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.
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