MIA: History: International: Communist International: the Communist International [Vol. 9, 1932]
Workers of the World Unite!
The Communist International
Organ of the Executive Committee of the Communist International
Volume 9, 1932
The following numbers are those of the journal, The Communist Internatonal for 1931. No editors listed. All were published – the Communist Party of Great Britain at 16 King Street, London, WC2.
Note regarding v0lume names:
The first series of Communist International bore no name or v0lume number. It includes issues numbers 1 - 30. Published in London 1919 - early 1924. It is often referred to as the “original series”or as the “old series”. the latter because the next series is officially called the “New Series”. We are calling this Volume 1 in the file names of the pdf files provided here.
The second series of Communist International stated on it that it was the “New Series”. It includes issues numbers 1-23. This spans early 1924 through early 1926. We are noting it as “new series”in the v0lume names (because it calls itself that in print), but also calling “Volume 2".
After that, the Communist International began assigning Volume numbers to subsequent runs of issue numbers. Starting with Volume 3 for October, November, and December of 1926. Hence our back-numbering of Volume 2 and Volume 1. It wasn’t until Volume 8, 1931, that a given v0lume number was assigned to a single year of publication of CI.
Here is a text file listing the Series / Volume numbers and dates of issues of CI.
Note things get a bit muddled after 1934, when CI began to be published both in London and in New York City, with different content in same numbered issues, and even different issue numbers. Our listing is primarily if not entirely of the London-published issues.
Page number for each article are given where available
Pamphlets and publications material from the Communist Party of Great Britain that were advertised in the pages of The Communist International. Digitized as part of this project.
Contents The Communist International 1932
Volume 91932 CI notes for MIA in docx format.
No. 1, January 15, 1932
3 Organise the Counter-Attack of the Proletariat
(The Eighth Session of the Central Council of the R.I.L.U.)The Eighth Session of the R.I.L. U. Central Council which bas just concluded its nork, reviewed the struggle which has been going on in the Revolutionary Trade Union Movement, based on the line set — the Fifth Congress, and put forward tasks for the future. This article reviews the weaknesses of the Red Trades Unions and Trade Union oppositions, and indicates the main lir.es nuessary for the transfer of thoir activities to the FACTORIES—their complete reorganisation in form, in content.
11 The Contradictions of Capitalism in the Light of the Credit and Valuta Crisis — R. Nauman
The relation of the general world crisis to the present economic crisis and the credit and currency criris. A comprehensive review of the amazing succession of bankruptcies and the reason for the increase of short term credits. A final refutation of the theory that there is uno way out" for capitalism.
21 How Lenin Fought in the Era of the First Revolution for Its Growth Into the Socialist Revolution and Against Centrism (Part 1.) — A. Martynov
Martynov reviews the history of the attitude of the Bolsheviks to the question of PERMANENT REVOLUTION in the light of Lenin’s writings against Trotsky and Martynov, the Social Democrats, and Rosa Luxemburg, proving the correctness of Stalin’s letter to:the uproletar skqya Revolutzsia.”
NOTE TO OUR READERS
Our periodical is a really international journal, appearing simultaneously in five languages ; its contributors are distributed throughout the entire globe. But this fact involves the technical disadvantage that between the issue — the International Editorial Board and the publication of the English edition a long period elapses, and our readers, therefore, only receive the issue some weeks after the nominal printed date of publication.
To guarantee uniformity of time and agreement with the various editions we date and number the magazine according to the closing date of the International Editorial Board. It is often only possible, however, to print at a later date. Attentive readers will have noticed that issues contain articles which are only written after the nominal date of issue and deal with the very latest events.
We therefore ask our readers not to be misled — the nominal printed date of publication.
No. 2, February 1, 1932
35 Results of 1931 and Prospects for 1932 in the U.S.S.R.
This is a complete and precisely docun1enled account, packed with statistics, of the achievements of the third year of the Five Year Plan and tht aims set for the fourth and last year.
44 How Lenin Fought in the Era of the First Revolution for Its Growth Into the Socialist Revolution and Against Centrism (Part II.) — A. Martynov
The concluding portions of a historical survey of permanet value of Lenin’s and the Bolsbeviks’ attitude to Kautsky, Bebel, and Jaures, etc.; and Centrisn1 in the Second International, concluding witb the first authoritative and documented slatement in English of Rosa Luxembourg’s attitude to Lenin and the Bolsheviks up to the day of her unfortunate murder.
