## TELEGRAM TO I. N. SMIRNOV

[January 12, 1920]

I shall transmit your telegram immediately to Trotsky and Kres-
tinsky.

2. We shall send the reply by separate telegram. Inform me where
to address it to you.
Direct intensified attention to the accelerated movement toward us
of the maximum number of locomotives and take revolutionary measures.

Lenin

*Printed from a telegraph blank written in the hand of an unknown person*

---

## DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY

Send a copy to Svidersky with a request to inform me what measures
he has taken.

12/1 [1920]

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO L. D. TROTSKY

[1920, January, no later than 12]

Comrade Trotsky! How should we proceed here? Perhaps you could
send a query to the military censor (under your signature and mine, copy to
the provincial executive committee), and have him send me his reply?

Lenin

---

## DIRECTIVES TO THE SECRETARY

Query Eiduk:
1) who is the author of this note
2) what information do we have regarding his conscientiousness
3) regarding his experience and knowledge?

14/1 1920

Lenin

---

Distribute for information to all members of the collegium of the
NKPS.

14/1

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO F. E. DZERZHINSKY

Comrade Dzerzhinsky!

I request that you order an investigation regarding...

16/1 1920

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO A. V. GALKIN

Comrade Galkin! I request that you convene the appropriate commissariats
and consider this project as soon as possible in the Small Council.

24/1 [1920]

Lenin

---

## LETTER TO M. I. LĀCIS

25. I. 1920

Comrade Lācis!

Discuss the question of publishing information from Rostov-on-Don.
With regard to the Socialist-Revolutionaries, we need to systematically
gather all materials, pamphlets, and so forth and preserve them.

Who wrote the letter to Chernov?

Lenin

---

## TELEGRAM TO A. A. IOFFE

Ioffe
Yuryev

In response to your 133, I agree with the tactics of the People's
Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, which was discussed and approved by
the Politburo. We cannot change it. Concrete individual concessions are
still possible, but these must be arranged separately.

January 25, 1920

Lenin

*Printed from a typewritten text*

---

## NOTE TO AN UNIDENTIFIED ADDRESSEE

[1920, February, after the 16th]

If so, give me a telegram to Gukovsky for signature.

1) Do not hesitate, but purchase good items (from the list in question: there was
already a list) immediately, without fear of overpayment
2) once a week send a brief report: proposed / ordered / requested (very briefly).

---

## RESOLUTION ON A DRAFT DECISION OF THE CC OF THE RCP(B)

[1920, after February 20]

I agree to the affirmation of this as a directive of the Central Committee.

V. Lenin

---

## DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY

[1920, February, not before the 27th]

Preserve and query Khalatov; let his secretary send us a written account
(of what was provided).

In file: food for teachers.

---

## TELEGRAM TO THE REVOLUTIONARY MILITARY COUNCIL OF THE 6TH ARMY TO N. N. KUZMIN

To Rekvoensovet Army 6
Kuzmin

Approximately March 3, a delegation from representatives of all
commissariats will depart for Arkhangelsk, including Lomov and Eiduk
among them. We propose that you postpone your departure until their
arrival in Arkhangelsk and clarify matters jointly with them in the Northern
region.

28/II 20

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars
Lenin

*Printed from a typewritten copy signed by V. I. Lenin*

---

## RESOLUTION ON A TELEGRAM FROM ARKHANGELSK

[1920, not before February 28]

To Tsiurupa, Rykov for information (Bryukhanov, Krasin) instructions
are needed on prompt removal. What are your directives?

---

## NOTE TO N. N. KRESTINSKY

[1920, March, not before 16—not later than 18]

To Krestinsky: How will you decide? Should it not be brought before the
SNK?

---

## LETTER TO S. D. MARKOV

23. III. 1920

Highly esteemed Comrade Markov!

I have received your letter. You have by now, I presume, received the
extract from the Politburo decision. It was delayed, apparently through the
fault of the chancellery.

You absolutely must rest and do so most seriously. We must guard
experienced and knowledgeable worker cadres with utmost care.

And after the conclusion of the "temporary" administration in the
NKPS and after Krasin's return, the question will be reviewed in the Central
Committee regarding the entire NKPS.

With comradely greetings and wishes for proper rest.

V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

---

## NOTE ON L. B. KRASIN'S MEMORANDUM REGARDING A DRAFT PROVISION ON THE PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING NEGOTIATIONS ON TRADE TREATIES

[1920, March, not before the 24th]

This is necessary to protect the rights of the NKIDEL.

---

## REPLY TO A REQUEST FOR AN AUDIENCE

[March 28, 1920]

I cannot see anyone just now. Please write down by what telephone numbers
I can be reached or where to find me.

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO N. N. KRESTINSKY

[1920, not later than March]

If she does not wish to leave, we shall give (through the Organizational
Bureau) an order to provide her with bread, butter, meat, otherwise she will
die from exhaustion.

---

## EXCHANGE OF NOTES WITH A. L. SHEINMAN AND E. M. SKLYANSKY

[March 1920]

The German firm "Michler," which supplied us with aeroplanes and
medicines for them, intends at the end of April to send a cargo zeppelin to
Moscow—useful cargo 300 tons = 18 thousand poods. Condition: guarantee
that the vessel will not be detained and will be released within 24 hours of
arrival.
(Zeppelins cannot remain in the open air).

Sklyansky does not object.

Sheinman

Gukovsky purchased 80 thousand poods of paper.

Get Sklyansky's written consent and accept it.

When will delivery occur?
How will payment be made?

[Reply from E. M. Sklyansky]

1. In principle I have no objection, but I can give consent only after
clarifying the possibility of meeting the deadline.
2. It would be desirable that the ship not be armed. This I have told
Sheinman.
Precise conditions must be worked out (of course, not armed: inspection,
etc.) and accepted.

---

## RESOLUTION OF A COMMISSION OF THE COUNCIL OF PEOPLE'S COMMISSARS

14. IV. 1920

Inasmuch as at the session of the commission appointed by the Sovnarkom
to consider the draft resolution on Sovtrudarm, a lateness of commission
member Comrade Rykov of 1.5 hours was discovered (the session was
scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the evening; he appeared at 7:00 p.m.), and the
commission unanimously recognized the reasons for the lateness as
unwarranted, the commission resolved to apply to Comrade Rykov the decree
on lateness.

Chairman of the Commission V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

---

## NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN

[April 16, 1920]

Comrade Chicherin!

Please order a more thorough check.
This would truly be a scandal if it is so?!

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO F. E. DZERZHINSKY

[April 16, 1920]

Comrade Dzerzhinsky!

This is Chicherin's agitated reply to my angry note. It turns out he is
not at fault. We really must help him with personnel.

Lenin

---

## DIRECTIVE TO THE SECRETARY

[1920, April, not before the 21st]

I request that you telephone (and obtain agreement) both from Zinovyev
and from Chutskayev.

---

## NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN

[1920, early May]

Comrade Chicherin!

I am very grateful for the comments to the manuscript. To Litvinov I am
prepared to write: let us telephone today itself, if you consider this necessary
now.

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN

[May 5, 1920]

To Chicherin: So, on Sunday Kiev was taken? Yesterday, May 4, I received
a report from Kiev from Felix Kon. Should we not expose this lie?

---

## NOTE TO L. M. KARAKHAN

5/V 1920

Comrade Karakhan!

I very much request that you obtain for me the *Manchester Guardian*
of 16/III with an interview from Rome (with Turathi)—excerpts in your
Bulletin of the NKIDEL, No. 7 (25.IV).

Your Lenin

---

## LETTER TO M. KAMENEV

Dear Comrade Kamenev!

Your recent conversation with me has caused me great concern. I have
spoken with a very knowledgeable and experienced doctor, to whom I have
every reason to have complete confidence and who has had the opportunity to
learn from your attending physicians the true state of your health.

In this manner I have learned with absolute certainty that your situation
is far from hopeless. Your illness is completely curable. Therefore, I most
earnestly advise you to take yourself in hand, cast aside all dark thoughts,
do not allow yourself to give in to hypochondria, and submit patiently to
treatment. You will certainly recover if you obey.

And all the more must you recover, for there are very few revolutionaries
who know English well and are familiar with the American movement, and
who in addition have the ability to read in Russian and German. Such workers
are especially needed and must take special care of themselves.

So, submit patiently to treatment—and you will certainly recover.

8/V 1920.

All the best! Your Lenin

---

## REPLY TO A NOTE VIA DIRECT LINE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE PROVISIONS ROUTE EZHOV

[May 8, 1920]

I shall make inquiries at once and, upon receiving them, shall reply to you
by urgent telegram.

Lenin

---

## TELEGRAM TO SAMARA TO THE PROVINCIAL FOOD COMMISSAR

[1920, May, after the 8th]

To Samara Provincial Food Commissar, To the Commandant of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk Provisions Route Ezhov

Immediately load the provisions route for the Ivanovo-Voznesensk
Provincial Food Commissariat No. 198, Commandant Ezhov, with grain, in
the quantity of 40 cars, and dispatch it to the address of the Ivanovo-
Voznesensk Provincial Food Commissariat. The execution of the combat
order of May 4, No. 246 must not violate the loading of the provisions route
for workers' organizations, formed in accordance with the agreement of
December 11, 1919.

Chairman of the Council of Defense: Lenin

*Printed from a telegraph blank signed by V. I. Lenin*

---

## NOTE TO L. A. FOTIYEVA

[1920, not later than May 8]

Obtain for me (through Klinger) the report on South Africa by Waltman.

---

## NOTE TO THE SECRETARY

10. V. 20

Tell Zinovyev that I have received the first part of the proofs and request
that he send me the Italian newspaper "Avanti" and the journal "Comunismo".

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN

[1920, between May 11 and 15]

In my view, do not let him in.
This must be discussed in the Organizational Bureau and Politburo.
Forward to Preobrazhensky.

---

## NOTE TO A. L. SHEINMAN ON A MEMORANDUM FROM THE MEXICAN CONSULATE

Comrade Sheinman!

I request that you pay attention to this matter and give me your
conclusion, either orally at a meeting, or in a couple of lines in a note.

13/V [1920]

Your Lenin

*[REPORT FROM THE MEXICAN CONSULATE FOLLOWS]*

---

## NOTE TO V. A. AVANESOV

Comrade Avanesov!

In my view, these comrades ought to be given machines. Let us discuss
this matter in the Council of Defense.

14/V [1920]

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO V. D. BONCH-BRUEVICH

14. V. 1920

Comrade Bonch-Bruevich
Comrade Vladimir Dmitriyevich!

I request that you order that the automobile pool of the Sovnarkom
provide an automobile on call for:
1) member of the collegium of the People's Commissariat for
Supply, Comrade Nikolayev,
2) Comrade Stepan Ivanovich Botin (Botin).

This is necessary, temporarily, in view of the assignments I have given them.

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO A. S. ENUKIDZE

14. V. 1920

Comrade Enukidze!

I very much ask that you not refuse to order that the automobile garage
of the Supreme Council of the National Economy provide an automobile on
call for:
1) member of the collegium of the People's Commissariat for Supply,
Comrade Nikolayev;
2) Stepan Ivanovich Botin.

This is for the time being, I hope, a short period; in view of the special
assignment I have given them.

Greetings!

