V. I.

Lenin

579

To:   V. M. MOLOTOV FOR THE POLITBUREAU OF THE R.C.P.(B.) C.C.

Comrade Molotov

Having learned from Kamenev that the C.P.C. has unanimously adopted Lunacharsky’s absolutely improper
proposal to preserve the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet, I suggest
that the Politbureau should resolve:

1. To instruct the Presidium of the All-Russia C.E.C.
to rescind the C.P.C. decision.

2. Of the opera and ballet company, to leave only a
few dozen actors for Moscow and Petrograd so that their performances (both operatic and choreographic) should
pay, [1] i.e., by eliminating all large expenses on properties, etc.

3. Of the thousands of millions saved in this way at
least one-half to be allotted to wiping out illiteracy and
for reading rooms.

4. To summon Lunacharsky for five minutes, to hear
the last word of the accused, it being pointed out to him
and to all People’s Commissars that in future introducing
and putting to the vote of resolutions like the one now
being rescinded by the C.C., will entail stricter measures
on the part of the
C.C. [2]

Lenin

12/I–22

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Notes:
[1]
For instance, through participation by opera singers and ballet
dancers in all kinds of concerts, etc.— Lenin

[2]
Lenin’s proposal sprang from the country’s grave financial
position and the need to increase appropriations for schools and
the wiping out of illiteracy.

That same day, January 12, 1922, the Politbureau of the
R.C.P.(B.) Central Committee adopted a decision “To authorise
the Presidium of the All-Russia C.E.C. to rescind the C.P.C.
decision on preserving the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet”, arid by
a subsequent decision on January 17 authorised the All-Russia
C.E.C. “to examine Comrade Lunacharsky’s application in substance”. On February 6, 1922, the Presidium of the All-Russia
C.E.C. adopted the following decision: “To bring to the notice
of the Politbureau of the R.C.P.(B.) Central Committee that
the group of the Presidium of the All-Russia C.E.C., having
examined Lunacharsky’s letter and heard the explanations given
by Malinovskaya (Director of the Bolshoi Theatre.— Ed. ), has
found that it is economically inexpedient to close down the
Bolshoi Theatre.” In connection with this proposal, the Politbureau
instructed the People’s Commissariat for Workers’ and Peasants’
Inspection “to submit an exact calculation of the maintenance
of the Bolshoi Theatre in its present state, and of the reduction
of expenditures which could be obtained on its closure”. On March
13, the Politbureau, having heard the report by V. A.
Avanesov, Deputy People’s Commissar for Workers’ and Peasants’
Inspection, decided to “satisfy the 6/11–22 petition of the
All-Russia C.E.C.”