BREIF ON THE ASIAN SOCIALIST CONFERENCE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-00915R000500160005-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 21, 1998
• Sequence Number: 5
• Content Type: REPORT

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THE ASIAN SOCIALIST CONFERENCE
I. Background
A. Membership
The second meeting of the Asian Socialist Conference is scheduled to be
held in Bombay November 1-10, 1956. Organized in January 1953 in Rangoon, Burma,
the Asian Socialist Conference is composed of the following parties:
Socialist Party of Burma
Praia Socialist Party of India
Socialist Party of Indonesia
Labor Party of Israel (MAPAI)
Japan Socialist Party
Pakistan Socialist Party
Progressive Party of Lebanon 1 \ 25X1 X6
Two additional parties, the Vietnam Socialist Party4and the Congress.Soo.alis
it#___ Part of Nepal have
htatusofobs. 4
4
O
ti
i
za
rgan
on
Organizationally, the Asian Socialist Conference is similar to the
Socialist International. By statute the Asian Socialist Conference is a
"democratic and willing association of Socialist parties which seek to
establish Socialism" and "to co-ordinate their political attitude by consent."
The Conference, which by statute,should convene every two years, is the supreme
body and corresponds to a Congress of the Socialist International. The Bureau is
composed of two delegates from each member party and ordinarily meets once every
six months to consider political issues, examine applications for membership,
convene the Conferencd and other special conferences, arrange ter agendas, etc.
It combines the functions of the Council and Bureau of the Socialist International.
The Secretariat performs the same functions as Aeon the Secretariat of the
Socialist International.
C. Ideology
1. Economic
Ideologically, the Asian Socialist Conference at its founding meeting
attempted to define Socialism for Asia and to outline methods to achieve this
objective. Regarding the economic system to be realized under Socialism the
Asian parties agreed that Capitalism should be displaced rather than modified.
This stand was primarily Asian identification of Capitalism with
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colonial exploitation and the desire topublicly condemn bot .
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While unequivocally rejecting Capitalism, the Asian Socialists were
not so positive in defining the Socialist economic system. They stated
merely that "the exact forms of planning to be applied and the extent of
public ownership should depend on the economic and social structure of the
country concerned, but the central aim should be to foster a continued
expansion of the nationalized and co-operative sectors of the country's economy."
It was implied that these economic measures must be applied dynamically
rather than gradually for only thus could Asia's problems, such as those
arising from peasant agrarian economies and the lack of capital necessary
for industrialization be met. Although recognizing that the "workers and
common people" in the industrialized Western countries have secured
important economic and social gains, the Asian Socialists stated that
"sterility will inevitably result" if they merely copied all that goes by
the name of Socialism in Europe.
2. Political
With respect to Socialism's political framework, the Asian Socialists
stated that the displacement of Capitalism and the development of a dynamic
economic system could only be realized in a democratic society. In this
society there must exist freedom of speech, organization, assembly, faith
and conscience, and election of representative bodies. "These rights must
be granted to all" and "imply the right of opposition parties to exist and
operate."
While affirming political democracy in the Western sense, the Asian
Socialists rejected totalitarianism and methods of mass coercion. They
noted that Communism in the USSR and the satellites entails the complete
subordination of the individually and the group to the centralized power of
the leadership of the ruling party in contradiction to Socialism which
recognizes man both as an integral paint of a class or group and as a
human individual.
3. Ideological Conflicts
In giving equal weight to political democracy and an economic system
based on a more dynamic application of the^pranciples,of economic planning
and nationalization, the Asian Socialists did not face upcsl"",
to the fact, recog ized bygWeste n Socialirists, th t planning and particularly
nationalization, invariably 1 the freedoms declared
to be an integral part of Socialism. Moreover the economic and political
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statements of the CQn erence do not reflect the differences over methods
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which have at times led to splits within certain of the Asian Socialist
parties, such as the former division of the Japaq Socialist Party into
right and left wings and the recent split in the Praja Socialist Party.
