LS in Cyrillic, signed in blue pencil, “Trotsky,” one page, 7.5 x 10, August 25, 1925. Letter to an officer of the Russian State Agency for Foreign Trade in Berlin, regarding prohibited chemicals for military objectives to be produced for the Germans. In full: “During negotiations with Inferessenqemainschaft [a German firm] the most essential point is the firm intention to organize in the USSR production of some chemical products needed for military objectives, production prohibited in Germany by Antanta [a treaty organization similar to NATO]. It is necessary to promptly discover how important it is for the Germans to make this agreement with us regarding the issue and if they are going to have different opportunities [slang] that might provide them with the possibility to obtain this products independently from cooperation with the USSR. Collect information on this matter using all available means and telegraph to us.”
Trotsky at the time was serving as the the Chairman of the Scientific Technical Board of Industry, and in this capacity was trying to arrange, for the Germans the production of forbidden chemicals clearly to be used for chemical weapons and was concerned about possible competition. At the start of 1925, Trotsky had been forced to resign as People's Commissar of Army and Fleet Affairs and Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council under pressure from the Stalin and other political party members, but was still able to keep his seat on the Politburo. In very good condition, with mild overall toning, torn punch holes to left edge, several pencil and ink notations, a few small creases and tears, and punch holes to top.
Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
