Read Blindly (The Margellos World Republic of Letters) for Free Online Page A

experienced; excellent comrades, these Monfalconesi, they’ve been through it all, many spent time in Fascist prisons and in the German Lagers, like you for that matter, without giving up ... some were even in Spain, in the Fifth Regiment. Yes, I know, in this case too like you. Men of sterling character, true revolutionaries ... but it’s not child’s play, nor is it a noble fight. The Party isn’t for hotheads, there’s no place here for people like Oberdank, and the childish extremism of certain revolutionaries has done more harm than all the police forces of the oppressors ... in Spain too, if it was up to the Trotskyists and anarchists ...”—Every so often he unintentionally glanced at my shoeless foot, under the table.
    “But it’s pointless to go on reciting the ABC’s. We all admire these people, these comrades from Monfalcone and the others who, along with them, are leaving everything behind to go and construct socialism in the closest country, that is to say, that of our neighbours.
    “Yugoslavia has been destroyed by war; we must build a world, a new world, and the Monfalconesi will go at it hammer and tongs ... of course the situation is complex, the Yugoslavian Party has its problems, the remains of old ideological, nationalist dross ... For that matter we here in Trieste are familiar with it. And Comrade Tito, certainly congenial, sometimes even too ... and these extraordinary comrades, ready to sacrifice everything, enthusiastic, and enthusiasm is precious, but ... the national issue is also delicate there, especially after Yugoslavia took Istria. Of course,the question of nationalism doesn’t exist for us, it’s a bourgeois relic, but meanwhile, politically, until a people and its ruling class are mature, we have to deal with these positions, not think that we’ve overcome them when they’re still facing us, walls that remain sturdy ... it would be a typical extremist error, and these comrades ...
    “In short, it would be good to have someone with a head on his shoulders there on site to observe, report, cooperate and assist, naturally to avert as well, if need be and if possible, in any case to keep an eye out ... and especially to inform us, to let us know the internal composition, the groups, the sympathies ... The Party should be aware of everything. With discretion, of course, above all not to offend those extraordinary comrades ... then too because, if they were to become aware of it ... it might not be pleasant.” He looked at me with a satisfied air, pleased with himself. “Besides, we all know that being sent on a Party mission is no picnic ...
    “And you’re more useful there than here. Perhaps the Party thought that to be the Secretary of a federation—important, certainly, autonomous, but still local—an official like me is all that’s needed, while for a delicate, risky assignment ... within certain limits, of course ... And so, if I may speak frankly, as comrades should, that little misunderstanding between the two of us over the secretary position is closed—Oh, I know you weren’t seeking it, it was only rumour, but rumours can be dangerous for the Party—I know you, you’re interested in other things, more adventurous things—like them,” he smiled radiantly, “fundamentally you’re already one of them, it’s fitting that you go with them—while I sit here in the office awaiting orders from the Central Committee and correcting Greek compositions between one phone call and another ... but if it’s what the Party wants ... We’ll let you knowhow to communicate reports to us, whom to get in touch with.” He stood up, holding out his hand. “Comrade Tavani will explain all the details to you. Farewell, Comrade.”
    And so, dear Cogoi, I departed. That farewell from Comrade Blasich was solemn, unexpectedly almost noble, affectionate, a leave-taking for someone exiting a scene, to whom you can therefore open your arms sincerely, moved by his departure. Blasich