TELEGRAM TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF PEOPLE'S COMMISSARS OF THE CRIMEAN REPUBLIC*

June 19, 1919

The Council of Defense proposes to begin immediately the shipment of coal from the Crimea by scheduled trains, particularly from Sevastopol, to Aleksandrovsk, for the regular operation of railways in connection with urgent military transfers to the front of the Fourteenth Army and for armored trains. The exact quantity of coal needed should be obtained from the Commander of the Fourteenth Army, Voroshilov. Request it from him immediately by direct wire. The shipment should begin immediately so that the first scheduled shipments depart with special escorts within 24 hours. Subsequent dispatch should continue until all the needs of the Commander of the Fourteenth Army are satisfied. It is necessary to display maximum energy. Report daily to the Council of Defense how much coal has been dispatched. The Council of Defense considers any delays inadmissible.

Chairman of the Council of Defense
Lenin

* Printed from the original signed by V. I. Lenin. On the document there is an order written by V. I. Lenin: "To the telegraph: urgent. Out of all turn. Report when received. Lenin".