Socialist Boat to China

"Come and see for yourself." That was the gist of an eager invitation sent last month by the Communist government of China to the British Labor Party. The Laborites hemmed and hawed (as well they might, since it was one of their number, Party Secretary Morgan Phillips, who first suggested the idea), but eventually, eight prominent Socialists were elected to make the tour. Leader of the expedition, which will start out in late summer: ex-Prime Minister Clement Attlee, 71.

Attlee made it clear that he was not keen on the trip. It would add to Red China's prestige in countries like India and Burma, and besides, said Attlee, "I do not know what my wife will say. I'm too old to be flying about." Also going along: Party Secretary Phillips, Nye Bevan. "We were not informed or consulted," was the chilly Foreign Office reaction.

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