RESOLUTION ON THE TELEGRAM OF I. V. STALIN AND F. E. DZERZHINSKY
23 January 1919

[V. I. Lenin's resolution:] To the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic for review (urgent).

[Telegram of I. V. Stalin and F. E. Dzerzhinsky:] Serpukhov to the Commander-in-Chief, Moscow to Lenin

The Commission of the Council of Defence considers it absolutely necessary to place at the disposal of the Third Army the Viatka ski battalion to reinforce its left wing at the point of junction with the Sixth Army and to ensure stability on the army's sector. The 16 companies from Kazan and three regiments from Vologda and Yaroslavl promised to the Third Army by the Commander-in-Chief will not arrive, for they have in the meantime received a new assignment; if the battalion is also refused, as the Sixth Army insists, the unstable position of the Third Army's left wing may ruin the whole affair, which is already being put in order. Moreover, it must be taken into account that through the efforts of the Commission and the rear echelon workers of the Third Army, the battalion has been transformed from a disorganised group into a steadfast combat unit, already being expanded into a regiment, spiritually bound to the Third Army, and capable of exerting maximum energy only in the ranks of the Third Army. In view of the above, the Commission of the Council of Defence requests confirmation of its order to place the Viatka battalion at the disposal of the Third Army.

Commission of the Council of Defence: Stalin. Dzerzhinsky