V. I. Lenin

Memo To J. V. Stalin With The Draft Decision Of The Political Bureau Of The C.C., R.C.P.(B.)

On The Formation Of A Federation Of Transcaucasian Republics

November 28

Comrade Stalin, in the main I agree with you, but I feel that
the wording should be somewhat amended.

1) While a federation of Transcaucasian republics is absolutely
correct in principle, and should be implemented without fail,
its immediate practical realisation must be regarded as
premature, i. e., a certain period of time will be required
for its discussion, propagation and adoption by lower Soviet
bodies;

2) the Central Committees of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
shall be instructed (through the Caucasian Bureau) to submit
the federation question for broad discussion in the Party and
by the worker and peasant masses, conduct vigorous propaganda in favour of a federation and secure decisions to
that effect by the congresses of Soviets in each of these
republics. Should serious opposition arise, the Political
Bureau of the CC., H.C.P. must be informed accurately and in
good time.

Lenin