Sochi. 28/VII-25.

Comrade Molotov!

We need to think about the Orgraspred. Gei, it seems, will not do. He is young, little known, has a short record -- he will not carry authority. So say all whom I have asked. Krinitsky will not do either -- or rather, he is even less suitable than Gei (for the same reasons). Is it not time to take Kosior and send Gei to Siberia? Perhaps Shvernik could be taken, or Yanson? And how about Bauman -- will he not be too small? It seems he will be too small. In general, Orgraspred is a tough nut that must be cracked before the congress.

The other day I read in the newspapers that the textile syndicate has decided, supposedly, not to greatly expand production in the coming year owing to a shortage of raw materials, chiefly Turkestan cotton. If this is true and if the cause really is raw materials, then the syndicate's decision is, in my opinion, profoundly wrong. It is far more advantageous for us to buy more raw materials in America (incidentally, American cotton is now cheap) and process it at home than to buy manufactured goods abroad. It is more advantageous in every respect. The matter is serious and deserves attention. The syndicate's inertia is understandable: it is reluctant to expand production, since expansion involves trouble -- why take on extra trouble if the syndicate is already prospering? This pernicious inertia, which has grown up on the soil of monopoly, must be overcome at all costs. Talk this over with Dzerzhinsky, show him my letter, and ask him to press the syndicate. I repeat, this question is serious and deserves attention. Either we resolve it correctly in the interests of the state, the workers, and the unemployed who could be absorbed into expanded production, or, if we do not resolve it correctly, we shall lose tens of millions on it to the benefit of foreign textile manufacturers.

I shake your hand firmly.

I. Stalin.

Letters of I.V. Stalin to V.M. Molotov. 1925-1936. Pp. 34-35.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 1. D. 5388.

NOTE

Molotov sent Dzerzhinsky the following letter on August 7, 1925:

"Comrade Dzerzhinsky! I am sending you 2 letters from Comrade Stalin (in the second, dated 28/VII, please pay attention to what is underlined in red pencil). Since I have learned that you are dealing with VSNKh affairs even in bed (naturally, this is not good, and in the near future I shall have a serious talk with you about a vacation), I ask you to make inquiries on the questions raised by Comrade Stalin. I myself am entirely in agreement with him. I have no doubt that you are too. I shall await reports from you both on Dneprostroi and on the Textile Syndicate. Stalin has bombarded me with questions about the state of these matters. I wish you a real recovery and a speedy vacation! I shake your hand! V. Molotov.

7/VIII. P.S. Please return the enclosed letters from Comrade Stalin. V.M."