The Workers’ and Peasants’ Government has decreed that Kronstadt and the mutinous ships must immediately submit to the authority of the Soviet Republic.
I therefore order all who have lifted their hands against the socialist fatherland to lay down their arms at once. Those who resist will be disarmed and turned over to the Soviet authorities. The arrested commissars and other representatives of the Gov-ernment must be released forthwith.
Only those who surrender unconditionally may count on the mercy of the Soviet Republic.
At the same time I am giving orders for everything to be made ready for crushing the mutiny and the mutineers by armed force.
Responsibility for the harm that may consequently be suffered by the peaceful population will fall entirely upon the heads of the counter-revolutionary mutineers.
This warning is final.
Last updated on: 28.12.2006