Dear friend!

I shall be very glad if you visit Geneva and have a talk about the editorship of the new organ.401

Really!

Brilliant has beaten us to it and "snapped up" Hilbaud.

How insulting. Oh, how very insulting.

Is there any way to help? I am writing to Olga and Grigory to try to get at least someone from our party members into the editorial board. Olga thinks it is not impossible. It is very much needed.

Regarding the book (which you have) from the local library. I think I can satisfy you with the following proposal:
when you leave Clarens, leave your new address both at the post office and at the telegraph office (so that the telegram is sent to you immediately) and take the library book (with wrapping paper and string) with you.

By telegram: "Envoyez le livre"* send it by first post without a moment's delay.

On this condition you may exceed the deadline, I take the risk upon myself. The risk is very small, since there is a 99% probability that the librarian will not demand the book. But I absolutely must be guaranteed that in case of such a demand I can return it the next day (otherwise they will catch me out for sending a book from Zurich, and that is an impossible scandal).

I think that the precaution I have proposed is not at all a difficult thing for you. But it is absolutely necessary.

Best greetings!

Your Lenin to Clarens (Switzerland)

Published for the first time from the manuscript

Written November 28, 1916

Sent from Zurich