Letter to V.I. Lenin, August 31, 1918

Source: Tom 17

August 31, 1918

Dear Vladimir Ilyich!

We know reliably that the situation in Voronezh is shaky in both military and political terms, if not hopeless. Meanwhile, Voronezh and the Voronezh front are of decisive importance for the entire Southern Front. In view of this, Minin, Voroshilov, and I have decided to send a group of trusted people to Voronezh to work on cleansing Voronezh and the front of counter-revolutionary elements. I ask you to furnish them with a letter bearing your signature, which would give the comrades we are sending to Voronezh direct access to the most important posts. Please fulfill this request of ours.

I firmly shake your hand.

Yours,

Stalin.

Source: Bolshevik Leadership. Correspondence. 1912-1927, p. 46.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 1. D. 5411. L. 4.