Several thoughts turned over in General Timoshenko's mind. He could tell that Major General Korobkov genuinely wanted to surrender. For him, this was undoubtedly an opportunity.
"Comrade Korobkov, if those political workers learn of your intentions, they will certainly arrest you and shoot you without trial!" General Timoshenko said.
"If we keep fighting the Germans, it will still be a dead end. Since death awaits us either way, we might as well take a gamble. Perhaps there is still a glimmer of life. Besides, I will not sit and wait for death," Major General Korobkov said.
General Timoshenko nodded. He knew that Korobkov was dead set on surrendering to the Germans.
"If Major General Golubev can take part in this, then it can be done," General Timoshenko said.
Major General Golubev was the commander of the Russian 10th Army Corps. The 10th Army Corps was a heavily manned army corps, with even more troops than the 4th Army Corps. It commanded the 1st and 5th Infantry Corps, the 6th and 13th Mechanized Corps, the 6th Cavalry Corps, and the 155th Infantry Division. Although the 10th Army Corps had likewise suffered grievous losses in the earlier battles, among the Russian forces in Smolensk, its remaining strength still made it the army corps with the largest number of troops.
Major General Korobkov was stunned at first, then delighted. From General Timoshenko's words, he had already understood his meaning. General Timoshenko seemed to have agreed with his proposal. This was undoubtedly excellent news for him. With General Timoshenko's support, many things would become much easier.
"Comrade Commander, I'm afraid Comrade Golubev will need to be persuaded by you. I believe that, with matters having reached this point, Comrade Golubev will certainly make the right choice!" Major General Korobkov said.
General Timoshenko considered it,