Source: Tom 17

June 23, 1927

Dear Vyacheslav!

1) I looked (very quickly) at the "transcript of the CCC session" on the case of Zinoviev and Trotsky. The impression is one of total embarrassment for the CCC. Those doing the questioning and accusing were not CCC members but Zinoviev and Trotsky. It is strange that certain CCC members went into hiding. And where is Sergo? Where and why did he hide? Disgraceful! I categorically protest against the fact that the commission for prosecuting Trotsky and Zinoviev was turned into a tribunal for prosecuting the CC and the CI, with the "case" sharpened against Stalin, who is not in Moscow and on whom, for this reason, all manner of blame can be heaped. Surely this "transcript" will not be handed over to Trotsky and Zinoviev for distribution! That is all we need.

2) Pay attention to the documents on Trud [Labor]. The editorial staff of Trud must be purged.

June 23, 1926 [sic — actually 1927].

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Source: Letters of J.V. Stalin to V.M. Molotov. 1925–1936. P. 102.

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