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO I. K. KSENOFONTOV

To the Cheka, Comrade Ksenofontov!

I request that you find out most urgently what this is about (if necessary,
telephone Petrograd today itself), and give me your opinion, as precise as
possible.

(Please return this).

14/V. 1920

Chairman of the Sovnarkom V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

---

## NOTE TO E. M. SKLYANSKY

[1920, not later than May 22]

Comrade Sklyansky! Be so kind as to arrange to send this dispatch and
verify the delivery.

Your Lenin

---

## NOTE TO I. E. GUKOVSKY

22/V 1920

Comrade Gukovsky!

I request that you, if it is not too much trouble, obtain—probably directly
by ordering?—the books about which my wife asks (for the out-of-school
department of the People's Commissariat of Enlightenment) according to the
attached list.

Your Lenin

---

## LETTER TO YU. V. LOMONOSOV

Lenin, for the better information of the Politburo.

The Commission, created by the Central Committee (or the Central
Committee secretary?), requests that Comrade Lomonosov write today or
tomorrow, in brief:

1) his party seniority—before 1905, in 1905, and later
2) his technical seniority—years and place of work, briefly
3) the names of party (and most prominent non-party) workers with
whom you came into contact in your work (year and place), both in the first
and the second field.

22/V 1920

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO E. M. SKLYANSKY

25.V. 1920

Comrade Sklyansky!

I request that you give to the bearer, Comrade Belenky (from the Cheka),
all mandates or letters, if necessary, to all artillery depots, institutions,
arms stockpiles, powder supplies, etc., for verification of their security in
the Serebryany Bor district and surrounding areas of Moscow.

Chairman of the Sovnarkom and Council of Defense V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

---

## NOTE TO A. I. SVIDERSKY OR A. B. KHALATOV

Comrade Svidersky (or Comrade Khalatov), I request that you make all
inquiries: how much has been demanded, how much will be demanded, and
give me the (accurate) answer tomorrow.

26/V [1920]

Lenin

*Printed from a typewritten text*

---

## NOTE TO I. K. KSENOFONTOV

Comrade Ksenofontov!

Pay attention. Send me:
1) a copy of your order on this question;
2) a copy of your written agreement with Lyubovich regarding measures
to prevent further abuses.

29/V [1920]

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO L. A. FOTIYEVA

[June 1, 1920]

Lidia Aleksandrovna!

1) Put it on tomorrow's agenda
2) give here, right now, to all members of the Council of Defense, so
that they sign [confirming] that they have read it and will give their opinion
tomorrow!

Lenin

---

## NOTE TO S. E. CHUTSKAYEV

To Chutskayev

Urgent for opinion:
1) how much are you giving? will give?
2) what is to be passed through the Sovnarkom?

2/VI [1920]

Lenin

---

## INTERVIEW WITH NORWEGIAN ARCHIVIST Y. FRIIS

LENIN ON THE TACTICS OF COMMUNISTS

**Friis:** Would you recommend to us, for example, to begin immediately
in Norway the collection of arms? Our tactics (in Norway) are calculated to
use soldiers' councils to obtain influence in the army. Do you consider this
incorrect tactics?

**Lenin:** No, not at all. It is necessary to use the legal path, so long as
this is possible. On the other hand, I consider that a "communist party"
engaging exclusively in legal work does not rightfully bear its name. What
must be done in each individual case is a practical question. Such is also the
question of participation in elections to parliament. In general we have always
been for participation in elections; however, in exceptional circumstances—
for example, in the elections to the First Duma—we were for a boycott.
Antiparliamentarism is one of the infantile disorders of communism, against
which I have frequently had to struggle. In Italy this disorder is widely
spread. There even exists its own party newspaper called "Il Soviet" (Naples),
the organ of communist abstentionists, i.e., opponents of participation in
elections. With us, as you know, I have had to conduct a similar struggle on
analogous questions against Bukharin and Radek. I was against the view that
we should immediately overthrow the Kerensky government, and I was for the
Brest-Litovsk peace. Later they openly admitted that they were mistaken, and
Radek was taught so well that better than anyone else he struggled against
the antiparliamentary direction in Germany, against Laufenberg and Wolffheim
and the Hamburg communists.

If we generalize, then in my view it is necessary at the present moment:
1) struggle against the Mensheviks,
2) struggle against infantile disorders in [the ranks of] left socialists.

**Friis:** What brief characteristic would you give them? Can one call this—
revolutionary romanticism?

**Lenin:** Yes, quite correct. But it goes without saying that we cannot do
without romanticism. It is better to have an excess of it than a deficit. We
have always sympathized with revolutionary romantics, even when we disagreed
with them. For example, we have always refrained from individual terror. But
we have always expressed our admiration for the personal courage of terrorists
and their readiness for sacrifice. Our point of view was:

first a rigorous analysis of economic relations, and only then
demonstrate one's conviction by personal example. If I were in England now,
for example, I would be unconditionally against a boycott of the Labour Party,
and I would vote for the Henderson government, but at the same time I would
say openly: "let them prove themselves in deeds." It would quickly become clear
that the path of reforms is impossible after the devastations of war.
Revolution will come inevitably in all countries, but in Western European
countries it will probably occur more easily than it did with us. After all, they
have completely different organizational forces there than we had to cope with
this. For now Russia is in the lead. But once revolution comes to Western
Europe, Russia will soon fall behind.

And how is the situation with the intelligentsia in Norway; is it very
reactionary?

**FRIIS:** Things have improved lately. Particularly the French movement "Clarté"
has aroused great interest. After French writers began to become "Bolsheviks,"
Norwegian ones will soon follow them. But this may be simply a fashionable
movement, which cannot be relied upon too much. I think, however, that among
engineers one can sense a genuinely progressive movement.

**LENIN:** Yes, they are everywhere partly on our side.
In Germany soon there will also be, so to speak, an engineer proletariat.
Winning over engineers to our side is of great importance. With the majority
of our engineers there were purely capitalistic interests. Therefore it will take
many years to rebuild industrial life anew. In Norway, one must hope, this will
happen more easily.

Lenin glanced at his watch. I stood and thanked him for all the warmth with
which I was received during my stay in Moscow.

"Greetings to all Norwegian comrades from me."

Published June 5, 1920
Printed according to the text of the newspaper "Die Rote Fahne" No. 96 (Berlin)
Translated from German
Published in Russian for the first time

1 Jacob Friis — prominent figure in the Norwegian Workers' Party. At the Second
Congress of the Comintern in 1920 he was elected to the Executive Committee of the
Comintern for Norway, Sweden, Denmark (subsequently Sweden was given an independent
vote).

2 The reference is to the boycott of the Bulygin Duma. According to the project of
the Minister of Internal Affairs A. G. Bulygin, the Duma had no right to pass any laws,
but could only discuss certain questions as a consultative body under the tsar. The
Bolsheviks called upon workers and peasants to actively boycott the Duma. The boycott
campaign was used by the Bolsheviks to mobilize revolutionary forces, to conduct mass
political strikes, and to prepare for armed insurrection. Elections to the Bulygin Duma were
not held, and the government failed to convene it; the mounting revolutionary upsurge
and the All-Russian October political strike of 1905 swept away the Duma. For V. I.
Lenin's assessment of the tactics of boycotting dumas, see the works "Against the Boycott
(From the Notes of an S.D. Publicist)" and "Left-Wing" Communism: An Infantile Disorder"
(Collected Works, vol. 16, pp. 1–36 and vol. 41, pp. 17–18).

3 "Il Soviet" ("The Soviet") — a newspaper of the Italian Socialist Party; published in
Naples from 1918 to 1922; from 1920 onward it appeared as the organ of the fraction of
communist-abstentionists of the Italian Socialist Party.

4 N. I. Bukharin in 1918 headed an anti-party group of "Left Communists."
K. B. Radek — in 1918 — a "Left Communist."

5 The reference is to the Treaty of Brest — a peace treaty between Soviet Russia and the
powers of the Quadruple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey), signed on
March 3, 1918 in Brest-Litovsk. The conclusion of the Treaty of Brest was connected with
a stubborn struggle against Trotsky and the anti-party group of "Left Communists." Only
through the enormous efforts of V. I. Lenin was a peace treaty with Germany signed. The
Treaty of Brest was a shining example of the wisdom and flexibility of Leninist tactics, the
ability in an extraordinarily complex situation to work out the only correct policy. The
conclusion of the Treaty of Brest was a sensible political compromise. The Treaty of Brest
gave the Soviet state a breathing space, made it possible to demobilize the old, decomposing
army and create a new one — the Red Army, to unfold socialist construction, and to
accumulate forces for the struggle against internal counterrevolution and foreign
interventionists.

6 Heinrich Laufenberg — a German left social-democrat, publicist. After the November
Revolution of 1918 he joined the Communist Party of Germany, in which he soon headed
a "left" opposition that preached anarcho-syndicalist views and a petty-bourgeois nationalist
program of so-called "national Bolshevism."

Fritz Wolfheim — a German left social-democrat, publicist. After the November Revolution
of 1918 in Germany he joined the Communist Party of Germany, in which together with H.
Laufenberg he headed a "left" opposition.

7 The reference is to the group of "left" Communists of the Hamburg organization of the
KPG.

8 The Labour Party was founded in 1900 as an association of trade unions — trade unions,
socialist organizations, and groups for the purpose of sending workers' representatives to
parliament. Members of trade unions automatically become members of the party on condition
of payment of party dues. The Labour Party, having originally formed as a workers' party in
composition (subsequently a significant number of petty-bourgeois elements joined it), is by
its ideology and tactics an opportunist organization. From the moment of the party's
founding, its leaders have carried out a policy expressing the interests of imperialist
bourgeoisie.

9 Arthur Henderson — one of the leaders of the Labour Party and of the English trade union
movement. Repeatedly entered bourgeois governments of England.

---

**NOTE TO G. E. ZINOVIEV**

To comrade Zinoviev in Petrograd

If there is fault, it is mine, not Vorovsky's. But, it seems, the matter was
quite otherwise, and I asked specially.

8/VI [1920]
Lenin

1 A note concerning the reason for the delay in proofreading the pamphlet "Left-Wing"
Communism: An Infantile Disorder" was written on a report from the Petrograd branch of
the State Publishing House dated June 4, 1920 about the progress of publishing the pamphlet
with a note from G. E. Zinoviev that the proofreading was delayed by 19 days.

2 V. V. Vorovsky was in charge of the State Publishing House.

---

**NOTE TO M. F. VLADIMIRSKY**

[June 8, 1920]

Get in touch with Krestinsky to poll members of the Politburo by telephone, and then
we will take the signatures of the People's Commissars by telephone as well.

1 Written in connection with the proposal of Deputy People's Commissar of Internal
Affairs M. F. Vladimirsky to V. I. Lenin about the necessity of including a representative
from the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs in the Committee for the Implementation
of Martial Law, since the implementation of martial law in the localities was entrusted to
the NKVD.

---

**TELEPHONOGRAM TO B. P. POZERN**

[11 or 12 June 1920]

Revolutionary Military Council 5
Pozern

Propose on my behalf to Ivan Theodorovich, located in the village of Tinskoe,
to leave for Moscow. Render him every assistance in departing, supply him with
means. Convey to him my best wishes and greetings.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars Lenin

Printed according to the manuscript text, supplemented and signed by V. I. Lenin

1 B. P. Pozern — member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the 5th Army.

2 I. A. Theodorovich — participant in partisan movement in Siberia, subsequently worked
in the People's Commissariat of Agriculture.

