Source: Tom 17

July 8, 1927

Dear Vyacheslav!

1) When I sent my long coded message about China, I knew neither about Tang Shengzhi's machinations nor about the behavior of the Wuhan government in connection with this. (I also had no materials on the disarming of the workers' guard in Wuhan.) It is clear that, having all these materials, you had grounds to adopt new directives. We used the Wuhan leadership as much as it was possible to use it. Now it must be discarded. An attempt must be made to take control of the Guomindang periphery and counterpose it to the present leadership. The fact that the Guomindang periphery is being persecuted by the military upstarts suggests that this task has a real basis. Therefore, if possible, it would be advisable not to link for now the withdrawal from the national government (which is now necessary) with withdrawal from the Guomindang (which may become necessary in the near future).

2) The situation within the group does not frighten me. Why — I will explain when I arrive.

3) When exactly should I come?

Regards. July 8, 1927. J. St.

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Source: Letters of J.V. Stalin to V.M. Molotov. 1925–1936. P. 108–109.

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