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Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931–19361935 August
Stalin's vacation in 1935 was again long: in the journal of visits to Stalin's office, a pass was recorded from August 10 to November 2. However, the nature of Stalin's correspondence with Kaganovich (as well as with other members of the Soviet leadership) changed during this period. Instead of letters, Stalin and Kaganovich exchanged mainly strictly businesslike and short ciphered telegrams and telephone messages. One of the reasons for this, as already mentioned, was the change in the situation in the highest echelons of power after the assassination of Kirov on December 1, 1934. Stalin took less and less into account the opinion of his associates, gradually strengthening the system of personal power, free from some restrictions of "collective leadership". Secondly, a reliable telephone connection was established between Moscow and the south.
Kaganovich, Yezhov - Stalin August 14, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 9. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 14/VIII - 35 at 22 o'clock. 57 min. In. No. 2.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
We talked to Pyatnitsky and Knorin. 1) We propose to appoint Kiorin as Stetsky's deputy. Knorin and Stetsky agree. 2) Pyatnitsky was offered a job in the Party Control Commission. Pyatnitsky refuses and asks to be given a job in the apparatus of the Central Committee.
Our opinion - Pyatnitsky could be appointed head of the political and administrative department of the Central Committee, where there is no head, or to the planning, financial and trade department instead of Bauman, who should be released in connection with his appointment to the department of science.
We ask for instructions. HP 2.
Kaganovich, Yezhov.Stalin to Kaganovich, Yezhov August 15, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 9. Autograph.
Kaganovich. Yezhov .
Knorin can be Stetsky's deputy, and Pyatnitsky the head of one of the free departments of the Central Committee of his choice .
Stalin.
15/VIII - 35
12–15.
No. 1 2
___________________
1 On August 16, 1935, the PB approved V.G. Knorin as deputy head of the department of party propaganda and agitation, and O.A. Pyatnitsky as head of the political and administrative department of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 42).
2 Date, time and number entered by the secretary. Sent in code from Sochi on the same day at 16:00. 05 min. (Ibid. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 8).Kaganovich to Stalin August 16 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 743. L. 1–4. Autograph.
16/VIII
Hello, Dear Comrade Stalin!
1) In the Odessa region, some areas were in a difficult situation with the harvest. Veger and the Central Committee of the CP(b)U are asking for a reduction in the grain delivery plan for the agricultural sector for the Odessa region by 12 million and a loan for winter sowing of 1.5 million [million] poods. We would consider it possible to satisfy their request, in 2 days Kleiner will arrive and we will hear him.
Please let me know your opinion. Just in case, I am sending Veger's letter.
2) On the removal of the eagles from the towers of the Kremlin, we, on the basis of the drawings of stars approved by you, outlined the attached short decision of the Central Committee and the Council of People's Commissars. I ask you: firstly, to approve this project, secondly, to give an indication whether it is necessary to remove the Historical Museum, and thirdly, whether to publish a note in the newspapers that there is a decision to remove the eagles and replace them stars.
3) Today Comrade Stomonyakov insisted on discussing Hirota's note in response to his note. We instructed him to shorten it and soften it a little. When it is ready, we will, of course, ask you. Should it be given at all? This question arose today, but we still instructed him to redo it.
Until I load you up.
I shake your hands and wish you a good rest. Yours L. Kaganovich. Greetings to our hostess Svetlana! I am waiting for orders, I will fulfill any, up to a petition for a postponement of 15-20 days of school.
One of the secretaries L.M. Kaganovich.
Greetings to a colleague - the secretary of the hostess Vasya.
OK.Kaganovich, Molotov to Stalin August 16, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 12. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 16/VIII - 35 at 21 o'clock. 22 min. In. No. 4.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
The Moscow correspondent of the Polish officialdom Gazeta Polska, Berson-Otmar, appeared in the newspaper issue of August 13 with an article on the congress of the Comintern, in which he writes: "The Comintern has always been the most slanderous institution in this record-breaking slanderous country." This same Burson more than once made vile attacks against us.
We are thinking of making a presentation to the Polish government with the following content: "In view of the fact that Burson made an intolerable attack against the country in which he enjoys hospitality, we propose to recall him within three days, warning that if he does not leave the USSR, he will be expelled from the USSR."
Please provide your opinion. HP 8.
Kaganovich, Molotov.Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov August 17, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 12. Autograph.
Kaganovich. Molotov .
I agree about the expulsion of Otmar. It is necessary to publish about the deportation and give a stigmatizing explanation in the press .
Stalin.
13–50
No. 2.
17/VIII - 35 2
____________________
1 August 19, 1935 in "Pravda" was published a note "Do not dare to insult our people."
2 Time, number and date entered by the secretary. On the same day sent in code from Sochi at 3 o'clock. 55 min. (Ibid. L. 11).Kaganovich, Molotov - Stalin August 17, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 15. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 17/VIII - 35 at 1 o'clock. 33 min. In. No. 5.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
During the negotiations in Harbin on direct railway communication, the question arose of the segments of our Trans-Baikal and Ussuri railways passing through the Manchurian territory. d. 12 kilometers long. The Japanese-Manchus do not deny our right to own these stretches, but deny us the right to exploit them, making this issue acute, declaring that our exploitation of these stretches on foreign territory is contrary to their "sovereignty".
