#a #ab0 Filename: lia_1st_31.txt #ab1 Original: /home/cymbala/Lia #ab2 Time-stamp: <2002-12-03 17:20:47 cymbala> #ac #ad0 FOR MORE INFO: #ad1 FOR MORE INFO: #ae #ae0 (sort-lines nil 1 (re-search-forward "[Ll]ocal variables:")) #ae1 --------------------------------------------------------- 000: # 000: # Lenin Collected Works 000: 001-045 031.000: # Volume 31 031.000: 001-057 031.001.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.001.0000 () "Left-Wing" Communism--An Infantile Disorder 031.001.0000: (+ 0 217) 217 031.001.0001 () 031.001.0001 () I. In What Sense We Can Speak of the International Significance of the Russian Revolution 031.001.0001 (+ 0 6) 6 031.001.0001 In the first months after the proletariat in Russia had won political 031.001.0002 It would, of course, be grossly erroneous to exaggerate this truth 031.001.0003 At the present moment in history, however, it is the Russian model 031.001.0004 We shall, however, deal with this pamphlet in greater detail some other 031.001.0005 "At the present time [in contrast with 1848] it would seem that not 031.001.0006 How well Karl Kautsky wrote eighteen years ago! 031.001.0007 () 031.001.0007 () II. An Essential Condition of the Bolsheviks' Success 031.001.0007 (+ 6 9) 15 031.001.0007 It is, I think, almost universally realised at present that the 031.001.0008 The dictatorship of the proletariat means a most determined and most 031.001.0009 I repeat: the experience of the victorious dictatorship of the 031.001.0010 This is often dwelt on. However, not nearly enough thought is given 031.001.0011 As a current of political thought and as a political party, 031.001.0012 The first questions to arise are: how is the discipline of the 031.001.0013 The fact that, in 1917-20, Bolshevism was able, under unprecedentedly 031.001.0014 On the one hand, Bolshevism arose in 1903 on a very firm foundation of 031.001.0015 On the other hand, Bolshevism, which had arisen on this granite 031.001.0016 () 031.001.0016 () III. The Principal Stages in the History of Bolshevism 031.001.0016 (+ 15 11) 26 031.001.0016 The years of preparation for revolution (1903-05). The approach 031.001.0017 The years of revolution (1905-07). All classes came out into the 031.001.0018 The years of reaction (1907-10). Tsarism was victorious. 031.001.0019 Victorious tsarism was compelled to speed up the destruction of 031.001.0020 The revolutionary parties had to complete their education. 031.001.0021 The years of revival (1910-14). At first progress was incredibly slow, 031.001.0022 The First Imperialist World War (1914-17). Legal parliamentarism, 031.001.0023 The second revolution in Russia (February to October 1917). 031.001.0024 In a few weeks the Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries thoroughly 031.001.0025 If the heroes of the Second International have all gone bankrupt 031.001.0026 Despite views that are today often to be met with in Europe and America, 031.001.0027 () 031.001.0027 () IV. The Struggle Against Which Enemies Within the Working-Class Movement Helped Bolshevism Develop, Gain Strength, and Become Steeled 031.001.0027 (+ 26 17) 43 031.001.0027 First and foremost, the struggle against opportunism, which in 1914 031.001.0028 It was, however, different with Bolshevism's other enemy within 031.001.0029 Anarchism was not infrequently a kind of penalty for the opportunist 031.001.0030 When it came into being in 1903, Bolshevism took over the tradition of 031.001.0031 History, incidentally, has now confirmed on a vast and world-wide 031.001.0032 The struggle that Bolshevism waged against "Left" deviations within 031.001.0033 In 1908 the "Left" Bolsheviks were expelled from our Party for 031.001.0034 The Bolsheviks' boycott of "parliament" in 1905 enriched the 031.001.0035 In 1918 things did not reach a split. At that time the "Left" 031.001.0036 Today, when I hear our tactics in signing the Brest-Litovsk Treaty 031.001.0037 Imagine that your car is held up by armed bandits. You hand them 031.001.0038 But when, in 1914-18 and then in 1918-20, the Mensheviks and 031.001.0039 The conclusion is clear: to reject compromises "on principle", to reject 031.001.0040 There are different kinds of compromises. One must be able to analyse 031.001.0041 To leave no room for misinterpretation, I shall attempt to outline, 031.001.0042 The party which entered into a compromise with the German imperialists 031.001.0043 The Mensheviks and the Socialist-Revolutionaries in Russia (like 031.001.0044 () 031.001.0044 () V. "Left-Wing" Communism in Germany. The Leaders, the Party, the Class, the Masses 031.001.0044 (+ 43 22) 65 031.001.0044 The German Communists we must now speak of call themselves, not 031.001.0045 Published by the "local group in Frankfurt am Main", a pamphlet 031.001.0046 "The Communist Party is the party of the most dedicated class 031.001.0047 "... Politically, the transitional period [between capitalism and 031.001.0048 "... The question arises: who is to exercise the dictatorship: the 031.001.0049 (All italics as in the original.) 031.001.0050 The author of the pamphlet goes on to accuse the Central Committee 031.001.0051 "The opposition have chosen another road. They are of the opinion that 031.001.0052 "... Consequently, two Communist parties are now arrayed against 031.001.0053 "One is a party of leaders, which is out to organise the revolutionary 031.001.0054 "The other is a mass party, which expects an upsurge of the 031.001.0055 "... There--the dictatorship of leaders; here--the dictatorship 031.001.0056 Such are the main features characterising the views of the opposition 031.001.0057 Any Bolshevik who has consciously participated in the development 031.001.0058 But let us examine these arguments a little more closely. 031.001.0059 The mere presentation of the question--"dictatorship of the party 031.001.0060 On the other hand, one can see simply a thoughtless and incoherent 031.001.0061 The divergence between "leaders" and "masses" was brought out with 031.001.0062 To go so far, in this connection, as to contrast, in general, the 031.001.0063 Repudiation of the Party principle and of Party discipline--that is 031.001.0064 Parallel with the question of the leaders--the party--the class--the 031.001.0065 In many countries, including the most advanced, the bourgeoisie are 031.001.0066 () 031.001.0066 () VI. Should Revolutionaries Work in Reactionary Trade Unions? 031.001.0066 (+ 65 20) 85 031.001.0066 The German "Lefts" consider that, as far as they are concerned, 031.001.0067 However firmly the German "Lefts" may be convinced of the 031.001.0068 To make this clear, I shall begin with our own experience, 031.001.0069 In Russia today, the connection between leaders, party, class and 031.001.0070 In its work, the Party relies directly on the trade unions, 031.001.0071 We consider that contacts with the "masses" through the trade 031.001.0072 Then, of course, all the work of the Party is carried on through 031.001.0073 Such is the general mechanism of the proletarian state power viewed 031.001.0074 We cannot but regard as equally ridiculous and childish nonsense the 031.001.0075 Capitalism inevitably leaves socialism the legacy, on the one hand, 031.001.0076 We can (and must) begin to build socialism, not with abstract human 031.001.0077 The trade unions were a tremendous step forward for the working class 031.001.0078 In the sense mentioned above, a certain "reactionism" in the trade 031.001.0079 Further. In countries more advanced than Russia, a certain reactionism 031.001.0080 We are waging a struggle against the "labour aristocracy" in the name 031.001.0081 This ridiculous "theory" that Communists should not work in 031.001.0082 These facts make crystal clear something that is confirmed by thousands 031.001.0083 It would be hard to imagine a greater ineptitude or greater harm 031.001.0084 There can be no doubt that the Gomperses, the Hendersons, the 031.001.0085 The Executive Committee of the Third International must, in my 031.001.0086 () 031.001.0086 () VII. Should We Participate in Bourgeois Parliaments? 031.001.0086 (+ 85 18) 103 031.001.0086 It is with the utmost contempt--and the utmost levity--that the 031.001.0087 "... All reversion to parliamentary forms of struggle, which have 031.001.0088 This is said with ridiculous pretentiousness, and is patently wrong. 031.001.0089 Parliamentarianism has become "historically obsolete". That is 031.001.0090 Is parliamentarianism "politically obsolete"? That is 031.001.0091 In the first place, contrary to the opinion of such outstanding 031.001.0092 Second, in the same pamphlet of the Frankfurt group of "Lefts", which 031.001.0093 "... The millions of workers who still follow the policy of the Centre 031.001.0094 Everything goes to show that this statement is far too sweeping 031.001.0095 Even if only a fairly large minority of the industrial workers, 031.001.0096 Third, the "Left" Communists have a great deal to say in praise 031.001.0097 The conclusion which follows from this is absolutely incontrovertible: 031.001.0098 Now let us examine the "Dutch-Left" arguments in favour of 031.001.0099 "When the capitalist system of production has broken down, and society 031.001.0100 The first sentence is obviously wrong, since action by the masses, 031.001.0101 The second sentence is, in the first place, historically wrong. 031.001.0102 In Western Europe and America, parliament has become most odious 031.001.0103 The German "Lefts" complain of bad "leaders" in their party, 031.001.0104 () 031.001.0104 () VIII. No Compromises? 031.001.0104 (+ 103 20) 123 031.001.0104 In the quotation from the Frankfurt pamphlet, we have seen how 031.001.0105 "`We are Communists' [the Blanquist Communards wrote in their 031.001.0106 "The German Communists are Communists because, through all the 031.001.0107 "What childish innocence it is to present one's own impatience 031.001.0108 In the same article, Engels expresses his profound esteem for Vaillant, 031.001.0109 Naturally, there are individual cases of exceptional difficulty and 031.001.0110 Nai:ve and quite inexperienced people imagine that the permissibility 031.001.0111 "... All compromise with other parties ... any policy of manoeuvring 031.001.0112 It is surprising that, with such views, these Lefts do not 031.001.0113 To carry on a war for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie, 031.001.0114 After the first socialist revolution of the proletariat, and the 031.001.0115 Our theory is not a dogma, but a guide to action, said Marx and Engels. 031.001.0116 Prior to the downfall of tsarism, the Russian revolutionary 031.001.0117 It is therefore understandable why the attacks made by the German Lefts 031.001.0118 One of the evident reasons was the erroneous tactics of the German 031.001.0119 The German Independent Social-Democratic Party is obviously 031.001.0120 Capitalism would not be capitalism if the proletariat pur sang were 031.001.0121 Lastly, one of the undoubted errors of the German "Lefts" lies in 031.001.0122 In the present situation, however, the German Communists should 031.001.0123 The imperialists of France, Britain, etc., are trying to provoke 031.001.0124 () 031.001.0124 () IX. "Left-Wing" Communist in Great Britain 031.001.0124 (+ 123 36) 159 031.001.0124 There is no Communist Party in Great Britain as yet, but there 031.001.0125 Thus, the main division is the same as in Germany, notwithstanding 031.001.0126 On the question of participation in Parliament, Comrade Sylvia 031.001.0127 "The above council," he writes, "is definitely anti-parliamentarian, 031.001.0128 "But this state of affairs cannot long continue. We are winning 031.001.0129 "The rank and file of the I.L.P. in Scotland is becoming more and more 031.001.0130 In my opinion, this letter to the editor expresses excellently the 031.001.0131 The writer of the letter is full of a noble and working-class hatred 031.001.0132 The writer of the letter fully realises that only workers' Soviets, 031.001.0133 It is true that the Hendersons, the Clyneses, the MacDonalds 031.001.0134 In his speech Lloyd George entered into a polemic with Asquith 031.001.0135 "... [i]f you go to the agricultural areas," writes Lloyd George, 031.001.0136 From this the reader will see that Mr. Lloyd George is not only 031.001.0137 Of definite interest is the following episode, which occurred 031.001.0138 "Mr. Wallace, M.P.: I should like to ask what the Prime Minister 031.001.0139 "The Prime Minister: I take a totally different view. The fact that 031.001.0140 It may be said, in passing, that this argument shows in particular 031.001.0141 The second political document is the following argument advanced 031.001.0142 "... Comrade Inkpin [the General Secretary of the British Socialist 031.001.0143 "We do not take this view of the Labour Party. The Labour