# TO G. V. PLEKHANOV

Source: PSS vol 46

25. XII. 02.

Dear G. V.! I have just now received your and A. N.’s letter (I don’t understand how it was delivered on a holiday!). Here, it seems, we have forced moves, as chess players say. Under such conditions, it is clear that Bonch must be drawn to us, and your step (going to Bonch-Bruevich and “inviting” him to the League) will, in all probability, be approved by everyone.

But the question is, how to proceed further? In my opinion, if your negotiations with Bonch-Bruevich are (or were) successful, it is necessary first of all (having assured him that you will put forward his candidacy for the League and that you very much hope for success) to demand a formal step from his side as well. That is, he must officially and publicly declare the split in “Zhizn” and his desire to join “Iskra.”

Without such a step, in my opinion, we cannot formally put forward his candidacy before the League, for Bonch-Bruevich has not yet formally left “Zhizn,” and it would be absurd to accept a person from another organization. Moreover, if Bonch-Bruevich is still only fighting with Posse, still only “dividing things” with him, defending our interests—then one cannot yet vouch for the outcome of the division!! This must not be forgotten. And since “Bonch is moving toward us in the most resolute manner,” as A. N. writes, your demand will not trouble him in the least; he himself will recognize that as long as he has not formally left “Zhizn” and has not spoken his word, we, the League, cannot ballot him. If the split in “Zhizn” is a fully decided and absolutely inevitable matter, then it is in Bonch’s direct interest and direct duty to declare this publicly as soon as possible, even if only by a letter* to “Iskra.”

We would publish this letter immediately in No. 30, we would warn our opponents, “bind Bonch” (and ourselves, insofar as the letter is published**).

* Stating that the split in “Zhizn” is due to such-and-such, that I and Co. are leaving and would like to work for “Iskra” and “Zarya,” sharing or being closest... something along those lines.

** The letter was not published in “Iskra.” —Ed.

Really, this would be best of all, and safest; otherwise, we might come a cropper...

Thus, my opinion: I also consider “all sorts of advances” to Bonch (about which A. N. writes and which you are making) necessary, but if he, Bonch, does not take a formal step, and until he does, we must limit ourselves to these advances, which do not yet formally bind the League, and not go further.

As for what comes next, there will be no difficulties then. When Bonch-Bruevich leaves “Zhizn” with a declaration, when his transport group joins this declaration, it will easily obtain literature from our administration and begin transport. If it becomes necessary to accept this transport group as well (as you, G. V., propose), then we will find out everything from Bonch and discuss whom and how to accept.

You write, G. V.: “we await instructions for negotiations with the transport group.” But first let the transport group tell everything in detail; otherwise, who can know what is in it?

You do not answer, G. V., regarding your feuilleton for “Iskra”? and regarding the article on Tarasov?

I shake your hand. Your Lenin

P. S. Please send or pass this letter on to A. N. as well.

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Sent from London to Geneva

First published in 1930 in Lenin Miscellany XIII

Printed from the manuscript