37.
m2
* LETTER TO V. A. AVANESOV ON THE WORK
OF THE NORMALIZATION DEPARTMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S COMMISSARIAT OF RCI.
1/IX 1922.

Comrade Avanesov! Yesterday I spoke with comrade Svidersky and became convinced that he too attaches paramount importance to the "normalization department." He has entrusted the collection of literature to Ermanski.¹) I have some doubts as to whether Ermanski will execute this successfully. He is a Menshevik, and his book shows a certain malevolence (although the book is nonetheless good).²) I ask you either to check how he fulfills the assignment, or to take measures yourself to ensure its completion.

We must obtain both German and American literature. Collect everything of any value whatsoever, especially regarding the normalization of bureaucratic work (the order of document exchange; forms; control; typewritten correspondence; inquiries and responses, etc., etc.). 

In my view, we now most urgently need to learn from Europe and America. If I am not mistaken, I heard that you have an excellent command of German. If not, find a translator. Perhaps something useful may also be found in the Scandinavian countries.

Everything must be collected and we should not rely upon Ermanski without special verification.

Perhaps through Krestinsky³) you will be able to obtain certain unpublished materials? or through the envoy in Norway?

I consider that we must develop the normalization of paperwork, and then apply it everywhere. This is the most important thing. If you are permitted to examine one of the best institutions in Germany or Norway, it would be worth staying for a week.

The main thing: norms (that is, how many persons per such-and-such a volume of work). We will then force our own Central Statistical Administration to work according to them.

I ask you, after making use of this letter, to forward it to A. D. Tsyurupa. While he is ill, I do not wish to trouble him.

Best regards.
Your Lenin.

*) O. A. Ermanski (Kogan) (b. 1866 or 1867) — was one of the prominent figures of Menshevism. At present he works on questions of the theory and practice of rationalization of industrial enterprises.

²) Reference is made to O. A. Ermanski's book — "The Scientific Organization of Labor and the Taylor System" (Gosizdat, 1922). See the following document — Lenin's review of this book. At present this book, substantially reworked, has been published under the title: "Theory and Practice of Rationalization" (vol. I — GIZ, 1928).

³) N. N. Krestinsky (b. 1883) — plenipotentiary representative of the USSR in Germany.