V. I.

Lenin

89

To:   ALEXANDRA KOLLONTAI

Dear Comrade, The question of a conference of the “Left” is going ahead.
There has already been a first
Vorkonferenz , [3] and a second, decisive one, will be held shortly . It is extremely important
to draw in the Left Swedes ( Höglund ) and the Norwegians.

Be kind enough to write (1) whether we are in agreement
with you (or you with the C.C.), if not, wherein we differ,
and (2) whether you will undertake to draw in the “Left”
Scandinavians.

Ad 1. You know our position from Sotsial-Demokrat . In
Russian affairs we shall not be for unity with the Chkheidze
group [4] (which Trotsky, and the O.C., and Plekhanov, and Co. want: see The War ), because this is a cover-up and
defence of Nashe Dyelo . In international affairs we shall
not be for rapprochement with Haase-Bernstein-Kautsky (for in practice they want unity with the Südekums and to
shield them, they want to get away with Left phrases and
to change nothing in the old rotten party). We cannot stand for the watchword of peace, because we consider it
supremely muddled, pacifist, petty-bourgeois, helping the
governments (they now want to be with one hand “for peace”, in order to climb out of their difficulties) and
obstructing the revolutionary struggle.

In our opinion, the Left should make a common declaration of principle
(1) unquestionably condemning the social-chauvinists and opportunists,
(2) giving a programme of revolutionary action (whether to say civil war or
revolutionary mass action, is not so important), (3) against the watchword of “defence of the fatherland”, etc. A
declaration of principle by the “Left”, in the name of several
countries, would have a gigantic significance (of course, not in
the spirit of the Zetkin philistinism which she got adopted
at the Women’s
Conference [5] at Berne; Zetkin evaded the question of condemning social-chauvinism!! out of a desire
for “peace” with the Südekums+Kautsky??).

If you are not in agreement with these ladies, drop us a line straightaway.

If you are in agreement, do take on the translation of (1) the manifesto of the Central Committee (No. 33 of
Sotsial-Demokrat ) [1] and (2) the Berne resolutions (No. 40
of
Sotsial-Demokrat ) [2] into Swedish and Norwegian, and get in touch with Höglund—do they agree to prepare a
common declaration (or resolution) on such a basis (naturally
we shall not quarrel over details)? Particular speed with
this is necessary.

And so I await your reply.

Every good wish, Yours, Lenin