**To V. A. ANTONOV-OVSEENKO**

Source: PSS vol. 50

21/I. 1918.

Comrade Antonov! I have received a complaint about you from the CEC (Kharkov). I deeply regret that my request for you to explain yourself did not reach you. Please, as quickly as possible, get in touch with me directly (by direct wire—one or two lines, through Kharkov), so that we might have a proper talk with you and clarify matters thoroughly. For God's sake, make every effort to eliminate all and every kind of friction with the CEC (Kharkov). This is of paramount importance from a state perspective. For God's sake, make peace with them and recognize their complete sovereignty. The Commissars whom you appointed I earnestly request that you remove.

I have great hope—very great hope indeed—that you will fulfill this request and achieve absolute peace with the Kharkov CEC. Here tactfulness of a national order is essential.

Regarding the victories over Kaledin and Company, I send you the warmest greetings, wishes, and congratulations! Hurrah and hurrah! I shake your hand firmly.

Your Lenin (3 February) 1918

[Editorial annotations:]

Written 21 January

First published in 1924

In the book: V. A. Antonov-Ovseenko. 

*Notes on the Civil War*, vol. 1, Moscow

Printed from the manuscript