“The movers and shakers of today have little interest in digging for the truth. Who knows what one may come up with? You may start out with the Communists and end up with yourself.” Vladimir BUKOVSKY ♦ Paperback, hardback and e-book versions available ♦ “The most important work to appear for decades on the Soviet … Continue reading Judgment in Moscow, on sale
The Status of these Archives (2018)
In 1992, for a period of five months, Vladimir Bukovsky was given access to the archives of the CPSU Central Committee in Moscow. The new Russian government of Boris Yeltsin asked him to speak as a witness on its behalf at the forthcoming "trial of the Communist Party" (the CPSU or Communist Party of the … Continue reading The Status of these Archives (2018)
31 January 1938* (Pb 57/48) Great Terror
Dealing with “Anti-Soviet Elements”. Politburo accepts NKVD request to increase quotas for 1st category arrests (executions) and 2nd category arrests in 22 Republics and Regions across the USSR. [Russian: 31 January 1938, Pb 57-48] total 2 pp. ==================================== [page one of two] Return within 24 hours to the Central Committee Special Sector STRICTLY SECRET (From Special … Continue reading 31 January 1938* (Pb 57/48) Great Terror
29 December 1980* (Pb 230/34) International Fund
Politburo decision. Financial assistance in 1981 (US $) to Communist Parties and movements (USA, 2 million; France, 2 million; Finland, 1.4 million; Portugal, 700,000), in total 57 recipients. [Russian: 1980, 29 December] total 5 pp. =================================== [page one of three] Workers of all Lands, Unite! [Text in top left hand corner of page] Must be … Continue reading 29 December 1980* (Pb 230/34) International Fund
10 September 1976* (2066-A) Abuse of Psychiatry
The KGB, USSR Ministry of Health and others write to Central Committee about Western "anti-Soviet propaganda" concerning the abuse of psychiatry for political purposes. [Russian: 10 September 1976, 2066-A] total 18 pp. The file contains eight documents, dated 10 September to 28 December 1976, from a variety of organisations to the Central Committee, directly or … Continue reading 10 September 1976* (2066-A) Abuse of Psychiatry
26 December 1980* (St 243/57) Denmark
Secretariat. Letter to chairman of Danish Social Democratic Party about the arrest of refusenik Victor BRAILOVSKY, explaining his “criminal activities” (3 pp). [R 26 December 1980, St 243-57] =================================== [Text from a different document, presumably International Department to Central Committee] The chairman of the Danish Social Democratic Party, Prime Minister A[nker] Jorgensen has sent a … Continue reading 26 December 1980* (St 243/57) Denmark
9 December 1986* (2407-Ch) Sakharov and Bonner
Secretariat. Measures relating to Andrei SAKHAROV; annulment of decree for Sakharov’s exile and pardon for his wife Elena BONNER (8 pp). [Russian: 9 Dec 86, 2407-Ch] =================================== [pages one to four] Secret 9 December 1986 To the CPSU Central Committee Concerning suggestions about A.D. Sakharov [...] The decision that it was necessary to halt Sakharov’s … Continue reading 9 December 1986* (2407-Ch) Sakharov and Bonner
15 December 1976* (Pb 38/46) Corvalan
Politburo. Decision on exchange of CORVALAN for BUKOVSKY. Contains three other documents: instructions to Soviet ambassadors in Bern and Washington (A. Dobrynin); and jointly signed submission (p. 6) by Andropov, Gromyko and Ponomarev (14 December 1976, 2816-A) about the timing and logistics of the exchange (total 6 pp). [R 15 December 1976, Pb 38-46] Excerpt. … Continue reading 15 December 1976* (Pb 38/46) Corvalan
5 January 1966* (St 132/11) Sinyavsky-Daniel
Secretariat. Preparations for the trial of Andrei SINYAVSKY and Yuly DANIEL. Includes joint memorandum from KGB chairman and Procurator-General (23 December 1965, 2843-S), pp 2-7, and February 1966 report on outcome of trial, pp 8-9. [R 5 January 1966, St 132-11] total 9 pp. ======================================= [page one of nine] Workers of all Lands, Unite! COMMUNIST … Continue reading 5 January 1966* (St 132/11) Sinyavsky-Daniel
29 March 1976* (St 3/42) Lebanon
Secretariat. Request by Lebanese Communist Party for “special training” in party security -- cryptography, photography, etc. Includes International Department memorandum, dated 17 March 1976 (25-S-436), p. 3. [R 29 March 1976, St 3-42], total 3 pp. ================================== [page one of three] St 3/42, 29 March 1976 Top Secret Special File RESOLUTION Of the CPSU Central … Continue reading 29 March 1976* (St 3/42) Lebanon
