LETTER TO I. V. STALIN FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(b)
I have now brought my personal affairs to a close and can depart with peace of mind—203. I have also finalized an agreement with Trotsky regarding the defense of my views on the monopoly of foreign trade. There remains only one matter that concerns me with extraordinary intensity—the impossibility of delivering a speech at the Congress of Soviets—204. On Tuesday, I am scheduled to see my doctors, and we will discuss whether there is even the slightest chance of my being able to speak. To forgo this opportunity would be a great inconvenience for me, to put it mildly. I had already drafted the text of my speech several days ago—205. Therefore, I propose that, without interrupting preparations for another speaker to take my place, we should maintain, until Wednesday, the possibility that I myself may deliver the speech—perhaps in a significantly shortened form compared to the usual length, say, a speech lasting three-quarters of an hour. Such a speech would in no way interfere with the address of my deputy (whomever you might designate for this purpose), but I believe it would prove beneficial both politically and on a personal level, as it would eliminate any cause for deep concern. I ask that you bear this in mind and, should the opening of the Congress be delayed further, please inform me in advance through my secretary—206.
Lenin
December 15, 1922
I am firmly opposed to postponing the question of the monopoly of foreign trade. Should the idea arise—based on whatever considerations (including the assumption that my participation in this matter would be desirable)—to defer it until the next plenary session, I would voice my strongest opposition, for I am convinced that Trotsky would defend my views no less effectively than I could myself; that is, first and foremost. Second, your statement—and, according to rumor, Zinoviev’s as well, and, it is said, Kamenev’s too—confirms that a portion of the Central Committee members have already revised their earlier positions. Third, and most importantly: further hesitation on this crucial issue is absolutely unacceptable and would jeopardize all ongoing work.
Lenin
December 15, 1922
Dictated over the telephone
First published in incomplete form in 1930, in the 2nd–3rd editions
of the Collected Works of V. I. Lenin, Volume XXVII

Printed in full, based on the secretary’s record (a typewritten copy)