Comrades! I deeply regret that I was unable to come to Petrograd at your invitation. I extend my warmest greetings to the non‑party meeting and to your work. It is precisely now—when the bourgeoisie of the entire world is waging an unprecedented campaign of lies against Soviet Russia, seeking to sabotage our trade agreements with foreign countries—that the support of non‑party masses and cooperation with them become especially crucial. After the Kronstadt events, workers and peasants have come to understand, more clearly than ever before, that any shift in the balance of power within Russia ultimately benefits the White Guards; not without reason did Miliukov and all the shrewd leaders of the bourgeoisie hail the Kronstadt slogan: “Soviets without the Bolsheviks.”
Once again, I send my greetings to the non‑party meeting, wishing you every success in your endeavors—and I particularly urge you to pay close attention to the urgent need to identify and consistently promote as many non‑party workers and peasants as possible to take part in the task of economic reconstruction. A regional economic center has been established in Petrograd. We must redouble our efforts and throw ourselves into the work with renewed vigor. Local workers are being granted greater authority and more initiative. Non‑party members must step up and contribute their share—sending forth one person after another.
Greetings.
Lenin
Written on April 14, 1921.
Published on April 21, 1921.

in Red Gazette, No. 88

Printed from manuscript