Source: Tom 17

September 30, 1929

To Molotov, Voroshilov, Ordzhonikidze.

1) Have you read Rykov's speech? In my opinion, it is the speech of a non-Party Soviet functionary, pandering to the tone of a "loyal" person who "sympathizes" with the Soviets. Not a single word about the Party! Not a single word about the right deviation! Not a single word about the fact that the Party's achievements, which Rykov now fraudulently attributes to himself, were won in the fight against the rightists, including Rykov! All our responsible officials who give speeches usually consider themselves obligated to speak about the rightists, to call for a fight against them. But Rykov, it turns out, is free from such an obligation! Why, one asks — on what grounds? How can you tolerate (and hence cover for) this political hypocrisy? Do you understand that by tolerating such hypocrisy you are creating the illusion that Rykov is moving away from the rightists and are thereby misleading the Party, when it is perfectly well known to everyone that Rykov has not thought and does not think of moving away from the rightists? Should Rykov not henceforth be confronted with the alternative: either openly and honestly dissociate himself from the rightists and conciliators, or lose the right to speak on behalf of the CC and the Council of People's Commissars? I think he should, since this is the minimum that the CC cannot refuse without risking a refusal of its own identity.

2) I have learned that Rykov continues to chair your Monday and Thursday sessions. Is this true? If so, why do you allow this comedy? Who needs it, and for what purpose? Can this comedy not be ended? Is it not time to end it?

3) I am thinking of staying in Sochi for another week. What is your opinion? If you say so, I can come immediately.

Regards.

September 30, 1929.

Stalin.

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Source: Letters of J.V. Stalin to V.M. Molotov. 1925–1936. P. 166–167.

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

NOTE: In the upper left corner there is a note by Molotov: "I agree entirely with everything said. I did not read Rykov's speech but only glanced at the headlines. I will read it. It is clear to me even now, however, that Stalin is right. I do not agree only that we are 'covering for' Rykov. The matter must, however, be corrected in the way Stalin proposes. V. Molotov. October 3."