We consider it possible to adopt the following proposals of the NKID:
“If the Japanese-Manchurian side shows interest in buying from us sections of the Trans-Baikal and Ussuri railways. e. to agree to sell or lease these segments to the Japanese-Manchurian side. To agree with the arrival of Manchurian trains at Otpor and Grodekovo stations in exchange for the arrival of our trains at Manchuria and Pogranichnaya stations.
Please provide your opinion. HP 9.
Kaganovich, Molotov.Stalin to Kaganovich, Yezhov, Molotov August 17, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 21–22. Autograph.
Kaganovich, Yezhov, Molotov .
I ask the Zakkraykom to forbid, on the personal responsibility of Beria, the reprinting of my articles and pamphlets of the period 1905-1910 without my sanction. Motives: they were published sloppily, quotes from Ilyich are completely distorted, there is no one but me to correct these gaps, each time I rejected Beria’s request for a reprint without my review, but despite this, the Transcaucasians unceremoniously ignore my protests, which is why the Central Committee’s categorical ban on reprinting without my approval is the only way out. Send me a copy of the decision of the Central Committee.
Stalin.
No. 5.
14–45.
17/VIII - 35 1
_______________________
1 Number, time and date entered by the secretary. Sent in code from Sochi at 16:00. 55 min. (Ibid. L. 20).Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov to Stalin August 19, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 23. Certified typewritten copy.
Cipher.
Stalin.
We inform the decision of the Central Committee on your telegram:
“Forbid the Zakkraykom, for the personal responsibility of Beria, to reprint Comrade Stalin’s articles and pamphlets for the period 1905-1910 without his sanction.”
In addition, the Central Committee adopted the following decision:
“To recognize as necessary the complete edition of the works of comrade. Stalin and instruct the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute, together with the department of party propaganda and agitation, in agreement with Comrade. Stalin to develop a plan for publishing" 1 . No. 1223/sh.
Kaganovich. Molotov. Yezhov.
19.VIII.35
_______________________
1 PB issued this decision on August 19, 1935 (RGASPI F 17 Op. 3. D. 970. L. 50).
Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov August 19, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 25. Autograph.
Moscow. Kaganovich. Molotov .
I consider Veger's proposals for a reduction in the grain delivery plan and other benefits to be minimal. I propose to satisfy them.
Stalin.
15–10.
19/VIII.35
#6 2
_________________
1 Time, date and number entered by the secretary. Sent in code from Sochi at 16:00. 19 min. (Ibid. L. 24).Stalin to Kaganovich August 19, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 81. Op. 3. D. 100. L. 89–90. Autograph.
19/VIII 35
1) As regards Veger's proposals, I have already sent you a cipher 1 .
2) Regarding the eagles on the towers, I send my consent with this letter 2 .
3) I propose to close the Searchlight immediately, as it is completely unnecessary , and to transfer the paper (vacated) to the Ogonyok magazine, which is much better maintained and should be expanded. Vasilyevsky to send to another job (as the editor of the Searchlight, he turned out to be stupid and useless).
Hey! I. Stalin.
P.S. Svetlana the hostess will be in Moscow on August 27th . She demands permission for an early departure to Moscow in order to control her secretaries. I. St.
__________________
On August 20, 1935, the PB decided to lower the grain delivery plan for the Odessa region and to give the poor collective farms of the region a seed loan for winter sowing (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 162. D. 18. L. 115).
On August 22, 1935, the PB approved a resolution of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR, which provided for the removal of eagles from the towers of the Kremlin wall and the building of the Historical Museum by November 7, 1935 and the installation of five-pointed stars on the Kremlin towers (Ibid. Op. 3 D. 970. L. 57). On August 23, a message about this was published in the newspapers. On September 29, the PB approved the allocation of 30 kg of gold for the manufacture of Kremlin stars (Ibid. Op. 162. D. 18. L. 137).Molotov, Kaganovich, Voroshilov to Stalin August 19, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. L. D. 88. L. 36. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 19/VIII - 35 at 22 o'clock. 31 min. In. No. 9.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
Levanevsky states: 1) Despite the correction of the oil system, he is not sure of its reliability in a long flight. 2) The time for the flight to the Pole region is missed. Therefore, he considers it necessary to postpone the flight to next year on a new aircraft. Levanevsky and the entire crew declare that, if necessary, they are ready, despite their doubts, to make the flight.
We consider it necessary to cancel the flight this year.
Please provide your opinion. HP 16.
Molotov, Kaganovich, Voroshilov.Stalin to Molotov, Voroshilov, Kaganovich August 20, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 36. Autograph.
Molotov. Voroshilov. Kaganovich .
It is quite possible and even probable that Levanevsky's considerations are correct. I agree to the cancellation of the flight 1 .
Stalin.
14–20
20/VIII.35
№8 1
__________________
1 Time, date and number entered by the secretary. On the same day sent in code from Sochi at 15:00. 10 minutes. (Ibid. L. 35). The decision of the PB to cancel the flight was issued on August 20, 1935 (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 54).Kaganovich, Molotov to Stalin August 21, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 42. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 21/VIII - 35 at 4 o'clock. 23 min. In. No. 10.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
The Luxembourg government has made a proposal to resume diplomatic relations 1 . We propose the following solution:
“1) Accept Luxembourg's proposal to resume diplomatic relations. 2) To instruct the charge d'affaires in France to exchange letters with representatives of the Luxembourg government on the model of letters that Potemkin exchanged with the Belgian envoy, excluding from the text of the letters any mention of the exchange of envoys. 3) Luxembourg's offer to exchange propaganda letters is rejected."
