Date: 1901-02-05
Source: ru:PSS/v46
Source: CW vol 46

Thank you for your letter and for the detailed analysis of Iskra. One so rarely encounters thorough and well-argued reviews with an indication (inevitable in such a difficult task) of shortcomings that one values them all the more, and your attention to Iskra strengthens my hope that we will work together for it.

I fully agree that the domestic survey is poor. In the second issue, it is richer, but still poor:

* See this volume, p. 82. Ed.

This is one of the most difficult sections, and it can only be gradually brought into satisfactory order.

Your review of the correspondence, I think, is not entirely correct. The coincidence with No. 10 of Rabochaya Mysl' is quite timely: I have not seen it—please send it, it does not frighten me. It proves that we too have connections with the St. Petersburg Union*, which is very good.

The call to "be cautious" in the note on the crisis [85] you interpret, in my view, incorrectly and far-fetched. From the context, it is clear that the warning is only against strikes, and since it is stated alongside that a strike is not the only means of struggle, that precisely at this difficult time other means of struggle should be used: propaganda ("to explain") and agitation ("to prepare for a more resolute—NB—struggle"), I categorically protest against comparing the call to "be cautious" with the ideas of Rabochaya Mysl'. The advice to "be cautious" of strikes and to prepare for "resolute struggle" is the direct opposite of Rabochaya Mysl'. Your point about demonstrations is entirely correct, but, first, it fits under the broader concept of "more resolute struggle"; second, to give this call greater concreteness and definiteness would be inconvenient in the absence of a direct occasion and the impossibility of assessing the situation in detail. In No. 2—on the occasion of one strike and a note in Yuzhnyi Rabochii [86]—an attempt is made to be more specific.

I cannot agree that the stirring demand should be state insurance against unemployment. I doubt whether this is correct in principle: in a class state, insurance against unemployment can hardly be anything other than a deception. Tactically, this is particularly inconvenient for us in Russia, for our state loves experiments in "statism," loves to advertise their "general benefit," and we must be firmly against the expansion of the functions of the present state and for—

* Refers to the group of Rabocheye Znamya. Ed.

greater scope for public self-activity. For aid and assistance to the unemployed—yes, but for "state insurance"—?

Your point about the somewhat unfinished nature of the article on Zubatov may be justified [87].

On the 75th anniversary of the Decembrists—indeed, it is an omission [88].

If you wish, I can get you a Bulgarian passport. Write if you need it, and if so—your particulars.

Our transportation matters have improved, and perhaps we can manage without the help of new people.

Please send Rabochaya Mysl', as well as Byloe [89] and other London publications. I would also ask for a catalog of the publications of the Fabian Society* and other socialist firms. What English newspaper would you recommend? Could you not send a couple of issues as a sample? I used to subscribe to Justice [90], but was dissatisfied.
There are no four copies of Iskra available now. They will be soon. Incidentally, why do you need them? Do not forget that they cannot be distributed abroad at all. The copy sent is only for you and your friend**, and in general, for now, it must be kept strictly secret.

Sincerely, Petrov

I am sending you another of our pamphlets***. For now, it is also only for you and in strict secrecy.

Please share all your impressions. When do you plan to go to Russia?

We would then need to meet. Could you not come for a week [91]? How are your affairs regarding earnings and finances in general?

Once again, I shake your hand firmly.

Yours, Petroff

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Sent from Munich to London

First published in 1958 in the journal "Questions of the History of the CPSU" No. 3

Printed from the manuscript

* - "Fabian Society." Ed.

** Probably referring to S. V. Andropov. Ed.

*** Apparently referring to the pamphlet "May Days in Kharkov" with a foreword by V. I. Lenin (see Collected Works, 5th ed., Vol. 4, pp. 363-370). Ed.