Order 0391 About the facts of sybstitution of educational work with repressions

Order of people's Deffense Commissar of the USSR

"About the facts of sybstitution of educational work with repressions"

4 December 1941 № 0391

Recently, there have been frequent cases of illegal repressions and gross abuse of power by individual commanders and commissars in relation to their subordinates. Lieutenant of the 288th rifle regiment Komissarov, without any reason, killed a Red Army soldier Kubica with a shot from a revolver.
The former head of the 21st UR, Colonel Sushchenko, shot Jr. Sergeant Pershikov for too slowly getting off the car due to an injured hand.
The commander of a platoon of a motorized rifle company of the 1026th rifle regiment, Lieutenant Mikryukov, shot dead his assistant, junior platoon commander Baburin, allegedly for not following orders.
The military commissar of the 28th Panzer Division, Regimental Commissar Bankvitzer, beat a sergeant for lighting a cigarette at night; he also beat Major Zanozny for an unrestrained conversation with him.
The chief of staff of the 529th Infantry Regiment, Captain Sakur without any reason has hit twice senior lt. Lieutenant Sergeyev with a pistol. Such intolerable facts of the perversion of disciplinary practices in the Red Army, the excess of granted rights and power, lynching and assault are explainable with:

• the method of persuasion was incorrectly relegated to the background, and the method of repression against subordinates moved into first place;
• daily educational work in units is in some cases replaced by swearing, repression and assault;
• the method of explanations and conversations of commanders, commissars, political workers with the Red Army soldiers is abandoned and the clarification of questions that are incomprehensible to the Red Army soldiers is often replaced by shouting, abuse and rudeness;
• individual commanders and political workers in difficult conditions of battle get lost, fall into a panic and cover their own confusion with the use of weapons without any reason;
• the simple truth is forgotten that use of repression is an extreme measure, permissible only in cases of direct disobedience and open resistance in a combat situation or in cases of malicious violation of discipline and order by persons deliberately going to disrupt the orders of the command.

Commanders, commissars, and political workers must remember that without a correct combination of method of persuasion with method of coercion, the imposition of Soviet military discipline and the strengthening of the political and moral state of the troops is unthinkable.
Severe punishment in relation to malicious violators of military discipline, accomplices of the enemy and open enemies should be combined with careful analysis of every case of violation of discipline that require a detailed clarification of the circumstances it has occurred in.
Unjustified repressions, illegal executions, arbitrariness, and assault on the part of commanders and commissars are a manifestation of lack of will and handlessness, often lead to the opposite results, contribute to decline in military discipline and political and moral state of troops, and can push unstable fighters to defect to the side of the enemy.

I order:

1. Restore educational work, widely use the persuasion method, do not replace everyday explanatory work with administration and repressions.
2. To all commanders, political workers and chiefs to talk daily with the Red Army soldiers, explaining to them the necessity for strict military discipline, honest fulfillment of their military duty, the military oath and orders of the commander and chief. In conversations, also explain that a serious threat looms over our Motherland, that the greatest self-sacrifice, unshakable steadfastness in battle, contempt for death and a merciless struggle against cowards, deserters, self-mutilators, provocateurs and traitors to the Motherland are needed to defeat the enemy.
3. Explain to the commanding staff that lynching, assault and public swearing are degrading the rank of a soldier of the Red Army, lead not to strengthening, but to undermining the discipline and authority of the commander and political worker.
4. In the most resolute manner, up to bringing the perpetrators to trial by a military tribunal, to combat all manifestations of illegal repression, assault and lynching.

The order is to be announced to the entire commanding staff of the Army in the field, up to and including the commander and commissar of the regiment.

People's Commissar of Defense I. Stalin
Chief of the General Staff B. Shaposhnikov

ЦАМО РФ Ф. 4. Оп. 11. Д. 66. Л. 149–152.

Directive Nr 30144 of Stavka of the Supreme Command to the commanders of the Western, Bryansk, Central, Voronezh, South-West and South fronts about the enemy's possible attack date.

2nd July 1943 02:10

According to our data the Germans can attack on our front in the period between 3 - 6 of July.

Stavka of the Supreme Command orders:

1. Increase scouting and observing the enemy in order to discover his intentions in time
2. Ground forces and Aviation must be prepared to repel the possible attack of the enemy
3. Report about the adopted measures.

Stavka of the Supreme Command
J.Stalin
A.Vasilevsky

ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 143. л. 164.

Directive Nr 30123 of Stavka of the Supreme Command to the commanders of the Bryansk, Central, Voronezh and South-West fronts about the enemy's possible attack date.

8th May 1943 23:35

According to some sources adversary can go offensive on 10-12 of May in Orlov-Kursk direction or in Belogorod-Oboyansk direction or in both at the same time.

The Stavka of the Supreme command orders to have all forces of the first defence line as well as reserves be prepared and on full alert by morning of 10th of May and ready to meet the possible enemy strike. Special attention shall be payed to our aviation readiness in order to not just repel the enemy aviation attacks, but also to capture air superiority at first moments of their offensive.

Confirm the receiving. Report about the adopted measures.

Stavka of the Supreme command.
J.Stalin
A.Vasilevsky

ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 139. Л. 184.

Directive Nr 30131 of Stavka of the Supreme Command to the commanders of the Western, Bryansk, Central, Voronezh, South-West and South fronts about the enemy's possible attack date.

Copy: to the commander of the the Steppe military district.

20th May 1943 03:30

According to information from agent intelligence the Germans are planning an attack on our front in the period between 19 - 26 of May. I order not loose vigilance and combat readiness of forces, keep aviation on full alert. Use recon and capture prisoners to discover enemy groups and his true intentions.

J.Stalin.

ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 143. Л. 152.

Excerpt from Stavka of the Supreme Commander directive to the Commander of the 1st Belorussian front about transition to defense.

Response to this document

Moscow
29th August 1944

1 - Left flank of the front must go defensive after receiving this directive. The right flank must continue offensive with the objective to reach river Narev and its mouth around 4.09 - 5.09 and to capture a bridgehead on the Western bank near Pultusk, Sierotsk and also go defensive after that.[...]

5 - Special attention must be payed at the following directions: Rozhan, Ostruw-Mazovetzky, Chizhaev, Pultusk, Vyshkuw, Vengruw, Warsaw, Minsk-Mazovetsk, Demblin, Lukuw, Radom, Lyublin and to holding the bridgeheads on the Western bank of rivers Vistula and Narev.[...]

Report about the issued instructions and present a detailed defensive plan to the Joint Staff no later than 5th of September.

Stavka of the Supreme Command
Stalin
Antonov

ЦХСД Ф.2\2. 1944г. Л. 18-20.

