Leon Trotsky: Message to Mustafa Kemal Pasha (Kemal Atatür)

February 12, 1929

[Leon Trotsky, The Challenge of the Left Opposition (1928-1929), New York 1981, p. 375, title: “Message on Arriving in Constantinople”]

To His Excellency the President of the Turkish Republic

Dear Sir:

At the gateway to Constantinople, I have the honor to inform you that I have arrived at the Turkish frontier not of my own choice and that the only reason I may cross this frontier will be through the use of force upon me. I request you, Mr. President, to accept from me the sentiments that are fitting on this occasion.