353. To M. I. LACIS

First published in 1942 in Lenin Miscellany XXXIV. Printed from the original. · page 245

4. VI. 1919

Comrade Lads

Dear Comrade,

I have received your letter and enclosures. Kamenev says—and declares that several most prominent Cheka men confirm it—that the Chekas in the Ukraine have brought a host of evils, having been set up too early and having allowed a mass of hangers-on to get in.

A most stringent check should be made on personnel—in this, I hope, Dzerzhinsky will assist you from here. It is necessary at all costs to discipline the Cheka men and throw out the alien elements.

When there is an opportunity to send a letter by hand, inform me in greater detail about the screening of the Cheka personnel in the Ukraine, and the results of the work.

Greetings,
Yours,
Lenin