Date: 1921-11-26
Source: ru:ND; en:CW/CW45

Comrade Molotov!

I request that the Politburo be convened once again—(by telegraph, via Krestinsky):

Having reviewed Rykov’s letter to Lenin dated November 22, the Politburo resolved to instruct Rykov to remain for further treatment under the guidance of Professor Vir, and to stay until fully recovered and able to rest.

Record of the Vote Cast by Members of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b)³

For — Lenin.

For — Molotov. Stalin.

For — Kamenev. Trotsky.

Published in: Izvestia of the Central Committee of the CPSU, 1989, No. 4, p. 164.

Fund 2, Inventory 1, File 27049, Folio 2 — autographs.

1The discussion concerns A.I. Rykov’s illness and his medical treatment in Germany; for correspondence between V.I. Lenin and Rykov on these matters, see: Izvestia of the Central Committee of the CPSU, 1989, No. 4, pp. 161–167.

2In his letter dated November 22, 1921, A.I. Rykov wrote to V.I. Lenin: “I am now in the fourth week of my stay at Professor Bir’s clinic. They have promised to allow me to stand up for the first time the day after tomorrow. In total, I have spent two months lying in foreign beds—during seizures and following surgery! I believe this is quite sufficient tribute paid to foreign medicine, and I long to return to Moscow as soon as possible. Professor Bir and his assistant, however, intend to operate on me once more in early January. I agreed to a second operation, but only on the condition that the surgery be performed as soon as possible. Bir refuses, claiming that German science does not permit him to perform the operation any sooner. Yet: 1) the reputation of German science in Russia is clearly overblown; 2) Tsurup was successfully treated by German specialists, while I am still being kept under observation—and may yet undergo another operation. Thus, I wish to be back in Russia by the time of the Congress of Soviets. Professor Bir, my wife, Dr. Fedynsky, and the embassy physician all insist that I remain. Nikolai Nikolaevich [Krestinsky] threatens to deny me a visa. I await your support and earnestly request that you ‘issue a directive’ calling for my swift departure from abroad, without waiting for the second operation.” A.I. Rykov.

P.S. Dr. Fedynsky seems to be sending you a special opinion regarding my departure. Please bear in mind that Dr. Fedynsky is an exceptionally skilled pediatrician—and I will soon turn 41” (Izvestia of the Central Committee of the CPSU, 1989, No. 4, p. 163).

3The vote cast by members of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP(b) on V.I. Lenin’s proposal took place on November 27, 1921. Lenin’s draft was adopted.