Leon Trotsky: Letter to Auguste Mougeot

July 5, 1931

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 13. Supplement (1929-1933), New York 1979, p. 87, title: “The Secondary Place of Personal Characteristics”]

Dear Comrade:

You do understand that I cannot orient my politics according to the personal qualities of one or smother comrade. I cannot support comrades — even those most worthy of personal confidence — if they embark on the wrong course, and this is the case with Comrade Rosmer.

As far as the personal conflict between Rosmer and Molinier is concerned, I have replied at length to the Belgian comrades who asked for my opinion. I’ll have a copy of my letter sent to you by way of Paris.

My best communist greetings to you and all our friends.

Yours,

L. Trotsky