62. To V. N. MANTSEV

First published in 1965 in Collected Works, Fifth (Russian) Ed., Vol 52. Printed from the original. · page 82

Comrade Mantsev:

Outrageous things are happening in the Ukraine.

The Politbureau directive (to have Peshekhonov and the Peshekhonovites removed from Kharkov) is being foiled.

Some of the Ukrainian C.C. members are allowing themselves to be deceived by Peshekhonov and the Peshekhonovites.

That is clear. We too shall not allow ourselves to be fooled any longer.

I authorise you, on your personal responsibility (on condition of secret and direct and regular communication with the Politbureau in Moscow) to:

(1) keep Peshekhonov under full observation;

(2) send the results here;

(3) similarly with all the other Peshekhonovites, a list of them;

(4) secure Peshekhonov’s immediate resignation and his dispatch to Moscow.

The Ukrainian C.C. is in complete disarray. Let’s see if you can do this properly.

With communist greetings,
Lenin

3/II.1921.