[25 February 1918]

Evacuate immediately the greatest possible number of rotary presses, linotype machines, and everything necessary for printing materials, all equipment, and roll paper.

Everything possible.

The printing press is our most powerful weapon. Evacuate to Nizhny Novgorod.

2.

Lenin **

Printed from the text written by the hand of N. P. Gorbunov.

1 I. D. Sytin — a major Russian entrepreneur in publishing, printing production, and book trade. After the October Revolution, he participated in the Soviet publishing business.

2 Evacuation was necessary in connection with the impending German offensive from the direction of Estland.

* Also bears the signature of I. V. Stalin.
** Also bears the signature of N. P. Gorbunov.

1917 (DECEMBER) — 1918