I received the letter from the OC.

I propose to reply as follows: "In our opinion, the question of the 'ordre du jour'** stands as follows. This question, the 'ordre du jour', is finally decided by the congress itself and only by it. Consequently, it is utterly useless to argue about decisive votes on this point. Furthermore, the mass of committees have already recognised the OC's 'exclusive initiative' in convening the congress. Hence it follows that the preliminary preparation of the congress, including the preliminary preparation (respective*** propaganda) of the ordre du jour, is entrusted exclusively to the Organizational Committee. Therefore, to propose that anyone else should vote on the 'preliminary' ordre du jour is completely superfluous: it cannot have decisive significance. Moreover, it will only provoke red tape and dissatisfaction, because there will be those offended (committees not consulted), inevitably there will be discontent and complaints.

Consequently, from the standpoint of formal loyalty and of tact, no formal decision should be taken about collecting votes of committees or of anyone else. This would only undermine the authority of the OC, which would thereby renounce the exclusive initiative vested in it.

If it is very awkward to change the adopted (and formally irreproachable) decision, then perhaps the following way out could be found: to turn the voting (of the committees) into consultation with them, i.e., to resolve that the OC will, as far as possible, endeavour to use meetings and talks for consultation.

* Sent to N. K. Krupskaya in London for forwarding the letter to the Organizational Committee in Kharkov (the text in quotation marks). Ed.
** - agenda. Ed.
*** - or. Ed.

In conclusion we advise you to hurry with the congress. The sooner you convene it, the better. And set about immediately and more actively preparing the committees, nominating delegates, winning over Nikolayev and Odessa. The main thing: ensure complete confidence in the undoubted majority of resolute Iskra-ites."

Nevzorov disgraced himself yesterday: both Charles Rappoport and Krichevsky gave him a dressing-down. There were no Iskra-ites 232.

I am probably leaving on Sunday. The trains arrive not at 6, but at 3:45 and 10:45. Probably on one of these.

Yours...

Written between March 4 and 7, 1903

Sent from Paris to London

First published in 1928 in Lenin Miscellany VIII. Printed from the manuscript.