In order to conclude preparations for the Brussels Congress a 
meeting of the Executive Committee of the General Council of the 
International Working Men’s Association’ has been called for 
August 22, and a plenary session of the General Council for 
August 25. As I have been given the task of making reports on 
both days I find that I am unable to accept the invitation,” by 
which I am greatly honoured, to attend the Congress of the 
General Association of German Workers in Hamburg. 

I am happy to see that the programme of your Congress” lays 
down those points from which, in fact, any serious workers’ 
movement must proceed: agitation for complete political freedom, 
regulation of the working day, and systematic international 
cooperation of the working class in the great, historical task which 
it has to accomplish for the whole of society. Good luck in your 
work! 


With democratic greetings 


Karl Marx