Letter to Jan Frankel, April 21, 1933

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The Discussion on Germany

Dear Friend:

I am sending you my objections to the documents of the German leadership. Please translate them into German and send them to Germany as soon as possible.

I see, from several indications, that the German comrades are not satisfied with the character of the discussion: it seems to them that there is a desire to impose a decision upon them and that I am taking part in that effort. But from the very beginning I have advocated the broadest and most comradely discussion possible, without the slightest imposition of views from the top down. The German comrades’ complaint that G.G. [Trotsky] has answered purely imaginary arguments is based on sheer misunderstanding. The letter by G.G. was written before any response whatsoever was received from Germany, and it was directed, not against any actual objections, but against possible ones, in order to remove certain misunderstandings a priori, so to speak.

At any rate this experience shows once again how necessary it is for the Secretariat to be cautious in questions involving international differences. I am very unhappy that my article “The Tragedy of the German Proletariat” was not printed with the note that it was intended as a discussion article. That method is much better and healthier for our internal regime.

Are the Stalinists really preparing to call a congress [against fascism] in Copenhagen, or are they simply postponing it to the Greek calends in order never to hold one again? In Paris you can orient yourself on this question more easily.

Best wishes.

Yours,

L.T.