TELEGRAM TO THE REVVOENSOVET
CASPIAN-CAUCASIAN FRONT,
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER FOR COMMUNIST AFFAIRS
Astrakhan
January 9–10, 1919

Conflict with the Party Committee is unacceptable. Take all measures to ensure harmonious, coordinated work. All Party members,
regardless of their respective positions, must be integrated into the local organization. The Party Committee must not interfere in the activities of institutions directly subordinate to the central authorities; it has the sole right to submit its recommendations to the Central Committee. All local Party work is directed by the Party Center. Intervention may occur only from within or upon specific assignment by the Central Committee in any given concrete matter.

Similar relationships must be established with the Provincial Executive Committee. Only in cases where decrees are not implemented or where actions are taken in direct opposition to the resolutions of the central authorities may direct intervention be warranted. Great tact is required—only then will conflicts become impossible. General discussions about the need for a “radical purge” in military institutions are devoid of real value. We will take into account specific directives concerning particular facts and individuals.

Lenin. Sverdlov