Response to this document

Stavka of the Supreme Commander directive Nr 11072 to the commanders of 1st and 2nd Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian fronts about the necessity for humane treatment towards the German population and prisoners of war.

20 April 1945 20:40

Stavka of the Supreme Command orders:

1. To require the forces to change their treatment of Germans both towards prisoners of war and civilians and treat them better.
   Cruel treatment makes them fear and provokes more stubborn resistance without surrendering.
   The civilians, fearing revenge, gather into gangs. This situation is not good for us. More humane treatment of the Germans will make our fighting easier on their territory and without doubt will reduce their stubbornness in the defence.
2. In German regions to the West of the line between river Oder mouth, river Oder until Furstenberg and further until river Neise (western), create German administrations and put Germans as burgomasters.
   Do not touch ordinary members of the national-socialist party, if they are loyal towards the Red Army, only leaders may be taken into custody if they weren’t able to flee yet.
3. Better treatment of the Germansmust not lower your vigilance and cause familiarities with them.

Stavka of the Supreme command
J.Stalin, A.Antonov

ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 212. Л. 13.

Directive Nr 11071 of the Stavka of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of the 1st Belorussian front to strike, surpassing Berlin from the North.

18 April 1945 04:00

Stavka of the Supreme Command orders:

1. After crossing Oder river no later than 22.04 with the main forces, continue the offensive to the South Westin the overall direction towards Graifenberg, Gross-Schenbekk, Birkenverder, performing a strike surpassing Berlin from the North.
2. From 24:00 on 20.04 Set up the following delimiting line with the 1st Belorussian front: until Angermunde as before, then AltHuttendorf (for 2nd Belorussian front inclusive).
3. Report about the issued instructions.

Stavka of the Supreme Command
J.Stalin, A.Antonov

Source: ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 213. Л. 85.

Directive Nr 11060 of Stavka of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of 1st Ukrainian Front about the elimination of the enemy group in the region of Kotbus and to the South of Berlin.

3 April 1945 21:00

The Stavka of the Supreme Commander orders:

1. To prepare and implement an offensive operation with the objective to eliminate the enemy group in the region of Kotbus to the South of Berlin. No later than on 10-12 day of operation take Beelitz, Wittenberg and further along Elbe to Dresden. Later, after Berlin is taken, prepare to advance towards Leipzig.
2. The main strike with forces of five combined arms armies and two tank armies should be made from the Triebel region in the direction towards Shpremberg, Beltzig.
   In the region of breakthrough gather six breakthrough artillery divisions to create artillery density of no less than 250 barrels per kilometer of 76mm and higher.
3. To support the main group from the South perform a supportive strike with forces of the 2nd Polish Army and parts of 52nd Army from the region of Kolfurt to the overall direction of Bautzen, Dresden.
4. The tank armies and combined arms armies of the second echelon must be sent in after the breakthrough is achieved to supplement the success in the direction of the main strike.
5. The left flank of the front must stay in a rigid defence with special caution to the Breslau direction.
   The 5th guards Army must be swapped and used in the offensive in the main direction.
6. Establish the following delimiting line from 15.04.1945 with the 1st Belorussian front: Up to Unrushtadt -as before, then lake Einsdorfer-Ze, Gros-Gastroze, Lubben (all points except Lubben for the Belorussian front inclusive). Responsibility for maintaining the joint as before.
7. The beginning of the operation is according to instructions you have received personally.

Stavka of the Supreme Command
J.Stalin, A.Antonov

Source: ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 139. Л. 231, 232.

Supreme commander Stavka directive Nr. 11059 to the commander of the 1st Belorussian front for preparation and execution of the operation of capturing Berlin.

2nd April 1945

The Stavka of the Supreme commander orders:

1. To prepare and to implement the offensive operation with the objective to take the capital of Germany the city of Berlin and to reach Elbe no later than on the twelfth-fifteenth day of operation.
2. The main strike must be directed from the bridgehead on Oder river to the West of Kustrin by using the forces of four combined and two tank armies. Bring five to six artillery divisions to the breakthrough region to create a density of no less than 250 barrels per 1km of 76mm guns and higher.
3. To support the main group of the front, perform two supporting strikes from the North and South with forces of two armies each. The first one from Bervalde in the general direction towards Eberswalde, Ferbellin. The second from the bridgeheads on river Oder to the North and South from Frankfurt-on-Oder to the general direction towards Furstenwalde, Potsdam, Brandenburg to surpass Berlin from South.
4. Tank armies must be sent in the direction of main strike after defenses will be breached, to facilitate the success of surpassing Berlin from North and North-East.
5. The army of the second echelon must be used to facilitate the success in the main direction.
6. Delimiting lines:
   With the 2nd Belorussian front according to the Stavka directive Nr.110531 ОП 1.04.1945;
   With the first Ukrainian front from 15.04.1945 until Unrushtadt - as before, then lake Ensdorfer-Ze, Gross-Gastroze, Lubben (all points except Lubben for the 1st Belorussian front inclusive)
7. The responsibility for ensuring joints with the 2nd Belorussian front and 1st Ukrainian fronts are the same.
8. Operation start is in accordance with instructions received personally by you.

Stavka of the Supreme Commander.
J. Stalin, A. Antonov.

A record of a conversation between I. V. Stalin and the Prime Minister of the Polish government, St. Mikolajczyk

A record of a conversation between I. V. Stalin and the Prime Minister of the Polish government, St. Mikolajczyk.

Kremlin on August 3, 1944.

Attended by: from the Polish side - Grabsky, Romer, Mnishek.
From the Soviet-tov. V. M. Molotov, translator V. N. Pavlov.

Mikolajczyk declares that he is glad to be received by Marshal Stalin at a time when heroic Soviet armies are crushing Hitler's troops and liberating the territory of Poland.

Comrade Stalin notes that the international situation has developed in such a way that the Soviet Government considers it its duty to help liberate Poland.

Mikolajczyk declares that if it were not for the Soviet Union, Poland would still be under German oppression for a long time.

Comrade Stalin declares that the Red Army is indeed accelerating the liberation of Poland.

