Date: 1919-01-03
Source: ru:LS/v34

# TELEGRAM TO THE SIMBIRSK GOVERNORATE FOOD COMMISSAR
Source: ru:LS/v34

TELEGRAM 
TO THE SIMBIRSK GOVERNORATE FOOD COMMISSAR
January 6, 1919
The committee of 42 organizations of starving workers in Petrograd and Moscow complains about your inefficiency. I demand maximum energy on your part, an informal approach to the matter, and comprehensive assistance to the starving workers.

The character [of the situation] is systematic; for instance, in the direction of Molodechno—Vilnius, a substantial bridge was blown up not far from Soli station. At Rakiškės station, the Germans executed the chairman of the Revolutionary Committee and the secretary of the militia. In Šavlė and Radzivilishki, the Germans carried out executions of striking workers who were dismantling the tracks to prevent the removal of state property. In Kaunas, a large meeting was held despite the Germans' prohibition; for refusing to disperse the gathering, they carried out an execution: 8 wounded, 1 killed; they also prohibited the holding of funerals... The bribery by German soldiers and officers is widespread, selling all their and our property.

For lack of success, I will be forced to arrest the entire staff of your institutions and bring them to trial. I have given urgent instructions to increase the number of locomotives and wagons. You must immediately load the two trains of 30 wagons each that are currently available. Telegram me upon completion.

You are obliged to accept grain from peasants day and night. If it is confirmed that after 4 o'clock you did not accept grain and made the peasants wait until morning, you will be shot.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars
Lenin