V. I.

Lenin

To:   N. OSINSKY

Comrade Osinsky, People’s Commissariat for Agriculture

Please urgently inform me about the arrangements for the distribution of seeds in the famine-stricken gubernias,
stating:

1) The principles of distribution of seeds among the
population (whether they are issued to everyone or only to
those whose land has been prepared for sowing, whether inspection of the ploughed-up area has been organised and
how, etc.).

2) Actual participation by organs of the People’s
Commissariat for Agriculture iii accepting delivery of the seed freights, their storage, their transportation from the
railway stations to the localities, sorting of seeds, and, if
information is available, the pace of work in moving the
seeds from the central points of delivery to the localities.

3) Whether and how the inventory of the delivered seeds
has been organised (are there any lists, stating the names—
of persons or collectives—receiving the seeds, and the quantities).

4) Whether and how control has been organised to verify
whether the seeds are actually used for sowing and not for
food.

The question of correct distribution of seeds is of especial importance.

Meanwhile, judging by K. Myaskov’s item, entitled “The Spring and Autumn Sowing Campaigns”, in Izvestia VTsIK No. 202 and by other reports, not all is well in this
sphere.

Chairman, Council of People’s Commissars

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