Mikolajczyk says he arrived almost on the anniversary of the Soviet-Polish treaty, which Sikorski has concluded on July 30, 1941 and which was not terminated. He, Mikolajczyk, I would like to say that Marshal Stalin, who is now liberating Poland, could win the hearts of the Polish people with a generous gesture towards Poland. He, Mikolajczyk will not hide from Marshal Stalin that the Poles, always trusting Marshal Stalin, at the same time feel a sense of fear of what is about to happen. He, Mikolajczyk, however, wants to introduce himself to Marshal Stalin not as a diplomat, but as a figure who came out of the peasants, who himself has reached the position that he now occupies. He, Mikolajczyk has no specific ambitions, except the desire to serve his homeland. At one time, as Chairman of the Union of Peasant Youth, he participated in Slavic congresses attended by Poles, Bulgarians, and Czecho-Slovaks, where the question of how the Slavic peoples should protect themselves from German expansion was discussed. He, Mikolajczyk, as a resident of the western regions of Poland, knows the Germans well, their evil intentions, their desire to destroy the Slavic peoples. He, Mikolajczyk, came here to discuss all the issues with Marshal Stalin. He, Mikolajczyk, would like to discuss the question of joint action against the Germans now and in the future, so that the Germans can never start a new war.
The second question he Mikolajczyk wanted to discuss with Marshal Stalin is not so critical, it is regarding the treaty about the administration of Poland.
Thirdly, he, Mikolajczyk, I would like to hear from Marshal Stalin how he views the issue of the Soviet-Polish border. Finally, he, Mikolajczyk, I would like to inform Marshal Stalin that on August 1 the Polish underground army began an open struggle against the Germans in Warsaw and that he, Mikolajczykwould like to go to Warsaw as soon as possible and establish a government there based on the four parties represented in the current Polish government in London and the Polish Workers ' Party, i.e., the Communists. He, Mikolajczykthinks that after the liberation of Poland, the country will hold elections on a democratic basis, a new constitution will be adopted, the president of the republic will be elected and new borders of Poland will be approved. Those are the main questions that he, Mikolajczyk, would like to discuss this with Marshal Stalin. With regard to current affairs, he would like to ask Marshal Stalin to direct that the Soviet troops provide assistance to the internal Polish army so that it can continue its struggle against the Germans.

Comrade Stalin replies, that all the issues described by Mikolajczyk are of great political and practical importance. But in his questions Mikolajczyk bypasses the existence of the Polish Committee for National Liberation, with which the Soviet Government has signed an agreement on administration. Is it possible to turn a blind eye to this fact?

Mikolajczyk replies that there may be a misunderstanding. Speaking of the second question, he, Mikolajczykwas referring to the treaty between the Polish Government and the Soviet Government. But this question is not relevant, since the agreement on administration has already been concluded between the Polish Committee for National Liberation and the Soviet Government. He, Mikolajczyk, would like to say in this connection that when the Soviet troops enter Warsaw, they will be visited by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Polish government and the commandant of the underground army, who are responsible for the administration of Poland. He, Mikolajczyk, is sure that the Soviet authorities will not do any harm to these individuals. It would be good if the four Polish parties could still have influence and work to restore the Polish administration.

Comrade Stalin declares that, in order to avoid misunderstanding, he must state that the Soviet Government has no intention of determining how many parties will participate in the Polish government. This is not a matter for the Soviet Government. Of course, the Soviet Government would like to see democratic parties represented in the Polish Government. But this issue must be resolved by the Poles themselves. The Soviet Government will not interfere in this matter. If it is interesting to know the opinion of the Soviet Government, then he, com. Stalin might say that it would be happy if all the democratic parties in Poland formed a bloc. The Soviet government would support this bloc.

Mikolajczyk says there are four parties represented in the Polish government. All these parties are democratic. In 1939, during the stay of leaders of these parties in France, the Sejm was dissolved and it was decided that the President of the republic had to sign a statement stating that he renounced his rights. He, Mikolajczykwould like these four parties to participate in the government that will be created in Warsaw.

Comrade Stalin says that they must agree on what is to be discussed. If Mikolajczyk wants to talk about the force that has emerged in Poland in the form of the Polish National Liberation Committee, then they need to discuss the issue of relations between the Polish government in London and the PCNO.

Mikolajczyk says that he is ready to discuss all issues.

Comrade Stalin declares that Churchill wrote to him that Mikolajczyk wants to come to Moscow, and I asked him if he com. Stalin agrees to accept Mikolajczyk. At the same time, Churchill said that he believes that the main purpose of the trip of Mikolajczyk is unite the Poles, and expressed the hope that he, com. Stalin, will help the Poles in this matter. He, Comrade. Stalin agreed to do it. In his opinion, they can talk about the relationship between two forces related to Poland. This issue is hard to get around.

Mikolajczyk replies that he doesn't want to get around this issue. He wants to be in Warsaw.

Comrade Stalin replies that Warsaw is in German's hands now.

Mikolajczyk says that he thinks Warsaw will soon be liberated, and he will be able to create a new government there, based on all the forces of Poland.

Comrade Stalin notes: "I pray {yes, he actually mentioned God} for it to be so"
He, com Stalin remarks: that the Soviet Government does not acknowledge the London Polish government and that it has ceased all contacts with it. At the same time, the Soviet Government has actual relations and an agreement with the PCNO. These facts must be taken into account.

Mikolajczyk asks if he should understand this in the sense that all routes to Poland are closed to the Polish government in London.

Comrade Stalin replies that this must be understood in the sense that before negotiating to Milolaiczik as a leader of Polish Government it would be good to stop having two governments - one in London and one in Holm. He, com. Stalin thinks that it would be good to unite forces and to form the temporary government. Poles themselves must do this.

Mikolajczyk declaresthat he is not so far removed from Marshal Stalin in his point of view, but he makes a proposal for the cooperation of the four parties with their friends from the PKNO, since the PKNO represents only a part of the Polish people. Marshal Stalin is well aware that Witoe cannot represent the Polish Peasant Party, as he ceased to be a member of it in 1929.

Comrade Stalin says that the criterion of Mikolajczyk is wrong for determining the popularity of a political figure. Poland has been under the heel of the German occupiers for five years. During the war and occupation, new people grew up in Poland. References to old authorities don't matter anymore. Poland has turned left {in political sense} in four years. New authorities must be reckoned with. He, Comrade. Stalin, for example, could mention the Red Army as an example, where new people have grown up, where old authorities have receded into the background. If someone had come to them before the Soviet-German war with the statement that in three years there would be such generals as Rokossovsky, Chernyakhovsky, Konev, Eremenko, Bagramyan, they would not have believed it and would have laughed. Old authorities have moved away, new ones have appeared. War and occupation is a big engine. You can not refer to the old authorities. We need to find new people. These new people include Osubka-Moravian.

Mikolajczyk says he agrees with this. But Vitos, in his opinion, does not represent "Stronnitstvo Ludowe".

Comrade Stalin observes that this is a formal and not necessarily correct point of view.

Mikolajczyk declares that he could have named to com. Stalin, a number of young people who are actively involved in the Polish government. He, Mikolajczyk, recently met in Cairo with a young Polish man who came from Poland. In the Polish government, the Department of Education is headed by a young man. Many women lead the work of servicing the Polish troops, publishing literature, etc. These young Polish men created an underground army in Poland.

