Moscow, Kremlin.

Only for Lenin.

Kharkov, 29/VII.

Fierce fighting along the entire Crimean front continues. Orekhovo and neighboring stations pass from hand to hand. By attacking along the entire front, Wrangel hopes to disrupt our forthcoming offensive or, at the very least, to provoke us into a premature, insufficiently prepared offensive. What is required of us is character and endurance. Possible partial successes by Wrangel and the possible loss of certain points cannot have serious significance. Therefore, while conducting an active defense, we have resolved to stubbornly continue the concentration of fresh forces for the main blow. In the end, Wrangel will achieve the result that, by lunging and leaping at us, he will wear out his own forces and then find himself face to face with our fresh forces. I request that you inform me of our plans in connection with the Polish armistice. Budyonny reports that, owing to the exhaustion of the horses, taking Lvov by the 30th will probably not be possible.

Stalin.

Source: Bolshevik Leadership. Correspondence. 1912-1927, pp. 150-151.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 1. D. 1881. L. 2-3.