Kaganovich.

I am against the import of cast-iron pipes. If you can, defer the question until the autumn.

Stalin

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich: Correspondence, 1931-1936, p. 71.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 76. L. 47.

Note: Response to a coded message from Kaganovich and Ordzhonikidze, August 27, 1931:

"...The situation with water pipes is extremely dire. The Donbas, Stalingrad, Moscow, Avtomobilstroi, and a number of other construction sites will be left without water. The Germans were asking 180 marks per ton for cast-iron pipes; we offered 150. Now the Germans will probably agree to 165 or 160 marks. We consider it necessary to purchase pipes at a price of 160, or in the extreme case 165 marks, and also to negotiate on welded pipes. We request your consent..."

See: Letter to L.M. Kaganovich, August 30, 1931.