[1921]

Comrade Chicherin!
I disagree with you on the assessment of the situation and regarding the steps you propose. My and Trotsky's withdrawal from the ECCI is out of the question.
Regarding debts, it is enough to inform Krasin.
Urkart has so far differed on the height of the %: it offered 5% of gross production, our commission demanded 10%.
The English and French want to rob us. We will not allow this. We will pay no attention to their "discontent" over this.
There is one concession: forests in the Caucasus. Commercial rapprochement with the Germans is underway. It is beginning with Italy: she offers a loan. We must accelerate and push this matter with all our might.
There is an agreement with Armstrong on boilers. An agreement with Norway.
A "sharp turn" applies only to England and France, and, in my opinion, no concessions or steps should be made. Hoover is a real plus 2.
Sincerely, Lenin