p Death has snatched from the ranks of Soviet writers the most courageous and the staunchest fighter of all. Though physically defeated by illness and suffering terribly, he continued till his last dying breath to fight for the triumph of his Party’s noble ideas with the weapon of a communist writer. Millions of 142 people will learn from the example of Ostrovsky how to live, how to fight, how to conquer, and how to love one’s Motherland.

p We are proud of our country, our Party, and the Komsomol for rearing such a wonderful person. He will be remembered with affection, gratitude and admiration.

p Great is the loss we have borne.

December 23, 1936