To Comrade Kiselev, Chairman of the Small Soviet  
Copies to Comrades Bogdanov, Unshlikht, Avanesov, and Kursky

I draw your attention to Michels’ note in No. 203 of Izvestia, dated September 13.

The author reports that since 1918, 2.5 million poods of the most valuable metallic cargo have been lying in warehouses—virtually in a swamp—unaccounted for, unguarded, subject to theft, and left to perish.

I request that you promptly verify the accuracy of this report.

Should the report prove to be correct, please immediately take all necessary measures to account for, safeguard, and otherwise manage these assets, and hold those responsible to the strictest possible accountability.