Comrade Sokuolnikov! I am sending you this confidentially; I ask you to return it to me with your reply.

In my opinion, Alsky must be dismissed (he is good for nothing); Krasnoshchyokov should be brought back. He is right. Now the policy is determined; he cannot do anything against you.

He will set up the apparatus. There is no apparatus. Alsky will never set it up. I have the same assessment of him from A. D. Tsyurupa. You—provide leadership; you will not be able to occupy yourself with the apparatus. You need not appoint Krasnoshchyokov to the Little SNK.

Please reply today, as I want to leave by evening 372.

Your Lenin

Written April 4, 1922

Published for the first time from the manuscript