hundreds millions will thus cease peasants and become salaried State employees. Finally the communes will give military training all able-bodied men under their jurisdiction.

Bulgarian border guard: the matter, you ever seen athlete coming back from abroad?” Vecherni Novini (Sofia), June 25, 1958

Top Party Delegations

Another meeting between Polish Party chief Wladyslaw Gomulka and Soviet boss Khrushchev was announced for the second half October. (Radios Moscow and Warsaw, October 6.) This presumably was the first confrontation between the two men since their meeting the Crimea August, which was reported Western sources, but not the Communist press. The Polish delegation, according the announcement, included not only Premier Cyrankie- wicz and Politburo members Morawski and Zawadzki, but also two Stefan Ignar and Stanislaw Kulczynski, the heads respectively the fellow-traveling political organizations, the United Peasant Party and the Democratic Party. The 12th Plenum the Polish Com- munist Party Central Committee began, October 15, be- fore the departure the delegation, and the trip was un- doubtedly meant include Soviet-Polish results the session.

consultations East German Party and regime delegation, headed

First Secretary Walter Ulbricht and Premier Otto arrived Sofia October For some time before the visit, the Bulgarian press and radio had been

emphasizing the closeness views and intimate rapport be- tween the two regimes, incidentally pointing out that East Germany now has ten percent share Bulgaria’s foreign trade.

Bulgarian Politburo member Vulko Chervenkov headed delegation which arrived—by Soviet jet airplane—in Peiping, September 22. The choice the Stalinist former Party chief lead the group was especially significant view the fact that China now the midst gigan- tic wave repression; also noteworthy that Bulgaria has followed the Chinese lead making particularly viru- lent attacks against the Yugoslav government.

Contact with Yugoslavs Maintained

Despite the campaign, low-level delega- tions continued travel between the beleaguered nation and the Satellites. For example, Communist travel agency conference was held Sofia, September 17-25, and Yugo- Radio Sofia, September toured

Otechestven Front

The Czechoslovaks sent exhibit

slav representatives were present and twelve days and had “great September 11. the Zagreb Poles signed agreement deliver plant for making commercial glass Yugoslavia. (Radio Warsaw, September 14.) Further trade expansion between Poland and Yugo- slavia was advocated between delegations Radio Belgrade, Other journeyings and during the month September included Yugoslav film and student delegations Poland and Polish cooperative and Trade Ministry groups Yugoslavia.

Radio Prague, September 10) and the

the two countries meeting Warsaw. September 28.

and Warsaw

Comecon Agricultural Meeting

Technical questions agriculture were the subject meeting the Agricultural Commission the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance Sofia, September 24-

Current Developments—Poland

26. The meeting was attended representatives the Soviet bloc members, plus observers from China and North Korea. agreed the publication bimonthly Inter- national Agricultural Journal, starting 1959 (Radio Sofia, September

POLAND

Church-State Conflict

Communist writers and speakers continued their attack the Roman Catholic Church September with denun- ciations the Vatican and charges that the Church was attempting aggrandize itself the expense the na- tion. For the first time since the collapse the Church- State truce engineered Party leader Gomulka and Church leader Cardinal Wyszynski 1956, Gomulka him- self personally entered the fray. address national conference education, held under the auspices the Central Committee September 24, said that the Church was not honoring command, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and God the things that are God’s.”

“Following the principle that all authority given God, the Catholic Church all capitalist countries gives support and State authorities those countries. The Episcopate the Catholic Church Poland not only does not regards the Polish gov- ernment and the Polish State authorities, but openly and works the direction. Can that the opinion our Episcopate only the rule landlords and capitalists derived from God?” Ludu September 25.

active governments

sec retly in other be Trybuna

the bitterly contested issue religion the schools, Gomulka repeated the official position that “the schools belong the State and not the Church.” was for the civil authorities determine the conditions under which religion might taught the schools, and nothing any other agreement, entitled the Church more than extra-curricular teaching privileges. But the Church had aggressively tried expand its influence, charged, until the State was forced take countermeasures:

to

“What the Episcopate was unable achieve legal

the Episcopate’s inspiration, many priests, either personally

way, tried achieve

various other means. through the medium believers, hung various religious emblems schoolrooms, and many teachers religion be- gan introduce communal prayers, not only during re- ligious but State authorities repeatedly demanded that the Episcopate order the clergy to cease such religious practices in schools, but without result. The Episcopate wanted clash with State authorities, and not the problem schools alone.”

lessons also before and after lessons.

Reactionary

Popular opposition the removal crucifixes from schoolrooms was attributed Gomulka clerical in- spiration. vast majority the nation, including the

vast majority believers,” said, supported the govern- attitude, and did many priests. However, certain part the Church hierarchy, remaining under the influence Vatican circles hostile Poland and aiming goals which have nothing common with the Church’s religious mission,” had attempted “to legality and the social-political system our country.” This element had stirred resistance, said:

“It not difficult our country find fanatically de- women and people with medieval views. With the support such elements campaign was organized against the order issued the Ministry Education. Only few cases did this campaign cre- ate temporary confusion the normal work schools. The order the Ministry Education religious em- blems has been implemented almost everywhere.”

Gomulka was probably minimizing the extent the popular reaction, did the press. One such disturbance

Wish Fulfillment

FOLLOWING SHORT, sardonic “fables” appeared

Trybuna Literacka (Warsaw), September 21. The last two lines are quotation from familiar 18th Century collection Polish fables.

The Story the Cadre Factory director Przebiegly [meaning did not have the necessary qualifications. Knowing his own faults, put better qualified men all the posts under him, thus assuring the proper standard enterprise management.

The Story Population

The survivors, Polish men and landed deserted island after their ship sank.

Since they were not found rescue teams the Poles remained the island which, thanks them, was longer deserted. This, unfortunately, was not for long. All the Poles died, leaving offspring.

The Story the Province

Because building shortages the town fathers Zapiecek faced the necessity closing either the only library the only bar.

can guessed, the bar was closed.

The Story Creators Creator created ambitious works great ideol- ogical and artistic value. Thanks this, got quite well. Creator produced cheap trash for low tastes. Thus did not earn much.

kind stories are these? They could all happen.”

Still, will call them stories.”

fees 5 « ‘

Current Developments —Poland

Left, women workers Katowice, Poland. Right, Polish fashion model.

Two Modes Polish Life

Left, East Europe Photo: right, Poland (Warsaw), No. 1958

occurred the village Trzebunia the province Cracow, where the school principal had refused carry out the instructions the Ministry Education moving crucifixes from schoolrooms. When representative the Inspector Schools, accompanied police, arrived remove them crowd gathered protest. One police- man was injured and number people were arrested. Literackie September 14.)

The charge international conspiracy made Gomulka against the Church was also the theme article Zycie Warszawy (Warsaw), September and 18. The writer cited what alleged “political utterances” Church dignitaries their sermons, utterances which said were directed against the regime. are the Church representatives aiming at?” asked. “What they seek accomplish?” attacking the present state affairs Poland, the Church, stated, could not hope win return when had “played the central political but could only weaken Poland and, dividing society, play into the hands “some brutal and ruthless foreign

“medieval conditions”

“International reactionary circles are making every pos- sible effort expand the conflict fomented the totally unjustified utterances the Church hierarchy and give their own political content—by means ecclesiasti- cal one—and use instrument for their political fight against Poland, which has nothing with reli- gion. Their support for the demands the Church hierarchy the result simple political calculation. The weakening Poland and the creation additional difficulties her road shattering the nation’s political unity—that the main stake this game.”

