V. I.

Lenin

74

To:   V. A. KARPINSKY

Dear Friend

I spoke here today at Plekhanov’s lecture, against his chauvinism. [1] I intend to deliver a lecture here on
Tuesday. I should like to lecture at Geneva (the European war
and European socialism) on
Wednesday. [2] Arrange it, after proper discussion—as conspiratively as possible, i.e., so
that no permission will be required (of course, it is also
desirable that there should be a maximum audience). You
are the best judge of how to do this. It should combine
the maximum audience with the minimum of police publicity and police interference (or police threats). At Berne I
lectured to members of the groups and guests whom they recommended (about 120–130 persons), without notices, etc.
Would not this method be best?

Reply immediately to Mr. Ryvline. Villa Rougemont.
Chailly sur Lausanne. For me. On Tuesday I am lecturing
here at Lausanne, and your reply should be here by
Tuesday afternoon. When we meet, we can have a more detailed
talk about our affairs. And so, if permission is required at
Geneva, then think it over ten times, whether a closed meeting would not be best. In general, of course, you decide.
If it is all right for Wednesday (to arrange the lecture for
Wednesday evening), I will arrive on Wednesday morning.

All the best, Yours, Lenin