---

**NOTE TO N. P. BRYUKHANOV**

**OR A. I. SVIDERSKY**

Comrade Bryukhanov, or, if he is not available, Comrade Svidersky

I request that you satisfy the request.

17/VI [1920]
Lenin

1 The People's Commissar of Agriculture S. P. Sereda and member of the collegium of the
People's Commissariat of Agriculture V. V. Kuraev appealed to the People's Commissariat of
Food with a request to equalize the food supply of forestry workers of the People's
Commissariat of Agriculture with that of workers of the Chief Forestry Administration,
Provincial Forestry Administration, and Iron Administration. On June 22, a member of the
collegium of the People's Commissariat of Food A. B. Khalatov sent a reasoned note to V. I.
Lenin, with copies to the People's Commissariat of Agriculture, Sereda and Kuraev,
concerning the procedure for food supply to forestry workers of the People's Commissariat
of Agriculture. He explained that there is no special ration for employees of the Chief
Forestry Administration, but according to a decision of the Commission for the Use of
Material Resources, workers of the Chief Forestry Administration are supplied according to
the volume of work completed. In the same way the technical personnel of the Chief Forestry
Administration working in the field is supplied. Other employees of the Chief Forestry
Administration, working under the same conditions as all Soviet officials, are supplied with
food on the same terms as all other Soviet officials. In exactly the same manner the workers
of the Forest Department of the People's Commissariat of Agriculture should be supplied. On
Khalatov's note there is a mark by V. I. Lenin: "to the archive" (CIA IML at the CC CPSU).

* The last phrase is written in V. I. Lenin's hand.

---

**TELEGRAM TO G. E. ZINOVIEV**

17/VI [1920]

Given the conditions of transport in the Republic, the labor army must be
regarded as a reserve of the Commander-in-Chief, which is why it is not
possible to refuse to withdraw a division from the army for combat operations
until transport is improved.

The Fifty-Sixth Division is being transferred to the Caucasian Front, where
the situation is very serious. Units of the Nineteenth Division will be used for
Arkhangelsk and Murmansk operations; two cavalry regiments are being taken
for the Polish front, where with the arrival of these regiments a six-regiment
cavalry division will be formed; the Tenth Division is planned for withdrawal if
reinforcement of the Sixth Army is required. From the final clarification of the
latter question, the Tenth Division remains part of the labor army and can be
used for work, however, to a degree that does not undermine its combat
readiness.

Lenin

Printed according to the telegraph form

---

**NOTE TO L. A. FOTIYEVA**

Lydia Alexandrovna!

Call Petrograd and tell them I request that they send the proofs as soon as
possible. Find out the date of publication.

1/VII [1920]
Lenin

1 The reference is to the publication of the "Initial Draft of Theses on the Agrarian
Question," written by V. I. Lenin for the Second Congress of the Communist International
(Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 169–182).

---

**LETTER TO ALL SOVIET AND MILITARY**

**INSTITUTIONS**

1. VII. 1920

The bearer of this, comrade M. Yu. Kozlovsky, Chairman of the Small Council
of People's Commissars, is traveling for treatment at the Caucasian mineral
springs.

Request to all Soviet and military institutions to render him every assistance.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

---

**NOTE TO L. A. FOTIYEVA**

2/VII 20

Lydia Alexandrovna!

I request that you:
1) send me 2 sheets of blotting paper,
2) call Zinoviev and ask when the last deadline is for No. [12] of
"Comintern" (theses and review of Otto Bauer)?

Greetings! Lenin

1 The reference is to No. 12 of the journal "Communist International."

2 The reference is to V. I. Lenin's theses for the Second Congress of the Comintern
(Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 159–212) and a review of O. Bauer's book "Bolshevism or
Social-Democracy?" ("Bolschewismus oder Sozialdemokratie?", Wien, Verl. der Wiener
Volksbuchhandlung, 1920). V. I. Lenin gives a brief characterization of this book in his
report on the international situation and the basic tasks of the Communist International at
the Second Congress of the Comintern (see Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 229–231).

---

**NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN**

[Between July 3 and 19, 1920]

Comrade Chicherin!

Give me urgently a draft resolution of the Second Congress of the Third
International on this question and get from Zinoviev a copy of my theses.

Lenin

1 The document was written on a note from G. V. Chicherin to V. I. Lenin in which the
position of the Workers' Socialist Federation is subjected to criticism, and in particular the
position of the leader of the extreme left of this federation — Sylvia Pankhurst. The
creation of the Communist Party of Great Britain was impeded by serious disagreements among
left socialists on the question of the future Communist Party's entry into the Labour Party,
participation in the bourgeois parliament, and work in the trade unions. Sylvia Pankhurst
categorically opposed participation in parliament and entry into the Labour Party. Negotiations
that had begun repeatedly (in 1919, 1920) on the formation of a Communist Party for a long
time produced no results. On June 19, 1920, the Workers' Socialist Federation broke off
negotiations and declared itself the Communist Party of Great Britain (British Section of the
Third International), confirming that it remained on the position of categorical refusal to use
parliament. In his note, G. V. Chicherin reported that "the new so-called Communist Party
immediately refused to participate in the unification conference of August 1, at which all
organizations recognizing the communist platform were planning to merge. The separate
party created by Sylvia will not go there... In the program of the new party itself — the
notorious 'leftism,' namely a complete rejection of parliamentary action." Chicherin in his
note further expresses the hope that the Congress of the Comintern will not pass indifferently
by this pseudo-ultra-left separatist move. The United Temporary Committee for the Formation
of the Communist Party of Great Britain on June 20, 1920 addressed a letter to V. I. Lenin.
On July 8, Lenin in his reply to their letter expressed his point of view on the actions of
the Workers' Socialist Federation and Sylvia Pankhurst: "I consider the tactics of comrade
Sylvia Pankhurst (Pankhurst) and the organization W.S.F. to be incorrect... In particular I
myself stand for participation in parliament and for joining the 'Labour Party' (Labour
Party), on condition of complete freedom and independence of communist work, and I will
defend this tactics at the Second Congress of the Third International..." (Collected Works,
vol. 41, p. 157). This position of V. I. Lenin found complete reflection in the "Theses on
the Basic Tasks of the Second Congress of the Communist International" written by him
(Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 183–201) and in the speech on entry into the British Labour
Party delivered on August 6 at the Second Congress of the Comintern (see ibid., pp. 260–267).

---

**INSCRIPTION ON A REPORT OF THE TURIN SECTION**

**OF THE ITALIAN SOCIALIST PARTY**

**TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL IN MILAN**

I advise that it be printed without fail in the "Communist International"
before the Congress, or, as a last resort, as a separate pamphlet with a
translation into French.

5/VII [1920]
Lenin

1 A report of the Turin Section of the Italian Socialist Party (written by A. Gramsci) to
the National Council in Milan was published on May 8, 1920 in the newspaper "L'Ordine
Nuovo" under the title "In the Name of the Renewal of the Socialist Party." Having
familiarized himself with it in translation, V. I. Lenin wrote the published note. On July
20, 1920 the report was published in the journal "Communist International" No. 12.

---

**LETTER TO ALL SOVIET AND MILITARY**

**INSTITUTIONS**

I request all Soviet institutions, military authorities, and all comrades to render
every assistance to the bearer Zinaida Pavlovna Kržižanovskaya, personally
known to me since 1895, a party comrade and Soviet worker.

8/VII

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars:
V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

1 Z. P. Kržižanovskaya at this time worked in the People's Commissariat of
Enlightenment, was deputy head of the extracurricular education department.

---

**NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS**

[1920, July, not earlier than the 3rd — not later than the 19th] (in principle)
1) More autonomy for "Mezhsovprof"...
2) It must be independent resources...
3) Supply it with room
not through the CI not through the VTSPS food and other things
(material support)
not less than the Comintern

Members:
Tomsky, general secretary
Executive
Murphy
Bureau
Rosmer (Lozovsky)
Yanson
Shablin

Unequal treatment of syndicalists and anarchists

---

**TRANSLATION** (in principle)
1. More autonomy for "Mezhsovprof"...
2. These must be independent means...
3. Provide it with premises,
not through the CI not through the food and other things
(material support)
not less than the Comintern

VTSPS

Members:
Tomsky, general secretary
Executive
Bureau

Unequal treatment of syndicalists and anarchists

1 The International Council of Trade Unions was created in July 1920. The Temporary
International Council of Trade Unions was made up of representatives from various countries,
one from each. The current work was conducted by the executive organ of the Council,
consisting of five members. To encompass the trade union movement of the most important
countries, Mezhsovprof organized five sections: of German countries, Romance countries,
British, American, and Eastern countries. During the year of its existence (until the first
Congress of the Profintern), Mezhsovprof was engaged in propaganda of revolutionary class
struggle of trade unions and in preparing an international congress of revolutionary trade
unions.

2 M. P. Tomsky — Chairman of the presidium of the All-Union Central Council of Trade
Unions, member of the CC of the RCP(b).

John Thomas Murphy (England) — factory worker, was one of the leaders of the movement
of factory and shop stewards.

Alfred Rosmer — prominent anarcho-syndicalist: one of the founders of the Committee for
the Restoration of International Ties. In July 1920 he came to Moscow as a representative of
revolutionary elements of the French trade union movement. He participated in the First and
Second Congresses of the Profintern, as well as at Congresses of the Comintern.

S. A. Lozovsky (Dridzo) — member of the presidium of the All-Union Central Council of
Trade Unions; member of the Committee for the Restoration of International Ties; one of the
initiators and founders of Mezhsovprof.

3 Yanson — was part of the executive organ of Mezhsovprof from the trade unions of Holland.

N. Shablin (Ivan Nedelkov) — was part of the executive organ of Mezhsovprof from the
General Union of Trade Unions of Bulgaria.

---

**ROUGH DRAFT AND INITIAL VARIANT OF THE PLAN OF THE REPORT**

**"ON THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION AND THE BASIC TASKS**

**OF THE COMMUNIST INTERNATIONAL AT THE SECOND CONGRESS OF THE COMINTERN"***

[1920, July, not later than the 19th]

Drafts for my report on the basic tasks of the Communist International

International situation and basic tasks of the Communist International

<2*** = 1657.

(Report plan)

1. Division of the world in 1914 and

(essence of imperialism)
Gigantic sharpening of all capitalist contradictions on a world scale.

2= 1600÷\-1700

MILLIONS

(Ca)** America
+ Japan

Great Britain "Imperialism"?, p. 82: In 1876 six major powers had 18% in colonies — 273.8 million
inhabitants (¼ billion)
1914 - 52.3 > **** billion inhabitants remaining colonies
45.3
¾ colonies 361.0

3. Ruin — devastation —
economic crisis.

Disintegration among the victors.

4. Not "absolute" hopelessness,
but revolutionary use of the crisis.

2 = 929.9

Land billions
| of colonies and the defeated ¾ s
altogether ¾ > (1914)
+ 117

2 = 253

Russia — 136.^
136/
Germany — 64.9
Austria — 30.9
Hungary — 21.4

117.2

+ Bulgaria — 5

* See V. I. Lenin. Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 215–235 and 452–455.
** — Zirka — approximately.
*** — summa — total.
**** — more than.

