from Stalin to Trotsky

Bolshevik leadership Correspondence. 1912-1927
Collection of documents 1996.
Compiled by: A.V.Kvashonkin, L.P.Kosheleva, L.A.Rogovaya, O.V.Khlevnyuk.

Stalin Correspondences

Telegram from I. V. Stalin to L. D. Trotsky

July 26 [1920]

Predrevsov[et] Trotsky,

copy of the Central Committee of the RCP.

Kharkov 26 July.

Another failure on the Wrangel Front is due to the belated approach of fresh divisions from the north, which can concentrate no earlier than August 10. Wrangel is obviously aware of the redeployment of divisions and is trying to warn us . Not a small role was played by the fact that Moscow does not pay due attention to the Crimean Front. In my opinion, the formation of a special Crimean Revolutionary Council will not be a plus. The whole question lies in the indicated circumstance, and not in the organization of a special Revolutionary Military Council for the Crimea. The last one is redundant in my opinion .

The loss of Orekhov and, even, Aleksandrovsk should have been expected in the event of Wrangel's attempt to warn us even if we were not ready. Now that Wrangel's strike has begun, our failures will probably continue for some period. I repeat, this is the question, not the formation of a new revolutionary council. That's why I find your suggestion 2 redundant .

Stalin.

RTSKHIDNI. F. 558. On. 1. D. 1868. L. 2-4. Autograph.

Notes:

1 Text in italics was crossed out by Stalin's hand and was not included in the text of the sent telegram.

2 In connection with the failures on the Polish and Wrangel fronts, the Central Committee of the RCP (b), at the suggestion of Trotsky, discussed the issue of separating the Crimean sector of the Southwestern Front into an independent Southern Front. Stalin was against this. The final decision on the division of the fronts was made at a meeting of the Politburo on August 2, 1920 (See: Lenin V. I. PSS. T. 51. P. 247).

No. 93

Telegram from I. V. Stalin to L. D. Trotsky

July 28, 1920

Trotsky.

We intend to issue and distribute the order for the total extermination of the Wrangel command staff at the time of our general offensive.

Stalin.

RTSKHIDNI. F. 558. On. 1. D. 1875. L. 1. Handwritten text on a telegraph form.