Date: 1910
Source: ru:PSS/v48

Source: PSS, Volume 48

Dear Comrade Huysmans!

I thank you for sending me the Paris “Resolution” of ’76.

As I have already written to you, the RSDLP Conference condemned the liquidators and various foreign factions—77—that were sowing disarray within our Party while representing absolutely nothing in Russia. On the one hand, it is precisely such factions that have recently been voting in favor of the aforementioned resolution in Paris. In accordance with an old custom, all those who have been condemned are entitled to hurl invective at their judges within a 24‑hour period. The individuals who signed the resolution have made far too extensive use of this right—and may even have abused it.

On the other hand, there exist certain groups that were invited to the Conference but chose not to participate. Now they are “protesting” and attempting to convene an alternative conference, invoking the gods as witnesses to their claim that they stand firmly in defense of unity.

What a highly original approach to unity! Let us see whether they can actually accomplish anything of substance in Russia. Just as it is exceedingly easy to vote in favor of vitriolic resolutions in Paris, so too is it equally difficult to achieve anything real in Russia—and certainly not in Paris, Vienna, or elsewhere, where the privilege of speaking on behalf of Russia has long since passed.

In any case, those who signed the Paris Resolution seem to be rushing ahead a bit too quickly when they begin talking about “split.” To establish the existence of a split, one must first demonstrate the existence of at least two Central Committees within Russia.

Such a situation does not yet exist.

As for Comrade Plekhanov, the Central Committee informed him of the Conference’s resolutions more than a month ago—but he did not deign to respond. Consequently, at this very moment, I have no clear idea whether Comrade Plekhanov (and if so, on behalf of which Central Committee) possesses the authority to act as a member of the International Socialist Bureau.

Should you, dear comrade, be luckier than I—and should you receive a reply from Comrade Plekhanov—I hope that you will kindly share this information with me.

With fraternal greetings,

Yours sincerely,  
N. Lenin  

1912  

Translated from French  

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Written in March, prior to the 28th,  
Sent from Paris to Brussels  

First published in 1930  
in Lenin’s Collection XIII  

Printed from the manuscript