Given the significance of the Russo-German Treaty, Germany’s acceptance of it, its impact on Italy, and the scramble among the great powers over oil concessions, we are led to the conclusion that, for the time being, the most prudent course for us is to structure our entire foreign policy—over a defined period of at least several months—entirely around the Russo-German Treaty, proclaiming it the sole model from which we will deviate only in cases where doing so would yield substantial benefits. Strive to frame this position in the form of a formal rupture. We intend, together with the ratification of the Russo-German Treaty, to incorporate a similar declaration into the VTsIK’s manifesto. Please telegraph your views without delay.
Written on May 9, 1922.

First published from a typewritten copy