384. TELEGRAM TO V. A. RADUS-ZENKOVICH

First published in 1933 in Lenin Miscellany XXIV. Printed from the original. · page 263

Top priority
11. VII. 1919

Zenkovich, Chairman, Gubernia Executive Committee
Saratov
To be shown also to Yaroslavsky, Krylenko, Plaksin and
the Gubernia Food Commissar

Please verify at once through absolutely reliable and impartial persons whether it is true that Sergei Malyshev is working excellently in Volsk and Balakovo with a barge-shop, further whether it is true that there is a huge crop on the left bank of the Volga, and that there are not enough people for harvesting work. How many thousands, and when, are needed from the northern gubernias? Petrograd and Moscow are without grain. Heroic measures needed. Wire exact reply immediately.

Lenin
Chairman, Council of Defence