Please let us know your opinion 2 . HP 20.
Kaganovich, Molotov.
____________________
On August 16, 1935, the plenipotentiary representative of the USSR in France informed the NKDD about the proposal of the adviser to the Luxembourg government to restore diplomatic relations between the USSR and Luxembourg. See about it: Fiberboard. T. XVIII. S. 473.
2 On the same day, Stalin agreed in cipher from Sochi at 22:00. 25 min. (RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 41). The exchange of notes between the governments of the USSR and Luxembourg on the establishment of diplomatic relations took place in Paris on August 26, 1935 (DVP. Vol. XVIII. pp. 474, 475).Kaganovich, Molotov to Stalin August 21, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 52. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 21/VIII - 35 at 22 o'clock. 10 minutes. In. No. 12.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
Khataevich arrived and reported that 8 districts of the Dnepropetrovsk region had a sharply reduced harvest. He asks to reduce the repayment of the loan by 3 million poods with a postponement to 1936 and payment in kind by 2 million poods.
We consider it possible to satisfy his request. Please let us know your opinion 1 . HP 21.
Kaganovich, Molotov.
_______________________
1 At the bottom of the encryption, Chechulin wrote down Stalin's answer: “Moscow. CC ON. Kaganovich, Molotov. Your #21 agrees. Stalin. 22/VIII.35 13-45.Kaganovich, Molotov to Stalin August 22, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 57. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 22/VIII - 35 20 hours. 27 min. In. No. 13.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
The Ukrainians are asking for the entire balance of the reserve of delivered obligations for grain deliveries, which, after discounts for the Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk regions, is 6 million pounds, to be placed at their disposal for discounts to individual needy collective farms in all regions of Ukraine.
Since, as of August 20, Ukraine has fulfilled about 75% of the annual plan for grain procurements without garnets, we consider it possible to agree with this. Please provide your opinion. HP 22.
Kaganovich, Molotov.
Kaganovich to Stalin August 22 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 743. L. 5–9. Autograph.
22/VIII
Hello, Dear Comrade Stalin!
1) I received your letter. A decision was made today about the Searchlight, and at the same time Comrade Tal was instructed to submit to the Secretariat of the Central Committee his proposals for the expansion and improvement of Ogonyok .
2) The last five days gave 237 mil. pud. of bread. Thus, although Ukraine has given a slight decrease, we still have an increase in procurement at the expense of other regions. So far, Bashkiria, Sverdlovsk, Omsk and some] others are lagging behind, but we'll see what the next five-day period will bring. All oblasts and krais are lagging behind in terms of repayment of loans, we are thinking of pressing on this side. On the whole, preparations for this year are, of course, going very well. In this regard, and also in order to get closer to 80,000 wagons, we adopted a plan for loading 73,000 wagons for September.
3) I am sending you a new draft note of reply to Hirota. Please read and share your opinion 2 .
4) T. Voroshilov submitted a draft resolution on lowering the draft age. Although Comrade Voroshilov spoke to you about this, in view of the importance of this decision, I am sending you a draft and asking you to let me know your opinion .
5) By today's mail you are sent a note from Comrade Agranov about the arrest of the editor of the French-language newspaper "Journal de Moscu" Lukyanov (a former Smenovekhite émigré) who was published in Moscow. The NKID entrusted him with the entire apparatus and publication of the newspaper. The newspaper was conducted incorrectly and, apparently, Smenovekhov's elements, and perhaps even espionage elements, were grouped around it. Today NKIDovtsy entered with a protest against the arrest. Of course, it would have been better if the NKVD had requested an arrest, and we would have removed him from editorship before the arrest, but in essence they did the right thing. Unfortunately, on this basis, today we got into a sharp dispute with Comrade Voroshilov. Nevertheless, we decided not to release this Lukyanov and remove him from the post of editor. As for the direction of the newspaper, we instructed Comrade Tal to get acquainted in detail with the contents of a number of issues of the newspaper, work out proposals and report to us.
As an editor, apparently, we will have to look for a non-party person, but, firstly, a Soviet and, secondly, a secretary of the editorial board, one must have a communist. By the way, Vinogradov's candidacy, the writer whose letter you left me, was named as editor. Please let me know your opinion.
Hearty greetings to you. How do you rest? Your L. Kaganovich.
Greetings to the owner - Svetlana. Looking forward to it. L. Kaganovich.
_____________________
On August 22, 1935, the PB made a decision to close the magazine "Prozhektor" and transfer the vacated paper to the magazine "Spark" (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 59).
On July 2 , 1935, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the USSR in Japan presented the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Hirota with a note from the Soviet government about violations of the USSR border by Manchukuo, as a result of which there were victims among the Soviet border guards (DVP. T. XVIII. S. 430-434 ). On July 20, in a reply note, the Japanese side rejected these claims, denying the facts of border crossing and killings of border guards. The new Soviet note, approved by the PB on August 28 and handed to Hirota on September 2, expressed dissatisfaction with this statement by the Japanese government and repeated its protest against incursions into Soviet territory (Ibid., pp. 480-482).