Other Attacks

Other harsh words came from Party Politburo member and Chairman the Central Council Trade Unions, Ignacy Loga-Sowinski. address plenary meeting the Council September said that “some our

bishops, including Cardinal would like replace the people’s government, the government work- ers and peasants, with government black reaction. They develop their political actions this direction, making use the pulpit and various religious rituals.” (Glos Prac y |W arsaw\, September = From the Peasant Party

came the charge that since October 1956, “the priests have

War Saw

been applying the local councils for the return Church land taken over under the law March 20, 1950. They are blackmailing the peasants and, sometimes forcibly, illegally recovering the The article cited number instances which the clergy had allegedly tried take land from the peasants are almost unanimously devout Catholics

“The vicar Gostkow, Torun district, held during the church service September 1957. told his parishioners that those favor the return the Church land taken over under the law March 20, 1950, should stand the right side the church and those against, the left. this occasion quoted the seventh commandment, Shalt Not remark- ing that the government regulations were

opposition that

The youth Mlodych (Warsaw charged September that the clergy were obtaining building materials which they were not entitled. For ex-

ample, the villagers

newspaper

Przybyslawice the district Miechow had applied for license build barn. When chapel. this way, the paper said, the Church was depriving other sectors scarce building materials,

the barn was finished, they converted into

the guise popular demand.

Whose Millennium? The Church-State struggle was thrown into dramatic focus the question the Millennium. The 1,000th an- niversary the Polish nation celebrated officially

q wis

Current Developments—Poland

during the years 1960-1966. This anniversary coincides roughly with the Christianization Poland, Church conducting its own Millennium observance during the years 1957-1965 with the announced aim “re-Chris- Polish life. The Church’s celebrations include the well-known pilgrimages the Jasna Gora monastery Czestochowa, two which took place August. These religious displays have been interpreted the regime challenge its own political power. Radio Warsaw broadcast English September stated, bluntly enough, that “the approaching Millennium celebrations have taken quite definite political taint, that the Catholic Church has now come out with its own concep- tion the Millennium.”

“Taking advantage the fact that the 1,000th anniver- sary the Polish State more less coincides with the 1,000th anniversary the introduction this country the Christian religion, whose progressive role that time nobody wants deny, the Church authorities aim hav-

ing the celebrations transformed into manifestation allegiance Catholicism and the Vatican. [They] have actually put out very detailed instructions, saying that 1966 there must not single nonbeliever Po- land, not single person unchristened and one not practicing The plans for action have been worked out the smallest detail, and the extent this in- tolerance shown pastoral letter from one the bish- ops, who went far call twelve-year-old children see that all their schoolmates attend lessons religion. All that makes for what can only called offensive by that part of the Catholic clergy which has taken the most unfavorable attitude toward the Socialist system, system that according them abnormal, unstable and contrary the law God and man.”

The chief issue, the commentator said, was not freedom religion but “freedom unbelief. Elementary tolerance toward nonbelievers problem very great political importance, problem created the Church’s attempt impose its ideology and dominate public life.”

Compromise Gift Parcels

During September the Church made limited conces- sion the State the question who would distribute charitable contributions sent Poland Catholic organi- zations the United States and elsewhere. The regime had refused allow the Church distribute the goods, and the National Catholic Welfare Council (the American organization sending the goods) had refused let them turned over regime-dominated State-Church com- mission for distribution. Conferences between the regime and representatives the NCWC had failed reach agreement; the meantime shipments accumulated Polish warehouses. September the Secretariat the Primate Poland issued statement turning over all the contributions received between March and August Church-State committee Cracow for the relief flood victims.

was not clear whether the compromise would extend future gifts from abroad. September Zycie War- quoted Vatican radio broadcast stating that the Secretariat the Primate had “renewed its demand

Current Developments—Poland

the Ministry Labor and Social Welfare turn the gifts addressed the Cardinal over Polish Church institu- tions.” The newspaper concluded that “there still es- sential divergence between the needs the victims floods Poland and the policy carried with the help the Vatican radio.”

Changes Education

national conference “certain topical problems af- fecting Polish was held the Party Central Committee September 24, attended members the Party Politburo, government representatives and the chair- man the teachers’ union. The central topic the con- ference was the gradual extension basic education two years, which will raise the school-leaving age from fourteen sixteen. lengthy address, First Secretary Gomulka told the conference that the school “should gradually reformed, adding vocational training and general education. The aim enable those children who finish the seven-year basic school take two-year preparatory course for trade. Those who intend going into agriculture will get agricultural training and others will prepared for various trades industry, transport, and Ludu September 25.

Underlying the reform, though not emphasized Go- mulka, the problem Poland’s swelling population. high postwar birth rate will soon felt the 14- 16-year age bracket, among children for whom neither schooling nor satisfactory employment are readily avail- able. Another problem which dwelt more heavily the need raise the educational level the Polish labor force additional training adapted the needs construction.”

this very day our public opinion there still the false conviction that manual work, irrespective what involves, does not call for better education, that for such work enough possess knowledge acquired ex- perience. man who has had secondary education does not work desk, but does manual work, then many peo- ple think that this man has wasted his time education. Many father, when sending his children general-edu- cation secondary schools, motivated the desire get them out the manual-work world which they them- the Socialist system, work, education and upbringing should linked into one great great deal work being carried out this field the Soviet Union, aiming the linking science with production work and reorganization the educational system which youth, while acquainting itself with the production processes, will the same time able re- ceive full, general education.”

The two-year extension schooling could not car- ried out immediately, said, because the physical re- quirements for new classrooms far exceeded the capacity the State budget. Even without the extension, Poland will need 30,000 new classrooms before 1965, and the ex- tra two years will these requirements “tens thou- the celebration Poland’s Millennium

‘os eee j ay

Current Developments—Poland

the years 1960-1966, the Party will try draw the people into assisting the school-building program under the slogan, Thousand Years—A Thousand Schools.”

devoted the remainder his address ques- tions religion (see Church-State Conflict, above) and ideology. said that important task the schools

“to speed the process transformation the aware- ness youth, bringing them the spirit Socialist ideology. The educational effort should directed the development youth conscious conviction that the old world moving irrevocably toward its fall. Youth

will realize this only when schools are permeated through

Polish Refutation Attack Soviet Critic

JULY the Soviet monthly Zvezda carried

long and vituperative attack the current Polish literary scene. The article, entitled “On the Lack Faith Man, and the Philosophy ac- cused Polish ‘publishers, critics and readers being satu- rated with “revisionism,” preferring “decadent” West- ern literature “healthy” Socialist-realism, etc. The blast was answered Trybuna Literacka, the weekly literary supplement the leading Party daily, August 17, re- markable display independence from Soviet dictation. Significant excerpts follow:

warped picture unusually black picture con- temporary art and especially Polish literature. From ocean pessimism, nihilism and revisionism the author names mere handful just people, not even enough save Sodom. really so?

“The following can serve example how the author simplifies and exaggerates certain facts: ‘The works contemporary decadent bourgeois art are widely produced stage and screen Poland, and sold the bookshops. American gangster, cowboy and detec- tive films are played well films the English and French “black” series. [We see] films based graphic books the type “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” Lawrence, and others. result this, works great realistic art, the authors which are really progressive masters from abroad, are often lost the public.

“What should think about such opinion? Movie- goers Poland well know that American gangster cowboy films are not shown our country all and that the poor and good-natured film “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” could not classified pornography even very vigi- lant censor. Evidently the author has been misled ap- pearances.

deadly earnest attack against the reproduction Przekroj Cracow weekly] hotel labels example how demonizes the customs our publishers and editors. calls this ‘A. provincial bowing the West which certain not very discriminating periodicals try im- pose upon Polish readers.’ make much fun the snob- bery collectors labels, just not collect match boxes. But, God, should for this reason, put armor big words about the social mission art and culture? Let people collect even bottle corks gives them pleasure! Why should interfere with this? the way, should

ARTICLE Zvezda gives inaccurate and

added that among the hotel labels reproduced Przekroj there were some from China, Hungary, etc.

