[21 January 1921]

This question is so important that a precise text of a directive must be worked out, signed by the chairman of the Supreme Economic Council.

For example: begin negotiations, but with such caution as to absolutely commit ourselves to nothing until a special decision of the Central Committee. The aim — to ascertain the proposals.¹

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¹ This concerns oil concessions. On 24 January 1921 the Presidium of the Supreme Economic Council examined the question of oil concessions and deemed it desirable to enter into negotiations with the Royal Dutch syndicate. See also this collection, pp. 194–197, 212–213.