740.0011 European War 1939/9–2844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—3 p.m.]
3701. All Moscow papers for September 23 publish special articles on liberation of Tallinn.61 Article in Pravda by N. Karotamm, Secretary of Central Committee of Estonian Communist Party, expresses gratitude to Red Army, Soviet people and Stalin for liberation of Estonia and describes enormous damage caused by Germans. He states that Soviet system is now in process of restoration and that district executive committees are working in all liberated areas. These committees are headed by the regular inhabitants who were leaders in struggle against German occupants. They include progressive people with qualities of initiative who are aiding Soviet authorities. First task is to assist Red Army by repairing roads and bridges and providing food. All harvests must be garnered. Peasant who reaps harvest from ownerless field will receive up to 40% of grain. Another important task is restoration of economy of liberated areas. Care must be exercised against saboteurs and spies left behind by Germans and German stragglers must be rounded up. Karotamm [Page 920] appeals to all inhabitants to return to their homes at once and assures them they have nothing to fear. For 3 years he states, Germans have spread lies and slander which have not yet been completely counteracted. Enormous task lies ahead in enlightening population regarding achievements of Red Army, life of evacuated Estonians in Soviet rear, return of land to peasants, and international situation.
- The Soviet offensive into Estonia started on September 17, Tallinn was entered on September 22, and operations were nearly over by September 26.↩