Date: 1908-03-18
Source: ru:PSS/v47

Source: PSS vol 47

Of course, I do not know what the “neue Wendung”* might be, but I am certain that you would not have issued such a telegram without serious grounds—so to accuse Alexinsky, and all the more so you, of seeking to obstruct the investigation is nothing short of laughable.151

Kon once told me—in strict confidence (not from you, of course)—that there are serious allegations against Litvinov, allegations that Kon knows all too well about Litvinov and that he would never wish to see Litvinov utterly destroyed or subjected to measures that would inflict upon Litvinov anything truly grievous; no, rather, Kon believes it is absolutely essential to demonstrate to Europe—and especially to German Social Democracy—that the tribunal of the Russian Social Democratic Workers’ Party is no mere fiction, and that this party is fully capable of discharging its responsibilities. “Surely we can find ways to accomplish this without driving anyone to ruin?” Kon exclaimed. I naturally replied that, in my view, it is entirely possible—and that his concerns are unfounded.

The tribunal will proceed regardless; the party will see to it—so what is there to worry about? Kon argued that a scandal would ensue if Alexinsky were to interfere with the tribunal. “Nonsense!” I retorted. Alexinsky neither wishes nor has the power to impede the tribunal or the investigation. And yet a scandal already exists—and it is being manufactured by the Mensheviks: just look at the article “Time to End It All” in Nos. 1–2 of “Golos Sotsial-Demokrata.”152 Kon had not read it! Consider this: while the investigation is still underway, while Litvinov’s voice is muzzled, while the investigative records remain sealed from public scrutiny, this newspaper pours forth anonymous slurs and slander! What kind of predicament is Litvinov in?? In fact, this very paper serves as the official organ of the Central Foreign Bureau,153 which funds it. And these are the judges??! This is how I explained Alexinsky’s conduct to Kon. To forestall any misunderstandings or misinterpretations, I deem it necessary to bring this matter to your attention. For strange though Kon’s approach to me may seem, the fact remains a fact. And I cannot help but fear that, as a representative of the German party on the Central Foreign Bureau, he might convey my remarks in an inaccurate or distorted manner. I believe one cannot rely on such a “reporter” when it comes to Russian affairs.

* – a new turn of events. Ed.

** – to counteract. Ed.

before the Vorstand* of the German party. It is imperative that you, as a member of the highest collegium, speak directly with the Vorstand and be sure to translate for them the article from Nos. 1–2 of “Golos Sotsial-Demokrata.” Otherwise, it is inevitable that I will be saddled with such absurdities—such as Kon coming to me and “complaining” that Alexinsky is working against the tribunal! After all, there is a limit to everything…

I send you a hearty handshake. Yours, V. Ulyanov

P. S. Please reply without delay: do you permit me to publish in Russian, in “Proletarii,” the article I sent you**—with the caveat that it was written for “Przeglad Socjaldemokratyczny”***—and when? We are experiencing a severe crisis in our supply of materials for “Proletarii,” and I await your response with great impatience.154

P. P. S. After me, Kon met with Ryadovoy and, it seems, hinted to him that he had privately shown his friends and associates the very protocol that you had forbidden him to disclose.155...

Good heavens, what on earth is going on!

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Sent from Geneva to Berlin

First published here, based on the manuscript