TO THE PEOPLE'S SECRETARIAT, STAFF OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER ORDZHONIKIDZE, KHARKOV
TO THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE MOSCOW MILITARY DISTRICT, PRESIDIUM OF THE SOVIET OF DEPUTIES*, MOSCOW

January 13 (26), 1918, 1:00

We have received word that between Orel and Kursk a bottleneck has formed that is preventing the movement of trains with coal and grain. Any stoppage threatens starvation and the shutdown of industry. We suspect sabotage by railway workers at this location, as there have been cases of sabotage there before. We earnestly request that you take the most ruthless revolutionary measures. We request that you send a detachment of absolutely reliable people. By all means, forward the grain cars to Petrograd, otherwise starvation threatens. Place several sailors or Red Guards on the locomotives. Remember that it depends on you to save Piter from starvation.

Lenin