“The essence the errors the essay can grasped the example the attitude toward non- Communist writers the West. This recalls our attitude five six years ago which fortunately rejected today. read Zvezda:

novels, short stories and plays Beckett, Ionesco, Sartre, Camus, Simone Beauvoir and Sagan,

the like Joyce and Proust, are being translated into Polish and published weeklies and The book market full

capacity with books spreading the philosophy despair

not mention “classics”

monthlies and book form.

and hopelessness, disbelief man, with works which are

anti-humanistic, which negate spiritual values,’ “One can hardly agree with this. not consider the translation and publication books Proust, Camus, Sartre and others crime against the strengthening Socialism Poland. Certainly, this literature should not overshadow other literature; cannot see French litera- ture only the Temps Modernes group and Irish litera- ture only Joyce (although, matter fact, only one novel Joyce was published Poland, Portrait the

course, there must exist wise, Communist publishing

Artist Young Man,’ seemingly rather ‘innocent’

policy and where its principles had been undermined, they are being restored. But ostracism bad method and

adult reader like adolescent whom one forbids read

cultural autarchy.

‘improper’ ‘too difficult’ books. The fact that many pages Sartre are repellent justification for ‘banning’ him. course, nobody will ask for the free ad- Fascist But certainly nobody will label Fascist such writers Camus, Sartre,

Faulkner, Caldwell, Moravia, Durrenmatt and even those pessimists like Beckett. This would really too shocking necessary stress that books Zi é -da

total publishing production

simplification. Besides, the negligible percentage the

authors criticized constitute only the field literature, that their number amounts few score among several thousand items. include this category books such authors Hemingway, the past wrongly neglected our publishing plans and undoubtedly worthy propagation. Thus, the publication books Western writers the last three years was large extent planned make for our arrears this field.”

a = ke $5 pr We 2 ve aig

Current Developments—Poland

and through with rationalist However, distin- guished between this program and the “vulgarization educational work” that occurred during the Stalinist years. know that schools should educate, not agitate; that

they should instill principles, not teach slogans.

Politics and the University

The academic year began Warsaw University with speech Premier Josef Cyrankiewicz stressing the impor- tance “Socialist ideology” While recent years Poland had successfully overcome matism and vulgarization” academic life, there had been symptoms

higher education.

“of revisionist and bourgeois vulgarization science, attempts cut off from Marxism and its scien- tific said, “We must all declare war against those attempts. must know how win that battle, not, course, returning the vulgarization Marxism but convincing students, well professors and teachers, that Marxism the only salvation humanity.” (Radio Warsaw, October

Minister Higher Education Stefan Zolkiewski dealt with the methods fighting this battle long article Trybuna Ludu, September 24. admitted that, while few students are conscious opponents “Socialism,” there were “not many people devoted Socialism with full con- science and deep conviction. The great majority, said, took the attitude “observers, critics and, the best instances, people who are inclined confine themselves

Clean Underwear

HEARTFELT from Poland.

“Our television planning nationwide network sets owned peasants increase several times. All this would laudable achievement the development national culture, but for some very embarrassing facts.

“For example, Kielce Province there are entire villages where physical needs have satisfied the fields be- hind barn for lack toilets. thousands villages water from uncovered ditches used for lack wells. Farm workers lack even the most primitive facilities for washing themselves after fertilizing the fields. Many towns are without sewer systems.

“It superfluous list more examples prove that wallow dirt, source all diseases. Everybody can see and the press full it. Civic officials excuse themselves citing shortages sanitary equipment and workers. What need action, not excuses. Before buy new return the construction plans for new centers

let first acquire some clean and

“The Ministry Health recently worked out directive the sanitary cleanliness the country. ensure the directive makes obligatory for the Minister Internal Affairs order the militia apply punitive sanctions against offenders who defy sanitary regu- lations.” (Glos Pracy September 2.)

fostering progress within the framework their profes- called for more attention philosophy and economics—along Marxist lines—and for more intensive work Party organizations supplement the curriculum with lectures and propaganda. awarding scholarships, said, three criteria will considered: the financial sit- uation the student, his progress his studies and his social-political attitude.

Marek Hlasko Defects

October Western newspapers published state- Polish writer, Marek Hlasko, return Poland. Hlasko pressure him into returning refusing extend his passport. left Poland six months ago visit the West, lived for some time Paris and was West Germany when his decision was an- nounced.

ment the leading young explaining his decision not accused the regime trying

his statement Hlasko said that the regime refusal extend his passport was “complete surprise.” tinued:

con- could not accept refusal] because represents violation human rights and violation the Polish Constitution. comply with would mean renouncing one’s own dignity and freedom.”

bitter, realistic stories contemporary Polish life have made him the most popular the younger gen- eration Polish writers (see East Europe, September and October 1957, for two typical Hlasko stories). Hlasko re- ceived State prize for literature January, but has been under considerable attack since because his portrayal Polish reality. One such attack appeared the Warsaw Party paper Ludu last April; reply it, which Trybuna Ludu refused print, appeared the emigre journal Kultura published Paris (see East Eu- rope, September 1958). film made from Hlasko’s novel “The Eighth Day the Week” West German-Polish company won prize the Venice Film Festival this year, despite protests from the Polish regime over its ex- hibition.

commenting Hlasko’s decision not return Po- land, Radio Warsaw, October said, “Certainly Hlasko harming himself most

Personnel Changes

the Party hierarchy prepared for the long-postponed Third Party Congress open March 10, 1959 mulka’s faction.

which has now been announced

there were sporadic instances the downgrading officials not identified with Go- One Feliks Baranowski, First

Secretary the Bydgoszcz Province Party apparatus, has

these,

“resigned his post for reasons according Trybuna Ludu (Warsaw), September Baranowski re- garded Stalinist; his successor Bydgoszcz, Mieczyslaw Marzec, member the Central Committee, has long been active the Party apparatus.

One Gomulka’s most outspoken enemies during the Stalinist era, Roman Werfel, also appears have been downgraded, according recent Western reports. one time editor-in-chief the Party daily, Trybuna Ludu,

Current Developments—Poland, Hungary

pie Zi 28 4 Sy ome Ome 20 > 4 4 ; er

Current Developments—Poland

Werfel, who now working tion.

Western sources also reported the ouster Artur Stare- wicz from his post head the Central press bureau. Not known Stalinist, Starewicz was said have offended the regime his with Western newsmen.

published anti-Gomulka book 1950, the provinces Wroclaw Party publica-

Relations with West Germany

Polish-West German relations appear have deterio- rated recently. The chief bone contention remains the Territories, formerly held Germany, but taken over Poland after World War II. Recently there was new flare-up this constantly after speech, September Polish General Janusz Zarzycki who stated that “establishment lations with West Germany dependent West German recognition the Oder-Neisse Zar- speech was unauthorized and the official Polish Press Agency sent its subscribers notice that the offending portions should striken from reports the address, the reaction Bonn was immediate and angry. One highlight was statement the Social Democratic Party, Septem-

Alina Szapoeznikow, rising thirty-year-old Polish her

studio.

Poland (Warsaw), No. 1958

Slums Holland

DESCRIPTION Holland, from the Warsaw paper

Glos Pracy, September 16, remarkable for its glowing picture Western country, its implicit bitterness about life Poland, and for its specific attribution Holland’s prosperity its capitalist past.