---

II International: I
[Stuttgart and Basel.

(a) Debts (b) Wages and prices (c) Coal production (d) Currency
(e) Incomes

Keynes "The Economic Consequences of the Peace". 1919.

5. Growth of revolutionary
moods, — ideas — movement (throughout the world), (cf. Ramsay Macdonald)

Opportunism = essence of the
II International.
Agents of the bourgeoisie in the labor movement.
Economic roots.

page 12: page:
We know that all this will pass*** that war "created revolutionary conditions"**** page 12–13:
"All this will pass"...
"Violation of social
Imperialism? p. 64:
8–10 billion francs power factors" per year (at 5%) income
from export of capital abroad of three countries: England, France, Germany.

Page 111: Otto Bauer: Bolshevism or
Social-Democracy?
Vienna. *****
1920.

Vorwarts 12. IV. 1920

8–10 billion francs 1914

10 20 30??

Only debts (1920)

to 3 countries = 4 billion
£ (Keynes: 254), i.e. = 100 billion francs, 5% = billion francs.

7. "Purging" revolutionary parties of these agents.

In Russia 1903–1917–1920.

In Europe and America 1915–1920 — (We do not accept: change yourselves first).

* — Confer — compare.
** — Keynes. "Economic Consequences of the Peace."
*** — We know that this will pass, settle down.
**** — "created revolutionary conditions."
***** — "Violation of social power factors," p. 111.
Otto Bauer. "Bolshevism or Social-Democracy?" Vienna.

---

8. Left errors.
Growing pains.
(Ready to accept at once: correct yourselves).

"Democracy is the form of state in which the distribution of power in the
state is exclusively (italics O. V.) determined by social power factors,"
not by force (p. 109).

x) Five "social power factors"
1) number; 2) organization; 3) place in the process of production and distribution;
4) activity; 5) education.

9. Revolutionary movement in colonial countries.
The East.
The worldwide character in fact of the Communist
International.

10. 22*
Sum = the Communist
International is now not a propagandistic society, but the beginning of practical
movement of armies of the working class.

Not the question of how soon revolution will come, but acceleration of the
preparation of the proletariat, that is the point.

Growth of communist ideas.
(The role of imperialist war).

The transitional moment of the movement.

The role of the bribed upper stratum of the working class
(8–10 billion francs).

Opportunism = bourgeois socialism.
"Left" = proletarian socialism, its growth.

22 = firmly forward.

* — Summa summarum — total sum.

---

1) Division of the world in 1914 and 1920.

2) Gigantic (world scale) sharpening of all contradictions.

3) Ruin — devastation — economic crisis.

4) Absolute hopelessness?
No. Revolutionary action should use it to topple what is falling.

5) (Cf. Macdonald) and growth of revolutionary moods, — ideas — movement
throughout the world.

6) Opportunism — II International.
Economic roots
1914 || 8–10 billion francs
1920 || 30–40??

7) "Purging" of Russia and Europe ~ | America.

8) Left errors. Growing pains.

9) Revolutionary movement in colonial peoples: The East.

10) 22
Not a propagandistic society, but the beginning of practical
movement of armies.

1250/175
1050~7i
250 * about 300
Russia — 130
2000*

600

colonies
¾ of colonies defeated countries
Germany + Austria-
Hungary + Bulgaria

750
Russia
Germany + K

{100}
200{50}
{50}

1¼
¼
factories plants
Ж
creditors (Am ~ k a)

¾ billion
Keynes, 254
Keynes 254
£ billion
+19 billion rubles (V, doll. Vio £)
+1-9

United States
Figure crossed out.

---

England
France
+ 17½ (+6 Russia)
+ 3½ (1½ Russia)
~10½
+ 1.74
(+ 0.57)
- 0.
+ 0.
- 1

.84

+40 billion rubles

Debts
- 19
Brown, B.

Debts of 7 states

Debts as % of property
Brown, p. 8 idiot Keynes proposes to annul the debts: "generosity"
(255)
II
in gold
Millions of marks
- 109.2 (1914)

(1920)
nationalized
52–54% France and England
65–70 Italy and Austria
90% Russia
13% United States
Japan now } > 50% (49.7% Germany)

International Situation and Basic Tasks of the Communist International (1876)
Division of the world 1914
— vs * now
6 powers — Germany
England — America
Japan
Hundreds of billions
Destruction
Inflation
Raw Materials
Facts

"Privileged countries"...

"Moral" consequences of war
Basel Manifesto ж 1920

NB revolutionary movement in colonies and dependent peoples left errors...

22 = we are no longer a society of propagandists, but the sum
of practically acting armies beginning preparation on a world scale.

* — versus — in relation to; compared with.

---

Revolutionary mood (cf. Ramsay Macdonald)...

Opportunists: 8–10 billion francs
1920: 20 30??

Layer of labor aristocracy privileged corruption "purging" of workers' parties, expulsion from
the labor movement.

Wages
1914–1920 —

| Brown, 61 2 |

150 – 180% (130 (Italy)
England)

Prices

Meat
Milk

(United States)
100–150–200 200–240%
140%–190–200%–400%

–230%–300% (Italy)
(England)

Brown, "Times"

Wages "Times" (maximum)
100–120% United States
130–170% England
200%–300% France + Italy

1913–1919

130% Japan: Brown
10. III. 1920

Supreme Economic Council
8. III. 1920

Coal Production
[Brown, p. 64|

England — 20%
France — 50%
Germany — 37%
United States — 4%

Braun from <
10. III.
Times>

1319

Currency (compare with the dollar)
£ — 30% "Times", 10. III.

fr 64% (72% lira)
mark — 96%

Incomes 50% — 40%
Lapinsky*, p. 14.

1 John Maynard Keynes — English vulgar bourgeois economist, apologist for state-
monopoly capitalism, participated in the work of the Paris Peace Conference.

2 James Ramsay Macdonald — English political figure, one of the founders and leaders of
the Independent Labour Party and the Labour Party. He pursued an extremely opportunist
policy and preached the theory of class cooperation and the gradual growth of capitalism into
socialism.

3 M. I. Brown (M. G. Bronsky) — Polish social-democrat, subsequently a member of the
Bolshevik party.

4 P. L. Lapinsky — Polish Communist, economist and publicist. Was the author of a number
of works on world economics and politics, actively contributed to Soviet, Polish, and German
Communist publications.

---

**INTERVIEW WITH A FOREIGN JOURNALIST**

**JULY 20, 1920**

Lenin made the following statements to a foreign journalist:

"Perhaps the English proposal is merely a scrap of paper. But perhaps it is capable of
leading to a real peace in Eastern Europe. If English diplomats imagine that they can
deceive us, they are making a gross mistake: to every paper proposal we will answer with a
paper proposal, and only to genuine deeds will we answer with deeds. English policy is not
stable; it is constantly subject to fluctuations. On one side — Lloyd George*, on the other —
Churchill and between them Lord Curzon, who would like to see Russia weak. However,
next to them stands a large mass of the English people, with whom they must reckon. And
we rely most of all on these masses. Peace between England and Russia is in direct
dependence on the strength of our Red Army and on the steadfastness of the English
proletariat."

To a question about what Lenin thinks about relations between the allies, he answered:

"Either the English proposals are a maneuver, or the existence of the famous Entente
will subsequently be impossible. The very fact that England is accepting 'red' money will
compel the allies to do the same. Up to now England has acted independently, and one
should assume that her policy is directly directed against France. The treaty with Persia
was concluded without the mediation of the League of Nations. England's Turkish policy
contradicts the interests of France and Italy. Finally, the English proposal made to Soviet
Russia was sent contrary to the will of France. If France continues to support Poland, it will
lead to an inevitable dispute with England. However, if she abandons Poland to its fate,
she will lose her last real ally against Germany."

The journalist also asked Lenin: "Will the Communist International cease foreign
propaganda in case of establishing mutual understanding between Russia and England?" Lenin
answered: "The very fact that Soviet Russia exists is the best propaganda for communism
throughout the world."

Published July 20, 1920

Printed according to the text of the newspaper "Berner Tagwacht"

Translated from German

Published in Russian for the first time

1 David Lloyd George — English statesman and diplomat, leader of the Liberal Party. In
1916–1922 — Prime Minister of Great Britain. One of the inspirers and organizers of military
intervention and blockade against the Soviet state.

2 Winston Churchill — English political figure, Conservative. In 1918–1921, as War Minister,
was one of the inspirers of armed intervention against Soviet Russia.

3 George Nathaniel Curzon — English reactionary statesman and diplomat. In 1919–1924 —
British Foreign Secretary. Was one of the principal organizers of foreign military intervention
against Soviet Russia.

---

**NOTE TO E. M. SKLYANSKY**

[1920, July, not earlier than the 22nd]

Reply: "Order has been given to the military command, in accordance with your
dispatch, to meet your delegates at the designated place and for negotiations on an
armistice and peace."

Military news?

1 The document was written on a note from E. M. Sklyansky: "What decision has been
adopted?" The reference is to the beginning of negotiations on an armistice and peace with
Poland. On July 22, 1920, Polish Foreign Minister E. Sapega sent a note to Soviet People's
Commissar of Foreign Affairs G. V. Chicherin. The note stated: "Seeking to end the
bloodshed and restore peace, the Polish government proposes to the Soviet government an
immediate armistice and the opening of peace negotiations" ("Documents and Materials on
the History of Soviet-Polish Relations," vol. III, Moscow, 1965, p. 190). On July 23 Chicherin
sent a note to Sapega expressing agreement to begin peace negotiations: "The Russian Soviet
government has given orders to the supreme command of the Red Army to immediately
begin negotiations with the Polish military command for the purpose of concluding an
armistice and preparing a future peace between the two countries" (ibid., p. 192). On July
24 a radio telegram was sent by M. N. Tukhachevsky, commander of the Western Front forces,
to the Polish army high command about the time and place of the meeting of representatives
of Poland and Soviet Russia.

---

**NOTES ON A SPEECH AT THE SECOND CONGRESS OF THE COMINTERN**

**ON THE CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE COMMUNIST INTERNATIONAL**

[July 29–30, 1920]

1. Splits in Germany
(and in Italy?)*

And the Third International? Better.

2. K.P.D. compromise unsuccessful.

3. Karl Kautsky and Crispien in France (III–IV) senile

4. Turati & Co in Italy {"Manchester Guardian"}**

5. Parliamentarism
vs journalism syndicalism propaganda agitation organization
petty-bourgeois layer rural proletariat?

6. Reactionary trade unions
in England (W. Dr. Boilermakers)

* The first three items are crossed out.
** See V. I. Lenin. Collected Works, vol. 41, pp. 97–98.

1 Karl Kautsky — one of the leaders of German social-democracy and of the Second
International, at first a Marxist, later a renegade from Marxism, ideologue of the most
dangerous and harmful variety of opportunism — centrism (Kautskyism).

Arthur Crispien — one of the leaders of German social-democracy. In 1920 as part of a
delegation from the "Independent" party he was present at the Second Congress of the
Comintern. Upon his return to Germany he came out against joining the Comintern.

---

**NOTE TO M. V. KOBETSKY**

[1920, end of July]

Comrade Kobetsky!