31 October 1941* [NKVD] Arrests and executions
Report to NKVD chief BERIA. The activities of a special NKVD division at the front during the Great Patriotic War, from 22 June until 19 October 1941: 657,364 arrested, majority sent back to fight in penal batallions; 25,878 detained, over 10,000 shot. [R 31 October 1941] total 3 pp. =================================== [page one of three] Top … Continue reading 31 October 1941* [NKVD] Arrests and executions
24 July 1973* (St 88/1) Brezhnev
Secretariat. Propaganda tasks in the light of BREZHNEV’s recent visit to USA. [Russian: 24 July 1973 – St 88-1] total 36 pp. (excerpts) =================================== [page one of thirty six] Workers of all lands, unite! CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION [Text along left-hand margin] Return within 15 days of receipt to … Continue reading 24 July 1973* (St 88/1) Brezhnev
7 February 1974* [Andropov-Brezhnev] Solzhenitsyn
Letter from ANDROPOV to BREZHNEV about SOLZHENITSYN, suggesting he be deported from the USSR to West Germany [R 7 February 1974 (no number)] total 3 pp. For background, see Note [1] below. ===================================== [page one of three] Letter from Yu. ANDROPOV to L. BREZHNEV 7 February 1974 Top Secret SPECIAL FILE Dear Leonid Ilych, Here … Continue reading 7 February 1974* [Andropov-Brezhnev] Solzhenitsyn
20 August 1980* (St 225/5) El Salvador
Secretariat Resolution. Send the El Salvador Communist Party in September-October 1980 an air shipment, from Hanoi to Havana, of 60-80 tons of Western-made small arms and ammunition. [R 20 August 1980, St 225-5] total 5 pp. ==================================== [page one of five] No St 225/5, 20 August 1980 Top Secret SPECIAL FILE RESOLUTION of the Secretariat … Continue reading 20 August 1980* (St 225/5) El Salvador
23 January 1991* (Pb 223) demonstration
Moscow Party Committee to CPSU Central Committee. Report on a vast anti-Gorbachev demonstration in the centre of the Soviet capital following the January events in Lithuania. [R 20 January 1991, Pb 223] ==================================== [page one of two] Return to the Protocol sector of the CPSU Central Committee General Department [vertical text on left margin - … Continue reading 23 January 1991* (Pb 223) demonstration
19 February 1986* (321-Ch/ov) KGB report for 1985
KGB head CHEBRIKOV delivers to GORBACHEV his highly classified report on the Committee's work in 1985: counter-intelligence, industrial espionage and exposure of "domestic subversion" (9 pp). [R 19 Feb 86, 321-Ch-ov] Excerpt. ===================================== [page one of nine] SPECIAL FILE Special Importance USSR Committee of State Security [KGB] of the USSR Council of Ministers 19 February … Continue reading 19 February 1986* (321-Ch/ov) KGB report for 1985
11 June 1979* (St 162/67) Price rises
Secretariat. Warning to First Secretaries of Party in Republics and Regions about price rises (from 18% to 95%) for cars, furs, gold, carpets, etc as of 1 July 1979 (8 pp). [R 11 June 1979, St 162-67] Excerpt. ======================================================== [page two] Top Secret TO THE FIRST SECRETARIES OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEES OF UNION … Continue reading 11 June 1979* (St 162/67) Price rises
30 December 1980* (St 243/8) North Caucasus
Secretariat. Resolution on action to take about anti-Russian feeling and actions in Karachaevo-Cherkessk Autonomous Region (North Caucasus). Based on 6-page report from ANDROPOV, 9 December 1980, No 2576-A. [R 30 Dec 80, 7 pp] (7 pp.) Excerpt. ========================================================== [page one of seven] No St 243/8, 30 December 1980 Top Secret SPECIAL FILE RESOLUTION of the … Continue reading 30 December 1980* (St 243/8) North Caucasus
3 September 1980* (Pb 213/38) Poland
Politburo. Theses critical of the recent Gdansk Agreements to be used at a meeting with Polish leadership. [R 3 September 1980, Pb 213/38] total 7 pp. (excerpt) =========================================================== [page one of seven] Return to CPSU Central Committee (General Department, Sector) within 3 days Workers of all Lands, Unite! COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION. CENTRAL … Continue reading 3 September 1980* (Pb 213/38) Poland
16 December 1980* (St 241/9) US and Soviet Academies of Science
