September 3, 1920

The transport of petroleum products from Astrakhan by the Volga is being impeded by 1) an unprecedented low water level and 2) the absence of a sufficient quantity of auxiliary wooden tonnage of small carrying capacity. State considerations urgently dictate the maximum timely delivery of petroleum products to the central industrial districts. It is therefore proposed that every measure and means be used to assist the local organs of water transport, both in carrying out the repair of these vessels and equally in all other needs of water transport (in supplying the labor force with provisions for the autumn, etc.). Responsibility lies with the guberniya executive committee chairmen.

Chairman of the Council of Labor and Defense
Lenin