05. Alternative sources (1968-1991), “Chronicle” and Vesti

The 63 published issues of the bi-monthly CHRONICLE OF CURRENT EVENTS, from April 1968 to June 1982, can all be accessed in English translation. (The Russian original ХРОНИКА ТЕКУЩИХ СОБЫТИЙ has been available online since 2008, thanks to the Memorial Human Rights Centre.) Example For a contemporary account of the events leading up to Alexander … Continue reading 05. Alternative sources (1968-1991), “Chronicle” and Vesti

The Great Terror: execution or the camps (31 Jan1938*, Pb 57/48)

Dealing with “Anti-Soviet Elements”. POLITBURO accepts NKVD request to increase quotas for 1st category (executions) and 2nd category (sent to camps) arrests in 22 Republics and Regions across the USSR [R: 31 January 1938, Pb 57-48]. 2 pp. ==================================== [page one of two] Return within 24 hours to the Central Committee Special Sector STRICTLY SECRET (From … Continue reading The Great Terror: execution or the camps (31 Jan1938*, Pb 57/48)

Stalin — Great Terror in Siberia (31 Dec 1938*)

STALIN’s written permission for the Krasnoyarsk Region (Siberia) to carry out over six thousand additional “1st category arrests” (executions). Instruction in pencil on a small, plain slip of paper [R 31 December 1938]. One page. ======================================= Permit Krasnoyarsk Region 6,600 additional ‘1st category’ arrests. For: Stalin, I.V. ====================================== NOTES This instruction came two months after … Continue reading Stalin — Great Terror in Siberia (31 Dec 1938*)

May-Day “Negative incidents” (4 May 1975*, 1103-A)

4 May 1975, 1103-A [2.2; 3.2] – KGB MEMORANDUM. The situation during the 1975 May Day celebrations [R: 4 May 1975, 1103-A] One page. ============================================== [page one of one] Secret State Security Committee [KGB] at the USSR Soviet of Ministers 4 May 1975, No 1103-A Moscow To the CPSU Central Committee The 1975 May Day … Continue reading May-Day “Negative incidents” (4 May 1975*, 1103-A)

30 December 1980** (St 243/8) North Caucasus

Secretariat. Memo from ANDROPOV about anti-Russian propaganda in Karachaevo-Cherkessk region, North Caucasus [R 30 Dec 80, 7 pp]. 7 pp.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Translator’s notes are bracketed] #CT-243 of 12.30.80/TOP SECRET/SPECIAL FOLDER RESOLUTION Of the Secretariat of the CC of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Re: Memorandum of the Committee for State Security of the … Continue reading 30 December 1980** (St 243/8) North Caucasus

19 December 1957** (KGB) Landau on Hungary and Bolshevik fascism [2]

KGB REPORT. The admiration expressed by Academician Lev LANDAU (1908-1968) for the Hungarian insurgents and his anti-Soviet comments since 1947, about Bolshevik fascism, etc. [R: 19 December 1957]. 17 pp. [See also abridged and annotated version 19 December 1957*, Lev Landau, and the note about both at the end of this text] ========================== [page one … Continue reading 19 December 1957** (KGB) Landau on Hungary and Bolshevik fascism [2]

MVD “Special” Division for assignments abroad (3 Sept 1953**)

SECRETARIAT. Creation at Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of Special Division No.12 for “special assignments” abroad: diversion, sabotage, assassination. Structure, functions, etc of Special Division [R: 3 September 1953]. 7 pp. ============================================================   [page one of seven] Top Secret SPECIAL FILE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE SOVIET UNION RESOLUTION On the institution … Continue reading MVD “Special” Division for assignments abroad (3 Sept 1953**)