“There are slums Holland. There are dilapi- dated huts built clumsily with boards and old iron, trash, small, narrow and dirty streets, suspicious-looking

nooks full the smell cabbage, heavy odor clothes wet too long

poverty. Everything here gives the impression cleanliness and order, and not the least illusion. Cleanliness, order, beauty and flowers swarms bi- cycles, scooters, and motorcycles. Neither there lack cars.

features this country which are impressive and, above all, its visible prosperity, are largely the inheri-

tance from the once_ powerful merchants Holland.”

ber that the general had done all those groups both nations who were striving improve re-

between the two countries. This reaction was fol- lowed two days later attack both the German Social Democrats and Christian Democrats Polish For- eign Minister Adam Rapacki, who spoke follows:

“German policy has been influenced military and

frontier-revisionist elements. these elements still dangerous to Poland, it is because the Western powers clearly refuse recognize the Oder-Neisse line. Unfor-

revisionism have found apologists and helpers, not only the Adenauer govern- ment, but also the Social Warsaw, September

tunately, militarism and

Radio

camp.”

There has been succession articles the press ac- cusing the West Germans longer wanting good re- lations with Poland. October Ludu saw) spoke the “growing reluctance ticians take clear-cut stand.” daily Express Wieczorny, August

Previously the Warsaw had printed the fol- lowing mocking comment the Bonn government: German national anthem has changed its refrain: now follows: Deutschland alles, doch dariiber kommt noch Germany over all, but higher still

goes

Economic Crimes

The areawide drive against “economic was re- flected the publication statistics the problem Glos Pracy September 20. The journal stated that 1957 there were “1,170 economi to

months

Warsaw and 2,287 income more than 280 the 1958, were 960 economic and income tax cases, amounting loss 233 million zloty.

Glos Pracy stated that

tax crimes amounting million

six said, there

new and more stringent eco- nomic crime law had been drafted and would presented the Sejm (parliament the points the new law.

There was enumeration

q

Current Developments—Poland, Hungary

The publication also deplored the increase distilling alcohol; said that “1,205 illegal stills had been liquidated” the first half 1958. Glos Pracy criticized the courts being too lenient their sentences the lawless “whiskey makers.”

September Radio Warsaw announced that the Ministry Home Trade had compiled list embez- and thieves dismissed from various shops throughout the country.” According the broadcast, those whose names appear the black list “will longer able

Espionage Trials

Three separate cases involving so-called “American es- pionage agents” were reported the Warsaw press during single week September. The alleged agents were also connected with West German “intelligence September Zofia librarian, had previous sentence six years prison raised eight years, after being convicted passing “information and economic situation Poland” while trip Paris (Trybuna Ludu, September 17). The arrest an- other accused “American Bernard Zgola, soc- cer coach, was announced the same journal, September 12. Two days later Trybuna Ludu reported that three more alleged spies, all with German connections, would come trial the near future.

Writers Defended

recent trip the USSR, the head the Polish Writers’ Union, Antoni Slonimski, defended several his compatriots whose work has been the focus Soviet and orthodox Communist attacks the grounds “revision- ism.” lengthy interview printed the Moscow literary magazine Literaturnaya Gazeta (read over Radio Warsaw, September 24), Slonimski characterized “important tal- novelist Marek Hlasko (see above), critic Toe- plitz and satirist Slawomir Mrozek, all three whom have been bitterly condemned the Soviet press. also praised novelist Maria Dambrowska, who, like himself, has never belonged the Communist Party, well the novelist Jerzy Andrzejewski and the poet run, both whom left the Party last Fall protest against increased regime censorship.

While not advocating “Socialist the inter- view, Slonimski condemned the trends toward ism and futurism among some young writers.” called for “militant” and writing.

Another defense certain writers who have late more often been attacked for “revisionist leanings” appeared the weekly, Polityka (Warsaw), August 30. This time the Bulgarian journal Filosofska Misl (Sofia) was rebutted for its “nasty epithets” applied Polish writers Leon Bauman, Jerzy Wiatr and Leszek Kolakowski. Accusa- tions revisionism against the three were applied “too the Polish newspaper stated. went mock Filosofska Misl for mistakenly charging that “dialec- tical and historical was not adequately taught Warsaw University. The Bulgarian editors were invited

attend Professor Adam lectures the topics the University.

Residence Registrations

One the more inefficient holdovers from the Stalin- ist days, the residence registration rules, will abolished, according Express Wieczorny (Warsaw), September 10. The journal stated that, although the matter still the “discussion Provincial Councils and Prosecutors’ Offices have already agreed that the regulations should nullified. Express Wieczorny quoted the Prosecutors’ Office saying that the residence registration rules have re- sulted “chaos and months even years illegal and unpunished residential status for hundreds thousands people.” Warsaw alone, the publication averred, there are “30 thousand persons illegal residence, although one can sure exactly how large the figure

Is.

HUNGARY

Crime" and

After two years, reverberations the popular resistance displayed the October 1956 Revolt still echoed through- out the country the regime continued battle “economic crime” and “hooliganism,” the two outstanding contempo- rary manifestations public despair and disillusion. always, the publicized cases were directly indirectly attributable the uprising. For example, the most im- portant “economic tried the early days autumn involved reconstruction work Budapest. The Party

Four Hungarians recently tried for “espionage.” They “confessed” being American agents associated with Gabor who was sentenced death. Sentences for the men above had not yet been They are, top, Andras Krizsai and Istvan Vas, bottom, Sandor and Jozsef Karsai.

Photos from Nok Lapja (Budapest), September 18, 1958

Current Developments—Poland, Hungary

. |

daily, Nepszabadsag September 25, prominently reported the sentencing four-member “gang charged 310,000 forint for their work, the value which, according experts, hardly amounted 100,000 work accomplished.” According the newspaper, the leader the group, Janos Katona, was “technical offi- cial the Sixth District Estate Agency Budapest,” and the other defendants were “small craftsmen Katona was given life imprisonment, the other three jail terms 10, and years.

significant and typical the underlying political theme this most such trials that Nepszabadsag characterized Katona the former Horthyite regime (prewar right-wing This coupling “economic crime” with political opposition may have been line with previous regime pronounce- ments that most “counterrevolutionary culprits” have been uncovered and that the police will now concentrate in- cidents financial graft and corruption. The point was reiterated Premier Ferenc Munnich his report the National Assembly (Nepszabadsag, September 27). Munnich said that, “essentially speaking, the uncovering counterrevolutionary crimes has been completed the traitors have received their just and deserved punishment.” then spoke the “central issue the work our judicial which characterized

“energetic action against the elements harmful our economic life, such speculators and agents corrup- tion.” the future will, course, quite possible for the courts try political enemies “economic criminals.” The regime continued its policy branding public dem- onstrations against the hated Security Police (AVH) hooliganism. The following excerpt from Hetfoi Budapest), September case point:

“On August policeman answered call from woman who asked help against burglars attempting break into her apartment. the burglars had fled. However, the chief the hooligans the district, Bela Blaha, picked fight with the police- man, and before long the latter was defending not only

the time arrived the scene

public safety but also his own life. The brawl had many onlookers, drunkards and who the hooligan and threatened interfere. Finally man succeeded drawing his gun and shooting Blaha. The collapse the bandit frightened the increasing num-

loafers, encouraged

ber onlookers and the officer was able call for rein-

forcements from public phone booth

and ask for The hooligans threw stones and bricks the phone booth and shouted, AVH man, like beat you Before they had time start new

fight, however, the military patrol car was hand. The

ambulance.

hooligans threatened the patrol too, but were dispersed the arrival major police and military detachments.”

This episode, which implies rather formidable demon- stration against the AVH, was reported only Hetfoi Hirek. There was follow-up the story.

"Spy" Scare

September Nepszabadsag (Budapest) announced that Gabor Illesi had been sentenced death for

Current Developments—Poland, Hungary

Two Years After the Revolt: Hungary

the height the Hungarian Revolt, members the Hungarian government address the nation. Premier Imre Nagy promises democratic government:

THE INTERES1S further democratization the

Cabinet has abolished the one-party system decided that should return system government based the democratic cooperation the coalition par- ties they existed 1945.” (Radio Budapest, October 30, 1956.

