The Political Situation
admission to the Conference which would prevent the attendance of Imperialistic Socialists.
Did he go back on his word, or did he fail in his effort?
The fact remains that a few days later we received from the Soviet a reply which maintained the terms of the former convocation.
We were at the front when this letter was sent to us. Thomas, who was returning to France, received it as he was leaving. He insisted on going on with the matter, but maintaining the point of view we had come to together.
It was in such a frame of mind that, before leaving Petrograd, we sent to the Soviet a last note, which summed up the former documents, and of which this is the text:
To the Executive Committee of the Council of Workmen and Soldiers' Deputies at Petrograd.
Honoured Friends,—
On our return from the Russian front, where the delegates of Socialist
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