Party 031.001.0144 "But we recognise that the great size of the Labour Party is 031.001.0145 "The British Labour Party, like the social-patriotic organisations 031.001.0146 "We must not dissipate our energy in adding to the strength of 031.001.0147 Thus the liberal bourgeoisie are abandoning the historical system 031.001.0148 "The Communist Party must not compromise... The Communist Party 031.001.0149 On the contrary, the fact that most British workers still follow 031.001.0150 The fundamental law of revolution, which has been confirmed by 031.001.0151 Incidentally, as can also be seen from Lloyd George's speech, 031.001.0152 I will put it more concretely. In my opinion, the British Communists 031.001.0153 If the Hendersons and the Snowdens accept a bloc on these terms, 031.001.0154 If the Hendersons and the Snowdens reject a bloc with us on these 031.001.0155 If the Hendersons and the Snowdens reject a block with the Communists, 031.001.0156 At present, British Communists very often find it hard even to approach 031.001.0157 If the objection is raised that these tactics are too "subtle" or too 031.001.0158 I cannot deal here with the second point of disagreement among the 031.001.0159 This, however, should be discussed, not in connection with British 031.001.0160 () 031.001.0160 () X. Several Conclusions 031.001.0160 (+ 159 23) 182 031.001.0160 The Russian bourgeois revolution of 1905 revealed a highly original 031.001.0161 The revolutions of February and October 1917 led to the all-round 031.001.0162 But that is not all. The history of the working-class movement now 031.001.0163 But while the working-class movement is everywhere going through 031.001.0164 It is now essential that Communists of every country should quite 031.001.0165 The proletarian vanguard has been won over ideologically. That is 031.001.0166 The immediate objective of the class-conscious vanguard of the 031.001.0167 As long as it was (and inasmuch as it still is) a question of winning 031.001.0168 The differences between the Churchills and the Lloyd Georges--with 031.001.0169 History as a whole, and the history of revolutions in particular, 031.001.0170 One will readily agree that an army which does not train to use 031.001.0171 Britain is an example. We cannot tell--no one can tell in advance--how 031.001.0172 In Great Britain the Communists should constantly, unremittingly 031.001.0173 In Great Britain, further, the work of propaganda, agitation and 031.001.0174 Since the proletarian revolution in Russia and its victories on 031.001.0175 When the Russian Cadets and Kerensky began furiously to hound the 031.001.0176 But at the same time, the bourgeoisie sees practically only one 031.001.0177 That which happened to such leaders of the Second International, such 031.001.0178 We must see to it that Communists do not make a similar mistake, 031.001.0179 The old forms burst assunder, for it turned out that their new 031.001.0180 The Communists must exert every effort to direct the working-class 031.001.0181 World revolution has been so powerfully stimulated and accelerated 031.001.0182 April 27, 1920 031.001.0183 () 031.001.0183 () Appendix 031.001.0183 Before publishing houses in our country--which has been plundered 031.001.0184 () 031.001.0184 () [Appendix] I. The Split Among the German Communists 031.001.0184 (+ 183 4) 187 031.001.0184 The split among the Communists in Germany is an accomplished fact. 031.001.0185 There is reason to fear that the split with the "Lefts", the 031.001.0186 Let the "Lefts" put themselves to a practical test on a national 031.001.0187 Only, every effort should be made to prevent the split with the "Lefts" 031.001.0188 () 031.001.0188 () [Appendix] II. The Communists and the Independents in Germany 031.001.0188 (+ 187 5) 192 031.001.0188 In this pamphlet I have expressed the opinion that a compromise 031.001.0189 In the main, this tactic is undoubtedly correct. Yet, even if 031.001.0190 "... A state of affairs in which political freedom can be enjoyed 031.001.0191 Such a state of affairs is impossible. Petty-bourgeois leaders, 031.001.0192 The real nature of the present leaders of the Independent 031.001.0193 () 031.001.0193 () [Appendix] III. Turati and Co. in Italy 031.001.0193 (+ 192 3) 195 031.001.0193 The issues of the Italian newspaper Il Soviet referred to above 031.001.0194 "... Signor Turati's opinion is that the revolutionary peril is 031.001.0195 It is clear as daylight that this British correspondent has blurted 031.001.0196 () 031.001.0196 () [Appendix] IV. False Conclusions From Correct Premises 031.001.0196 (+ 195 13) 208 031.001.0196 However, Comrade Bordiga and his "Left" friends draw from their 031.001.0197 Herein lies their fundamental error. In all fields of activity, 031.001.0198 Let us take, say, journalistic work. Newspapers, pamphlets and 031.001.0199 Parliamentarianism is one form of activity; journalism is another. 031.001.0200 Did we not, before the war of 1914-18, witness in all countries 031.001.0201 The childishness of those who "repudiate" participation in parliament 031.001.0202 You think, my dear boycottists and anti-parliamentarians that you are 031.001.0203 Under Soviet rule, your proletarian party and ours will be invaded 031.001.0204 Of course, under the rule of the bourgeoisie it is very "difficult" 031.001.0205 Yet all these "difficulties" are mere child's play compared with the 031.001.0206 If our "Left" and anti-parliamentarian comrades do not learn to 031.001.0207 Until the bourgeoisie has been overthrown and, after that, until 031.001.0208 May 12, 1920 031.001.0209 () 031.001.0209 () [Appendix] V. 031.001.0209 (+ 208 9) 217 031.001.0209 In the Russian edition of this book I somewhat incorrectly described 031.001.0210 N. Lenin 031.001.0211 () Letter from Wijnkoop 031.001.0211 Moscow, June 30, 1920 031.001.0212 Dear Comrade Lenin, 031.001.0213 Thanks to your kindness, we members of the Dutch delegation to the 031.001.0214 We feel, nevertheless, that we must protest against your laying 031.001.0215 Fraternally yours, 031.001.0216 D. J. Wijnkoop 031.001.0217 (on behalf of the Dutch delegation) 031.002.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.002.0000 () Speech Delivered at An All-Russia Congress of Glass and Porcelain Workers, April 29, 1920 031.002.0000: (+ 0 5) 5 031.002.0001 Yesterday brought us two pieces of news: the first is very bad--a 031.002.0002 We have information to the effect that even in Poland the Polish 031.002.0003 On the other hand, we received news from Baku yesterday which shows 031.002.0004 Comrade Tsyurupa, the People's Commissar for Food, informed me today 031.002.0005 After outlining the Republic's general position today in these few 031.003.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.003.0000 () From the First Subbotnik on the Moscow-Kazan Railway to the All-Russia May Day Subbotnik 031.003.0000: (+ 0 9) 9 031.003.0001 The distance indicated in the above title has been covered in a single 031.003.0002 We are not deceiving ourselves in the least about the little that 031.003.0003 This is the very first time since the overthrow of the tsars, 031.003.0004 In the main we have broken irrevocably with this "freedom" of the 031.003.0005 Down with the old social links, the old economic relationships, 031.003.0006 Let us build a new society! 031.003.0007 We were not daunted by defeats during the great revolutionary war 031.003.0008 We shall not be daunted by the gigantic difficulties and by the 031.003.0009 We have shifted a huge mountain, a huge mass of conservatism, 031.004.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.004.0000 () Speech at a Meeting Dedicated to the Laying of the Foundation Stone of a Monument to Liberated Labour, May 1, 1920 031.004.0000: (+ 0 1) 1 031.004.0001 (Comrade Lenin mounts the platform to unanimous applause from 031.005.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.005.0000 () Speech to Men of the Red Army Leaving for the Polish Front, May 5, 1920 031.005.0000: (+ 0 1) 1 031.005.0001 Comrades: You know that, instigated by the Entente, the Polish 031.006.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.006.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Joint Session of the All-Russia Central Executive Committee, the Moscow Soviet of Workers', Peasants' and Red Army Deputies, Trade Unions, and Factory Committees, May 5, 1920 031.006.0000: (+ 0 7) 7 031.006.0001 (Applause.) Comrades, I should like to draw your attention to a feature 031.006.0002 You remember how the most responsible and most powerful ministers of 031.006.0003 If, in our mind's eye, we follow the desperate situations our republic 031.006.0004 We can all clearly see the clash of the imperialist states' interests. 031.006.0005 We know that Poland's offensive is a relic of the old plan that once 031.006.0006 What is now taking place in all capitalist countries (and this will 031.006.0007 However, comrades, while working on economic problems and concentrating 031.007.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.007.0000 () Telegram to the Soviet Socialist Government of Azerbaijan 031.007.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.007.0001 Baku 031.007.0002 The Council of People's Commissars welcomes the liberation of the 031.007.0003 Long live the independent Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan! 031.007.0004 Long live the workers and peasants of Azerbaijan! 031.007.0005 Long live the alliance of the workers and peasants of Azerbaijan 031.007.0006 V. Ulyanov (Lenin) 031.007.0007 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars 031.007.0008 May 5, 1920 031.008.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.008.0000 () Speech at an Enlarged Conference of Workers and Red Army Men in Rogozhsko-Simonovsky District of Moscow, May 13, 1920 031.008.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.008.0001 The Soviet Republic is again going through a difficult period. 031.008.0002 Behind the Polish brougeoisie stand the capitalists of France, 031.008.0003 It is significant that no Entente power dares to come out openly 031.008.0004 The realisation by the masses of the causes and aims of the war is 031.008.0005 Our country has been exhausted by war, and we are prepared to make 031.008.0006 At present we are again obliged to issue the call, "Everything for 031.008.0007 We shall very soon convince the whole world of the justice of 031.008.0008 A British trade union delegation arrived in Petrograd yesterday. Few 031.009.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.009.0000 () To the Indian Revolutionary Association 031.009.0000: (+ 0 1) 1 031.009.0001 I am glad to hear that the principles of self-determination and the 031.010.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.010.0000 () Letter to the British Workers 031.010.0000: (+ 0 11) 11 031.010.0001 Comrades: 031.010.0002 First of all permit me to thank you for sending your delegation here 031.010.0003 I was not surprised to find that several members of your delegation 031.010.0004 Members of your delegation, Shaw and Guest--obviously surprised 031.010.0005 I had a conversation with your delegation on Wednesday, May 26. 031.010.0006 Members of the delegation asked me which I considered more important: 031.010.0007 Several members of your delegation questioned me with surprise about 031.010.0008 Two days after my talk with your delegation, the newspapers reported 031.010.0009 In conclusion, I want to thank you once again, comrades, for having 031.010.0010 N. Lenin 031.010.0011 30.5.1920 031.011.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.011.0000 () Preliminary Draft Theses on the National and the Colonial Questions 031.011.0000: (+ 0 24) 24 031.011.0001 In submitting for discussion by the Second Congress of the Communist 031.011.0002 N. Lenin 031.011.0003 June 5, 1920 031.011.0004 1) An abstract or formal posing of the problem of equality in general 031.011.0005 2) In conformity with its fundamental task of combating bourgeois 031.011.0006 3) The imperialist war of 1914-18 has very clearly revealed to all 031.011.0007 4) From these fundamental premises it follows that the Communist 031.011.0008 5) The world political situation has now placed the dictatorship of 031.011.0009 6) Consequently, one cannot at present confine oneself to a bare 031.011.0010 7) Federation is a transitional form to the complete unity of the 031.011.0011 8) In this respect, it is the task of the Communist International to 031.011.0012 9) The Communist International's national policy in the sphere of 031.011.0013 In all their propaganda and agitation--both within parliament and 031.011.0014 Without the latter condition, which is particularly important, 031.011.0015 10) Recognition of internationalism in word, and its replacement in deed 031.011.0016 Thus, in countries that are already fully capitalist and have workers' 031.011.0017 11) With regard to the more backward states and nations, in which 031.011.0018 first, that all Communist parties must assist the bourgeois-democratic 031.011.0019 second, the need for a struggle against the clergy and other 031.011.0020 third, the need to combat Pan-Islamism and similar trends, which strive 031.011.0021 fourth, the need, in backward countries, to give special support to 031.011.0022 fifth, the need for a determined struggle against attempts to give 031.011.0023 sixth, the need constantly to explain and expose among the broadest 031.011.0024 12) The ago-old oppression of colonial and weak nationalities by the 031.012.