V. I.

Lenin

543

TELEGRAM TO N. N. KUZMIN

In code
By direct line

Comrade Kuzmin, member of R.M.C. 6

Re No. 95.

Exercise the utmost caution and distrust in this matter. [1] Mind you are not fooled by officers who want to
infiltrate among us in order to demoralise the army. Make
thorough inquiries about everyone wishing to return and if
you are convinced that his return will be useful, inform
Moscow to obtain permission. Discuss this question with
Lomov’s commission, [2] which has gone to Archangel.
Report the views expressed in the discussion.

Re No. 82.

Chicherin’s statement about leaving the country stipulated the surrender of the White government, but it
has fled. For the time being, do not permit anyone to go abroad. Employ the arrested officers on work. Use
those who have remained at liberty for the same purpose.
Sklyansky’s telegram No. 49/III about sending some of them
to the centre holds good. Discuss the question with
Lomov’s commission.

Lenin

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Notes:
[1]

N. N. Kuzmin, a member of the Revolutionary Military Council
of the 6th Army, asked Lenin about the attitude to be adopted
towards whiteguard officers who had laid down their arms and
declared their readiness to work in Soviet Russia.

[2]
This refers to a commission of the C.P.C. headed by G. I.
Oppokov (A. Lomov) which was sent to Archangel to take measures
to restore economic and political life in the northern areas of
Soviet Russia that had been liberated from the whiteguards and
interventionists, and to register and distribute the property
seized there.