the soviet partisan movement 1941-1944 by edgar m. howell

64 THE SOVIET PARTISAN MOVEMENT
out by the partisan groups, the majority of it, in the form of printed
material dropped from aircraft, originated with the Soviet high command.
There was a leaflet "News of the Soviet Fatherland," and a
newspaper published in Moscow. 19 The partisans turned out smaller
sheets on hand presses in the field."' During September when the offensive
in the central sector came to a temporary halt, the Soviets gave
heavy play to the news that the German advance was stalemated and
that the tide would soon turn with the resultant return of the NKVD.
All who collaborated with the invaders were threatened with assassination
or trial and death after the war. No one could remain neutral;
every citizen was to support the Soviet defense effort in every possible
way or face the consequences. That the Red Army and the party would
return was iterated and reiterated. This was not lost on the people. 21
Wide play was given the criminal acts of the German SS and police units,
and the satellite troops. 22
The people were continually urged to strike at the enemy: ". . . if
the Germans wish a war of annihilation, they shall get it . . . Destroy
to the last man all Germans . . . No quarter to the German Occupation
Forces!" 23 And again : "Love of the Soviet fatherland and hatred
of the foe are your strongest weapons. Scorn of death, your duty . . .
Forge all powers of the people together for the war of annihilation
against the German intruders !" 24
Propaganda aimed particularly at the partisans stressed the need for
aggressiveness: ". . . Think of one thing; the fundamental law of
partisans is attack, attack, and attack again. If you act half-heartedly
and stick to your place, you will waste your strength to no purpose and
deliver yourself to the enemy. Resolve on offensive activity. These are
the pledges of success in the partisan war." 25 And such general exhortations
as : "The enemy who has trodden on our soil shall perish on it! . . .
May [he] find out how our soil can burn under his feet." 26
The people grew progressively uneasy under such psychological
attacks and began to wonder at the true nature of these self-styled
"liberators" with their inept policies and conflicting jurisdictions. The
19
Meldung 90, Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und SD, 21.IX.41. Footlocker 62,
folder 6 : Bericht. Korueck 559, 19.1X.-29.XI.41. 13512/3.
20
KTB, Wi, Kdo, Pskov, 27.IX.41. Wi/ID 2.357.
2l
Meldung 90, Chef der Sicherheitspolizei und SD, 21.19.41. Footlocker 62,
folder 6; Bericht, Korueck, 559, 19.IX.-29.XI.41. 13512/3.
22
Meldung 80, Einsatzgruppe C, 11.IX.41. Footlocker 62, folder 11.
23 From Stalin's speech of 6 Nov 41 in Banden Bekaempfung, RFSS und Chef d.
deutschen Polizei. IX.42. EAP 170-a-10/7.
24 From Stalin's speech of 7 Nov 4 1 in ibid.
25 Excerpt from the brochure Soviet Partisans ("Young Guard" Publishing House;
Moscow, 1941) in Banden Bekaempfung, RFSS and Chef d. deutschen Polizei,
IX.42. EAP 170-a-10/7.
26
Russian propaganda leaflet, "Directive for Partisans in the German Zone of
Communications," found19 Jul 41 by 293 Div. OKW 1263.