149. TELEGRAM TO D. T. PETRUCHUK^[1]

Written on August 15, 1918 · First published in 1965 in Collected Works, Fifth Ed., Vol. 50. Printed from the original. · page 130

Orsha

In case of need you will be given permission to use the direct line. My advice is: gradually take steps towards disarming and expelling demoralised units and hooligan elements. For this highly important work, take members of the local Executive Committee and Regional Committee to assist you, for this is a matter of paramount state importance. Inform local Executive Committees and Party Committees of this telegram.

Notes

[1] This telegram is the reply to a message by direct line from D. T. Petruchuk, representative of the Moscow Regional Commissariat for Military Affairs, who had been sent to Orsha to expedite the dispatch of Red Army units to the Eastern Front. Petruchuk reported demoralisation in a number of army units and poor work on the part of local Soviet bodies, and he asked to be allowed to use the direct line.