Comrade Stalin says that the Red Army has discovered that the detachments of this Polish underground army are very weak. It is reported that the Polish underground army has no artillery, no aircraft, no tanks. It does not fight the Germans. Detachments of this army are hiding in the woods. When the representatives of these detachments are asked why they do not fight the Germans, they say that it is not so easy, because if they kill one German, the Germans kill ten Poles for it. Among the leaders of these detachments, there are quite a few unclever people. Recently, in Holm, one of these chiefs announced the mobilization of the Polish male population from 16 to 65 years of age into the army. This is a very dangerous thing. The population was outraged by the announced mobilization, as they believe that the Germans were driven out and that the war is over. The outrage was all the greater because the mobilization announcement came at the height of the summer harvest. This chief had to be stopped to prevent the mobilization. There are also some leaders who announce to the Polish population that the German occupants have left and the Russian ones have come.
Others spread literature hostile to the U.S.S.R., which he, com. Stalin, can show to Mikolajczyk, if he wishes so. What should the Soviet authorities do with such people?

Mikolajczyk replies that the Krayovy Army really has no tanks. The Krayovy Army fought through acts of sabotage. Recently, on the orders of the London government, many factories were blown up near Lviv and several train wrecks were organized. All detachments of the Polish Krayovy Army in the Wilno region, Novogrudok and Volhynia fought the Germans all the time, despite the breakdown in relations between the Polish and Soviet governments. To him, Mikolajczyk, it is difficult to list all the acts of sabotage, but they are all registered at the Allied headquarters in London. These facts show that the Polish People's Army really wants to fight the Germans.

Comrade Stalin remarks that he believes that the Polish People's Army wants to fight the Germans. But how can she do that if she doesn't have weapons?

Mikolajczyk claims that the Polish People's Army consists of detachments of 20 people each, scattered throughout Poland. As the front approaches, these detachments unite to strike the Germans.

Comrade Stalin says that their troops met two divisions of this army at Kovel, but when their troops approached them, it turned out that they could not fight the Germans, because they had no weapons.

Mikolajczyk sayshe agrees that these detachments do not have the weapons for modern warfare. But in Lubelsk has three divisions. In the underground, the men of these divisions made their own machine guns.

Comrade Stalin says that detachments of the Polish underground army do not fight against the Germans, because their tactics consist in taking care of themselves and then showing up when the British or Russians come to Poland.

Mikolajczyk claims that before the fall of France, the Kraiowy Army was openly active, but after the fall of France, the Kraiowy Army began to engage in sabotage activities according to a plan developed by the Allied headquarters in London. These diversions do great harm to the Germans. From the words of I. V. Stalin about the lack of weapons in the Kraiowy Army, he, Mikolajczykcan only conclude that the Kraiowy Army needs to be given weapons.

Comrade Stalin declares that the Soviet Union is a country at war with Germany on the territory of Poland. The Red Army is interested in a quiet rear. If there are two Polish governments and two systems, it can do great harm to the Red Army's struggle against the Germans. If the Polish government in London intends and considers it expedient to come to an agreement with the PCNO and create one Polish government, the Soviet Government is ready to help this. If the Polish government considers this undesirable, the Soviet Government will be forced to cooperate with the PCNO. Such is the position of the Soviet Government, which he, com. Stalin, asks to be considered.

Mikolajczyk replies that the Polish government is ready to come to an agreement with the PCNO and with those who fought in Poland during the five years of occupation.
Mikolajczyk askshow com. Stalin imagines the borders of Poland.

Comrade Stalin replies that the Soviet Government considers that the eastern border of Poland should follow the Curzon Line, 11 the western border should follow the Oder River, leaving the city of Stettin to the Poles, and the Königsberg district and the city of Königsberg to the Russians.

Mikolajczyk saysthat, therefore, Lviv and Vilna remain part of the Soviet Union.

Comrade Stalin declares that, according to Lenin's ideology, all peoples are equal. He, Comrade. Stalin does not want to offend either Lithuanians, Ukrainians, or Poles.

Mikolajczyk declares that the loss of Lviv and Vilna will be an insult to the Polish people. The Polish people will not understand this, because they believe that Poland should not suffer any damage, if only because there was not a single quisling in Poland.

Comrade Stalin observes that this will not damage Poland. If they talk about the damage, he will be able to report that a large group of Russian nationalists accuse the Soviet Government of ruining Russia because Russia does not include Poland, which used to be part of it. If you listen to all sorts of accusations, you can get completely confused. The line Curzon was not invented by Poles or Russians. It emerged as a result of an arbitration award made by the Allies in Paris. The Russians did not participate in the development of the line Curzon. He, Comrade. Stalin, at the same time, must say that there are few Russians who will agree to the fact that Bialystok is ceded to Poland, as it turns out along the line Curzon.

Mikolajczyk declares that he is sure that if com. If Stalin makes a generous gesture, he will receive the gratitude of the Polish people and find an ally in them.

Comrade Stalin declares that Lviv is surrounded by Ukrainian villages. The Soviet government cannot offend Ukrainians. It should be borne in mind that there are many Ukrainians in the Red Army and that they all fight well against the Germans. Ukrainians will not tolerate the Soviet Government giving up Lviv.

Grabski who joined the conversation, claims that since 1906 he was the head of the anti-German and Russophile movement in Poland. For this, he was often called Moskal. He, Grabski, believes that the friendship of the Polish and Russian peoples is the most important thing for the Slavs' struggle against German expansion. The Polish people will be very grateful to Marshal Stalin for moving Poland's borders further west. But he, Grabsky, asks to consider the following. No allied state will come out of this war reduced in its territory. Poles are well aware of how important it is that there should be no Ukrainian or Belarusian issues in Poland. On the other hand, he, Grabski, would ask to take into account that if Polish state comes out of the war reduced, the Polish people will feel offended. Marshal Stalin spoke of a strong and independent Poland. But if he were to add to this statement that Poland would not come out of this war reduced, then the Russian people and the Soviet Union would be guaranteed the cooperation of the Polish people.

Comrade Stalin says that if they approach the problem of Slavism from a historical point of view, they can see that as a result of the First World War, Poland was resurrected and restored. He, Comrade. Stalin thinks that as a result of the current war, especially the Ukrainian and Belarusian peoples will be resurrected, and it would be unfair to offend them.

Grabsky states, that the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples will not be offended if the disputed territories are divided in proportion to the population of Polish, Belarusian and Ukrainian nationalities and then resettled.

Comrade Stalin declaresthat the Poles will receive Breslau instead of Lviv. They will have enough ore and coal in Silesia.

Grabski says that with the loss of Lviv, there will be no oil in Poland.

Comrade Stalin replies that there is a lot of oil on the opposite slope of the Carpathians. The Poles need to explore these deposits. In addition, the Poles will have chemical plants in Silesia for the production of synthetic fuel.

Grabsky says that Lviv is associated with a lot of historical and other traditions.

