Cable No.3303 from Stalin to Molotov, Beria, Mikoyan and Malenkov on the Soviet delegation

STRICTLY SECRET

Reproduction prohibited

sent to: Cdes. Molotov, Beria, Mikoyan, Malenkov, and [entered by hand: the third unit]

CABLE

from SOCHI sent at 0030 13 October 1945 to the VKP(b) CC

for decipherment at 13 October 1945 0205 Incoming Nº 3303/sh

MOSCOW, VKP(b) CC, to Cdes. MOLOTOV, BERIA, MIKOYAN, and MALENKOV

As has become clear, the leading people of the US and Britain are much more familiar with the affairs of the conference of the three powers, or the ministries of foreign affairs, then we, the Soviet leaders. They are familiar in detail not only with the statements of their own representatives at the conference but also with the statements of the Soviet delegates. This is happening because they have in their hands an accurate record of the speeches of all the participants of the conference, including [those] of the Soviet delegates; however, they often quoted the speeches of the Soviet delegates at previous conferences in their statements at the conference since they do not have a record of the speeches of their partners. All this speaks of our backwardness and inexperience in this area. It is necessary to put an end to this undesirable phenomenon.

I propose:

1. Suggest that Molotov and his assistants distribute an accurate record of all speeches at the conference of the five ministers in London within a week;

2. Suggest that Molotov distribute to the same comrades a record or a detailed resume of the business conversations between them, Byrnes, and Bevin in the intervals between the meetings of the conference.

3. Suggest that Molotov distribute to the same persons the text of the proposals and draft decisions of the US, British, French, and Chinese delegations;

4. Adopt [the foregoing] as a rule so that Stalin, Molotov, Mikoyan, and other senior comrades obligated by virtue of the posts they hold to meet with representatives of foreign powers distribute to Stalin, Molotov, Beria, Mikoyan, and Malenkov a record of all speeches or detailed presentations of all speeches which take place during conversations with foreign representatives.

Please carry out this suggestion of mine as a Politburo decision.

STALIN

Deciphered 13 October 1945, 0300. Eight copies printed. Luk’yanova, Belova, Yerokhina.

[the handwritten original is on the next two pages, followed by “Sochi. 12 October 1945, 2225”]