Resolution on Order of Commander of Southwestern Front
Резолюция на приказе командующего Юго-Западным фронтом
Date: 1917-11-19
Source: ru:LS/v34
Translated by: AI (Claude)

19 November (2 December) 1917

Transmit by radio to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for taking measures (and for checking how much trust Volodchenko deserves) and for the same purpose inform the military department.

Note: In his order, the Commander of the Southwestern Front, General Volodchenko, warned the front's troops against the treachery of the Germans, who were trying to use fraternization with Russian troops for the purposes of reconnaissance and espionage. The order pointed out that fraternization "is conducted by the enemy according to a strictly defined system. While in some sectors fraternization is not allowed at all by them, despite even attempts from our side to initiate it (there was a case when two officers came out of the German trenches, including the division commander, who declared that before the formal conclusion of an armistice they would not allow fraternization, and all attempts at it would be stopped by fire), in other sectors the Germans in large masses approach our trenches, exchange small items with our soldiers. At the same time, a significant part of the fraternizing Germans (among them many spies) reach the location of our reserves. The broadest fraternization is carried out by the enemy in those sectors where an increase in his forces has been noticed, the appearance of his shock units has been detected. Thus, the location of our trenches - their weakest places - is not a secret for the enemy's shock units. Taking advantage of the trustfulness and simple-heartedness of the Russian soldier, the enemy collects precise information about the most important sectors for him about the strength of fortifications of our positions and the places of location of reserves, and thereby prepares for himself a favorable situation for delivering a blow."

The order ended with an appeal: "Russian warriors, I appeal to your mind and heart! Do not believe the treacherous enemy, who has more than once proved his perfidy. The enemy is strong and cunning, he wants to take advantage of the turmoil of our army to inflict defeat on us and seize our land. Remember, warriors, that the fate of the homeland and freedom is in your hands. Preserve those benefits that have been obtained for you by the blood of the people... The enemy is making every effort to deceive you and, taking advantage of your trust, to inflict such a blow on our homeland that it will no longer be terrible to him."

From Lenin Miscellany
Printed from the original signed by V.I. Lenin