Comrade Stalin asks what to do with the Ukrainians.

Grabsky replies that they have Kiev.

Comrade Stalin notesthat the Poles have Krakow and Warsaw.

Comrade Stalin declares, that it was the first time Poles and Russians had marched together at the Battle of Grunwald, when they defeated the Germans. Then the Poles and Russians had quarrels. In the 17th century, under Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, there was a Minister of Foreign Affairs Ordin-Nashchekin, who proposed to conclude an alliance with the Poles. They kicked him out for that. Now a turn is needed. The war has taught our peoples a lot.

Grabsky agrees.

Comrade Stalin declares that if Mikolajczyk has no questions, then the conversation can be finished at 12 o'clock.

Mikolajczyk replies that he has no further questions. He would only like to ask how Tov was. Stalin intends to finally settle the question of the Soviet-Polish border.

Comrade Stalin replies that he thinks this question will need to be resolved when there is a unified Polish government. To do this, he Mikolajczyk will need to talk to representatives of the Polish National Liberation Committee.

Mikolajczyk repliesthat he is ready to do it.

Comrade Stalin replies that com. Molotov will organize the meeting between Mikolajczyk and representatives of the Polish National Liberation Committee. Probably, this meeting can take place in the next one or two days in Moscow or Kiev, depending on where it will be convenient for Mikolajczyk.

Comrade Stalin asks: Mikolajczyk, how they serve him and the people accompanying him.

Mikolajczyk thankstov. Stalin for his hospitality.

The conversation lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Directive Nr. 220155 of Stavka of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front about the usage of the tank armies and cavalry units for capturing bridgeheads on Vistula.

Follow up order of the Ukrainian Front

27 July 1944. 19:20

In connection with front forces capturing Lviv, Peremyshl and Yaroslav, the Stavka of the Supreme Commander orders:
Use the 1st Guards Tank army of Katukov and cavalry units to capture bridgeheads on the Western bank of Vistula in the region between Sandomier and river Visloka. Send there Rybalko’s 3rd Guards tank army following these units.

The directions regarding your plan that was sent on 24.07 will be given on 28.07.1944.

Please report about the issued instructions.

Stavka of the supreme commander
J.Stalin, A.Antonov.

ЦАМО. Ф. 148а. Оп. 3763. Д. 166. Л. 417.

Follow up order of the Ukrainian Front

A message of the Prime I.V.Stalin to the Prime Minister of Great Britain Mr. W.Churchill

Secret and personal.
5th of August 1944

I have received your message about Warsaw.
I think that your information about the Polish is very exaggerated and is not trustworthy. That is something one can conclude from the claims of Polish who say that some Armia Krayowi units have already taken Vilno, which they even announced on the radio. This without doubt is not true. Polish Armia Krajowa consists of several units which are incorrectly named “divisions”. They don’t have artillery, tanks or aviation. I have no idea how such units can take Warsaw which is defended by four full German tank divisions including the “German Goring” division.

Source: Correspondence of the head of the Minister Council of the USSR with the Presidents of the United States and Prime Ministers of Great Britain during the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. 2nd edition 1989 Vol.1 p. 290-291

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.

Transcript of talks of the Supreme Commander and the Commander of the Joint Staff to the Commander of the 54th Army.

16.09.1941 ended at 23:30

Volkhovstroy.: Marshal Kulik at the device.

Moscow.: Stalin and Shaposhnikov at the device. Hello. We got acquainted with your last order, where you plan to strike against the Schlisselburg enemy group first and then reach the Mga station.
We think that you must leave cover from the Schlisselburg direction and use your forces to strike at the direction to the station Mga, while covering your left flank from the direction of Shapka, Sologubovka and after that not to delay the preparations for the offence but lead it decisively in order to connect with Zhukov’s forces.
In conversation with you on 15.09 Zhukov has described his situation to you and that is why your operation cannot be delayed. Over.

Kulik.: Hello. My main strike with three divisions and a mountain rifle brigade is in the direction of the station Mga while covering from the right from the direction of Schlisselburg and from the left from the direction of Turyshkino.
The detailed order [with indication] of the limiting lines [between] the divisions will be given to you now. I repeat that the enemy has concentrated 21st infantry division and 12th tank division in the region of Slavyanka, Voronovo. These two divisions are concentrated, holding the road Slavyanka - Voronovo.
I set my main objective: to defeat these two divisions and only after that to capture the station Mga. Tomorrow at 10:00AM I will start my offensive. Today I just finished all the organization of the offensive. The units have taken their initial positions, the cooperation has been worked out in detail. Over.

Shaposhnikov.: Good. In the following days after staffing two additional combat divisions will be sent to you. Over.

K.: I have one more question for you.
This morning I found out from comrade Cvetaev that the enemy has crossed the river Svir in the region of Podporozhye and captured the railway bridge across the river Svir. I have immediately sent my aviation there, considering the seriousness of the situation.
The recon has discovered a big concentration of forces in the region of station Sviry and to the South in the forests. Also the enemy has built a bridge across Vyazhenka near its mouth. In the second half of the day the bombers and attack planes were operating against the concentration of the enemy forces and destroyed the ferry across the river Vazhenka near its mouth. Huge losses were inflicted upon enemy man force and vehicles.
Also, comrade Cvetaev has reported to me that the railway bridge was cleared {from the explosives} according to the order of the brigade kommissar Rumyantsev from Petrozavodsk. Our sappers have cleared it and the enemy has captured it.
I ordered my aviation to destroy it, but the special aviation link sent there between 16:00 and 17:00 didn’t reach it because of the fog.
I will not be able to allocate anything to this region tomorrow because my aviation will be occupied by another operation. While reporting, I consider it necessary to take serious measures and under no conditions not let the enemy to cross the river Sviry. Cvetaev has very limited forces. Over.

Shaposhnikov.: Good, we will tackle this. As for you, without delay you must attack and defeat the enemy tomorrow 17.09 in the direction of station Mga, capture that station and chase the enemy.
You have three artillery regiments of corps level and you can solve this task. Over.

K.: Everything is prepared and we will act. Will report with the results. Wish you well.

Stalin.: Hello again.
We are very happy that you have success. But take into account that if tomorrow you will strike hard towards Mga to break through or get around the Mga defences, then you will get two good personnel divisions and maybe even a tank brigade. But if you delay the strike tomorrow, then I swear that you will not get those new divisions nor the tank brigade.

K.: I’m hearing you comrade Stalin. Everything is aimed there, everyone is waiting for the morning and delay is out of the question. We will do our best to fulfill your instructions and to get your promised forces. I will speak now to comrade Zhukov about the coordination of our efforts.

Stalin.: Do not forget to put RS to action.

K.: Yes they do participate, but we have only three barrages left. I ask to deliver us at least ten barrages, because the enemy doesn’t like them.

