Secretariat ECCI points out necessity [of] systematic struggle against Trotskyites as counter-revolutionary terrorists agents, Gestapo, etc. Defeating their slander against Stalin, opposing their slander [of] Stalin by wide popularization his gigantic revolutionary activity, his role as leader [of] international proletariat and toilers [of the] world. We also call attention to danger of slanderous attacks of class enemy especially of Trotskyite nature being quoted in Communist press without reacting in convincing and principled manner. Necessary to refrain from quoting in detail counter-revolutionary slanders and propaganda [of] Trotskyites…. Necessary strict control [of] composition [of] editorial staffs in order to purge them of doubtful and double-dealing elements. Writing articles on Trotskyism should be entrusted only to most verified and politically qualified authors.

Comintern Secretariat to Communist Parties of USA, Czechoslovakia, Canada, Norway, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, France, and England, 30 December 1936, RTsKhIDNI 495-184-73, 1936 file.