Note by G.V.Chicherin

10/VI.1921.

Dear Vladimir Ilyich, if, because of the shooting of Communists, we interrupt diplomatic relations with Latvia, we will thus push it with our own hands into the arms of Poland, we ourselves will create a Polish-Baltic alliance directed against us, which could not be born until now, because we were able to hold Latvia. Our break with Latvia will be a triumph of the Entente and Poland. Either we conduct a real foreign policy in the interests of the security of the republic and the exchange of goods, or we count for nothing, as a conspiratorial party - then the exchange of goods and security cannot be guaranteed. The Latvian Communists do not count for anything, do not listen to us, organize armed demonstrations, talk about upcoming partisan actions - and when repressions then take place, we have to break off relations, sacrifice the exchange of goods, risk security, undermine our entire international position. If our policy depends

With Communist greetings

Georgy Chicherin.

Note by V.I.Lenin

Secret

т. Chicherin! I basically agree with you. Draft a practical directive from the Central Committee.

10/VI

Lenin.

Fond 2, op. 2, d. 658 - autographs.

1See also the correspondence of G.V.Chicherin with V.I.Lenin dated June 9-10, 1921 and the note to it (doc. 306).