...of the cooperative Soviet Republic with sincere gratitude.

However, to its regret, the Russian Soviet Government is compelled to decline the request of the Central Committee of the Swedish Red Cross concerning the transfer of Professor Pavlov to Sweden for scientific work, since at the present time the Soviet Republic has entered a period of intensive economic construction, which requires the exertion of all the spiritual and creative forces of the country and makes necessary the effective assistance and cooperation of such outstanding scientists as Professor Pavlov.

The Soviet Government, which has constantly striven to create the most favorable conditions for scientific research work in Russia, has been limited in its possibilities in this field as a result of the blockade and the war which was waged against Russia in open or concealed form by almost all the West European powers. Naturally, the broken relations and the hostile position of all the West European states toward Russia did not promote mutual contacts between scientists of both camps; these circumstances almost completely excluded the possibility of establishing such useful contacts and exchanges of views, as well as exchanges of scientific achievements between Russian and West European scientists. Equally, as a result of this, the acquisition of scientific literature and teaching aids became impossible.

Now, when the military attacks of all Russia's enemies have been repulsed and mutual ties with the countries of Western Europe are again being gradually but steadily reestablished, there is hope that the necessary conditions for the development and application of Russian science will be created.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars

Vl. Ulyanov (Lenin)

in the book "Documents of the Foreign Policy of the USSR". Moscow,

copies

Translation from German

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Written on February 2, 1921

First published in 1959

Volume III

Printed from the typewritten copy