CPSU Central Committee Memorandum to the SED Central Committee, Enclosure to Minutes No. 40 from the SED Politburo Session of 21 June 1953

The CPSU CC has looked at the explanation of the SED CC on the present situation and the immediate tasks for the party, which should assist in bringing the situation in the GDR back on the right track. Moreover, we have also received the decision of the SED CC Politburo on the urgent measures for the immediate improvement of the supply of goods for the population. As for the request to the Soviet government for aid, this request will be immediately examined and assistance will be provided.

We have the impression that confusion continues to exist among the leadership of the SED CC as to the recent events. The practical work for the restoration of the situation is only proceeding extremely slowly. The work of the state apparatus and the party organs is weakened in excessive ways. Notable is the fact that the trade unions find themselves in someone else's hands, and there is still nothing known on what [measures] the party wishes to undertake in order to wrest back control of the trade unions. This requires serious, well-developed measures.

In our opinion, you must put an end to any confusion in the leadership without delay, decide on the measures for consolidating the influence of the party on the masses, and regain the trust of the masses in the power of the state.