TO V. A. ANTONOV-OVSEYENKO

Source: PSS vol 50

21/I. 1918.

Comrade Antonov! I have received a complaint against you from the TsIK (Kharkov). I am extremely sorry that my request to you to explain yourself did not reach you. Please, as quickly as possible, get in touch with me directly (direct wire — one or two, via Kharkov), so that we can speak with you seriously and explain ourselves properly. For God's sake, exert all efforts to eliminate all and any

TELEGRAM TO G. K. ORDZHONIKIDZE. 22 JANUARY 1918

friction with the TsIK (Kharkov). This is of supreme state importance. For God's sake, make peace with them and recognize their complete sovereignty. The Commissars whom you appointed — I earnestly ask you to remove them.

I very much hope that you will fulfill this request and achieve absolute peace with the Kharkov TsIK. Here what is needed is supreme national tact.

With regard to the victories over Kaledin and Co., I send you the warmest greetings and wishes and congratulations! Hurrah and hurrah! I clasp your hand firmly.

Your Lenin (3 February) 1918 in the book: V. A. Antonov-Ovseyenko.

*Notes on the Civil War*, Written 21 January

First published in 1924 vol. 1, Moscow

Printed from the manuscript