Secretariat. Negotiations between Soviet and US Academies of Sciences to resume contacts broken off in early 1980 (8 pp). [R 16 December 1980] Excerpt. ====================================================================== [page one of eight] Workers of all Lands, Unite! [Vertical text along left-hand margin] Return to the CPSU Central Committee (General Department, Sector II) within 15 days after receipt (Central … Continue reading 16 December 1980* (St 241/9) US and Soviet Academies of Science
9 June 1980* (St 214/74) Peace movement
Secretariat. Preparations for a meeting of central committee secretaries with responsibility for international affairs in the fraternal parties of socialist countries. Discussion of international peace movement (12 pp). [R 9 June 1980, St 214-74] Excerpts. ======================================================== [page one of twelve] Workers of all Lands, Unite! COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION. CENTRAL COMMITTEE [Text along … Continue reading 9 June 1980* (St 214/74) Peace movement
12 December 1979* (Pb 176/125) Situation in “A”
Politburo. The situation in “A” (the decision to invade Afghanistan) as recorded in two vaguely worded documents, 12 and 26 December (2 pp). [R 12 December 1979, No 997] ========================================================== Top Secret Special File In the chair, Comrade L.I. Brezhnev present: Suslov, Grishin, Kirilenko, Pelshe, Ustinov, Chernenko, Andropov, Gromyko, Tikhonov, Ponomarev Resolution of the CPSU Central … Continue reading 12 December 1979* (Pb 176/125) Situation in “A”
26 December 1986* (2521‑Ch) Pardons
KGB report (Chebrikov). Proposal to issue State pardons for special categories of criminals [dissidents] on condition that they cease their "anti-Soviet" activities (6 pp). [Russian: 26 Dec 86, 2522-Ch] Excerpts. ====================================== [page one of six] Top Secret 26 December 1986, No 2521-Ch To the CPSU Central Committee Freeing certain categories of individual from criminal responsibility and … Continue reading 26 December 1986* (2521‑Ch) Pardons
5 November 1969* (2792-A) Alliluyeva
KGB memorandum to Central Committee. Tactics for discrediting the author and contents of Only One Year, a new book by Stalin’s daughter Svetlana ALLILUYEVA (4 pp). [R 5 November 1969, 2792-A] Excerpt. ============================================================== [page two of four - page one contains only two written words] Special File Top Secret USSR Committee for State Security [KGB] … Continue reading 5 November 1969* (2792-A) Alliluyeva
14 November 1989* (2292-K/ov) Miners
KGB memo (Kryuchkov) to Central Committee (Gorbachev). SAKHAROV's influence on the striking miners in Vorkuta. [R 14 Nov 89, 2292-K-OV] =========================================================== [page one of two] Special Importance Copy No 2 14 November 1989, No 2292-K/ov To the CPSU Central Committee Attention: Comrade M.S. Gorbachev Concerning the influence of A.D. Sakharov on the strike movement in … Continue reading 14 November 1989* (2292-K/ov) Miners
26 June 1986* (Pb) Writers
Politburo meeting. Alexander YAKOVLEV reports on the Congress of the Writers' Union. Discussion of ways to manage changes in the union's bureaucracy [R 26 Jun 86, Pb], 5 pp. =========================================================== [page one of five] Top Secret Single Copy (Draft Minutes) MEETING OF CPSU POLITBURO 26 June 1986 In the chair Comrade M.S. GORBACHEV In attendance: … Continue reading 26 June 1986* (Pb) Writers
12 May 1977* (958-A) Rostropovich
KGB to Politburo: proposal that Soviet bloc boycott International Rostropovich competition in Paris. Draft CPSU decree attached (2 pp). [R 12 May 1977, 958-A] ========================================================== [page one of two] SECRET 12 May 1977 No.958-A To the CPSU Central Committee The international Rostropovich competition for young cellists According to information received, the Association of International Gatherings … Continue reading 12 May 1977* (958-A) Rostropovich
22 January 1970* (Pb 151/XIII) Abuse of Psychiatry
Politburo decision about the mentaly ill. ANDROPOV circulates to fellow Politburo members a report from Krasnodar Region KGB suggesting a widespread threat to public order and the Soviet system from the mentally ill. Includes note to Politburo from Andropov (19 January 1970, 141-A), p 2, and report to Andropov from Major-General SMORODINSKY (15 December 1969, … Continue reading 22 January 1970* (Pb 151/XIII) Abuse of Psychiatry
