Leon Trotsky: Letter to Jacob Walcher

August 21, 1933

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 13. Supplement (1929-1933), New York 1979, p. 274 f., title: “On the Declaration of Four”]

Dear Friend:

Thank you for the information contained in your letter of August 20.

The changes you suggest in the text of our (Left Opposition) declaration have already been undertaken. It goes without saying that this applies only to the Left Opposition’s declaration. Our allies cannot, of course, be bound by the text of this declaration.

I am enclosing the draft of a short declaration for the general position of the revolutionary participants in the conference — one which, however, seems to me sufficient for the case at hand. Even if we launch this statement only in the name of the SAP, RSP, OSP, and Left Opposition, it will have a tremendous effect. If Kilbom and Mot Dag sign, the effect will he that much the greater. The signature of the PUPists could only lend the matter a ridiculous overtone.

Will the ILP in its present form and particularly with its present leadership sign our declaration? It is doubtful. If not, our new declaration would be an excellent document for continuing the struggle with the ILP. I am sure you are acquainted with the quotation from Inprecorr cited in the most recent issue of La Vérité (August 18). The ILP is accused of bringing up Trotskyist arguments against joining the Comintern and also of being in direct contact with expelled “Trotskyists.” So much the better. Our comrades must actually enter the ILP and give full effort to building up the revolutionary element in this party. Discuss this with the members of the IS and with the English delegate of our section when he arrives. This is a question of pressing importance. In my opinion, it would be fatal to wait for the further development of the ILP — i.e., not to sign a document like the one indicated by the enclosed draft. The appearance of our declaration without the ILP can only accelerate its evolution in our direction.

Have you consulted with Bauer and other comrades about ways of carrying out joint work? We must, we must take a step forward now — or else we will accomplish nothing.

We have now received the RSP’s (Sneevliet’s) declaration of principles. A very good declaration. Comrade Rudolf will send it to you.