Leon Trotsky: Letter to B. J. Field

February 1, 1933

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 13. Supplement (1929-1933), New York 1979, p. 185 f., title: “A Possible Lecture Tour”]

[A thorough outline of the Trotskyist tendency’s attitude toward bourgeois and Communist parties.] As for contributing to the bourgeois press, there are a number of factors to consider. A fully developed CP, which has a daily press, etc., can simply order its members not to contribute to the bourgeois press. Any possible exceptions would have to be motivated by thoroughly unusual and important circumstances and would, of course, always be made under the supervision of the party.

Our situation is completely different. We have been artificially separated from the party; we are not strong in numbers, nor do we have a powerful press. … [He goes on to express his apprehension that a visit to the USA could lead to conflicts with White emigres and/or American Stalinists. Further on the plan for a book on the history of the Red Army and the civil war in Russia, which, however, he considers unfeasible because it would be too time-consuming. He mentions a plan for an American tour for the purpose of developing contacts among Communist immigrants.] As for the concrete arrangements, I cannot yet say anything definite. I have heard that American impresarios keep 60 percent of the revenues for themselves, at least for lectures under ordinary circumstances. But in our case there is a certain element of “sensationalism” involved and a more or less large revenue. I would really be interested to know what percentage the impresario takes on W. Churchill’s lectures. (I must apologize for this comparison, not to W. Churchill, but to you, and myself.) It would be in order for you to make some inquiries on your end — in a discreet but effective way. In any case, I am sure that this question will not present any insurmountable obstacles.