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.012.0000 () Preliminary Draft Theses on the Agrarian Question 031.012.0000: (+ 0 33) 33 031.012.0001 In his article, Comrade Marchlewski gave an excellent explanation 031.012.0002 These fundamentals can (and, I think, should) serve as the basis 031.012.0003 The following is a preliminary draft of that resolution. 031.012.0004 1) Only the urban and industrial proletariat, led by the Communist 031.012.0005 On the other hand, the industrial workers cannot accomplish their 031.012.0006 2) The working and exploited people of the countryside, whom the urban 031.012.0007 first, the agricultural proletariat, wage-labourers (by the year, 031.012.0008 second, the semi-proletarians or peasants who till tiny plots of land, 031.012.0009 third, the small peasantry, i.e., the small-scale tillers who, either 031.012.0010 At the same time the Communist Party must clearly realise that during 031.012.0011 3) Taken together, the three groups enumerated above constitute 031.012.0012 4) In the economic sense, one should understand by "middle peasants" 031.012.0013 The revolutionary proletariat cannot set itself the task--at least 031.012.0014 A combination of such measures with a ruthless struggle against the 031.012.0015 5) The big peasants (Grossbauern) are capitalist entrepreneurs in 031.012.0016 Following the victory of the proletariat in the cities, all sorts 031.012.0017 However, the expropriation even of the big peasants can in no way 031.012.0018 The special conditions which, in Russia, complicated and retarded 031.012.0019 6) The revolutionary proletariat must immediately and unreservedly 031.012.0020 Under no circumstances is it permissible for Communist parties to 031.012.0021 As to the mode of cultivation of the land that the victorious 031.012.0022 It would, however, be grossly erroneous to exaggerate or to stereotype 031.012.0023 First, the objection usually raised to this, namely, that large-scale 031.012.0024 Second, not merely an increase but even the preservation of large-scale 031.012.0025 Third, in all capitalist countries, even the most advanced, there still 031.012.0026 The implements and stock of the big farms must be confiscated without 031.012.0027 In the period immediately following the proletarian revolution, 031.012.0028 7) The victory of socialism over capitalism and the consolidation 031.012.0029 It is in the countryside that a genuine possibility of a successful 031.012.0030 8) The enormous difficulty of organising and training for the 031.012.0031 This Congress of the Communist International brands as traitors and 031.012.0032 In particular, it should be pointed out that the leaders of the old 031.012.0033 9) The Communist parties must exert every effort to begin, as speedily 031.013.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.013.0000 () Kommunismus 031.013.0000: (+ 0 11) 11 031.013.0001 This excellent journal, which is published in Vienna under the above 031.013.0002 The excellent journal Kommunismus reveals three symptoms of this 031.013.0003 G. L.'s article is very Left-wing, and very poor. Its Marxism is 031.013.0004 No. 14 (April 17, 1920), carries an article by Comrade B. K., 031.013.0005 I consider that impermissible. 031.013.0006 Lastly, Comrade B. K.'s article in Kommunismus No. 18, which I have 031.013.0007 "An active boycott," the author writes, "means that the Communist 031.013.0008 This is a gem. This demolishes the anti-parliamentarians better than 031.013.0009 Bravo, bravo, Comrade B. K.! By your defence of anti-parliamentarianism 031.013.0010 N. Lenin 031.013.0011 12.6.1920 031.014.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.014.0000 () Speech Delivered at the Second All-Russia Conference of Organisers Responsible for Rural Work, June 12, 1920 031.014.0000: (+ 0 23) 23 031.014.0001 Comrades, I am very glad to be able to greet you who have come to 031.014.0002 As regards the Republic's international standing, you are of course 031.014.0003 We were prepared to make concessions no other government can make; 031.014.0004 These capitalists in Britain and France imagine that it is they who 031.014.0005 These capitalists have fixed the Polish boundaries much farther to the 031.014.0006 These gentlemen, these capitalist tradesmen, cannot act contrary to 031.014.0007 With their tradesmen's reasoning, they could only interpret 031.014.0008 We find the same thing with the Polish offensive. This is another 031.014.0009 Why is that so? It is because their League of Nations is a league 031.014.0010 As a matter of fact, they are even now boasting that Latvia, Rumania 031.014.0011 Comrades, despite the successes we are gaining on the Polish front, 031.014.0012 We have given Kolchak, Denikin and Yudenich a sound thrashing, 031.014.0013 The slogan must be--everything for the war effort! Otherwise we shall 031.014.0014 Until complete victory is won in this war, we must guarantee ourselves 031.014.0015 We must ask ourselves: have we bent every effort, have we made 031.014.0016 That is why faults like these must be treated with ruthless severity. 031.014.0017 We receive reports about the situation in the outlying regions, from 031.014.0018 We maintain that the workers who have assumed the burdens and have 031.014.0019 I should also like to dwell, comrades, on a question of importance 031.014.0020 We also have the apparatus of the Vsevobuch, which, together with 031.014.0021 The Soviet government employs hundreds of thousands of office workers, 031.014.0022 If this is done, and if you employ your forces properly, you will 031.014.0023 In this sphere too, as in all others, I wish you success. 031.015.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.015.0000 () Telephone Message to the Presidium of the All-Russia Food Conference, July 1, 1920 031.015.0000: (+ 0 4) 4 031.015.0001 Comrades, I would have liked very much to attend your meeting and say 031.015.0002 But we cannot, of course, rest content with the results achieved. 031.015.0003 I also hope that you will help our economic development by establishing 031.015.0004 The successes you have already achieved in food affairs oblige you more 031.016.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.016.0000 () Aid for the Wounded of the Red Army! 031.016.0000: (+ 0 4) 4 031.016.0001 Thanks to the heroism of the factory workers and of all working people, 031.016.0002 Let each man in the rear be mindful of his duty and help the wounded 031.016.0003 N. Lenin 031.016.0004 July 2, 1920 031.017.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.017.0000 () Theses on the Fundamental Tasks of the Second Congress of the Communist International 031.017.0000: (+ 0 45) 45 031.017.0001 1. The present stage in the development of the international communist 031.017.0002 On the other hand, two errors, or failings, are to be observed in 031.017.0003 Communists are in duty bound, not to gloss over shortcomings in their 031.017.0004 () I. The Essence of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat and of Soviet Power 031.017.0004 2. The victory of socialism (as the first stage of communism) over 031.017.0005 The first and second tasks are independent ones, each requiring its own 031.017.0006 3. In the concrete situation created throughout the world, and above all 031.017.0007 On the other hand, the idea, common among the old parties and the old 031.017.0008 4. Victory over capitalism calls for proper relations between the 031.017.0009 () II. What Immediate and Universal Preparation for the Dictatorship of the Proletariat Should Consist In 031.017.0009 5. The present stage in the development of the international communist 031.017.0010 Hence, from the point of view of the international proletarian movement, 031.017.0011 6. The proletariat's conquest of political power does not put a stop 031.017.0012 7. In particular, we must not restrict ourselves to the usual 031.017.0013 8. The dictatorship of the proletariat is the most determined and 031.017.0014 9. The dictatorship of the proletariat means that all toiling and 031.017.0015 In all organisations, unions and associations without exception, 031.017.0016 In this connection, it is of the utmost importance that necessary 031.017.0017 10. In particular, there is a group or cell of Communists that deserves 031.017.0018 11. One of the chief causes hampering the revolutionary working-class 031.017.0019 The proletariat becomes revolutionary only insofar as it does not 031.017.0020 In particular, the Communist Party and all advanced proletarians must 031.017.0021 12. In all countries, even in those that are freest, most "legal", 031.017.0022 On the other hand, it is likewise necessary that, in all cases 031.017.0023 A combination of illegal and legal work is an absolute principle 031.017.0024 13. In particular, the conditions of the working-class press in 031.017.0025 To combat this, the Communist parties must create a new type of 031.017.0026 Preparations for the dictatorship of the proletariat is impossible 031.017.0027 () III. Rectification of the Political Line--Partly Also of the Composition--of Parties Affiliated or Desiring to Affiliate to the Communist International 031.017.0027 14. The measure in which the proletariat in countries most important 031.017.0028 15. All the activities of the parties mentioned (to which should be 031.017.0029 Accordingly, the Second Congress of the Communist International must 031.017.0030 1) All decisions of all Congresses of the Communist International 031.017.0031 2) These decisions to be discussed at special meetings of all 031.017.0032 3) After such discussion, special congresses of the parties to be 031.017.0033 4) Purging the parties of elements that continue to act in the spirit 031.017.0034 5) All periodical publications of the parties to be placed under 031.017.0035 The Second Congress of the Third International should instruct its 031.017.0036 16. As to the question of the conduct of Communists now holding a 031.017.0037 At the same time, the Second Congress of the Third International should 031.017.0038 17. Concerning the Socialist Party of Italy, the Second Congress of 031.017.0039 Accordingly, the Second Congress of the Third International requests 031.017.0040 18. The Second Congress of the Third International considers erroneous 031.017.0041 Nevertheless, the Second Congress of the Third International considers 031.017.0042 For this reason, the Second Congress of the Third International requests 031.017.0043 19. In this connection, the Congress draws the attention of all 031.017.0044 The Congress therefore considers it the duty of all Communists to do 031.017.0045 July 4, 1920 031.018.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.018.0000 () Reply to a Letter from the Joint Provisional Committee for the Communist Party of Britain 031.018.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.018.0001 I have received a letter from the Joint Provisional Committee for 031.018.0002 N. Lenin 031.018.0003 8.7.1920 031.019.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.019.0000 () Telephone Message to J. V. Stalin 031.019.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.019.0001 A Note has been received from Curzon. He proposes an armistice with 031.019.0002 Such is the Curzon Note. I ask Stalin: 031.019.0003 1) to expedite execution of the order to furiously intensify 031.019.0004 2) to inform me of his (Stalin's) opinion. 031.019.0005 For my part, I think that all this is a piece of knavery aimed at 031.019.0006 Lenin 031.019.0007 Stalin's reply to be recorded and sent on to me by telephone. 031.019.0008 Lenin 031.020.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.020.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.020.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.020.0001 17.7.1920 031.020.0002 The Central Committee plenum has adopted almost in full the proposals 031.020.0003 Lenin 031.021.