24. VI. 1921

Comrade Menzhinskiy!

Gorky was at my place yesterday and said that you promised to help him in a matter, it seems, concerning the Expert Commission 438.

He is asking for 2 automobiles.

Surely you have the authority to give him such a trifle from the Petrogubcheka?

If you cannot, write to me at once; I will ask Sklyanskiy.

We must help Gorky, and quickly, because he is not going abroad on account of this. And he is spitting blood!

So either order it urgently, display your authority, ensure it gets done (and not just paperwork).

If, contrary to all expectation, you cannot, answer me at once and return this letter to me; I will turn to the military department 439.

With communist greetings

Lenin

First published in 1932 in Lenin Miscellany XX

Printed from the manuscript