Would you be so kind as to send me:
1) a list of members of the Russian delegation?
2) Several guest passes to the Congress?

With comm. respect Lenin

1 M. V. Kobetsky worked in the Comintern in 1919–1923; after the Second Congress he was
part of the Presidium Bureau of the Executive Committee of the Comintern.

---

**NOTE TO THE SECRETARY**

[1920, August, not earlier than the 8th]

1) What did Bryukhanov reply about Bialystok. Can he supply bread?

2) Call Nikolaev (People's Commissariat of Posts and Telegraphs): can he give Radek
with him (tomorrow) a radio station that operates at a range of 200 versts? It is
necessary.

1 Seven or eight wagons of flour were sent at the disposal of the Polish Revolutionary
Committee.

2 K. B. Radek — secretary of the Executive Committee of the Comintern.

3 The radio station was handed over to the army.

---

**NOTE TO V. A. AVANESOV**

Comrade Avanesov.

Comrade Avanesov!

Do you know the author?
What do you know about him?
I request your opinion in 2 lines

12/VIII

Lenin

1 The published note was written on a letter from a worker of the Petrograd branch of the
Communist Party of Russia, Nikolaev, to E. P. Peshkova. He asked to convey to V. I. Lenin
a note "On the Question of Developing Russia's Productive Forces," compiled by the head of
control of civilian institutions of the Petrograd branch of the People's Commissariat of
State Control M. A. Malyshev. Under Nikolaev's note Lenin wrote: "Who is this?"
Peshkova transmitted these materials to Lenin through M. I. Ulyanova; on Peshkova's note
to Maria Ilyinichna, Lenin wrote: "received August 12, 1920. Lenin."

---

**NOTE TO M. I. GLÄSSER**

[August 13, 1920]

It is possible only if, as a first priority, you put on the schedule for a whole hour
Le Petit (Lepeti).

1 Written on a note from a worker of the Secretariat of the Council of People's Commissars
M. I. Glässer asking about the possibility of scheduling a reception of delegates to the
Second Congress of the Comintern: Fraina (USA), Van Overstraeten (Belgium), Maria Nielsen
(Denmark), Kabakchiev (Bulgaria), and the German delegation.

2 Lepeti (Louis Bertho dit Jules) — worker, anarchist, active figure in the French trade union
movement. In 1920 he was at the Second Congress of the Comintern as a representative of the
Committee for Joining the Left Wing of the General Confederation of Labor to the Third
International.

---

**NOTE TO G. V. CHICHERIN**

[1920, August, not later than the 14th]

Comrade Chicherin!

Steinhardt (from Austria) is asking to sign (by you and me) such a thing, so that
on Monday, 16/8, it can be sent to Vienna.

Lenin

1 Written on a draft telegram to Vienna on passage to Russia of a delegation of the All-
Austrian Workers' Union with the following caveat: "However, it is assumed that the members
of the delegation are not in contact with any elements hostile to Soviet Russia." The telegram
was sent by radio on August 14, 1920.

2 Karl Steinhardt (Gruber) — one of the founders of the Communist Party of Austria,
delegate to the Second Congress of the Comintern.

---

**LETTER TO I. F. ARMAND**

[1920, August, before the 17th]

Dear friend!

It was very sad to learn that you are overtired and dissatisfied with the work and
those around you (or your colleagues in work). Can I help you, arranging for you to stay in
a sanatorium? I would be very happy to help in every way.

If you are going to France, I am of course ready to help as well: I am somewhat afraid,
and even very much afraid, that you will run into trouble there... They will arrest you and
not let you go for a long time... You should be more careful. Would it not be better to go
to Norway (where many know English) or to Holland? Or to Germany as a Frenchwoman,
Russian (or Canadian?) subject? Better not to France, or else they will lock you up there for
a long time and may not even exchange you for anyone. Better not to France.

I rested wonderfully, got a good tan, did not see a single line, not a single telephone
call. The hunting used to be good, now they have ruined everything. Everywhere I heard your
name: "They had order when they were around," etc.

If you do not like the sanatorium, why not go south? To Sergo on the Caucasus?
Sergo will arrange rest, sun, good work, will certainly arrange it. He has power there. Think
about it.

I firmly, firmly shake your hand

Your Lenin

1 The reference is to I. F. Armand's work in the women workers' section at the CC of the
RCP(b) and her disagreements with A. M. Kollontai.

2 Apparently the reference is to the suburban estate of the Armand family in Eldigin in the
Pushkin District of Moscow Province.

3 G. K. Ordzhonikidze (Sergo) — member of the Caucasian Bureau of the CC of the RCP(b).

4 I. F. Armand, together with her son, left for treatment in the Caucasus (see V. I. Lenin.
Collected Works, vol. 51, p. 261).

---

**NOTE TO N. I. BUKHARIN**

[August 20, 1920]

To Bukharin by telephone:

Sylvia Pankhurst writes (for some reason to me) that the English delegates are leaving
on the 21st of August in the evening and therefore a meeting with Rothstein should be not
later than tomorrow afternoon.

Lenin

1 Written on a note from Sylvia Pankhurst to V. I. Lenin informing of the day of departure
of the English delegation and of V. I. Lenin's meeting with F. A. Rothstein.

F. A. Rothstein actively participated in the English labor movement, in the creation of the
Communist Party of Great Britain.

---

**NOTATION ON A TELEGRAM**

[August 20, 1920]

Too early to transfer to labor status

Lenin

1 The notation was written on a telegram from Irkutsk from B. P. Pozern, member of the
Revolutionary Military Council of the 5th Army, to the Chairman of the Revolutionary
Military Council of the Republic (copy to the CC of the RCP(b) and Sibrevkom), in which it
was reported that the Siberian Bureau had made a proposal to the CC about transferring the
5th Army to labor status, which Pozern considered premature before the liquidation of
Japanese intervention in the East.

---

**NOTATION ON A LETTER FROM G. V. CHICHERIN**

**TO THE POLITBURO OF THE CC RCP(b)**

[1920, August, not earlier than the 21st — not later than the 24th]

Agreed (to conduct through the Council of People's Commissars on Tuesday, 24/VIII) to
begin working immediately.

Lenin

1 In his letter G. V. Chicherin reported that at a meeting of a commission appointed by
the Politburo of the CC of the RCP(b), with a representative of Azerbaijan, an agreement
was reached on the necessity of immediately implementing the federation of Russia with
Azerbaijan on the basis of a military-economic union. In connection with this, he appealed to
the Politburo of the CC of the RCP(b) with a proposal to organize a commission for the
practical working out of the norms of relations between the two republics. At a session of
the Council of People's Commissars on August 24, 1920, a commission was established and
approved for this purpose consisting of V. V. Obolenskiy, A. M. Lezhava, V. P. Milyutin,
L. M. Karakhan or his deputy, a representative from the People's Commissariat of War and
from the People's Commissariat of Railways by appointment of the collegium.

---

**LETTER TO THE CC RCP(b)**

23. VIII. 1920

To the CC RCP

Since I knew Ziffeldt very little and only in Zurich, I would very much ask that you
inform me, if possible, of his party record. Are there not those who know him well? Or at
least know something about his work?

V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

1 On the letter there is a notation made in an unknown hand: "Karahan does not know, we
do not have files on him."

A. R. Ziffeldt (Simunyash) was a Socialist Revolutionary, subsequently a member of the
Menshevik movement and anarcho-syndicalist. From 1913 he lived in Switzerland, adhered to
Plekhanovites, from 1915 onward — a Bolshevik. After the October Socialist Revolution he
worked in military, party, Soviet, and scientific positions in the Caucasus.

---

**TELEGRAM TO Z. P. KRŽIŽANOVSKAYA**

27. VIII. 1920

Essentuki
First Park Sanatorium
Room 99
Kržižanovskaya

On official business your and Meshcheryakova's immediate departure to Moscow is
required.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars
Lenin

Inform me of the time the addressee receives this.

Lenin

1 A. I. Meshcheryakova worked in the People's Commissariat of Enlightenment, in the
library section of the Main Political Education Administration.

---

**ADDITION TO A DRAFT DECISION OF THE COUNCIL OF PEOPLE'S COMMISSARS**

**ON THE REPORT OF THE PEOPLE'S COMMISSARIAT OF FOREIGN TRADE**

[August 31, 1920]

And with complete certainty that the trip is fully justified by business considerations.

1 The report on the People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade was discussed at a session of
the Council of People's Commissars on August 31, 1920. In the draft decision of the Council of
People's Commissars it was proposed to reprimand the deputy people's commissar of foreign trade
for carelessly permitting specialists dispatched by commissariats and central institutions for
scientific and informational purposes to depart abroad. He was instructed to reconsider pending
cases of this type so as to give permission for departure abroad only in the most extreme cases
and for the shortest periods.

---

**NOTE TO E. M. SKLYANSKY**

[August 1920]

Comrade Sklyansky!

So, today the Central Committee. Precisely at [time].

Precisely at [time] your report on martial law and emergency measures.

Lenin

---

**NOTE TO A. M. LEZHAVA AND G. V. CHICHERIN**

Lezhava and Chicherin

I request that you take note and return to me with a brief opinion

2/IX [1920]
Lenin

1 Written on a letter from Artem (F. A. Sergeev) from the Comintern delegation in the
Secretariat of the CC of the RCP(b) dated August 17, 1920. In his letter Artem criticizes the
People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade, which had failed to establish trade with Norway.

Deputy People's Commissar of Foreign Trade A. M. Lezhava replied to Lenin's note
reporting that Artem's conclusions about the work of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade
in the North were based on unverified data.

---

**NOTE TO A. I. RYKOV AND L. D. TROTSKY**

Rykov and Trotsky.

I request that you order a check in Samara and in Voronezh (from the workers) and
report the results to me.

3/IX [1920]
Lenin

1 Written on a letter from P. Pasternak, engineer-builder from Zurich dated June 20, 1920
to V. I. Lenin with an offer of his services as an engineer in the construction of reinforced
concrete structures; in his letter Pasternak reported on his experience of work in Voronezh,
Samara, and Moscow.

---

**LETTER TO E. MEYER**

Dear Comrade Meyer!

Best thanks for what you sent. Herewith all back.

If possible, send me "Die Aktion" once more for a longer time (perhaps I will
sometime quote Pfemfert).

With best greetings, Lenin

6/IX [1920]

---

**TRANSLATION**

Dear Comrade Meyer!

Thank you for what you sent. I am returning everything. If possible, send me "Die Aktion"
once more for a longer time (perhaps I will sometime quote Pfemfert).

With greetings, Lenin

6/IX [1920]

1 Ernst Meyer — one of the founders of the Communist Party of Germany, delegate of the
KPG at the Second Congress of the Comintern, was part of the credentials commission.

2 Franz Pfemfert — a socialist of anarcho-syndicalist leanings, published the journal "Die
Aktion," in which left-wing intellectuals collaborated.

---

**NOTE TO AN UNIDENTIFIED ADDRESSEE**

9. IX. 1920

Elizaveta Nikolaevna and Anna Vasilievna

Azanchevskaya

Tambov

Nikolskaya (or Nikolaevskaya) Hotel (Room, I believe, No. 1).

Request — take care to improve her (their) food situation and generally living
conditions.

V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

1 On this question see also the letter of V. I. Lenin to A. G. Shlichter dated September 9,
1920 (Collected Works, vol. 51, p. 278) and the present collection, p. 122.