3 In 1936, the age limit for conscription into the Red Army was lowered from 21 to 19 years.Stalin to Kaganovich [later August 22, 1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 81. Op. 3. D. 100. L. 95–97. Autograph.
T[ovari] shu Kaganovich .
1) The NKVD had no right to arrest Lukyanov without the sanction of the Central Committee. We need to give Agranov a kick. Vinogradov, perhaps, will do.
2) It is necessary to press on grain procurements and return of loans. It is especially necessary to put pressure on the Ukrainians, who have been corrupted by our concessions, as well as on the Omsk and other eastern regions. Send Kleiner to Omsk, someone else to Bashkir and click.
3) Why was Trilisser's candidacy for the ECCI replaced by Moskvin's candidacy? What's the matter? 1
4) Evdokimov (Northern Caucasus) must be satisfied (see attached letter) 2 . Hey! 3
I. Stalin.
____________________
On August 10, 1935, the PB approved the following composition of the Presidium of the Executive Committee of the Comintern from the CPSU (b): Manuilsky, Stalin, Trilisser (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 162. D. 18. L. PO).
4 The letter is missing.
5 In the upper right corner of Mikoyan's litter: "Read."Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov August 23, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 57, 57v. Autograph.
Central Committee of the CPSU. Kaganovich. Molotov .
Your HP 22 1 . I propose to give in to the Ukrainians not completely, but partially, namely: to give them half of the reserve, and leave the other half to the state so that they will not demand any seed or other help for bread. Ukrainians say that with their record harvest it would be good to have a conscience and not turn into beggars. I stand by my proposal.
Stalin.
No. 14.
23/VIII.35
12–30 1
__________________
1 Number, date and time entered by the secretary. The correct time is 0 o'clock. 30 minutes. Sent in code from Sochi at 1 o'clock. 55 min. August 23 (Ibid. L. 56).Stalin to Voroshilov, Kaganovich, Molotov August 25 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 72, 72v. Autograph.
Voroshilov, Kaganovich, Molotov .
I propose to award all participants of the horse race Ashgabat - Moscow with the Order of the Red Star. This would be of great importance both for the Central Asian and North Caucasian peoples, and for cavalrymen in general.
Stalin.
No. 15.
25/VIII.
2 hours 20 1
_____________________
1 Number, date and time entered by the secretary. On the same day sent from Sochi in cipher at 9 o'clock. 40 min. (Ibid. L. 71).Kaganovich to Stalin August 25, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 87. Certified typewritten copy.
Copy.
Cipher .
Tov. Stalin .
Today Bullitt delivered a note of protest against the Congress of the Comintern. I am sending you this note .
Krestinsky was instructed to draw up a draft answer. When it's ready, we'll send it to you. No. 1288/sh.
Kaganovich.
25.VIII.35
____________________
1 The translation of Bullitt's note dated August 25, 1935 on the same day was communicated to Chechulin in Sochi via HF (Ibid. L. 88–91).Voroshilov, Kaganovich, Molotov - Stalin August 25, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 73. Certified typewritten copy.
Copy .
Cipher.
Tov. Stalin .
We fully agree with your proposal to award the participants of the equestrian race with the Order of the Red Star. Today we passed by resolution 1 . In addition, we consider it necessary to award the CEC diploma to 17 people who served them throughout the run. No. 1289/sh.
Voroshilov. Kaganovich. Molotov.
25.VIII.35
______________________
1 The PB decision was drawn up on August 26, 1935 (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 68).
Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov - Stalin August 25, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 75. Original. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 25/VIII-35. No. 18.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
The Cominternists sent resolutions for review before printing. Compared to the text you have reviewed, the amendments are small. Today, looking through, we just brought the resolutions closer to the original text. It is doubtful whether newspapers should publish items about the army in resolutions on war and fascism.
Please inform:
1) What is your opinion on this issue
and 2) whether you need to send these resolutions for viewing or whether you can print them. HP 33.
Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov.Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov August 26, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 77. D. 88. L. 75. Autograph.
Your HP 33. Items about the army in resolutions on war and fascism should not be printed. Your review of the resolutions is sufficient, print them directly 1 .
No. 16
Stalin.
26/VIII.35
00–15 2
_________________
On August 29, 1935, the resolutions of the 7th Congress of the Comintern were published in Pravda.
2 Number, date and time entered by the secretary. Sent in code from Sochi on the same day at 1 o'clock. 15 minutes. (Ibid. L. 74).
Kaganovich, Molotov to Stalin August 26, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 81–83. Script. Typescript.
Encryption.
From Moscow 26/VIII - 35 at 22 hours 30 minutes. In. No. 21.
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
We are sending the text of our draft response to Bullitt, asking for your opinion. HP 36.
Kaganovich. Molotov.
Telegram HP 7171 from Moscow
Sochi. Personally. Chechulin.
Mr. Ambassador, in a note dated August 25, d. You drew my attention to the activities of the 7th Congress of the Communist International held in Moscow and, referring to the note of the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Litvinov, to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Roosevelt, dated November 16, 1933, protested against this activity, which is being considered by your government as a violation of the obligations stipulated by the note of November 16, 1933, regarding non-interference in the internal affairs of the United States.
In this regard, I consider it necessary to emphasize with all decisiveness that the government of the USSR has always treated and still treats with the greatest respect all the obligations it has assumed, including, of course, the mutual obligation of non-interference in internal affairs, provided for by the exchange of notes from November 16, 1933 and discussed in detail in the negotiations between US President Roosevelt and People's Commissar Litvinov.