7 January 1974* (Pb) Solzhenitsyn
Politburo meeting. Discussion concerning what to do with Alexander SOLZHENITSYN: arrest him, put him on trial, imprison or deport him. Russian text first published in Russkaya mysl (Paris), 30 September & 10 October 1993. ================================== Top Secret Single Copy (Draft Minutes) MEETING OF CPSU POLITBURO 7 January 1974 chaired by Comrade L.I. BREZHNEV Comrades in … Continue reading 7 January 1974* (Pb) Solzhenitsyn
7 February 1974* (350-A/ov) Solzhenitsyn
KGB memorandum. ANDROPOV to BREZHNEV on possibility of using Willy BRANDT to help expel SOLZHENITSYN from USSR to FRG, after his declarations in Solzhenitsyn’s defence. [R 7 February 1974, 350-A-ov] total 2 pp. ======================================================== [page one of two] MEMORANDUM FROM THE USSR COMMITTEE OF STATE SECURITY [KGB] AT THE USSR COUNCIL OF MINISTERS No 350-A … Continue reading 7 February 1974* (350-A/ov) Solzhenitsyn
28 July 1971* (St 123/30) Foreign Communists
Secretariat decision. Terms for inviting "communist, workers’ and national democratic" party officials to the USSR in 1971: organization of their accommodation, healthcare and other related expenditure (2 pp). [R 28 July 1971 – St 123-30] =========================================================== [page one of two] Workers of all lands, unite! COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION, CENTRAL COMMITTEE Top secret … Continue reading 28 July 1971* (St 123/30) Foreign Communists
27 July 1988* (1541-K) Rights activists
KGB to the Central Committee: About intentions of anti-Soviet elements to hold an international seminar on "The KGB and Perestroika" in Moscow (2 pp). [R 27 Jul 88, 1541-K] =========================================================== [page one of two] Top Secret 27 July 1988, No 1541-K To the CPSU Central Committee The intention of anti-social elements to hold an international … Continue reading 27 July 1988* (1541-K) Rights activists
1 February 1987* (183-Ch) Articles 70, 190-1 and 142
KGB report (Chebrikov). The numbers then serving a sentence under Articles 70, 190-1 and 142 of the RSFSR Criminal Code -- one third of them held in psychiatric institutions; encouraging applications for a pardon from such prisoners. [Russian: 1 Feb 87, 183-Ch] (9 pp) Excerpts. ====================================== [page one of nine] 1 February 1987, No 183-Ch … Continue reading 1 February 1987* (183-Ch) Articles 70, 190-1 and 142
29 August 1985* (Pb) Sakharov and Bonner
Politburo, chaired by Gorbachev, discusses conditions on which to grant SAKHAROV's request that his wife Elena BONNER be allowed to make a trip abroad for medical treatment. [R 29 Aug 85, Pb] 4 pp. =========================================================== [page one of four] Top Secret Single Copy (Draft Minutes) MEETING OF CPSU POLITBURO 29 August 1985 In the chair … Continue reading 29 August 1985* (Pb) Sakharov and Bonner
26 January 1977* (St 42/18) Yesenin-Volpin
Central Committee Secretariat accepts collective advice (24 January 1977, No. 42) of KGB, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other parties about a response to the libel petition filed in a US court by Alexander YESENIN-VOLPIN. [R 26 January 1977, St 42-18] total 3 pp. ============================================================= [page one of three] Workers of all Lands, Unite! COMMUNIST … Continue reading 26 January 1977* (St 42/18) Yesenin-Volpin
15 October 1975* [KGB note] Sakharov
KGB on its actions to discredit the decision of the Nobel Prize Committee to award the Peace Prize to SAKHAROV (4 pp). [R 15 October 1975] Excerpt. ============================================================ [page one of four] Secret 16 May 1975, No. 1218-A Moscow To the CPSU Central Committee Measures to discredit the decision of the Nobel Committee to award … Continue reading 15 October 1975* [KGB note] Sakharov
15 January 1971* (St 119/11) Samizdat
Secretariat decision. Consider KGB analysis of changes in samizdat literature and make proposals to deal with the phenomenon (total 5 pp). Includes KGB report dated 21 December 1970 (3461-A) on the shift from literary works to political publications, pp 2-5. [R 15 January 1971, St 119-11] ========================================================== [page one of five] Workers of all Lands, … Continue reading 15 January 1971* (St 119/11) Samizdat