The principal difference as to methods generally resolves into a conflict
between those who advocate the Marxist class struggle in all its aspects
short of revolution and those who advocate more moderate methods to achieve
gradually the Socialist state. Those advocating methods of class struggle
are closer to the Communists and have co-operated with them particularly
in elections.
D. Position of Asian Socialists in the Conflict Between the Free World and
Communism
Regarding the conflict between the Free World and Communism, the Asian
Socialists at their founding Conference advocated a neutral position in the
sense of pursuing an independent foreign policy. While stressing.the cause
of peace (so necessary to Asia's development) and support for the United
Nations, the Asian Socialists stated that their contrbution to world peace"
lies not in their identification with the so-called world peace movements,
which have become tools of the cold war, nor necessarily in joining any
military security system, but essentially in their efforts to strengthen
themselves." They added that "the independent position of the Asian countries
and their freedom of movement with regard to the problems of world peace do
not mean ideological neutralism or the policy of sacrificing the liberty of
other peoples or nations to one's own selfish interests."
II. Assessment of the Asian Socialist Conference
A. Weaknesses
As an international organization, the Asian Socialist Conference is small
and ineffectual. Like the Socialist International it does provide a central
forum for the Asian Socialist parties to express their views. However, in-&_.
voluntary association',suc is?~s~frenee~y the impact of
views expressed from a central forum depends upon the political influence of the
member parties. A brief analysis shows that only three Socialist parties
participating in the Asian Socialist Conference have any appreciable political
influence in therespective countries. These are the Labor Party of Israel,
which heads the Israeli Government; the Socialist Party of Burma, which heads,,,,,
the Burmese Government; and the Jaiian" ocialist Party, the
gecon largest party in Ja an avfd which ained 23 seats in the recent elections
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,to Japan's Upper House f r~~~s t&-against 121 .._ir_ .h governing
~....,2.a..G^~'~ 63-~ e v.,~ ?~f'"'V=-4-~C~CG-t6 ?_3~,w', .. .. .. . ,..
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is Of the remaining parties in the Conference, the Praja
Socialist* Party of India polled 16.3% of the total vote in India's last
general election, but was split on 29 September 1955 when Dr. Ram Manohar
Lohia formed the All-India Socialist Party. Neither of these parties is at
present putting up a vigorous or effective opposition to the Congress Party.
The Indonesian Socialist Party polled less than 2% of the total vote in
Indonesia's last general election and won 5 seats out of 260.
The weakness noted above tends to lessen the effectiveness of the Asian
Socialist Conference in yet another way. Being weak, the various Socialist
parties are more interested in building up political strength in their own
countries rather than expending resources in the Asian Socialist Conference.
In fact, membership in the Conference is viewed as a means to en?ance the
prestige of Socialist parties within their respective countries, 4nd where 4f
in power, as in Burma and Israel, the Socialists have been preoccupied with
domestic problems.
B. Importance of the Asian Socialist Conference
Although the Asian Socialist Conference is weak in the objective sense,
its importance should not be overlooked. It is s-.nnptomatic of a general Asian
desire for co-operation in solving*common problems and *4e esire to play
an independent role in international affairs after long colonial exploitation.
As stated by the Asian Socialist Conference, "All Asia is prostrate with the
common malady of poverty which is aggravated by the ignorance of the common masses,
inequitable distribution of wealth, the presence of Capitalism, feudalism, foreign
exploitation and the total lack of proper contact and concerted action among
the peoples." l-4s These and other common problems c!h bin# the Asian
Socialist parties in the Conference rather than a belief in international
Socialism. %X
&Q4
Tlmw Socialism in AsiaAa a as a response tQ the injustices of colonialism,
4"A 64, t
and is 4 littteldemand for*%politica] independencd.e ema -fort-ham reli-ef-
scanomc deetrss $d iuity Given the magnitude of Asia's problems and
rising nationalism, upon which the Communists are attempting to capitalize, the
Asian Socialist Conference represents a collective symbol of the more democratic
elements which are asserting themselves in Asia.
