International Youth Training Course in Korean Victory Over Communism Thought

On July 31st, a group of 35 Americans arrived at Sootaek-ri Training Center for lectures and education by the International Federation for Victory Over Communism. Their tour had been invited primarily by the National Chinese Government of Taiwan where they had been touring and receiving education over a period of 5 weeks. They were a mixed group, mostly young students, although an elderly couple and a Jesuit priest accompanied them.

They came from all different backgrounds and all parts of the United States. All were right wing and anti- Communist, but for different motives. Some were Christians, some were capitalist materialists and some were anti-Communist just from parental education. Nevertheless, they were intelligent, one a doctor, several graduate students and also an economist were with them.

It was decided that we — western members who had ourselves just heard the lectures — should lecture to them. Lynne Doerfler, formerly from Washington, DC, lectured for one hour to give a basic introduction. Then John Price from England lectured Dialectic Materialism, its critique and counterproposal for 2 hours. Next, Hal McKenzie, also formerly from the Washington Family, lectured for one hour on Historical Materialism, its critique and counterproposal.

Finally, Joe Tully from the San Francisco Family gave a lecture on Das Kapital, or economics, its critique and counterproposal for 4 hours. Marjorie Hill from England and Katharine Bell from Canada assisted in hosting the group.

We had planned to give more lectures, but owing to an unexpected visit to the Korean Prime Minister, Kim Jong Pil, the group had to leave a day earlier.

Being a mixed group they reacted to the lectures in different ways. Some were quite positive asking for a copy of the book on the new critique to be sent to them. Others said they would like to help us. They all enjoyed the hospitality and food at the Training Center and the culture night spent with 200 Japanese members of IFVC who were also at the Training Center at that time.

Now they are off to Japan for a week hosted by the Japanese branch of IFVC Hal McKenzie and Lynne Doerfler have flown to Japan to help the Japanese family.

In conclusion this was a real opportunity to reach many Americans and a great experience for us for future lecturing.