282. To I. T. SMILGA

Written on May 27, 1921 · First published in 1932 in Lenin Miscellany XX. Printed from the original. · page 500

Comrade Smilga
Copy to the Central Oil Board
Copy to Comrade Gubkin

Both the press and reports from people on the spot show more and more frequently that things are getting worse in Baku.

Care for and attention to Baku must be increased.

Please bring before the Council of Labour and Defence a programme of systematic measures to aid Baku, making use of purchases abroad.

Constant “observation” must be established of what is happening at Baku and how we are helping.

Brief summaries should be drawn up on both items, (a) what they have, (b) what we have provided, and supervise continuously.

Lenin
Chairman, Council of Labour and Defence