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墨書 Inktalez
Kirov walked briskly through the corridors of the central hall of the Kremlin, the crisp sound of his leather shoes echoing on the floor paved with pure white marble.
Kirov felt a pang of nostalgia; the last time he was here was for the 14th Congress of the Communist Party, where he attended as a representative of the Central Committee. After being transferred to Leningrad, he had not returned until this trip back from Germany.
After passing through the final checkpoint guarded by the House Committee on the Interior personnel accompanying Kirov, he stopped and proceeded alone on the last stretch of the journey to meet Stalin.
This road is not long, Kirov arrived quickly. He stopped in front of Stalin's office door and placed his hand on the thick, solid wood door. He knew that as long as he pushed open this door, he would be able to see his beloved comrade Stalin.
At this moment, Kirov's hand rested on the office door, but it did not fall because he did not know how he should face Stalin, whether it should be respectful or candid.
"When do communists not dare to express their views? That is the behavior of a coward."
Kirov gritted his teeth and forcefully pushed open the heavy door. Before him stood a middle-aged man who was busy reviewing documents, none other than Joseph Stalin.
"You're here? Comrade Kirov, how was your trip to Germany?"
Stalin heard the sound of the door opening, but continued to review the documents in his hand without stopping.
"Very good, I have basically completed all the tasks of this trip, and even exceeded them. In addition, I also met a very interesting person," Kirov answered respectfully.
"Oh? Interesting? How so? Tell me about it."
Stalin became interested; he put down the pen in his hand, raised his head, and looked at Kirov. His sharp eyes pierced Kirov's heart like an arrow, and his gaze was so intense that no one could lie under it.
"His name is Gregor Strasser, a leader of a party in Germany. He seems to have a unique perspective on socialism, and many of his ideas are quite novel. I think we could learn from him."
"Strasser? Wait... I seem to recall this guy. He appears to be the Deputy Minister of Diplomacy representing Germany at the Lugano conference."
Stalin picked up another file bag from the table, which was the intelligence that Cheka had placed on his desk an hour ago. Stalin had just read it, so he was very familiar with this name.
"Is he the leader of The National Socialist German Workers' Party in Berlin?" Stalin asked.
"Yes, that's him. He told me about the founding principles of their party, which is National Socialism created by Lassalle," Kirov said excitedly.
“National Socialism? How can that corporatist agenda be considered socialism?”
Stalin said disdainfully. The work of the Cheka was very thorough; it not only investigated Strasser's identity but also provided information about the National Socialist Party's platform, although some of it was outdated.
“At first, I thought the same, but take a look at this.”
Kirov presented his memorandum, which contained the new twenty-five points of Strasser. "These... these points seem to draw from the economic program of scientific socialism, while also reflecting the influence of José's country syndicalism. You can't be suggesting that this is the current program of the National Socialist Party, can you?" Stalin said, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, Comrade Stalin, this is the new program proposed by the National Socialist Party. They uphold the interests of the workers in Germany in their economic policies and emphasize class struggle. I believe we can bring the National Socialist Party under Strasser's leadership into the Third International," Kirov suggested.
Stalin fell silent, puffing on his favorite pipe as he began to seriously consider the feasibility of having the National Socialist Party join the Third International.
Although the Third International already had members in Germany, led by Ernst Thälmann and the Communist Party of Germany, which was also the fourth largest party in Germany's Congress, there was still a significant distance to cover before seizing power in Germany. If they could persuade the National Socialist Party to cooperate with the Communists, the chances of socialism achieving victory in Germany would increase significantly.
"Is that Strasser willing to accept the leadership of the Third International?" Stalin was primarily concerned with whether he could exert greater influence over Germany through the National Socialist Party.
"I'm afraid it might be a bit difficult, Comrade Stalin. Strasser is a very stubborn guy, and he probably doesn't like others pointing fingers at him," Kirov said, somewhat awkwardly.
"Moreover, we are not trying to absorb them into the Third International just to better achieve world revolution and contribute to the victory of socialism in Europe, are we?"
"You are too naive, Comrade Kirov. All theories need to be adjusted according to the actual situation. Comrade Lenin proposed the world revolution after the October Revolution, when the workers' movements in various European countries were surging and the revolutionary situation was very favorable.
But now, the contradictions between the European countries have been eased. The recent Lugano conference in Switzerland proved that the economies of various countries have recovered, the revolutionary soil is receding, and now Europe no longer has the conditions for a world revolution."
Looking at the imposing Stalin, Kirov decided to be brave and still raised his objections.
"Comrade Stalin, if one compromises on their goals due to the difficulties of reality, the result will only be a series of compromises, and in the end, even oneself will become a part of the compromise."
Looking at his most esteemed subordinate, Stalin suddenly felt that this guy, who used to resemble himself, now seemed more like his archenemy Trotsky as he saw the qualities emanating from Kirov's eyes.
Oh well, let's be patient. I should unite more people, Stalin thought helplessly.
"Kirov, comrade, I have never said that we should give up on world revolution. It's just that the current conditions are not right. When the time is right, we will naturally resume exporting revolution."
"When will the time be right?," Kirov persisted.
"That depends on the progress of your work," Stalin replied with a slight smile.
"By the time the Soviet Union completes its third five-year plan and achieves complete industrialization, becoming the most powerful country in Europe, at that time, we can export revolution anywhere."
"I understand, Comrade Stalin, I will definitely work hard."
Kirov stood at attention excitedly and saluted. For an optimist like him, as long as there is hope, he can work with full enthusiasm.
"Regarding the National Socialist Party's involvement with third countries..." Kirov thought of his new friend.
"I will have someone look into this matter. Once our people make contact with Strasser, it will be put on the agenda. You can go back to your own tasks now, Comrade Kirov." At that moment, Stalin was warm and approachable, like a benevolent father, signaling that Kirov could leave.
"Alright, Comrade Stalin, I will not let you down."
Kirov once again saluted Stalin with a standard military salute, then strode out of the office with a completely different demeanor from when he entered, and even remembered to close the door behind him.
"Creak!"
As the office door closed, the smile on Stalin's face slowly faded.
"Such a naive child. Although smart and possessing a sense of justice, his understanding of politics lacks depth and he lacks a certain ruthlessness; he is too moralistic. But that's fine, my successor should be like this.
I will personally transform the Soviet Union into the most powerful country in the world, no matter the cost, and then my successor will only need to implement benevolent governance. By that time, the Soviet Union will become the sun among all countries on Earth. As for the cost?" Stalin was unconcerned.
"Let me bear these slanders; Kirov will become the revered revolutionary leader."
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