E. N. Azanchevskaya — literary worker.
A. V. Azanchevskaya — by profession a pianist.

---

**NOTE TO N. N. KRESTINSKY**

Comrade Krestinsky

I propose on behalf of the Central Committee to announce a strict reprimand to
Ukrrosta for negligence, with a warning of more severe punishment next time.

11/IX [1920]

Lenin

# NOTES DURING CONVERSATION WITH V. L. PANYUSHKIN

[21 October 1920]

The District Committee of the Bauman District (elected in X. 1920) is not being confirmed by the Moscow Committee.

The GMK says that this is—so to speak, Korzinov and all opposition.

Kutuzov

---

[The following page appears to end mid-document]

# [Part 4/4] and so forth

I
a) Pyatnitsky
3))
x
R
Myasnikov* unhealthy!
I u) Bubnov*
Y
e
l
e
m
e
n
t
s
J
| Intrigue |
Г Bliznizhenko
\ Andrey Emelyanych

1 Notes written on the reverse of a letter from V. L. Panyushkin to V. I. Lenin requesting a meeting with him and A. A. Anokhin.
In the text of Panyushkin's letter V. I. Lenin underlines the word "Anokhin" with two lines.
V. L. Panyushkin — party member since 1907. In 1919–1920 worked in the apparatus of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) as responsible organizer and instructor. Participant in the "Workers' Opposition," headed the so-called "Panyushkin group," which later appropriated the name "Workers'-Peasants' Socialist Party." In spring 1921 Panyushkin was expelled from the RCP(b). See also the present collection, p. 336.

2 This refers to the following. On October 12, 1920 at a session of the bureau of the Moscow Committee of the RCP(b), the question was examined concerning new elections to the district committee at the delegate assembly of the Baumanskii District on October 11, 1920. The following decision was adopted: "1) to confirm the composition of the new Baumanskii District Committee, except for Kutuzov and Korzinov, who had no right to be present at the assembly and to put forward their candidacies for the district committee, since by decision of the Moscow Committee of September 8 they had been transferred to another district and were obliged to sever all ties with the Baumanskii District. 2) To submit comrades Kutuzov and Korzinov to party court for violation of party discipline" (Moscow Party Archive — MPA). The Party Court consisting of P. G. Smidovich, M. I. Ulyanova, and F. E. Dzerzhinsky on October 19 ruled: "Recognize comrades Kutuzov and Korzinov as acquitted of the charge of violating party discipline, but give comrades Kutuzov and Korzinov a reprimand to the effect that under the circumstances that developed they acted not as the party could have expected from old party comrades. The comrades should have energetically protested against the disloyal attitude of the district assembly toward the Moscow Committee and should not have permitted their election to the district committee" (MPA).

G. I. Korzinov — from 1918 to 1921 was a member of the Moscow Committee of the RCP(b) and a member of the Executive Committee of the Moscow Soviet. In 1920–1921 during the trade union discussion affiliated with the anarcho-syndicalist group of E. Ignatov, which shared the anti-party views of the "Workers' Opposition."

I. I. Kutuzov — from 1918 was chairman of the Central Committee of the Union of Textile Workers; from 1920 — member of the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee. In 1920–1921 affiliated with the anti-party group of the "Workers' Opposition."

3 I. A. Pyatnitsky — in 1919–1920 chairman of the unified trade union of railroaders (Tsekprofsozha), secretary of the Moscow Committee of the RCP(b).

4 G. I. Myasnikov — in 1921–1922 active participant in the group of the "Workers' Opposition."

5 A. S. Bubnov — in 1920–1921 was part of the opportunistic group of "Democratic Centralism."

6 The surname "Bliznizhenko" is written in by V. I. Lenin under the text of V. L. Panyushkin's letter.
A. E. Bliznizhenko — from 1918 commissar of the Southern District of Communications, deputy People's Commissar of Communications of Ukraine.

---

MEMO TO MEMBERS OF THE POLITBURO OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(b)
AND ORGBURO OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(b)
AND INSTRUCTION TO THE SECRETARY

[October 21, 1920]

To Members of the Politburo and Orgburo

Find out the exact date and send 1–2 Central Committee members.
Put on the agenda for Tuesday in the Politburo.

Lenin

Please transmit to members of the Org.- and Politburo, noting their opinion here as well.

1 The published document was written during a session of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on October 21, 1920 in connection with a memo from V. P. Milyutin, which reported on elections being held in Ukraine for the forthcoming party conference (this concerned the V Conference of the CP(b)U, held November 17–22, 1920 in Kharkov). Milyutin proposed sending representatives from the Central Committee of the RCP(b) to the conference. The Politburo decided to instruct the Orgburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) at its next session to examine the question of the forthcoming Ukrainian party conference.

On October 25 the Orgburo decided: it is advisable to send L. D. Trotsky to the conference and to oblige L. B. Kamenev to attend it.

On October 26 the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) confirmed the decision of the Orgburo regarding L. D. Trotsky and cancelled its decision regarding L. B. Kamenev, replacing his representation at the conference with G. E. Zinovyev.

---

ANNOTATIONS, UNDERLININGS ON A LETTER FROM A. V. LUNACHARSKY
AND A MEMO TO A. V. LUNACHARSKY

[End of October, not earlier than October 21, 1920]

Dear V. I.

Gorky just told me with horror that Zaks (the notorious Grzhebin) has been appointed book dictator abroad. Of course, the Grzhebin affair will be ruined. I am interested in this primarily formally.

As a bystander, almost from the common people, I learned — "Zaks is appointed from Gosizdat abroad" — "Eremeeva is being restored as director."

Is this good? After all, constitutionally I am responsible. It should have been discussed with me, or at least I should have been warned! Meanwhile, in response to Gorky's complaint that in this respect things are proceeding without an owner, you answered — "the owner is Lunacharsky, what is he looking at?!". This is bitter irony! Either take Gosizdat from me, or accept its decisions, even with my knowledge! I spoke about this to Comrade Krestinsky. He promises, but things continue as before.

**Confer with Krestinsky and possibly bring the text (draft) of a resolution to the Politburo**

**Of course**

**Every People's Commissar has the right to a report in the Org.- and Politburo. And obligate them. You are at fault for being sleepy.**

1 See also the present collection, pp. 264–265.

2 On November 1, 1920 A. V. Lunacharsky addressed a letter to the secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) N. N. Krestinsky requesting that all questions concerning appointments at Gosizdat be discussed in his presence.

---

DISPOSITION TO THE SECRETARY

[October 22, 1920]

Send a telegram reply to Peter. Copy to me.

1 The disposition was written on the reverse of a telephonogram from the chairman of the Petrograd Commune A. S. Kuklin, which reported a catastrophic situation with the supply of workers, owing to the failure of Narkomprod to fulfill the decision of the Council of People's Commissars concerning the provision of Petrograd with a ten-day supply of bread.

On the telephonogram there is a note from member of the collegium of Narkomprod A. B. Khalatov that on October 23, 40 carloads of bread intended for Petrograd were received.

---

MEMO TO G. V. CHICHERIN

October 23, 1920

Comrade Chicherin!

The Politburo has reconsidered the question of Rotshtein and decided to agree with him. Accordingly, you may take him.

Respectfully, Lenin

1 On October 22, 1920 F. A. Rotshtein wrote to the Central Committee of the RCP(b) a letter in which he requested to be sent to work abroad, in Stockholm. On Rotshtein's letter V. I. Lenin wrote: "Comrade Trotsky! Cast your vote and forward to Bukharin. I abstain, for I fear you will not leave him here by force. October 22. Lenin."

The document bears the signatures of L. D. Trotsky and N. I. Bukharin indicating their agreement with F. A. Rotshtein.

Having written the present memo to G. V. Chicherin, Lenin made a note on Rotshtein's letter: "Chicherin informed. To Central Committee archive. Brichkina."

By decision of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on November 15, 1920 F. A. Rotshtein was appointed Plenipotentiary Representative of the RSFSR in Iran.

See also the present collection, p. 259.

---

MEMO TO E. A. PREOBRAZHENSKSAY

November 1, 1920

Comrade Preobrazhensksay!

I enclose Gorky's letter. Return it with a few words, please.

Is it really true that Zaks has been sent out from the State Publishing House?? After all, he will truly ruin everything.

Respectfully, Lenin

1 The memo from V. I. Lenin to member of the collegium of Gosizdat and member of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) E. A. Preobrazhensksay concerned the following question. At sessions of the Orgburo and Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on October 25 and 26, 1920 the request of Gosizdat to send S. M. Zaks-Gladnev abroad as authorized representative of the publishing house for printing books abroad was examined.

A. M. Gorky supported the book publishing house of Z. I. Grzhebin abroad and sought its financing and non-interference in its work. V. I. Lenin, who paid great attention to Gorky, "feared — as E. A. Preobrazhensksay wrote in commentary to this document — that comrade Zaks (Gladnev) would not be able to handle Grzhebin tactfully and thereby would offend Gorky as well" (Central Party Archive Institute of Marxism-Leninism at the Central Committee of the CPSU).

Letter of A. M. Gorky to V. I. Lenin, see in: V. I. Lenin and A. M. Gorky. Letters, Memoirs, Documents. M., 1969, pp. 206–207.

See also the present collection, p. 262 and the following document.

---

ANNOTATIONS ON A LETTER FROM E. A. PREOBRAZHENSKSAY AND MEMO TO E. A. PREOBRAZHENSKSAY

[November 1, 1920]

Vladimir Ilyich!

Regarding Gorky's letter I have the following to say:

I) At the Central Committee we decided to organize our own publishing house abroad. Since Zaks is going abroad independently of this decision, all objections to Zaks personally cannot in any way shake the adopted and entirely expedient decision. Ask Gorky whether he objects to the very idea of our own branch of Gosizdat abroad. If he does object, then the conclusions are clear.

II) We do not propose to liquidate immediately the work already begun by Grzhebin, but rather wish to make the private publishing house superfluous once we have our own. With our own publishing house we will be able first and foremost to proceed with the publication of books and manuals of a professional-technical character, which are desperately needed by Glavprofobru, Narkozem, Narkomputi, and all economic commissariats, as well as natural-scientific and medical publications.

III) Zaks is entirely suitable for the foreign branch. In the worst case, he can be given an instruction not to enter into direct relations with Grzhebin, limiting his role to that of observer and informant concerning the work of the latter. His direct duties and the main ones will consist in establishing our own publishing house.

IV) I applaud Gorky's assessment of Soykin.

E. Preobrazhensksay

**So send this instruction (no touching of Grzhebin, do not interfere with him, etc. etc.). Send the text of the instruction.**

Lenin

1 See also the present collection, p. 262 and the preceding document.

---

DISPOSITION CONCERNING THE DISPATCH OF M. I. GLYASSER ON LEAVE

November 2, 1920

Disposition

I hereby order Comrade Maria Ignatyevna Glyasser to take leave for a period of not less than 3 weeks.

For the Council of People's Commissars, V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

1 M. I. Glyasser — assistant secretary of the Council of People's Commissars.

---

MEMO TO I. N. BORISOV AND V. V. FOMIN

[November 6, 1920]

Why was this not brought before the Council of Defense earlier?