Your note of August 25 does not contain any facts that would constitute a violation of its obligations by the Soviet government.
On the other hand, it is certainly not new for the US government that the government of the USSR cannot and did not assume any obligations in relation to the Communist International.
Thus, the allegation of a violation by the government of the USSR of the obligations contained in the note of November 16, 1933, does not follow from the obligations assumed by the parties, as a result of which I cannot accept your protest and have to reject it.
The Government of the USSR, sincerely sharing the opinion of the US Government that strict mutual non-interference in internal affairs is an essential prerequisite for maintaining friendly relations between our countries, and steadily pursuing this policy in practice, declares that it strives for the further development of friendly cooperation between the USSR and the United States. States of America, which meets the interests of the peoples of the Soviet Union and the United States of America and is of such great importance for the cause of world peace.
I take this opportunity to ask you to accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
August 26, 1935.
22 hours 46 minutesStalin - Molotov, Kaganovich August 27, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. P. D. 88. L. 81. Autograph.
Molotov, Kaganovich .
I have no objections to the text of the reply to Bullitt: I suggest that at the beginning of the reply, after the words "as a violation of the obligations envisaged by the note of November 16, 1933," insert the words: "the government of the USSR" 1 . No. 17.
Stalin.
3–15
27/VIII.35 2
____________________
1 The note was handed on August 27, 1935, subject to Stalin's amendment. See fiberboard. T. XVIII. pp. 476–477.
2 Time and date entered by the secretary. On the same day sent in code from Sochi at 7 o'clock. 16 min. (RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 80).Stalin - Molotov, Kaganovich August 27, 1935
HideRequisites
Direction: GovernmentInternational relationshipsArmed forces and defense
Document type: References and reports
State: the USSR
Dating: 1935.08.27
Tags: StalinForeign policyRed Army
A source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931–1936 Moscow: (ROSSPEN), 2001 Pp. 535-536
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. P. D. 88. L. 97. Autograph.
Molotov, Kaganovich .
I do not mind a new version of the answer to the Japanese. Nor do I object to Voroshilov's project to lower the draft age. Stalin.
#21
27/VIII.35 14:00 1
____________________
1 Number, date and time entered by the secretary. Sent on the same day in code from Sochi at 16:00. 46 min. (Ibid. L. 96).Molotov, Kaganovich to Stalin August 27, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 110 - 110 rev. Script. Ticker-tape.
From Moscow telegram HP 7236
Copy.
S. secret.
On a straight line.
Sochi. Chechulin.
Tov. Stalin.
The People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs proposes not to publish the American and our notes, giving our note completely to the incorres, and limiting ourselves to publishing the following TASS message in our press:
“On August 25, the US Ambassador to Moscow, Mr. V. Bullitt, presented the Acting People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Comrade N.N. On November 16, 1933, between the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Comrade M. M. Litvinov, and the President of the United States, Mr. Roosevelt, protested against this activity, which is considered by the US government as a violation of the obligations of the USSR government on non-interference in the internal affairs of the United States.
On August 27, Comrade Krestinsky handed Mr. Bullitt a note in response, in which he emphasized that the government of the USSR has always treated and still treats with the greatest respect all the obligations it has assumed, including the mutual obligation of non-interference in internal affairs. Establishing that Mr. Bullitt's note contains no facts that would testify to a violation by the Soviet government of its obligations, Comrade Krestinsky also points out that the government of the USSR cannot and did not assume any obligations in relation to the Communist International. Therefore, Comrade Krestinsky declares that he cannot accept Mr. Bullitt's protest and is forced to reject it.
In conclusion, Comrade Krestinsky confirms the USSR's invariable desire for the further development of friendly cooperation between the USSR and the USA, which meets the interests of the peoples of both countries and is of great importance for the cause of world peace.
We consider the proposal of the NKID acceptable.
Please let us know your opinion 1 .
Molotov, Kaganovich.
August 27, 1935
______________________
1 Secretary Chechulin wrote down Stalin's answer: “Moscow. CC ON. Tov. Molotov, Kaganovich. TASS message about the note can be published. Stalin. 27/VIII.35 " (Ibid. L. 110v.). The TASS report was published in Pravda on August 28, 1935.Kaganovich to Stalin August 27 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 743. L. 10–15. Autograph.
27/VIII
Hello, Dear Comrade Stalin!
Received your letter.
1) Evidently, Comrade Yezhov agreed to Lukyanov’s arrest, but at the meeting I personally pointed out to Comrade Agranov that they had no right to arrest without formally raising the issue to the Central Committee. But, Comrade Stalin, I want to tell you that our main dispute was not so much because of this, but because of the essence of the issue. Voroshilov denied Lukyanov's guilt and the newspaper's mistakes in advance, without reading either the newspaper or the materials. In my opinion, he is wrong, and when I began to prove him wrong, then we got a sharp argument.
In any case, we will give Agranov a kick, but if we have to discuss the merits, allow me to defend my position on this issue .
2) You are absolutely right about grain procurements; tomorrow we will do everything that you suggest.
3) Trilisser was renamed Moskvin due to the fact that his name is known as a former employee of the NKVD.
