There can be no doubt about the answer to this question.

19. Do not stake everything on a quick (within ¼–½ year) revolution in Europe, but systematically, without gambling, prepare for revolutionary war, utilising the “preoccupation” of both groups of imperialist giants with war.

20. The policy of a fine gesture and revolutionary phrase – that is the danger of the moment.

21. Objectively: an alliance with Wilson or defeat, but no alliance with the imperialists.

22. The forces of both giant groups are approximately equal, without us. Let them exhaust themselves (until revolution explodes among them too), while we consolidate the socialist revolution. This is the surer path to the international socialist revolution. This is the only path without adventure, without gambling, without staking everything.

Not later than 7 (20) January 1918.