LETTER FROM G.E. ZINOVIEV AND V.I. LENIN TO L.B. KAMENEV

3 (16) July 1913

Dear Lev Borisovich!

Regarding your last letter, of course, we must come to a complete understanding without any omissions.

Firstly, you are surprised as to why several months ago it was necessary to make a decision depriving you of a monthly, albeit small, allowance. The circumstances were as follows. At the meeting with Koba,1 it was "noted" that we had only about 2,000 kroner left from all the old funds. This amount had to be left untouched for the work of the centralists, even if it was the most modest. "Pravda" itself had not sent us anything for about 2 months. Its affairs were very shaky, and all efforts were being made to avoid losses. The prospects looked rather grim. Hence, with a heavy heart, we had to write to you: find some work — advice which, of course, is easier to give than to carry out. — You knew all these facts yourself.

Here in Krakow, of course, we could not think of any earnings. And, generally, from the division between Krakow and Paris, certain "privileges" naturally followed for us. When "Pravda" somewhat recovered and started paying us again 200 rubles per month, there was once more hope of maintaining the base. To divide 200 rubles among three? We thought about this. But neither I nor Vladimir Ilyich could live on 67 rubles, having nothing else. Some debts had also accumulated. Then we thought that with the line-by-line payment in "Prosveshchenie" and "Pravda," you would, at the minimum, earn such an amount.

Now, as things stand. Today, we are turning to "Pravda" with the following proposal. They have expanded the format, and, of course, they should have allocated new expenses for contributors. You are the first of the necessary workers. You should be guaranteed a minimum honorarium of 75 rubles per month, and you guarantee a minimum of 5 articles per week and, in addition, take charge of the literary-critical section. If Maklakov does not strangle us, then during the summer, without the Duma, with the increased format, there will be more than enough space for the three of us. A lot will have to be written. We think that "Pravda" will agree — unless, of course, repressions cut us short.

"Prosveshchenie," of course, pays poorly. What can one do? There is no money. If the Kiev lady does not come through (she promised) — it will be tough.

This is the situation. In "Pravda," as you know, not everything depends on us. There is the Economic Commission and so on. But there are no reasons to reject our proposal. If, nevertheless, they do not accept it, we will think of another way out. The financial situation is extremely difficult. The school2 might fall apart due to lack of funds.

Not to write for "Pravda" and "Prosveshchenie," of course, would be absurd. There is no ill will on their part, in any case. And regarding "Prosveshchenie," you are being too critical. He does not abuse [the system] — this is proven by facts. If he does not let you, it would only be because of an absolute lack of space.

Yours, N. Lenin.

On behalf of myself and Grigory

Fund 2, op. 1, f. 3059 - letter — autograph of G.E. Zinoviev, signature — autograph of V.I. Lenin.

1 After the conclusion of the Krakow meeting of the Central Committee of the RSDLP with party workers (January 1 [14], 1913), a closed session of the Central Committee was held on the question of the newspaper "Pravda," at which a resolution "On the Reorganization and Work of the 'Pravda' Editorial Board" written by V.I. Lenin was adopted (see: Lenin, V.I. Complete Works, vol. 22, pp. 269-270).

Apparently, during this session, a conversation took place between V.I. Lenin and I.V. Stalin (Koba).

2 The Central Committee of the RSDLP planned to organize a school for members of the Fourth State Duma and some party workers in Zakopane (Poland) during the summer recess of the Duma. Classes were to begin in mid-June 1913. However, the school was not organized.