January 11, 1918

(Summary Record in the Minutes)

Comrade Stalin considers that if we accept the slogan of a revolutionary war we shall be playing into the hands of imperialism. Trotsky’s position cannot be called a position at all. There is no revolutionary movement in the West, there is no evidence of a revolutionary movement. It exists only in potential, and in our practical activities we cannot rely merely on potentials. If the Germans begin to advance, it will strengthen the hand of counter-revolution here at home. Germany can advance, because she has her own Kornilov troops—her “Guards.” In October, we talked of a sacred war against imperialism because we were told that the mere word “peace” would be enough to start a revolution in the West. But that has not proved correct. Our socialist reforms are stirring up the West, but we need time to carry them out. If we accept Trotsky’s policy we shall create the worst possible conditions for a revolutionary movement in the West. Comrade Stalin therefore recommends the adoption of Comrade Lenin’s proposal for the conclusion of peace with the Germans. First published in
Minutes of the Central Committee,

R.S.D.L.P.,

August 1917-February 1918,

Moscow and Leningrad, 1929