LETTER FROM M. V. FRUNZE
May 18, 1921
The harvest in the South is superb.
Now, the paramount question facing all Soviet power—a matter of life and death for us—is to collect 200–300 million poods from Ukraine.
To achieve this, salt is the key. Seize every last bit; surround all sources of production with a triple cordon of troops, allowing not a single pound to slip through—no looting allowed.
This is a question of life and death.
Approach this with military precision. Appoint clearly designated officials responsible for each operation. Send me their list (all via Glavsol).
You are the Commander-in-Chief of Salt.
You bear ultimate responsibility for everything.
Chairman of the Council of Labor and Defense
V. Ulyanov (Lenin)