p Comrades,

p I have the honour to convey to you fraternal greetings from the Martinique Communist Party.

p Ours is one of those Parties that have always favoured free discussion among Communist Parties as a means towards unity in the battle against imperialism and colonialism. However, that does not prevent us, when necessary, from taking a clear and firm stand.

p It was on that basis that we participated in every phase of the preparation of this Meeting, in the convocation of which we see a clear victory of the forces of unity over the forces working for a split.

p Our Central Committee discussed the draft of the Main Document at its meeting of May 12. The communique issued after the meeting says: "The Central Committee holds that, in the present circumstances, the Document offers a satisfactory platform for continued development of the struggle against imperialism and united action of the Communist and Workers’ Parties and all anti-imperialist forces.”

p We accept the Document’s analysis of the present situation. It discloses the general aggravation of the crisis of imperialism and the permanent menace to peace and social progress created by imperialism’s frenzied struggle to prolong its existence.

p However, we are fully convinced that the united forces of the socialist camp, the international working class and the national liberation movement are now in a position to foil imperialist intrigue. For ours is the epoch of transition from capitalism to socialism.

p We also share the view that unity of the Communist Parties is the key factor in unity of all the anti-imperialist forces. Accordingly, we feel it is absolutely necessary to give a more profound formulation of the part of Section Four dealing with the basis of relations between fraternal Parties.

p As for colonialism, our Central Committee highly appreciates the clear-cut obligation that follows from the Document: "The demand of our epoch is to rid our planet completely of the curse of colonialism, destroy its last centres, and prevent its revival in new, camouflaged forms.”

p Actually, French colonialism has not been eliminated. Our Communist Party is vigorously combating its attempts to camouflage colonial exploitation by giving Martinique the status of an Overseas Department. From our own experience we know neo-colonialism in all its multiform manifestations. But whatever form it assumes, neo-colonialism cannot conceal its evil substance.

p It should be noted that the cost of living in Martinique is higher than in France because everything is imported from France and carried by French ships, with French firms setting freight charges.

p The minimum guaranteed hourly wage in Martinique is 2.62 francs, compared with 3.15 francs in France. Family grants to workers with five children amount to 273.50 francs in Martinique and 589.14 in France. A French unemployed worker receives a daily sum of 7.3 francs in addition to a family grant. The unemployed worker in Martinique is not entitled to any benefits whatever. The statistics show that the average standard of living in Martinique is three times lower than in France.

p Martinique’s trade deficit is continuously rising, while its revenue, mainly from sugar-cane and bananas, is continuously declining. Sugar production is down from 90,000 to 40,000 tons. Many enterprises are closing. Th£ banana trade is unstable.

p And yet, French colonialism is intensifying its policy of assimilation. The government radio and television, and the press want to deprive our people of their national identity; they ignore their literature and folklore, their poets and artists. There are no higher educational facilities, not even stable vocational schools, for our youth, which is thus deprived of any meaningful prospect. The only solution the French colonialists offer is emigration of the youth, promotion of the tourist trade, and birth control.

p That is why we have asked the sub-committee to introduce certain alterations in the Document in order more effectively to expose the policy of the French colonialists in territories still under their control.

p We suggested the following formulation: "French imperialism is seeking to retain and strengthen its positions in world economy and politics. It continues its colonial domination over the peoples of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and other African and Oceania countries, refuses to concede their right to self-determination, their right to administer their own affairs. It obstinately continues...", etc. The sub-committee approved this formulation.

p Our Party has drawn up a programme for the Lenin centenary. We support the centenary statement submitted to this Meeting and also the Appeal in Defence of Peace and the appeal "Independence, Freedom and Peace for Vietnam!”.

p We would welcome a brief document from this Meeting expressing solidarity with the Haitian patriots and exposing the American intervention in Haiti.

p Long live this Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties!

Long live unity of the communist movement and all anti-imperialist forces!