The CPGB, the Comintern and the War, 1939-1941: Filling in the Blank Spots

Based on research in the Communist International archives in Moscow, the relation between the CPGB and the Comintern in the first period of World War II is examined. Veteran CP leaders Pollitt, Campbell and Gallacher opposed the Comintern's directive of September 9, 1939 to change to an antiwar line. The coded messages passing between Moscow and the CPGB after that turn was implemented are quoted. A number of these came directly from Dimitrov and concern both policy and organization and personnel questions, including whether or not a new General Secretary should be appointed to replace Pollitt, who had been removed. The modification of the CPGB's antiwar line in the summer of 1940 and early 1941 is documented and shown as reflecting both the British Communists' assertion of their basic anti-fascism and changes of position in Moscow at the time of the fall of France.