58 Some Lessons From the Latest Miners’ Strike — S. Willner
A critical analysis of recent experiences of the C.P. and Red Trade Union opposition in the U.S.A. in applying the Resolutions of the Fifth Congress of the R.I.L.U. in the strike of over 4o,ooo miners which lasted many months, under the leadership of the Red Miners’ Union.
67 The Struggle Against the Provocateur
Provocation is the oldest weapon in the armoury of the ruling classes in their struggle against the toiling masses. But it lias never been used on such a grand scale as at present. All the Communist Parties nmst raise the question of struggle against provocation in all seriousness.
No. 3, February 15, 1932
75 The New Manoeuvres of the Social Democracy
The further sharpening and deepening of the crisis, the bankruptcy of the Social-Democratic theorits of organised capitalism and economic Democracylead to the result that the Social-Democrats turn to new left manoeuvres to fight successful& shoulder to shoulder with the bourgeoisie. This article exposes the essence of the most recent manoeuvres.
83 The Unfulfilled Tasks of the Spanish Revolution. (Preparatory to the IV. Congress of the C.P. of Spain)
The first comprehensive description of the revolutionary upheaval in Spaintogether with the instructions of the B.C. of Comintern to the IV. Congress of the Spanish C.P., i.e., the next tasks of the Spanish revolution.
97 The 50th Anniversary of Comrade Piatnitsky’s Birthday
An absorbing brief biography and description of the work of a world famous revolutionary leader, and immediate disciple of Lenin.
99 Brailsford: “Rebel India”
Brailsford’s book “Rebel India” gives a very clear picture of the imperialist counter-revolutionary character of the I.L.P. which is frequently not against declaring in words that it is in favour(!) of the “right to selfdetermination”, of India but is actively helping to enslave India and does all it can to defend British imperialism.
Number 4-5 [Dual number issue] March 15, 1932
War
107 Peace is slipping into a World Imperialist War
121 Japanese Imperrialism’s Predatory War on China — AKI
131 Review of the Communist Press on the War in China
The 2nd Five Year Plan
111 The Seventeenth Conference of the C.P.S.U. — V. KNORIN 111 C.P.G.B.
165 C.P.G.B. at the Crossroads — J. Tsirul
158 C.P.G.B. in the Struggle Against Social-Fascism — M.M.
155 Plenum of the C.C. of the C.P.G.B. — Gerhard
International
138 Ideological Mistakes in the Fulfilment of the Decisions of the Eleventh Plenum
Canada
172 The Party Organiser
Number 6 April 1, 1932
179 War and the Immediate Tasks of the Communist Parties
This article reviews the most recent events in Manchuria and explains the present strategy of the international capitalist class, a “peaceful” transition txJ war. “The question is an acute one. The entire international situation demands, th{lt the Communist Parties should be violently active in deeds, not words.”
184 On the Question of the Revolutionary Way Out of the Crisis
(Speech of Comrade Manuilsky on the English question). “I think one of the main reasons for the failure of the English Communist Party was that it did not give a clearly defined answer to the question as to which future road was possible for England in the present period.” “The revolutionary way out of the crisis in England is the question of the revolutionary break-up of the whole system of the capitalist world.” Would the revolution m Bntain be starved out? A contribution replete with suggestions for the working out of the answer to the questions.
190 Lessons of the English Elections
Comrade Kuusmen’s speech on the English/luestion.) Why did the C. P. G. B. not get more votes in 1931? Where did the 2,000,000 votes lost — the Labor Party land? Did workers v0te for the Conservative program? How did the Labor Party get 6,000,000 votes? Is it worth while fighting for partial demands? These and many more questions answered — one of the most brilliant brains of the Comintern in a witty and masterly speech.
198 The Second International and The War in China
P. Dietrich. Dealing with both the words and the deeds of the leaders of the Second International, with particular reference to the Appeal of the Second International on the war in the East and that of the General Council of the T. U. C. “The utterances of the social fascists here dealt with provide excellent material for unmasking them as instigators of war.”
202 The Struggle Against the Export of Munitions — L. A.
The campaign of the Comrmunist Parties against the imperialist war in the Far East has so far been weak and demands a very serious self-criticism. No “cheap, empty and boastful phrases,” but action against the war, which is on NOW.
