V. I.

Lenin

432

To:   THE POLITBUREAU OF THE R.C.P.(B.) C.C. [1]

I consider the matter of exceptional importance and urgency, because to conclude a loan with Italy, which is not demanding recognition of the old debts , might mean a
break through the financial blockade.

I propose a secret commission from the Politbureau right away with a short term (2-4 days). Let us say, with the
following on it: Litvinov, Scheinman, Radchenko, Krestinsky (with the right of his substitution by another
member of the Collegium of the People’s Commissariat for
Finance), and Bogdanov (with the same right).

The guarantee may be: timber (concession in the north);
oil on the Ukhta; oil on the Emba; copper mines, etc.

11/X.

Lenin

( Commission’s assign merit (2-4 days):

the Italian proposal specifically and then general basis of guarantees.)

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Notes:
[1]
Written in connection with M. M. Litvinov’s letter of
October 10, 1921, which said: “Comrade Vorovsky several times
telegraphed and wrote to us about the Italian banks being prepared
to grant us a loan with the knowledge of the Italian Government.”
On the letter are Lenin’s markings (Central Party Archives of
the Institute of Marxism-Leninism of the C.P.S.U. Central
Committee).