Stalin.: ten barrages are sent to you. You will get them tomorrow or at least the day after tomorrow.

K.: Good.

Stalin.: I shake your hand, wish you well.

K.: Over. Good bye.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 104-107.

Transcript of talk of the Supreme commander to the Commander of the South West Front.

08.08.1941

Brovary.: General Colonel Kirponos at the device.

Moscow.: Stalin at the device.

Stalin.: We received information that the Front {army unit} with a light heart has decided to give Kiev to the enemy, justifying this with the lack of men that are capable of defending it. Is it true?

Kirponos.:Hello comrade Stalin. They reported you wrong. I and the Front Council are doing everything that is possible to not to lose Kiev. The enemy has started the offence with up to three divisions against the Southern part of the fortified region. With support of aviation he has broken through the fortified region and wedged in for up to 4km. Yesterday, as reported by general Vlasov, the enemy lost up to 1200 men killed and wounded. Fighting was fierce and several villages have been passing from one side to another for several times. To reinforce the fortified region yesterday and today two aeromobile brigades were given. Additionally 30 tanks were tasked with an objective to eliminate the enemy in the breakthrough region and restore the previous positions. Aviation has been tasked to support the land forces.

S.: Can you confidently say that you have adopted all the needed measures to unconditionally restore the previous positions of the Southern part of the fortified region?

K.: I assume that the forces that are at my disposal should ensure achieving the goal assigned to the defence region. However I must report that I have no more reserve left in the given direction.

S.: Take forces from other directions to reinforce the Kiev direction. I think that after Muzichenko has left the circle, your offence in the direction known to you loses its initial importance. However it will be more difficult for Ponedelin, but here we will have to come up with some different combinations. That is, you will also have some forces freed up in this direction. Perhaps it would be possible to reinforce the defences West or North from Kiev with the freed up forces, but from these regions take some forces for the Kiev Fortified region. The Defence Committee and the Stavka beg you to do everything possible and impossible to protect Kiev. It will be easier in about two weeks as we will be able to support you with fresh forces, but during two weeks you must hold Kiev whatever it takes. I ask you to acquaint Budenny with this tape {telegraph tape}. My request and my demand to not to give Kiev away are addressed not only to you but also to Budenny. Over.

K.: Comrade Stalin, both my and the Front Council’s aspirations are directed to not letting Kiev fall to the enemy. All that we have at our disposal will be used for the defence of Kiev in order to fulfill the task that you have set for us - to hold Kiev. Your instruction to acquaint Budenny with this tape will be fulfilled now.

S.: Very good. I shake your hand tightly. Wish you luck. Over.

K.: Over. Good bye, thank you for wishing luck.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 28-30.

Transcript of talks of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of the Western Front.

02.07.1941

NARKOM of defenceThis is a mistake, Stalin has become NARKOM of Defence on 19.07.1941 at the device with the presence of Stavka at the device.:
We are interested if you have placed mines on the highway Orsha-Minsk? Have you found out where the 53rd division is? Are your units arriving in the defence region? Which of them remain? What work is going on in the region? And finally, do you know which Pavlov’s units have retreated towards the region that is occupied by your units and in what condition are those units? You must report these matters constantly.

Timoshenko.: Materials for the minefields are being delivered to us. Part of the explosives deliveries arrived in the defence regions yesterday. The highway is not being mined because it is used for the forces and rears of the Western front.
Secondly, the 53rd division is occupying the region on Dnieper: Shklov (inclusive) - Mogilev (Exclusive). The 172nd has begun concentrating at the Mogilev area with six echelons unloaded yesterday. The forward units of the 18th division have reached the region of Orsha (exclusive) - Shklov. The first motorized division has its forward units in the region of Tolochin. The first echelon of the 78th division has just unloaded at Smolensk together with the command and control units of the 69th corps. I decided to move the unloading place of the divisions to the region of Orsha, Krasnoe, Gusino.
Tonight, three armoured trains entered Smolensk and came under command of Remezov. Special battalion of Leningrad has arrived in the Vinogradov’s region of concentration.
We experience a serious lack of diesel fuel. Also we need additional armor piercing shells for the group’s artillery: 12 thousands of the 145mm, 7 thousands of the 76mm.
I personally visited Remezov yesterday. It appears that Remezov hasn’t had a comprehensive plan of the organization of a frontal edge {of defences of his forces}. I ordered him to immediately do a recognition of the entire region of defence together with artillerymen and engineers. I’m going to visit him once more right now in the defence region.
We are in dire need of the reconnaissance aircraft and fighter aircraft. I have no means to conduct the air reconnaissance and to cover the concentration of our forces and major objects. I ask to accelerate the arrival of the head of the aviation of the group.
Up until yesterday no Pavlov’s units had retreated to our region.
Additionally I want to report about the situation with our communications: on the night of the 29th, the enemy has bombed Smolensk for several hours and has done damage to the communication hub. The staff of the group is therefore isolated from the army and from Moscow. The city is in flames, there is close to no leadership of the firefighting efforts. That consolidated signal battalion that I have with huge strain is trying to create bypass lines around Smolensk.
We need your help regarding the communication situation. First: organize the formation of at least one signal battalion of army type and I ask you to order to immediately send a signal regiment from Bryansk to Remezov. The only communication he has with his forces is through delegates on cars.
And finally, the question about maps. Here we have a complete mess: Remezov has only a few complects and now the 73rd division has arrived which has no maps at all. Is everything clear?

Stalin.: We will take measures regarding your questions. We have instructions for you: the highway must be properly mined from the direction of Minsk to Orsha. Do you understand?

T.: And what about the highway Minsk - Mogilev, can we mine that one as well?

S.: Mine that one too. Mine several places so later it is possible to blow it up by a signal. Do you understand?

T.: Understood. I give orders now and leave to go to Remezov. I ask for one small thing. Order Trubetskoy to send us plans of transportation of our forces group otherwise we have to search for the echelons at the stations.

S.: Good. All from us, good bye.

T.: Good. All will be done. Good bye.

ЦХСД Д. У/5--б/11.

Transcript of talk of the Supreme commander to the commander of the Leningrad front.

08.11.1941

Leningrad.: Zhdanov, Khazin at the device.

Moscow.: Stalin at the device. We are very worried by your slowness about carrying out the operation you know about. You have a term of several days. If you do not break through to the East within those several days then you will ruin the Leningrad front and the whole population of Leningrad as well. We are being told that after the artillery barrage the infantry doesn’t go forward. But you must know that infantry will not go without tanks. After the barrage you must put forth the tanks and only after them you can let the infantry attack, giving the artillery an order to redirect their fire 3-4 kilometers to the East of the frontline of your tanks. So that the tanks and the infantry could maneuver freely while the enemy couldn’t bring in fresh forces. And in general, you must redirect your artillery fire further to the East as your forces are advancing. Without such organization you will not achieve anything. Of course the aviation and RS must do their jobs also. Over.

