V. I.

Lenin

80

To:   THE NARROW C.P.C.

I think we should allow greater quantities to be transported. [1]

Your fear of speculation is excessive.

Will it be so bad if they exchange individually for grain?
The peasants will obtain footwear and clothing. What we
should fear is mass speculation, and we cannot allow speculation on a professional basis . But we should not hamper
but encourage importation into poverty-stricken Russia.

Please review.

3/ III.1921.

Lenin

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Notes:
[1]
A reference to a draft C.P.C. decree “On the Admission of
Russian Workers and Émigrés Returning from Abroad and of Their
Belongings”, which was prepared by the Narrow C.P.C. on March 2,
1921. It strictly limited the quantity of things—suits, footwear,
linen, etc.—which the workers arriving in Russia could bring with
them. Following Lenin’s remarks in this note, the Narrow C.P.C.
decided, on March 3, to delete the clause restricting the quantity
of personal belongings brought in.