[p. 13]
Comrades,
At this moment when the catastrophic crisis of Stalinism is developing on an unprecedented scale, we submit a new urgent call to you with the object of bringing about a united front of Trotskyists, of fighters in the Fourth International.
Events have decided in sovereign fashion a number of the political differences which separated us in the past. Unquestionably political reconciliations have taken place in this way. Obviously enormous opportunities are now opening up for our international movement. It would be criminal to bungle them, even in part, through misunderstanding, vanity, or for any other reason. Let us all rise to the level of our historical responsibilities. A united Trotskyist international movement, without splits, would enormously increase our attractive power for the elements disappointed by Stalinism who are seeking a new revolutionary leadership. There is no question, at this time, whether organizational or political, for which we cannot find a solution together which is satisfactory to all. We have never given up calling for unity ever since the split took place. Profoundly convinced of the immense benefit that this unity would mean to our movement at the present time, we call upon you, in all responsibility and sincerity, to reflect, to overcome secondary (aspects) and considerations, to use this same spirit of responsibility.
Let us together organise the World Congress of the International, as a striking manifestation of the unity and power of Trotskyism. We solemnly promise to study all your demands, suggestions, or criticisms in a spirit of maximum understanding. Believe us, comrades, it is not in a spirit of weakness or of any other similar consideration, that we make this appeal to you. We are certain you will be happy, upon rejoining the ranks of the Fourth International, to learn of the immense progress of our common movement. It is in this spirit of responsibility, of loyalty to our principles, and in the supreme interest of our common movement that we make this new appeal for unity. Time is pressing. Let us show ourselves worthy of our glorious traditions, of our principled program, consecrated so strikingly by history. Let us close ranks in the framework of the Fourth International. Let us together prepare its world congress. Let us immediately set up a commission to prepare the ground for this objective. It is impossible for you to remain silent to this appeal.
The 18th Plenum of the International Executive Committee