[April 18, 1919]

Kyiv, To Rakovskiy
Regarding the Socialist-Revolutionaries, I advise giving no more than three
and to **thoroughly** surround these three with Bolshevik supervision,
and if they don't agree – so much the worse for them, we will benefit.
Regarding military tasks, I once again remind you of two most important
tasks: breaking through Bukovina and taking Rostov. All forces must be
devoted to these two tasks – confirm this to Podvoisky and Antonov. Regarding Dybenko's plans, I caution against
an adventure – I fear it will end in collapse and he will be cut off.
Would it not be more reasonable to use his forces to replace Makhno and strike at
Taganrog and Rostov? I advise you to think it over three times; resolve this, of
course, yourselves.
Lenin