1

The question of the German offensive is discussed. A. Lomov (G. I. Oppokov) proposes to postpone the discussion.

Comrade Lenin is against, but in favour of limiting speakers (factional opinions with a time limit of 5 minutes).

2

After the decision to discuss the question, N. I. Bukharin proposes to allow a larger number of speakers to speak.

Comrade Lenin speaks against this and proposes to reduce the question to whether or not to send a telegram with a peace proposal and to allow speakers to speak for and against this.

Lenin’s proposal is adopted.

3

L. D. Trotsky speaks against sending a telegram with a peace proposal.

Comrade Lenin (for the peace proposal). Yesterday’s particularly characteristic vote was when everyone recognised the necessity of peace if no movement occurs in Germany and the offensive takes place{131}. There is doubt whether the Germans do not want an offensive in order to overthrow the Soviet government. We are faced with a situation where it is necessary to act. If the offensive of imperialism is quite clearly manifest, then we will all be for defence and then it will be possible to explain this to the people. If the offensive now begins and we explain to the masses after that, we will cause more confusion than if we now conduct negotiations on prolonging the armistice; not a single hour can be lost here, for the masses will not understand this formulation of the question. Either we wage a revolutionary war for the socialisation of the land and then the masses will understand us, or we conduct negotiations on peace.

First published: the 1st and 2nd speeches – in 1928 in the journal *Proletarskaya Revolyutsiya* No. 2; the 3rd speech – in 1922 in the Collected Works of N. Lenin (V. Ulyanov), Vol. XV.

Printed from the handwritten copy of the protocol record.