51. To MARIA ANDREYEVA

Written after March 12, 1918, but prior to September 1919 · First published in 1965 in Collected Works, Fifth Ed., Vol. 50. Printed from the original. · page 69

Maria Fyodorovna,

Unfortunately, my colleagues (in the Council) consider it impossible for me to permit a meeting (bypassing the investigating commission), all the more so since medical aid (in case of illness) is available.

I cannot go against the will and decision of my Council colleagues.

Just now it is absolutely impossible for me to have a talk with you, as I cannot tear myself away. I will write you about the case of the “provocateur and   blackmailer” (obviously he was a blackmailer: Kartashov has long been in prison, I have made inquiries).

I beg you to excuse me.

All the best,
Lenin