Leon Trotsky: Concentrate Inside the Socialist Party

June 1934

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 14, New York 1979, p. 486 f.]

Dear Comrade:

The enclosed letter was written several days ago on the boat during the crossing from Marseilles to Algeria. At that time, the agreement between the Stalinists and Blum appeared to have been concluded. But I have just now received the latest issues of L’Humanité and Le Populaire, which inform me that the negotiations have been broken off. Nevertheless, I consider it necessary to send you this letter, for the various episodic relations between the Stalinist and reformist leaders do not change the fundamental line put forward in my letter. Even Blum and Cachin refer to a “breakdown” of negotiations in the sense of a temporary interruption: they feel the pressure from below and they are afraid of the masses. In any case, the united front between the local organizations will advance under the pressure of events, and the League cannot and must not stand aside. The break-off of the talks gives the League a certain respite to prepare its tactical turn. But this respite should be measured in weeks, not months. The rhythm of events is now extraordinarily accelerated in comparison with the preceding period: we must not forget that, in any case. How to make use of this respite? Concentrate our main forces inside the Socialist Party, and establish therein a firm nucleus and a fraction of sympathizers. In the event of a new favorable opportunity this fraction can address itself to the League with an open appeal: to enter the Socialist Party for a common struggle on behalf of a revolutionary Marxist policy.

So, I repeat, the episodic breakdown in negotiations does not at all change the essence of this line, which is developed in the enclosed letter (needless to say, this letter is in no way meant for publication).

I do not have your new address at hand, and I am forced to send this letter from Marseilles, where our boat has just arrived again, by the intermediary of one of our friends.

I hope to receive your reply quickly, as time is pressing.

Yours,

Crux [Leon Trotsky]

P.S. I am also sending you a small article for La Vérité