Telegram to P.K. Ponomarenko, 15 August 1941

Source: Tom 18

Source: Tom 18

I received your coded message about Efremov. Your behavior is incomprehensible. Why were you silent when Kuznetsov was being removed? Now, however, only a few days after Efremov's appointment, you have immediately determined that he is a liar, a braggart, and that nothing will come of him. You are a member of the Military Council, not an observer, and you are obliged to achieve greater demands on the commanders of armies and divisions on Comrade Efremov's part, to achieve uninterrupted communications with the armies and divisions, to know the operational situation, and to react to it in a timely manner. You are obliged and have the ability to make Efremov work properly.

I propose that you have a frank talk with Efremov about the substance of your coded message, with which I am acquainting Efremov, and achieve a state of affairs in which the front's work proceeds in a Bolshevik manner. For your information, I would note that the CC has very favorable reviews of Efremov from such comrades as Voroshilov and Mikoyan. I say nothing of the fact that Mekhlis, who traveled for an inspection, also spoke well of Efremov.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 59. L. 19-21.