Number 7, April 15, 1932
215 The Situation in Japan and the Tasks of the Japanese Communist Party
This article gives much required information on the actual economic situation in Japan, both in industry and agriculture and the war. The condition of the Japanese workers and peasants, and, most important, the growing strike wave and the unrest among the peasantry and the troops, are described in detail. Finally, the character of the Japcmese revolution is defined.
224 Britain’s Transition to Protection and the British Empire Situation — E. Burns.
A statistical review of Britain’s economic and financial position, the reason for the fall of the pound and the passing to a policy of Protection as an offensive weapon against competitors. The author examines the centrifugal tendencies in the British Empire, concluding that the protection policy of Empire Preference will not mitigate them.
230 Contradictions Among the Imperialists and Conflicts on the Pacific Coast — N. Terentyev.
Is there a “united front” of the Imperialists against the Chinese Revolution and the U.S.S.R.? Are Japan and Britain really united against the U.S.A.? Is the conflict between U.S.A. and Japan greater than that between Britain and Japan? A detailed review of the relations between the leading Imperialists in trade, commerce and policy.
238 Comrade Stalin’s Letter and the Purging of the Communist Parties of Social Democratic Relics — Z. Serebryansky.
This contribution shows that in almost every country where Comnmnist Parties were formed they were unable to break the mass influence of the Social-Democracy because the burden of the relics and traditions of the Second International still weighed heavily upon them. This article is a practical application of Stalin’s letter published in No. 20 of the Communist International (1931)..
Numbers 8 & 9, “Special Edition”, May 15, 1932
NOTES for this issue: Printed at the top of page 251 (first page of text after contents page) in Number 8-9 May 15, 1932 The Communist International “Special Edition for the USA” :
Due to the seizure — joint action of the United States Cus toms Service and State Department of numbers 45, 6 and 7 of the Communist International, upon which release was later secured, there has been delay in receiving subsequent numbers. Aa a result, Numbers 8, 9, 10 and 1112 have thus far not appeared in the United States. We are therefore printing selected articles from the above issues in two special issues for the United States, which appear as Numbers 89 and 101112 respectively.
NOTE that in Great Britain there were published CI issues [8, 9] and [101112], and together these contained about 80 more pages than are found in the Special Editions for USA issues [8-9] and [10-11-12]
Printed at the bottom of the table of contents of “Special Edition for USA” 8-9:
Published — Workers Library P.O. Box 148 Sta. D, New York City
251 The Bolshevization of C.P’s in the Capitalist Countries — Overcoming Social-Democratic Traditions (Part 1.) — O. Piatnitsy
The first part of a report giving a detailed comparison of the organized development and methods of the Bolshevik Party with the post-war Communist Parties of advanced capittalist countries, and drawing conclusions. Invaluable for all organizers.
262 Part 2 of above. The concluding portion of a report to teachers at the International Party Schools. Dealing with fractions, the Press, agitation, tactics, the United Front, legal and illegal work, factory work. Invaluable for all militants. (See page 262)
279 The Economic Crisis and the Policy of British Imperialism in India
Explodes the sedulous imperialist British propaganda of economic revival in India, showing the real basis of India’s export of gold — impoverishment. Shows the British imperialist policy of compromise with the Indian bourgeoisie, and exposes its agents in the labor movement.
287 Hindrances to Factory Work in England
Records the subjective difficulties hindering this all-important work, which can and must be eliminated at once.
294 Michael Nikolaevich Pokrovsky (Obituary.)
Numbers 10–11–12, July 1, 1932
Printed at the bottom of the table of contents of “Special Edition for USA” 8-9:
Published — Workers Library P.O. Box 148 Sta. D, New York City
NOTE that in Great Britain there were published CI issues 8, 9, 10 and 11-12], and together these contained about 80 more pages than are found in the “Special Editions for USA” issues [8-9] and [10-11-12]
299 Maneuvers of Social Democracy, Etc.
As the crisis intensifies, and the unrest among the masses increases, so do the Social Democratic officials adopt ever more “revolutionary” poses to retain their influence. This article provides astonishing details of the lengths to which such cunning “left” leaders as Otto Bauer are prepared to go in calling for the “defense” of the Soviet Union, et., to prevent any mass action NOW. (See page 299)
303 Open Letier to the Indian Communists
This historical document of the Indian revolutionary movement throws a vivid searchlight on all the weaknesses and errors of the Young Communist Party of India, and gives at the same time a cross section of the current stage of the Indian revolution. (See page 303)
315 The Miners’ Strike in Czecho-Slovakia and Its Lessons
Comprehensive review and analysis of this mighty class conflict
330 The Lessons of the Ruhr Miners’ Struggle in 1931 and 1932
Exposing a number of weaknesses of the C. P. of Germany and the Red Trade Union Opposition.
