Telegram to L.D. Trotsky, March 21, 1920

Source: Tom 17

Moscow. Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council, Trotsky.

I received the coded message. The Caucasus Front has no fewer than 25 rifle and 10 cavalry divisions. In my opinion, six divisions can be taken from there against the Poles, in accordance with your proposal. The remaining forces can safely hold the Baku area. The Georgians are not dangerous if we promise neutrality.

Stalin.

Source: Bolshevik Leadership. Correspondence. 1912-1927, p. 120.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 1. D. 5481. L. 3.

NOTE

This is a reply to Trotsky's telegram of March 21, 1920: "...I am sending Tukhachevsky the following inquiry: After your capture of Novorossiysk and Grozny, it is planned to take from you 3 rifle divisions and 3 cavalry divisions. Reinforcements can be given to you only with the opening of navigation. Please reply whether you consider it possible under such conditions to immediately conduct an operation to capture and hold Baku. Take into account the possibility of Azerbaijan being supported by Georgia. March 21. To this I add: it would be desirable to conclude a deal with Georgia, promising her full inviolability and oil. I consider it possible to withdraw from the Caucasus Front for the Western Front not 6 divisions but 4..."