Category: 2.1 pre-1975

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

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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

31 January 1938* (Pb 57/48) the Great Terror: execution or the camps

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 31 January 1938* (Pb 57/48) the Great Terror: execution or the camps

31 Dec 1938* Stalin — Great Terror

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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 31 Dec 1938* Stalin — Great Terror

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]

3 September 1953** MVD “Special” Division for assignments abroad

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 3 September 1953** MVD “Special” Division for assignments abroad

31 October 1941* (NKVD) Wartime Arrests and Executions

Report to NKVD chief BERIA. Activities from 22 June until 19 October 1941 of special NKVD divisions at the front during the Patriotic War (1941-1945). 657,364 arrested, majority sent back to fight in penal batallions; 25,878 detained, over 10,000 shot [R: 31 October 1941]. 3 pp. =================================== [page one of three] Top Secret Attention: People's … Continue reading 31 October 1941* (NKVD) Wartime Arrests and Executions

16 November 1972* (Pb 67/XVIII) KGB “cautions”, an unpublished decree

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POLITBURO decision. Jointly signed request from the KGB and Procurator-General RUDENKO (11 October 1972, 2594-А,  pp. 4-5). Party leaders approve a secret decree (p. 2) about special KGB “cautions” or warnings to those engaged in “politically harmful” behaviour [R: 16 November 1972, Pb 67-XVIII]. 5 pp. Often referred to as "the 25 December 1972 decree", … Continue reading 16 November 1972* (Pb 67/XVIII) KGB “cautions”, an unpublished decree