TELEGRAM TO THE DEPUTY PEOPLE'S COMMISSAR FOR MILITARY AFFAIRS OF UKRAINE
Kharkov
May 28, 1919
The Council of Defence resolved on May 26 of this year to immediately send all workers, to a man, from Kharkov to the defence of Lugansk. You are to carry out this resolution in the shortest possible time, not stopping before the most extreme decisive measures, applying the highest measure of punishment in relation to the disobedient, backward and negligent. Your telegram about sending 3,853 is striking in its insignificance of the number. At such a pace, victory is impossible. Intensify the work. Answer immediately. If you leave, indicate a deputy.
Chairman of the Council of Defence
Lenin