TO THE DEPUTY PEOPLE’S COMMISSAR FOR FOREIGN TRADE
April 1921
Georgia is of paramount importance as a cover for Russia’s foreign trade. It is convenient for Italy, Germany, and the United States alike.
1) Find several individuals to send there on behalf of Foreign Trade. Act quickly!
2) Discuss this matter in greater detail with Stalin—today, if possible.
3) Brief me in two words on the outcomes.
We need a plan—and a fund—for foreign trade via Batumi.
You do not have a plan for foreign trade. You are wasting resources—and allowing others to waste them—unduly. I will stand by your side and fight alongside you.
For food and fuel in 1921: not a single penny more. This is our guiding principle. Formulate your plans along this line, and do not yield to “pressures” or “influences.”
Lenin
CORRESPONDENCE concerning M. A. PESHKOV
40G17
MEMORANDUM TO THE PEOPLE’S COMMISSARIAT FOR INDUSTRY
April 23, 1921
I request that you arrange for Maxim Alekseevich Peshkov to be assigned as a courier in such a way that his return to Russia can be extended by Vorovsky in Italy—without requiring a special request from Moscow.
With communist greetings,
Lenin