Page:Lenin - The Collapse of the Second International - tr. Sirnis (1919).pdf/74

 All the bourgeois parties have entered upon the path of imperialism; they agreed unanimously to satisfy all demands of the army and navy. Social Democracy struggles most per­sistently against all imperialist and jingoistic aspirations wherever they make their appearance and, on the other hand, unflinchingly creates the international solidarity of the proletariat which nowhere cherishes hostile feelings for other nations.

And though imperialism, which is an effect of the capitalist economic system, can be overthrown only together with the capitalist system, we must not lose a single opportunity of nullifying its actions, which are dangerous to all.

The Party Conference declares its resolute will to do all in its power to establish mutual understanding between nations and to safeguard peace.

The Party Conference demands that by means of inter­national agreements an end be put to the mad rivalry of arma­ments which threatens peace and brings mankind so quickly to the brink of the most terrible catastrophe.

The Party Conference demands that for the policy of greed for annexations and conquests be substituted the policy of a free world interchange of commodities and the abolition of the system of protective tariffs, which latter serves merely to enrich capitalist magnates and large landowners.

The Party Conference expects the members of the Party to apply tirelessly their whole strength to building up the political, trade union, and co-operative organisations of the class-conscious proletariat to the end that imperialism may be fought with more and more energy until it be overthrown. For the task of the proletariat is to turn capitalism, which has reached the highest degree of development, into socialist society, and thus to safeguard a lasting peace and the indepen­dence and freedom of nations.

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