Minister State Zoltan Tildy speaks free elections:

WILL has been fulfilled and the national

revolution has triumphed. must create new national life. The government has acted correctly de- clare that the people the country must decide the future the nation freely and without Free elec- tions will held and are making preparations for (Radio Budapest, October 30, 1956.

deciding abolish one-party rule Hungary.

interference.

Janos Kadar, Minister State and Communist Party head, agrees:

the Presidium the Hungarian Workers’ [Communist] Party and want add that fully approve all that was Imre Nagy, Zoltan Tildy. Radio Budapest, October 30, 1956.

WANT you know that all the resolutions passed the Council Ministers have been fully approved

said the speakers before

After the Soviet onslaught, Kadar, now installed Soviet puppet, still promises free elections:

tions. know that this will easy matter be-

WANT MULTIPARTY system and free, honest elec- cause the workers’ power can destroyed not only bullets but also ballots. have take into account the fact that [Communists] may thoroughly beaten the elections, but take the election battle because the Communist Party has sufficient strength again obtain the confidence the working (Nepszabadsag November 14, 1956.

Two years later, before the one-party, no-choice, standard staged Communist election:

PEOPLE have lot bitter experience

with the meaning the cunningly propagated, sham ‘freedom’ the bourgeois system and parliaments. The most recent experience was the 1956 counterrevolution. Those who demand multiparty system want bring back the 1919-1944 period and the terror, poverty and horrors the 1956 counterrevolution even though they talk about democracy.” (Nepszabadsag August 28, 1958.)

=

Current Developments—Poland, Hungary

pionage.” The newspaper claimed that recruited American Colonel Dallam (American Em- bassy attache expelled from the country 1957) work for “an espionage network the territory the Hun- garian People’s Republic.” was alleged have pre- pared and attempted pass on, before his arrest, August 27, secret reports “Dallam’s was charged with receiving payment 8.000 forint and various gifts including shaver, camera, wristwatch and

The espionage motif was amplified Nepszabadsag September long article purporting describe the training spies. was alleged that this training took place West Germany and that British agents also helped the instruction.

Even these articles—which were obviously contrived foster anti-American feelings—were being published the official Party newspaper, concurrent campaign was full swing designed prove that the bad relations be- tween the two countries were caused policies. Radio Budapest broadcast September stated that the “alleged policy equal rights all nations” neverthe- less discriminated against Hungary, and three days later Nepszabadsag averred that “the Hungarian government has made innumerable attempts improve relations, but has always been halted insurmountable obstacles.” The abandon interference Hungary’s internal affairs and give up, once and for all, the vain illusion that Hungary’s people will restore the hated capitalist system.”

More Collectivization Talk

The tenth anniversary Hungarian collective farming, which collapsed during the 1956 Revolt, was celebrated September with speeches stressing the current slogans and Politburo member Lajos Feher, chief theoretician the Kadar policies agriculture, claimed that the regime making progress with the peasants. stated that the end August there were about 2,759 collective farms with about 138,000 members, covering more than 741,000 hectares arable land. (At the end 1957 the government claimed 2,607 collective farms with 126,101 members and 690,000 hec- tares.) addition, said, there were 830 “cooperative with 34,000 members plus 2,240 “specialized groups” with 63,000 members; these are the various forms cooperative semi-cooperative farming which the Com- munists like see way-stations the road collec- tivization. (Nepszabadsag September 16.)

The “gradual” technique for leading the peasants into collective farming through “lower forms cooperation” was the subject article Nepszabadsag, September 24, entitled “Gradualness Important Principle Socializing Our Agriculture.” The writer stated that “the peasants are practical people and the advantages co- operative farming must made obvious them.” One way doing this “is let them try the advantages cooperation their own, without obligation.” was important, course, “that one form cooperative replaced the other due time.”

Party Weakness

“Persuading” the Hungarian peasantry into collectives like prodding elephant with stick. Writing the Party theoretical organ Szemle (Budapest), July-August, Lajos Feher stated that the job was made still more difficult the weakness the Party’s rural organization, shattered the October Revolt. Peasant membership the Party was very low, said, and this “renders the work rural organizations more difficult and lessens the influence our Party the peasantry.”

“Only some the important Party resolutions are an- nounced rural membership meetings, the rest being passed over silence. Those referring collective farming belong the latter Also neglected are advice and instructions the need fight against increasing class hostility and against clerical re- actionaries. Party organizations the MTS are the weakest. Their political work nil. cannot and must not put with this attitude.”

Bishops Mobilized

High dignitaries the Catholic and Protestant churches have been forced lend their tongues the collectiviza- tion campaign. Archbishop Jozsef Grész, head the Cath- olic Bench Bishops, was headlined Nepszabadsag, September 24, saying: “We approve and support the transformation agriculture for the purpose mass pro- had visited collective farm and State farm Bacs-Kiskun County, along with the Presbyterian pastors Papp and Molnar, and rural Dean the Evangelical Church, Andras Sikter. discussion with county political leaders was reported have said:

“In opinion, efforts bring about changes, wit- nessed here practice, intended change and develop the country’s agriculture into mass-producing operation, are all means right. approve and support these ef- forts, because they mean future. may also add that our

Church has full confidence the government and leaders

the county, and should like this confidence

returned.”

The paper reported the Protestant dignitaries present having promised “to make their faithful see where the future trend agriculture lies.”

Church Subsidy Renewed

Two days later, the regime announced that the special State subsidy the churches, granted since 1950, was being renewed through 1959. (Under agreements 1948 and 1950 the State was pay compensation for expropri- ated church properties decreasing percent every five years. These reductions have far been cancelled spe- cial grants-in-aid.) Nepszabadsag said September that the grant, amounting nearly 100 million forint year, was evidence “that the government actively con- tributes the maintenance and improvement friendly relations between the State and the churches. does hope that the leaders and clergy the churches will turn support the work the State carrying out for the happiness and contentment the people and the country.”

a : a Wy bay ps Pa 7

Current Developments—Hungary

new laboratory for research small-particle physics, recently opened Budapest. Some the equipment from the Soviet

Union. Photo from Termeszettudomanyi Kozlony

(Budapest), September 1958

Agricultural Youth League

order make the rural youth realize the possibilities and advantages collective farming and find their place Socialist agriculture ran the commentary Magyar Ifjusag September The youth paper was hailing the formation Agricultural Youth Leagues, spon- sored jointly KISZ (Communist Youth League) and SZOVOSZ (National Association Collective Farms). The groups are intended chiefly for school children the villages, who will encouraged work model col- lective farms and thus “get acquainted with collective agricultural methods, collective work and, certain extent, with the communal way Groups may set any agricultural specialty from truck garden- ing bee-keeping. The government has allotted mil- lion forint for the leagues.

Ideological Pressure

Ideological pressure continued all fronts, with spe- cial attention the schools. The September edition (Budapest) stated that the teachers’ train-

ing courses had been made more stringent, and that en- trance requirements the courses would more strongly based “political aptitude.” The newspaper also an- nounced that university professors would longer receive appointments for life, but only for stated periods time. This change, course, will make the professors less se- cure their jobs. well known, the faculties the universities played considerable role the Revolt.

The pronounced tendency young teachers—as well doctors and engineers—to avoid jobs the provinces was decried over Radio Budapest, September 17. Reasons given were lack cultural opportunities the country- side and relatively fewer chances advancement. wage rates for teachers were also admitted.

Low cast stated that despite “the great shortage teachers Szaboles County,” the jobs paid only 1,000 per month, which approximately 400 went for rent sin- gle furnished room.

