FOR MEMBERS OF THE POLITBURO OF THE C.C., R.C.P.(B.)

12/X.

Comrade Molotov! Please read and show secretly. Only to members of the Politburo.

I am for the release of Tomsky from his post in Turkestan, because even Rudzutak, a friend of Tomsky, told me yesterday:

(1) If I am a “coloniser” to the extent of 3/4, then Tomsky is one to the extent of 5/4.

(2) I am astonished how quickly Tomsky has acquired a “boss-like” tone.

(3) I (Rudzutak) wanted to bring Tomsky together with Rakhimbayev. Tomsky refused.

I don’t know how they are going to work together.

These three remarks of a friend of Tomsky are very characteristic. 302

Lenin

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Written 12 October 1921.

Printed for the first time, from the manuscript.