LENIN’S RESPONSE.
To Minkin.
It is absurd to ask whether the People’s Commissar of Finance—especially one from a single region—can override my directive. Should this directive go unfulfilled, I will bring those responsible to trial. Leave the Latvian company in Penza for the time being, until the Chebarkul uprising is quelled. Inform all members of the Executive Committee and all communists that it is their duty to mercilessly suppress the kulaks and confiscate all grain belonging to the insurgents. I am outraged by your inaction and weakness. I demand detailed reports on the implementation of all my directives, with particular emphasis on measures for suppression and confiscation.
Lenin.
TELEGRAMS REGARDING THE EVENTS IN PENZA
TO THE PENZA GUBERNIA COMMITTEE
I