I resolutely object to the point about importing raw materials for consumer goods. Regarding the 10 percent reduction in staff, I have already written to Molotov.

Stalin

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, p. 255.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 78. L. 119, 119 verso.

NOTE

Reply to Kaganovich's cipher telegram of 1 August 1932: "...Today we adopted a number of measures on financial questions. I ask you to communicate your opinion on the following two points of financial measures for the third quarter.

First. To purchase abroad in the third quarter raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished consumer goods (approximately shoes, knitwear, textiles, metalware, Greek tobacco, cocoa beans for the confectionery industry, rubber, etc.) in an amount up to twenty million rubles in foreign currency, with payments no earlier than 1934, in order to sell these goods inside the country at commercial prices for an amount up to five hundred million rubles.

Second. By 1 September, to reduce the actual personnel of the administrative apparatuses of state institutions, economic organizations, and construction projects by no less than 10 percent...."