Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev read a telegram from Joseph Stalin to the directors of defense plants of the Russian Federation, urging them to “fulfill their duty to their homeland on time”, otherwise they will be smashed like criminals.
Source: Russian RBC
Verbatim Stalin’s telegram: “I ask you to honestly and on time fulfill orders for the supply of tank hulls at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. Now I ask and hope that you will fulfill your duty to your homeland.
In a few days, if you find yourself violating your duty to your homeland, I will begin to smash you as criminals who disregard the honor and interests of their homeland. We cannot tolerate our troops suffering at the front from the shortcomings of tanks, while you, in the far rear, cool off and do nothing.”
Details: Russian media report that this is a telegram from Joseph Stalin dated September 17, 1941