Zhdanov.: The offense of the infantry has bumped upon a quite strong fortified construction. The artillery barrage was enough each time, but the infantry didn’t use its fire and airstrikes. The infantry usually, after starting the movement, had to stop and lie down while sustaining high casualties. Because of this there is a serious lack of forces in the divisions operating on the left bank of Neva river.
Regarding tanks, des[ite all the measures taken, we only managed to transfer 7 tanks to the left bank of Neva and those quickly went out of service. Regarding KVs, we didn’t manage to get any of those across the Neva yet. It is enough to say that three quarters of the ferry vehicles are out of service. That is why ferrying is slow and happens generally at night.
Regarding artillery, they are very good at firing against the front edge of the enemies front, but they don’t see the targets when firing deeper. The cannot do a stronger barrage at an area and the enemy has dug in very deep and has bunkers and dugouts.
Due to our losses and not yet organized ferry we were forced to hold on our offensive for a few days to put our units in order, reinforce them, organize the ferry properly, prepare the battle so there is a full cooperation between the infantry and the artillery.
Regarding the area of the 55th army, there is movement here in the direction of the supporting strike. Blocking units of sappers and supporting tanks have been created. Tanks are used at full here. We lost 29 tanks knocked out and burned. Now at night a battle is going on to capture the firing points near Usty-Tosno and the railway bridge. The commanders of the 55th army have an assignment to clear the Western bank of the Usty-Tosno today during the day, to start crossing the Usty-Tosno tomorrow.
The forces are in a combat mood. On the right bank all is dependent on the difficulties of using tanks. Low manpower of our divisions is also an issue. We are taking measures: by reducing the rear (artillery men) for 8000 men, signalmen by 5000, AA by 8000 and sending them as riflemen. Some divisions are reduced to two regiment compositions. Over.

S.: You have to choose between the captivity on one side and sacrificing several divisions on the other. I repeat, sacrifice and break through the road to the East for you, to save your entire front and Leningrad. As soon as you break through, we will make a railroad. The infantry will not go without tanks. Take actions to ferry the KV tanks to the left bank. If they are too heavy, then let them make their armor lighter for 10-20 tons. If there are lighter tanks, then ferry those. If the 55nd army can strike from the South to the North to the rear of the enemy who is at Neva, then let it strike. I repeat there is not much time left for you - you will run out of food soon. Try to form groups of hunters of the most brave men from different divisions and create one or two regiments of them. Explain the great significance of the feat that is required from them to break through. Perhaps those consolidated regiments of brave men could encourage all the rest to go after themSomething similar was mentioned later in “The last 100 yards” book, where it was said that there are some brave men who encourage others to go forward. Over.

Z.: The military council of the front not only doesn’t have any doubt, but also fully agrees with you and will not stop before any opposing force not for a minute. So that you have no doubts in our actions I report that we have transferred to the left bank 5 of our best divisions. The 168th rifle division and 20th rifle division after 3-4 days of fighting have only around 200-300 men but nevertheless they don’t have any deserters or those avoiding the battle. We throw into battle everything we have in our hands. We will not be able to transfer light tanks to the left bank because those, a few dozen machines, are used by the 55th army near Usty-Tosno.

S.: If you do not agree or have any doubts, then say it directly. You are using your forces poorly. If you have such good divisions operating at the front, then it is very sad that you have used them poorly. Infantry division, armed with machine guns and rifles, cannot go against enemy fortified positions. Fortified regions must firstly be destroyed with artillery, mortars, then you should let tanks go there and only then, behind the tanks the infantry division can show itself as a real force. Without tanks the infantry is helpless against enemies fortified regions.

Z.: We will re organize our artillery work as you have instructed. We will immediately create consolidated regiments of hunters. Units of hunters are operating in the 55th army and are used to capture enemy dugouts and bunkers. Over.

S.: I ask you and comrade Khazin to inform us about the situation with this matter at around 12PM. Over.

Z.: All from us.

S.: Wish you well. Wish you luck. I’m waiting for the first information via the direct wire tonight at 12 o’clock. Call me to the device on 8.11.1941, 6.00. Stalin.

Z.: Good bye comrade Stalin, we are getting down to the implementation of your instructions and will inform you at 12:00 in the night.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 151-155.

Transcript of talks of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of the Leningrad front

09.11.1941

Leningrad.: Zhdanov and Khozin at the device. Good day com. Stalin. Reporting about fulfillment of your orders. The following measures are taken:

• Forming three volunteer regiments of selected people. The formation will be finished by the end of today. By morning of 10.XI we hope to transfer them to the other side of Neva.
• Thanks to the shrinking rear we reinforced the divisions that are on the left bank of Neva.
• We gathered around 40 medium and light tanks which will be shipped to the left bank of Neva at night between 9th and 10th of November.
• Today we have listened to the combat plans, presented by the Military Council of the 8th army. We achieved that the Military council of the 8th army fully understands how to organize the operation of breakthrough and plan the breakthrough operation according to indications of comrade Stalin.
• Ready time for operation start is set to 10th - 11th of November. On the direction of a support blow of the 55th Army we started to form a volunteer regiment. The nearest objective for the army is to clear the Western bank of river Tosna; following with capturing the ferries on the river Tosna and advancing in the direction of Mga station to meet up with the 8th and 54th Armies.

Considering the experience of previous battles, we have given instructions about carrying out the offensive towards a dug-in enemy. Our forces have shown their weakness in performing such operations, especially on company, battalion and regiment levels. Considering this, instructions have been given to reform the work of artillery.

Stalin.: Pause the transmission. Tikhvin is occupied by the enemy. We are clearing the situation. If it will be possible, we will connect to you by the wire. This wire goes through Tikhvin. Over. Stand by the device.

Z.: All clear, standing by.

Zhdanov and Khozin by the device.: Continuing the report. Instructions to reform the work of artillery were given, according to your indications. We now got information from the 54th Army that the enemy has occupied Tikhvin but in the Volkhov direction the enemy is 15-18km away from Volkhov. The commander of the 54th Army asks for a division to be transferred to cover Volkhov. We think that it is better to take that division from the 54th Army, because transferring from us is difficult because of the transport issues. Over. Waiting for indications.

