Lenin Telegram to RMC 1920

TELEGRAM TO THE REVOLUTIONARY MILITARY COUNCIL OF THE SOUTHERN FRONT

R.M.C. Southern Front Copy to Trotsky

Code Direct line

I have just learned about your surrender offer to Wrangel.* Extremely surprised at the excessively accommodating terms. If the enemy accepts them, make sure of taking over the fleet and not letting out a single ship; if the enemy rejects these terms, I think they must not be repeated, and the enemy dealt with ruthlessly.

Written on November 12 , 1920 

Lenin

First published in 1942 Printed from a text written in Lenin Miscellany XXXIV in sky’s hand signed by Lenin

* In an effort to avoid further bloodshed, M. V. Frunze, commander of the troops on the Southern Front, radioed an offer to Wrangel on November 11, 1920, to cease resistance, promising an amnesty for those who laid down their arms. Wrangel did n ly to Frunze’s proposal and concealed it from his troops.