V. I.

Lenin

70

To:   THE CAUCASIAN UNION COMMITTEE OF THE R.S.D.L.P.

To the Caucasus

Dear comrades, We have had news of your affairs both from Ruben in person and from
Rashid-Bek by letter. We can only welcome your decision to remove
Isari [1] temporarily, until the matter is examined by the Central Committee . The sum total of information concerning his behaviour at the Congress certainly points against him. The Congress showed his utter instability;
after some waverings, Isari, nevertheless, at the decisive moment voted with
the Majority and helped to secure adoption of the present composition of the
editorial board of the Central Organ and of the Central Committee. But
afterwards Isari suddenly went over to the other side, and is now fighting
against the decisions of the Majority by methods that are hardly loyal! It’s
simply disgusting! Such a leader is not worthy of political trust. In any case,
he should be treated with caution, to say the least, and should not be given any
responsible posts—such is our deep conviction, both mine (Lenin’s) and
Plekhanov’s.

Let the Caucasian comrades hold firmly to the course they have adopted. Let them
turn a deaf ear to the slander against the Majority. The full minutes of the
Congress will soon see the light of day and then things will be clear to
all. Let them carry on their good teamwork with comradely faith in the Central
Committee, and we are sure that the present “dissension” in the
Party will be rapidly dispelled.

We are giving much thought now to the idea of organising here the publication of
Georgian and Armenian litera- ture. Competent comrades have taken this in hand, and we hope to raise the
money. We need both literary and financial help.

We send greetings to the Caucasian comrades and ardent wishes for success in their work.

Lenin . Plekhanov