L. N. Kritsman — Party member since 1918. At this time — member of the Presidium of Gosplan, chairman of the Commission for the Utilization of Material Resources of the RSFSR under the Council of Labor and Defense.

26506
LETTER TO EMERSON JENNINGS[1]
April 5, [19]21
TO MR. EMERSON JENNINGS
Moscow
I was very glad to receive your letter and to note that you have taken part in the struggle against the persecution of the RSFSR since 1918, proving this not only in words but also in deeds, especially by providing Comrades Martens and Nuorteva[2] with funds at a time when, owing to the disruption of communications with Russia, they were in great need of your friendly assistance for the RSFSR. I offer you my heartfelt gratitude for this.

Taking into consideration your three-month stay in Russia for the purpose of renewing trade relations and burning with the desire for the speediest realization of results, I would ask you to apply directly to Comrade Lezhava (Deputy Commissar of Foreign Trade), who is authorized to conduct this matter and with whom, I think, you will reach an agreement. Comrade Lezhava will at the same time be very glad to return to you with gratitude the seven million dollars* which you so kindly placed at the disposal of Comrade Martens.

Accept my best wishes,
Yours [Lenin]
Printed from a typewritten copy

[1] Emerson P. Jennings — head of a machine-building firm from Pennsylvania. In early 1920, Jennings headed a commercial association for the promotion of trade with Soviet Russia. The association sought the consent of the U.S. State Department for the establishment of Soviet-American trade relations.

* Jennings’ letter gives the figure of 7,000 dollars.