LETTER TO A. I. POTYAEV**.

To Comrade Potyaev

5 August 1921

I am cursing you roundly for whining and unworthy conduct. Regarding Meisner,¹ you should have formally submitted a written inquiry to Bryukhanov, and in case of his disagreement (send me a copy of his reply), you should have submitted it to the STO.

There is no point in dragging this out: this is how gossip grows, to which you are succumbing. You must use your rights and stop whining. I want your official telephonogram about Meisner from you tomorrow.

Regarding the Party request—officially submit it to the Orgburo and quickly. This is not my concern. You may appeal to the Politburo. I have not yet read the "Plan." Prepare for me on two pages the disagreements between N. M. Knipovich² and Meisner.

With communist greetings, Lenin.

¹ V. I. Meisner—chief of the administration of Glavryba.
² N. M. Knipovich—specialist in the field of scientific fishery research.

* Printed from a typewritten copy. The secretary's note on the letter reads: "Transmit by telephonogram with an indication that V. I. would like to receive a reply this very evening." Ed.

** Printed from a typewritten copy. Ed.