C. Yes, and as soon as possible. As to the time, we have already discussed it in the meetings of the "Advisory Commission"[1] 200 times and shall definitely dispose of it in our 201st discussion to-morrow.
D. Yes, and as soon as possible. Yet, to be successful and to be really convoked, one condition is necessary: increase the number and strengthen the power of the Councils; organize and arm the masses. Only thus can the Assembly be assured.
10.—Does the state need a police of the conventional type and a standing army?
A and B. Absolutely, for this is the only permanent guarantee of the rule of capital, and in case of necessity, as is taught by the experience of all countries, the return from republic to monarchy is thus greatly faciliated.
C. On the one hand, they may not be necessary. On the other hand, is not so radical a change premature? Moreover, we can discuss it in the Advisory Commission.
D. Absolutely unnecessary. Immediately and unconditionally universal arming of the people shall be introduced so that they and the militia and the army shall be an integral whole. Capitalists must pay the workers for their days of service in the militia.
11.—Does the state need an officialdom (chinovniks) of the conventional type?
A and B. Unquestionably. Nine-tenths of them are the sons and brothers of the landholders and capitalists. They should continue to form a privileged, in fact an irremovable body of persons.
C. Hardly the proper time to put a question which has already been put practically by the Paris Commune.[2]
D. It does not. AH officials must not only be elected by the people, but also subject to recall by them; also each and every delegate. Their pay shall not exceed that of a good worker. They are
- ↑ The "Advisory Commission" consisted of representatives of the Petrograd Council, among them Chernov and Tseretelli, who later became members of the Provisional Government cabinet. The "Commission" tried to advise and control the government, with very slight success.—L. C. F.
- ↑ The Paris Commune armed the people and abolished completely the old class of officials, as it abolished the division of functions in the legislative and administrative departments of government The Commune united the functions of legislature and administration within one body, as the Soviets have been doing in Russia since the revolution of November 7, which established the supremacy of the Soviets.—L. C. F.
