WesWorld

RF Northern Fleet will return to Murmansk through Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. RF Northern Fleet will depart Papeete on 15 December, and steam through Drake Passage around Cape Horn, taking available opportunities for port visits in transit. Only cruisers and larger ships will attempt hazardous voyage "around the Horn". Destroyers and destroyer escorts of RF Northern Fleet will return to Murmansk via Indian Ocean and Suez Canal.


Sevastopol Sentinel, 28 October 1940

Destroyer Flotilla Transferred to Black Sea Fleet

First Destroyer Flotilla has been assigned to RF Black Sea Fleet. When RF Northern Fleet returns to Murmansk from its Pacific Ocean deployment, 1st DF will come to its new home port of Sevastopol.

In a related news item, half of 7th Destroyer Flotilla will be attached to 15th Cruiser Squadron after 1st DF arrives in Sevastopol.

The Russian squadron is invited to call in the Chilean port and naval base of Talcahuano on their journey past. The Chileans will also provide their Russian allies with the newest charts of the Drake Passage (and suggest to the Russians that the full fleet use the Drake Passage, as it's far more suitable even for large ships than the Horn.

accepts Chilean Navy for their invitation, and conveys thanks for charts and recommendations for course.

SOVERSHENNOYE SEKRETNO

To commander RF Pacific Fleet 00635HRS Moscow Time 9 December 1940

Redeployment of RF Pacific Fleet to Murmansk is cancelled. Proceed to naval base at Cam Ranh Bay and establish contact with elements of Marine Nationale there.

Tukhachevskii


SOVERSHENNOYE SEKRETNO

To commanders of Central Asian Military District, Siberian Military District, and Far Eastern Military District 0700HRS Moscow Time 9 December 1940

Main Intelligence Directorate of General Staff are monitoring hostilities between China and Philippines.

Refrain from any action to alter readiness levels, move forces within your Military Districts, or mobilize new forces.
Report to me on readiness of all Fortified Regions, and other forces in your Districts in your Districts.

Ensure that Fortified Regions hold their allotted two month supply of ammunition, food, and fuel for their organic Machinegun-Artillery Battalions, Gun Artillery Battalions, and Rifle Divisions assigned to them.

Submit requisitions for any shortfalls discovered.

Tukhachevskii