"I don't deny that Colonel Sokov has made many achievements." Huasilevsky knew that Sokov had some skills, but the newly formed combat cluster would determine the fate of Stalingrad in the future. If he was handed over to someone with insufficient qualifications to command, the consequences would be very serious. Therefore, he stubbornly said: "But he is too young and has never had the experience of commanding the large corps. I think it is an irresponsible expression of the newly formed combat set to him."
"Comrade Stalin," saw that Vasilevsky firmly opposed Sokov as commander, Zhukov quickly helped Sokov say good things: "Since the Battle of Stalingrad, the troops commanded by Xiaomisha had crushed the enemy's attacks countless times and defeated their conspiracy to seize Mamayev's hill. Seeing that the enemy could not seize this strategic point, the enemy adjusted their tactics and sent the army of the servant country to carry out a restrained attack on the defense areas of the 41st Division of the Guards, while the main force went north to attack the Barrier Factory and the Derrensky Factory."
Seeing that the two people had different opinions on the candidates for the combat cluster, Stalin did not immediately express his opinion. He stood up, held the pipe in one hand and behind his back with the other, paced slowly in the office, thinking about what decision he should make. Zhukov and others were afraid of interrupting Stalin's thoughts, so they did not dare to speak, but watched him pace back and forth in the office quietly.
I don't know how long it took, when the two saw Stalin stopping, they guessed that he had made a decision, and they looked at him intently, wondering whose opinion he supported in the end.
"Comrade Huasilevsky," Stalin pointed at Huasilevsky with his hand holding the cigarette butt and asked, "If we were to transfer three full infantry divisions into the city now, how much time would it take?"
Vasilevsky calculated silently in his heart, and then replied: "Comrade Stalin, the transport capacity of our fleet was affected by the German artillery and air force blockade of the Volga River. If we wanted to bring all three full infantry divisions and the weapons they carried with them into the city, I think it would take at least ten days."
"Ten days are too long." Stalin shook his head and said, "When all the troops enter the city, our enlistment must have been discovered by the Germans long ago."
"But this is also the fastest speed," said Vasilevsky with a sad face: "And this can only be accomplished by reducing the supply and transportation within the city."
"I have an idea, we don't need to rush to determine the commander of the combat cluster for the time being." Stalin sat down at the table and said to the two: "But as the candidate recommended by Cui Kov, I plan to test Xiaomisha to see if he has the ability to command this force."
"Test?!" Zhukov asked in wonder when he heard this: "How to test?"
"Didn't Comrade General Staff say that it would take ten days to send three full-member divisions into the city?" Stalin held his pipe in his mouth, lit it, and took a sip, and said slowly: "If Xiaomi Sha could have a way to let all these troops enter the city within three days, it would show that he had the ability to serve as the commander of the combat cluster."
Three days?! Hearing the date set by Stalin, Zhukov shook his head with a wry smile. He felt that even he could not cross tens of thousands of troops within three days. It seemed that even if he really set up a combat cluster, the position of commander had nothing to do with Sokov.
Seeing that no one objected to his opinion, Stalin waved his hand and said decisively: "Since you have no different opinions, then this matter is settled. Comrade Antonov, please call Yelemenko immediately and notify him of our decision."
After Antonov retreated aside, Stalin remembered an important thing, got up and walked to the desk, pressed the bell on the table with his hand. After a while, the door was opened, and the bald Poskrebeshev appeared at the door, waiting for Stalin's orders.
Stalin walked to Poskrebeshev and told him: "Call the editor-in-chief of the Red Star Newspaper immediately and ask them to send people to Stalingrad immediately to interview and report the 41st Guards Division. Through the newspaper, tell the military and civilians of the whole country the results they have achieved, and strengthen everyone's confidence in defeating the enemy."
Stalin's words reminded Zhukov, and he quickly said, "Comrade Stalin, can I add a few more words?" After obtaining Stalin's permission, he continued, "In order to encourage the morale of the military and civilians in Stalingrad, I think we should set an example for them, and Colonel Sokov obviously agrees with this standard. We should not only report on the achievements he achieved in Stalingrad, but also the achievements he had made in the past should be widely publicized so that everyone can understand that the Germans are not invincible."
"Comrade Zhukov, you make sense." Stalin agreed with Zhukov's proposal, adding to Poskrebeshev: "Tell the editor-in-chief that not only should we report on the current achievements of Colonel Sokov, but also the merits he had made before would be introduced."
"I understand, Comrade Stalin." Poskrebeshev replied respectfully: "I will convey your meaning to the editor-in-chief of the Red Star."
Yelemenko received a call from Antonov. After seeing the above content, he was stunned. He handed the telegram to Khrushchev and asked in confusion: "Comrade Khrushchev, look at what this telegram means. Let Colonel Sokov let all three full-time teachers enter the city within three days. What's going on?"
Khrushchev took the message with a puzzled look and carefully browsed the contents on it. After reading it, he shook his head and said, "Comrade Commander, this is an unfinished task. Not to mention three days, even six days, with our current transportation capabilities, it may be difficult to complete such a task."
"Comrade Khrushchev," Yelemenko saw that Khrushchev's thoughts coincided with him, and asked tentatively: "Look, do we send another telegram to the base camp and tell them the actual situation here so that they will not make such an unrealistic plan."
"It's useless, Comrade Commander." Khrushchev waved his hand and said, "There must be a reason for giving us such a purpose. Even if we object, it's useless. In my opinion, it's better to forward this telegram to Cui Kov and let him get a headache."
Chapter completed!