341 Revolutionary Underground Work
How NOT to prepare for revolutionary underground work.
Number 13, July 15, 1932
423 The Lausanne-Geneva Game With Marked Cards
Lausaunne and Geneva were a gambling den where marked cards uïere dealt, but uulike "decent" gambling deus where sharpers are thrown out - marked cards are legalised in Lausanne and Geneva. All the facts.
430 J. T. Murphy’s Desertion to the Class Enemy
This desertion was not a chance occurrence. This article rebuts the charge that Communist Party discipline does not allow the discussion of divergent views, and settles the question of the attitude to Soviet credits.
432 The June Events in Chile
This penetrating investigation of Chilean affairs shows that the recent upheavals were llO mere traditional South American "storm inl a teacup," but of profound importance, especially the creation of the first Chilean Soviets.
438 Social-Fascism in Japan
The first part of an article which provides a valuable indication of the way the Social-Fascists of Japan have outdone their European Social-Democratic members in thr art of treachery.
442 The Fourth Kuomintang Expedition Against the Chinese Red Army
"The Reds captured about 25,000 rifles, 500 heavy a11d light machine guns, a large quantity of ammunition, three airplanes and many trophies and wiped out five Kuomintang divisions." Where? How? Who? This article tells you exactly.
446 Party Leadership of the Young Communist League
Despite the instruction of the E.C.C.I. the Parties are still NOT giving daily active assistatrce and leadership to the youth. A strong plea for improvement with practical suggestions.
449 Party Work. Der Parteiarbeiter - No. 6, July 1932
A scathing criticism of the shortcomi11gs of the organ of the organisatio11 departmeut of the C.P. of Germany, of especial importance in view of the Party’s necessity for rapid reorganisation to-day.
Number 14 August 1, 1932
455 Greetings to Clara Zetkin (75th birthday) from
(a) Presidium E.C.C.I. (b) C.C. of the C.P.S.U. (c) C.P. of Germany
(d) C.P. of France (e) Editorial Board “C.I.” (f) Women’s Secretartat
457 AUGUST 1 st.
Giving a number of new facts in war preparations and the latest manreuvrcs of the Second Intenzational — Bela Kun.
461 The Anti-War Work and the Tasks Ofthe Sections of the Y.C.I.
This article indicates a number of weaknesses of the Y.C.I.’s of different countries in the war situation and proposes how to deal with them. — P. Rakhomiaghi
467 The Anti-War Work of the C.P. of France
A searching analysis of French war preparations and the Party’s anti-war work by a world-famous anti-militarist. — Andre Marty.
471 Poland-The Instigator of Imperialist War
In exposure of Polish chauvinism, her role as Germany’s watcher for the Versailles Treaty and her preparedness against the U.S.S.R. — I. Bratkovski (See page 471).
477 The Forced Manoeuvres of the Second International
A timely exposure of the reasons actuating the leaders of the Second Intemational to talk of “Defence” of the Soviet Union and why the “Lefts” talk about turning this war on the Smïiet Union into a uïar on capitalism. — D. Buchartzev
484 Struggle Against Imperialist War
A review of the activities and achievements as well as the shortcomings of the C.P’s 011 the anti-War front. — O. Bewer
Number 15 August 15, 1932
491 August 4th-July 20th (Historical “Merits” of the Social Democratic Parties-Counterrevolutionary Bourgeoisie)
The question as to whether the Fascist Government of ron Papen, in its present form, or in collaboration with the National Socialists. or in a coalition from the centre to the Nazis will be able to establish a parliamentary basis for itself, is of no importance for the future development of the class struggle in Germany. No matter what Parliamentary combinations are set up the election results show what colossal possibilities exist for the Communist vanguard.