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.021.0000 () The Terms of Admission into the Communist International 031.021.0000: (+ 0 29) 29 031.021.0001 The First, Inaugural Congress of the Communist International did not 031.021.0002 It is in a different situation that the Second World Congress 031.021.0003 Parties and groups only recently affiliated to the Second International 031.021.0004 The desire of certain leading "Centre" groups to join the Third 031.021.0005 In certain circumstances, the Communist International may be faced 031.021.0006 Besides, some of the big parties (Italy, Sweden), in which the 031.021.0007 No Communist should foget the lessons of the Hungarian Soviet Republic. 031.021.0008 In view of all this, the Second World Congress deems it necessary 031.021.0009 The Second Congress of the Communist International resolves that 031.021.0010 1. Day-by-day propaganda and agitation must be genuinely communist 031.021.0011 2. Any organisation that wishes to join the Communist International 031.021.0012 3. In countries where a state of seige or emergency legislation 031.021.0013 4. Persistent and systematic propaganda and agitation must be 031.021.0014 5. Regular and systematic agitation is indispensable in the 031.021.0015 6. It is the duty of any party wishing to belong to the Third 031.021.0016 7. It is the duty of parties wishing to belong to the Communist 031.021.0017 The Communist International demands imperatively and uncompromisingly 031.021.0018 8. Parties in countries whose bourgeoisie possess colonies and oppress 031.021.0019 9. It is the duty of any party wishing to join the Communist 031.021.0020 10. It is the duty of any party belonging to the Communist International 031.021.0021 11. It is the duty of parties wishing to join the Third International 031.021.0022 12. The periodical and non-periodical press, and all publishing 031.021.0023 13. Parties belonging to the Communist International must be organised 031.021.0024 14. Communist parties in countries where Communists can conduct their 031.021.0025 15. It is the duty of any party wishing to join the Communist 031.021.0026 16. It is the duty of parties which have still kept their old 031.021.0027 17. All decisions of the Communist International's congresses and of 031.021.0028 18. In view of the foregoing, parties wishing to join the Communist 031.021.0029 19. After the conclusion of the proceedings of the Second World 031.022.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.022.0000 () Article Twenty of the Terms of Admission into the Communist International 031.022.0000: (+ 0 1) 1 031.022.0001 Parties which now wish to join the Third International but have not 031.023.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.023.0000 () The Second Congress of the Communist International 031.023.0000: (+ 0 104) 104 031.023.0001 () 1. Report on the International Situation and the Fundamental Tasks of the Communist International, July 19 031.023.0001 (+ 0 51) 51 031.023.0001 (An ovation breaks out. All present rise to their feet and applaud. 031.023.0002 Imperialism's economic relations constitute the core of the entire 031.023.0003 This domination by a handful of capitalists achieved full development 031.023.0004 The first imperialist war of 1914-18 was the inevitable outcome of 031.023.0005 Today, after this "peaceful" period, we see a monstrous intensification 031.023.0006 How many nations are the beneficiaries? To answer this question 031.023.0007 Thus you get the broad outlines of the picutre of the world as it 031.023.0008 Of course, these figures give the economic picture of the world only 031.023.0009 Not only have the colonial and the defeated countries been reduced 031.023.0010 Let us take the national debts. We know that the debts of the 031.023.0011 What are the debtor-creditor relations that have developed between 031.023.0012 Of course, it is not only or even not at all a question of the 031.023.0013 In regard to France, Keynes quotes the following figures: her assets 031.023.0014 A bourgeois American source, quoted by Comrade Braun, a Communist, 031.023.0015 In this, however, Keynes reveals the usual crankiness of the philistine: 031.023.0016 These few figures go to show that the imperialist war has created 031.023.0017 In the United States of America food prices have risen, on the average, 031.023.0018 In such circumstances, the workers' mounting resentment, the growth of 031.023.0019 Even if America deports to our country, not 500 but 500,000 Russian, 031.023.0020 In his pamphlet Britain and the World Revolution, valuable extracts 031.023.0021 In Lancashire things have gone so far that shares are at a 031.023.0022 This fact shows that the "mechanism" of the world capitalist economy 031.023.0023 Thus we have a situation in which America, a wealthy country 031.023.0024 In consequence of all this, two conditions, two fundamental situations, 031.023.0025 On the other hand, the workers in each of the creditor countries 031.023.0026 If, on the one hand, the economic position 031.023.0027 We now have before us a somewhat more complete picture of the whole 031.023.0028 We saw this in the case of the wars against Russia. Weak, ruined and 031.023.0029 Such is the situation created by the League of Nations. Every day 031.023.0030 Comrades, we have now come to the question of the revolutionary crisis 031.023.0031 This is a mistake. There is no such thing as an absolutely hopeless 031.023.0032 It is mainly to prepare this "proof" that we have gathered at this 031.023.0033 To illustrate to what extent opportunism still prevails among parties 031.023.0034 But MacDonald remains a thorough-paced bourgeois pacifist 031.023.0035 That is what has been written by a man who is leader of a party 031.023.0036 That is the main evil in very many parties which are now leaving 031.023.0037 Here is another example. A new book against Bolshevism was 031.023.0038 Otto Bauer has excellently expressed in a single sentence the 031.023.0039 You may think that this sounds queer and unintelligible. 031.023.0040 Perhaps my example sounds something like a jest. 031.023.0041 Here we must ask: how is the persistence of such trends in Europe 031.023.0042 Before the war, it was calculated that the three richest 031.023.0043 It goes without saying that, out of this tidy sum, at least 031.023.0044 I shall not dwell on the concrete manner in which we must 031.023.0045 Compared with this task, the rectification of the errors of the 031.023.0046 Comrades, in conclusion I shall deal with one other aspect of 031.023.0047 The imperialist war has helped the revolution: from the colonies, 031.023.0048 Much work will have to be done; errors will be inevitable; 031.023.0049 Now, a year or a little more after the First Congress of the 031.023.0050 The groundword has been laid for the Soviet movement all over 031.023.0051 The proposition that the exploited must rise up against the 031.023.0052 () 2. Speech on the Role of the Communist Party, July 23 031.023.0052 (+ 51 5) 56 031.023.0052 Comrades, I would like to make a few remarks concerning the speeches 031.023.0053 True enough, in the era of capitalism, when the masses of the workers 031.023.0054 I now come to the third question I want to touch upon in connection 031.023.0055 I will now deal with some of Comrade McLaine's arguments concerning 031.023.0056 Comrades Tanner and Ramsay tell us that the majority of British 031.023.0057 () 3. Report of the Commission on the National and the Colonial Questions, July 26 031.023.0057 (+ 56 13) 69 031.023.0057 Comrades, I shall confine myself to a brief introduction, after which 031.023.0058 First, what is the cardinal idea underlying our theses? 031.023.0059 The characteristic feature of imperialism consists in the whole world, 031.023.0060 The second basic idea in our theses is that, in the present world 031.023.0061 Third, I should like especially to emphasise the question of the 031.023.0062 Next, I would like to make a remark on the subject of peasants' Soviets. 031.023.0063 This opens up a very interesting and very important field for our 031.023.0064 There was quite a lively debate on this question in the commission, 031.023.0065 The question was posed as follows: are we to consider as correct 031.023.0066 The necessary means for this cannot be indicated in advance. 031.023.0067 I would also like to emphasise the importance of revolutionary 031.023.0068 Comrade Quelch of the British Socialist Party spoke of this 031.023.0069 All these consideration have formed the basis of our resolutions, 031.023.0070 () 4. Speech on the Terms of Admission into the Communist International, July 30 031.023.0070 (+ 69 16) 85 031.023.0070 Comrades, Serrati has said that we have not yet invented a 031.023.0071 I would like to say only a few words about Comrade Crispien. 031.023.0072 When Comrade Crispien now says that the dictatorship of the proletariat 031.023.0073 "We are leaders elected by the masses," Comrade Crispien continues. 031.023.0074 In what kind of tone does Comrade Crispien speak of the split? 031.023.0075 In the general and world-historical sense, it is true that 031.023.0076 What does Crispien say about terror and coercion? 031.023.0077 Then there is the agrarian question. Here Crispien has got very 031.023.0078 Although Crispien did say: "You cannot deny that we have our 031.023.0079 Comrades Wijnkoop and Mu:nzenberg have expressed dissatisfaction 031.023.0080 Of course, we have no instrument for measuring sincerity, as Serrati 031.023.0081 Serrati was wrong in saying: "In France the situation is not 031.023.0082 Even if the situation is non-revolutionary, the Second International 031.023.0083 Serrati merely repeats what Crispien has said. We do not mean 031.023.0084 That is why we must say to the Italian comrades and all parties 031.023.0085 We ask our Italian comrades to call a congress and have our theses 031.023.0086 () 5. Speech on Parliamentarianism, August 2 031.023.0086 (+ 85 10) 95 031.023.0086 Comrade Bordiga seems to have wanted to defend the Italian Marxists' 031.023.0087 Comrade Bordiga has admitted that historical experience is not 031.023.0088 You have said that the trade unions are also opportunist, that they, 031.023.0089 This was to be seen in the case of Russia too. We were obliged 031.023.0090 Comrade Souchy, a revolutionary syndicalist, advocated the same 031.023.0091 Taking account of these backward elements, we had to proclaim 031.023.0092 It has been claimed here that it is a waste of time to participate 031.023.0093 If you say: "Fellow workers, we are so weak that we cannot form a 031.023.0094 You are very nai:ve if you think that the intelligentsia, 031.023.0095 If you do not harbour this illusion, you should begin right away 031.023.0096 () 6. Speech on Affiliation to the British Labour Party, August 6 031.023.0096 (+ 95 9) 104 031.023.0096 Comrades, Comrade Gallacher began his speech by expressing 031.023.0097 First of all, I should like to mention a slight inaccuracy on 031.023.0098 We have also heard another point of view, defended by Comrade Sylvia 031.023.0099 It is our aim to integrate this new and excellent revolutionary 031.023.0100 Sylvia Pankhurst also asked: "Is it possible for a Communist Party 031.023.0101 In a private talk, Comrade Pankhurst said to me: "If we are real 031.023.0102 The comrades have emphasised that the labour aristocracy is stronger 031.023.0103 Comrades Gallacher and Sylvia Pankhurst cannot deny that. 031.023.0104 If the British Communist Party starts by acting in a revolutionary 031.024.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.024.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.024.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.024.0001 To Stalin 031.024.0002 We have just decided, in the Political Bureau, that the Army Groups 031.024.0003 Lenin 031.025.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.025.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.025.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.025.0001 To Stalin 031.025.0002 A plenary session of the Central Committee has been called for 1800 031.025.0003 Lenin 031.026.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.026.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.026.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.026.0001 To Stalin 031.026.0002 We have just received a dispatch from the head of the Soviet 031.026.0003 Lenin 031.027.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.027.0000 () Letter to the Austrian Communists 031.027.0000: (+ 0 11) 11 031.027.0001 The Austrian Communist Party has decided to boycott the elections 031.027.0002 Judging by reports of the Austrian Communist Party's delegates, 031.027.0003 The Austrian Social-Democrats are behaving in the bourgeois parliament, 031.027.0004 One of the Austrian Communists' arguments against participation 031.027.0005 "Parliament is of importance to Communists only as a platform for 031.027.0006 I consider this argument erroneous. As long as we are unable 031.027.0007 As long as we Communists are unable to take over state power 031.027.0008 The proletariat must know all this, so as to learn to see through 031.027.0009 No, the Austrian Communists will not be frightened by the malicious glee 031.027.0010 N. Lenin 031.027.0011 August 15, 1920 031.028.