Volin: ...in the Ukraine at Gomel. It is necessary to send representatives. We have dispatched the head of the information department and others. We are negotiating with a large German Soviet in the Ukraine. We are recruiting volunteers from the German army for the Red Army. Send directives for the negotiations to our representatives in the Ukraine. Our representatives are guaranteed against danger and are under German protection. The mood
of the German army is purely Bolshevist. Today I decided to send to Gomel a Communist, chairman of the
Sovdep, and the German Communist Mayer, from the international detachment. Should the chairman of the Orel Sovdep speak only a greeting, or may he take on political assignments? I ask you for directives. If you know about this congress and have sent your own representatives, then perhaps our delegation is superfluous.

Lenin: I know nothing about this congress. I advise you at once to get in touch with the
Ukrainian Communists and their Central Committee via Kursk. The reports that the majority of the German Soviets are on the side of the Bolsheviks must be strictly verified. If this is
not the case, then it will be necessary to make a detailed and well-founded, principled speech at the congress on Bolshevism and its tasks. If, however, the German soldiers are already Bolsheviks or Spartacists, then it is essential to propose to them an immediate alliance with us
for the speediest restoration of Soviet power in the Ukraine and for the arrest not only of the
White Guards but also of the Radovites. In any case, people capable of giving a most exact account of all the debates and decisions must be sent to the congress.

If it is already too late to send new representatives to the congress, then try to convey
by telegraph my note to those whom you have already sent. Awaiting a reply.

Volin: Vladimir Ilyich, I informed you that I had decided to send the chairman of the Sovdep to Gomel. He will leave for there tonight. For this I asked you for directives. At the same time, I shall try to get in touch with Kursk.

Lenin: I am very glad that you are sending the chairman to the congress. I hope you are satisfied
with my advice. Arrange to inform me about each day of the congress 221.

---

First published in 1942
in Lenin Miscellany XXXIV

Printed from the typewritten
copy