1 The memo was written under the text of a telephonogram from I. N. Borisov, head of the Chief Administration of Communications of the People's Commissariat of Communications, and from commissar of the same administration V. V. Fomin to Narkomprod and other departments (copy — to the chairman of the Council of Labor and Defense V. I. Lenin) reporting that departments were not removing in a timely fashion cargo that had arrived for them and thereby creating difficulties in ensuring rolling stock for the railroad junction.

The telephonogram stated that "in the Moscow junction alone as of November 8 there were up to 4,000 carloads of unloaded cargo, primarily arriving for various institutions of Narkomprod, Narkombyen, and the Supreme Council of the National Economy, with an average unloading rate of about 1,300 carloads per day from former arrivals." Against the underlined words Lenin placed a question mark in the margin.

In response to V. I. Lenin's memo V. V. Fomin reported: "A copy has been sent to you and this is a guarantee that Narkomprod is catching up. I was reported today that unloading has considerably increased. We have almost finished transporting potatoes."

Having familiarized himself with Fomin's response, Lenin writes on the telephonogram: "to archive."

---

ANNOTATIONS ON THE LIST OF BOOKS AND BROCHURES RECEIVED FROM ABROAD, AND MEMO TO SH. M. MANUCHARYANTS

**Return***

LIST OF BOOKS AND BROCHURES RECEIVED FROM ABROAD FOR NOVEMBER 8, 1920

Author | Title | Publisher | Year of Pub. | Place of Print.
---|---|---|---|---
Claudio Treves | Crisi ed espiazione | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1920 | Milano
Virginio Carnevali | Tedue maggiori sintesi | Libr. Ed. Soc. "Avanti" | |
Filippo Turati | Il voto alla donna e le salariate dell'amore | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1920 |
E. A. Fileni | Presso il letto di morte di un socialista | | |
Bottoni Enrico | Storie piane e storie strane | Libr. Ed. "Avanti" | |
Italo Toscani | Burocrazia e proletariat© | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1919 |

**Written by V. I. Lenin on the first page of the list.**

Author | Title | Publisher | Year of Pub. | Place of Print.
---|---|---|---|---
G. M. Serrati | Dottrinetta razionalista | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1920 | Milano
Bertelli, Mattia, Badaloni | Biel Dolt. | | |
Bruno Fortichiari | Ai conservatori in buona fede Il socialismo calunniato Il partito del Pane Il socialismo per tutti Lettere a te che leggi | | |
Alfonso Leonetti | Dalle ingiustizie presenti al socialismo | | |
Han Rymer | Il veleno | Initiative edizione d'avanguardia | |
Ilio Tirsi | Per un po' piu di sole | Libr. Ed. "Avanti" | |
Leda Rafanelli | Lavoratori! | Libr. Ed. Soc. | |
Virb | La storia sacra spiegata al giovinetti | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | |
Ilio Tirsi | Fratello, non tradire! Ai coscritti! Quello che ci divide | Libr. Ed. "Avanti" | |
Mariano Mandolini | Evoluzione a Guerra | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1920 |
Pietro Gori | Alla conquista dell' avvenire | | |
Paolo Valera | La catastrofe degli czars | Libr. Ed. "Avanti" | |
Edoardo Barchi | I Socialisti chi sono e che cosa vogliono | Soc. Ed. "Avanti" | 1920 |
I. T. Walton Newbold | Now Europe armed for war (1871–1914) | Blackfriars Press Limited | | London
William G. Bullitt | The Bullitt Mission to Russia | B. W. Huebsch | | New York-City
A. Lozowzky (S. A. Dridzo) | The Int. Council of trade and industrial Unions | P. The Ind. Council of tr. Un. | | Christiania
William D. Hay | Evidence and Cross-Examination of the case of the U S A Committee | General defense | | Chicago
Communist Unity Convention | The Com. Party of Great Britain | | | London
Ralph Chaplin | The Centralia conspiracy | I. W. W. Pub. Bureau | | Chicago
| The onward sweep of the machine proceeds | I. W. W. | |
| The greatest thing on Earth | I. W. W. | |
| Songs of the workers | I. W. W. | |

**Please send me the underlined Italian and English brochures.**

**November 9, 1920**

Lenin

---

MEMO TO THE SMALL COUNCIL OF PEOPLE'S COMMISSARS

To the Small Soviet:

(a) It is necessary to check the work (b) Call in representatives of backward departments
(c) Submit to the Council of People's Commissars a draft decree and measures.

November 21, 1920

Lenin

1 Written after V. I. Lenin became acquainted with the "Report on the Activity of the Inter-departmental Metric Commission from the Moment of Its Transfer to the Authority of the Scientific-Technical Department of the Supreme Council of the National Economy (from June 7 to November 1, 1920)."

After discussion of the report at a session of the Small Council of People's Commissars on December 3, 1920 a decision was adopted: to invite to the session of the Council on December 17 representatives of the Commissariat of Communications, Commissariat of Education, Narkomprod, NTO of the Supreme Council of the National Economy, and Comgosoor to report on work in implementing the metric system of measures and weights.

On December 17 the Small Council of People's Commissars with the participation of representatives of a number of departments considered this question and adopted a decision: to obligate all commissariats within three months to submit to the inter-departmental metric commission worked-out concrete measures for implementing the metric system.

---

MEMO TO V. P. MILYUTIN

[Not earlier than November 23, not later than December 6, 1920]

1) Concerning forest concessions in the north of European Russia add:
18.7 million desyatinas of how many of all forests altogether so much (there) page 13, line 5–6 from bottom

2) with large firms of one of the largest capitalist countries and preliminary treaty drafts have been written.

1 The memo to V. P. Milyutin, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Economy, contains observations written after V. I. Lenin became acquainted with the text of a brochure being prepared for publication: "On Concessions. Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of November 23, 1920. Text of the Decree. Objects of Concessions. Maps."

In the published brochure Lenin's observations were taken into account.

Other observations of V. I. Lenin on this brochure, see Collected Works, vol. 52, p. 18.

---

EXCHANGE OF MEMOS WITH N. N. KRESTINSKY

[December 8, 1920]

Your impression of Pavel Gorbunov and your conclusion regarding his candidacy?

I have spoken both with him and with Nikolai Gorbunov (the former secretary). I prefer Nikolai (the former secretary) in the Administration of Affairs of the Council of People's Commissars and ask the Orgburo to give me Nikolai, appointing Pavel Gorbunov to another position. If the Orgburo (or even just one member of the Orgburo) has any objections, I would like to have a discussion.

I do not know Nikolai Gorbunov now after military service; previously, though, he seemed to me to be a slack, uninitiative, non-administrative person, incapable of establishing order in unsettled affairs. What assessment do you give him now?

I have not seen him for a long time; I think that in military work he has tightened up and learned. Besides, we will give him an assistant for economic affairs.

Put it on the agenda for the Orgburo.

1 The correspondence with the secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) N. N. Krestinsky was conducted during a session of the plenum of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on December 8, 1920, at which V. I. Lenin's request to appoint N. P. Gorbunov administrator of affairs of the Council of People's Commissars was examined.

V. I. Lenin's petition was granted.

On December 11, 1920 the Council of People's Commissars confirmed the candidacy of N. P. Gorbunov.

2 P. P. Gorbunov was appointed administrator of affairs of the secretariat of the Central Committee of the RCP(b).

3 N. P. Gorbunov — in 1919–1920 was at the front, was a member of the Revolutionary War Council of the 14th and 13th Armies.

---

LETTER TO L. P. SEREBRYAKOV

[December 8, 1920]

Comrade Serebryakov:

My proposals (by no means finally decided, but only tentative, preliminary, thoughts aloud) concerning the Commissariat of Communications:

1) Appoint Kovylkin as Commissar. Free Krasin from the Commissariat of Communications.

2) In the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications take Fomin and Lomonosov only.

3) Get a written undertaking from Lomonosov not to change anything either in the system or in Trotsky's decisions and not to remove the chief commander, that is, Borisov.

4) Also get from Kovylkin a promise and undertaking limiting his power (something like Lunacharsky).

Lenin

1 In the letter to L. P. Serebryakov, secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b), the question concerns the proposed reorganization of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications. On December 23, 1919 L. B. Krasin was appointed Commissar of Communications. In connection with his departure abroad, by decision of the Council of People's Commissars of March 20, 1920 L. D. Trotsky was confirmed as temporary acting Commissar.

On December 9, 1920 the question of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications was discussed at a session of the plenum of the Central Committee of the RCP(b). A decision was adopted: "Confirm comrade Emshanov as Commissar, comrade Fomin as Deputy Commissar, comrades Rudogo and Bovin as members of the collegium. Regarding the inclusion in the collegium of comrade Borisov, instruct comrades Serebryakov and Rudzutak first of all to question the newly confirmed members of the collegium and other comrades who know him, reporting the results of the inquiry to the Politburo" (Central Party Archive Institute of Marxism-Leninism at the Central Committee of the CPSU).

On December 11, 1920 the Council of People's Commissars on the question of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications decided: to request the All-Russian Central Executive Committee to free Krasin from the office of Commissar of Communications, appointing Emshanov as Commissar, appointing Fomin, Rudogo and Bovin as members of the collegium. Confirm Fomin as Deputy Commissar.

2 S. T. Kovylkin — member of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications.

3 V. V. Fomin — commissar of the Chief Administration of Communications and member of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications.

Yu. V. Lomonosov — member of the collegium of the Commissariat of Communications.

4 I. N. Borisov — head of the Chief Administration of Communications of the Commissariat of Communications.

5 A. V. Lunacharsky — People's Commissar of Education. In order to strengthen the collegium of the Commissariat of Education by decision of the plenum of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on December 8, 1920 at the proposal of V. I. Lenin, the position of assistant commissar with broad powers was created. To this position V. I. Lenin proposed appointing E. A. Litkens.

On January 31, 1921 by decision of the Small Council of People's Commissars E. A. Litkens was appointed second deputy commissar of education with the provision that he have the decisive vote in the Council of People's Commissars in cases of the absence of the commissar of education and his first deputy.

On February 2, 1921 the question of appointing E. A. Litkens second deputy commissar of education was settled by the Central Committee of the RCP(b) (see the present collection, p. 284).

---

PROPOSAL TO THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(b)

[December 9, 1920]

In my opinion:

1) permit publication;

2) keep first priority for Goelro and the commissariats;

3) if under these conditions it will not come out, send to Peter;

4) inquire of all members of the Central Committee or Politburo.

Lenin*

1 The document was written in connection with a telephonogram to the secretary of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) N. N. Krestinsky from D. L. Veiss, deputy head of Gosizdat, in which it was reported that the Moscow Committee of the RCP(b) requests permission for urgent publication prior to the forthcoming VIII Congress of Soviets of a collection of articles and reports by T. V. Sapronov, leader of the anti-party group of "Democratic Centralism." At the same time the administrative commission of Gosizdat drew attention to the fact that a significant number of reports and materials for the congress from various Soviet institutions and party organs were arriving only now, which led to an extreme overloading of printing shops and disorganized their work.

Upon inquiry, the majority of Central Committee members expressed themselves in favor of publishing the collection.