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.028.0000 () The Second Congress of the Communist International 031.028.0000: (+ 0 13) 13 031.028.0001 The Second Congress of the Communist International ended on August 7. 031.028.0002 Held a year ago, the First Congress only unfurled the banner of 031.028.0003 The huge measure of success achieved in a year can be seen, 031.028.0004 In every country of the world the finest representatives of the 031.028.0005 The Congress refused to admit immediately into the Communist 031.028.0006 In a number of precisely worded resolutions, the Congress blocked 031.028.0007 The Congress rectified the errors committed in certain countries 031.028.0008 The Congress created a degree of unity and discipline among the worlds' 031.028.0009 Thanks to the international conference of working women which was 031.028.0010 Communist parties and groups in the East, in the colonial and 031.028.0011 Great are the military victories of the workers' and peasants' 031.028.0012 But greater still is our victory over the minds and hearts of 031.028.0013 The revolution of the proletariat, the overthrow of the yoke of 031.029.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.029.0000 () Reply to Mr. Segrue, Daily News Correspondent 031.029.0000: (+ 0 6) 6 031.029.0001 With reference to your telegraphic inquiry of September 3, 1920, 031.029.0002 If, however, you consider that the reports by the French, the German 031.029.0003 Let the two of us reach an understanding--you on behalf of the 031.029.0004 I hope that you, who in your telegram call yourself an honest 031.029.0005 Lenin 031.029.0006 September 8, 1920 031.030.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.030.0000 () Speech Delivered at the Ninth All-Russia Conference of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks), September 22, 1920 031.030.0000: (+ 0 16) 16 031.030.0001 The war against Poland, or, to be more precise, the July-August 031.030.0002 The Poles' attack against us was preceded by an episode typical 031.030.0003 The undoubtedly difficult situation that resulted has not been 031.030.0004 Our army's close approach to Warsaw has incontestably shown that the 031.030.0005 The new situation which has arisen has, in the first place, revealed 031.030.0006 Our presence at the walls of Warsaw has had, as another consequence, 031.030.0007 Alarmed by these developments, the British press raised a hullabaloo 031.030.0008 These tremendous changes in the British working-class movement 031.030.0009 Such are the results of our recent Polish campaign in its effect 031.030.0010 We are now faced with the question of war or peace with Poland. 031.030.0011 In Western Europe our defeat has brought about certain changes 031.030.0012 We have against us a bloc consisting of Poland, France and Wrangel. 031.030.0013 Another factor of the utmost importance has appeared--the change in 031.030.0014 If we have to wage a winter campaign, we shall win despite exhaustion 031.030.0015 We now have over a hundred million poods of oil. 031.030.0016 All this gives us the right to say that, if we close our ranks and bend 031.031.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.031.0000 () Letter to the German and the French Workers 031.031.0000: (+ 0 10) 10 031.031.0001 Comrades, the bourgeois press of Germany and France is devoting much 031.031.0002 That can be readily understood, for these Right-wing elements are 031.031.0003 All the clamour about Moscow's "dictates", etc., is simply a red 031.031.0004 Since exceptions are expressly declared to be permissible, there can 031.031.0005 All this clamour is simply a red herring. In fact, a struggle is going 031.031.0006 By their constant veering towards reformism and Menshevism, 031.031.0007 The events in Italy should open eyes most stubbornly closed to the 031.031.0008 It is high time to discard, once and for all, these most harmful 031.031.0009 N. Lenin 031.031.0010 September 24, 1920 031.032.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.032.0000 () The Task of the Youth Leagues 031.032.0000: (+ 0 56) 56 031.032.0001 (The Congress greets Lenin with a tremendous ovation.) Comrades, 031.032.0002 It is all the more necessary to dwell on this question because in a 031.032.0003 And so, in dealing from this angle with the tasks confronting the youth, 031.032.0004 Of course, this is only a "single word". It does not reply to the 031.032.0005 I must say that the first and most natural reply would seem to be 031.032.0006 But this reply--"learn communism"--is too general. What do we need 031.032.0007 Naturally, the first thought that enters one's mind is that learning 031.032.0008 One of the greatest evils and misfortunes left to us by the old, 031.032.0009 That is why it would be most mistaken merely to assimilate book 031.032.0010 It would be still more dangerous to set about assimilating only 031.032.0011 The question arises: how is all this to be blended for the study of 031.032.0012 This brings me to the reproaches and accusations which we constantly 031.032.0013 The old schools provided purely book knowledge; they compelled their 031.032.0014 You have read and heard that communist theory--the science of communism 031.032.0015 We must bear this in mind when, for example, we talk about proletarian 031.032.0016 When we so often hear representatives of the youth, as well as certain 031.032.0017 We have no need of cramming, but we do need to develop and perfect 031.032.0018 The old schools produced servants needed by the capitalists; the old 031.032.0019 We are replacing the old drill-sergeant methods practised in bourgeois 031.032.0020 That is the way the main tasks should be presented when we speak 031.032.0021 I shall take a practical example to make this clear to you, 031.032.0022 It was the task of the older generation to overthrow the bourgeoisie. 031.032.0023 That is the task you should pursue in educating, training and rousing 031.032.0024 This naturally brings me to the question of how we should teach 031.032.0025 I first of all shall deal here with the question of communist ethics. 031.032.0026 You must train yourselves to be Communists. It is the task of the 031.032.0027 But is there such a thing as communist ethics? Is there such a thing 031.032.0028 In what sense do we reject ethics, reject morality? 031.032.0029 In the sense given to it by the bourgeoisie, who based ethics on God's 031.032.0030 We reject any morality based on extra-human and extra-class concepts. 031.032.0031 We say that our morality is entirely subordinated to the interests 031.032.0032 The old society was based on the oppression of all the workers and 031.032.0033 This unity could be provided only by the factories, only by a 031.032.0034 That is why we say that to us there is no such thing as a morality 031.032.0035 What does that class stuggle consist in? It consists in overthrowing 031.032.0036 What are classes in general? Classes are that which permits 031.032.0037 It was not difficult to drive out the tsar--that required only a few 031.032.0038 The class struggle is continuing; it has merely changed its forms. 031.032.0039 Communist morality is that which serves this struggle and unites the 031.032.0040 But suppose I take a pice of this common property and grow on it 031.032.0041 The old society was based on the principle: rob or be robbed; 031.032.0042 If I work this plot of land, I do not care a rap for anybody else; 031.032.0043 That is the reply to the question of how the young and rising 031.032.0044 It can learn communism only by linking up every step in its studies, 031.032.0045 To achieve this we need that generation of young people who began 031.032.0046 We could not believe in teaching, training and education if they were 031.032.0047 To make this clearer to you, I shall quote an example. We call 031.032.0048 Is it possible to work in common if each one works separately on his 031.032.0049 I have replied to the questions of what we must learn, what we must 031.032.0050 I shall quote a few examples from the experience of the work of some 031.032.0051 Take, for example, work in the suburban vegetable gardens. Is that not 031.032.0052 The Young Communist League must be a shock force, helping in every job 031.032.0053 If the Young Communist League fails to organise its work in this way 031.032.0054 The members of the League should use every spare hour to improve 031.032.0055 It is the task of the Young Communist League to organise assistance 031.032.0056 The generation of people who are now at the age of fifty cannot 031.033.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.033.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Congress of Leather Industry Workers, October 2, 1920 031.033.0000: (+ 0 21) 21 031.033.0001 Comrades, in compliance with the wish expressed by the organisers 031.033.0002 You are all, of course, aware of the present gravity of our position 031.033.0003 That was last April, and you know that at first Poland replied to our 031.033.0004 The Poles have forced the war on us; we know that it was not even 031.033.0005 Such are the conditions in which this war began. It marked a new 031.033.0006 I could speak of this at greater length, but, in keeping with the topic 031.033.0007 On July 12, as you very likely remember, we suddenly received a telegram 031.033.0008 I think that this is a last attempt (and this is undoubtedly important 031.033.0009 When we were victoriously pressing our offensive on Poland, the whole 031.033.0010 Had Poland turned Soviet, had the Warsaw workers received from Soviet 031.033.0011 Therein lies the international significance of this Polish war. 031.033.0012 I repeat that this was a tremendous turning-point in British politics. 031.033.0013 The entire British bourgeois press declared that the Council of Action 031.033.0014 You know how the European crisis has affected Italy. 031.033.0015 That was the course taken by the Polish war. That is why, while 031.033.0016 We have now fallen back very far to the east. 031.033.0017 As long as Wrangel has a crack officer army he can rely on it; 031.033.0018 That is how matters stand with regard to the international situation. 031.033.0019 Both the leather workers' union and this assembly, which represents 031.033.0020 I appeal to you to follow the example of our Petrograd workers, who 031.033.0021 What we must ask ourselves is: have we done everything in our power 031.034.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.034.0000 () To the Poor Peasants of the Ukraine 031.034.0000: (+ 0 7) 7 031.034.0001 Comrades, the tsarist general Wrangel is building up his offensive 031.034.0002 Comrades, the Ukrainian countryside has endured unparalleled sufferings 031.034.0003 Comrades, rise up to a man to hurl Wrangel back. Let all committees 031.034.0004 Rally for aid to the Red Army! 031.034.0005 Death to the oppressor landowners! 031.034.0006 Lenin 031.034.0007 2.10.1920 031.035.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.035.0000 () On Proletarian Culture 031.035.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.035.0001 We see from Izvestia of October 8 that, in his address to the Proletcult 031.035.0002 It is necessary that a draft resolution (of the Proletcult Congress) 031.035.0003 () Draft Resolution 031.035.0003 1) All educational work in the Soviet Republic of workers and peasants, 031.035.0004 2) Hence, the proletariat, both through its vanguard--the Communist 031.035.0005 3) All the experience of modern history and, particularly, the more than 031.035.0006 4) Marxism has won its historic significance as the ideology of the 031.035.0007 5) Adhering unswervingly to this stand of principle, the All-Russia 031.035.0008 Comrade Lunacharsky says that his words have been distorted. 031.036.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.036.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Conference of Chairmen of Uyezd, Volost and Village Executive Committees of Moscow Gubernia, October 15, 1920 031.036.0000: (+ 0 14) 14 031.036.0001 Comrades, in my report on the domestic and the external position of 031.036.0002 For over a month and right down to the present, our troops were 031.036.0003 Many of you may have read in the newspapers the American Government's 031.036.0004 When we Bolsheviks started the revolution, we said that it could and 031.036.0005 For several years Britain's Secretary for War Churchill has been 031.036.0006 The third ally, Wrangel, who fought for the return of the whole of 031.036.0007 The experience of world politics has shown that the alliance against 031.036.0008 Thus, the campaign against the Peace of Versailles, the campaign against 031.036.0009 That is an example of what the Polish war has brought to light. 