June 12, 1932

Hello, Klim!

1) I have looked through the Elders booklet ("The Destruction of Paris"). A fascinating little book. It should definitely be published in Russian. It will cultivate among our pilots a spirit of sound combativeness; it will facilitate the training of disciplined heroes of aviation. And this is something we need now more than ever. Moreover, the booklet contains a number of instructive pointers useful to our pilots. It must be published either as a separate booklet or as feuilletons in Krasnaya Zvezda. Without fail!

2) Shcheko does not look too bad in the telegraph reports. He should be encouraged and given guidance from time to time. If the turn in policy in Mongolia proceeds more or less successfully, Mongolia will retain its independence; if not, no "military operations" will save it from being devoured by the Japanese-Manchurians.

3) Now about the American military men and Ventsov with Volodya. It is possible that Ventsov is a good soldier. But as a diplomat he is a simpleton. We ourselves are to blame for entrusting such a delicate matter to him. The Americans should be told the following:

(a) we are entirely for ties with the Americans, including the military, but it is necessary that such ties have some official, legal basis in the form of sending to the USSR an official group (which may include military personnel) for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the USA and the USSR;

(b) if the USA is not prepared at present to send an official group, it could confine itself to sending a semi-official group (including military personnel) pursuing the same goal of restoring diplomatic relations. Such a group could also provide a legal basis for ties between the military establishments of both countries;

(c) without such a legal, juridical basis we consider the visit of military men to the USSR (as well as ours to the USA) inadvisable for both the USA and the USSR.

Within these limits, the matter with the American military men (and Davis as well) should be pursued. No further. If the Americans agree -- good; if they do not -- that is their affair. Otherwise we may find ourselves in the position of simpletons being used by clever profiteers to worsen our relations with the Japanese (and not only the Japanese).

Well, that is all for now.

Greetings.

I. Stalin.

Source: Sovetskoye rukovodstvo. Perepiska. 1928-1941 [Soviet Leadership. Correspondence. 1928-1941], pp. 175-176.

RGASPI, f. 74, op. 2, d. 38, ll. 64-65.