Letter To The Petrograd Workers

On Aid For The Eastern Front

Written 10 April, 1919 · First published Petrograclskaya Pravda No. 81, April 12, 1919; Published according to the newspaper text · page 275

To the Petrograd workers

Comrades, the situation on the Eastern Front has become extremely grave. Today, Koichak captured the Votkinsk Iron Works and Bugulma is in danger. Evidently, Koichak will advance still farther.

The danger is a serious one.

Today, the Council of People’s Commissars will decide on a number of urgent measures to assist the Eastern Front; we are increasing the work of agitation.

We request the Petrograd workers to do everything possible, to mobilise all forces to help the Eastern Front.

The soldier workers there will obtain food for themselves, and will be able to send food parcels to their families. The main thing, however, is that there the fate of the revolution is being decided.

By victory there, we shall bring the war to a close, for the Whites will get no more assistance from abroad. In the South, victory is near. We cannot withdraw forces from the South until we have won there completely.

Hence, help the Eastern Front!

Both the Soviet of Workers’ and Red Army Deputies and the trade unions must exert every effort to mobilise all forces and render all possible assistance to the Eastern Front.

I am certain, comrades, that the Petrograd workers will set an example to the whole of Russia.

With communist greetings,

Lenin

Moscow, April 10, 1919