Telegram to K.E. Voroshilov, L.M. Kaganovich, V.M. Molotov, 7 August 1932

Source: Tom 17

Greetings, Comrade Voroshilov, Comrade Kaganovich, and Comrade Molotov!

Enukidze visited me.

1. I agree with you that the banks of the Moscow River are better built on an incline.

2. Enukidze says the experts have adopted the plan for a deep bore for the metro. If this is true, I welcome it.

3. Of all the plans for the "Palace of Soviets," Iofan's is the best. Zholtovsky's design looks like "Noah's Ark." Shchusev's project is the same as the "Cathedral of Christ the Savior," only without a cross ("for the time being"). It is possible that Shchusev hopes to "add" a cross later. It would be necessary (in my opinion) to require Iofan: a) not to separate the small hall from the large one, but to combine them in accordance with the government's specifications; b) to complete the top of the "Palace" by extending it upward in the form of a tall column (I have in mind a column of the type that Iofan had in his first design); c) to place a hammer and sickle atop the column, illuminated from within by electric light; d) if for technical reasons the column cannot be raised above the "Palace," to place the column beside (near) the "Palace," if possible as tall as the Eiffel Tower, or slightly taller; e) in front of the "Palace" to place three monuments (to Marx, Engels, and Lenin).

4. I am tormented by the thought that because of me, Molotov's holiday is being spoiled or may be spoiled (for the how-many-eth time?). Let Molotov depart on leave immediately. I will be in Moscow soon, very soon. This is decided on my part regardless of everything.

Greetings!

I. Stalin

7/VIII-32

P.S. I have just received a letter from Kaganovich and Molotov.

1) Regarding the decree on industry (the organizational question), I will reply tomorrow (after studying the draft decree). I will also reply to Molotov on the remaining questions.

2) Regarding the draft decree on speculation, I will reply tomorrow (after studying it).

3) Regarding the agreement with Hirota -- likewise.

4) I would not advise simply and "politely" showing Barlow the door out of the USSR. All bourgeois foreign specialists are or may be intelligence agents. But this does not mean that they should be "politely" shown the door. No, it does not! My advice: do not sever ties with Barlow, be attentive to him, slip him some money, take the blueprints, but do not show him our achievements (one can say that we are backward people and are ready to learn from Barlow -- of course, of course! -- for money).

On the remaining questions -- later (the courier is in a hurry).

St.

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, p. 269.

RGASPI. F. 81. Op. 3. D. 99. L. 132-137.