V. I.

Lenin

240

To:   E. M. SKLYANSKY

March 15, 1920

Comrade Sklyansky, A decision of the R.M.C. is required:

to turn particular attention to the mistake that has obviously been made with the Crimea (sufficient forces
were not moved in time) [1] ; — all efforts should be exerted to correct the mistake
(events in
Germany [2] render extremely acute the question of hastening Denikin’s final defeat); — in particular, prepare naval equipment (mines,
submarines, etc.) and a possible advance from Taman into
the Crimea (I seem to remember that Mikhail Dmitriyevich
Bonch-Bruyevich told me this would be easy).

A number of most precise and most energetic decisions by the R.M.C. on this are essential immediately .

Send me a copy.

Lenin

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Notes:
[1]
The task of taking the Crimea, where the remnants of Denikin’s
defeated army under the command of General Y. A. Slashchov
had taken refuge, was given to the 13th Army of the South–
Western Front. In January 1920, only the 46th Division of this army
engaged Slashchov’s forces, but it was unable to break through
into the Crimea. Fresh attempts to take the Crimea in February
and the first half of March 1920 wore also unsuccessful.

[2]
Reference is to the events in Germany following the so-called “Kapp
putsch”. On March 13, 1920 Berlin was seized by counter–
revolutionary officers of the Reichswehr, who aimed at restoring the
monarchy and establishing a terroristic military dictatorship. The
German working class replied to this attempted counter–
revolutionary coup with a general strike, which spread all over the
country. The putsch was defeated.