Lomonosov is here now and has proposed that I appoint him acting deputy head. He assures me that in a month, by the time you arrive, we will be able to judge quite freely whether he can cope with the specialists and trade unions hostile to him; he assures me that he is not suited to be an adviser or a member of a board equal to an adviser. I think he really wants to manage the railways, with you as political leader. I am convinced that he has no ulterior motive of any kind. I earnestly ask you to agree and not to see any hidden thoughts in this, for I have none whatsoever. I am convinced that we will never get a serious chance to test one of the best specialists, because he will leave to become a professor. I think that you are necessary in the role of party and political leader of the railways. I ask you to reply to me at once, but quite frankly. 503

Lenin

* At the top of the document, in the hand of I. V. Stalin, is written: "By cipher. Strictly secret." Eds.

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Written November 1, 1922

Published for the first time, from the manuscript