19 December 1957* [KGB] Landau
KGB report. Physicist Lev LANDAU’s admiration for the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and his comments about Bolshevik fascism (17 pp). [R 19 December 1957] Excerpt. =========================================================== Identifying the rebels with the Hungarian nation and working class, he characterised the events in Hungary as ‘the Hungarian Revolution’, a ‘very good, joyful event’ in which ‘the warrior-nation was … Continue reading 19 December 1957* [KGB] Landau
25 December 1962* (3265-S) Execution dates
KGB report (Semichastny). Change in procedures for informing relatives about prisoners’ date of execution in the Stalin era (4 pp). [R 25 December 1962, 3265-S] ============================================================= [page one of four] Top Secret USSR Committee for State Security [KGB] of the USSR Council of Ministers 25 December 1962, No. 3265-S Moscow To the CPSU Central Committee … Continue reading 25 December 1962* (3265-S) Execution dates
17 July 1979* (St 167/18) Coppola
Secretariat gives go-ahead for talks with director Francis Ford COPPOLA about making a joint Soviet-American feature film about disarmament. Includes 12 July memorandum from Culture and International Departments (p. 3), and letter from head of Goskino (pp. 4-5). [R 17 July 1979, St 167-18], total 5 pp. =========================================================== [page one of five] Workers of all … Continue reading 17 July 1979* (St 167/18) Coppola
16 May 1975* (1218-A/ov) Haddad
KGB report. ANDROPOV to BREZHNEV on transfer of arms to "trusted KGB intelligence agent W. HADDAD", head of PFLP-EO -- People's Liberation Front of Palestine-External Operations. [Russian: 16 May 1975, 1218-A-ov] ======================================= [one page] Special Importance Special File USSR Committee of State Security [KGB] of the USSR Council of Ministers 16 May 1975, No. 1218-A/ov … Continue reading 16 May 1975* (1218-A/ov) Haddad
28 April 1970* (1128-A) Black Panthers
KGB to Central Committee. Soviet support for “Black Panthers”, both in USA and through contacts in African countries, as a means of distracting the US administration (2 pp). [R 28 April 1970 – 1128-A] ========================================================== [page one of two] Top Secret SPECIAL FILE USSR Committee for State Security [KGB] of the USSR Council of Ministers … Continue reading 28 April 1970* (1128-A) Black Panthers
18 January 1983* (Pb 94/52) PCI funding
Politburo decision. Highly classified Politburo document illustrating financial relations between the PCI (Italian Communist Party) and the Soviet Union. The amount in dollars was added by hand. [R 18 January 1983, Pb 94-52] ===================================== [one page] Workers of all Lands, Unite! Must be returned within three days to the CPSU Central Committee (General Department, Sector … Continue reading 18 January 1983* (Pb 94/52) PCI funding
10 June 1968* (1342-A) Crimean Tatars
Intentions of Crimean Tatars to appeal to the United Nations. A clandestine report passed on to the Central Committee by the KGB concerning Pyotr GRIGORENKO's remarks. [R 10 June 1968, 1342-A] ============================================================= [one page] USSR Committee for State Security [KGB] of the USSR Council of Ministers 10 June 1968, No. 1342-A Moscow SECRET To the … Continue reading 10 June 1968* (1342-A) Crimean Tatars
The Soviet Union and Afghanistan (CWIHP)
Documents from the Bulletins of the the Cold War International History (CWIHP) Project Compiled and republished November 2001 (79 pp.) http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/e-dossier_4.pdf * BULLETIN 3 (Fall 1993) Soviet Policy in Afghanistan, 1979: A Grim Assessment 12 April 1979 -- Politburo, excerpt 149 from minutes, including 1 April 1979 report by A. Gromyko, Yu. Andropov, D. Ustinov … Continue reading The Soviet Union and Afghanistan (CWIHP)
July 1992* [RF Presidential Archive] Poland
RF Presidential Archive. List of eight documents reflecting Politburo discussion and action in relation to Poland, between August 1980 and September 1982. [R Jul 92] For translations of these documents see this website and section 9.4 The USSR and Poland. ========================== LIST Of documents from the Archive of the President of the Russian Federation 25 … Continue reading July 1992* [RF Presidential Archive] Poland
The Past on Trial (1992)
