741. INSTRUCTION ON N. A. SEMASHKO’S TELEPHONE MESSAGE
At its sitting on October 4, the Council of People’s Commissars decided to ask the Revolutionary Military Council of the Western Front to vacate the university premises in Smolensk, and direct the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic to enforce this decision by telegraph. In pursuance of the decision of the Council of People’s Commissars, Comrade Sklyansky transmitted this instruction to the Revolutionary Military Council for fulfilment. Nevertheless, up to now the university premises have not been vacated by the Western Front Headquarters. In view of the extreme need of the university (of a special faculty) for premises, I am submitting a complaint to you on account of the non-fulfilment of the decision of the Council of People’s Commissars and ask for categorical orders to be Issued to the Revolutionary Military Council of the Western Front.
Semashko
People’s Commissar for Health
Comrade Sklyansky
Carry out without delay. Report on fulfilment and I will take up the question of non-compliance and punishment in the Narrow Council.
V. Ulyanov (Lenin)
Chairman, C.P.C.
2/XI.