To all members of the Politburo.

     I am enclosing the text of the Agreement with "Ara" [American
Relief Administration] on organizing food shipments to Russia. 
Eiduk and I are completely in favor of signing the agreement.  They
are bringing in an additional quantity of food.  We have the right
to hold up (without appeal) any  delivery if it exceeds 50 dollars
for a private individual or 500 [dollars] for an organization
(hospital, municipality).  We are providing them FREE
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE BORDER TO THE FOOD WAREHOUSES.

     Litvinov opposes the last [point], considering it a privilege. 
His objection is not serious.  
     
     I request you take a vote and provide an answer by 2 PM
Wednesday.

                         [signed]  L. Kamenev  

..................................................................
[Handwritten comments on the bottom of the document] 

     (If indeed the goal is trade, then we should do this
[illegible] for they are giving us pure profit for the hungry and
monitoring rights; and the right of refusal for three months. 
Therefore we ought not take payment for shipment to the
warehouses.)  ....  

                         Agreed.  October 19.  Lenin.

[Handwritten comments, left margin]

    Agreed.  Trotsky


     The issue is obviously trade and not charity.  I propose:
1) Exempt the incoming food from customs and taxes, charge for
transportation on a universal basis;
2) Provide warehouse facilities for a charge.  
                         Agreed.  October 19.  J. Stalin

     

     Agreed.  October 19. [illegible]   
...................................................................
TRANSLATOR'S COMMENTS: A. V. Eiduk (1886-1938) was a Party member
from 1903 and held numerous important government positions.  He
died in prison.