Tov. Stalin. Letter for the plenum of the Central] komittee

For a correct assessment of our disagreement on the question of Rozhkov, it should be borne in mind that we have already raised this question several times in the Politburo. The first time Trotsky was in favor of postponing Rozhkov's expulsion. The second time, when, under the influence of pressure from Messing, Rozhkov gave a new formulation of his views, Trotsky spoke in favor of expelling him, finding that this formulation was not only worthless, but clearly proved the insincerity of Rozhkov's views. I quite agree with Zinoviev that Rozhkov is a man of firm and straightforward convictions, but he yields to us in bargaining with Messing and gives any statements against the Mensheviks solely on the same grounds on which we once signed oaths of allegiance to the Tsar when we entered the State Duma. Therefore, if one were to instruct Steklov or anyone else to use Rozhkov's statements (e.g., to "challenge" the Mensheviks), it would, first of all, fail to achieve the goal, and secondly, it would shame us, for the Mensheviks would reply directly that they have always expressed themselves like us for signing any oath of allegiance under compulsion. From such a "duel" with the Mensheviks we shall lose everything.

I propose:

first, that Rozhkov be sent abroad, Secondly, if this fails (e.g., on the grounds that Rozhkov deserves leniency because of his old age), then Rozhkov's statements obtained under duress should not be publicly discussed. Then we should wait until Rozhkov, at least in a few years, makes a sincere statement in our favor. Until then I would suggest sending him, e.g., to Pskov, creating for him tolerable living conditions and providing him with material and work. But he must be kept under strict supervision, for this man is and will probably be our enemy to the end1*.

Lenin.

13.XII.22.

Recorded by telephone by L.Fotieva.

Published - "Rodina", 1992, No. 3, p. 49.

Fond 2, op. 2, d. 1344 - typewritten text.

1 At a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the RCP(6) on December 14, 1922, it was decided: "To expel Rozhkov to Pskov, establishing the strictest supervision over him and at the first manifestation of any social and political activity hostile to the Soviets - to expel him abroad" (RCCHIDNI, f. 17, op. 3, d. 326, l. 3).

N.A.Rozhkov was exiled to Pskov, engaged in scientific and pedagogical work, wrote a number of works on the history of Russia.