The political circles in France are rushing to prepare for the formation of a government of National Unity made up of representatives of all the Parties, except for small pro-Hitler groups. The Communist Party will definitely be invited to join the government. This proposal will be made within the next few days, and if the international situation deteriorates still further, the question of the reorganization of the government will be raised much sooner. We believe that cooperation with the Parties is inevitable, without joining the Popular Front, since if only Parties of the Popular Front are in power, this will mean a continuation of the bourgeoisie’s policy of sabotaging the economic and political measures of the Popular Front and undermining of its actions to defend the country. We are clearly aware of the danger of the participation by the Communists in the government, but a refusal to engage in such participation will either destroy the national concentration of forces, or else that concentration will take place despite us and against us. We must take into account that if there is a breakdown of the national concentration of forces, the country will be faced by the Hitlerite threat; it will be fragmented, insufficiently armed, and, if war breaks out, will be risking defeat. Acceptance of the proposals regarding the formation of a government of National Concentration, however, will strengthen resistance to Hitler and facilitate the struggle of the Popular Front. We are awaiting an answer. We shall consider the lack of any response as indicating approval of the policy of participation by Communists in the government. If you disapprove of this, inform us of what tactic to take. In that case, should we send you a delegation for joint discussion of the question? 22

22 RGASPI, f. 495, op. 184, d. 13, incoming 1938 from France, l. 47, received 13 March 1938, deciphered 13 March, ms.; ibid. ll. 49–50, sent 18 March 1938, received 19 March, deciphered 19 March, ms.; Dallin and Firsov, eds., Dimitrov and Stalin, 1934–1943, p. 38.