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.
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Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Dmitriĭ Antonovich Volkogonov papers, 1887-1995, mm97083838. Translated by Gary Goldberg.
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