January 28, 1919

In view of the urgent need to supply the armies with felt boots and mittens, and also in view of the end of the winter season, the Gubernia Council of National Economy is ordered not to obstruct the immediate delivery of boots and mittens by the artisans to the Central Union of Consumers' Societies. Likewise, to offer no obstruction to the immediate export of both registered and unregistered felt boots and mittens. The export is to be carried out by the Central Union of Consumers' Societies under the orders of the Committee on Food Supplies.

This measure is to be regarded as an emergency one, not prejudging the question of nationalization.

As regards the revolutionary tax, the Gubernia Council of National Economy, jointly with the Finance Department, is to present its considerations on measures for its collection, without deducting this tax from the sums paid to the artisans in settlement for the boots. This decision of the Council of Defense is subject to immediate implementation*.

Chairman of the Council of Defense
Lenin