172. TELEGRAM TO A. P. SMIRNOV

First published in 1931 in Lenin Miscellany XVIII. Printed from the original. · page 142

26. VIII. 1918

Smirnov, People’s Commissar for Internal Affairs
Saratov

(if he is away, forward to Urbach)

I insist that you definitely come to an agreement with Paikes, who is working splendidly and is rightly demanding independence for the two uyezds. I very much fear that you in Saratov are playing at collegiate methods at a time when the work demands energy and prompt action by responsible executives on the spot in the countryside and not in the towns.

Telegraph me after your talk with Paikes.

Lenin
Chairman, Council of People’s Commissars