031.036.0010 I shall now turn from international politics, where the clash with the 031.036.0011 In dealing with events at home, I must say that Wrangel is the chief 031.036.0012 Wrangel's troops are better equipped with guns, tanks, and aircraft 031.036.0013 We know that in our devastated country the peasant economy has been 031.036.0014 The workers and peasants are working together, without the landowners 031.037.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.037.0000 () Concluding Remarks at a Conference of Chairmen of Uyezd, Volost and Village Executive Committees of Moscow Gubernia, October 15, 1920 031.037.0000: (+ 0 5) 5 031.037.0001 Comrades, I shall have to confine myself to some brief concluding 031.037.0002 The position of the Soviet Republic is most grave, which made us hurry 031.037.0003 From Siberia we had to bring up troops to the Wrangel front, and in 031.037.0004 That is something I cannot and will not say. State your views precisely, 031.037.0005 I shall conclude my brief remarks by reminding you of what I said at 031.038.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.038.0000 () Telegram to the Soviet Government of the Ukraine and the General Headquarters of the Southern Front 031.038.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.038.0001 In reply to your telegram concerning the poor peasants I am informing 031.038.0002 Lenin 031.038.0003 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars 031.039.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.039.0000 () A Contribution to the History of the Question of the Dictatorship 031.039.0000: (+ 0 51) 51 031.039.0001 The question of the dictatorship of the proletariat is the fundamental 031.039.0002 With reference to Russia, special importance attaches, as far as 031.039.0003 The last three months of that year--October, November and December--were 031.039.0004 For the first time in world history, the revolutionary struggle attained 031.039.0005 The mass strikes and the armed uprising raised, as a matter of course, 031.039.0006 In Russia, immediately after the defeat of the armed uprising of 031.039.0007 By that time, the disputes as to the significance of the Soviets were 031.039.0008 Even before the revolution of 1905, I analysed, in the afore-mentioned 031.039.0009 Indeed, when the revolution has already become an unquestioned force, 031.039.0010 "In his notes to Marx's articles in Die Neue Rheinische Zeitung of 1848, 031.039.0011 "'After a revolution,' Die Neue Rheinische Zeitung wrote on September 031.039.0012 "These words, Mehring justly remarks, sum up in a few propositions all 031.039.0013 "'A Constituent National Assembly', Marx wrote, 'must first of all 031.039.0014 "That is the meaning of the slogan: dictatorship.... 031.039.0015 "Major questions in the life of nations are settled only by force. 031.039.0016 That was how the Bolsheviks reasoned on the dictatorship before the 031.039.0017 After the experience of this revolution, I made a detailed study of 031.039.0018 "At the moment when the firing in Moscow was subsiding, and when the 031.039.0019 To proceed. It would be highly opportune at this point to quote the 031.039.0020 In other words, like the Cadets, R. Blank contraposed the Bolsheviks, 031.039.0021 This is how I answered Mr. R. Blank in the above-mentioned pamphlet 031.039.0022 "Mr. Blank compares two periods of the Russian revolution. The first 031.039.0023 "Regarding this period, Mr. Blank says that the turn of intellect 031.039.0024 "Mr. Blank's main assertion is merely a statement of fact: the whole 031.039.0025 "Is that true? What is the first and main `pillar' of Marxist theory? 031.039.0026 "But what was the real reason that induced Mr. Blank to come to the 031.039.0027 "What is it that mainly distinguished the period of the `revolutionary 031.039.0028 "The organs of authority that we have described represented a 031.039.0029 "What was the power based on, then? It was based on the mass of the 031.039.0030 "Perhaps, Mr. Blank or Mr. Kiesewetter, you will ask: why 031.039.0031 "That question is usually put by people who for the first time hear 031.039.0032 "Here is a very simple analogy, Mr. Blank and Mr. Kiesewetter, which 031.039.0033 So you see, Mr. Blank and Mr. Kiesewetter, when Avramov and his 031.039.0034 "Thus our simple analogy contains all the elements of the scientific 031.039.0035 "Revolution, in the strict and direct sense of the word, is a period 031.039.0036 "Is it good that the people should apply such unlawful, irregular, 031.039.0037 "But this brings us to the very pivot of the Cadets' hidden thoughts 031.039.0038 "Why does Mr. Blank hold it as self-evident that all Marxist principles 031.039.0039 "Let us see how this opinion arose and why it was bound to arise. 031.039.0040 "It arose directly out of the Bernsteinian or, to put it more broadly, 031.039.0041 "Why was such an opinion bound to arise? Because it accords very well 031.039.0042 "It is clear, therefore, why the bourgeoisie speaks with disdain, 031.039.0043 "It is also clear why the bourgeoisie is in such mortal fear of a 031.039.0044 "Now we have fully explained why Mr. Blank and his like declare that 031.039.0045 "Mr. Blank's attitude towards the period of `whirlwind' is extremely 031.039.0046 "Indeed, if we examine the question in the light of the deviations 031.039.0047 "Mr. Blank's misrepresentation of the facts and his gross distortion 031.039.0048 "Do not misinterpret what I am saying. I am not arguing that the Blanks 031.039.0049 Such was the controversy that was waged in Russia in the years 1905 and 031.039.0050 Actually, the Dittmanns, Kautskys, Crispiens, and Hilferdings in 031.039.0051 20.10.1920 031.040.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.040.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.040.0000: (+ 0 4) 4 031.040.0001 To Stalin, Member of the Revolutionary Militar Council of the 031.040.0002 29.10 031.040.0003 I consider it beyond doubt that Georgia will hand Batum over to the 031.040.0004 Lenin 031.041.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.041.0000 () Speech Delivered at an All-Russia Conference of Political Education Workers of Gubernia and Uyzed Education Departments, November 3, 1920 031.041.0000: (+ 0 28) 28 031.041.0001 Comrades, allow me to speak on several ideas, some of which were dealt 031.041.0002 I shall permit myself only to say, for my part, that at first I was 031.041.0003 As this matter has already been decided, you must take this as nothing 031.041.0004 If we succeed in drawing new people into cultural and educational work, 031.041.0005 The link between education and our policy should be the chief inducement 031.041.0006 That idea has always predominated in bourgeois society. The very term 031.041.0007 The greater the importance of a political apparatus in such countries, 031.041.0008 In all bourgeois states the connection between the political apparatus 031.041.0009 It is one of our basic tasks to contrapose our own truth to bourgeois 031.041.0010 The transition from bourgeois society to the policy of the proletariat 031.041.0011 We do not hold the utopian view that the working masses are ready 031.041.0012 Education workers, and the Communist Party as the vanguard in the 031.041.0013 We are living in an historic period of struggle against the world 031.041.0014 It is with absolute frankness that we speak of this struggle of the 031.041.0015 Observation of the many remnants of the Kerensky gang, the 031.041.0016 We must, however, know and remember that, in law and in practice, 031.041.0017 Since the old customs, habits and ideas must be discarded, the Chief 031.041.0018 Let us consider the means of establishing organisational links between 031.041.0019 It should be said that the hundreds and thousands of teachers 031.041.0020 We must put hundreds of thousands of useful people to work in the 031.041.0021 Such are the aims that every agitator and propagandist working in 031.041.0022 We must overcome resistance from the capitalists in all its forms, 031.041.0023 Last, I should like to dwell on one more point. Perhaps the title 031.041.0024 But how is politics to be understood? If politics is understood in 031.041.0025 Every agitator must be a state leader, a leader of all the peasants and 031.041.0026 That is the way to improve our economic life and make it more secure, 031.041.0027 What does communism consist in? All propaganda for communism must be 031.041.0028 By taking constructive work as an example, by repeating it time and 031.042.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.042.0000 () Draft Resolution on "The Tasks of the Trade Unions, and the Methods of Their Accomplishment" 031.042.0000: (+ 0 4) 4 031.042.0001 In accordance with the decisions of the Ninth Congress of the 031.042.0002 This measure should be applied in particular to the Central Committee 031.042.0003 In conformity with the decisions of the Ninth Congress of the Communist 031.042.0004 This refers especially to the utilisation of specialists. 031.043.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.043.0000 () On the Struggle Within the Italian Socialist Party 031.043.0000: (+ 0 68) 68 031.043.0001 (+ 0 49) 49 031.043.0001 Pravda No. 213 of September 25, 1920, published a short letter of mine 031.043.0002 "Lenin's explanation," we read, "to some extent mitigates the draconic 031.043.0003 "... Lenin spared one of his victims: Modigliani...." 031.043.0004 "... Lenin now says--whether on his own behalf or on behalf of 031.043.0005 The ironical remark about the "victim", which Modigliani, one of the 031.043.0006 By his remarks, Serrati distracts Avanti! readers from the principal, 031.043.0007 That must be combated. The essentials must be elucidated. 031.043.0008 Both in the comment we are dealing with and in other articles, 031.043.0009 The glaring fallacy of this view--and of this attempt to distract 031.043.0010 The discussion closed with a vote on two resolutions, one of which 031.043.0011 The first resolution is of a remarkable clarity and precision. 031.043.0012 Here no reference is made to names or particular instances. 031.043.0013 The second resolution is a model of evasiveness and poor diplomacy: 031.043.0014 The communist resolution says that the revolutionary situation calls for 031.043.0015 The Communist resolution says that it is a feature of the situation 031.043.0016 Is this true or not? Have the reformists carried out party decisions? 031.043.0017 By this fact alone, Serrati, Baratono, Zannerini, Bacci, and 031.043.0018 The discussion in the Italian party's Central Committee has ever more 031.043.0019 That is the pith and marrow of the matter! How is it possible to 031.043.0020 If, as he frankly declared in his letter to l'Humanite of October 14, 031.043.0021 But let us dwell in greater detail on Serrati's main argument 031.043.0022 Serrati fears the destruction of the trade unions, the co-operative 031.043.0023 What the Communists fear is the reformists' sabotage of the revolution. 