Seven Books by Che Guevara and one on Tania-the Revolutionary

              Seven Books by Che Guevara and one on Tania

1.The Bolivian Diaries-Authorised edition, Ernesto Che Guevara, Introduction by Fidel Castro, Preface by Camilo Guevara, 1^st ed. 2006, Ocean Press, Melbourne-New York, Pages 303, Indian price, Rs. 450/

             This is one of most important book of world revolutionary movements. This is Che Guevara’ diary notes in his Bolivia mission. Beginning 7^th November 1966, the diary has regular entries for exact eleven months, till 7^th October 1967, one day before his capture by Bolivian army, propped up by US rulers. On 8^th October 1967, Che Guevara was captured and no courtesy was shown to the world’s most respected revolutionary figure, a former minister in Cuban Government, known to all the world’s most powerful men—UNO, Mao Ze Dong, Khrushchev. Except for Cuba and Fidel Castro and world’s revolutionary people, having no influence over the events at that moment, no bourgeoisie politicians of the world, expressed any sorrow or condemnation at the brutal cruel treatment to a wounded Che and brutal murder of him next day at the behest of US imperialists and that US lackey in Bolivia dictator Barrientos. Che Guevara was at his marvellous best even during his one day custody, bearing all the pains heroically and challenging his killers to shoot him, as the killers had no courage to do that. Though diary is not important in terms of any theoretical foundations, but it is most important to know in a matter of fact manner, that how selflessly and heroically Che Guevara led this most difficult mission of makin revolution in Bolivia; despite his serious asthmatic problem, leaving Cuba at a time, when he was providing marvellous leadership in building socialism as Castro’s most trusted comrade; with most of the circumstances in Bolivia being hostile and conditions not favourable to advance the revolution. But Che was Che, he could not agree to Fidel’s assessment to wait for more favourable circumstances and ground preparation, before he could join the forces there. And equally great was Castro, who kept his word with Che, to allow him to leave the Cuban Government and let him organise Cuban like revolution in the rest of Latin American countries, a dream nurtured by Simon Bolivar to create a revolutionary United States of South America. Che wished to begin in his motherland Argentina first, but conditions were not yet ripe there to lead such movement. Bolivia was also not ripe yet, but taking inspiration from Cuban victory, the struggle started by just 82 men on Granma and left with only 15-16 people, yet within two years defeating the 80 thousand army of dictator Batista in Cuba and leading first successful socialist revolution in Cuba on 1^st January 1959. Fidel Castro not only relieved his comrade and close friend Che to lead the revolution, he provided men and arms from his early Cuban revolutionary expedition, including many senior Communist party cadres, who sacrificed their lives in Bolivian mission like Che himself.

      The Bolivian diary has been edited very meticulously. Apart from Diary entries of Che, it includes rare photographs of that period, editor’s brief note, Maps of the area, including guerrilla zones; glossary of people and terms/events, Preface and Introduction and five communiqués issued by National Liberation Army (ELN) of Bolivia, fighting under the leadership of Che. The actual diary entries are covered in about 220 pages. Life sketch of Che is also given in beginning. 

  Camilo Guevara, eldest son of Che Guevara has written brief but moving preface to the diary. Camilo rightly observes that 7^th October 1967 last entry of Che in diary are-‘there is not the slightest tone of discouragement, pessimism, or defeatism; on the contrary, these words seems to be a beginning, a prologue... (page1) Camilo describes 8^th October, Che’s wounded body in captivity as-‘Yet his body is still upright and armed with conviction, preparing for another battle’ (page 2). Camilo is sure that the enemies could have never capture Che, despite his wounded leg, broken rifle and no other weapon, but for he could not leave his other sick and wounded companeros. Camilo describes the scene on 9^th October as well, when Che was murdered as the ‘order to murder him came from Washington’. Che never mistreated his captives, most of the times the prisoners of Bolivian army were released after warning them, no one was ever tortured or killed as he never believed in committing cruelties even on enemies. Camilo beautifully concludes that –‘Without a trial, without a thought, the new man Che Guevara represented is killed. But what is born is a yearning for the new human being, who is neither an illusion nor a fantasy.  Xxx A dream, dormant for many centuries takes shape: an ethical, virtuous selfless human being. This time stripped of all myth and mysticism; this person must be fundamentally human. (Page 8)

  Fidel Castro wrote –A necessary Introduction to the dairy in 1968, when the diary was first time published in original Spanish in Havana, of which two lakh copies were circulated free to Cubans; and is part of diary in this edition, which has been included in his memoir on Che as well. In this introduction Fidel narrates the story iof acquiring diary of Che from interior minister of Bolivia, who lost his job for this and establishing its authenticity. Introduction underlines the intense human character of Che and his immense bravery, it also exposes the brutalities of Bolivian regime, which was lackey of US imperialism and was playing a puppet’s role. Castro also exposes the treachery of Mario Monje, secretary of Bolivian Communist party at that time, who ditched Che. Even the other group led by Oscar Zamora became venomous critic of Che Guevara. Moises Guevara, miners leader joined the movement and sacrificed his life. Other comrades of Monje like Inti and Coco Perado also joined and proved their bravery, but Monje went to the extent of sabotaging the movement. Che knew many peasant sin Bolivia but was suspicious and cautious of their character. Despite so many difficulties Che and his comrades performed marvellous feats and Bolivian army could succeed only on 26^th September 1967 against Che’s detachment and Che’s group could never overcome that damage. Despite heavy risk Che kept on helping the Doctor Moro, who was in very poor physical health.Castro opines that never in history has so small a number of men set out such a gigantic task. Castro has also highlighted the bravery of Che in fighting his last battle on 8^th October, trying to save his poor  health two comrades and fighting even he was wounded. In La Paz, dictator Barrientos and defence chief Ovando decided to murder Che, that was done in most cruel and brutal manner. It was Che, who said firmly to his killer—‘Shoot! Don’t be afraid’, still the drunk killer could shoot him in side, Che’s agony for last few hours of his life  was very bitter and Fidel puts it aptly-No person was better prepared than Che to be put to such a test’. Castro reveals that diary of Che was obtained without any financial payment and was published simultaneously in France, Italy, Germany, US; and in Chile, Mexico in Spanish.Fidel concludes by famous slogan of Che- Hasta la victoria siempre!-Ever onwards to Victory.

  25 pages spread Glossary gives details of almost all people involved in this epic struggle on both sides. In Appendices the first Appendix refers to Instructions to Urban cadres, which is mentioned as Document III, it is dated 22^nd January 1967. This document was written by Che and was Loyola Guzman, when she visited Che on 26^th January. According to this document’s reference National Liberation Army (ELN) was established in March 1967.Che has given detailed instructions in this document regarding all organisational aspects for the army like supplies, finances, transport, and contact with sympathisers etc. Appendix II, refers to Document XVII of ELN and is issued as Communiqué no.1 to the Bolivian people, it is dated 27^th March 1967. The general title of the regular communiqués is given as ‘Revolutionary truth against Reactionary Lies’, under this very title there is Communiqué no. 2, issued on 14^th April 1967, and given the document no. as XXI. Communiques no. 3, 4 and five issued as Documents no. XXII, XXIV and XXV are also included in Appendices, issued on May 1967 and two in June 1967. In the communiqués it is made clear that ELN is the only responsible party for the armed struggle. In one of these communiqués, Che Guevara makes an impassioned plea to join ELN, as ‘we are restructuring the worker-peasant alliance that was broken by an anti plebeian demagoguery.’ Che is confident at this moment that ‘we are converting defeat into triumph.’

   The Bolivian dairy of Che begins on 7^th November with the inspiring first sentence-‘Today begins a new phase... The diary gives brief description of the day and makes an interesting entry on 12^th November-‘My hair is growing, although very sparsely, and the grey hair are turning blond, and beginning to disappear; my beard is returning. In a few months i will be myself again.’(Page 38). How much revolutionaries like Che and Fidel love their beard that they feel lost without it!Che entered Bolivia with fake passport and with clean shaven shape, which could not be recognised even by Fidel castro and Che’s comrades in Havana, when Castro gave him a farewell lunch! Manila is fictitious word for Cuba and Che refers to the existence of 12 insurgents on 27^th November. Che made it a point to write review of the each month’s diary at the end of every month and November’s anaylysis records Che’s opinion –Everything has gone well; my arrival was without incident and half of the troops have arrived , also without incident...

     In diary for December, on 7^th December Che notes that ‘I will give the summaries at the end of each month’. In 12^th December’s entry, Che made certain appointments in the group, giving charges to various people. 19^th December’s diary tells us about almost whole night discussion in the group without sleeping a bit. 24^th December was celebrated as Christmas Eve. On 31^st December, all important meeting with Monje takes place. There was discussion on each point and some understanding was reached, which was not followed by Monje later. In the analysis of the month, Che notes with satisfaction that Cuban team has been successfully completed, but Bolivians are few in numbers. Che is satisfied at the morale of the group.

  In January diary, Che plans Tania’s trip to Argentina, On 6^th January, Che notes-‘importance of study is indispensable for the future...On 26^th January Che noted—Loyola made a very good impression on me, she is very young and softly spoken but one can tell she is very determined. In the analysis of the month, Che notes with anguish—‘As I expected, Monje’s position was at first evasive and then treacherous; Che notes with concern that party (Communist party) has taken up arms against us...Che concludes ironically-‘Of everythins that was envisioned, the slowest has been the incorporation of Bolivian Combatants.’ (Page 78)

   In February diary, 13^th February entry is father’s birthday date. 18^th February diary notes wife Josefina’s birthday, 24^th February is Che’s youngest son Ernesto’s birthday. February was not a very conducive month for the group. Group is divided into two. They had been walking miles and miles. Che has also noted the death of Comrade Benjamin.

