The following translation is that of a 1960 profile of then-candidate John F. Kennedy, drafted by the Soviet intelligence organs to ensure the political leadership of the USSR was kept abreast of the man who would soon become President of the United States. While it's no secret that intelligence agencies across the world compile psychologicalContinue reading "1960: Soviet Intelligence Creates Pre-Election Political Profile of John F. Kennedy"
Three Top Secret Reports Highlight Japan’s More Militaristic Posture in Late November 1941
The following are translations of three separate Top Secret intelligence reports dispatched on 25 November 1941, based on covertly-acquired information from unidentified Soviet agents in Tokyo. The first spells out how events are expected to unfold in the event of a break in Japanese-American negotiations. The second lists the ultimatums that Japan intends to presentContinue reading "Three Top Secret Reports Highlight Japan’s More Militaristic Posture in Late November 1941"
Soviet Spy in Tokyo Warns Japan Will Invade Thailand if US-Japanese Talks Do Not Bear Fruit
The following is a translation of a Top Secret cipher telegram dated 19 November 1941 from Tokyo about the Japanese intention to occupy Thailand if negotiations with the United States do not lead to the results desired by Japan. Many redactions were made during the declassification process, most notably approximately the first two thirds ofContinue reading "Soviet Spy in Tokyo Warns Japan Will Invade Thailand if US-Japanese Talks Do Not Bear Fruit"
Russian Historical Society Provides Access to 800+ Newly Declassified WW2 Documents
On 17 September 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Historical Society has published a six-volume collection of over 800 archival documents, declassified by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), covering the entire period of World War II — from Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland to the defeat ofContinue reading "Russian Historical Society Provides Access to 800+ Newly Declassified WW2 Documents"
November 1941: Top Secret Telegram Reveals Anthony Eden-Lord Halifax Discussion of UK/US Actions if Japan Attacks the Soviets
The following is a translation of an enciphered telegram from Anthony Eden to the British Embassy in Moscow on possible actions of the USA and England in the event of a Japanese attack on the USSR. Information originating from Soviet agent “List” (British civil servant John Cairncross) via VADIM (Soviet London resident Anatoly Gorsky). TOPContinue reading "November 1941: Top Secret Telegram Reveals Anthony Eden-Lord Halifax Discussion of UK/US Actions if Japan Attacks the Soviets"
November 1941: Intercepted Communique from British Ambassador in Tokyo Refutes British Foreign Office Claims of Increased Chance of Japanese Attack on USSR
The following is a translation of an enciphered telegram from the British ambassador in Tokyo to the British Foreign Office, intercepted by British spy John Cairncross (known here as Soviet agent "List"), that a recent telegram from London inexplicably indicated that the possibility of a Japanese attack on the Soviet Union was on the rise.Continue reading "November 1941: Intercepted Communique from British Ambassador in Tokyo Refutes British Foreign Office Claims of Increased Chance of Japanese Attack on USSR"
Soviet Georgians React to Secret Speech Denouncement of Stalin’s Cult of Personality, 1956
Shortly after midnight on 25 February 1956, Nikita Khrushchev was yielded the floor at a closed session of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, and he had a few things he wanted to get off his chest. For the next four hours, Khrushchev described and denounced the harsh repressions andContinue reading "Soviet Georgians React to Secret Speech Denouncement of Stalin’s Cult of Personality, 1956"
Classified British Foreign Office Telegram Winds Up in Moscow – UK and US Examine Options if Japan Attacks the USSR
The following is a translation of an encrypted telegram from London on the need to keep Japan out of the world conflict and “tear her away from the Axis powers by all means.” The information was sent to Moscow by an unknown Soviet agent, which cites, verbatim, information provided from Soviet agent “List” (British civilContinue reading "Classified British Foreign Office Telegram Winds Up in Moscow – UK and US Examine Options if Japan Attacks the USSR"
October 1941: Leaked British Top Secret Telegram Reveals Germany’s Discontent with Japan
The following is a translation of an encrypted telegram from London regarding Germany's dissatisfaction with Japan's position towards the US and apparent disinterest in joining Axis powers. The information was sent to Moscow by an unknown Soviet agent, which cites, verbatim, information provided from Soviet agent “List” (British civil servant John Cairncross). TOP SECRET CIPHERContinue reading "October 1941: Leaked British Top Secret Telegram Reveals Germany’s Discontent with Japan"
British Spy Maclean Fears October 1941 American Negotiations with Japan Will Sell Out the USSR While Protecting the British and Dutch
The following translation is that of an enciphered telegram dated 6 October 1941 from Soviet agent Vadim in London, citing information from source “Stuart” on the possibility of the conclusion of an agreement between the Americans and the Japanese, which would ensure the safety of American, English and Dutch interests in the Far East, andContinue reading "British Spy Maclean Fears October 1941 American Negotiations with Japan Will Sell Out the USSR While Protecting the British and Dutch"
Translating History 