Telegram to V.M. Molotov and G.M. Malenkov, 29 August 1941

Source: Tom 18

Source: Tom 18

Leningrad

Secretary of the City Committee Kuznetsov, for Molotov, Malenkov.

We have just been informed that Tosno has been taken by the enemy. If things continue this way, I fear that Leningrad will be surrendered in an idiotic and foolish manner, and all the Leningrad divisions risk being taken prisoner. What are Popov and Voroshilov doing? They do not even report on the measures they intend to take against such a danger. They are busy looking for new lines of retreat -- in this they see their task. Where does this abyss of passivity and purely peasant resignation to fate come from? What kind of people are they -- I cannot understand at all. In Leningrad there are now many KV tanks, much aviation, and Katyusha rocket launchers. Why are these important technical assets not being used on the Lyuban-Tosno sector? What can some infantry regiment, deployed against the Germans by the command without these technical assets, do against the German tanks? Why is the abundant Leningrad technology not being used on this decisive sector? Does it not seem to you that someone is deliberately opening the road to the Germans on this decisive sector? What kind of man is Popov? What, exactly, is Voroshilov occupied with, and how does his assistance to Leningrad manifest itself? I write about this because I am greatly alarmed by the incomprehensible to me inaction of the Leningrad command. I think that on the 29th you should leave for Moscow. Please do not delay.

STALIN

Izvestiya TsK KPSS. 1990. No. 9. P. 213.