I think, comrades, that there is no necessity for this amendment which comrade Zinoviev is proposing.{24} I hope that only Party members are in this hall; I think that given the state importance of the question, we can adopt a decision to take a personal pledge from each person present in this hall.

This is not at all an unnecessary measure. We find ourselves in conditions where military secrets are becoming very important questions for the Russian Republic—the most essential ones. If we say in the press that the Congress has recognized ratification, then there can be no misunderstanding. I only propose not to vote on this now because there may be changes: today additional information should still arrive; we have adopted special measures to keep us informed from the northeast and the south—this news may change something. Once the Congress agrees that we must maneuver in the interests of revolutionary war, and even grants the Central Committee authority to declare war—clearly, in this we have the agreement of both parts of the Party; the dispute consisted only in whether to continue the war without any respite or not. I believe that in proposing such an amendment, I am saying something indisputable for both the majority and the opposition; I think there can be no other interpretation. I consider it more practical to confirm only that we must keep it secret. Furthermore, to adopt additional measures and to take on this account a personal pledge from each person present in this hall.