16 November 1918

I know nothing about this congress*.

I advise you to immediately enter into communication with the Ukrainian Communists and their Central Committee via Kursk. It is necessary to strictly verify the report that the majority of the German soviets are on the side of the Bolsheviks!

If this is not the case, then it is necessary to speak at the congress with a detailed and well-founded principled speech about Bolshevism and its tasks. If, however, the German soldiers are already Bolsheviks or Spartacists, then it is imperative to propose to them an immediate alliance with us for the speediest restoration of Soviet power in Ukraine and for the arrest not only of the White Guards but also of the Radovtsy. In any case, it is necessary to send to the congress people capable of giving the most accurate report on all the debates and decisions.

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

I await an answer.

Lenin