031.043.0024 This difference reveals Serrati's error of principle. He keeps 031.043.0025 Victory in the proletarian revolution cannot be achieved, and that 031.043.0026 We in Russia made thousands of mistakes and suffered thousands of 031.043.0027 The mistakes mentioned by Comrade Serrati are minor ones and are 031.043.0028 Serrati has failed to understand the specific features of the 031.043.0029 Let me give a practical illustration. On the eve of the October 031.043.0030 Why this happened can readily be understood. On the eve of revolution 031.043.0031 Italy is going through a similar period. It is generally seen and 031.043.0032 Even if the people of the latter category resigned now, most of them 031.043.0033 The Italian revolutionary proletariat is about to face a period of 031.043.0034 Though put very cautiously, this is true. I would merely add that Italy 031.043.0035 The question of replacing experience reformist or "Centrist" leaders by 031.043.0036 Serrati is therefore wrong in saying that "all" in the Italian party 031.043.0037 In the above-mentioned letter to l'Humanite, Serrati says among 031.043.0038 "... As for recent events, one should know that the leaders of the 031.043.0039 It would be highly naive on Serrati's part to take at its face value 031.043.0040 It would be just as fatal a mistake for the revolutionary workers to 031.043.0041 () * * * 031.043.0041 To sum up: 031.043.0042 1) The party of the revolutionary proletariat in Italy should display 031.043.0043 2) At the same time, all propaganda and agitation conducted by that 031.043.0044 3) The propaganda conducted by the Milan edition of Avanti!, which is 031.043.0045 4) The explusion from the party of all who attended the Reggio Emilia 031.043.0046 5) If people such as Baratono, Zannerini, Bacci, Giacomini and Serrati 031.043.0047 6) Comrades, workers of Italy, do not forget the lessons of the history 031.043.0048 The toiling and exploited masses of Italy will follow the revolutionary 031.043.0049 4.11.1920 031.043.0050 () 031.043.0050 () False Talk on Freedom (Instead of an Epilogue) 031.043.0050 (+ 49 19) 68 031.043.0050 Comrade Nobs, editor of Volksrecht, the Swiss Left-Socialist newspaper 031.043.0051 Incidentally, Comrade Nobs has enrolled Comrade Serrati as an ally, 031.043.0052 After three years of the dictatorship of the proletariat, we may safely 031.043.0053 "This sphere [of the circulation or exchange of commodities], within 031.043.0054 This sarcastic remark has a profound historical and philosophical 031.043.0055 The abolition of feudalism and of its vestiges, and the establishment 031.043.0056 Until classes are abolished, all talk about freedom and equality 031.043.0057 Thanks to the fact that, in present-day Russia, the dictatorship of 031.043.0058 Freedom and equality within the limits of labour democracy mean freedom 031.043.0059 As long as private ownership of the means of production (e.g., of 031.043.0060 The falsity of Comrade Nob's and Comrade Serrati's statements does not, 031.043.0061 The Communist International cannot under any circumstances recognise 031.043.0062 What is our stipulation for recognising "freedom and equality", the 031.043.0063 It is that no opportunists and "Centrists", such as the well-known 031.043.0064 You must first break with these prejudices, weaknesses and vacillations, 031.043.0065 Comrade Nobs, you are "free" to defend the views you hold. But we, too, 031.043.0066 Do not talk of freedom and equality in general, Comrade Nobs and Comrade 031.043.0067 On the eve of the proletarian revolution, the liberation, the freedom, 031.043.0068 11.12.1920 031.044.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.044.0000 () Speech At a Joint Plenum of the Moscow Soviet of Workers', Peasants' and Red Army Deputies, The Moscow Committee of the R.C.P.(B.) and the Moscow City Trade Union Council, Dedicated to the Third Anniversary of the October Revolution, November 6, 1920 031.044.0000: (+ 0 7) 7 031.044.0001 (Prolonged applause.) Comrades, we have gathered here today to 031.044.0002 If we now cast a glance at the international situation--and we have 031.044.0003 In saying that, we should not forget another aspect of the matter. 031.044.0004 We know that things are moving in that direction; we know that the 031.044.0005 However, our victory is far from complete, comrades; we have won less 031.044.0006 However, with this enthusiasm and heroism alone, the cause of the 031.044.0007 Such are the problems we have to solve today. We must remember that 031.045.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.045.0000 () Telegram to J. V. Stalin 031.045.0000: (+ 0 3) 3 031.045.0001 To Stalin 031.045.0002 How is the struggle against the bands progressing? Is it true that 031.045.0003 Lenin 031.046.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.046.0000 () Theses on Production Propaganda 031.046.0000: (+ 0 20) 20 031.046.0001 1. In connection with the R.S.F.S.R.'s military victories and its 031.046.0002 2. The leading newspapers, Izvestia and Pravda in the first place, 031.046.0003 3. In just the same way, work should be systematised, extended and 031.046.0004 4. Throughout the R.S.F.S.R. production propaganda should be placed 031.046.0005 5. The editorial board of a mass newspaper with a circulation of 031.046.0006 Bednota is the right newspaper for the purpose. 031.046.0007 It would be harmful to have a division into an industrial newspaper 031.046.0008 6. This guiding collegiate body should consist of five members 031.046.0009 7. This newspaper, devoted to matters of production, should be a popular 031.046.0010 8. Materials published in the newspaper or addressed to it, as well 031.046.0011 A more rational distribution of the newspaper, as well as of pamphlets 031.046.0012 9. It is indispensable that engineers, agronomists, schoolteachers, and 031.046.0013 The organisation of lectures, talks, reports, etc. 031.046.0014 Compulsory labour service on the part of all those who are able to 031.046.0015 10. The more extensive and systematic use of films for production 031.046.0016 Soviet gramophone records. Displays of diagrams and cartograms at clubs, 031.046.0017 11. The organisation, jointly with the People's Commissariat of Labour 031.046.0018 12. Extensive publicity for exemplary enterprises. 031.046.0019 N. Lenin 031.046.0020 18.11.1920 031.047.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.047.0000 () Extract from Direct-Line Talk Between V. I. Lenin and J. V. Stalin 031.047.0000: (+ 0 2) 2 031.047.0001 I can give no reply without convening the Political Bureau. I advise 031.047.0002 Lenin 031.048.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.048.0000 () Our Foreign and Domestic Position and the Task of the Party 031.048.0000: (+ 0 25) 25 031.048.0001 (Applause.) Comrades, in speaking of the international position of 031.048.0002 After the Red Army's brilliant victories in the summer, the serious 031.048.0003 I do not know whether you noticed a brief news item published in the 031.048.0004 Of the small states formerly belonging to the Russian Empire, Poland 031.048.0005 Moreover, Poland lays claim to the Ukraine and Lithuania. This gives 031.048.0006 The successes scored in this respect by the Soviets have been 031.048.0007 Needless to say, there can be no question of comparing the military 031.048.0008 Thus a glance at our international position as a whole will show 031.048.0009 These dissensions have become more aggravated of late, especially 031.048.0010 We have correctly appraised the intensity of the imperialist rivalry 031.048.0011 The entry of the socialist country into trade relations with capitalist 031.048.0012 I have had occasion to observe a certain Spargo, an American 031.048.0013 I shall not dwell any further on this question but shall only remark 031.048.0014 I now turn to the state of affairs at home. The failure of a number 031.048.0015 While in the international sense we have gained a footing by concluding 031.048.0016 If we do not accomplish this second task, nothing will follow from our 031.048.0017 But all that is not enough; we have not achieved the main object: 031.048.0018 The Congress of Soviets will, therefore, discuss a report on the 031.048.0019 This guarantees political success. Economic success, however, can be 031.048.0020 It is natural that we have grown used to a period of political warfare; 031.048.0021 Allow me in conclusion to say a few words about the situation within 031.048.0022 Of course the opposition, whose slogan urges a more speedy transition, 031.048.0023 The question we must ask ourselves in connection with this state of 031.048.0024 There can be no doubt that the old petty-bourgeois elements--small 031.048.0025 And here we have to admit something that is highly regrettable: 031.049.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.049.0000 () Speech Delivered at the Moscow Gubernia Conference of the R.C.P.(B.) On Elections ot the Moscow Committee, November 21, 1920 031.049.0000: (+ 0 1) 1 031.049.0001 Comrades, I have often--perhaps too often--had to take part in 031.050.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.050.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Conference of Factory Trade Union Committees of Moscow Enterprises of the Printing and Publishing Industry, November 25, 1920 031.050.0000: (+ 0 2) 2 031.050.0001 (Comrade Lenin, who was met with a storm of applause from all present, 031.050.0002 Lenin touched on the question of electrification, without which the 031.051.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.051.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Meeting of Cells' Secretaries of the Moscow Organisation of the R.C.P.(B.), November 26, 1920 031.051.0000: (+ 0 10) 10 031.051.0001 In the first written question submitted, a comrade asks whether it is 031.051.0002 The second question and the third ask about concessions. You will 031.051.0003 In one of his books, Spargo, the American Socialist, a man who is 031.051.0004 They now want to subdue us by means of a treaty. Until the revolution 031.051.0005 We have till now been more than a match for the world bourgeoisie, 031.051.0006 The second kind of concession is represented by our granting the 031.051.0007 And now for the final aspect of the question. 031.051.0008 Concessions do not mean peace; they too are a kind of warfare, only 031.051.0009 Eighteen months ago we wanted to sign a peace that would have given 031.051.0010 I did not hear Comrade Kamenev's report on the Conference, but I shall 031.052.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.052.0000 () Speech Delivered at a General Meeting of Communists of Zamoskvorechye District, Moscow, November 20, 1920 031.052.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.052.0001 Comrade Lenin dwelt in detail on the problem of the struggle against 031.052.0002 But that was not how the matter stood. 031.052.0003 First of all, general living standards had to be raised, so that the 031.052.0004 Incidentally, a reference to the Workers' and Peasants' Inspection. 031.052.0005 Lenin remarked that the question of combatting red tape was particularly 031.052.0006 It was only to be expected that red tape in the Soviet apparatus would 031.052.0007 () Concluding Remarks 031.052.0007 In his concluding remarks Comrade Lenin pointed out to his "opponents", 031.052.0008 In conclusion, Comrade Lenin replied to written questions handed to him, 031.053.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.053.0000 () Telegram to the Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Committee of Armenia 031.053.0000: (+ 0 5) 5 031.053.0001 To Comrade Kasyan, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Committee of Armenia, Yerevan 031.053.0002 Through you I send greetings to the Soviet Armenia of the working 031.053.0003 Lenin 031.053.0004 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars 031.053.0005 Moscow, December 2, 1920 031.054.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.054.0000 () Speech Delivered at a Meeting of Activists of the Moscow Organisation of the R.C.P.(B.), December 6, 1920 031.054.0000: (+ 0 35) 35 031.054.0001 Comrades, I have noticed with great pleasure, although, I must confess, 031.054.0002 It will readily be understood why these outcries give me pleasure. 031.054.0003 From the political point of view, the fundamental thing in the question 031.054.0004 Brest-Litovsk was significant in being the first time that we were able, 031.054.0005 The outcome might have seemed something like a block between the first 031.054.0006 This, incidentally, raises the question of opportunism. Opportunism 031.054.0007 The example of the Peace of Brest-Litovsk has taught us a lot. 031.054.0008 Since the Second Congress of the Third International we have secured 031.054.0009 Let us bear in mind that all over the world the capitalits have bought 031.054.0010 Are there any radical antagonisms in the present-day capitalist world 031.054.0011 We must take advantage of the situation that has arisen. That is the 031.054.0012 Well, Vanderlip brought a letter to the Council of People's Commissars. 031.054.0013 A draft agreement is not binding in any way. We can always say that it 031.054.0014 Who is Vanderlip? We have not established who he is--but it is a fact 031.054.0015 All this deal means deflecting the imperialist forces away from 031.054.0016 A war between the imperialist powers would have saved us even more. 031.054.0017 I have shown you one of the imperialist antagonisms we must take 031.054.0018 We shall therefore examine all questions of concessions from this 031.054.0019 The third antagonism is that between the Entente and Germany. 031.054.0020 These, then, are the three antagonisms that are upsetting the 031.054.0021 I now go over to the economics. When we were speaking of Germany 031.054.0022 We are shifting the question to the anti-capitalist plane. We say 031.054.0023 We are conducting a kind of industrial propaganda when we say to 031.054.0024 The British have already made a draft and sent it to us. It is under 031.054.0025 We now stand, not only as representatives of the proletarians of all 031.054.0026 In the concessions decree we come forward, on behalf of all humanity, 031.054.0027 As you see, I have been obliged to make a rather long introduction 031.054.0028 I pass to the next point. Concessions create new dangers. I shall 031.054.0029 To say after this that foreigners who will be attached to the various 031.054.0030 It would, of course, be a great mistake to think that concessions imply 031.054.0031 We shall get a tremendous economic gain from concessions. Of course, 031.054.0032 That, too, will be a war in which we will not yield an inch. 031.054.0033 I am convinced that the Soviets will overtake and outstrip the 031.054.0034 How are the concessions to be organised as regards supervision? 