V. I.

Lenin

802

To:   J. V. STALIN

Comrade Stalin

Comrade Stalin :

I question the legality of yesterday’s decision about
Rozhkov, because:

first, this decision, contrary to custom and rules, had
not been entered on the agenda before 12.00; second, the documents were not communicated to C.C.
members beforehand; third, there was no ground for haste after a twofold
discussion of the question, especially since I was present
at the first part of the sitting, and the question came up
just when I had to leave. That is why I insist on referring
the matter to the plenum, especially because only a week
remains before it meets. [1]

On the question of Lozovsky, I propose that the time which has been made available should go into a more
thorough search for the necessary candidates. [2]

We, as a Party, have already devoted an unconscionable amount of energy to the Comintern, and, consequently,
to the Profintern as well. If Lozovsky has proved to be
independently not quite satisfactory, there is need to recruit fresh forces either from among the foreigners, or
among workers who would in no case be used otherwise, i.e., either for organisational, or practical, or
administrative work. That is why it is quite impossible to take
Kalnin who, I have heard, has started rather important and,
unless I am mistaken, rather successful work in Donbas.
On no account either should there simply be an appointment of Tomsky, because he is swamped with work at the
All-Russia Central T.U.C., which is rendered extremely difficult by the shortage of men. If necessary, I propose
the appointment of Tomsky and Rudzutak to have them devote to this new duty not more than 30 minutes a day,
with the compulsory engagement of two or more secretaries who know foreign languages and who are capable of
keeping Tomsky and Rudzutak informed in every detail.
I propose that an assignment to find such secretaries be
given to the Orgbureau or the Secretariat, provided they
are not removed from any post which our Party needs.

I draw attention to the fact that if men like Rothstein
are not used, this is a clear indication of crying anarchy
in the administrative arrangements of the Profintern and
the Comintern, because, at any rate, such men have proved
by their long work that they are quite suitable for literary activity, for example, in the old Neue Zeit [3] ;
there is no doubt that given the necessary secretarial assistance these men will be of exceptional benefit, and the
required secretaries can and must be recruited not from
among Russians but foreigners. It is high time that an end
should be put to the drawing of forces from our Party for
the benefit of the Comintern and the Profintern.

I propose that a relevant proposal should be sent to the C.C. Secretariat or the
Orgbureau. [4]

Lenin