09.10.1997

Kerensky and the counterrevolution

From 'The Call', paper of the British Socialist Party, October 4 1917

The news from Russia with regard to the recently attempted counterrevolution is of a most startling character. It places Kerensky in a grave position. Indeed it would seem, from the statement of M Sovinkov, the former minister of war, that Kerensky had planned a counterrevolution of his own.

Having first declined to accede to Kornilov’s demands, he ultimately consented. These included the imposition of the death penalty in the interior as well as at the front, the militarisation of the railways and war industries, and martial law in Petrograd and Moscow. In other words the complete suppression of the democratic organisations.

He also submitted to Kornilov a choice of three forms of dictatorship. A joint force was agreed to by Kornilov, Kerensky and Sovinkov. In support of this arrangement, the Third Cavalry corps were brought to Petrograd. Owing to a ‘misunderstanding’ the plot collapsed and Kornilov found himself at the head of the counterrevolution. This is Sovinkov’s story.

At the time of writing Kerensky’s promised explanation of the situation is not yet to hand. It is fair to withhold comment until it comes.

The present situation in Russia is the result of the weak and hesitant policy of the soviet. The counterrevolution has shown that the soviet is the real force in Russia. It is the only body that can rally the people of Russia in defence of the Revolution. The Cadets, in showing their hand, have proved themselves the enemy of democracy.

The soviet must take power. This opinion has grown in Russia since the counterrevolution. The opening of the All-Russia Democratic Conference has shown that it is held very strongly by the majority of the delegates. We hope that the conference will decide on this course. It is the only way to save the Revolution.