Telegram to L.M. Kaganovich, September 12, 1931

Source: Tom 17

To Poskrebyshev, for Kaganovich.

We have already departed from Article 5 of the agreement, since we excluded the proceeds from real estate. Why can we not depart further, citing the shortage of foreign currency and the unwillingness to encourage emigration in view of the shortage of manpower and the absence of unemployment in the USSR? The issue is not 10,000 citizens, but the fact that we have to pay millions in hard currency every year. What matters to us is the loss of millions in foreign currency, not the total number of German citizens. Moreover, the figure of 10,000 is obviously understated and arbitrary. A conflict on such a question is not in the least dangerous for us, especially after the placement of our orders in Germany. We must fight for every ruble of hard currency. I insist on my position, and then you decide as you see fit.

I have no objection to the use of resettlers and USLAG inmates (USLAG -- Administration of the Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp -- Ed.) on the Murmansk and Northern railways.

Stalin

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, pp. 99-100.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 76. L. 60.

NOTE: See: Telegram to L.M. Kaganovich of September 8, 1931.