The pressure was not confined the teachers. badsag, September reported new educational decree, into effect December 15, which provides that university and school exams will made more frequent and more difficult, that “the academic level will raised have better qualified people,’ and that there will instituted system “cumulative exams before special boards.” September the same newspaper com- plained that too many students “refrain until their graduation higher schools near, which time they join KISZ [the Communist youth organi- and play the new political role perfection or- went condemn parents who “taught bourgeois values their children home, teaching them denounce the Socialist State private, while praising public.”

from

another area the ideological front the September issue Nepszabadsag reported “mass activist meeting the organizers the theater-going This long- established group composed functionaries who lecture meetings current and future dramatic productions, the public what should seen and the ideological meanings the various plays. The newspaper stated that the organizers were told “emphasize primar- ily those plays which will influence workers transform themselves into Socialist Although should not the journal continued, “the

men.”

cultural requirements the workers must first

Elections November

Elections the National Assembly and the National Councils will held No- vember 16, according decision the parliamentary body reported Nepszabadsag, September 27. The pres- ent composition the Assembly—greatly decreased im- prisonments and exiles after the October 1956 Revolt— was originally elected 1953; the councilmen one year later.

local administrative organs)

>, an, 4

Current Developments—Czechoslovakia

The newspaper stated that under the “new electoral law, deputies will elected the basis universal, equal and direct suffrage secret ballot, for period four vears.” The ballotting will confined, usual, sin- gle slate regime-backed candidates running under the auspices the Patriotic People’s Front.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Attacked Munich Anniversary

The regime marked the 20th anniversary the Munich Conference which led the occupation Czechoslovakia Germany with increased outpouring venom the US. spite the fact that representative was the 1938 meeting, the country was blamed for arming and encouraging the Nazis. the same time the Soviet Union received plaudits for being Czechoslovakia’s “one true friend” among the great powers and the single liberator after the war. These formulations were advanced the press and speeches regime officials during the entire month September.

Examples the propaganda campaign built around the Munich anniversary featured poetry contest “inspired the tragic days the Munich betrayal” (Lidova Demo- kracie September 4), the publication three new books documents the subject, the showing docu- mentary film (glowingly reviewed Mlada Fronta September 24, “analyzing”

two conferences, September 23- the Munich period from Leninist point view,” regime dignitaries.

The Fourth Congress the Czechoslovak Peace Com- mittee was also held during the period and served forum for attacks West Germany successor the Nazi regime. Deputy Premier Kopecky attacked President Eisenhower the meeting for equating the Quemoy crisis with the Munich events twenty years ago (Rude September

The remembrances Munich were climaxed Septem- ber 29, the eve the anniversary, when Politburo member Jiri Hendrych delivered the main address, recapitulating the points which the regime’s propaganda organs had been making during the entire month: “We are fully justified noting the revival and precipitate strengthening Ger- man imperialism and militarism, the equipment its army with atomic weapons and its entering into various aggressive

and speeches Politburo and

pacts under American patronage, manifestations new Munichism. Nothing can alter the fact that, Hitler was the aggressor years ago, American imperialism to- day.” (Rude Pravo, September 30.)

Drive Graft

“Economic crimes” continued plague the regime and occupy the attention the press and the Ministry Justice. September Praha (Prague) stated that “not single week passes without group coal handlers being arraigned before the The news-

Vecerni

September was the 20th anniversary the Munich Agreement, which led the German occupation Czechoslovakia and was prelude World War The Czechoslovak press has made much the the picture above, from photo-story Munich and its aftermath, shows the Nazi flag flying over Prague Castle. great deal the emphasis the Czechoslovak comment was the culpability the Western Powers; the cartoon below shows the French and British flags clasping hands with the swastika, over the broken body Nazi victim and the word “Munich.” addition, Czechoslovak propaganda organs have been making the claim that the United States was guiding force behind the Munich appeasement.

Photo from Czechoslovak Life (Prague), September 1958; from Dikobraz (Prague), September 25, 1958

paper reported the trial three such individuals who allegedly sold coal private persons instead delivering railroad personnel. The men were given jail sentences ranging from six months.

September Rude Pravo complained that the Ostrava hard coal region the damage caused “brigade who took “all the financial benefits” and then amounted “many million koruny.” The newspaper appealed the manpower departments the National Committees more careful the selec- tion brigade workers.

The regime appeared determined uproot all “eco- nomic even the smallest possible scale. Thus, September Vecerni Praha quoted the Postal Newspaper Delivery Service explanation why number self-service newsstands had been abolished Prague.

Workers, usually from factories, who for riod service coal miners.

Current

a

| | “4 4

According the journal, there had been “exorbitant had apparently adopted the habit taking the newspapers without paying for them.

ROMANIA

Repression Continues

The upsurge repression first reported late summer gained momentum the early weeks autumn, the unflagging strictures against youth and were augmented new control measures aimed “eco- nomic criminals.” all-embracing were these measures, and the propaganda harangues which accompanied them, that the line between theft and treason—always tenuous Communist State—was all but obliterated. More- over, the establishment Councils” deal with smaller “offenses against Socialist property,” the regime extended its court system still further order cover many petty “crimes” heretofore considered too in- consequential for such formal retribution.

Judgment Councils—Popular Assessors

According Munca (Bucharest), September the Judgment Councils are being set all industrial and commercial “enterprises and establishments” the country. Numbering from members, according the size

the unit, and appointed for one year officials the

Current Developments—Romania

trade unions and the enterprises, the Councils will try workers whose thefts not exceed 200 lei. They will also hear cases where “insults and biows which not cause bodily harm” have taken place between workers the job. The Councils will empowered suspend discharge workers reduce salaries for period time. They may also decree that “the guilty person called upon make good the However, second offenses, even under the 200 limit, will referred the regular courts. Also, damage under the 200 limit “gravely en- dangers machines, installations other important goods,” the Councils may decide refer the case the regular courts. The Councils are empowered deal with “any manifestation which weakens respect for discipline the place work.”

Regarding another measure aimed strengthening the role the Popular Assessors. These functionaries, who survey the various establishments and report their findings the Justice Ministry’s organs, have apparently been too passive fulfilling their duties. The newspaper stated that their personnel will “reorganized”

Rominia

and the People’s Councils, before—only after “each candidate has given proof revolutionary The Justice organs were also warned the jour-

nal that they must that the Assessors “actively par- ticipate all court cases which their reports have brought

Court Sentences

Smaller such those dealt with the newly created Judgment Councils, have not thus far been

reported

cases,

However, instances large scale graft continue widely publicized. The September Bucharest) spoke 70,000 theft

issue Scinteia

years hard labor. The same newspaper stated that two men, who had “stolen merchandise the value 20,000 from State dry goods enterprise,” had received jail

Youth Censured

The Central Committee the Communist youth or- UTM) Bucharest held meeting which the Pioneer youth units (for children years old

were attacked for lack “Socialist consciousness.” (Ra- dio Bucharest, September 16.) The UTM adopted reso- lution calling upon the Pioneers enlarge their “spirit love for the Romanian People’s Republic and for the Com- munist Party.” the same meeting was announced that Petre place the UTM’s ruling Presidium well his post Secretary the UTM Central Com- mittee had been taken Nicolae Roman. There was published censure Gheorghe.

September Scinteia expressed dissatisfaction with the work students factories during the summer vaca- The that lacked competence and

tions. newspaper charged “certain elements

and result then the

“lost hours and days from production.”

stated that teachers and professors should

~ J 7 2 4

shortcomings their students outside classrooms well inside.

“Lazy people and hooligans” among the youth were cas- tivated the September issue Munca. The news- paper bewailed the fact that “some young people between and years age, all them looking healthy and strong, were wandering about lazily during working hours the Vladimirescu Munca stated that “these fellows were apprehended the militia

Current Developments—Romania

the labor colonies where they have been sent they will find all the help they need.”

Pressure Intellectuals

The influence Western philosophy, and the corre- sponding lack interest “Socialist realism” exem- plified the post-Stalin literary output, once again came under fire the regime press. September Scinteia denounced recently published book one Pavel Apostol.