4) An interesting letter came from Tairov from Mongolia, in which he talks about the moods of Gendun and the entire elite. Apparently, Gendun is moving away from us more and more. I am sending you this letter just in case .
5) The project of Comrade Andreev, left by you, provided for an inspection of the Komsomol from September. I think, Comrade Stalin, that this is inexpedient. Membership cards are now being checked 3 . Naturally, the Komsomol check will suffer. It would be better to postpone it to 1936, when the verification of membership cards will be completed. Please let me know your opinion.
6) Yesterday there was a meeting of the Defense Commission. Unfortunately, the agenda did not include the issue that I asked to be discussed, this is Prokofiev's note, which was left to you, about the state of military artillery depots and the storage of shells. It can be seen from this note that the matter has been put very badly, but now it will have to be discussed at the next meeting.
We discussed the issue of building TsAGI in Ramenskoye 4 . We decided not to build dams, but to build hydroplanes elsewhere. In Ramenskoye, build for land aviation.
Just in case, I am sending you the minutes of the KO 5 meeting .
Well, I'll end with this.
I will write about my NKPS affairs in my next letter.
Hearty greetings to you, Your L. Kaganovich.
_______________________
On August 22, by decision of the PB, the editor of the newspaper "Journal de Moscu" S. S. Lukyanov was removed from his post. The NKID was instructed to select another candidate for this position (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 64). On August 28, 1935, the PB pointed out to the NKVD that it was "wrong" to arrest Lukyanov without the sanction of the Central Committee. An extract with this decision was sent to Agranov (Ibid. Op. 162. D. 18. L. 123).
2 The letter is missing.
3 Verification of the existence and authenticity of party tickets and registration cards began in May 1935. In fact, it was a continuation of the purge of the CPSU (b), which was carried out from the end of 1932.
4 Central Aerodynamic Institute, established in 1918.
5 No protocol.Molotov, Kaganovich to Stalin August 28, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 121. Certified typewritten copy.
Strictly secret .
Copy .
Cipher.
Tov. Stalin.
It is necessary to send a delegation from the Profintern and separately from the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions to the congresses of the Reformist Confederation of Labor and the Unitary Confederation of Labor, which will open at the end of September in Paris, where the question of their unification will be raised. Lozovsky proposes to send him, Shvernik and others. Together with the Cominternists, we believe that neither Lozovsky nor Shvernik should travel.
It could be sent from Profintern Heckert. From the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions Romanov (Chairman of the Central Committee of Mechanical Engineering) and Weinberg.
For the rest, send Zapototsky and Schwerm from the trade unions of Czechoslovakia, Foster from America, etc.
Please let us know your opinion 1 . HP 1306/sh.
Molotov. Kaganovich.28/VIII.35.
Kaganovich to Stalin August 28, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 115. Certified typewritten copy.
Strictly secret .
Copy .
Cipher .
Tov. Stalin.
Upon receipt of your letter today, it was decided:
1. Kleiner to send to Omsk, Temkin from the CCP to Bashkiria 1 .
2. We sent a telegram about the return of loans.
3. Evdokimov's request was fully satisfied.
4. Trilisser's surname was changed to Moskvin due to his previous work.
5. By a resolution of the PB, Agranov was pointed out that it was wrong to arrest Lukyanov without the sanction of the Central Committee. HP 1308/sh.
Kaganovich. 28/VIII - 35
______________________ ___
1 On August 28, 1935, I.M. Kleiner to the Omsk region, and M.M. Temkin to Bashkiria “to help local organizations to strengthen grain procurements” (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 72).Stalin to Kaganovich [August 29, 1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 117. Autograph.
Moscow. Central Committee of the CPSU. Dvinsky for Kaganovich.
I can agree to the signature if you let me see the text of the decree on channel 1 .
Stalin.
HP 23.
15–18 2
____________________
Stalin responds to the following telegram from Dvinsky: “From Moscow. HP 7315. Sochi. Poskrebyshev. Personally. Comrade Kaganovich asks you to ask Comrade Stalin's consent to his signature under the adopted resolution "On the construction of the Moscow-Volga Canal." For your information, I inform you that we are talking about the main decree, and not about the Rybinsk knot. You need to ask as soon as possible, since the decision must be drawn up in minutes. Dvinsky. August 29, 1935. 4 o'clock 10 minutes.". (Ibid.). The draft resolution on the construction of the canal was adopted mainly at a meeting of the PB on July 2, 1935 and submitted for final editing to a commission consisting of V. Mezhlauk, Yagoda, Pyatakov, Kaganovich and others (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D 967. L. 2). The decision of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks was finally approved by the PB on September 7, 1935 (Ibid. D. 971. L. 21).
2 Number and time entered by the secretary.Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov August 29, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 120. Autograph.
Kaganovich. Molotov.
Your HP 41. Only Romanov could be sent from the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions, and if a second delegate is needed, it would be better to send a woman, not Weinberg. In everything else, I agree. HP 24.
Stalin.
16-30.
29/VIII.35 1
___________________________
1 Time, number and date entered by the secretary.Kaganovich to Stalin August 29 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 743. L. 20–22. Autograph.
29/VIII
Hello, Dear Comrade Stalin!
1) We are sending you the Decree on the Volga-Moscow Canal. I edited the introductory part in the spirit of an exchange of opinions on the PB. I ask you to inform me whether to print it in the newspapers after you sign it.
