not only in Russia, a country backward in industrial terms, but also
in all the states of Western Europe.
II
this shortage of products will be felt for more than one year.
The question of the correct distribution of products on a national scale
therefore takes on particular importance.
v"* At the present time we have three economic apparatuses operating
in the field of product distribution: the state — food commissariats and committees — cooperative and private-trade.
The first carries out work in the spirit of government initiatives and measures,
the third must be completely liquidated, as for the cooperative distribution apparatus, it may be temporarily
preserved, but in the future it too must merge in its work with the overall
state one.
Cooperative organizations, carrying out, alongside the governmental
distribution apparatus, the work of correct distribution of
products among the population, will help to strengthen the existing power. This
will shorten the transition period from capitalism to socialism, when
both the production and distribution of products and generally the entire economy of the country
will be built on other, more correct foundations.
Lenin finds the objections against cooperatives serving the entire population strange. The destruction of private trade should
please cooperators, as it relieves them of an unnecessary
competitor, strengthens cooperation, increasing the number of its members.
The requirement that working-class cooperation, as a class organization, should continue its independent existence is also incomprehensible.
What classes can be talked about when the dictatorship of the proletariat
has been implemented? (This place from Lenin's speech is clearly incorrectly recorded. Ed.)
The dictatorship of the proletariat must be asserted not only in matters
of state administration, but also in all economic and social
organizations. And therefore it is necessary that in the management of cooperatives
the predominant influence be left to the working elements and workers, living
by their earnings."
FROM A CONVERSATION WITH COOPERATORS1
JULY 26, 1918
a.
RECORD OF COOPERATORS' INFORMATION ON
THE SITUATION IN THE FIELD. *
[C]entrosoyuz: 1. 7 8. 30*

From Centrosoyuz: Korobov 3 n Lavrushin4 || Instrument[al-
|i naya] 7. Pokrovka.5
* Recorded on the letterhead of the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars. Ed.