Three Poems Slonimski

Antoni Slonimski head the Polish Writers’ Union. has been several times attacked the Soviet press; recently, Moscow, defended Polish writers.

Lying

Lying—the fifth element

Taking the form printer’s ink

Oozes from the daily’s columns

Onto roofs houses, tar streets. Apparently nothing has changed,

Only that the official’s face has gained grimace, Only that sitting alone the table Looking the staircase without bannisters, which leads nowhere.

Plucked strings remain mute.

Nowa Kultura (Warsaw), August 17, 1958

Lampoon

One would like drop everything and cut oneself free

From our bloody, heroic times

One will miss these last serene days

Among the Masurian lakes and forests.

man does not desert

Nevertheless, one would like take rest, away

From the political exchange, from cliques, gangs

And, imitating Rilke, whisper oneself.

write mystic Scandinavian tedia

About the Peasant, God, about the Cosmos roaring

that blood boils.

When Oberon casts spell poor Titania,

When Tartuffe struts upon his stage,

The coward shouts: world come end!”

Should those who are still alive therefore imitate Nero

And fiddle burning Rome?

Przeglad Kulturalny (Warsaw), August 14, 1958

The Attic

The dictionary our youth, the speech our adult years Are attic, where the dust, piles rubbish, With junk and tokens past centuries Lie words faded color, destroyed. The “plough and sword,” rusted, can use, cannot plough the lost lands our frontiers. The truth ages and the people’s wisdom are de- ceiving. Barbiturates rule the “Kingdom Morpheus.” Proverbs have lost their meaning, for happens That “the fifth wheel” now necessity. The lion, “fierce king the desert,” timorous lamb the face tank. What are the ancient “power thunder” And “bolts the hundred” the strength atoms, the “forceful flight eagles” confronted jet bombers? There are words that have died, like all that mortal; Others have been defiled, wrenched from our memo- ries. Observe the gambler deals marked card Concealing shameless deceit sanctimonious gestures. Oh, that might return the garret, our attic, And tear from oblivion, from the jumble anti- quity The kindly words “love country” and “integrity.” retain the words old because they are ours, Like modest clothing, unfashionable but clean. Let those who wish fill the alchemist’s pot With motley words painstakingly compose seman- tic barren nourishment for our hungering mouths.

Nowa Kultura (Warsaw), July 1958

: é 4 4 ay.

According the journal, “the author devotes entire pages the exposition the theories certain bourgeois reac- tionary philosophers either without combating them combating them without strength conviction.” Apostol was also accused “accepting erroneous ideas and am- biguous formulations from Western Scinteia averred that the public had “no need books permeated objectivist attitudes toward bourgeois philosophy.”

The magazine, Femeia, was attacked the September issue Scinteia Tineretului (Bucharest) because short story Florin Petrescu. The story, which tells love affair, and narrated the dog one the participants, was castigated “bourgeois Scinteia Tineretului summed follows: “The couple does not represent our youth today [and] the heroine does not contribute the construction Socialism. The young man does not help his sweetheart liquidate her old ideas; nor does resolve her work with him for Communist ideals.”

the September issue Gazeta Literara the Writers’ Union weekly, Savin Bratu criticized not only several prominent writers but also himself. Among those with whom Bratu finds fault are Baconski and Crohmalniceanu, both whom are attacked for improp- erly evaluating the role the classic Romanian novelist Matei Caragiale and thus “deliberately fostering confu- sion their bourgeois The influence con- temporary writers such literary figures Jon Barbu and Lucian Blaga was also condemned. Mihail Petroveanu was accused “serving profoundly erroneous thesis speaking the style the seventeenth century and “characterizing Socialist realism ‘harmonious of] the subject his own prose, Bratu admitted that the phrase “pretentious wordiness,” first applied him, stated, the Party daily Scinteia, was fair description. promised write more simply the future.

Legation Staffs Harassed

Pressure the personnel Western legations, includ- ing the expulsion two Italian diplomats, recently brought official notes protest from the British, French and Ital- ian governments. According Radio Bucharest, Septem- ber 29, the two Italian Embassy personnel had called meeting Italian citizens living Romania and urged them not change their nationality. The two men were also accused regime officials. was fur- ther alleged that private Italian citizens were allowed use the diplomatic pouch for sending and receiving private correspondence. The Italian government heatedly denied these charges.

BULGARIA

Five Year Plan Speeded? Hints have appeared that Bulgaria’s Third Five Year Plan (1958-62) may hurried earlier conclusion

Current Developments—Romania, Bulgaria

Dark Deeds Before Daybreak

BULGARIAN PARTY continues complain about

Party members and functionaries who proclaim “religious superstition,” thus earning high marks from the Party, while the same time, presumably form insurance, secretly ad- hering the ritual practices the church. The Party paper Rabotnichesko Delo (Sofia), July 20, raised such man public scorn: Ivan

from

Party member, Secretary his village youth organi- zation, cashier the collective farm. Dzhalev was given such pronouncements the following when addressing County Party conference: great successes the building Socialism this country

des, not shame after such tnat peo} e& sti exist, Sometimes even in Our ranks, who have not shaken off the bourgeois relics the past? They are sheep gone astray, these continued

victims various religious prejudices.”

such speeches, the paper said, Dzhalev “won the glory being fighting atheist.” The hideous truth behind this comely facade, however, was that Dzhalev recently had his child christened, sneakily arranging that the deed done neighboring village before daybreak. was met skulking the church the village militiaman and fellow Party member. The latter kept silent about his comrade’s dereliction because himself, the previous year, had done the same thing. The wretch Dzhalev, the paper said, still Secretary the village Communist Youth Union, “and has his Party membership card his pocket.”

than scheduled. plenary meeting the Party Central Committee held Sofia, October 2-4, discussed “the tasks

the Party with respect curtailing the time limits for fulfillment the Five Year State Economic Plan.” (Radio Sofia, October 5.) October Party First Sec- retary Todor Zhivkov addressed meeting Sofia, which reportedly “emphasized the possibilities for the fulfillment the Third Five Year Plan within shortened time limits, and drew attention several reserves which make possible the accomplishment this task.” (Radio Sofia, October

Bulgaria currently out step with the other Satel- lites, whose long-term plans end 1960.

Six Sentenced Death

Six men accused government funds were given the death penalty, according “Bulgarian news- papers” reported October Reuters dispatch from Belgrade. Two the men were said have spent the equivalent $32,000 dissipation.

’ is i if

Rare Literary Debate Czechoslovakia

INTERESTING ARGUMENT recently ruffled the normally lead-smooth and dogma-dull surface Czechoslovak literary discussion. article, Jan Trefulka Novy Zivot (Prague), January 1958 attacked the state Czech- oslovak fiction under Communism the broadest terms, and called for literature deal with the unpleasant reali- ties contemporary life. reply Tvorba (Prague), July 31, 1958, admitted some the unpleasant realities which Trefulka speaks, but accused him exaggeration. Below are excerpts from the Trefulka article followed excerpts from the reply.

the present state

Czech fiction satisfactory. Literature may enter-

ANYONE would regard tain, but cabaret, more less, does this, may chronicle, but this function better filled history; may sing heroic constructive deeds and recommend new working methods, but here the newspapers give equally good service; may captivate the reader with adventures, cares compete with motorcycle races. But literature cannot replaced any other kind human endeavor other type artistry, the issue critical portrait the national character the moral profile Czech today, the issue his struggle with drawbacks his mind arising from the process contemporary changes. good writer may must entertaining Twain Hasek, historically true Feuchtwanger, heroic Sholokhov and absorbing Traven without leaving the main goal out his account. “Conscious, sharp and concrete social criticism greatest and most important achievement the literature hammered out during the last century and the beginning ours. Those were bitter pills which Zola [Anatole]

France served the French Gogol and Gorki the Russians. their

or be as

as

as

yet,

see importance now only criticism of a bourgeois soc iety would be an incorrec tly nar- row view. Their criticism reached deeply into the nation’s life and character. Thus the literature the Socialist era our country will have should have these critical features much larger extent. feel that the need growing for good critical the ideas, morals and character Czech the past pears.

