Date: 1922-09-12
Source: ru:PSS/v45

LETTER TO I. V. STALIN FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE POLITBURO OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(b) CONCERNING THE REJECTION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH L. URKART
12/IX.
Comrade Stalin!
After reviewing Krasin’s agreement with Urkart, I must express my strong opposition to it. While promising us revenues in two or three years, Urkart is already demanding payment from us—right now. This is utterly unacceptable. Mikhailov, who was dispatched by the Pre-Commission specifically to investigate Urkart’s concession on-site, has conclusively demonstrated that the blame for the destruction lies not with us, but with foreign interests—and yet we are the ones who will be footing the bill!! We are supposedly set to see relief after x (x) years, but we are being asked to start paying immediately!
I propose that we reject this concession.
It is nothing short of bondage and plunder.
Let me recall the findings of Mikhailov’s commission: they were unequivocally against the concession.
Not a single weighty argument has emerged in its favor. We must reject it.
I ask you to bring this matter to the attention of the members of the Politburo.
With best regards, V. Ulyanov (Lenin)
P.S. This is a cunning ruse—concealing the fact that this concession will inevitably set a precedent.
In all likelihood, it most certainly will become a precedent. In practice, no matter how many fine words are spoken or how many assurances are given, that is precisely what will come to pass.
Moreover, everything that was laid bare by Mikhailov’s commission has been completely ignored. There is not a single compelling reason to support such a concession.
Lenin
Written on September 12, 1922.
First published in 1959.

In Lenin Collection, Volume XXXVI

Printed from the manuscript