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III.'? Probable Agenda o the November 1-10 Meeting of the Asian Socialist Conference
It iA reported that 20 Asian Socialist Parties will be in attendance at the
November 1-10 meeting as well as representatives from 7 fraternal organizations
including the Socialist International, the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, the
International Union of Socialist Youth, and the Movement for Colonial Freedom. At
this stage the definite agenda of the meeting, if formulated, is not kno4k,, Agenda
items, Qwn, as well as probably e.&, ire set forth below:
. Question of Merging the Asian Socialist Conference and the Socialist
International
portant item scheduled for the agenda is the question of merging the Asian
Socialist Conference with the Socialist International. The Socialist Inter-
took
national he initiative on this question as early as November 1954
,
(raised the question in his fraternal address tq fie- Bureau meeting-The Asian
Socialist Conference. Subsequently, Mr. Braunthal suggested to the Asian
Socialist Bureau that a joint commission be set up to study the question of
a merger and to work out the organizational structure of an integrated
International. The Bureau of the Asian Socialist Conference decided to refer
th suggestion to its member parties for consideration and to discuss it
j (//0,1959
at next1general conferencei The importance of this question to the
Socialist International is evident in its plans to send as delegates Hugh
Gaitskill, head of the British Labor Party; Erich Ollenhauer, Chairman of the
German Social Democratic Party; and Adolf Schaerf of the Austrian Socialist
Party. In the event any of the above three cannot attend, Julius Braunthal.y)
ramp, Sccreta----the.-.Socialist Internationalwill serve as a substitute.
It is to be noted in considering this issue that theJapa/Socialist Party
and the Labor Party of Israel are also members with voting power in the Socialist
International. In addition, the Praja Socialist Party of India and the Viet-
af
nam/Socialist Party participate in the Socialist International as consultative
members. Notwithstanding participation of four of the nine Asian parties in
the Socialist International and the public recognition by the Asian parties of
the desirability of a single International, there were certain considerations
which prompted the establishment of a separate Asian Conference. For one thing
there was a feeling of apprehension on the part of the Asian Socialists that
the Socialist parties in the Socialist Interrational representing countries with
colonies might not be entirely sympathetic to Asian problems. There was also
the feeling on the part of the Asian parties that their problems of
predominantly agrarian economies, inexperienced trade unions, and low levels or
literacy set them apart from the European Socialists. Allied with this was
the feeling that the European Socialists would continue to dominate the Socialist
Inte natz' o~~ by virtue of wore' membe although the fewer
r'O
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Asian parties represented a far greater population. Finally it was felt that
Y
when 4&~thek Secretary, +'~ n.~-wrnnt Julius Braunthal
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struggle between the two power blocs, and that to participate directly" in Lhe?`i
h..4 11at'-- rnatiana1 would be tantamount to an Asian country forsaking its
independence or its right to be neutral.
On the issue of merger, that,.; . lanetit is(in the Free World
A
interest that the Asian Socialist Conference be merged with the Socialist
International. The Socialist International has unequivocally rejected Soviet
Communist overtures for co-operation and advocates a more democratic brand of
Socialism, including modification rather than displacement of Capitalism. In
a merged International, the parties of the present Socialist International would
be in a position to influence the Asian Socialist parties and yet be in a position
to-protect their own interests by virtue of numerical superiority. It is
recognized that the parties of the Socialist International would have to make some
concessions to the Asian Socialists, but it is unlikely that these would be of a
fundamental nature. The influence of the Socialist International on an Asian Socialist
Party with a strong left wing is revealed the response of the 'Japan Socialist
dd ~
Party towmr4-the decisions of the Twentieth CPSU Congress. JSP leaders had
hoped to avoid taking a stand on this issue, but decided that they could not do
so, rtly S on 44edaa
e of the 7 April statement of the Bureau of the Socialist
International rejecting CPSU overtures for co-operation with Socialists. The
JSP statement, while milder than that of the Bureau of the Socialist International
nevertheless endorsed the stand of the Socialist International.
