139 The idea that a decision was made in 1722 to reduce the size of the foreign personnel in the colleges is supported by Vockerodt’s report, as we have seen above. When it comes to the number of foreigners in Russian service in 1722, however, there are no other available sources by which to verify Bassewitz’ statement. In connection with the review and reduction of the personnel budgets of the colleges after Peter’s death, it was suggested that the foreign officials should be released from service, since they “receive a large salary, and the need for them has not been anticipated.” Catherine I, however, was unable to reach a decision, and the minutes note that “since Her Imperial Majesty felt that as they had been taken into service under His Imperial Majesty, she therefore deemed to order that they shall remain in that service, as before. A source from 1731, however, indicates that there were thirteen foreign voting members in the Russian colleges as of that year. To what extent there were any foreigners in the lesser chancellery positions is not indicated.^”*^ ’• 407 SIRIO, LV, 405. TsGADA, f. 248 delo 661 11. 49—50.
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