According to Markov's report, the weakening of grain cargo loading in the Caucasus is explained by the absence of a sufficient quantity of grain delivered to the stations, which has caused me, the People's Commissariat of Food, and the People's Commissariat of Railways extreme alarm. Thus, all efforts to bring the southeastern railways to a normal fuel situation, which has been achieved through a series of grave sacrifices, may prove futile. I propose that under your signature you immediately provide confirmation of Markov's report, and likewise explain the reasons for the weakening of loading in recent time. I point out that, given the extreme difficulties of export from Siberia and the decision of the Central Committee to cease grain requisitions throughout European Russia for the purpose of facilitating the sowing campaign, the entire supply is being transferred to a considerable degree to the North Caucasus. You are assigned the obligation to submit for export monthly six million [poods], including seed grain, for which purpose correspondingly increase grain requisitions through decisive action; actually ensure daily loading to the center via Bataysk—Tsaritsyn of no fewer than two hundred cars on average per day. By the measures adopted by the Soviet of Defense, this loading and transport are being ensured.

Your manager of administration Gissen transmitted directly by wire to Khalatov that you are calculating to provide the center by May 1st only seven million. Given the actually already [text incomplete]