V. I.

Lenin

712

NOTES TO THE POLITBUREAU OF THE R.C.P.(B.) C.C. WITH A DRAFT TELEGRAM TO G. V. CHICHERIN [1]

In view of the unprecedentedly disgraceful and dangerous
hesitations of Chicherin and Litvinov (to say nothing of
Krasin) I propose this castigation .

My draft:

“ We highly regret that both Chicherin and Litvinov in part have slid down to Krasin’s absurdities . In view of
such hesitations we order the delegation to break unconditionally and as soon as possible, clearly and precisely
motivating it by the refusal to restore private property,
and to declare that we agreed to make partial concessions
only on condition of a very advantageous and immediate loan, unconditionally insisting on a treaty between two
systems of property, as between equals. (In the event of
the slightest further hesitations we shall disavow you publicly in the Central Executive Committee and dismiss you
from your office.) Litvinov’s open telegram clearly shows
that they want to fool us.”

Lenin . 2/V

I do not agree with Stalin’s amendment to delete the threat of disavowal. Lenin

Comrade Stalin:

I propose another addition to the telegram to Genoa:

A session of the All-Russia C.E.C. has been set for May
12. By then, at least three members of the delegation must be in Moscow with all the material. Chicherin is to stay
in Germany and complete his treatment. [2]

Lenin . 2/V

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Notes:
[1]
This was written in connection with the receipt from Genoa of
a number of communications which aroused the fear that in their
talks with the Allied powers Chicherin and Litvinov might
make concessions not provided for in the C.C. directives.

[2]
On May 2, 1922, the Politbureau of the R.C.P.(B.) C.C.
discussed this proposal. It adopted the following amendments
motioned by Stalin to the draft telegram introduced by Lenin:
1) delete the sentence about disavowal; =

2) end the telegram with
these words: “The C.C. categorically demands fulfilment of this
directive.” On Stalin’s motion, the word “absurdities” in the first
sentence was replaced by the word “mistakes”. The Politbureau
adopted the addition to the telegram without any changes.