Moscow, Kremlin. To Trotsky. Deliver personally.

First. Makhno's cavalry corps consists, according to unverified reports, of no more than one thousand sabers and two thousand infantry. Second, the encirclement of Makhno, begun several days ago, will be completed on the ninth. The order to advance against the Poles was given deliberately in order to obtain additional material against Makhno for decomposing his followers, among whom disagreements reign. Your advice regarding a broad campaign is being carried out by the Revolutionary Military Councils and the Revolutionary Committee of Ukraine.

Stalin.

Source: Bolshevik Leadership. Correspondence. 1912-1927, pp. 110-111.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 1. D. 5458. L. 3.

NOTE

This is a reply to Trotsky's telegram of January 9, 1920: "...An extensive telegram has been received from Makhno, setting out his reasons for refusing to obey the command and to proceed to the Polish front. First, report what you know about Makhno's army, its combat strength, in terms of ammunition and sources of replenishment. Second, do you consider it possible to immediately proceed with the encirclement and complete military liquidation of Makhno..."