“If view the crop fiction the years after World War until today from this angle, seems that our literature rather than approaching this important func- tion, drifted away from it. leaned more toward report- age-like story narratives, individual snap-shots and flat, schematic type-characterization, depicted events but did not make its heroes live their era deeply, fully and truly. And yet, there much tell! For example, how dangerous are the pleasure-seeking ners that have been mushrooming among our working class, seeing the sole purpose life material well-being.

How, hand hand with the living standard, envy rises, greediness and careerism increase instead better hu- man relations. How despite all the Socialist education there are still fewer and fewer individuals willing act anything because their convictions and ideas. And how badly all this reflects the young generation.

“The writers themselves are some degree affected these processes. Even among them there grows desire average, published and paid type rather than discover and suffer temporarily hardship for one’s truth. Not even the era Socialism can artist get some- thing for nothing, and the price all great art has always been life itself. Let one think that can swindle the future with fairy tales, historical novels, rigged-up report- ing records travels, that can ignore the basic laws art. word deliverance, strong and lasting, will said him who writes

true picture man to- day

spite whatever this that individual may say about it, whether his work published this year only some years later.”

SOCIALIST man mold-and form our country

today is, course, burdened with the past capital- ism his behaviour and conscience. true understanding contemporary man has reckon with this negative side which not all dead, but grows wherever not met solid barrier. Thus correct principles material in- centives, not coupled with ideological and_ political education, can produce incorrect results. They come platform for

developing type. Further rise living

standards then hampered in- dividualistic efforts some our people create ism for oneself.’ Thus observe attempts live some- body else’s expense, careerism, attempts achievements Socialism, but the same time give Socialist society little possible. The argument seems run this way: worked, thus contributing Social- ism: for earned money purchased cabin, car and now use them advantage. Why should ‘brigade’ work? Why should take public office? have time for that now. This approximate expression this snail

Trefulka referred just such and similar facts. Trefulka seized upon facts pointing the ‘negative side’ our life and concluded that despite all Socialist educa- tion there are still fewer and fewer individuals willing anything for conviction idea. The contents his con- clusion show discrepancy with reality and are not true. Trefulka has only generalized one real face life and His conclusions were skeptical and passed judgment the development the members our society.”

eae te

Germany and the Revolution Russia, 1915-1918; documents from the Archi- ves the German Foreign Ministry, edited Zeman (Oxford Uni- versity Press, $4.00). source book material pertaining the relations be- tween the German government and the Russian revolutionaries. The documents were discovered the editor 1945 while working for the British Foreign Office captured German documents. Published translation and prefaced the editor’s introduction and note the technical devices used prepare them, the documents clearly depict the attitude the German government to- wards revolutionaries Russia from the time the German offensive the eastern front the Spring 1915 until the assassination the first German Minister Moscow after the revolution July They contain good deal new information regarding the nature German support the revolutionaries, particularly the Bolsheviks. There are 136 documents all, many which carry explanatory footnotes and editorial notes. Two appendices contain memo- randum regarding Russia and European affairs during the period, and breakdown the structure the German Foreign Ministry 1914-1918.

Soviet Marxism: Critical Analysis, Herbert Marcuse (Columbia University Press, $4.50). This the fourteenth volume the Columbia series “Studies the Russian Institute.” The author evaluates some the main trends Soviet Marxism starting its theoretical premises, developing the ideo- logical and sociological consequences, and reexamining the premises light the consequences. the process developing the concepts Marxism, which calls “the conceptual instru- ments” Soviet theory, the author clari- fies the function the overall Marxist theory Soviet society and assesses its historical direction. Dr. Marcuse bases his approach two assumptions: first, that Soviet Marxism more than expression various forms the reali- ties Soviet development. Second, assumes that there are identifiable trends and tendencies operating which constitute “the inherent ration-

ality” the historical process. Part his critique, “Political Tenets,” traces Soviet doctrine through Leninism, Stalin- ism, and post-Stalinism, defining its ap- parently shifting aspects stages fundamental historical trend; views

Recent and Related

the interaction between Western and Soviet development essential this trend. The author believes that only when they are examined thus within the context the social and political pro- cesses which they interpret Soviet dogmas become meaningful. “Ethical Tenets,” deals with the sub- jective factor Soviet theory—the “hu- man material” which supposed fol- low the lead and attain the goals set Soviet Marxism. Notes, index.

Ten Contemporary Polish Stories, edited Edmund Ordon, introduction Olga Sherer-Virski (Wayne University Press, $5.00). The editor and translators pre- sent compilation short stories authors who are well known the Polish reading public. The first seven stories were written the when Poland enjoyed the normal literary conditions free country. The remaining three stories are the prod- ucts writers exile and writers who have the main kept silent under Communism Poland. The selections were made first the basis trans- latability; only stories which the rhythm, tone, and impact could pre- served were used. Second, only those stories were selected which have not previously appeared English trans- lation, else have been published only unavailable obscure periodicals. Maria Dabrowska’s “Father Philip” realistic portrayal life Polish village; Kazimierz “Patrol” war story; Michal Choromanski Cynical Tale” writes the banal and trivial way calculated con- vey unusual kind suspense; “My Father Joins the Fire Brigade” Bruno Schulz bizarre but plausible fantasy built around everyday people (Schulz has been identified the Polish Kafka) Piotr Choynowski’s “Boarding House” sympathetic tale adolescent schoolboys; Maria Kuncewiczowa’s Turban” juxtaposes reality and unreality reproduce artist’s world; Witold Gombrowicz represented ex- istentialist story, “Premeditated Crime”; Imp” allegory; Jerzy (“The President Calls”) and Marek Hlasko’s (“The Most Sacred Word Our Life”) stories are examples work done since Stalin’s death; though dif- ferent tone and subject, both are literature protest. Olga introduction gives summary and anal- ysis the work these writers, that each piece the volume may

seen within the context the major portion the individual artist’s style, subject interests, and philosophy. The stories are preceded short autobiog- raphies the authors and some in- stances the translators.

Poland, Its People, Its Society, Its Culture, Clifford Barnett (HRAF $7.50). One the series Survey World Cultures edited Thomas Fitzsimmons, this volume the ars. The authors not offer definitive analysis any the topics covered, but wish provoke questions and arouse discussion material where other works have failed so, and open areas for further research and exploration. Their work combines the methods and approaches the various social sciences represented the authors historical, economic, and sociological—and the several disciplines are applied official pronouncements and information gathered from Polish informants. While the book concerned primarily with contemporary Poland, approximately one quarter the text establishes the historical, ethnic, reli- gious, geographic, and cultural ground. maps, diagrams, tables, pages bibliographical suggestions for further reading. Index. soft cover edition published Press, price $2.45.)

Press,

Grove

Foreign Policy: The Next Phase, Thomas Finletter (Harper, $3.50). publication the Council Foreign Relations. This plea for repair past and present mistakes American foreign policy, and for the constructive use resources prevent possible an- nihilation during atomic and nuclear war. The author believes that the launch- ing the Russian sputniks had salu- tary effect Western thinking. de- fined the nature the “next phase” history, says, and forced the United States and other members the free world face for the first time the problem attacking the instrument world destruction—war itself. The book examines United States actions from the end World War the launching the sputniks, and considers policies necessary cope with the prob- lems the “next phase.” Mr. Finletter was wartime aide Cordell the head the Marshall Plan mission Britain, and Secretary the Air Force under President Truman. Index.

world

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