Copy to N. P. Gorbunov

Yesterday I discovered that an urgent document I gave to Fotiyeva for L. B. Kamenev went by the "usual," that is, idiotic, route and was delayed for many hours, and without my intervention would have been delayed for days a second time.

Such work by the chancellery is inadmissible, and if even once more such typical red tape and spoiling of work is discovered, I will resort to strict disciplinary measures and replacement of personnel. I prescribe:

1) for each document or package that I give for dispatch, verification by the duty secretary personally (who must have a substitute for when she is away and coordinate with the telephonists on duty around the clock about replacement);

2) whether all notations have been made (in person; urgent; with receipt on the envelope, etc.);

3) whether it has been handed over immediately to the courier;

4) obligatory verification by telephone with the addressee;

5) show me the returned envelope with receipt;

6) the same rules to be carried out in practice by the telephonists in the booth in case of an errand during hours when there is no secretary.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

First published in 1933. Printed from the manuscript

**V. I. LENIN**

**TO N. P. GORBUNOV**

Comrade Gorbunov!

I request that you subject those responsible to disciplinary action: if it is the first time, then—a reprimand; if it is the second time or there are aggravating circumstances, then—with a warning that they will be dismissed if they do not show greater conscientiousness.

Establish verification: once out of 100 cases or 1 day out of 15, etc.

Lenin

Written September 13, 1921

First published in 1933. Printed from the manuscript