The CPSU Central Committee calls on the Soviet Embassy in London to lodge a protest over a new BBC film about the Katyn massacre. The CPSU insists the massacre was perpetrated by the Nazis.
April 12, 1971
Note, A. Gromyko to the CPSU Central Committee
distributed to CPSU CC Politburo
members for voting
Secret
[to the] CPSU CC
Attempts to foment an anti-Soviet propaganda campaign around the so-called “Katyn Affair” have recently occurred in Britain. In particular, the press has published various “recollections of witnesses”. The launch of a book “Katyn – an Unprecedented Crime” is set for 19 April of this year. The BBC television company intends to show a “documentary” file it has prepared the same day.
The USSR MFA thinks it advisable to charge the Soviet Embassy in London with making a representation to the British MFA in connection with this campaign which is hostile to the Soviet Union.
The Polish friends, who are also considering the question of a representation to the British, ought to be informed about our step.
A draft decree is attached.
Please consider [it]. [handwritten: “see your P1/35”]
A. Gromyko
12 April 1971
Nº 585/GS
20-zm
13 April 1971
1-17
[handwritten: TsK-14015]
Gromyko describes "anti-Soviet propaganda" in the United Kingdom related to the Katyn massacre. He proposes that the Soviet Embassy in London make representations to the British Foreign Office.
Author(s):
Associated Places
Associated Topics
Document Information
Source
Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Dmitriĭ Antonovich Volkogonov papers, 1887-1995, mm97083838. Translated by Gary Goldberg.
Original Archive
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at [email protected].