 In March diary Che notes on 14^th March, ‘we heard parts of Fidel’s speech in which he makes blunt criticism of Venezuelan communists and harshly attacks the position of Soviet Union on Latin American puppets. (Page 102).’ Inthe same month on 16^th, Che mentions about eating horse. On 17^th, Che notes another loss for revolutionaries, lot many crucial weapons on backpacks were lost in crossing river. On March 23&24, they make gains, they capture many weapons from enemy and kill and arrest many. There is mention of French leftist Regis Debary visiting ELN. In March 25^th meeting of the group, liberation army is given the name as National Liberation Army of the Boloivia, ELN in short. Che made a detailed analysis of March month activities and notes that ‘The phase of consolidation and purging of the guerrilla force-fully completed’.(Page 118) Che also notes that there is slow development in incorporation of some Cuban elements, als0 as initial phase of struggle precise and spectacular blow, but gross indecision. Che notes that enemy is totally ineffective so far and is trying to moblise peasants to isolate us. Che organises guerrilla force into vanguard, Rear guard and Centre group, keeping himself in centre.

   In April, Che notes of ‘total disaster’ on 4^th, ‘great tension’ on 6^th, on April 10^th Rubio’s death is noted, April 11^th records radio news of ‘new and bloody encounter’ with mention of nine dead from army and four guerrillas. On 12^th April Che notes with some pride that first blood spilled was ‘Cuban’. April 22^nd is noted for ‘making mistakes’, 25^th as ‘Bad day’ with the best guerrilla Rolando dyeing in ambush. Summary of the month confirms death of Rubio and Rolando as a ‘severe blow’. April analysis opines the certainty of North America’s heavy intervention, already sent helicopters and Green Berets; but Che notes the morale of combatants as good.

   May Day is celebrated by clearing vegetation in guerrilla camps, 8th May ambush by guerrillas got them three army men dead and ten prisoners. The dead include Second lieutenant Henry Larado, whose wife had asked to bring ‘a guerrilla fighter’s scalp’ to adorn in their living room. On 16^th May, Che suffers intense abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea. They walk some 15 kilometers on 17^th may. 20^th May is noted for Che’s son Camilo Guevara’s birth day. The day also mentions Debray’s status as journalist being rejected by dictator Barrientos, Debary is facing trial now. Summary of the month is worrisome- Che notes total loss of contact with Manila (Cuba), La Paz and Joaquin (Other guerrilla group) of ELN, reducing the strength of group to 25; complete failure to recruit peasants, though they now admire ELN, Che notes that it is slow and patient task. Che is happy at clamour on Debary’s case, which has given momentum to ‘our movement than 10 victories in battle’; Che is also happy that ‘ morale of the guerrilla movement is growing stronger.’(Page 164)

   In June diary 14^th is mentioned as birthday of Che’s youngest daughter Celia Guevara, but which is his own birthday as well, which he notes simply as-‘I turned 39 (today) and am inevitably approaching the age when I need to consider my future as guerrilla, but for now I am still “in one piece”. (Page 171). June 17^th is noted for 15 kilometers walk in five and half hours. June 21^st is birthday of Che’s mother Celia de la Serna, referred as ‘The old lady’. Che notes on 23^rd June that ‘asthma is becoming a serious problem for me and there is very little medicine left’, 24^th is noted for worsening of asthma, 25^th-asthma continues to grow worse and now it will not let me sleep well. 26^th June brings the sad death of Tuma, who was bodyguard to Che and Che felt about him ‘as if he were my own son’. Tuma is painfully buried on 27^th June. On 29^th, Che notes that they are now 24 men and counts Chino to be among ‘examplary men’. On 30^th June, Che notes that ‘Debary apparently talked more than was necessary’. Bolivian army commander in chief Ovando made official announcement about Che being in Bolivia is also noted. In analysis of the month, Che notes the total lack of contact, continued lack of peasant recruitment, lack of  contact with Bolivian communist party, Debary’s case and Che’s recognition as ‘the leader of the movement’. Che again notes about the morale of guerrilla force being strong and their commitment of the struggle increasing, emphasising that ‘all the Cubans are exemplary in combat. Che notes the urgent task of recruiting at least 50 to 100 men in the movement.

   The very first day of July diary mentions Bolivian dictator Barrientos’s press conference calling guerrillas as ‘rats and snakes’ and wiping out Che Guevara and punishing Debary. On July 3^rd Che notes in irony that ‘my asthma continues to wage war’, again on 7^th, my asthma is getting worse. On July 14^th Che notes with concern that Bolivian ‘government is disintegrating rapidly. Such a pity that we do not have 100 more men right now.’ (Page 191). From 15^th to 17^th, Che is relieved as asthma is much better, but on 27^th, he mentions-My asthma hit me hard and those measly few sedatives are just about gone. July 30^th comes with the death of Ricardo. On 31^st, mention is made of loss of a book by Trotsky, Debrays’s book with Che notes on it and finally ‘We are 22 men with two wounded, and me with full blown asthma.’ Analaysis of the month focuses upon continuous negative points, three encounters causing army 7 dead, taking of Samaipata, lost two men. Important features- Total loss of contact continuoing, lack of peasant recruitment continuing, guerrilla force is becoming legendry, morale and combat experience of guerrilla force increasing with each battle. The most urgent tasks noted as-‘To re-establish contact, to recruit combatants, and to obtain medicines.’ (Page 204)

  Month of August starts with asthma worries, on 2^nd, Che notes-my asthma is hitting me very hard and I have used up my last anti asthmatic injection, all I have left are tablets for about ten days.’ August 3 is as bad, but on 4^th it improves a bit. On 6^th August Che speaks on Bolivia’s Independence Day and on 7^th he notes-‘Today marks exactly nine months since I arrived and we established the guerrilla force. Of the initial six, two are dead, one has disappeared, two are wounded and I am suffering from asthma with no idea how to overcome it.’(Page 207). On August 8^th, Che makes a speech to his comrades and mentions the difficult situation of them, Che admits that ‘I am a complete wreck and the incident with the little mare shows that I am beginning to loose control....but Che speaks further-‘This is one of those moments when great decisions have to be made, this type of struggle gives us the opportunity to become revolutionaries, the highest form of human species, and it also allows us to emerge fully as men.....(page 208). On 9^th, Che is down with fever and painful heel with abscess. On 10^th, mention is made of Fidel’s speech attacking the traditional communist parties, Che still not well. On August 12, another guerrilla lost-Antonio Fernandez. Che foot recovers by 13^th, but asthma is mentioned on 14^th as ‘condemned to suffer from asthma indefinitely, the news of cave being found out and seizure of all photos and documents makes it bad day with worst blow. August 28^th mentioned as ‘distressing day’, so are 29^th and 30^th. Summary of the month mentios blow of loss of all he documents, medicines, loss of two men, one desertion(first one) Other features of the month remain same, but morale factor changes to ‘decline’, though Che hopes it to be ‘temporary’. Che underlines about guerrillas being at ‘low point in our morale and in our revolutionary legend’, but concludes with recognition of ‘inti and Coco becoming ‘more and more outstanding as revolutionary and military cadres’.(Page 222)

  Month of September begins with much worse news, 2nd September mentions the radio broadcast of ‘annihilation of 10 guerrillas led by Cuban Joaquin in Camiri area’, this includes the killing of Tania as well. Che does not feel like believing it as local radio did anot announce, but Castro in Cuba could believe it. On 3^rd Che thinks it to be a ‘trick’. Again on 7^th September, Che is not inclined to believe the news of radio Cruz that body of guerrilla Tania recovered from Rio Granade bank, even as 8^th entry mentions the attendance by Barrientos at the internment of remains of Tania the guerrilla, given as ‘Christian burial’. Mentioning 10^th as bad day, Che makes interesting and funny entry-‘I forgot to mark an event: Today I took a bath after more than six months. This constitutes a record that several others are already approaching.’(Page 232)11^th entry mentions of Barrientos claim of Che being ‘already dead’.13^th entry mentions a shot fired on Debary’s father’s head, his documents for defence being confiscated. 15^th and 17^th entries mention about Lyola’s arrest and protest over it. It seems Che reconciles with Joaquin’s group’s annihilation around 22^nd, when he mentions Barrientos-Ovando press conference announcing their ‘wiping out’. 26^th entry begins with word ‘Defeat’, 28^th begins with the words’Day of anguish’, perhaps Coco is annihilated, 29^th is ‘another tense day’, so is 30^th. This month’s summary is sad- loss of Miguel, Coco and Julio in ambush, ruined everything and left us in ‘perilous position’, losing Leon as well, losing Camba is a net gain. Che now accepts –‘we must consider Jouquins group wiped out, still hoping the report to be ‘exaggerated’ and ‘small group wandering around’. Che mentions the bitter fact that army is now more effective and peasants are becoming ‘informers’. Che underlines most important task as ‘to escape and seek more favourable areas; then focus on contacts, despite the fact that our urban network in La Paz is in shambles, where we also have been hit hard. Che still mentions the morale of rest of the troops as ‘fairly high’.

  October 2^nd mentions the birthday of another guerrilla Antonio Pantoja Tomao.3^rd entry is ironic, capture of two ‘guerrillas-Antonio (Leo) and Orlando (Camba), both betray and give information. Debary is praised for his courageous stand in the trial.5^th entry shows Che taking care of Benigno and El Medico given an injection. The last entry of diary on 7^th October begins as-‘The 11 month anniversary of our establishment as guerrilla force passed in bucolic mood with no complications. Che mentions that ‘the 17 of us set out under a slither of a moon, the march was exhausting, no nearby houses...Last lines—The army issued an odd report about the presence of 250 men in Serrano to block the escape of the 37(guerrillas) that are said to be surrounded. Our refuge is supposeddely between the Acero and Oro rivers. The report seems to be diversionary. Altitude=2000 meters.

These were the last words penned by Che Guevara before his capture next day 8^th October and subsequent brutal murder on 9^th October.

   The Bolivian Diary of Che Guevara records the eleven month glorious struggle to liberate Bolivia from the crutches of dictator Barrientos and its brutal army working directly under US imperialists as its lackey. I took look at The Motorcycle diaries and The Bolivian diary of Che Guevara together, though two diaries entirely different in content and style, one can understand Che Guevara’s marvellous and heroic character, which made him the best icon of international revolutionary in each part of the world. Wherever the resistance movements have erupted in any part of the world after 1967 murder of Che Guevara, everywhere Che’s photographs/posters/souvenirs have been the most visible part of demonstrations/processions etc. Che has become an icon, most ideal for the youth. One can see it from the conduct of Che’s life. Even from The Bolivian diary, it is amply clear that how selfless and caring Che’s personality has been towards his comrades. How despite his horrible asthmatic conditions suffered all the hardships of guerrilla life, walking 15-20 kilometers a day, performing all the duties of a guerrilla, like giving guard duty etc. and never complained, always remained full of optimism, even when things were going completely beyond control. Though Che has realistically analysed the weaknesses of the movement through his diary. Che was an idealist, despite being a Marxist, conditions were not ripe for him to go to Bolivia, this was the opinion of Fidel Castro also, but Che was restless to go. Che Guevara and Bhagat Singh like personalities create role models for youth or struggling people by their complete selfless conduct. Che was probably hoping to create another Cuba by his 25 men or so, as in Cuba just 15 or 16 of them mobilised whole of Cuba and defeated 80 thousand army of Batista. But Che underestimated US role after Cuban revolution. It would not allow another Cuba in Latin America at any cost and that is what it did in Bolivia by killing Che and many more senior Cuban revolutionaries in Bolivia in 1967. Yet the saga of Che Guevara’s bravery and struggle became a legend for long term inspiration for liberation of human kind from all kinds of oppression. Che could be impulsive in Bolivia, but by his sacrifice, he created a much more powerful Che for US imperialism, to which it can never kill with bullets as it has become idea personified and you can kill persons, people, but not an idea, that is what Che is today, to live forever and as a burning shot in the eyes of imperialism! Same is the icon of Bhagat Singh is South Asia, with similar characteristics of the character.

2. ‘The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey’, Ernesto, “Che” Guevara, Preface by Aleida Guevara, Introduction by Cintio Vitier, Ocean Press, Melbourne, New York, London, first ed. 2004, 14^th printing 2007 from Colombia, pages 175, Price Rs. 350/

    Eduardo Galeano finds this book to be ‘journey of journeys, solitude found solidarity; ‘I’ turned into ‘we’.

 Aleida Guevara, daughter of Che, in her preface tells us that she read these notes before publication and was glad to be the daughter of this writer. She notes beauty and intensity of feelings in the writing. Aleida shares her felling that ‘the more I read, the more in love I was with the boy my father had been’. She underlines ‘the sense of humour’, ‘tenderness’. Aleida feels these notes to be written with ‘so much love, eloquence and sincerity’, which make her feel ‘closer to my father’. Aleida wrote her preface in July 2003, concluding with the words-‘I shall leave you now with the man I knew, the man I love intensely for the strength and tenderness he demonstrated in the way he lived. Enjoy your reading! Ever onwards!’

  Book includes Aleida’s preface to first edition of 1993, biographical sketch and brief chronology of Che’s life. Map and itinerary of the diaries is given, with introduction by Cintio Vitier. The journey starts in December 1951 with Alberto Granade and they stay in Argentina till 11^th February 1952. They move to Chile in February 1952 and stay till 22^nd March, after which they enter Peru on 24^th March, staying till June 21, perhaps the longest in any country during the trip. They stay in Columbia from 23^rd June to 13^th July and then in Venezuela for brief period of two weeks in July. Che returns to Argentina in August via Miami in US.

      In his introduction Cintio Vitier considers Che to be most popular Latin American hero throughout the world after Bolivar. Che and his friend take on abroad on noisy motorcycle-La Pedrosa-II. Cintio refers to Jose Marti’s campaign diary in comparison.He describes ‘These youthful adventures-veined with cheerfulness, humour and frequently self directed irony. Che published an article in December 1953 in Panama on Machu Pichu in Peru, which they visited in this trip.

  Diaries are spread into132 pages, and Che’s speech to medical students in 1960 is included after the diary. Delivered on 20^th August 1960, Che tells medical students that as a medical student he also-‘wanted to succeed like everybody else, Che dreamed of being famous researcher, working tirelessly to put something at the disposal of humanity. Che refers to his travels and refrs to Guatemala in 1954, where he was when CIA sponsored coup took place against popularly elected President Arbez. Che realised at that time that to become a revolutionary doctor or a revolutionary, there must be a revolution first. Che talks about integration of doctors to revolutionary movement. Che defines individualism –‘Individualism as such, as the isolated action of a person alone in a social environment must disappear in Cuba. Individualism tomorrow should be proper utilization of the whole individual to the absolute benefit of the community.’-(Page 171). Che urges young doctors to earn people’s gratitude. He quotes Jose Marti in conclusion ‘The best form of saying is doing’ and let us then march toward the future of Cuba.’ It is an inspiring address to students.

         The diaries start with the chapter ‘So we understand each other’, the first para declares the aim of the journey-‘This is not a story of heroic feats, or merely the narrative of a cynic; at least I do not mean it to be. It is a glimpse of two lives running parallel for a time, with similar hopes and convergent dreams.’ (Page 31). It is nine months odyssey on La pedrosa, they begin from their place Cordoba, the home of Che in Argentina. Titles are given to small chapters. Che quotes a poem by Venezuelan left wing poet Miguel Otero Silva, the last lines of which are-she stayed, unable to cry/Wait! I will come walking with you..... (Page 36). Friends, families express surprise at their planned trip just one year before their completion of medical course...So the journey starts with Che getting shiver in early days, getting hospitality. Motorcycle start troubling from the very beginning, and they have to use ‘wire’ as its repair tool .They take hospitality at different people. They work at hotels as ‘boys’ and clean the things and sometimes get Albertos’ friend’s hospitality. In January Che writes to his mother, showing the kind of love he has for his mother.

From some doctors travelling around Che and Alberto got introduction letter for Chile, where they entered and Che remarked-‘Chilean hospitality, as I never tire of saying, is one reason travelling in our neighbouring country is so enjoyable,  WE MADE MOST OF IT.’(Page 57)Motorcycle’s funny behaviour continues, now breaking its gearbox. Then they taste Chilean wine at party, which is great and Che drinks too quickly. In a village dance, a man asks him to dance with his wife, who is ‘hot’ and ‘clearly in mood’, but her husband’s attention made them run...At this stage La Pedrosa leaves ‘its ghost’ as Che describes it, so next stage of their journey is ‘bums without wheels’. Che and Alberto are lured by Chilean women, as they have a ‘certain spontaneity and freshness that captivates immediately.’ They get rid of their motorcycle ‘in a truck bearing the heavy weight of us freeloaders.’(Page 67). They visit Easter Island, where the weather is perfect, women are perfect....’Here thesy see the social injustice scenes as well. In Chile, they make friendship with a communist couple as well, who are numb with cold.Che notes that Chile produces 20% copper of the whole world. After having lot of fun, they say ‘goodbye to that hospitable Chilean land. Che makes review of Chile as country and refers to popular front leader Salvador Allende, who is supported by Communists. Che notes with concern Yankee US involvement in Chile.

  After Chile, they enter Peru and see the lake of the sun.They see Cuzco, surrounded by mountains and also Machu Pichu mountains.They click photographs of these places, included in this book. Che gets hospitalized also, due to his asthma, they reach Ayacocho, where Bolivar won decisive battle, little town has 33 churches. To have food, Che plays trick everywhere by refusing to have drink, the reason, he would tell that they have only with food, so the host serves them food. Che refers Lima to be pretty city, they like here Museum of Archaeology. From Peru on 4^th June 1952, Che writes to his father, they visit leper colony in the san Pablo. Che notes on 14^th June 1952, that he has turned 24 that day. Che reads some Garcia Lorca and on 6^th July 1952, Che sends another letter to his mama, wishing her happy birthday and tells her-‘A huge hug from your son, who misses you from head to toe.’(Page 157). Their last stop is Caracas in Venezuela, where they enter on 14^th July, Che has worst asthma attack also. At the conclusion of journey, Che writes ‘A note on the Margin’, in which he notes-‘The future belongs to the people and gradually, or in one stroke, they will take power, here and in every country... Che ends the diary with positive note hoping for the triumph of the proletariat.

   Style of diary is extremely enjoyable and Che has great literary talent like Marx. Diaries are glimpses of delightful young men’s adventures and written in more enjoyable style!

3. Marxs and Engels, Che Guevara, Left Word, New Delhi, 1^st ed. May 2009, with license from Ocean Press, pages 80, price Rs. 150/

 In 1956, Che wrote about Marx as St. Marx to his mother.Che called this work as ‘biographical syntheses. Che as per his temperament looks for human qualities in Marx and Engels, apart from defining them as foremost thinkers of socialism.

 This small book is like introducing Marx and Engels to young adults, like Shiv Verma’s series on Marxism. But Che Guevara absorbed most difficult concepts of Marx and Engels, through their real hard works like-das Capital, The book includes at the end, Che’s reading list on Marx and Engels, including lot of their correspondence. Che admires Franz mehring’s biography of Marx-‘Karl Marx’, but wishes for more advanced biography as well. This small monograph narrates all the important events in both thinker friends lives, even the personal tragedies and Engels dedication to Marx, who lived later to complete Marx’s left incomplete works like Theories of Surplus value, and even two volumes of Capital, of which only first volume was published during Marx’s time. Che refers to Marx’s love for his family, who underwent lot of traumas, deprivation due to poverty, death of his daughter and wife both named Jenny, death of 8 year old son Edgar, which affected both Marx and Jenny.

  It is good exposure to Marx-Engels and Marxism.

4.Global Justice;Liberation and socialism,Che Guevara, edited by Maria del Carmen Arier Garcia, Leftword Delhi with Ocean, first Indian ed. 2004, pages 72, price Rs.100/

  This small book includes Che Guevara’s three major writings-At the Afro-Asian Conference in Algeria (1965), Socialism and Man in Cuba, Create two Three many Vietnams.

   The book is first publication of Che Guevara Studies centre Havana, which is located in the house, where Che lived from 1962 till his final departure in 1966 from Cuba. Brief bio-sketch is given of Che and Introduction has been written by Maria del Carmen Ariet Garcia from the Che centre. Some good photographs are included in the book. Maria tells us in her introduction that ‘Che was able to merge philosophy, politics and economics in his all encompassing, coherent revolutionary vision.’(Page 1) Maria refers to Portugese Noble winner writer Jose Saramago, who tells how Che’s clandestine posters came in Salazar’s Portugal. Maria underlines Che’s concept of internationalism and his humanism, which was integral to his thought. Che believed that there are no borders in this struggle (for revolution) to the death.-‘a victory by any country over imperialism is our victory, just as any country’s defeat is our defeat for all of us.’

1.     At The Afro-Asian Conference in Algeria-Che addresses the conference on 24^th February 1965, as ‘Dear Brothers and Sister’. Before ‘Third World Theory’ term was used in China, it was Che, who made use of this term at this conference in 1965, by saying-‘ Immense problems confront our two worlds-that of the socialist countries and that called the Third World-problems directly concerning human beings and their welfare, and related to the struggle against the main force that bears the responsibility for our backwardness’.(Page 24)Che describes Algerian liberation leader Ahmed Ben Bella as our dear companero(Comrade)

2.     Socialism and Man in Cuba-This article is written in letter form to Carlos Quijano, Uruguayan weekly, Matcha, and was published on 12^th March 1965. Che refers to the date 26^th July 1953, when Fidel Castro attacked Moncada barracks as the beginning of revolution in Cuba, culminating in its victory in January 1959. Castro assumed Prime Minister Position in February 1959. President Urrutia, who was blocking the social change programme of revolutionaries, was forced to resign under mass pressure in the same year. Che refers to stage of Guerilla struggle in Cuba during attack at Sierra maestra during 1957-58. In this seminal essay, Che describes the relation of individual to society and how an individual can become a complete personality only by participating in social process. Che tells the need to turn whole society into gigantic school to create new man. Che underlines the need for self education and institulization of the revolution. Che defines the terms like ‘work’, individualism, new impulse for artistic experimentation. Che has clear role defined for the individual and emphasises upon love of living humanity. Some of his precise observations are- -'It is not a matter of how many kilograms of meat one has to eat, or how many times a year someone can go to beach, or how many petty things from abroad you might be able to buy with present day wages. It is a matter of making the individual feel more complete, with much more inner wealth and much more responsibility...At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love.It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality....We socialist are freer because we are more fulfilled: we are more fulfilled because we are freer...Our freedom and its daily sustenance are paid for in blood and sacrifice..Our sacrifice is conscious one: an instalment paid on the freedom that we are building....'

3.     Create two Three Many Vietnams-Message to the Tricontinental. In January 1966, this conference of solidarity with the people of Asia, Africa and Latin America was held in Cuba. Che was in Tanzania at that time, but he sent this message for the conference. The message according to Manual Pineiro was written in Cuba at a training camp for guerrilla training in Pinar del Rio, from where Che proceeded to Bolivia. This message was published in 16^th April 1967 issue of magazine ‘Tricontinental’. It is noted in notes that in April 1965, tens of thousands of US troops invaded Dominican Republic to crush popular uprising.

4.       Che refers to Korean War of 1950’s and Vietnam War of late 1960’s. Che admits that ‘The world panorama is one of great complexity. He refers to Latin America being ‘a more or less homogenous whole and in almost its entire territory US monopoly capital holds absolute primacy.’)Page 51) Che analyses the situation in Asia, Africa and Latin America and advises that ‘This is the road to of Vietnam. It is the road people must follow. This is the road that Latin America will follow.’ Che emphasise upon the need to avoid needless sacrifice. Underlining it to be a long war against imperialism, Che concludes the message with a clarion call-‘Our every action is a battle cry against imperialism and a call for the unity of the peoples against the great enemy of the human race: the United states of North America.

  Wherever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has reached even one receptive ear, if another hand reaches out to take up our arms, and others come forward to join in our funeral dirge with the rattling of machine guns and with new cries of battle and victory.’(Page62)

   In this little book of three essays, Che Guevara is at his inspirational best with socialist humanism and morality at the core of his writings.

5. Guerrilla Warfare(Authorised version), Ernesto Che Guevara, Foreword-Harry “Pombo” Villegas, LeftWord/Ocean, New Delhi, first Indian ed. 2009, pages157, Price Rs. 250/

This is one of the classic books by Che Guevara, which is read attentively by both revolutionaries and anti revolutionaries. This treatise is written in three main chapters with one chapter including three appndices and then 21 sub chapters in earlier three chapters. Forward is written by Che’s comrade in Bolivia and one of he three survivors of Cuban guerrillas. The book has biographical note on Che and editorial note. Che’s comrade in arms Harry “Pombo” Villegas in his forward justifies the slogan for Cuban Pioneers as ‘Be like Che’. Pombo mentions the names of major leaders of Cuban liberation, the vanguard, led by Fidel Castro, as-Raul Castro, Juan Almeida, Camilo Cienfuengos and Che Guevara. Pombo refers Che’s Reminiscences of Cuban and Congo revolutionary wars as other classics. Pombo also mentions that for Che- ‘the people are to the guerrilla fighter what water is to fish, that is their means of existence’, it is like Chinese leader Mao’s saying. Pombo concludes his brief forward by referring to Cuban national hero Jose Marti, comparing with Che. Che himself has written a detailed ‘Dedication to Camilo’, who should have read this manuscript and corrected it, but whose fate prevented him from carrying out the task’. Camilo was killed in aeroplane accident in October 1959. Che refers to Camilo as ‘the companero of a hundred battles, the intimate confident of Fidel in difficult moments of the war, the stoic fighter, who always made sacrifice into an instrument for stealing his own character and forging the morale of his troops.’ Che quotes Danton’s maxim favourably for revolutionaries-‘Audacity, audacity and more audacity’. Che tells that Camilo practised loyalty like religion. As per Che’The slightest shadow of weariness or discouragement never entered in Camilo’s head and he concludes his tribute by saying that ‘In his continual and immortal renewal, Camilo is the reflection of the people.’(Page 9)

Chapter 1: General Principles of Guerrilla warfare

i.                    The essence of guerrilla warfare-Che underlines three fundamental lessons-a. Popular forces can win a war against the army, b) it is not always necessary to wait for the revolutionary conditions exist, the insurrection can develop subjective conditions based on existing objective conditions.In underdeveloped America(Jose Marti’s term for Americas) the countryside is the fundamental arena for armed struggle. Che acknowledges the fact that in some form of popular vote elected government system, guerrilla movement will face great difficulties. Guerrilla fighter counts upon the full support of the local people. Che quotes Mao and Ho Chi Minh’s experiences favourably.

ii.Guerrilla strategy-Essential task to keep himself from being wiped out. Blows should be continuous.

iii.Guerrilla Tactics-Tactics are the practical methods of achieving great strategic objectives. Treatment of the people in the zone, greatest clemency towards enemy, prisoners shall be set free.

iv. Warfare on favourable Terrain-practical to establish base and expand with new combatants.

v. Warfare on Unfavourable Terrain-Strikes in the night, guerrilla could walk 30-50 kilometres during night. Only 10-15 member band/squad.

vi. Urban Warfare- Discipline and discretion of highest degree. Urban struggle’s importance extraordinary.

2. Chapter II: The Guerrilla band

i.) The Guerrilla Fighter: Social Reformer-Agrarian reform main task, ideological issues, set personal example.

ii.) The Guerrilla Fighter as Combatant-inhabitant of the zone, night combatant, should risk their life when necessary, ready to die, rapid adaptability, physical qualities, close lipped, best age 25-35, could be 16-40, exceptions like 65 years guerrilla in Cuban war. Must carry house on backpack,, eat when they can, may have to skip meals for 2-3 days, without affecting work, vary essential and accessory equipment, ammunition like apple of the eye, book must, periods of boredom for guerrilla.

iii.)Organisation of a Guerrilla band-commander for 100-150 guerrillas, 30-40 guerrilla group with captain and 8-12 fighter squad with lieutenant. Food, clothing, medicines, total silence during march,, test of guerrilla during encirclement, and approaching people.

iv.) Combat- Combat most important drama of guerrilla life

v.)Beginning, development and end of a Guerrilla war

3. Chapter III: Organisation of the Guerrilla Front

i.) Supply—good supply of primary importance, salt, mule,

ii.) Civil organisation-The civil organisation of the insurrectional movement is very important on both the external and the internal fronts. Justice, revolutionary laws, administration,-vital, popular organisations of workers, professionals, peasants,

111.) The Role of Women-of extraordinary importance, teach basic of reading, revolutionary theory, medical matters-nursing and doctors.

iv.)Health-medicines, clinics

v.) Sabotage-invaluable weapon, sabotage nothing to do with terrorism, we sincerely believe that terrorism is negative, it can turn people against a particular revolutionary movement. Sabotage against communications key factor.

vi.) War Industry-shoes and leather goods, toolkit, armory, iron and tin, cigarette and cigar factories.

vii.) Propaganda-Truth is the best policy, through whatever media, dissemination of revolutionary ideas, radio, and main newspaper on national hero name.

viii.) Intelligence-Chinese proverb-know yourself and your adversary and you will be able to fight a hundred battles without a disaster, like biblical palm for guerrilla warfare. Nothing helps than correct intelligence.

ix.)Training and Indoctrination-Shooting basic training, teacher’s training school necessary, reading at all times.

x.) The organisational Structure of the army of a Revolutionary Movement-military chief-commander-in chief-Fidel, disciplinary punishment must, punishment like privation of sweets and cigarettes, total deprivation of food etc.

4. Chapter IV: Appendices

i.)Underground organisation of the first Guerrilla band-Guerrilla warfare develops in accordance with a series of laws. Underground work start with small nucleus, absolute secrecy, prohibition of relations with women-‘The revolutionary in a clandestine situation preparing for war should be a complete ascetic, this is also a test of one of the qualities that will be later be the basis of their authority: discipline’(Page 135), weapons same as of regular army, In Cuba, at one time just 12 men formed the nucleus of the future army, economy and utilization of ammunition down to the last bullet almost a religious tenet.

ii.) Holding Power-former regime must be systematically destroyed, transition with caution.

Iii.) Epilogue: Analyses of the situation in Cuba, present and future-agrarian reforms, rent law alarm bell for parasite, eliminate the interests of United Fruit Company of John Foster Dulles and the empire of Rockefeller’s company. Monopolies affected, trying to kill Castro-Che, international solidarity, in attack, navy, air force will be organised, and two great masses of workers and peasants are united against aggression.

  The revolutionary laws should be discussed, explained, studied in every meeting.(Page 156), The participation of the people in politics, must be constant. Camilo ’the army is the people in uniform’ (page 157)

   Che Guevara has explained Guerrilla warfare in such a lucid and explicit manner that even an ordinary person can understand it clearly. A significant book for left movement.

 6.‘Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War’, authorised edition, Che Guevara, Preface by Aleida Guevara, 1^st Indian ed. 2009, LeftWord with Ocean press, New Delhi, pages 307, Price Rupees 450/

         This very important book by Che Guevara, has Editorial Note, Biographical Note, Map, Chronology and Preface before Che’s memoirs of the war begin. Actual description of war is given in 33 chapters and three chapters in appendices are at the end of the book. A glossary of important terms, places/individuals has been included at the end of the book.

     The memoirs are based on the original diaries of Che from Siarra Maestra and Santa Clara, the original diaries were scheduled to be published in 2009. Aleida Guevara in her preface has noted that these recollections were published for the first time in 1963, which are based upon his diaries of this period.Aleida specifically mentions ‘The Murdered Puppy’, which she says remained deeply etched in my memory. She concludes her short preface with these words-‘Today, the most useful weapons are knowledge and understanding-let us continue to fight, together for a better world. - Hasta la Victoria siempre! Ever onward to victory!

 Che Guevara wrote the Prologue of the book in 1961. The first chapter begins with the title-‘A Revolution Begins-1955-56’. Che refers to main events in Cuban history in the very first paragraph military coup on 10^th March 1952 by Fulgencio Batista, going back to 1933 intervention by US Ambassador, Che refers to 1901, then to Adams Smith in 19^th century. Che notes that this situation existed in almost all Latin American countries. Che refers to his meeting with Fidel Castro in Mexico and in very first meeting Che enrolled himself for a liberation war fighter for Cuba. Che has returned from Guatemala in 1954. In 1955, when they were planning to travel on Granma, a yacht to Cuba, many of them got arrested and spent some time in jail finally they left on yacht on 25^th November 1956, making Castro’s word real-‘In 1956 we will be free or we will be martyrs.’ (Page 13). Within hours of sailing, except for 5-7, rest of 82 crew men were sea sick, vomiti, psychic ng. On 30^th November, Frank Pais started uprising in Santiago de Cuba. On 2^nd December at 2 a.m, they landed at Belic on Las colardes beach. In Che’s words-We were an army of shadows, ghosts, walking as if to beat of some dark, psychic mechanism. The crossing had been seven days of constant hunger and sea sickness, followed by three more days, terrible days- on land. They reached Algria de Pio(Joy of the pious) on 5^th December.

    

 2. Algria De Pio

   Castro army lost all equipment, lft with some wet ammunition. Army attacked Che got wounded in neck and chest. Che was sure that he is just killed and was trying to die with dignity. He later notes that 5^th December 1956, was our baptism, which was going to become ‘the Rebel army’.

           3. Adrift-December 1956

  After few days of facing attacks from army, Castro comrades could meet again by 15 persons.

5.     The Battle of La Plata-January 1957

 Che counts the weaponry left with guerrillas-23 in all. Che recounts initial treacheries like that of Eutimio. Chicho Osario was notorious overseer in the area, who was executed. This was first victorious battle of guerrillas, in which two were dead, five wounded and three prisoners taken, not a scratch on guerrilla side, many weapons seized.

6.     The Battle of Arroyo Del Infiefrno-January 1957

Five enemy troops killed and lot of weapons/ammunition taken

7.     Air Attack-Jan.-Feb.1957

More people had joined our ranks; Eutimio brought planes to attack us

8. Surprise Attack at Altos De Espinosawe On 12^th February 1957, had the ‘Revolutionary Unified Army’ of 18 men.

9. Death of a Traitor-Feb. 1957, Eutimio was caught and executed, a peasant tempted

10. Bitter days-Feb. March 1957

 Revolutionary group now of 17 original men and three companeros from Granma joined. On 22^nd Feb. 1957, Che had first asthma attack, no medicine, bad condition, 10 most bitter days of struggle.

 11. Reinforcements-March 1957

  New companeros joined and troops in new level of excellence with new men.

12. Tempering the Troops-March-Ap. 1957

Months of restructuring and apprenticeship of new troops. Horse eating.

13. A Famous Interview-April 1957

 Fidel had no radio those days, borrowed from a peasant, Journalist Bob Taylor came. Peasants were being offered 300 pesos to kill Castro.

14. On the March-May 1957

Che lost the way, confused, compass of no help

15. The Weapons Arrive-May 1957

Granma companeros sentenced, Magistrate Urrutia disagreed, and he earned Presidentship of Cuba after revolution for this gesture. A Yankee journalist and GBI agent came. Bob Taylor film shown in US, marvellous sight of weapons,

15.                The Battle of El Uvero-May 1957

One of the bloodiest battles, 14 dead soldiers. Preoccupation with truth always central in rebel army.

17. Caring for the Wounded-May-June 1957

Blind and unrewarded sacrifices also made the revolution

18. Return to Journey-June 1957

Asthma aggravated

19. A Betrayal in the making-July 1957

200 troops, better morale, genuinely liberated territory in Siarra Maestra, manifest issued. 12^th July 1957, Sierra Manifesto published in the newspapers, Che made commander by Castro of second column, second only to Fidel. ‘Bit of vanity hiding within everyone of us and I felt like the proudest man in the world that day’ (Page 125)

20. The Attack on Bueycito-August 1957

Beloved companero-Maceo killed, deserter killed. Frank Pies murdered in the streets of Santiago, one of the purest and glorious lives of Cuban revolution ended.

21. The Battle of El Hombrito-August 1957

This battle more or less marked the moment of withdrawal of Batista’s troops from Sierra Maestra.

22. Pino Del Agua- September 1957 painful incident companero Roberto Rodriguez, punished to be disarmed for insubordination, committed suicide

23. An Unpleasant Episode-October 1957

Lalo Sardinas, a brave fighter, supporter of discipline, accidentally unintentionally shot a companero, in reaction, guerrillas demanded his execution. Long discussion, I defended, Castro pleaded his best; still his life could be saved only by 6 votes, 76 voting for saving and 70 for execution. The group which lost left the movement itself. Some bandits/criminals neutralised, who were using revolutionary movement name to sleaze people

24. The Struggle against Banditry-October 1957

Chino Chang, tried and condemned to death, US journalist watched it.  The Echevarria case poignant, admitting errors, he wished to die in battle, not be execution, wrote to his mother, justifying the sentence to him, and could have been hero of the revolution like his two brothers, but committed crime at wrong time. Another colourful charcter executed was-‘El Maestro’, lived immorl life, tried to rape peasant girl. By October end re-established in EL Hombirto.

25. About 40+ photographs in centre-

The Murdered Puppy-November 1957

This is the piece felt intensely by Aleida Guevara, when in guerrilla life, one may have to kill the pet, and you love, for the needs of guerrilla life, as puppy won’t stop barking. Felix and Che both felt guilty after getting it strangled.

26. The Battle of Mar Verde-November 1957

This battle on 29^th November 1957, took the life of guerrilla Ciro Redendo, promoted posthumously.

27. Altos De Conrado-December 1957

Che wounded, loss of guerrillas, murderer army leader Sanchez Masquera destroyed much.

28. One Year of Armed Struugele-December 1957

   As per his regular habit, Che here reviews and analyses one year of guerrilla war launched by revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. Landed on 2^nd December, badly beaten on 5^th December, guerrillas till May 28 1957 with El Uvero victory, have slowly established links with city.Che remembers the deaths of comrades in this period, mentioning names of Nico Lopez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Nano and Julio Diaz, Ciro Redendo, Captain Soto. On 13^th March 1957, presidential palace was attacked, the life of University Students union President Manazanita Echeverria was lost. At the end of first year, a general uprising throughout the country was on the horizon. Acts of sabotage, terrorist acts led to loss of innocent lives also. Small radio transmitter by end of year. People joined more in 1958, including Vilma Espin, now women federation President. Felipe Pazos tried to appropriate 26^th July movement name by agreeing to Miami pact, Castro wrote famous letter of 14^th December 1957 to the leaders of- The Cuban revolutionary party, The Orthodox party, The Authentic organisation, Federation of University students, The Revolutionary Directorate and The National Workers Front, denouncing Miami pact. In this letter Castro makes it clear to make Dr. Manuel Urrutia to be made President. Fidel again asserts that ‘We shall conquer or die, alone’ (Page 220)

29, Pino Del Agua II_Jan. Feb. 1958

Fidel personally led 16^th February 1958 attack, some guerrillas lost lives, and enemy had 11 dead, 5 wounded prisoners, including lieutenant Laferte, who joined guerrillas. Final tally of the battle till 19^th February enemy suffered 18 to 25 deaths lot of weapons/ammunition seized. On 19^th February nearly hundred guerrillas, including Ch wrote to Fidel Castro, not to endanger his life by participating in battles directly.

30. Interlude-April 1958

 April-June1958 was period of both ebb and flow in insurrectional wave. Che refers to asthma, killing of magnificent guerrilla Marino.

31. A Decisive Meeting- May 1958

 National Committee meeting on 3^rd may 1958 at Sierra Maestra, Che invited specially to participate to discuss 9^th April failure. Sierra Maestra front strengthened, Castro given central authority.

32. Letters to Fidel Castro (About the Invasion)-

These are Che’s letters to Fidel, during this period, first is written on 3^rd September from Oriente Plains, second from Camaguey plains on 8^th September at 1.50 a.m, 3^rd from same place on 13^th September at 9.50 p.m, giving details of battles.

33. The Final Offensive and the Battle of Santa Clara-May-December 1958

9^th April 1958 general strike proved to be resounding defeat. Yet Batista’s 10000 men were ineffective against guerrillas 200 rifles. In two and half month’s hard battles, enemy lost 1000 men and a tank and 600 weapons. Hardest days, tiring marches, reference of Trinidad in Cuba, Camilo Cienfuegos controlled north. Che entered Santa Clara in December, functioned from University. There were treacheries in the last phase also by other groups supporting revolution but for personal benefits. Che enters victoriously in Santa Clara.

 In Appendices three touching memoirs of Che are given

34. El Patojo

Julio Roberto Caceres Valle, Guatemalan, Castro accept him in Granma, though he offered, he came to Cuba after revolution triumphed, worked in various branches of public administration, but his quest was to fight for Guatemala’s liberation. Che met him in 1954, while working in Guatemala. El Patojo was a journalist, he took photos during unemployment, he was part of Guatemala’s labour party (Communist party). He has no military or guerrilla training, yet he felt it his duty to go and fight in Guatemala. Che gave him some lessons and advices, but as he left and came the news of his death. He died in battle, but region was poorly chosen, men were not prepared yet. His verse were found later in Cuba, for the woman whom he loved- Take this, it is only my heart/ Hold it in your heart/and when the dawn arrives, /Open your hand/ and let the sun warm it...

 Che says emotionally that Patojo’s heart remains with them, in the hands of his beloved and ion the loving hands of an entire people...

35. Lidia and Clodomira

Che met 45 years old Lidia in Sierra Maestra, his son was part of guerrilla group, she has limitless audacity, daring, fearless. She was principal means of communication. Che refers to his fondness for puppies and Lidia’s promise to bring one for him.Clodomira had become her comrade in danger. She already got a puppy for me, but the trip could never took place, as she and clodomira captured due to an inferior companero’s fault. She fought. Their bodies disappeared, may be their remains wil be found one day. Che pays glowing tribute to women fighters of rebel army!

36. A Sin of the Revolution

  In this last memoir of the book, Che is at his moral best, when he attacks the selfish interest spoiling the serenity of the revolution and call for purity in revolutionary life. Reference to second national front of Escambray, its commander Carreras drunk half bottle already, half of his daily quota. Its another unit following Camilo entered Havana ‘heroically’ and its leader’s bill from hotel Capri came for fifteen thousand US dollars for food and drinks for small beneficiaries. 100 captains and some commanders looked for comfortable state jobs for graft. As per Che, this kind of idea of unity was ‘a sin of revolution’. (Page 287). This sin made us pay succinct salaries to people like Felipe Pazos, Tete Casuso, Barquin, who avoided conflict and remained ‘freeloaders;, parasitical, ready to betray. Che feels happy that they all left to Miami. Che says emphatically-Revolutionary conduct is mirror of revolutionary faith. ‘When someone who calls themselves a revolutionary does not behave as such, they are no more than charlatans. (Page 289)

  This is a great book by Che Guevara, while leading the struggle in such hard conditions, with having asthma, yet taking motes of the events and then turning those notes into narration of a great historic event of Cuban revolution in 1959, almost unbelievable with just 82 men starting on a mission with such commitment, left with just 15-20 men, yet fighting 10 thousand men and total of 80 thousand Batista army, perhaps no other example in history of such amazing feat by revolutionaries. Che’s own spirit is simply marvellous, which later took the tragic form in Bolivia, but for Che personally, that was a moment of glory, though facing just alone in most hostile conditions. I simply bow my head before this one of the greatest revolutionary of all times. Viva Che!

7. Che Guevara Reader: Writings on politics and revolution, Edited by David Deutschmann, LeftWord with Ocean, New Delhi, Ist Indian ed. 2004, reprint 2004, pages 437,, Price Rs. 450/

 In this selection, some major writings of Che Guevara from different books or articles have been put together. Book includes, apart from Introduction by the editor, sketch of Che, Choronolgy of his life, Glossary of events and persons, Index and a listing of Che Guevara’s all writings and speeches as Bibliography and notes as well. It is very well annotated edition of Che’s major writings, which shows him to be a very mature thinker, even on economic matters. Che Guevara’s theoretical writings have been so important that Fidel Castro realised after the fall of Soviet Union in 1989, that to save Cuban society from falling into the trap of western consumer culture, the revival of Che Guevara’s purity of revolutionary thought and practice is essential, that is how Che Guevara’s major writings, apart from His Bolivian Diary published earlier were published in Cuba and abroad in other languages. In this book, Che’s writings have been included in four parts. Part 1 are selections from Reminiscences of Cuban Revolutionary War as The Cuban revolutionary war. Part 2 titled as ‘The Cuba Years-1959-65 includes 12 of Che’s speeches and writings. Part 3 as ‘International Solidarity’ includes 8 of his speeches and writings and part 4 includes 21 of his most touching letters with personal touch. In a way this one volume offers glimpse of Che Guevara’s personality in almost totality, as person and thinker.

  Editor David in his introduction has mentioned that the book was published for first time in 1997 to mark the 30^th anniversary of Che’s martyrdom. Editor also wishes to dispel the somewhat narrow image of Che as ‘heroic’ or ‘adventurer’, which has been promoted by media more, his contribution to Marxist theory remained unknown partly as English editions were not available of Che’s writings.

Part I of the book is covered under Reminiscences, Part II The Cuban years include the following essays:

1.     Social ideals of the Rebel Army-29^th January 1959-dream of Jose Marti.All the Cuban people must become guerrilla army

2.     Political Sovereignty and Economic Independenc-30^th March 1960

First in television series-‘people’s University’-2^nd world war took 40 million lives, perhaps more. Tradition of Cuban struggles before January 1959 victory—July 26^th 1953, 12^th August 1933, 24^th February 1895 or 10^th October 1868. Latin American struggles further-Upper Peru-25^th May 1819, Buenos Aires 25^th May 1810. 10^th March 1952-Batista seizing power... Marti saying-‘A radical is nothing less than that-one who goes to the roots’...This revolution is determined to eliminate injustice at the roots, as Fidel has said paraphrasing Jose Marti’ (Page 103).

   ‘Revolutions can’t be exported, Cuba does not export revolutions. Revolutions take place when there are a series of insurmountable contradictions within a country.’(109)

3.     Speech to medical students and health workers-20^th August 1960) covered in another book

4.     Notes for the study of the ideology of the Cuban Revolution-October 1960)

One can point to certain mistakes of Marx as thinker and an investigator of the social doctrines and of the capitalist system in which he lived. We Latin Americans, for example. Cannot agree with his interpretation of Bolivar, or with his and Engels’s analysis of the Mexicans, which accepted certain theories of race or  nationality that are unacceptable today.......We recognize the essential truths of Marxism as part of humanity’s body of cultural and scientific knowledge. We accept it with the naturalness of something that requires no further arguments.’ (Page 122)

  ‘The laws of Marxism are present in the events of the Cuban revolution, independently of whether its leaders profess or fully know these laws from a theoretical point of view.’ (Page 123)

   28^th May 1957, milestone for victory in El Uvero.-a territory gained now.

5.     Cuba: Historical exception or vanguard in the anti- colonial struggle?-April 1961

‘What is exceptional about Fidel Castro’s personality...Fidel is person of such tremendous personality that he would gain leadership in whatever movement he participated....his personal gifts of audacity,, strength, courage, extraordinary determination always to discern the will of the people-... his ability to assimilate knowledge and experience in order to understand a situation in its entirety without losing sight of the details, his unbounded faith in the future and breadth of vision...’(page 131)

January 1959, first social revolution in the Caribbean and the most profound of the Latin American revolutions dawned-132 page

Lumumba savagely assassinated, in the greatness of his martyrdom showed the mistakes that cannot be committed. Once the anti imperialist struggle begins, we must constantly strike hard, where it hurts the most, never retreating....stronger action of the masses.-Page 142

6.     A new culture of Work-21^st August 1962-Speech to Trade unions

New factories to be built, national trade unions-the revolutionary nuclei (of the party), the entire government and the workers.-Page 148

Sacrifice is part of building a new society.  -Same-

Enthusiasm, discipline, self sacrifice and necessary technical knowledge...P.150

We have reached socialism and we continue forward! Venceremos-We will win-P.152

7.     The cadre: Backbone of the Revolution-September 1962

8.     To be a young Communist-20^th October 1962

The Union of Young Communists (UJC) evolved from Association of Young Rebels

   Must be the vanguard of all movements

‘we are a flaming torch, that just as we are all individually a model for the people for Cuba, we are also model for the peoples of Latin America and the oppressed peoples of the world, fighting for freedom-P.166

9.     A party of the working class-1963

‘A Marxist must be the best, the fullest, the most complete of human beings-but above all, a human being.’ Page 176

10.     Against Bureaucratism-February 1963

Bureaucratism is like a ball and and chain weighing down the type of official...healthy self criticism, we must never forget that the revolution’s economic management is responsible for the majority of bureaucratic ills...Page 180

‘War on bueaucratism. Streamline the state apparatus. Production without restraints, and responsibility for Production.’ Page 183

11.    On the budgetary finance system-February 1964-published in journal of Economics

‘The socialist state uses the law of value, exercising-through the financial and credit system-control over production and distribution of the social product’ Page 200

12.    Socialism and man in Cuba-1965 letter to Carlos Quijano, editor Marcha weekly from Uruguay.

Part 3- International Solidarity

 Includes 8 speeches and writings

1.     Speech to the First Latin American Youth Congress-28^th July 1960-

Jacob Arnez, deposed democratically elected President or Guatemala in 1954 by CIA, given special welcome.Puerto Rico patriot Albizu Campos extended special greetings. Batista’s man killed Cuban patriot in Venezuela’

2.     The OAS conference at Punta del Este-August 8 1961.

Che greeted by thousands of Uruguayan youth on arrival at airport. Che exposed US in presence of its delegation with proposal of ‘Alliance for Progress’

‘The Cuban revolution is invincible, because it has a people and because it has a leader like one leading Cuba.’(Page 274)

3.     The Cuban Revolution’s influence in Latin America-May 18, 1962-speech to security at Cuba, not published till Che’s death.

Revolutions have this characteristics, they expand ideologically, they do not remain limited to a single country, and they expand to other areas...Page 276

Ultra leftists-or sometimes, provocateurs-try to implant the Cuban experience without thinking particularly about whether or not, this would be right place to do so...Page 278

Peru has iron-copper-other metals, Chile has copper, Argentina has uranium, Venezuela has oil, Mexico has sulphur, and Congo has uranium, copper, diamonds.

Our great virtue is that we have never engaged in torture or other similarly terrible behaviour...Page 290

 Opportunism is the enemy of the revolution and flourishes where people do not have control.-291

4.     Tactics and Strategy of the Latin American Revolution- Oct.-Nov.-1962-published after Che’s death-in 1968

The blood of the people is our most sacred treasure, but it must be used in order to save more blood in future-page 298

5.     The philosophy of plunder must cease-25^th March 1964-Speech on UN conference on Trade in Geneva-

Unfavourable trade balance

6.     At the United Nations-1^st December 1964-speech at 19^th General assembly of UNO.

Exposed US imperialism, greeted liberation struggles, spoke in support of China, condemned NATO, demanded Guantenamo territory of Cuba to be returned illegal occupation by US.

7.     At the Afro-Asian conference in Algeria-24^th February, 1965-speech delivered at Economic seminar of Afro-Asian solidarity.

8.     Create two, three, many Vietnams-Message to Tricontinental-April  1967, published on 16^th April,when Che was in Bolivia

      Part 4- Letters

This section contains 23 of many letters of Cuban revolutionary war.

 One letters to Editor Revolucian Carlos Franqui-snubbed him for unnecessary eulogisation.

In another letter was born in Argentina, I fought in Cuba and I began to be a revolutionary in Guatemala.-page370

The first thing a revolutionary who writes history, has to do is to stick to the truth like a finger inside a glove.-374

Advice to a father, let his son, go through that.

Letter to Maria Rosario Guevara I don’t think you and I are very related, but if you are capable of trembling with indignation each time that injustice is committed in the world, we are comrades, and that is more important-a revolutionary greetings Page376

31^st August 1964 letter to President University Extension, University of Havana-while declining the offer to deliver lecture for the audience, Che snubbed him for offering remuneration for the lecture.

In a 1965 letter to children-Hildita, Aleidita, Camilo, Celia and Ernesto

Che advises them to grow good revolutionary and study hard.

1965 letter to parents big hug to mother from ‘obstinate and prodigal son’

15^th February 1966 letter to eldest daughter Hildita-advises to be best in school, obey mother, good conduct, seriousness and love for the revolution...

1965 letter to Fidel Castro at leaving for Bolivia, read by Castro much later. Ends with ’I embrace you with all my revolutionary fervour.

 Last leeter to children fro Bolivia in 1966...

If imperialism still exists, we will set out to fight it. If it is finished, you, Camilo and I will take ‘vacation on the moon’.

Margin...To Hildita, another elephant sized kiss and tell her I will writ soon, but now I do’nt have time....

 In bibliography—1. In Articles and books-35, including two books, 5 prefaces, 33 episodes of Revolutionary war, 25 articles with Pseudoname- ‘sharpshooter’

In part 2-Speeches and Interviews, there are two interviews in 1958, then 51 in 1959, 35 in 1960, 39 in 1961, 32 in 1962, in 1963 there are 33, in 1964 there are 43, in 1965-12 total 245 plus tv shows. There are 71 letters are listed here.

  The book is very important and includes various facets of Che’s personalities. Many letters are very touching. Che loved children that are sure.

1.Tania-Undercover for Che Guevara in Bolivia, Ulises Estrada, 1^st ed. 2005, Ocean Press, Melbourne... pages 331, price Rupees 295/

Ulises Estrada, editor of Tricontinental, joined Cuban revolution from the very beginning as part of 26^th July movement in 1953. He was part of Cuban liberation war 1957-59 and later worked with Che Guevara in many assignments including in Congo. He was close friend of Tania, fiancée in today’s terminology and they were supposed to marry after the success of Tania’s mission in Bolivia, which unfortunately resulted in her, Che Guevara and many more guerrillas’ assassination at the hands of Bolivian army. After their assassination, USA and western media vilified Che and Tania to demoralise revolutionary forces and to hid their own crimes behind smokescreen of this vilification. However Tania’s mother fought for the reputation of her daughter and got the vilifires convicted.

 Tania’s real name was Haydee Tamara Bunke, she was born in Argentina from German communist couple, who have to go to Argentina to save themselves from Hitler’s fascism. Tamara was born on 19^th November, 1937 and was martyred on 31^st August 1967 in the jungles of Bolivia by Bolivian army, before completing even 30 years of her life.

     In 1970, Estrada with another writer has published-Tania-The Unforgettable Guerrilla. That time many things could not be made public, now in this expanded and exhaustive biography with lot of secret documents made public for the first time in Appendices, Tania’s heroism, bravery and sacrificing spirit comes to fore. Her letters, her personal account of life, all make this book more enriching.

The book is rightly dedicated to Nadia Bunke, mother of Tamara-Tania, who knew Tamara had wanted to marry Estrada, ‘who treated me as her own son for more than 35 years’, in author’s words, who has written a detailed and touching dedication with the regret that Nadia Bunke would not be able to see the book, as he passed away before the publication of the book. Exhauvtine contents of the book include-Acknowldgements Preface by author, Prologue by editor-Luis Suarez and Tania’s biography in 14 chapters and 137 pages. There are 17 documents as Appendixes in Appendices, Notes, List of Acroynms and List of Aliases in further abut 2oo pages. One feature of Ocean publications missing in this book is Choronology, which is generally part of all books on Che and Castro, in case of Tania, that was even more necessary. But in totality, with nearly 30 rare photographs, makes the book a significant contribution to biographical literature.

   In Preface, Ulises Estrada narrates his intense personal relationship with Tamara, bunking the western sensalization of Tania-Che romantic liaison. Ulises aexplains that except for few companerosand Tania family, no body knew about this relationship till 1969, two years after the assassination of Tania. Only when the author collaborated in first book on Tania, author published Tania’s letter about their relationship to her mother. After that Tania’s mother identified the “negrito” (Afro-Cuban), whom Tania dreamt of marrying and producing many “mulatito” (kids).

   As per the author Che and Tania were discredited for political objectives or profit motives by many writers like French Pierre Kalfon, Mexican intellectual Jorge Castaneda. Later in last chapter of the book, author detailed how West German publisher in 1997 published the libel by Uruguyan writer Jose A. Friedl Zapata under title- ‘Tania the woman-Che Guevara Loved’. Nadia at 81 years of age dragged the publisher to the court and won the case by getting 14 defamations removed from the book in 1998 and also getting him fined. There were many more in the west, who through their cheap sensational writings had vilified the revolutionary spirit of the two great revolutionaries of the world. But it is not new phenomenon. Karl Marx was described as ‘Red bandit’ and all communist leaders have been vilified, US has vilified and continue till now to vilify Fidel Castro.

       In Prologue Luis Suatez has mentioned Tania was denigrated by some intellectuals in pay roll of ruling classes in US, Europe and Latin America by describing her as ‘femme fatale’, who had ‘useless sacrifice’ for “her secret and sordid extramarital affair with Che.” She was also described as ‘Triple Agent for Cuba, East Germany and KGB of ex Soviet Union. These villifiers described Che Guevara also as ‘seeking death’, because of his differences with Cuban leadership. All these lies have been bunked with documents bow being published from Cuba, putting an egg on the faces of these so called ‘intellectuals’ and ‘writers’ holding rabid anti communist views. On the contrary great writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez have upheld Cuban revolution and its heroic leaders, including Fidel and Che Guevara.

Chapter 1-Historical context

   In this introductory chapter Ulises has explaned Che’s plans to expand liberation guerrilla struggles to other parts of the world as true internationalist. First they tried in Congo, where popular freedom fighter and Prime Minister Patric Lumumba was brutally assassinated by CIA in 1964. There were dictators in Haiti, Nicaragua like places. Ulises has travelled with Che secretly to Congo through Tanzania; stayed clandsinely in Prague.Che spoke of his best relations with Fidel and Raul during those days. These days in these preparations writer got linked to Tamara, who had come to Havana.

Chapter 2- Operation Fantasma

  Tamara was mentioned by Pineoro for the operation recommended by Che.

Chapter 3.The Tania Case-

Tamara born in Argentina, came to East Germany with her parents when 14 years old and joined youth organisation, visited Soviet Union as youth delegation, heard about Cuban struggle, well informed about war in Sierra Maestra and demonstrated solidarity. In 1959, she acted as interpretor for Che Guevara, when he visted East Germany. She became enthused to come to Cuba and finally arrived in 1961, at 24 years. Worked as interpretor/translator, associated with ‘Assocation of Young Rebels’ turned into ‘Union of Young Communists’ (UJC), on 4^th April 1962... Tamara highly educated, knew many languages-German, French, Spanish, and English, well versed in music and literature, and studied philosophy at Humboldt University. She was working with Sandanista, planned to fight in Nicaragua. Che interviewed for mission in Bolivia and she end up by saying-I will not betray this trust while I am alive and breathing’-Page 29

Chapter 4-Operational Training in Cuba-

Tamara worked with Ulises during training period and they came close, though violating revolutionary code of not being personally close. Tania sung Argentine folk songs, played Guitar

Chapter 5-Preparing for Latin America-

Che told her about her mission in Bolivia and to take up legal residency there.

Chapter 6-Tania and Ulises-

Author honestly tells that ‘we both knew that our relationship was forbidden in clandestine work, but we also knew that we could no longer retrain ourselves. We were convinced of the purity of our feeling and that these would not affect our professional relationship’-Page 56. Ulyses shared with his senior comrade Diosdado, Tamara shared with her parents by writing to her mother on 11^th April 1964 from Prague. Writer knew about this letter only when he joined Marta Rojas and Mirta Rodriguez Caldron in writing the book-Tania: the Unforgettable Guerrilla, published in 1970, where this letter was published. Ulises divorced his wife and remarried years after Tania were killed. Ulises Writes longingly: ‘i have to confess that she still remains alive within me. Not just as Tania, but also as Haydee Tamara Bunke Bider, the exceptional woman, compenera, and friend I once loved with all my heart.’-Page 59

Chapter 7-Failed Cover

Tania was sent ot Prague for further training, but this time Diosdado was assigned the task to train her, writer was heart broken, he also felt it as punishment for breaking the rules. Diosdado sent positive reports about Tania’s progress.

Chapter 8- The Birth of Laura Gutierrez Bauer

 Tania was first planned as Italian cover Vittoria Pancini, which was dropped due to language deficiency and other practical problems.This time it was planned as Argentine woman, she was well versed with country and language. There have been funny instances of Tania-Diosdado stay in Prague. Tania always made Diosdado read her letters to her parents, even to Ulises, despite his reluctance to do so.

Chapter 9 Tania’s first year in Bolivia

Riding aa mule, Tania entered Bolivian border from Peru on 17^th November 1964. Got into touch with all high and mighty in that society, through showing her interest in Folk lore and met painters, writers, journalists, once even had dinner with dictator Barrientos, with a ‘friend’. Her network included intellectuals, professionals, politicians of right wing; she always projected her as anti communist. For legal residency, she even married an enginnering student Mario Martinez Alvarez, who helped her in exit procedures, she had new passport now, travelled to Brazil as translator. Comrade Mercy sent a positive report about her.

Chapter 10-An encounter with Ariel-Tania came to Mexico from Brazil in 1966 to meet Cuban officer. Che was clandestinely working from Cuban embassy in Tanzania. Tania did not know that Che was behind her selection for the mission and he had been involved in Operation Fantasma, which determnined the following years of Tania’s life, her sacrifice, and her transformation into Tania the Guerrilla.

Chapter 11- Reunion with Che-

Che checked about Tania’s well being and about her marriage, whether it was with her free will. In 1966, as planned earlier, Tania got divorce from her husband, but helped him in his training in Bulgaria by arranging scholasrship for him. Che arrived in La paz on a passport of business person with Uruguyan passport as Adolfo Mena Gonzalez. Che probable met Tania on 4^th November. Tania arranged for Che travel documents to travel the whole of Bolivia. The letter present to Sr. Adolfo mena mentions ‘special envoy of OAS to research on economic and social situation in Bolivarian countryside’, recommending all possible cooperation for research from all national and private institutions. Page 107

 On November 20-19^th December she brought ranch to jungles, not supposed to do then she accompanied Mario Munje, Bolivian cp leader on 31^st December 1966 crucial meeting, disagreed, tense. Bolivian Communist party inside Moscow line and Peking line, Monje Moscow line. Che predicted ‘difficult time’ ahead and announced to work for ‘the unity of all those who want a revolution’. Tania later visited Argentina to arrange Che’s liasions with revolutionary support. AS PER WRITER TANIA FOLLOWED DIRECT INSTRUCTIONS OF Che from 2^nd January 1967 to 19^th March 1967. Tania brought Regis Debray and Ciro Roberto Bustos, both now ‘regret’ to committement to revolution. Che criticised Tania for being there, as two Bolivians deserted and difficult situation developed.

Chapter 12-Tania the Guerrilla-

23^rd March 1967, first encounter with army-25^th March Bolivian ELN, liberation front announced in meeting of 43 Bolivian, Cuban and Peruvian combatants. On 27^th March, situation worsened. On 31^st March Tania given M-1 rifle and became combatant. She had fever of 102 and Che attached her to Cuban Joaquin’s command on 17^th April, where she remained till 31^st ambush by army, in which ten of the combatants were killed by army. Tania fought, falling with bullets in river, body found after aweek on 7^th September. Bolivian peasant Honorato Rojas betrayed and led army to ambush gurrellis. 35 members of army killed 7 of 10 member Joaquin’s column combatants. Che‘s impression of Rojas on 10^th February was ‘a potentially dangerous man’.

   On 8^th October Che ambushed, killed brutally on 9^th October. With that out of 49 Cuban, Peruvian, Bolivian, majority of guerrillas killed.

Chapter 13-Return to Cuba

Officially death of Tania declared on 7^th September, people wanted her body to be treated with respect, but army officer cruel. For pubilicity stunt Bolivian dictator Barrientos photographed with Tania corpse on 10^th September, saying he ordered burial of Laura G baeur, Argentine woman with Tania alias ‘with military honour’. But Christian burial was given to Tania due to pressure of women of area Vallegrande. But no one knew the remains later till 1997, when President Lozada has to order investigation.On 28^th June 1997, Che’s remains discovered and buried with honour in Santa Clara on October 8, 1997 on 30^th death anniversary of Che. Tania’s remains found on 19^th September 1998, brought to Cuba in December 1998.

Chapter 14-‘My Little Ita’

 On 29^th December 1998, Tania’s remains interned in Santa Clara alongwith Che and other guerrillas in presence of her mother Nadia Bunke. Nadia died in 2003, her deepest feeling expressed in her ‘little ita’, an autobiographical note- They came to Argentina in 1935.Erich got job as teacher, had two children-Tamara and boy Olaf, pet name Tamarita, she too little say ita, she signed as Ita, happy optimist, energetic, tireless, vibrant, romantic, liked Argentine folk songs and folk music, attached to Latin America. Ulises assures Nadia and Erich that ‘Tania is and will always be alive among us’-Page 144.

       Appendices

1.     Personal Records prepared for the Tania case –Secret

Tamara Bunke wrote this autobiographical note in preparation for her new identity as Tania.-

Born in Buenos Aires, parents Communist, anti fascists, helped Jew refuegees, returned to Germany in1952, settled in Stalinstad, arrived in Cuba on 12^th May 1961

Appendix 2-Tania’a Operational Plan for the Cienufegos Practical exercise

Secret-Havana-12^th February 1964

Appendix 3-Tania’s report on the Cienfuegos Exercises-

Only Copy-Secret

To Ulises-Tania’s report on work from 21^st Feb. To 1^st March 1964

Appendix 4- Tania’s Message from Prague after her first trip to Western Europe

To: MOE from Bolivar

Secret message 3

Appendix 5-Tania’s message from Prague before her second trip to West Germany

Secret To: MOE meant for Ulises Estrada

Appendix 6-The Laura Guetierrez bauer Cover Story

 July 25, 1964

Top Secret

To M1 Copy 1- From MOE page 1

Appendix 7- Message to Mercy from HQ regarding Future contact with Tania in Bolivia

Mercy Message 5, November 1965, start

Appendix 8- Mercy’s report on contact with Tania in Bolivia and Brazil-To MOE From Mercy Report on the various contacts made between 7 January and the last days of March 1966

Appendix 9-Tania’s oral report on her first year of work in Bolivia given to Ariel on 16^th April 1966 in Mexico

Appendix 10 Document Denying Tania’s link to Stasi-GDR agency-1997

Appendix 11- Document denyingTania’s link to KGB

Russian Fedration –Dec. 5, 1997

Appendix 12-Document denying Tania’s link to Soviet intelligence -1997

Appendix 13- My Battle for Truth-An interview with Nadia Gunke

 Interview by Chritoph Wiesner, published on 7-8 March 1998, in Junge Welt

 There are many groups and institutions that are named after Tamara Bunke or Tania in Cuba, also in Bolivia, lot of children are named Tania or Ernesto

Appendix 14-Nadia Bunke’s letter to Fidel Castro on Tania’s remains be buried in Cuba-25^th December 1995

Appendix 15-Fidel Castro’s Reply to Nadia Bunke-1^st April 1996

Apendix 16-Fidel Castro’s speech at the burial of the remains of Che Guevara and his Companeros-Santa Clara-17^th October 1997

 I see Che as a moral giant who grows with each passing day, whose image, strength, and influence have multiplied throughout the earth.

Che was a true Communist and is today an example and a paradigm of the revolutionary and the communist, -Page 285

Che is taking up and winning more battles than ever.

 This land is your land, these people are your people, and this revolution is your revolution. We continue to fly socialist banner with honor and pride-page 287

Appendix 17- Ramiro Valdes’s speech at the Burial of the remains of Tania and others internationalist combatants-30^th December 1998

   Tania, she filled a glorious page in the history of Che’s actions in Bolivia, giving her life in hostile environment, side by side with other Bolivian, Peruvian and Cuban Companeros

Welcomt Tania, immortal example of a woman and a communist-page 293-Socialism or death, homeland or death, we shall overcome

  Notes

Patrice Lumumba founded Congo on 30th June 1960, assassinated on 17^th January 1961 Mobutu Seiku became dictator and was overthrown in 1997 by Laurent Kabila, with whom Che had differences

Ciro Bustos drew sketches for army and US services, confirming Che’s presence in Bolivia.

Lists

     A well written book and an apt tribute to Tania!