Stalin at the device.: Sorry, I was late. To eliminate the enemy forces we have transferred Meretskov with some units of the 7th army to Tikhvino region. We are sending tanks and one full division there. I think that the 54th army could move one of its divisions to cover its rear. As you see, the enemy wants to create the second line of encirclement around Leningrad and completely cut it off from the rest of the country. It is very dangerous to wait any longer. Be hurry to create a large group of forces, concentrate all the fire: artillery, aviation, 120mm mortars and RS on a large he said “narrow” as it is evident from the reply, but the document has a typo areas and punch through and create a road to the East until it’s not too late. We will eliminate the Tikhvino enemy group by ourselves I suppose.
Could you ship disassembled KVs across the Neva or handle large amounts of KV to your Tosno groups and let them go along the Southern bank of Neva to the enemy rears? Over.

Z.: Comrade Stalin! Reporting: your instructions are being implemented. We have considered an offensive plan and we are creating quite a powerful artillery group in the 1km wide breakthrough region which consists of 600 guns and mortars as well as three RS batteries. All the aviation will operate there as well. Shipping KV tanks across Neva is a very difficult and very lengthy task. We have already transferred one brigade to the region of the 55th army and will transfer one more brigade there. We are doing as you said - forming one motorised regiment for these brigades. We will be setting them the following objective: as soon as we capture the ferries across Tosna river, they will strike the enemy rear towards station Mga. Over.

Comrade Stalin, we have a request. Due to unreliability of supply across the Ladoga lake, we ask to give us 30 additional “Douglas” aircrafts and 10 TB-3 for evacuating the war materials from Leningrad and bringing in food concentrates and other provisions. Additionally they will need a regiment of fighters to support their actions. We ask for your instructions on what to do with the 69 regimental artillery pieces you have ordered us to transfer. Those are at Volkhov. Over.

S.: We will do our best to provide “Douglas” and TB-3 for you. As for the 69 regiment cannons, let the 54th army take them for storage.

Over. Good bye.

Z.: Over. Good bye.

ЦАМО. Ф.96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 156-159.

Transcript of talk of the Supreme Commander to the Commander of the Air Force of the Red Army

26.09.1941

Zhigarev.: at the device.

Stalin.: Comrade Zhigarev, I beg you to go to Kholzakov to the region of Volkhovstroy and help him to organize massed airstrikes upon the German forces. I suppose you could leave the North West front for two or three days, leaving Kucevalov as your replacement and who probably already has learned how to command the aviation. Your help is very needed by the 54th Army which is moving towards Mga station to establish connection with the Leningrad front. You must know that Kholzakov’s group supports this army. It would be good to go there today. We will try to send fresh air forces there. I wait for your answer.

Zhigarev.: Good. All clear. I will depart from Morozov from Semenovshina, Valdai and after I brief Kucevalov I will leave for the airfield Khotilovo from where I will fly on a “Douglas” to Kholzakov. Kucevalov has learned how to concentrate the aviation forces on the battlefield and so did the commanders of aviation divisions. From Valdai, if you allow, I will call you via phone “VCh”. I will be at Valdai in one and a half or two hours.

S.: Good, call me from there.

Z.: Good bye, I have departed to Valdai.

S.: Good bye.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оп. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 124.

Transcript of talk of the Supreme Commander and the Head of the Joint Staff to the Commander of the forces of Reserve front

04.09.1941 03:50AM - 04:30AM

Zhukov.: at the device

Stalin, Shaposhnikov.: at the device. Hello. It appears that you plan to send forces to Smolensk direction for the elimination of Yelnya {enemy forces} as a result leaving Roslavly in its current unpleasant situation. I think that this operation you are planning must be executed only after the elimination of Roslavly {enemy forces}. And even better would be to wait with Smolensk operation and eliminate Roslavly together with Eremenko and then “sit on the tail” of Guderian by moving some divisions to the South. The most important is to defeat Guderian, but Smolensk will not walk away from us. Over.

Z.: I wish you health comrade Stalin. Comrade Stalin, I do not think about the Smolensk operation and am concerned that it is Timoshenko’s work. Strike 109, 149, 104 {seems like numbers on a map} I want to carry out right now to help the fastest elimination of Yelnya adversary group. When that is done, I will free up additional 7-8 divisions to relocate to the region of Pochinki. There, while defending from the Smolensk direction, I could carry out a powerful strike in the direction of Roslavly and to the West of it. That is to strike against Guderain’s rear.

As experience shows, performing a deep strike with 3-4 divisions leads to trouble because the enemy quickly surrounds these groups with its mobile units. That is why I asked your permission for such a maneuver. If you will order to strike towards Roslavly, then I can organize this measure. But there would be more use if I would eliminate Yelnya first. Today at the end of day, the right flank of our Yelnya group has occupied Sofiyevka. The enemy has only a 6 km wide opening so I think that tomorrow we will complete a tactical encirclement. Over.

S.: I’m worried about the terrain in the direction of Pochinki - there are forests and swamps and your tanks can get stuck there.

Z.: Reporting. The strike is planned through the Pogulyaevka, South of river Khmara along a good terrain, with exit towards Storino, Vasykovo, 30 km North West of Roslavly around 10 km South from Pochinki. Also it is a bad idea to strike along the previous route. A German soldier has moved to us and told us that during the night today the defeated 23rd infantry division was replaced by the 267 infantry division as well as he saw SS units in the area. Strike to the South is also better from the perspective that it will hit between the two divisions. Over.

S.: Do not overly trust the enemy POWs interrogate him and then shoot him. We do not object against your proposed manuever 10km South of Pochinki. You can act. Especially concentrate airstrikes against it and use RS also {Katyusha}. When do you plan to start?

Z.: I will finish regrouping until 7th. Preparation is on 7th and on 8th in the morning we strike. I beg you to support me with charges for the RS, 76mm shells and also 152mm shells year 09/30 and mortar mines 120mm. Also, if possible, one regiment of ILs {IL-2} and one regiment of Pe-2 and tanks, around 10 KVs and around 15 T-34s. These are all my requirements.Over.

S.: Unfortunately we currently don’t have any RS reserves. We will give them when we have them. You will get RS. Pity that Yeremenko will have to operate alone against Roslavly. Could you organize a push against Roslavly from the North East?

Z.: No comrade Stalin I have nothing to push with. Only separate units with some artillery support, but this will be a chilling blow while the main strike I will perform on the 8th in the morning. I will do my best. Perhaps I can do it on the morning of 7th. Yeremenko is still far from Roslavly and I think comrade Stalin that strike on 7th or 8th will not be too late. Over.

S.: And for how long will the glorified 211th division sleep?

Z.: Acknowledged. Will organize on the 7th. The 211th division is forming now and will be ready no earlier than 10th. I will pull it as a reserve, won’t allow it to fall asleep. I ask you to grant permission to arrest and to put under trial those alarmists and traitors I reported about. Over.

S.:Seventh is better than eighth. We agree and authorize to trial them as strictly as necessary. Over. Good bye.

Z.: Wish you health.

ЦАМО. Ф. 96а. Оа. 2011. Д. 5. Л. 68-70