2) What is to be done with the draft resolution on the Intelligence Agency sent by Comrade Gamarnik? Shouldn't it be postponed until autumn? Please let me know your opinion 1 .
3) Mirzoyan sent a telegram about the celebration on October 24 of the 15th anniversary of the Cossack Republic. At the same time, he raises a number of economic issues: the construction of houses of culture, libraries, etc. He also raises the issue of awards. Please let me know your opinion 2 .
4) Today we looked at models of stars. It turned out very well and beautifully. I am sending you photos of the layouts and a draft resolution with amendments. I ask you to communicate your opinion, preferably by telegraph, in view of the need to start work.
5) A PB meeting has been scheduled for the 31st, the agenda of the meeting is being sent to you. I'll write after PB.
Hey! Your L. Kaganovich.
____________________
On November 27, 1935, the people's commissar of defense approved the new states of the intelligence department of the Red Army (Gorbunov E. Military intelligence in 1934–1939 // Svobodnaya mysl. 1998. No. 2. P. 106).
2 After a repeated appeal by L.I. Mirzoyan dated September 5, 1935, the PB accepted the proposal of the leadership of the republic to postpone the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Kazakhstan from October 4 to October 24 (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 163. D. 1078. L. 8). On October 22, the PB approved a draft resolution of the CEC Presidium on the Soviet, economic and cultural construction of Kazakhstan in 15 years, which provided, in particular, the construction of cultural centers. (Ibid. Op. 3. D. 972. L. 42, 147–155).Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov, Manuilsky - to Stalin on August 31, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 129. Original. Typescript.
Series "G"
Telegram.
From Moscow 31.VIII.35
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
In connection with the death of Barbusse, we assume:
1. The funeral should not be given a purely Comintern, but a broader public character. In this regard, the composition of the funeral commission to determine: Bulganin (chairman), members: Marty, Monmuso, Alexei Tolstoy, Mikhail Koltsov, Stasova and Stetsky.
2. There is a proposal after cremation in Moscow and the corresponding honors, to bury the ashes not in Moscow, but in Paris, where to transport them at the request of friends and relatives. If in Moscow, then bury on Red Square.
3. From the Central Committee we give the following press release:
“The Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks announces with deep sorrow the death of an outstanding writer of France, a friend of the working people of the Soviet Union, a glorious fighter against fascism for the cause of peace, for the liberation of working mankind from the oppression of capital, comrade. Henri Barbusse, which followed in Moscow on August 30, 1935.
4. Should a notice from the Council of People's Commissars be published in print?
Please let us know your opinion.
Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov, Manuilsky.Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov, Yezhov, Manuilsky August 31, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 129. Autograph.
If friends and relatives insist, it is better to bury in Paris, of course, after appropriate honors on our part. The notice must be given from the Central Committee and the Council of People's Commissars. Everything else - according to your proposal 1 .
Stalin.
31/VIII.35.
1–25 2
_________________
On August 31, 1935, the PB approved the proposal of Manuilsky, Mart and Montmousseau and decided “to send the body of Barbusse to Paris, according to the request of his relatives and friends with the preliminary embalming of the body ... Appoint the removal of the body of A. Barbusse from Moscow for 2 or 3 September. Allow a military guard of honor at the coffin and a military escort of the coffin to the station. Organize the escort of the coffin from the conservatory to the station by workers and employees. Organize a rally on the square of the Belorussko-Baltic Station with speeches by comrade Bulganin from the funeral commission, comrade Marta from the Executive Committee of the Comintern and the Communist Party of France and a representative of the Union of Soviet Writers ”(RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 1).
2 Date and time entered by the secretary. On the same day, Stalin's reply was sent by direct wire to Moscow (Ibid. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 128).Kaganovich to Stalin August 31, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 134. Original. Typescript.
Series "G".
Telegram.
From Moscow 31.VIII.35
Sochi. Tov. Stalin.
I would like to ask the Central Committee to adopt the following resolution:
“Resolution of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR on the awarding of participants in the Khabarovsk-Moscow cycling run.
The Central Executive Committee of the USSR decides: For the team of the first regiment of the Special Construction Brigade of the People's Commissariat for Commissariat of Civil Engineering in record time in very difficult conditions, the Khabarovsk-Moscow cycling run - 9174 kilometers in 57 days - on bicycles of domestic production without breakdowns and accidents, to award the Order of the Red Star: 1 ) Feoktistova G.V. - commander of the run, inspector of combat training of the regiment. 2) Polipchenko I.R. - commander of the railway department e. protection. 3) Elizarova P. G. - arrow f. e. protection. 4) Bezrukova A. V. - arrow f. e. protection. 5) Reznichenko E. E. - arrow f. e. protection.
Please let me know your opinion 1 .
Kaganovich.
__________________
On August 31, 1935, Stalin replied: “I have no objection to rewarding Feoktistov and others” (Ibid. L. 134). On the same day, the corresponding decision of the PB was issued (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 971. L. 4).Stalin to Kaganovich, Molotov August 31, 1935
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 88. L. 139–141. Autograph.
Central Committee of the CPSU (b). Kaganovich, Molotov .
The verification of the Komsomol can be postponed until the 36th year. It is not so much Lukyanov who should be blamed, but rather the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, who did not manage the newspaper. It would be better to place the paper under the responsibility of Bukharin and Radek, and appoint Vinogradov or someone like him as editor .
