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 was available online since 2008, thanks to the Memorial Human Rights Centre. (At present [2/07/26], it is inaccessible.) Example For a contemporary account of the events … Continue reading 05. Other sources: “Chronicle” & “Vesti” (1968-1991)
Category: 2.1 pre-1975
Great Terror: execution or the camps (31 Jan ’38*, 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 Great Terror: execution or the camps (31 Jan ’38*, Pb 57/48)
Stalin, Siberian Executions (31 Dec ’38*)
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, Siberian Executions (31 Dec ’38*)
19 Dec ’57** (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 Dec ’57** (KGB) Landau on Hungary and Bolshevik fascism [2]
4 Oct ’56**, St 1061 (Fake border post [2])
Secretariat. Creation of the “Mill”, a fake border post in the Far East. It was used (1941-1949) to test the loyalty of individuals, who were then arrested and imprisoned; many were shot [R 4 October 1956, St 1061], 8 pp. ============================================================== [page one of eight] Top Secret To be returned, after the meeting of the … Continue reading 4 Oct ’56**, St 1061 (Fake border post [2])
MVD Division, “assignments abroad” (3 Sept ’53*)
SECRETARIAT. Creation at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of Special Division 12 for “assignments” abroad: diversion, sabotage, assassination. Special Division regulations and structure [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 of (Special) … Continue reading MVD Division, “assignments abroad” (3 Sept ’53*)
Wartime Arrests & Executions (31 Oct ’41*, NKVD)
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. Lavrenty Beria =================================== [page one of three] Top Secret … Continue reading Wartime Arrests & Executions (31 Oct ’41*, NKVD)
Kuibyshev NKVD shortcomings (31 Oct ’37*)
Letter from A. FRENKEL (Kuibyshev UNKVD) to NKVD chief YEZHOV: malfunctioning of special troika, unburied bodies of "Enemies of the People", and poor safety measures during interrogation [R: 31 October 1937]. 2 pp. ======================================= [page one of two] Comrade Yezhov! I consider it my duty to advise you of the following facts that have been made … Continue reading Kuibyshev NKVD shortcomings (31 Oct ’37*)
KGB “cautions”, an unpublished decree (16 Nov 1972*, Pb 67/XVIII)
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 KGB “cautions”, an unpublished decree (16 Nov 1972*, Pb 67/XVIII)
