V. I. Lenin

Source: ru:PSS/v52;es:MT
Translated: machine translation (DeepSeek) from the Russian; AI-translated.

5/VI.

Comrade Lezhava!

The situation with the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Trade is extremely bad.

While you were ill, Krassin once again showed his weak side: excessive self-confidence, sometimes bordering on adventurism. “Everything will work out for me, I’ll succeed at everything.”

He has that trait.

And despite his “luck,” skill, ability, and artistry, I cannot guarantee that someday he won’t land himself in a big scandal and a spectacular resignation because of it.

This cannot go on. Krassin was here, saw that you were ill, and did nothing.

He left only Voikov, who is clearly unfit, or rather, unable to cope.

At the STO on 3/VI, it nearly ended in collapse. The STO resolved on 25/III 1921 that the NKVT was obliged to deliver 7 million in gold to the South-Eastern Economic Council by 15/IV.

Nothing was done. Voikov cites statements he allegedly heard from Krassin that trade with Constantinople is impossible; that it’s full of swindlers.

If Krassin said that, he will one day be brought to trial for it. Krassin was obliged either to strictly implement the STO resolution of 25/III, or to submit to the Central Committee a proposal to repeal that STO resolution, or to satisfy the South-Eastern Economic Council by other means, not via Constantinople (this is option No. 3, relying on “luck”).

By doing none of these, Krassin is breaking the law and disrupting all work.

This cannot be allowed.

I ask you:

1) send a copy of this (or the original) to Krassin,

2) speak personally with Frumkin and Khinchuk,

3) personally verify the implementation of STO decisions, without relying on Voikov,

4) seriously consider replacing Voikov with Taratuta or Paikes, or anyone else you wish, a capable and efficient person.

Regarding Serebrovsky and Baku, I am now extremely afraid that the NKVT will repeat the story with the South-East.

I will absolutely not tolerate this any longer.

I propose sending the following telegram to Serebrovsky and Rabinovich in my name. Please inform me immediately of any objections or corrections.

“Baku, to Serebrovsky, copies to Rabinovich and Ordzhonikidze, Baku or Tiflis.

I am extremely concerned about the contract concluded by Serebrovsky with Sosifross, and surprised that Rabinovich reported it, unfortunately without comments or practical proposals, and that Serebrovsky himself did not report 372. The contract is strange. Where are the guarantees that Sosifross will not cheat? How could a monopoly be granted to him? I am not at all opposed to direct trade by Azvneshtorg and Azneftkom with Constantinople; I am ready to support broad autonomy for Baku, but guarantees are needed. I ask you to reply to me immediately: has an exact inventory of everything purchased by Serebrovsky in Constantinople been sent by a reliable courier; when exactly was it sent, and details about the contract, and when. I oblige Serebrovsky to send a letter with each courier, informing by telegraph of the courier’s name and departure date. What exactly has now been ordered from Sosifross. All three addressees are obliged to reply to me by telegraph 373. Secret, in cipher*.

Chairman of the STO, Lenin”
Do you have any news from Sammer? What is happening there? Does he send you reports? How often? Detailed or brief? Drop me a line.

With communist greetings, Lenin