I do not object to the decisions of the Defense Commission.
It would be necessary to quickly prepare the matter of lowering the prices of bread and flour. It is especially necessary to reduce them in Uzbekistan, in southern Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in order to make grain production unprofitable in these cotton regions and to force them to transfer all or almost all land areas to cotton production. Now we can do this, because we have bread, and we can supply the cotton growers with it cheaply.
I have no objection to the proposals set forth in Molotov's letter, including the meeting of the MTS. HP 26.
Stalin.
16–15.
31/VIII.35 2
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1 On September 13, 1935, S.A. was approved as the editor of the newspaper. Raevsky (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 971. L. 35).
2 Number, time and date entered by the secretary. On the same day sent in code from Sochi at 18:00. 31 min. (Ibid. F. 558. Op. P. D. 88. L. 138).Kaganovich to Stalin August 31 [1935]
Archive: RGASPI F. 558. Op. 11. D. 743. L. 23–28. Autograph.
31/VIII
Hello, Dear Comrade Stalin!
Today we had a PB meeting.
1) We discussed the proposals of Comrade Antipov's commission on the report of the People's Commissariat of Light Industry on the cotton, linen and woolen industries. The commission was carried away by one side of the matter - technical re-equipment, replacement of machines, imports and the addition of money. All this is necessary, but based on the proposals that you made during the report, it is necessary to draw up a section on correcting the current flagrant shortcomings and issues of improving leadership. This is exactly what was not in the resolution. The Politburo also instructed the commission to finalize the resolution, after which we will finalize it and send it to you .
2) On the question of a hydroelectric complex on the Volga, the Politburo accepted the construction of the Rybinsk instead of the Yaroslavl 2 .
3) We discussed in detail the question of beet harvesting, and Comrade Kosior was also there. They allocated a commission headed by Mikoyan, which was instructed to give proposals within 3 days. Everyone claims that the harvests are higher than last year by 25-30%, i.е. about 120–125 centners per hectare. It all depends on the quality of cleaning. Opportunities are now such as have never been, because in Ukraine grain procurement will be completed by September 5, therefore, transport and labor will be freed up. In the directive, we want to emphasize this and point out that all forces must be transferred to the beets in order to have a lot of sugar 3 .
4) Again, the situation with the storage of grain is unimportant, the tick begins to infect the grain. Today, by way of verification, we heard this question, it turned out that even with the construction of warehouses, despite the fact that a lot has already been built, 259 warehouses out of 1,712 warehouses under construction 4 still have not been built .
Therefore, today we pressed Kleiner a little. Tomorrow he leaves for Omsk.
5) In the course of verification, we also heard the issue of issuing state acts to the collective farms for the perpetual (eternal) use of the land. Unfortunately, your directive and decision of the Central Committee have not been carried out. One refers to the other. The People's Commissariat of Zemstvo refer to the fact that the State Sign did not print the acts themselves. We instructed them to ensure the issuance of 40,000[s] by October 1, and to 120,000 collective farms by the end of the year .
6) We discussed proposals on providing schools with writing materials. In view of the fact that you are very interested in school issues and that this was done on your instructions, I am sending you a draft of this resolution.
7) Cotton is doing well. According to available information, in Uzbekistan, the harvest is 10.5 centners against last year's 8.2. In new regions (Ukraine, Northern Caucasus), the harvest is 5–6 centners. So, according to preliminary assumptions, it will be possible to give a harvest plan of 30–31 mil. pood[s]. After discussing the other day, we will determine the outline and request you.
Hello to you. Yours L. Kaganovich.
PS Today I reported to our hostess, Svetlana, about our activities, as if she recognized them as satisfactory. She feels well. Tomorrow he is going to school. OK.
________________________
On August 31, 1935, the PB adopted only the first section of the resolution proposed by the commission, concerning the technical equipment of light industry. Two other sections (on the organization of work at enterprises, current tasks, product quality) were instructed to finalize. The commission consisting of: Molotov, Kaganovich, Antipov, Yezhov, Zhdanov, Lyubimov was entrusted with the final editing of the resolution (RGASPI. F. 17. Op. 3. D. 970. L. 2).
On August 31, 1935, the PB approved a proposal for the construction by the NKVD of a hydroelectric complex near Rybinsk (Ibid. D. 971. L. 2).
3 The Decree of the Central Committee and the Council of People's Commissars "On the mechanized harvesting and removal of sugar beets by motor vehicles and on the payment of tractor drivers, helmsmen and drivers working on the harvesting and removal of sugar beets in state farms and MTS" was adopted by a survey of members of the PB on September 3, 1935. The plan for harvesting sugar beets in 1935 approved in the amount of 152.2 million centners. The PB also approved the text of a telegram from the Council of People's Commissars and the Central Committee to local leaders (Ibid. L. 8–10). On September 5, 1935, the resolution was published in Pravda.
4 The Commission for the preparation of a draft resolution on the storage of grain was created by the decision of the PB on August 31, 1935 (Ibid. D. 970. L. 3). On September 3, the decision was approved (Ibid. D. 971. L. 7, 84-85).
5 The state act on the perpetual use of land by collective farms was approved by the PB on May 7, 1935. Gosznak was instructed to print 600 thousand copies of these documents during 1935 and 1936 (Ibid. D. 963. L. 25).