Lenin’s Hanging Order
"Lenin's hanging order" is a telegram from Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin demanding the suppression and execution of captured participants in the kulakrevolt in the Penza Governorate. It was first called the "Hanging Order" by the U.S. Library of Congress;[1]Soviet sources claimed the order was not carried out as such and that the revolt was ended relatively peacefully.”
The first and second pages of Lenin's telegram, called "hanging order"
This is a translation of the Russian original:
"Comrades! The insurrection of five kulak districts should be ruthlessly suppressed. The interests of the whole revolution require this because 'the last decisive battle'[a] with the kulaks is now underway everywhere. An example must be made.
Hang (absolutely hang, in full view of the people) no fewer than one hundred known kulaks, fatcats, bloodsuckers.
Publish their names.
Seize all grain from them.
Designate hostages - in accordance with yesterday's telegram.
Do it in such a fashion, that for hundreds of verst around the people see, tremble, know, shout: "the bloodsucking kulaks are being strangled and will be strangled".
Telegraph the receipt and implementation. Yours, Lenin.
P.S. Find tougher people."
All courtesy: Wikipedia
Bolshevik propaganda poster from 1920, with a political cartoon depicting Lenin sweeping away monarchs, clergy, and capitalists. The caption reads "Comrade Lenin Cleanses the Earth of Filth".