B. Asian Socialists and the Conflict Between the Free World and Communism
Another agenda item will concern Asia's role in the Ift conflict between the
Free World and Communism. T 4 4 letter sent out by the
Secretariat the Asian Socialist Conference aWboh stated bk?"the main idea
b
of this conference is to be the defence of peace, democracy and huriian dignity,
particularly in the present peace area of Asia and Africa." P rsuant to this
theme, the Conference can be expected to comment on the Twentieth CPSU Congress
Ot-
and subsequent political events, probably in tyre vein .' accepting .Soviet
statements at face value.'"This standn turn/will be used to justify Asia's neutral
position.kkThe Conference will Jo= undoubtedly call for continued efforts to
streng en the Asian countries and to strive for a vast "peace area" between
i
the two blocs. In this connection it is to be noted that the parties of the Asian
Socialist Conference are favorably disposed to Yugoslavia whicIin their views is
"building Socialism" while maintaining a neutral position in the conflict between
the Free World and Communism. At its first meeting, the Asian Socialist Conference
specifica,1ly charged its Bureau with ItEstablishing closer relations with Socialist
Parties in all the world, including the League of Communists of Yugoslavia."
Subsequently, various Asian Socialist Parties have send delegations to visit
and study in Yugoslavia. All of these have NxiK praised the Yugoslav,.
expeSMMi#ie*KAff r5lcrRe
returned.
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IDn the issue of the Twentieth CPSU Congress, it is in the interest of the
-Free-World that the Asian Socialist o fer c~ adopt a ition as close as possible
I& A_
to the 4 March statement of the Counc1dand the 7 April statement of the Bure
~f +r --- :'- - - (both of which rejected Bevie overtures
also of interest to the Free World that, while
recognizing that the "problems of world peace do not mean ideological
tki
neutralism" ealize tha ffor sap t from other democratic Free World
forces only lessen Free World strength to the advantage of Communism.
C. K Asian Socialism and the Economic Problems of Asia
T third agenda item will probably concern Asia's economic development.
This will very likely involve a reiteration of the position taken by the first
Conference which stated:
"Because of long periods of imperialist exploitation, Asian countries
cannot develop, except at a rate that would be virtually neutralized by
the growth of population, by their on unaided resources. The scarcity
of capital and skill has to be made up by external assistance. Such
assistance is at once a right and a claim created by past and present
exploitation of Asian countries by the developed countries. While
individual countries are not precluded from obtaining external assistance,
it would materially reduce dangers inherent in such assistance if it is
sought by the Asian countries in a co-ordinated manner and received
through a world develogY?ltMiyentyprity controlled by the United Nations."
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D. Condemnation of Imperialism
fourth agenda item will be the question of colonialism or imperialism
and freedom for all dependent peoples. ''Significantly, the Anti-Colonial Bureau,
a separate but organic part of the Asian Socialist Conference, is scheduled "to
convene a separate conference at the same time with 20 freedom movements from
Africa and Malaya to discuss concrete actions to end colonialism, which is
always felt to be a
etual threat to peace." The plan of action of the
Anti-Colonial Bureau as previously formulated x is as follows:
1. Encourage the holding of an All-African Congress.
2. Request the newspapers in Asian countries to devote more space to Asian-
African colonial questions and support the demands of the freedom movements
editorially.
3. Appeal to the Asian and other governments to intensify their efforts in
the U.N.
4. =,Giairman-shou ; .f possible, ..a representative of the Asian
Socialist Conference to the U.N. to help the freedom movements put across
their case.
5. '"'-e " +!_.G^Ionia ...Bureau show 14pply for consultative status at the U.N.
6. Send a fact-finding mission to colonial possessions in Asia.
7. Request each Asian Party to arrange fora year's stay at least one
African in its country, providj&g him with opportunities for studying
trade union, co-operative, youth and peasant movements.
8. Collect funds for the defence of victims of repressive measures in
Africa and in other areas, to be administered by the Anti-Colonial
Bureau on behalf of the Asian Socialist Conference.
E. Kashmir Question 25X1A6a
According to a June 1956 report it was agreed at the request
of the Kashmir Socialists, to place the Kashmir question on the agenda of the
Asian Socialist Conference.
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