A telegram was directed to Gosizdat and Veiss, signed by N. N. Krestinsky, which reported the support of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) for the request of the Moscow Committee of the RCP(b) for publication of the collection of articles by T. V. Sapronov with the condition that this would not prevent the timely publication of all GOELRO publications (Commission for the Electrification of Russia), commissariats, and the Central Committee of the RCP(b).

* The document is also signed by I. V. Stalin.

---

NOTES DURING A CONVERSATION WITH A. E. BADAYEV

[December 10 or 11, 1920]

Badayev

1) Combine Moscow and Petrograd
2) truck farming, land, dairy farms near Moscow.

Allocate part to the Moscow Consumer Society (Badayev)

(Kamenev — in favor)

Majority of Presidium — in favor of the district land department

December 10, 1920

3) Closing of Sukharevka
(can and should be closed)

unanimous resolution of the assembly of all Moscow trade union executives

December 8

Speak with Kamenev

**Put in the Council of People's Commissars**

With Dr. Solovyev: find a good doctor (heart, stomach) for Badayev.

1 Notes written during a conversation of V. I. Lenin with chairman of the Moscow Consumer Commune A. E. Badayev.

V. I. Lenin was given a memorandum written by Badayev titled "Bases of the Unification of Food Supply Organizations of Petrograd and Moscow" of November 15, 1920, in which the question was raised of combining the consumer societies of Petrograd and Moscow (food-supply consumer communes were established by decree of the Council of People's Commissars of March 16, 1919).

2 The aforementioned resolution adopted on December 8, 1920 at a plenum of the All-Union Moscow Trade Union Council on the report of A. E. Badayev, in which it was proposed that the Moscow Consumer Commune proceed to complete liquidation of Sukharevka and other points of free trade, was sent to V. I. Lenin by A. E. Badayev on December 11, 1920.

That same day V. I. Lenin added to the agenda of the Council of People's Commissars a supplement: "On the Destruction of Sukharevka" and spoke at the session with a report of A. E. Badayev's petition on this question.

After discussion the Council of People's Commissars decided to instruct the Small Council with the participation of representatives from the Presidium of the Moscow Soviet, the Moscow Extraordinary Commission, Narkomprod, and the Trade Union Council of the Province within a week to examine the question of the destruction of Sukharevka and work out an appropriate draft.

On December 17 a decision was adopted by the Small Council of People's Commissars: given the adoption by the Presidium of the Moscow Soviet of real measures for the destruction of Sukharevka consider this particular question settled.

Against the third item there is a secretarial note: "Completed by the Secretariat."

3 Z. P. Solovyev — head of the Chief Military-Sanitary Administration of the Red Army.

4 After the word "Badayev" there is a note in the secretary's hand: "completed (secretary Semashko undertook to speak with Solovyev and Badayev)."

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MEMO TO G. V. CHICHERIN

Chicherin! Please discuss, 1) whether to send all this to Krasin;

2) or more cautiously to release part;

3) by dispatch or by letter (possibly the essence by dispatch).

Return the original to me, please.

December 16, 1920

Lenin

1 The document was written under a draft reply to L. B. Krasin, chairman of the Soviet trade delegation in London, compiled by A. G. Goikhbarg on V. I. Lenin's instructions (see V. I. Lenin. Collected Works, vol. 52, p. 33).

The draft reported the results of calculations by A. G. Goikhbarg, who was entrusted with checking and completing the work of V. G. Groman's commission.

More detail on the Groman Commission, see the present collection, p. 253.

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DISPOSITION TO THE SECRETARIES

[1920]

Check by telephone the execution, record exactly when it was completed.

1 The disposition was written on a report signed for the chairman of the Chief Committee of State Construction K. A. Alferov to Chusosnabarmu and to Narkomprod with a request to release first and foremost to Prodstroy in Moscow three carloads of bread and other food products for distribution among workers of the Chief Committee of State Construction according to the norms of railway employees in order to ensure the fulfillment of "operative assignments from the Center."

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MEMO TO A. D. TSYURUPA

[1920]

You have become good and compliant. Indeed, that will not do.

1 Written on a memo from Commissar of Food A. D. Tsyurupa: "I fear that you do not see the threat. We will perish! In the area of food supply we are heading inevitably toward catastrophe. We need to save ourselves."

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MEMO TO AN UNIDENTIFIED ADDRESSEE

[End of 1920 — beginning of 1921]

A stupid report from the commander-in-chief concerning the Caucasus. We are busy with politics, but we have not managed to encircle Makhno.

How many divisions in total will there be in the Caucasus?

1 The reference is to a report from Commander-in-Chief S. S. Kamenev with considerations on the military-political consequences of events in the Caucasus.

2 N. I. Makhno — leader of anarchist-kulak detachments in Ukraine, who fought against Soviet power in 1918–1921.

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# THE YEAR 1921

LETTER TO S. P. SEREDA

January 1, 1921

Comrade Sereda (in case of his illness — Muralova, Teodorovicha, Kurayeva)

Comrade Smirnov, chairman of the Siberian Revolutionary Committee, says that they have laid 500,000 settlers on them. Can take 100,000.

Says that Radus-Zenkovich (chairman of the Kirghiz Council of People's Commissars) does not want to take settlers, but should — must take many.

He is leaving tonight (January 1, 1921).

Be sure to speak with Radus-Zenkovich today and work out an agreement precisely.

Lenin

1 S. P. Sereda — People's Commissar of Agriculture.

2 N. I. Muralova — member of the collegium of the People's Commissariat of Agriculture.

I. A. Teodorovicha — member of the collegium of the People's Commissariat of Agriculture.

V. V. Kurayeva — member of the collegium of the People's Commissariat of Agriculture.

3 The question of regulating peasant resettlement was discussed at a session of the Council of People's Commissars on June 15, 1920. According to the decision of the Council of People's Commissars, a telegram was sent to the Siberian Revolutionary Committee and provincial executive committees of grain-producing provinces, signed by V. I. Lenin and S. P. Sereda, proposing that they clarify the possibilities for housing settlers and report all necessary information to the Commissariat of Agriculture (see V. I. Lenin. Collected Works, vol. 51, pp. 343–344).

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MEMO TO G. V. CHICHERIN

Chicherin:

Is it not time to propose Vorovsky?

January 2, 1921

Lenin

1 Written on a telegram from V. L. Kopp, authorized representative of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs and People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade in Germany. The latter reported that according to information he received from Rome, the Italian government objected to the appointment of Ya. A. Berzin as trade representative in Italy, because in 1918 the Swiss government had expelled him from the country where he was serving as plenipotentiary.

Having marked the text of Kopp's telegram with two vertical lines, V. I. Lenin wrote: "NB."

2 On January 3 G. V. Chicherin informed V. I. Lenin that the candidacy of V. V. Vorovsky had long been proposed and the Italian government had agreed to accept him. "The question can only concern," Chicherin wrote, "whether to announce to the Italians our refusal of the candidacy of Comrade Berzin and our agreement to appoint Comrade Vorovsky." On Chicherin's letter there is a note by Lenin: "to archive" (Central Party Archive Institute of Marxism-Leninism at the Central Committee of the CPSU).

On March 12, 1921 the trade mission of the RSFSR headed by V. V. Vorovsky arrived in Rome.

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DISPOSITION TO N. P. GORBUNOV

[January 4 or 5, 1921]

To N. P. Gorbunov: Clear up with Lezhava what the matter is. Is it not time to break with the Swedes?

Lenin

1 Written on a telegram from Stockholm from Yu. V. Lomonosov, authorized representative of the Council of People's Commissars for railway orders abroad, in which he reported the text of his dispatch sent to London to L. B. Krasin. In it Lomonosov wrote that Swedish firms that had accepted Soviet railway orders were refusing to execute them, demanding a change in payment conditions, and proposed agreeing to the demands of the firms.

On January 5, 1921 the deputy commissar of foreign trade A. M. Lezhava telegraphed L. B. Krasin that he was placing entirely on him the decision of the question concerning the Swedish concern, and added that he thought a positive response should be given.

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MEMO TO N. P. GORBUNOV

[1921, January, not earlier than the 14th]

Comrade Gorbunov!

Please get in touch with whoever is necessary (Foreign Affairs
| Defense
| etc.
and try to straighten out the matter.

Lenin

1 The document was written under the text of a letter from A. Lomov (G. I. Oppokov), member of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the National Economy, chairman of the Main Forest Committee. He wrote that the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs was systematically delaying the entry of representatives of foreign firms conducting negotiations on concessions. Lomov asked V. I. Lenin to "give a general directive to the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs — to permit entry without hindrance to persons invited by us from abroad for negotiations on concessions" (underlined by V. I. Lenin).

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MEMO TO G. V. CHICHERIN

Comrade Chicherin! I received this in the enclosed envelope. Who is this? Be a super-conspirator and clarify, please, who this is and how one should proceed.

January 29, 1921

Lenin

1 This concerns a letter from M. L. Levin from Vienna of December 31, 1920, in which he asked V. I. Lenin to assist him in passage to Russia.

M. L. Levin — one of the founders of the Communist Party of Bavaria; member of the Communist Party of Germany. In 1921 Levin came to Moscow. At the end of 1921 V. I. Lenin spoke with M. L. Levin concerning the Bavarian Soviet Republic of 1919 and the policy of the Communist Party of Bavaria in that period.

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TELEPHONOGRAM TO A. I. RYKOV
AND DISPOSITION TO THE SECRETARY

[January 29, 1921]

To Comrade Rykov. Would it not be better to consult now with the Central Committee members? Perhaps it would be possible to immediately eliminate misunderstandings? Of course, unity is necessary, and I am convinced that Trotsky will agree with that. We must here and now eliminate the division (or "trivialization"), otherwise the commission threatens to fall apart. I am busy in a Central Committee commission on the Commissariat of Education. Should we not appeal to Stalin, Krestinsky, and Kamenev?

Lenin

Both telephonograms to Stalin and Kamenev by telephone.

1 The document was written on the following telephonogram of January 29, 1921.

"Comrades Lenin, Trotsky, Zinovyev, Stalin.

Nothing is coming of our participation in the Ural Commission of the Council of Labor and Defense. Trotsky travels his own train through Samara, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg. Zinovyev's — when is unknown, from Petrograd. We are offered to attach ourselves to some train and catch up. To catch up by such a system we do not expect, just as we do not expect that from such a trip in the absence of even one meeting to define tasks, composition of workers, approximate definition of time, place and system of work (the Urals are not at all an unknown country) results will emerge corresponding to the interests of the work.

The basic transport commission wants to travel separately and again bother the entire Urals. We very much ask for our delegation (Syromolotov, Glavtop, Glavugol, Glavlescom, Basic Transport Commission) to be given a special train, with indication of where and when the Council of Labor and Defense Commission will begin work, or permission for us to refrain from participation in the work and be freed from responsibility we and our representatives.

Rykov, Lomov, Syromolotov, Bogdanov, Eismont."

The Ural Plenipotentiary Commission was created by decision of the Council of Labor and Defense on January 28, 1921 "for the purpose of creating in the Urals conditions most favorable for metallurgical and fuel-extracting industry (from the point of view of coordinated work of various institutions, housing accommodation, provision of food, means of transport, labor force, etc.)" (Central Party Archive Institute of Marxism-Leninism at the Central Committee of the CPSU).

On the document there are notes from I. V. Stalin and L. B. Kamenev concerning the necessity of unity among commission members and coordinated organization of the trip.