Date: 1921-10-17
Source: ru:PSS/v53

Source: PSS, Volume 53

Copy to Comrade Preobrazhensky
October 17, 1921

Comrade Krestinsky!

I would like to know your opinion on whether it is time to undertake calculations of two distinct kinds:
First, a plan—albeit highly rough and general, serving as a first-order approximation—for the restoration of our currency. For example: under such-and-such conditions, over the course of so many years, one could, through the consistent implementation of such-and-such measures, achieve this or that outcome.

Do you (and the Finance Commission) consider such a calculation feasible—or do you believe that even an approximate estimate of this sort is premature and impossible at this stage?

Second, is it possible to convert our expenditure budget into gold terms and compare it—by main categories, and perhaps by department, by region, by province, by capital city, and so forth, to the extent feasible—with pre-war figures?

We must move swiftly—and without delay—to initiate, through such calculations or similar approaches, a reform of our budget, which has fallen utterly into disrepair, remains entirely uncoordinated with anything, and has swelled up in a haphazard, unsystematic manner.

I ask you to share your conclusions on this matter with me and—unless you have specific objections—to submit the proposal to the Finance Commission.

With comradely greetings, Lenin

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First published in 1924 in the book “The Great Leader.”

Printed from the manuscript.