In cipher
Baku and to his whereabouts
To Member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic Stalin

29/X.

I consider it beyond doubt that Georgia will hand over Batum to the Entente, probably secretly, and that the Entente will advance on Baku. Think over and urgently prepare measures for strengthening the approaches to Baku from land and sea, delivery of heavy artillery, and so forth. Inform me of your decision.

Lenin