"To the Commander of VI Army surrounded at Stalingrad, Colonel-General Paulus, or his representative.

The VI German Army, formations of VI Panzer Army, and attached units have been completely encircled since November 23rd, 1942. Units of the Red Army have surrounded this group of German forces with a solid ring. All hopes of rescue of your forces from the South and Southwest have proved unjustified. The German forces, which hastened to your aid, have been smashed by the Red Army. The German transport Air force, which is bringing you starvation rations of food, ammunition and fuel, has been compelled to change its airfields frequently because of the swift advance of the Red Army. The situation of the encircled troops is serious. They are suffering hunger, sickness and cold. The severe Russian winter is only beginning; hard frosts, cold winds and blizzards are still to come. Your soldiers have not been provided with winter uniforms and find themselves in severe, unhealthy conditions. You, as the Commander, and all officers of the encircled forces understand very well that you have no chance of breaking through the ring of encirclement. Your situation is hopeless and further resistance is completely pointless. We propose that you accept the following terms of capitulation: 1. All encircled German forces headed by you and your staff to cease resistance. 2. You to hand over to us all personnel, armaments, all military equipment and all military property in working order. We guarantee to all officers, non-commissioned officers, and all men who cease resistance, their lives and safety, and after the end of the war return to Germany or to any other country to which the prisoners desire to go. All members of forces which surrender may retain their military uniform, badges of rank and medals, personal effects, valuables, and in the case of senior officers, their swords. Normal rations will be instituted immediately for all officers and men who surrender. Medical aid will be given to all wounded, sick and frostbitten. Your reply is expected at 1500 hours Moscow time on January 9th, 1943 in written form by a representative personally appointed by you. Driving in a light vehicle with a white flag, your representative will be met by Russian officers in area B, 500 meters southeast of siding 564. In the event our proposal for capitulation is refused by you, we warn you that the forces of the Red Army and Red Air Fleet will be compelled to take the matter to

annihilation of the encircled German forces, and for their destruction you will bear the responsibility."