Telegram from A.M. Vasilevsky to N.G. Kuznetsov and Others (Transmitting Stalin's Orders), August 22, 1945

Source: Tom 18

Transmitted by Commander-in-Chief of Soviet Forces in the Far East, Marshal of the Soviet Union A.M. Vasilevsky

By order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, I instruct:

1. The occupation of the Kuril Islands is to be carried out immediately, without waiting for the general surrender procedures.

2. The operation is to be conducted by naval forces of the Pacific Fleet in cooperation with ground forces. All islands of the Kuril chain from Shumshu in the north to Iturup in the south are to be occupied.

3. Japanese garrisons are to be disarmed. In case of resistance, use force.

4. Report on the progress of the operation daily.

A. Vasilevsky

Note

The operation to occupy the Kuril Islands was conducted from August 18 to September 5, 1945. The fiercest fighting took place on the island of Shumshu, where the Japanese garrison of about 8,500 troops offered strong resistance. Soviet losses in the landing operation on Shumshu alone amounted to over 1,500 killed and wounded. The entire Kuril chain was occupied by Soviet forces by September 5, 1945.