Page:Vladimir Ilyich Lenin - Lenin's Views on the Revolution.djvu/2

 In spite of our difficulties, we have succeeded in carrying out a great work in a short space of time. We have succeeded in settling our programme with unanimity, and in spite of editorial and other shortcomings we are convinced that it has already found a place in the history of the Third International as setting forth the main points of the newest lines of communication for the International proletarian bid for liberty. A translation of our programme, we feel sure, would do much to show our friends in other countries what the Russian Communist Party, one of the battalions of the proletariat, has already achieved. Our programme should be most useful as a means of propaganda and agitation; on reading it our brothers will be able to say: "Here are our comrades, our brothers. This is our common cause."

Comrades, at this Congress we have succeeded in carrying the most important motions. We have given full recognition to the formation of the Third Communist Internationale, which was founded here in Moscow. We are unanimous on the question of the war; although in the beginning the differences of opinion seemed to be suggestive of a division. We are now able to leave this Congress fully convinced that our chief defenders, the Red Army—for whom the whole country is making extreme sacrifices—will find us devoted and faithful helpers, champions, leaders, friends, and fellow-workers.

Comrades, the question of organisation has also been readily solved. The problem of work on the land, and the relations between the proletariat, when it overthrew the bourgeoisie, and the millions of the middle grade of peasants have been fully debated, and a line of action drawn up. The resolutions of this Conference will assuredly establish our power.

The resolution which we have adopted under these trying conditions should help us safely through the coming half-year. We are passing through hard times, and the Imperialists are making a mighty effort to overthrow the Soviet by force. But we are convinced that this half-year will see the end of our troubles; the success of the proletarian revolution in Hungary points to our speedy success.

Comrades, we are informed that the arbitrary ultimatum which the Allies sent to Hungary, on the question of sending troops through that country, decided the bourgeois Government there to abdicate in favour of the Communists. The Hungarian comrades, then in prison, were approached by the bourgeois opportunist Government, which recognised that the power had to be in the hands of the workers.