Letter to L.M. Kaganovich, October 4, 1931

Source: Tom 17

Greetings, Comrade Kaganovich!

I received your letter.

1) I was astonished by Comrade Molotov's proposal to appoint Comrade Rukhimovich as chairman of Gosplan -- that is, as deputy chairman of the SNK. For having failed at the NKPS and for conducting (and still conducting!) the vilest agitation against the practical line of the CC (the question of tempos, etc.), he is to be made deputy chairman of the SNK -- he is to be promoted! What nonsense! Can one really educate cadres this way? Nothing to say -- a fine "education."

The same must be said about Sergo's proposal regarding a deputy post for Rukhimovich at VSNKh. These people do not understand that Rukhimovich is a Frumkin No. 2, with the difference, however, that Rukhimovich is more dangerous, since he is, unfortunately, a CC member. I have already written to Sergo about this.

Rukhimovich must be demoted and sent to work outside Moscow in the VSNKh system. Then everyone will understand that the CC is not joking and not idly talking about the general line. They will understand and pull themselves together.

2) I read your telegram about the composition of the NKPS collegium. It turned out, I think, rather well. I would go one step further and dilute the collegium even more heavily with Chekists. Without Chekists and RKI people (employees of the NK RKI -- Ed.), the NKPS cannot get on its feet at the present stage. But we will talk about this in Moscow. It is already good that Blagonravov has become the second deputy.

3) Postyshev must under no circumstances be given to the SNK. He is more needed and more valuable in the CC Secretariat than in the SNK. It seems to me that Molotov has not yet properly studied Postyshev.

Well, that is all. Regards. See you soon.

I. Stalin

4/X-31

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, pp. 126-127.

RGASPI F. 81. Op. 3. D. 99. L. 42-43.