Russia one year later Richard Pipes «The Washington Post» (16 August 1992) IN THE MORNING hours of July 7, 1992 an unusual spectacle unfolded in the center of Moscow, off Staraya Ploshchad, where until recently the all-powerful Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) had had its headquarters: In a small … Continue reading The Past on Trial (1992)
31 October 1975* (2743-A) KGB Warnings
KGB report. The results of preventative and prophylactic work by the KGB since 1959, reducing the need for imprisonment, even for the most serious crimes. Statistical information for 1959-1974 on p. 2. [R 31 October 1975, Volkogonov] total 2 pp. ============================================================= [page one of two] Top Secret Special Folder Committee for State Security [KGB] at … Continue reading 31 October 1975* (2743-A) KGB Warnings
20 January 1977* (123-A) Helsinki Groups
KGB report. Measures to halt the anti-Soviet activities of the “Helsinki Watch Committee in the USSR": Yury ORLOV, Alexander GINZBURG, N.D. RUDENKO, Tomas VENCLOVA. Includes Secretariat Resolution, St 1/15 (25 January 1977), p. 1. [R 20 January 1977, St 1-15] Total 6 pp. =============================================================== Top Secret Special File Proposal to the Central Committee of the … Continue reading 20 January 1977* (123-A) Helsinki Groups
18 February 1977* (Pb 46/X) Cyrus Vance
Instructions to Anatoly DOBRYNIN, Soviet ambassador to the USA, concerning a discussion with Secretary of State Cyrus VANCE about human rights. [R 18 February 1977, Pb 46-X] total 7 pp (excerpt). ================================== Proletariats of the World unite! COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION. THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE Top Secret No P46/X To: comrades Brezhnev, Podgomy, Kosygin, … Continue reading 18 February 1977* (Pb 46/X) Cyrus Vance
16 December 1980* (St 241/108) Kalevi Sorsa
Secretariat Resolution. Ambassador to visit Kalevi SORSA, chairman of Finnish Social Democratic Party and "confidential contact", and congratulate him on his 50th birthday. Includes message to ambassador and preceding note (11 December 1980, 18‑S‑21) from CHERNYAEV, p. 3. [R 16 Dec 80, St 241-108] total 8 pp. ==================================== [page one of eight] Workers of all … Continue reading 16 December 1980* (St 241/108) Kalevi Sorsa
Support the Nicaraguan Resistance (1985)
New York Times, 18 April 1985 (display advertisement) An Urgent Message from Europeans to Congress: Support the Nicaraguan Resistance Democracy itself is at stake in Nicaragua. After four years of dictatorship, the FSLN, the totalitarian ruling party, has not succeeded in breaking the resistance of the Nicaraguan people. After the relative liberalization represented by the … Continue reading Support the Nicaraguan Resistance (1985)
Chernyaev diary (3 January 1976)
A brief passage from Anatoly CHERNYAEV's unpublished "Diary", in which he responds to a report to the Central Committee by ANDROPOV (29 December 1975*, 3213-A) about the statements of foreign communist parties concerning "political prisoners" in the USSR (NSA, document and translation). ==================================== 3 January 1976 From interesting things at the Central Committee, in the … Continue reading Chernyaev diary (3 January 1976)
22 June 1978* (Pb) Shcharansky
Yury Andropov briefs Politburo on forthcoming trial of Anatoly SHCHARANSKY, arrested in mid-March the previous year. (MHG 30th anniversary) total 2 pp. ======================================= V-118 Top secret The only copy Working paper SESSION OF THE POLITBURO OF THE CC CPSU June 22, 1978 Chaired by Comrade Brezhnev, L.I. In attendance: Comrades Andropov, U.V.; Grishin, V.V.; Gromyko, … Continue reading 22 June 1978* (Pb) Shcharansky
1 March 1977* (St 46/15) Bukovsky
Resolution of Secretariat. Proposal for Soviet press release concerning BUKOVSKY's meeting with US President JIMMY CARTER [R 1 March 1977, St 46-15], total 7 pp. ============================================= [page one of seven] No. St 46/15 of 1 March 1977 TOP SECRET RESOLUTION Central Committee Secretariat of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Draft of a press … Continue reading 1 March 1977* (St 46/15) Bukovsky
5 January 1977* (22-A) Helsinki Groups
