V. I.

Lenin

Answers to Questions by A. M. Krasnoshchokov, Foreign Minister of the Far-Eastern Republic [1]

1) Where to convene the congress?

2) Principles of elections (is the “four-pointer”

permissible)? [2]

3) Principles of constitution and economic policy?

4) Definition of official relations between Soviet Russia and the
F.-E. Republic?

5) In view of non-compliance with C.C. directives by certain regions
and the convocation in a few days’ time of a preliminary conference, it is
necessary to have a new exact formulation of the foundations of the
Far-Eastern Republic and a definition of its authority.

Anywhere. It is, Democracy permissible with slight privileges for

Communists. [3]

Friendship.

Obey the C.C., otherwise we’ll sack you.

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Notes:
[1]
Lenin wrote these answers on a telegram dated July 17, 1920, from
A. M. Krasnoshchokov, Foreign Minister of the Far-Eastern Republic and
member of the Far-Eastern Bureau of the C.C., R.C.P.(B.) in which he
reported the signing of an armistice agreement with Japan on July 15. A
special protocol signed by the representatives of the F.-E.R. and Japan
stated that the best way of establishing peace in the Far East was the
creation of a buffer state based on democratic principles, under a single
government to be formed at a conference attended by representatives from
all the regions of the territory. It was in connection with this conference
that Krasnoshchokov asked Lenin for urgent replies to the questions raised
in his telegram.

[2]
The Four-pointer— abbreviated name for the democratic four-point electoral system, namely: universal, equal and direct suffrage
and secret ballot.

[3]
This probably means securing a majority for Communists in democratic
state institutions.