Soviet MSU Tuchachevsky's Civil War Resignation Letter

[NavyFCO]

This is a very interesting piece that I just recently picked up. I thought that you might enjoy it as it's a fascinating glimpse into the life of Marshal of the Soviet Union Tuchachevsky, who would later be "purged" because of Stalin's lack of trust in him. Interestingly, it appeared that even as far back as the Civil War, he was still bucking "the system."

Enjoy!

Dave

Translation:

Russian Soviet Federation Socialist Republic

Commander, Western Front Troops

21 ? XI ? 1923

#33

To: Chairman, USSR Revolutionary Military Council, Comrade Trotskii

Comrade Antonov - Ovseenko informed me that it has been once again suggested to establish Revcouncil (revolutionary council) under my command.

To say nothing of the fact that under such circumstances I will not be able to work productively, I consider it absolutely impossible to hold the assigned position under that condition, and also because restoring the revcouncil is tied up (as I sure know) with those absurd and unproved rumors and reports on 'my' stenographer losing 'my' documents, etc. I have never had a stenographer and I have never had any documents lost. Restoring the revcouncil cannot be considered other than a show of open distrust.

Report that benefits of my working under such conditions as well as acceptability of such work for me are out of the question.

Request that you relieve me from the position assigned. (Underlined by Trotsky)

I can conduct operational training of the future front (in view of the new plan) without being assigned to a position.

/s/ Tukhachevskii

[NavyFCO]

Back page:

[NavyFCO]

The envelope. It reads:

Personally

(to) C(omrade) Trotskii

From Skliapskii

3 Documents

On the pond (wierd line, but that's the translation!)

Signed in blue pencil "Trotsky"

Edited October 20, 2005 by NavyFCO

[Gerd Becker]

Nice. Interesting piece of history, thanks for sharing.

Gerd