The Principles of Governance

Abstract

Excerpts (condensed) from transcript of interrogation of S. I. Syrtsov, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Russian Republic and Candidate Member of the Politburo on October 23, 1930, accused of criticizing the Politburo and Stalin, S. Ordzhonikidze presiding: Syrtsov: “It seems abnormal that Politburo decisions are predetermined by a leading group. I can completely understand when someone who has followed an incorrect political line is excluded. But, as I see it, there are mechanical members of the Politburo, like Kuibyshev, Rudzutak, and Kalinin, who do not participate at all, which creates a situation …” Ordzhonikidze (interrupting): “Who makes up this leading group?” Syrtsov: “The other Politburo members, of course, or part of them.” Ordzhonikidze: “You say so. You are the one who should know.” Syrtsov: “I am explaining to you that if all members of the Politburo were not bound by preliminary decisions, issues would be discussed in a different way.” From transcript of Syrtsov's expulsion on November 4, 1930: Ordzhonikidze: “Every member of the party must come to his party if he has doubts. The party should help such a comrade resolve his own doubts, to save him, and set him on the right course. If he does this, no one will call him to his party responsibility. But when he does these things in secret, this becomes an anti-party matter. Can we have such people in our leadership who try to tear it down?” Stalin: “It is impossible!”