031.054.0035 Next, we have a million dessiatines of virgin soil which we cannot 031.055.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.055.0000 () Message of Greeting to the All-Russia Conference of Gubernia Departments for Work Among Women 031.055.0000: (+ 0 5) 5 031.055.0001 Comrades, I very much regret that I have not been able to attend your 031.055.0002 The participation of women in Party and Soviet activities has acquired 031.055.0003 V. Ulyanov (Lenin) 031.055.0004 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars 031.055.0005 December 6, 1920 031.056.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.056.0000 () The Eighth All-Russia Congress of Soviets 031.056.0000: (+ 0 120) 120 031.056.0001 () 1. Report on Concessions Delivered to the R.C.P.(B.) Group at the Eighth Congress of Soviets, December 21 031.056.0001 (+ 0 36) 36 031.056.0001 Comrades, I think you have made a fully correct decision by preferring 031.056.0002 Yet I think that we shall come to the conclusion that, in the question 031.056.0003 The American Vanderlip sent a letter to the Council of People's 031.056.0004 Vanderlip's letter is quite outspoken; with unparalleled cynicism 031.056.0005 If, remembering this, we cast a glance over the history of the past 031.056.0006 That agreement fell through, of course, but it is not impossible that 031.056.0007 Thus, our main interests were political at the concessions 031.056.0008 It follows, therefore, that in this matter the economic interest is 031.056.0009 When I told a meeting of leading executives what I am now telling you, 031.056.0010 In Britain the struggle has been going on for a long time. We have 031.056.0011 I have mentioned that Vanderlip is particularly knowledgeable in respect 031.056.0012 There has not been a single report from Japan that has not spoken of 031.056.0013 At the meeting of executives in Moscow where I had to mention the fact, 031.056.0014 Such was the situation in which our concessions policy in respect to 031.056.0015 The comrade who has adked about the resumption of trade relations with 031.056.0016 In July, when Poland was threatened with utter defeat, and the Red Army 031.056.0017 I now come to the question of the relations between Britain and France. 031.056.0018 Last, the final aspect of the matter is the attitude of Britain and 031.056.0019 While we stand alone and the capitalist world is strong, our foreign 031.056.0020 In a situation such as this, the question of concessions acquires still 031.056.0021 Irrespective of this, we must tell all the oppressed peoples that a 031.056.0022 And now for several purely economic considerations. I shall now go 031.056.0023 Without such a guarantee owners of private capital and private property 031.056.0024 The fifth clause in the agreement deals with the code of labour laws. 031.056.0025 In the final clause we guarantee the concessionaire against any 031.056.0026 From the terms that I have read out to you, you will see that 031.056.0027 In this pamphlet we have given a list of the chief concessions; 031.056.0028 Our economic interest in timber concessions in the Far North of 031.056.0029 If we want to trade with foreign countries--and we do want to, because 031.056.0030 The second type is agricultural concessions. With the exception of 031.056.0031 The state farms of the Don Region have about 800,000 dessiatines which 031.056.0032 If our propaganda and our proposal do not meet with success, and if our 031.056.0033 Mining concessions are the third type. These are indicated on the map 031.056.0034 It is, of course, more difficult to implement these concessions, i.e., 031.056.0035 War threatens us at any hour. We are conducting peace negotiations with 031.056.0036 We have been told that the concessionaires will create exclusive 031.056.0037 () 2. Report on the Work of the Council of People's Commissars, December 22 031.056.0037 (+ 36 54) 90 031.056.0037 (Shouts from the hall: "Long live Comrade Lenin!" Storm of applause. 031.056.0038 You all know, of course, how the Polish landowners and capitalists 031.056.0039 Comrades, you also know, of course, that the temporary setbacks we 031.056.0040 It is with far greater assurance and determination that we can now 031.056.0041 That is why we must maintain our military preparedness under all 031.056.0042 We are certain that all the neighbouring states, which have already 031.056.0043 As regards the Latvian Government, I must say that at one time there 031.056.0044 I must also say, comrades, that during this year our policy in the 031.056.0045 We can also welcome the forthcoming signing of a treaty with Persia, 031.056.0046 We must also note that friendly relations with Afghanistan, 031.056.0047 I must add that negotiations for the conclusion of a trade agreement 031.056.0048 The longer this policy is pursued by certain influential circles 031.056.0049 Comrades, I must say that this trade agreement with Great Britain 031.056.0050 We were recently informed that, at a Congress of Soviets of Arzamas 031.056.0051 We must do all we possibly can to bring about the rapid restoration 031.056.0052 Comrades, economic tasks, the economic front, are again and again 031.056.0053 An examination of this resolution clearly shows that many of the 031.056.0054 The essential feature of the present political situation is that 031.056.0055 If we ask ourselves what the results of our experience in these three 031.056.0056 We must now bear in mind that, in going over to the labour front, 031.056.0057 War was a matter which people understood and were used to for hundreds 031.056.0058 We have been completely successful in the military sphere, and we must 031.056.0059 The necessity of organising production propaganda on a nation-wide scale 031.056.0060 This realisation, this conviction, which has already become deep-rooted 031.056.0061 Comrades, I shall now deal with certain facts of our economic policy 031.056.0062 Arrangements should at once be made to have this bill thoroughly 031.056.0063 Our country has been and still is a country of small peasants, 031.056.0064 Every non-Party peasant must be made to understand this undoubted truth, 031.056.0065 Comrades, here is what I particularly want to bring home to you now 031.056.0066 We admit that we are in debt to the peasant. We have had grain from him 031.056.0067 I now pass on to the question of how the basis for our industrial 031.056.0068 We must remember that the production propaganda which we have firmly 031.056.0069 Now with regard to fuel; you will find in Comrade Rykov's theses 031.056.0070 Thus, to achieve success, we have adopted certain measures with regard 031.056.0071 I must say that, in the matter of fuel, the hydraulic method of 031.056.0072 We must introduce more machines everywhere, and resort to machine 031.056.0073 Incidentally, you have already seen from the theses of Comrades 031.056.0074 When extensive plans appear, designed for a number of years, 031.056.0075 Economic plans must be carried out in accordance with a definite 031.056.0076 In this connection, we are confronted with the task of unifying the 031.056.0077 You will examine this project, and I trust that with the necessary 031.056.0078 This had been dealt with in the literature which appeared before 031.056.0079 Let us set about it in a different way. The Council of Labour and 031.056.0080 I now come to the last item--the question of electrification, which 031.056.0081 We have, no doubt, learnt politics; here we stand as firm as a rock. 031.056.0082 You will hear the report of the State Electrification Commission, 031.056.0083 Take the economic front, and ask whether capitalism can be restored 031.056.0084 Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country. 031.056.0085 We have already drawn up a preliminary plan for the electrification 031.056.0086 I recently had occasion to attend a peasant festival held in 031.056.0087 This is the first time that we have set about economic work in such a 031.056.0088 It shoud, however, be realised and remembered that we cannot carry 031.056.0089 Our best men, our economic experts, have accomplished the task we set 031.056.0090 We must see to it that every factory and every electric power station 031.056.0091 () 3. Reply to the Debate on the Report on the Work of the Council of People's Commissars, December 23 031.056.0091 (+ 90 10) 100 031.056.0091 (Applause.) Comrades, I must confine myself to a few remarks on 031.056.0092 For example, I have been reproached for advancing a new theory about 031.056.0093 When, further, we hear talk about the unity of hte proletariat and about 031.056.0094 Further, we are told about the arming of the whole people; we hear 031.056.0095 Yesterday I had the pleasure of being present--regretably, for only 031.056.0096 The class struggle has become a reality in the rural districts, 031.056.0097 The representatives of the Mensheviks and the Socialist-Revolutionaries 031.056.0098 What happened when Martov appeared at the Congress of the Independent 031.056.0099 Citizen Dan argued that when I spoke about labour discipline, 031.056.0100 Dan has asserted here that, in the offices of the Cheka, there is a 031.056.0101 () 4. Speech Delivered at a Meeting of the R.C.P.(B.) Group of the Eighth Congress of Soviets, December 24 031.056.0101 (+ 100 9) 109 031.056.0101 Comrades, in the first place I will say a word or two about the wrong 031.056.0102 The whole argument against force was connected with the question of 031.056.0103 I must say that the bill definitely indicates the measures we have 031.056.0104 A comrade expressed the opinion that the shortcoming in Comrade 031.056.0105 Unfortunately, this is far from being the case in the poorer 031.056.0106 However, the object of the present bill is a different one. 031.056.0107 As for the socialisation of agricultural implements, I think you are 031.056.0108 Let us now go over to the measures for improving small-peasant 031.056.0109 What measures to improve agriculture should be adopted in the various 031.056.0110 () 5. Draft Resolution of the Eigth Congress of Soviets on the Report on Electrification 031.056.0110 (+ 109 5) 114 031.056.0110 The Eighth All-Russia Congress of Soviets, 031.056.0111 after hearing the report of the Chairman of the State Commission for 031.056.0112 The Congress instructs the All-Russia Central Executive Committee, 031.056.0113 The Congress further instructs the government and requests the 031.056.0114 The Congress expresses its firm conviction that all Soviet institutions, 031.056.0115 () 6. Draft Resolution of the R.C.P.(B.) Group of the Eighth Congress of Soviets 031.056.0115 (+ 114 6) 120 031.056.0115 It is obligatory upon all members of the R.C.P., by the time the Tenth 031.056.0116 1) to make the fullest possible study of the plan of electrification; 031.056.0117 2) to take measures to ensure the widest and most detailes study of 031.056.0118 3) to draw up, for the Tenth Congress of the R.C.P., practical 031.056.0119 for methods of making all working people more widely familiar 031.056.0120 as well as for ways and means of immediately proceeding with the 031.057.0000 #-------------------------------------------------- 031.057.0000 () Letter to the Workers of Red Presnya District of Moscow, December 25, 1920 031.057.0000: (+ 0 8) 8 031.057.0001 Fifteen years ago the proletariat of Moscow raised the banner of 031.057.0002 The defeat of the Moscow workers was followed by the defeat of the 031.057.0003 The exploit of the Presnya workers was not useless. Their sacrifices 031.057.0004 The exploit of the Moscow workers deeply agitated the urban and rural 031.057.0005 Prior to the armed uprising of December 1905, the people of Russia 031.057.0006 The December events brought about profound changes in the people. 031.057.0007 Long live the workers of Red Presnya District, a detachment in the 031.057.0008 N. Lenin 999: # 999: # Real differences: 999: # 999: # Local variables: 999: # eval: (copy-file "~/www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/cw/lia_1st_31.txt" "/floppy/Lia/lia_1st_31.txt" t) 999: # eval: (global-set-key [f10] 'rjc-itemize-insert-next-document) 999: # eval: (global-set-key [f11] 'rjc-itemize-increment-row) 999: # eval: (global-set-key [f12] 'rjc-itemize-add-row) 999: # eval: (load "/floppy/Lia/lia_qual.el") 999: # mode:fundamental 999: # End: