Hasta siempre, comandante!

After the execution of the legendary Comandante Che, the Argentine aristocrat Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, the peasants of the Bolivian town of Cochabamba peasants came up with a strange type of prayer, an invocation: «Poor Che, have mercy, work a miracle, to make sure that my cow gets better. Please heed my request, poor Che!» 

The military, in killing the Comandante, hoping thus to expel from the world the spirit of the rebel Che, in fact made a fundamental error. In the first days after the death of the revolutionary, they tried to prove that he was definitely dead, presenting to the world disturbing photos of the corpse. 

In accordance with the Christian tradition of worship of the tortured Christ, these photographic images rather caused other associations: martyrdom, redemption and resurrection. Thus began the second life of the legendary revolutionary: Life after death. The name of Che Guevara is known by everybody, however, when it comes to biographical details, to the real facts, the memory somehow falters and refuses to accept history as it was. As a result, historical facts about Che in our own country are known only by his devoted fans; and the reality of the man behind the legend is limited, perhaps, to only one person. Which is not surprising. Cuba, of course, is close to our hearts, but, distance wise, the Havana Centre for Research of the Life and Work of Che Guevara (now headed by his widow, also a revolutionary) is understandably very far away. 

To reduce this distance, and to explain the phenomenon of the cult of personality of the legendary revolutionary, the Moscow gallery «Naschokin House» is presenting an exhibition titled, «Che. Hasta siempre! » («Che. See you in Eternity!»); put together with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and the Embassy of Russia in Cuba. The exhibition is dedicated to the fiftieth anniversary of the victory of the Cuban Revolution, and covers the life of the legendary Comandante Ernesto Guevara—from his first steps to Eternity. 

When we were thinking about publishing this article, we did not plan to cover the biography of a revolutionary or even present it in a new light; and even more so we do not claim to any uniqueness. 

We turned to the topic, not only because Che Guevara was a major historical figure and the most charismatic revolutionary on the planet, but also because, after almost half a century since his death, people around the world continue to think, talk and argue about it. 

How and when in the head of this Argentine aristocrat the idea was born that life is a permanent revolution— a "revolution without shooting is impossible"—is unknown. Most likely, he, like his favourite hero, Don Quixote, was obsessed with the idea of justice. That is the case; this is reflected in his farewell letter that is shot through with the bitterness of disappointment; but not with defeat. He did not give up, and we met. We met in eternity.

Fidel!

At this moment I remember many things—when I met you in Maria Antonia's house, when you proposed I come along, all the tensions involved in the preparations. One day they came by and asked who should be notified in case of death, and the real possibility of it struck us all. Later we knew it was true, that in a revolution one wins or dies (if it is a real one). Many comrades have fallen along the way to victory. Today everything has a less dramatic tone, because we are more mature, but history repeats itself. I feel that I have fulfilled the part of my duty that tied me to the Cuban revolution in its territory, and I say farewell to you, to the comrades, to your people, who now are mine. I formally resign my positions in the leadership of the party, my post as minister, my rank of commander, and my Cuban citizenship. Nothing legal binds me to Cuba. The only ties are of another nature—those that cannot be broken, as can appointments to posts. 

Reviewing my past life, I believe I have worked with sufficient integrity and dedication to consolidate the revolutionary triumph. My only serious failing was not having had more confidence in you from the first moments in the Sierra Maestra, and not having understood quickly enough your qualities as a leader and a revolutionary. 

I have lived magnificent days, and at your side I felt the pride of belonging to our people in the brilliant yet sad days of the "Caribbean [Missile] crisis." Seldom has a statesman been more brilliant as you were in those days. I am also proud of having followed you without hesitation, of having identified with your way of thinking and of seeing and appraising dangers and principles. 

Other nations of the world summon my modest efforts of assistance. I can do that which is denied you due to your responsibility as head of Cuba, and the time has come for us to part. You should know that I do so with a mixture of joy and sorrow. I leave here the purest of my hopes as a builder and the dearest of those I hold dear. And I leave a people who received me as a son. That wounds a part of my spirit. I carry to new battlefronts the faith that you taught me, the revolutionary spirit of my people, the feeling of fulfilling the most sacred of duties: to fight against imperialism wherever one may be. This is a source of strength, and more than heals the deepest of wounds. I state once more that I free Cuba from all responsibility, except that which stems from its example. If my final hour finds me under other skies, my last thought will be of this people and especially of you. I am grateful for your teaching and your example, to which I shall try to be faithful up to the final consequences of my acts. 

I have always been identified with the foreign policy of our revolution, and I continue to be. Wherever I am, I will feel the responsibility of being a Cuban revolutionary, and I shall behave as such. I am not sorry that I leave nothing material to my wife and children; I am happy it is that way. I ask nothing for them, as the state will provide them with enough to live on and receive an education. 

I would have many things to say to you and to our people, but I feel they are unnecessary. Words cannot express what I would like them to, and there is no point in scribbling pages. Ever onward to victory! Homeland or Death! 

I embrace you with all my revolutionary fervour.

Che
1 April 1965

Dear old folks!

Once again I feel beneath my heels the ribs of Rosinante. Once more, I'm on the road with my shield on my arm. Almost ten years ago I wrote you another farewell letter. As I recall, I lamented not being a better soldier and a better doctor. The latter no longer interests me; I am not such a bad soldier. Nothing has changed in essence, except that I am much more conscious. 

My Marxism has taken root and become purified. I believe in armed struggle as the only solution for those peoples who fight to free themselves, and I am consistent with my beliefs. Many will call me an adventurer, and that I am.... only one of a different sort: one who risks his skin to prove his truths. It is possible that this may be the end. I don't seek it, but it's within the logical realm of probabilities. If it should be so, I send you a final embrace. I have loved you very much; only I have not known how to express my affection. I am extremely rigid in my actions, and I think that sometimes you did not understand me. Nevertheless, please believe me today. Now a willpower that I have polished with an artist's delight will sustain some shaky legs and some weary lungs. I will do it. Give a thought once in a while to this little soldier of fortune of the twentieth century. 

A kiss to Celia, to Roberto, Juan Martin and Patotin, to Beatriz, to everybody. For you, a big hug from your obstinate and prodigal son.

Ernesto.
1 April 1965

My Children

Dear Hildita, Aleidita,
Camilo, Celia and
Ernesto!

If you read this letter one day, it will mean that I am no longer alive. You will hardly remember me, and the smallest among you will have entirely forgotten me. Your father was a man who acted as he thought best and who has been absolutely faithful to his convictions. 

Grow up into good revolutionaries. Study hard to master technique, which gives you mastery over nature. Remember that it is the Revolution that is important and that each of us, taken in isolation, is worth nothing. Above all be sensitive, in the deepest parts of yourselves, to any injustice committed against whomever it may be anywhere in the world. Yours always, my children. I hope to see you again. 

A big strong kiss from Daddy.

My only one!

What have you done to my poor old armour, that I only dream of your arms, your smell, your loving tenderness, your touches? Here is not like the Sierra Maestra: No I have the feeling of creating something with much less satisfaction than what we were doing there. Here everything is happening so slowly, as if the war will start none too soon. At this time your fears for me are groundless, the same as your jealousy. All my activities are limited to studying French, Swahili, and medicine. Kisses from me to of all my children (including to Ildita). Photograph everybody together and send me the photo; and one of my girl. Learn French, study medicine, and love me. I kiss you for a long time, as if we were really together.

Do not blackmail me. You cannot come here, either now or in three months. In a year's time that's another thing, we'll see more then. We have to be very serious about this step. 

Here you will be a combatant and a comrade, not a woman; and you must prepare for it, if only to learn French ... 

A large part of my life has passed. I have to restrain my feelings and personal desires, for the people around me think that they deal with a machine. Help me now, Aleida, be strong and don't make problems that simply cannot be resolved. You know why you married me. 

Fulfill those vows, to make it easier to cope with all that we must overcome. Love me; love me passionately, but also understand. 

My path is clear, and nothing will stop me except death. No need to pity oneself, fight and win, and we will overcome the difficult route along the path. 

Bring up the children. Don't banter with them without end, especially Camilo. And do not think about leaving them. That is unfair. They are a part of us.

I embrace you long and with tenderness 

Your Tattoo

My Darling!

I was able to write you another letter ... Everything happened differently than intended. Details will be given to you by Osmani (Cienfuegos), I will say only that my army, of which I was initially so very proud, was surely and gradually dissipating, to be exact, like butter in a hot frying pan, and then disappeared. I returned frustrated, with only the shadow of an army ... Our parting will be long. I had hoped to meet with you during the break, but the fight is long, and it has not happened. 

When I was tied down as an official, I dreamed of doing what I am doing now, but as it is I miss you and the children, growing up without me. It must be so strange to them to be able to love me or even to believe that I was really like a father, alive and loved, rather than acting as a distant and famous figure, whom one only reads about. Now, when I am neither locked up in prison, not with any enemies around, and nothing happens, you need to become quite severe, unbearable, and even physical—neither Karl Marx nor Vladimir Ilyich can have a calming influence. 

Bring up the children. I am particularly worried about the boys. And give my best for all to see to the old ones. Hug your parents from me. And, above all, finally, accept from me all of my passionate tenderness, contained in a kiss.

* «Tattoo» means «three» in Swahili. During his stay in Africa Che signed his letters this way.
** The nickname of Che.