Telegram to L.M. Kaganovich, K.E. Voroshilov, 15 August 1932

Source: Tom 17

To Kaganovich. Voroshilov.

I disagree with Voroshilov's assessment of the Korneev case. Korneev must be freed immediately and given a suitable position in another military district, for example in Moscow. Korneev had the right to shoot at hooligans who broke into his premises at night. It is ugly and unseemly on the part of the authorities to defend hooligans against an honest and devoted commander. I propose that the following be clarified: first, who ordered Korneev's arrest; second, who proposed his expulsion from the Party; third, what concern the Revolutionary Military Council showed for its commander, who was attacked by thieves and hooligans. I propose that Korneev's Party standing be immediately restored. I insist on my proposals, as I believe it is finally time to shed light on this murky affair. I request that the review of the case be timed to coincide with my arrival.

Stalin

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Source: Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936, p. 277.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 79. L. 8, 8 verso, 9 verso.

NOTE: This was in response to a detailed telegram from Voroshilov describing the incident: three seasonal workers, young men aged 15-18, climbed into a garden at 11 PM to steal apples; Korneev came out, found no one, and as the men fled and (according to Korneev) cursed at him, he grabbed one and then opened fire when the man tried to run, killing an 18-year-old and wounding another. Voroshilov had ordered Korneev tried; he was sentenced to 6 years but Voroshilov recommended clemency. Stalin disagreed with the proceedings entirely, defending Korneev's right to shoot at intruders.