V. I.

Lenin

305

DIRECT-LINE TALK WITH M. K. VLADIMIROV ON AUGUST 6, 1921

(Moscow-Kharkov)

Vladimirov :
We have established high rates in the Ukraine on the west bank of the Dnieper. This entails heavy risks. We are taking
the following measures: to involve the volost economic conferences
in the work of discussing a number of questions of interest to the
countryside, but we are simultaneously faced with the question of salt,
considering its present shortage. The question comes to this: are we
to give salt regardless of the payment of tax (this is official),
actually, however, giving it first of all to those volosts which have
successfully started to collect the tax; let me add that I think it right to sell
for ready cash even now. Let me have your opinion.

Lenin : First : I advise the sale of salt only for grain, and
not for cash in any case.

Second : Sell salt only to those volosts, villages or individual farmers who have paid in at least a quarter or half
the tax.

Third : I think that the successful collection of tax requires military units to help it, with these military units
receiving larger rations at the expense of the local peasants,
until the tax has been paid.

Fourth : Let me know what the food situation is in the
Donbas, how well it is supplied, and for how long.

Vladimirov :
On the first two questions I maintain the same stand.

Concerning military force, please have a talk with Frunze, who
has gone to Moscow.

As for the Donbas, we have four routes for it. We are taking steps
to get some locomotives. I believe we shall be able to start regular
supplies not later than the 12th.

Lenin : Maintaining the first stand is not enough. You must have a formal C.C. decision. If you cannot obtain
it from your C.C. you must get it through the C.C. here.
The same applies to the rules of using armed force.

Concerning the Donbas, let me have the briefest and most precise reports twice a week about the quantity of
foodstuffs in hand.

Vladimirov :
I think this matter can be best decided with
Rakovsky and Frunze, who have gone to Moscow. My opinion is on record.

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