On “Freedom of the Press”

A short article by Lenin criticizing the thoughts and misdeeds of G. Myasnikov. It was written on August 5, 1921 and contained in the book Debate Materials published in 1921, which comprised of the following parts as: “Comrade Myasnikov’s Memo, Comrade Lenin’s Letter, The Reply and the Decision of the Organization Bureau of the Central Committee, and the Resolution of the Party in Respect to the Motovilikha Faction”. The Chinese translation is included in Vol. 42 of the second revised edition of the Complete Works of Lenin.

G. Myasnikov was the backbone of the workers’ opposition faction in All-Russian Communist Party (B), working in the Motovilikha district of the Perm province. In his memo to the Central Committee of All-Russian Communist Party (B) on May 2, 1921, and in his article “Vexed Questions” written on July 27, and in his numerous speeches in the party organizations of Petrograd and Perm, he argued for and called for the restoration of workers’ representatives committees in the factories and enterprises, which would command and lead the workers in overcoming economic sabotage, advocated the organization of the peasants’ unions (just like the trade unions) and give them the powers of the workers' and peasants' inspectorate; as well as argued for the “freedom of speech” and “freedom of press” to all political trends from the monarchists to the anarchists. Lenin thought it was his duty to persuade him as much as possible, consequently Lenin wrote this long letter, to patiently criticize and persuade him.

In this letter, Lenin expounded the historical progress and class essence of the slogan of “freedom of press”. He pointed out that the slogan “freedom of press” became a great slogan in the world from the end of the Middle Ages to the 19th century, because it reflected the progressive nature of the bourgeoisie, that is, the struggle of the bourgeoisie against the priests, kings, feudal lords and landlords. No country in the world has done as much to liberate the masses from the influence of priests and landowners as the R.S.F.S.R (Russian Federation in short) has done, and is doing. We have been performing this function of “freedom of the press” better than anyone else in the world. However, all over the world, wherever there are capitalists, freedom of the press means freedom to buy up newspapers, to buy writers, to bribe, buy and fake “public opinion” for the benefit of the bourgeoisie. Freedom of the press in the R.S.F.S.R., which is surrounded by the bourgeois enemies of the whole world, means freedom of political organisation for the bourgeoisie and its most loyal servants, the Memisheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries. The bourgeoisie (all over the world) is still very much stronger than we are. To place in its hands yet another weapon like freedom of political organisation (= freedom of the press, for the press is the core and foundation of political organisation) means facilitating the enemy’s task, means helping the class enemy. We have no wish to commit suicide, and therefore, we will not do this.

Lenin also admitted that the Communist Party had many shortcomings and mistakes, and said: “Freedom of the press” will not help to purge the Communist Party in Russia, because this is not what the world bourgeoisie wants. But freedom of the press will he a weapon in the hands of this world bourgeoisie.

We realise all the difficulties. We see all the maladies, and are taking measures to cure them methodically, with perseverance, and without giving way to panic. You wanted to cure the Communist Party of its maladies and have snatched at a drug that will cause certain deathnot at your hands, of course, but at the hands of the world bourgeoisie. You have allowed panic to get the better of you; panic is a slope-once you stepped on it you slid down into a position that looks very much as if you are forming a new party, or are about to commit suicide. The flaws of the Party must be cured by proletarian and Party measures and not by means of “freedom” (for the bourgeoisie). Reviving the Soviets; securing the co-operation of Non-Party people; allowing Non-Party people verify the work of Party members: this is absolutely right. No end of work there, and it has hardly been started. Lenin tried to help him overcome despair and panic, saying tha the workers and peasants, still have an immense reservoir of strength. We still have plenty of health and vigour. He called him not to persist in an obvious political mistake (”freedom of press”), instead engage in practical work: help to establish ties with Non-Party people, and help Non-Party people to verify the work of Party members, so as to improve the R.S.F.S.R and make it vigorous. But, Lenin’s letter did not persuade Myasnikov. He still insisted on his own ideas and continued to carry out anti-Party activities even with greater intensity. On February 20, 1922, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of All-Russian Communist Party (B) approved the “Decision of the Central Committee to Expel Myasnikov from the Party”.

Lenin’s exposure and criticism of the hypocrisy of the bourgeois slogan of “freedom of press” and his discussion that the proletarian party must adhere to the principle of party spirit in this cause are of great practical significance to overcome the negative influence of the abstract views of “democracy”, “equality” and “freedom” advocated by the petty bourgeois democrats in the party and government organs as well as the trade unions.