Bolshevik Leaders correspondence

Bolshevik leadership Correspondence. 1912-1927
Collection of documents 1996.
Compiled by: A.V.Kvashonkin, L.P.Kosheleva, L.A.Rogovaya, O.V.Khlevnyuk.

A. G. Beloborodov - V. I. Lenin

April 23, 1921

Rostov-on-Don, 23.IV.21.

Vladimir Ilyich!

Your note dated 17.IV. received today 1 .

In allowing free trade, for the time being, until the execution of the grain order, one has to proceed with caution. Detachments 2 are standing. It is allowed to sell in the bazaars and bring in, with the exception of bread and fodder in grain and flour. "Marketplace" on a large scale has not yet begun; timidity remained from the winter food pressure. Prices are generally the same.

In the Krai Economic Council, they have freed themselves from the former ballast, but so far the current work on the preparation and implementation of orders and the exchange of goods prevails. We increase the commodity exchange fund, taking from all warehouses everything that can be taken without harm to enterprises.

Kuban is seething. Disparate gangs begin to unite, sometimes reaching the number of 400-500 fighters. The movement is led by some members of the Rada who have fled Yekaterinodar. Until now, they cannot liquidate the uprising of the Cossacks that broke out between Armavir and Stavropol.

Stavr[Opole] province[ernia]. The peasant is experiencing an internal tragedy: he does not need us, but after us - he knows - the Cossacks will come, of whom he is more afraid than us (the Cossacks in 1818 staged an all-province massacre and robbery in the Stavr[opol] province]). Separate gangs roam the provinces, mainly smashing state farms.

Don region . In general, compared with the Kuban, calmer. Also separate gangs.

With the beginning of the implementation of the tax in kind, the movement will spread everywhere. In the Kuban will have to fight seriously. In other areas there will be separate outbreaks. Under these conditions, the reduction in the strength of the Caucasian Front 3 will make it very, very difficult to liquidate the White-Green movement.

The situation is terribly difficult with information on the details of new economic measures. Only scanty information is known, penetrating through the press. There is a lot to guess about, in particular about cooperation of all kinds.

With com. regards A. Beloborodov

PS One of these days I send materials about concessions. I had to restore the old one again, which was sent earlier.

A. Beloborodov.

RTSKHIDNI. F. 5. On. 1. D. 900. L. 6. Autograph.

Notes:

1 We are talking about Lenin's unfound note to Beloborodov dated April 17, 1921. Apparently, in this note Lenin asked for information about the attitude of the peasantry of Stavropol, Don and Kuban to the NEP (V. I. Lenin. Biographical Chronicle. Vol. 10. P. 321).

2 Detachments - special formations, exhibited in cities, at railway stations, marinas, roads to protect food and other government goods, as well as to suppress attempts at free trade.

3 The reduction in the number of troops of the Caucasian Front took place in connection with the general reduction in the armed forces as the country exited the civil war.