Red Clydeside: A history of the labour movement in Glasgow 1910-1932

Literature

Handbook on Local Organisation, 1927

by Communist Party of Great Britain

Under the advice of the Communist International, the CPGB in 1922 undertook a reorganisation of its methods and structures to transform itself into a party of a new type. Many organisational defects were corrected and the party placed on a footing more suited to its revolutionary needs. A special organising committee was appointed to carry through the re-organisation of the party and overcome the "discussion circle" mentality in certain areas.

The local party branches were reorganised into effective "working groups" whose tasks were fixed to produce results, and only to produce results. Recruitment was seen as the top priority with education and the integration of new recruits as a necessary counterpart. Every member was to be given a role, however small which would directly contribute to the work of the party.

By the end of 1923 membership stood around 3,000. A recruitment drive was carried out between September 1923 and February 1924 where 400 new members were made. At this time a recruitment Department was established at Party headquarters, and by May membership had risen to 3,900.

Source: Bissett Collection, Glasgow University Special Collections