Transcaucasian Regional Committee, Comrade Ordzhonikidze.

21/IV-22.

You are instructed by the CC to proceed immediately to Tashkent. Within one week of your arrival, investigate the situation on the Turkestan Front from the standpoint of the successful liquidation of the Basmachi movement in the Fergana and Bukhara areas, and immediately send the CC your conclusions. It has been decided to introduce martial law in the Bukhara and Turkestan areas; you are obligated to determine the date of the introduction of martial law in consultation with the Turkestan Bureau and to communicate this without delay to the CC. In preparing your conclusions, you must answer the following questions:

First: Is it true that the native military units are supplying the Basmachi with weapons?

Second: Is it true that the local authorities are interfering in military affairs and paralyzing the actions of the military authorities?

Third: Is it necessary to make changes in the composition of the organs of the Turkestan Front, and what changes specifically?

Fourth: Is it necessary to make changes in the composition of the Turkestan Bureau and the Turkestan Commissions, and what changes specifically?

Fifth: How great is the danger of losing Bukhara and Fergana?

Sixth: What is the condition and strength of the Basmachi detachments, and how is the political struggle of the local authorities and Party organizations against the Basmachi movement organized?

Seventh: What is the degree of combat readiness of our units, their strength, and the prospects for success?

Eighth: What practical measures do you consider it necessary to propose to the CC as a result of the investigation?

Telegraph receipt of the present coded message and the extract of the Politburo decision, as well as the day of your departure for Tashkent.

Secretary of the CC of the RCP,

Stalin.

Source: Bolshevik Leadership. Correspondence. 1912-1927, p. 247.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 2. D. 2294. L. 1.