[Autumn 1916. Bern].

Dear comrade!

I thank you very much for the account of the Geneva disputes: it is very important for us to have readers' opinions. It is a pity that we are rarely made acquainted with them.

Lunacharsky, Bezrabotny and Co. — people without a head.

I advise you to put the question to them squarely: let them provide written theses (and then in print), short and clear (like our resolutions) — (1) on self-determination (§ 9 of our party program). Do they agree or disagree with the 1913 resolution? If not, why did they remain silent? Why did they not provide their own?

2) why do they deny the defense of the fatherland in this war?

(3) how do they pose the question of "defense of the fatherland"?

(4) how do they relate to national wars and 5) — to national uprisings?

Let them answer!

They will get tangled up like children, I would wager. They have understood absolutely nothing about the question of the historical character of "nation" and "defense of the fatherland."

Since you want to dispute with them, I am sending you my article from no. 3 (or 4) of the collection on this subject. This is — privately, i.e., only for you: after reading, return it to me or give it to the Karpinskys so that they return it to me with the next packet. I cannot yet show this to the public.

I thought that you had left and therefore sent the letter about Swiss affairs only to Noah. But the letter is intended for you as well. Read it. Noah does not answer me with a single word. Strange! Very strange!

Best greetings. Get well!

I shake your hand. Your Lenin.