V. I. Lenin

Source: ru:LS/v26;es:MT
Translated: machine translation (DeepSeek) from the Russian; AI-translated.

Date: 1908
Source: Lenin Miscellany, Volume 26
Pages: 417-418

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NOTES OF LENIN’S SPEECHES AT THE GENEVA CLUB OF BOLSHEVIKS.
MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 1908.
I.
Lenin. Proposes that all the results of the section’s work be made public—first of all, that Stepanov submit his report in writing, and also the minutes. The general summary of these minutes [should be] transmitted to the congress; they can provide many practical directives for the work of the congress. Stepanov’s report, unfortunately, is too abstract in character. In order to draw precise conclusions from the reports in the form of resolutions, they must be more concrete. For this purpose I propose drawing up a questionnaire among comrades abroad and in Russia, and they must give precise answers to the questions posed (yes, no, so many). A photograph of their work, e.g., in which town they worked, what questions they decided at meetings, etc. And although generalised conclusions may yield something, from them, I repeat, precise conclusions cannot be drawn. Therefore I propose that the circle undertake the drafting of such a questionnaire and send it to comrades abroad and in Russia, so that they answer all the questions briefly. If we have such raw material (if 100-200 comrades reply), then the congress can use it for precise conclusions.
I repeat my proposals: 1) submit a summary of all the minutes, and also the minutes themselves, to the congress; 2) undertake the drafting of a questionnaire. And this must be done now, without delay; I even propose dropping all work on the section and undertaking to put all the minutes in order and write a report on them for the congress.
II.
Lenin. Now, with the publication of the announcement of the convocation of the Third Congress, the work of the sections has taken on a different character. It is already two months since the sections began work, but how little has been done after all: not all the minutes, no reports; and this must be hastened so that this work does not go to waste and has practical significance, i.e., all this must be presented to the congress. To present the minutes more quickly, I propose turning the entire circle into an aid to the secretaries. I repeat, if the circle does not finish this work, then

all its work threatens to remain within this circle, whereas it could assist in the elaboration of organisational plans. I further propose that we immediately proceed to draft a questionnaire—all this must be hastened, events do not wait, the congress may be very soon. It would be best to entrust the drafting of the questionnaire to a separate commission.
III.
Lenin. I have nothing against Comrade Olga’s proposal. As for my experience, given the rapidity with which events and working conditions are now changing, I think that I do not possess such experience. I drew up a questionnaire, but it is too general. I propose that experienced comrades be elected to the commission for drafting the questionnaire, and that this matter be expedited as much as possible.