Date: 1922
Source: ru:PSS/v54

Source: PSS, Volume 54

AND A RESPONSE TO G. V. CHICHERIN

? We must consult Osinsky and Frumkin and reach a decision at the STO.

For now, might we not simply reply to you:

“In principle, yes?”

And then finalize the specific agreement in due course?

Highly esteemed Vladimir Ilyich,

Gudrich’s primary aim is to discuss, first, the possibility of securing, with the approval of the U.S. government, a grain loan from the American association “Grain Corporation”* for spring sowing and for sustaining adult populations. He wishes us to repay the borrowed grain in the following year, drawn from that year’s harvest. He seeks to ascertain whether we are prepared to agree to this arrangement. Second, upon concluding his term as Governor of Indiana, he was personally summoned by his close friend Hoover and dispatched here to assess the situation—with the explicit purpose of presenting the case for providing us with assistance before Congress upon his return to America. In general, he expresses the most cordial sentiments. He traveled along the Volga ostensibly as a representative of the American Relief Administration and personally witnessed the enduring strength of Soviet power. As an American, he is deeply concerned whenever he observes…

* – “Grain Corporation.” Ed.

TELEGRAM TO ALL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE COMMITTEES. NOVEMBER 12, 1921

he sees machinery and various goods arriving in Petrograd from England and Germany—while such supplies are conspicuously absent from America. Accordingly, I informed him of our efforts to establish commercial and industrial ties with the United States, beginning with the period of Robbins, who, incidentally, is a personal friend of his…

With communist greetings, G. Chicherin

November 12th.

Comrade Chicherin! I was unable to receive Gudrich today. It seems unlikely that we will manage to meet before his departure. Perhaps it would suffice if you were to jot down a dozen thoroughly courteous and utterly reassuring words for him—for example, if you wish, you might even convey, on my behalf, that you had spoken with me, and that I deeply regretted being unable to meet with him in person.

With comradely greetings, Lenin

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Written November 12, 1921.

First published from the manuscript.