V. I.

Lenin

551

To:   INESSA ARMAND

Dear Friend, I am sending you a leaflet. Will you please translate it into French
and
English. [1] The German translation will be made for me in Berne, I
hope.

I am greatly interested in the idea of such propaganda, especially of
the May Day strike—a strike like this was suggested by one of the Lefts
in Switzerland ( Holzarbeiter-Zeitung , Schweizerische, von
27.I.1917). I’d very much like to send this leaflet to Paris. I hope Grisha
will be able to get it published, and it will find its way to Germany, too,
afterwards, I think.

Please translate it in vigorous language, in short sentences. Please
write it in duplicate on thin paper as clearly as possible to avoid
misprints. If possible let Usiyevich (keeping the thing secret) make a copy
from the Russian text to be forwarded to Abramovich (together with
one copy of the French translation). The two English copies, one French
copy and my Russian text return to me as soon as possible . We must
hurry, because in view of mailing difficulties, there is not much time left
until 1.V, and we must start agitation beforehand.

All the very best, Yours, Lenin

P.S. Nadya feels better today, though she is still in bed. She sends
you warm regards. Read the enclosed and forward it to Abramovich together
with the Russian text and the French translation.

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Notes:
[1]
The reference is to Leaflet No. 1 “Gegen die Luge der
Vaterlandsverteidigung” (Against the Fatherland Defence Lie), afterwards
issued over the signature: “A group of Zimmerwald Lefts in Switzer
land”. Lenin took an active part in the drafting and editing of this
leaflet, which incorporated his “Proposed Amendments to the Resolution on
the War Issue” and a number of propositions from other articles of his.