Letter to Camille Huysmans, January 29, 1914

From Marxists-en
Jump to navigation Jump to search

My dear Huysmans,

I thank you for your kind letter.[1] I am very sorry that you were not at the Congress of the Lettish Social-Democrats the first day, as everyone expected, but on Wednesday, just when you were not expected and when I had to absent myself on business. I regret it all the more since I missed the opportunity of hearing your very interesting speech.

As regards the request of the Executive Committee that “I make up in my own name” a brief report concerning the differences, I very much regret that I am unable to meet your request.

A report of this kind cannot be submitted “in my own name”, as I have no right to do it. I am sure, moreover, that the important thing for the Executive Committee of the I.S.B. is not “my personal” opinion, but the opinion of the Central Committee. As soon as I arrive in Cracow, however, and get in touch with all the members of the CC, the report which the Executive Committee asks for will be drawn up, endorsed by the Central Committee and forwarded to you.[2]

I cannot close this letter without thanking you for your kind invitation. Unfortunately, I am engaged today with the Chairman of our Party’s Duma group at a congress sitting which happens to be discussing this very question of unity in the Russian S.D.L. Party. I would therefore like to put off our meeting (the Chairman of the Russian S.D.L. group would also be glad to talk with you) and arrange it for tomorrow, 4 p.m., at the Maison du Peuple.

Will you please wire me whether this is convenient for you, at the address: Oulianoff. 18. Rue Souveraine. 18. Ixelles-Bruxelles.

Yours,

N. Lenin

  1. In his letter dated January 29 (N.S.), 1914, Camille Huysmans expressed his regret at not having met Lenin at the Congress of the Social-Democrats of the Lettish Region and asked Lenin personally to make a brief report on the state of affairs within the RSDLP before leaving Brussels. He suggested meeting at 8.30 p.m. in the Maison du peuple, Brussels.
  2. See present edition, Vol. 20, pp. 74–81 and 233–36.—Ed.