V. I.

Lenin

The conference opened with a speech by Lenin. He greeted
the students of the courses, who had resolved to go out to the front to
help the Red Army, and gave a vivid description of the present situation on
all the fronts and in the enemy’s rear.

The bourgeoisie, both of Russia and the West, had begun to celebrate
victory prematurely. The Red troops were driving Kolchak before
them. Denikin was retreating from Orel. There was demoralisation among the
White troops. In Denikin’s rear there were uninterrupted uprisings. Today
even the prosperous Cossacks were going against him.

Yudenich had scant forces, consisting mainly of Englishmen. Britain had
given him a large fleet. Yudenich’s offensive was intended to save Denikin,
draw our forces off, but his plan failed-the workers of Petrograd had
displayed examples of heroism. Europe was tensely watching the outcome of the
struggle. The workers of France and Britain had already registered their
protest against the attack upon Russia. Bolshevism in these countries was
gaining ground. The elections in France were very significant in this respect. [1] Our chief attention was now directed to the Southern Front,
where indescribably furious and sanguinary battles were raging, and where
the fate of the revolution in the West as well as in Russia was being
decided...

Denikin’s officer corps was well armed. In view of the uprisings in
their rear, they were putting up a desperate fight. But the worker and
peasant masses were beginning to see things clearer and there was a strong
upsurge among them. Our weakness was that we had too few knowledgeable
organisers among the peasants and workers. That was why we had so many old
officials, saboteurs, etc., in our institutions. It was necessary to
advance the best workers from among the people, and give them
knowledge....

It was important to have social-minded people capable of talking to the
peasants, people who would raise the morale of the army, and therefore
everyone going to the front should show an example of bravery and selfless
dedication. Victory then will be ours. We shall put transport in order and
bring in grain....

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Notes:
[1]