Transcript of talk of the Supreme Commander and the member of Stavka to the commanders of the Leningrad Front.

01.12.1941

Stalin, Molotov at the device.: Hello.

Khozin, Zhdanov.: Hello.

Stalin, Molotov.: It is very strange that in such a difficult time for Leningrad comrade Zhdanov does not feel the necessity to come to the device and call in any of us to share information. If we from Moscow wouldn’t call you to the device, then probably com. Zhdanov would forget about Moscow and muscovites, who could help Leningrad. It seems that Leningrad, headed by com. Zhdanov is not in the USSR but somewhere on an island in the Pacific ocean. Please let us know about what you are doing, how is it going and how you plan to get out of the current situation? Over. Stalin, Molotov.

Khozin, Zhdanov.: сom. Stalin, com. Molotov, we admit this our mistake, but we wanted to report only on something significant. For all this time we were busy transporting KV tanks to the left bank of Neva. We succeeded. 20 KV tanks, 10 T-34 and 16 light tanks have been transferred to the left bank of Neva during the last several nights. Yesterday (30.11) we started an offensive, supported by these tanks the first day of which has resulted in a significant success. On the front of the breakthrough, the first enemy entrenchment line has been taken. We are continuing the offensive and count on success. To exploit that success we are bringing in two fresh divisions and additional tanks. We wanted to report when there are more results.
During this time, we took to work the commanders of the armies that are in defensive positions: 42nd, 23rd armies and Seaside groups, for their insufficient activity. We took one division from each of them to reinforce the active region of the 55th and 8th armies. During this time we have formed two ski regiments and two separate ski battalions and are currently forming a third ski regiment.
We had in mind a very interesting operation which could bring us quick results, by using the 80th division with a ski regiment from the ice of Ladoga lake. The ski regiment had to operate in the rear of the 8th army on the left flank of Neva. This operation however was disrupted because of the cowardly-treacherous behaviour of the command of the 80th division. The division commander Frolov has refused to execute the operation three hours before the start of the operation. The operation therefore was re-scheduled to the next day but the surprise factor was lost. We have sent you a request to allow the trial of the commander of the 80th division and the commissioner of the division Ivanov and shoot them. The front council is forced to deal with traitors and panic mongers, most of whom are among the high command staff. We wholefully support the promotion of young personnel who want to fight.
Regarding the situation on the front of the 55th army there is nothing to boast of. On the front of the 54th army, the most threatened area is the direction of Voybokalo, Myary. Several measures were taken there: in the region of Serokaska a strike group was formed, containing the 80th rifle division, 6th naval brigade6th naval infantry brigade, two ski battalions, which is intended to counter strike the enemies flank and rear. The concentration will finish on 02.12.
To Fedyuninsky we send another 1000 reinforcements.
The situation in the Volkhov direction is stable. Transferring of the brigade with tanks is nearing completion with only two battalions remaining.
We will finish all the transferring together with tanks.

We ask to:

1. faster push of our forces towards Budogosh, Kirishy to deny the enemy of his supply routes.
2. 2- accelerate transferring of all the reinforcements planned by com. Shadenko for the 54th army.
3. 3- we lack the heavy shells (152mm), we ask to send those to Babaevo from where we will transfer them to us. Over.

S.,M.:

1. shoot Folov and Ivanov and declare that in the press.
2. we will try to supply the 152 shells for you
3. the reinforcements from Schadenko also
4. we will take Tikhvin soon and then pile up to Budogosh, Kirishy
5. where you lack the shells for 152mm, massively use 120mm mortars, those are very effective at defeating the enemy.

K.,Z.: Acknowledged, all will be done. We are sure that we can please you in the following days.

S.,M.: Do not waste time. Not only each day is important, but also each hour. The enemy has concentrated against Moscow all of his forces from almost all the fronts. All other fronts are in a good situation to strike the enemy, including your Front. Use this opportunity to strike the enemy before it is too late. I repeat, do not miss the chance. Over. Good bye, wish you luck. Stalin, Molotov.

K.,Z.: We will fight as beasts on all the regions of our front without delaying for even a minute. Good bye. Thank you. Zhdanov, Khozin.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 191-194.