Leon Trotsky: Telegram to S. E. Saks

[Copy. Secret. (File: “outgoing secret papers for 19)19, part 1”, page 9, of the Secretariat of the Chairman of the RVSR) The Trotsky Papers 1917-1922, edited and annotated by Jan M. Meijer, The Hague. 1964, Vol. 2., p. 241]

Telegram (cypher)

From: Orel

January 3, 1919. No, 4

To: Astrachan – Military Revolutionary Council, Fleet Commander, Saks,

The operations in the Caspian of the weaker English fleet again raise the question of the passivity of our fleet. There never will be such a thing as ideal preparation. It is precisely further loss of time that may reduce your superiority. About a month ago you set the operation for December 26. I recommend that you state clearly and exactly when it is proposed to commence operations.

Chairman of the Military Revolutionary Council, Trotsky