Insertion for L. B. Kamenev’s Pamphlet Two Parties

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Lenin’s introduction to L. B. Kamenev’s pamphlet Two Parties. See present edition, Vol. 17, pp. 225–28.—Ed.

A choice should be made between the party of the revolutionary proletariat and the party of the independent legalists. Every circle or group of the RSDLP must tell the workers as much and practise it.

We know that there are people who, while recognising the need to fight the liquidators, object to a complete break with them and continue (even now!) to speak of “conciliation” or “agreement”. Among these people are not only the “loyal servitors” of Trotsky, whom very few people now take seriously. The advocates of conciliation and agreement are making a big mistake: the 18 months have shown in practice that the legalists do not fulfil any obligations. How can there be an agreement with men who do not carry out their obligations?? Isn’t it ridiculous to speak of an agreement, when the speaker is unable to state either the terms of the agreement or the means to secure fulfilment of any terms whatsoever??