To G.K. Zhukov, A.A. Zhdanov, A.A. Kuznetsov, V.N. Merkulov, 21 September 1941

Source: Tom 18

Source: Tom 18

It is said that the German scoundrels, advancing on Leningrad, are sending ahead of their troops old men, old women, women, and children -- delegations from the areas they have occupied -- with a plea to the Bolsheviks to surrender LENINGRAD and establish peace. It is said that among the Leningrad Bolsheviks there are people who do not consider it possible to use weapons against such delegations. I believe that if such people exist among the Bolsheviks, they should be destroyed first of all, for they are more dangerous than the German fascists. My advice: do not be sentimental, but strike the enemy and his accomplices, willing or unwilling, in the teeth. War is merciless, and it brings defeat first and foremost to those who display weakness and permit vacillation. If anyone in our ranks permits vacillation, that person will be the primary cause of the fall of Leningrad.

Strike with all your might at the Germans and at their delegations, whoever they may be; mow down the enemy, regardless of whether they are willing or unwilling enemies. No mercy either to the German scoundrels or to their delegations, whoever they may be.

Please bring this to the attention of the commanders and commissars of divisions and regiments, as well as the Military Council of the Baltic Fleet and the commanders and commissars of ships.

I. Stalin

US Library of Congress. Manuscript Division. "Volkogonov Collection." Reel 4.