Military necessity imperatively dictates the maximum intensification of output of the Izhevsk arms factory. The main obstacle—shortage of workers. The Council of Defence two weeks ago already charged the metalworkers’ trade union with the obligation to resettle promptly in Izhevsk, for the time being, 5,000 workers, counting especially on Petrograd workers who would find in Izhevsk work, housing, and fully adequate food.

Up to the present time no information has been received about the number of Petrograd workers moving to Izhevsk. The Council of Defence considers inadmissible such an indifferent attitude to the opening possibility not only of putting thousands of workers with their families to work, but also of feeding them.

I propose urgently to telegraph when exactly, how many workers will be detached from Petrograd to Izhevsk. I warn that no red tape, no excuses are tolerable.

Chairman of the Council of Defence  
Lenin