497 In Memory of the Hungarian Comrades Bela Kun
500 On the Border of the First and Second Fiveyear Plans of the Soviet Union
How is the Five-Year Plan going? The articie survey’s the main fields of industry and agriculture, giving a concise survey, and explains the purpose and significance of the new agricultural tax regulations, “which represent a further development of Socialist construction.” — M. Tsaguria
507 The C.P.G.B. and Trade Union Activity
There can be no question of the militant mood of the British working class to-day! Numerous unofficial Trade Union rank and file movements as well as strikes bear witness to this. “These movements have developed under our very nose — yet have been largely neglected.” They must noti be allowed to slip past and anti-Trade Union work tendencies must be overcome. — J. Shields
512 How the Self-Criticism Campaign and the Checking Up of the Fulfilment! of the Decisions Are Conducted in the Communist Party of America
A penetrating criticism of the work and shortcomings of the American Communist Party, together with a number of helpful suggestions which, incidentally, should prove valuable to those outside the United States also. — J. Tsirul
520 Social Fascism in Japan-2nd Part
The conclusion of a comprehensive review of the Japanese Labour Movement (policy, various wings, Trade Unions, and also peasant organisations), as well as a number of critical suggestions for the work of the C.P. of Japan. — AKI
Bourgeois “Revelations” on the War of the Future → [No article — this name is in this issue. Error in printed table of contents?] ←
Number 16, September 1, 1932
531 Bolshevik Cannonade Against Opportunism
Whereevcr the Communist Parties were confronted with the necessity of a change in tactics, to conform to the new stage in the Labour movement, agents of the bourgeoisie have emerged from within who endeavoured to hold them back. Right opportunism is again raising its head.
534 The Main Link of the Revolutionary Upsurge — U. Lensky
The strike sfruggles prove that the working class, notwithstanding trcmendous unemployment, and Fascist terror, is capable of resisting individual attacks of the capitalists, and making their attempts to ameliorate the crisis more difficult. The wide strile movement is the fundamental link of the moment.
541 The World Economic Crisis and the End of Stabilisation — L. Madyar
After four years there is no sign of any abatement of the present cvclical crisis, which is devcloping against the background of the general crisis of the capitalist system. This contribution is a detailed survey of the current stage of the eco11omic crisis. What are the specific features of this crisis to which even many Communists give inadcquate attention?
Discussion
552 The Current Link of the Mass Work of the Communist Parties — M. Yablonsky
556 Comrade Yablonsky’s Theory and Tactics of Spontaneity — AL Grunberg and VL. Kuchumov
562 The Veterans’ Movement in the United States Williams
The whole world read with amazement that (under the direct orders of President Hoover) the 16th Brigade of the U.S. Army, infantry and caualry, with tanks, machine-guns and gas bombs, had burned down and destroyed the camp of their one-time comrades, the American veterans of the World War. What was this movement and what are its lessons?
566 Chronicle. Party Structure
A further review of the organisational work of the C.P. of Germany.
570 Bourgeois "Revelations" on the War of the Future — ROL.
Numbers 17 & 18, October 1, 1932
Reports and Speeches to XII Plenum, E.C.C.I.
575 Notification Re the XII Plenum of the E.C.C.I.
575 A Plenum of Preparation for Direct Battles for Power, for the Dictatorship of the Proletariat
583 The U.S.S.R. and the World Proletariat (Fifteenth Anniversary October Revolution) — D. Z. Manuilsky
600 On the End of Capitalist Stabilisation — D. Z. Manuilsky
612 The Communist Party of Great Britain in the Fight for the Masses — Harry Pollitt
622 The Work of the Communist Parties of France and Germany and the Tasks of the Communists in the Trade Union Movememt — O. Piatnitsky
635 Social-Fascism in Japan — Aki
Number 19 October 15, 1932
Reports and Speeches to XII Plenum, E.C.C.I.
639 The End of Capitalist Stabilisation and Economic Struggles
(On Point Two of the Agenda) (See page 639)
650 The World Historical Importance of October
654 Germany and Poland-Central Points of the Revolutionary Front — U. Lensky
668 The Situation In U.S.A. — Jack Pringle
672 The End of Capitalist Stabilisation and the Basic Tasks of British and American Sections of the C.I. — S. Gusev
683 Concluding Remarks (The Discussion on Economic Struggles) — Gottwald
689 Concluding Speech to Plenum — C. Ercoli (See page 689)
Number 20 December 1, 1932
695 The Communist Party of Germany Takes the Offensive
701 A New Victory of the Peaceful Policy of the U.S.S.R. — A New Success of the World Proletariat. (The Non-Aggression Pacts)
XII. Plenum E.C.C.I.
707 The Tasks of the Communists in the Trade Union Movement Conclusion of Speech — O. Piatnitsky
719 Concluding Remarks on Economic Struggles (On Point Two of Agenda) — E. Thalmann
725 The Struggle of the Unemployed in Belfast — Tom Bell