V. I.

Lenin

The Petrograd City Conference of the R.S.D.L.P. (Bolsheviks)

APRIL 14–22 (APRIL 27–MAY 5), 1917

3

Two Remarks During the Debate

On the Resolution Concerning the Attitude

Towards the Provisional Government

April 15 (28)

I.

After yesterday’s debate I can confine myself to brief remarks. The resolution shows a way out. The situation is
determined not only by the fact that definite classes are
represented in the Provisional Government, but also by the fact
that the latter leans upon the Soviet of Workers’ Deputies. The
inference is not that we must yield to this petty bourgeoisie,
but that we must form independent groups, not in order to
separate ourselves from the petty bourgeoisie, but in order to
impel it to go forward. The seizure of all the land is a step
forward on the part of the revolutionary people. The replacement
of the standing army by a militia is a step forward.

II.

Comrade Kamenev is shifting to the policy of Chkheidze and
Steklov. Of course, no one will say that the Provisional
Government is putting off the Constituent Assembly, if we do not
say it. Everybody wants to carry on the war. The point at issue
is the organisation of counter-revolution. In revolutionary
times control means deception. The date for the elections could
be arranged in three days. By listing “sins”, we provide
ammunition for propaganda. To seek the truth in the Contact
Commission is impossible. There can be no control without
power. To control by means of resolutions, etc., is sheer
nonsense. Control means dispelling the petty-bourgeois illusions, fog.

| First published in 1925 in the book The Petrograd City and the All-Russia Conferences of the R.S.D.L.P. (Bolsheviks), April 1917 | |
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| Published according to the typewritten copy of the Minutes | |

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