V. I. Lenin

Source: en:CW/CW36; ru:PSS/v49;es:MT
Translated: machine translation (DeepSeek) from the Russian; AI-translated.

The gulf between the revolutionary chauvinists (revolution for the defeat of Germany) and the revolutionary proletarian internationalists (revolution for awakening the proletariat of other countries, for uniting it in the common proletarian revolution) is too wide for there to be any question of support. We must utilise every protest (even a timid and muddled one, à la Gorky), and we shall utilise the revolutionary work of the chauvinists, and from time to time we shall not refuse “joint actions” (in accordance with the resolutions of our Party of 1907, the London Congress, and of 1913, our Conference),187 but no further. In practice at the present time: we shall not issue joint appeals and manifestos with the revolutionary patriots, we shall avoid Duma “blocs” with them, avoid “unification” with them in speeches at congresses, demonstrations, etc. But technical mutual services, if the patriots agree to them, will probably be possible (as they were with the liberals before 1905), and we shall not refuse them. Relations must be direct and clear: you want to overthrow tsarism for the defeat of Germany, we want to do so for the international revolution of the proletariat.

We are receiving incredibly little news from Russia. It is simply a shame that such a comparatively simple matter as secret correspondence with Russia (quite possible even in wartime) is being organised so wretchedly. This is one of the most urgent tasks. (I hope you have corresponded with Nadezhda Konstantinovna about this in every detail, and will correspond still more fully.) To establish proper connections, to get at least two or three leading workers out of Russia, even if only to Sweden, for the most detailed talks and correspondence, so as to be in complete harmony—that is the most urgent task. I hope that Belenin’s trip will bring a serious improvement in this field: to make a quick round trip, to gather contacts, to gather news—that is the crux of all work at present; without this it is useless to think of anything further.188

We are considering a plan for publishing proclamations and leaflets for transport to Russia. We have not yet decided where to publish them, here or in the Scandinavian countries. We must choose the cheapest place, for distance does not matter.*

A firm handshake and best wishes.

Yours, Lenin

To Stockholm

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Written on September 19, 1915

Sent from Sörenberg (Switzerland)

First published in 1924

in Lenin Miscellany II

Printed from the manuscript