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December 20, 1980

Memorandum from the KGB Regarding the Planning of a Demonstration in Memory of John Lennon

This document was made possible with support from Leon Levy Foundation

20 December 1980. Confidential. 

To the Central Committee.

The KGB has learned that in many of Moscow's establishments of higher education ([Moscow State] University, Institute of History and Archives, Radiotechnical Institute...) anonymous posters have appeared calling for all interested persons to take part on 21 December at 11:00, on the esplanade of the university, in a demonstration organized in memory of the English singer, John Lennon, composer and founder of the "Beatles." The tragic disappearance [murder] of the singer was announced in a number of major newspapers (Komsomolskaia Pravda, Sovetskaia Rossiia. Moskovskii Komsomolets), as well as on major television broadcasts.

The KGB has taken the necessary measures to identify the instigators of this gathering and is in control of the situation. The management of the cited establishments is cooperating in the prevention of all participation by their students in this unauthorized meeting.

Communicated for informational purposes only.

KGB Chairman Iu. V. Andropov

KGB memo on plans to stop unauthorized gatherings mourning the death of John Lennon.


Document Information

Source

TsKhSD, f.5, op.77, d.994, l.164 obtained by Gael Moullec and translated by Christa Sheehan Matthew.

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Original Uploaded Date

2012-02-01

Type

Memorandum

Language

Record ID

113935

Donors

Leon Levy Foundation