PERSONAL

Source: PSS vol. 54

Dear Comrade Trotsky!

I would ask you very much to take upon yourself the defense of the Georgian matter before the Party's Central Committee. This matter is now under "persecution" by Stalin and Dzerzhinsky, and I cannot rely upon their impartiality. Quite the contrary, in fact. If you were to agree to undertake its defense, then I could be at ease. If for any reason you do not agree, then return the entire matter to me. I will regard this as a sign of your disagreement.540

With warmest comradely greetings, Lenin*

Dictated by telephone copies

March 5, 1923

Printed from typescript