Stalin, Moscow
October 7 1941
Zhukov is key in my plans for the defense of Moscow. Leningrad is considered lost for now. Moscow will not be taken by the Nazis. Winter will work in our favor, as with our ferocious defensive capabilities. I need to know how the Fronts are doing. Zhukov shall be in charge of gathering these important pieces of information regarding the Western Front first, followed by the Reserve and finally the Bryansk Front. The Stakva has to take urgent steps to defend the capital.
The task that I will give Zhukov is clear, defend and concentrate on the defensive line in Moscow. Zhukov will ensure that a strong defense line will be created through Volokolamsk, Mozhaisk, Maloyaroslaverts and Kaluga and form Front reserves. He will need to utilise to his advantage, a system of road and rail communications that will enable troops to maneuver in all directions. This will be known as the Moscow Reserve Front!
Hitler has already lost six weeks in consolidating his forces from Leningrad towards Moscow, the rain has helped us in slowing them down. We have to exploit this advantage to the fullest. For now, 40% of our troops should be concentrated at the western approaches of Moscow. The Mozhaisk Defense Line is our priority! I need the troops to be withdrawn from the other fronts and focus on defending this 136-mile-wide line. we cannot afford a loophole or a slip up that the Germans can use to their advantage.
I will not be forced by Hitler and his tyrant ways to give up Moscow, as I had to do with Kiev and Leningrad. They are at the footsteps of our capital. I must repel them. Moscow will not be another Leningrad. I will, with all the power vested in me, ensure that that would not happen.
Stalin, Moscow
