V. I. Lenin

Conversation With J. V. Stalin

By Direct Line

July 24, 1918

Tsaritsyn, To Stalin

Lenin speaking:

Can you transmit to Baku a wireless telegram just received from Tashkent:

Next about food, I must tell you that today none at all is being
issued; neither in Petrograd nor in Moscow. The situation is
very bad. Inform us whether you can take extraordinary measures,
for there is nowhere we can get anything except from you. In
Yaroslavi the rising of the Whites has been put down. Simbirsk
has been captured by the Whites or Czechs. I await your reply.

Stalin's Reply

Two nights ago we sent to Turkestan all that could be sent.

The wireless message has been transmitted to Baku. There are
large stocks of grain in the North Caucasus, but the railway
line being cut prevents sending them to the North.

Until the line is restored delivery of grain is out of the
question. An expedition has been sent to Samara and Saratov
gubernias, but it will not be possible to help you. with grain
within the next few days. We hope to restore the line in about
ten (lays. Hold out somehow, distribute meat and fish, which we
can send you in plenty. In a week's time things will be better.

Stalin

Tsaritsyn, To Stalin

Send fish, meat, vegetables, any kind of produce, whatever you
can and as much as you can.

Lenin