WITH M. K. VLADIMIROV, AUGUST 6, 1921
(Moscow - Kharkov)

Vladimirov: We have established high rates on the right bank of Ukraine. This is connected with considerable risk. We are taking the following measures: to involve volost economic conferences in work on discussing a whole series of questions of interest to the village, but at the same time the question of salt presents itself to us, taking into account the need for it at present. The question comes down to the following: shall we give salt independently of payment of the tax (this officially), but in fact shall we give in the first instance to those volosts which have successfully begun collection of the tax, and I consider it correct already now to sell for cash money tokens. I request Your conclusion.

Lenin: First: I advise selling salt exclusively for grain and in no case for money tokens.

Second: sell salt only to volosts, settlements, or individual households which have paid not less than 1/4 or 1/2 of the tax.

Third: I think that for successful tax collection it is necessary to have military units to assist in this collection, such that these military units receive increased rations at the expense of the local peasants until the tax is paid.

Fourth: I request that you inform me of the food situation in the Donbass, how well it is supplied and for what period.

Vladimirov: On the first two questions I defend the very same position.

Regarding military force I request that you confer with Frunze, who has left for Moscow.

As for the Donbass, we have four routes for it. We are taking measures to obtain locomotives.

I believe that no later than the 12th it will be possible to begin regular supply.

Lenin: It is insufficient to defend the first position. It is necessary to have a formal resolution of the Central Committee. If you cannot obtain it from your Central Committee, it must be carried through the Central Committee here. The same applies to the rules for the application of military force.

Regarding the Donbass, send me twice a week the briefest and most precise reports on the quantity of food supplies on hand.

Vladimirov: I consider that it is best to settle this question with Rakovsky and Frunze, who have left for Moscow. My opinion is known.

First published in 1933 in Lenin Miscellany XXIII

Printed from the typescript