KGB memorandum. Measures to stop the proliferation of anti-Soviet activities by the "Helsinki Watch Committee in USSR", and its sub-committees set up in Ukraine and Lithuania. [R 5 January 1977, 22-A] total 2 pp. ================================================= Top Secret CC CPSU About measures to end the hostile activity Of members of the so-called “Group For Assistance in … Continue reading 5 January 1977* (22-A) Helsinki Groups
15 November 1976* (2577-A) Helsinki Groups
KGB report. About the anti-Soviet activities of the so-called Helsinki Groups in USSR, and measures to counter their activities. [R 15 November 1976, 2577-A] total 3 pp. ============================================ [page one of three] Secret USSR COMMITTEE For State Security At the USSR Council of Ministers 15 November 1976 No. 2577-A Moscow To CPSU Central Committee About … Continue reading 15 November 1976* (2577-A) Helsinki Groups
Only a Trial will do This Time (2013)
On Sunday, 18 March 2018, Vladimir Putin ran for the Russian presidency for a fourth time and won easily in the first round, claiming 77% of votes cast (by 68% of the electorate), in a contest that was neither free nor fair. Following the murder of Boris Nemtsov, early in 2015, his most prominent opponent … Continue reading Only a Trial will do This Time (2013)
Is Glasnost a Game of Mirrors? (1987)
«The New York Times» (22 March 1987) Are Mikhail S. Gorbachev's new policies the historical turning point we have been praying for, signaling the end of oppression and misery in the Soviet Union? Or are we witnessing only a short-lived ''thaw,'' a tactical retreat before the next offensive, as Lenin put it in 1921? True, … Continue reading Is Glasnost a Game of Mirrors? (1987)
The Peace Movement and the Soviet Union (1982)
Commentary, 5 January 1982 "Peace will be preserved and strengthened if the people take the cause of peace into their own hands and defend it to the end" Joseph Stalin, 1952 The “struggle for peace” has always been a cornerstone of Soviet foreign policy. Indeed, the Soviet Union itself rose out of the ashes of … Continue reading The Peace Movement and the Soviet Union (1982)
Punitive Psychiatry (1977)
Bloch and Reddaway, Russia’s political hospitals (1977), Foreword The peculiar features of the Soviet political system, the Communist ideology, the uncertainties and difficulties of the science of psychiatry, the labyrinths of the human conscience – all these have weirdly woven themselves together to create a monstrous phenomenon, the use of medicine against man. Paradoxical though … Continue reading Punitive Psychiatry (1977)
6 February 1990* (St 10/1) Soviet Red Cross
Secretariat. Subsidies from the Soviet Red Cross for Moscow-based correspondents of Party and "fraternal" newspapers in capitalist and developing countries (4 pp). [R 6 Nov 90, St 10-1] total 4 pp (excerpt). ======================================================== The “living expenses” of Moscow-based correspondents for these fraternal publications also formed part of the bill. From the late 1950s, to disguise … Continue reading 6 February 1990* (St 10/1) Soviet Red Cross
Alternative sources (1968-1991)
The 63 published issues of the bi-monthly CHRONICLE OF CURRENT EVENTS (April 1968 to June 1982) can all be accessed in English translation. The Russian original ХРОНИКА ТЕКУЩИХ СОБЫТИЙ has been available online since 2008. For example -- A contemporary account of the events leading up to Alexander Solzhenitsyn's expulsion on 13 February from the USSR, … Continue reading Alternative sources (1968-1991)
31 December 1938* [Stalin] Great Terror
Stalin’s written permission for the Krasnoyarsk Region (Siberia) to carry out several thousand additional “1st category arrests” (executions). The instruction was written in pencil on a small, plain slip of paper. [R 31 December 1938] ======================================= Permit Krasnoyarsk Region 6,600 additional ‘1st category’ arrests. For Stalin, I.V. ====================================== NOTES General 1. Notes and additions by … Continue reading 31 December 1938* [Stalin] Great Terror
6 January 1981* (St 244/11) Peace Forum
Secretariat. About participation of Soviet delegation in the International Youth Peace Forum in Helsinki; file includes 2 February report on the results. [R 6 January 1981, St 244-11] total 18 pp (excerpts). ======================================================================== [pages nine to eleven, request from B. Pastukhov, Secretary of the Komsomol Central Committee] Workers of all Lands, Unite! All-Union Leninist Communist … Continue reading 6 January 1981* (St 244/11) Peace Forum
