Conducted: 1931 in Lenin Miscellany XVIII; Published according to the manuscript; J. V. Stalin’s reply according to the text of the telegram
Source: Lenin’s Collected Works, 4th English
Edition, Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1972 Volume 27, pages 549-550
Translated: Clemens Dutt; Edited by Robert Daglish
Transcription/HTML Markup: David Walters & Robert
Cymbala
Online Version: Lenin Internet
Archive March, 2002
Lenin speaking:
Can you transmit to Baku a wireless telegram just received from Tashkent:
Next about food, I must tell you that today none at all is being issued; neither in Petrograd nor in Moscow. The situation is very bad. Inform us whether you can take extraordinary measures, for there is nowhere we can get anything except from you. In Yaroslavi the rising of the Whites has been put down. Simbirsk has been captured by the Whites or Czechs. I await your reply.
Stalin's Reply
Two nights ago we sent to Turkestan all that could be sent.
The wireless message has been transmitted to Baku. There are large stocks of grain in the North Caucasus, but the railway line being cut prevents sending them to the North.
Until the line is restored delivery of grain is out of the question. An expedition has been sent to Samara and Saratov gubernias, but it will not be possible to help you. with grain within the next few days. We hope to restore the line in about ten (lays. Hold out somehow, distribute meat and fish, which we can send you in plenty. In a week's time things will be better.
Stalin
Send fish, meat, vegetables, any kind of produce, whatever you can and as much as you can.
Lenin