Telegram to the Samara Gubernia Executive Committee, January 27, 1919

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Lenin’s telegram followed receipt by him of a report from Schwartz, representative of the Council of Defence in Samara, about the arrest of A. M. Smirnov, a Right Socialist-Revolutionary and former mayor of the town under the White Czechs, who gave himself up to the Soviet authorities and declared his intention of working with “Soviet power” for the purpose of fighting against Kolchak. Schwartz reported that Smirnov put forward no conditions for his work in the future and was backed by a group of individuals from his camp who had decided to serve Soviet power.

On the telegram from Samara, Lenin wrote the words: “For handy reference. Wired 27/1.”

27. I. 1919

Gubernia Executive Committee

Samara

Send immediately to Moscow all the material against the Right Socialist-Revolutionary Alexander Mikhailovich Smirnov, report the reasons for his arrest, verify his statement about wishing to work with Soviet power against Kolchak, meanwhile give Smirnov most favourable treatment while under arrest.

Lenin

Chairman, Council of People’s Commissars