Telegram to Stepan Shaumian, July 29, 1918

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This telegram was Lenin’s reply to a telegram from Baku reporting the advance of the Turkish troops and the treacherous activities of the Dashnaks, and also the Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries, who at an extraordinary meeting of the Baku Soviet on July 25, 1918, in spite of energetic protests by Bolshevik leaders of Soviet power in the city, had managed to gain an insignificant majority for a resolution inviting the British to give Baku military “assistance”.

After the passing of this resolution, the Bolsheviks declared that they would resign their posts as People’s Commissars. They continued, however, to light for Soviet power. At an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of the Baku Soviet on July 26, 1918 it was decided that until the question of power was finally settled all People’s Commissars should remain at their posts. The All-Baku Conference of Bolsheviks held on July 27 resolved that emergency measures should be taken to defend Baku under the leadership of the, CPC; it also resolved to announce general mobilisation and call upon the workers to defend the city and Soviet power. The Baku CPC undertook various measures to fulfil this decision.

July 2

Astrakhan

For Shahumyan in Baku

Any actions by the Dashnaks against the decision of the Fifth Congress of Soviets and the central Soviet power will be considered insurrection and treason. As regards sending troops we shall take steps, but cannot promise for certain.

Lenin