Up to May 18

414
LENIN COLLECTION
in general: previously in days of hunger Soviet power called upon the working people to form food detachments and struggle for bread; now it calls upon them to help the state organize exchange with the countryside for the common pot and at the same time to organize themselves for the exchange of goods for agricultural products for their own factory or mill pot.
This is a new matter—it will require some time before notable results can be achieved. But in the measures adopted to strengthen the transport of previously procured grain to the capitals and to the central industrial region, the working people will find support to survive this period as painlessly as possible. The Socialist Revolutionary gangs robbed the working people of grain and provoked a temporary crisis in supply, but they did not rob them of the capacity for organized overcoming of the arising difficulties and the establishment of relations with the peasantry on new principles, ensuring successful struggle against hunger.
Not to be published. Affirm as a directive for the press.
Members of the Politburo
Lenin. Molotov. Kalinin
Printed from a typewritten copy.
40569

MEMORANDUM TO M. V. FRUNZE
Up to May 18, 1921
What has been accomplished with the salt?
Who is responsible for the salt?
Lenin

1921 — 1922

40568
LETTER TO M. V. FRUNZE
May 18, 1921
The harvest in the south is magnificent.
Now the principal question for all Soviet power, a question of life and death for us,—to collect 200—300 million poods from Ukraine.
For this the chief thing is salt. Seize everything, surround all extraction sites with triple cordons of troops, let not a pound pass through, do not allow it to be stolen.
This is a question of life and death.
Organize it militarily. Appoint precisely responsible persons for each operation. Send me the list of them (all through Glavsol). You—are the commander-in-chief of salt.
You answer for everything.
Chairman of the Council of Labor and Defense
V. Ulyanov (Lenin)
Printed from the original signed by V. I. Lenin.

2608
TELEGRAM TO THE COMMISSARIAT OF FOOD REPRESENTATIVE
Rostov-on-the-Don
May 21, 1921
According to information received, the food situation of the XI Army is catastrophic, threatening collapse. We propose that you follow with the greatest care the food supply of the army, taking all measures accessible to you, if possible not at the expense of fulfilling directives from the center.
Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars
Lenin
Printed from the original signed by V. I. Lenin.