Leon Trotsky: Letter to Jan Frankel

May 1, 1939

[Writing of Leon Trotsky, Vol. 14, New York 1979, p. 835, title: “Pan-American Committee Personnel”]

My Dear Friend:

I understand very well the difficulties the work of the Pan-American Committee encounters. Nobody wishes serious work, especially when the work is of a technical and anonymous character. The only solution I can see to the difficulties is the creation of a technical bureau of the PAC. The bureau should consist of young and devoted people. If you can find them, one or two Germans among the exiles would be of great value. That is, of course, if they are not lazy, which also happens among Germans from time to time.

Before I received your last letter I communicated my propositions concerning France as well as the Pan-American Committee. In spite of the expense we must send two comrades in order to bring the matter to a real solution, otherwise the new trip can turn out to be useless and deepen the crisis in France as well as provoke a crisis in the States.

Warmest greetings.

Yours,

L.T.