June 23, 1953
Dear Friend:
I received your letter of June 2. I regret its laconic character. I do not understand why the new circumstances no longer justify the projected meeting. On the other hand, I think that before halting the proceedings for my arrival, it was necessary to consult me, and not put me before some kind of accomplished fact I do not desire to see Jim and possibly other members of the leadership for personal reasons, as Comrade P., but for reasons pertaining to the policy, interests, and the difficulties of the entire movement as its secretary.
I find it very hard to understand, when I, despite my fatigue, my many daily difficulties, decide to come almost to threshold of your door to see you, that you very simply refuse this interview. The responsibilities for the movement weigh as much on us here as on you. Your help, your understanding, your encouragement, have been essential conditions in the past for the good conduct of our work here.
If, for any reason, these come to be missing, it would certainly provoke grave troubles in the work here. On the other hand, it may be that you are not satisfied with my attitude with regard to your internal situation.
I have learned strange and incredible things, which have enormously surprised and pained me; that I have fomented the struggle of the minority in order to overturn the leadership, etc. On the basis of what proofs, of what factional actions, of incurably factional elements have you formed this so flattering opinion of me?
In any event, I hoped that you personally, having arrived from here so recently, would have known to combat such rumors very vigorously. I have had nothing to do with the genesis and the beginning of your struggle When it broke out, despite me, I worked to avoid having it degenerate into a split, or to stray into false political pathways (false in my opinion).
I wrote along these lines both to the ones and to the others, openly and clearly. If I now judge the matter according to the results I must say that I was not wrong, and that the recommendations included in my letter are very close to the views that I find in the joint resolution adopted by your Plenum.
Unless, if, as certain people here believe, the Plenum has signified only a brief truce in the struggle, a strategic retreat, to begin it soon again, and to get it over with the next time. I refuse to admit such an explanation.
That would only please incurably factional elements, who love squabbles and struggle for its own sake. I regard the truce as sincere and that every effort ought to be taken to transform it into a real and durable peace. It is in this sense that I understand Jim's final speech, which I salute and approve with all my heart.
If the situation is like this, there is all the more reason for me to take contact, if not with Jim present, at least with the new leaders of the party. A thorough-going explanation, as well as a joint examination of the problems, difficulties and tasks of the movement are necessary. Otherwise, how do you envisage cooperation with us?
On the other hand, we here unanimously believe that I ought to visit Latin America this summer to get a closer view of the Bolivian situation, and better prepare on the spot the 4th Congress. I considered combining these two visits. If you consider that the first is not realizable in. any manner, I would like to know if you could help me financially, and in what amount, to go to Latin America. We have just finished discussing in the I. S. the subject of the two documents opening the discussion on the 4th Congress, and will send them out in a few days.
P.