Telegram to L.M. Kaganovich, 22 August 1932

Source: Tom 17

To Kaganovich.

First, regarding Gorky. The phrase "against national wars" is incorrect and scandalous. We stand not against, but for national liberation wars. It must be replaced with the words "imperialist wars" or "wars of conquest." Your comments are correct.

Second, regarding Radek. The Hague directive, of course, retains its full force for the Comintern and its sections. But we are now dealing not with a Comintern congress, but with a non-party congress of individuals and organizations, a significant part of which cannot be recognized as communist, where many participants have not yet sorted out the questions of the struggle against imperialism, are wavering between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, are trying to draw closer to us, but are still far from having come over to our positions. It is clear that our tactics at the congress must take account of these peculiarities. Radek is trying to rush to the left so that he cannot be accused of rightism. He must be talked out of such lurches.

Stalin

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, p. 295.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 79. L. 49.

NOTE: On 20 August 1932, Kaganovich wrote to Stalin: "Today Gorky sent the outline of his speech at the anti-war congress. Having familiarized ourselves with it, we think it can be accepted as a basis, but it needs additions and changes... He also has some awkward formulations, such as 'national wars,' etc."