This wraps up (for now, pending additional document releases) our short series of translations relating to the Intrepid Four and their handling for propaganda purposes by the Soviet Union. For further information, please refer to our first report in the series here. Document 8: Memorandum from KGB Chairman Yu.V. Andropov to the CPSU Central Committee, 26ContinueContinue reading “The Intrepid Four: Wrap-Up of the Soviet Propaganda Program to Exploit More US Vietnam War Deserters”
Tag Archives: war
The Intrepid Four: More US Servicemen Fall into the Soviet Propaganda Machine
This continues our short series of translations relating to the Intrepid Four and their handling for propaganda purposes by the Soviet Union. For further information, please refer to our first report in the series here. Additional information on the Intrepid sailors is easily found throughout the Internet. One declassified report that offers a bit of theContinueContinue reading “The Intrepid Four: More US Servicemen Fall into the Soviet Propaganda Machine”
The Intrepid Four: US Navy Deserters Begin to Feel Moscow’s Pressure
This continues our short series of translations relating to the Intrepid Four and their handling for propaganda purposes by the Soviet Union. For further information, please refer to our first report in the series here. Document 4: A paper (from G.V. Shumeyko, head of the International Department of the CPSU Central Committee, November 22, 1967):ContinueContinue reading “The Intrepid Four: US Navy Deserters Begin to Feel Moscow’s Pressure”
The Intrepid Four: The Soviet Propaganda Campaign Exploiting US Navy Deserters During Vietnam
Desertion from war is as old as war itself. The US involvement in Vietnam saw desertion reach its newest heights, with more than half a million US service members fleeing its ranks, but it can be argued that none were so public or pronounced as that of the so-called “Intrepid Four.” On 23 October 1967,ContinueContinue reading “The Intrepid Four: The Soviet Propaganda Campaign Exploiting US Navy Deserters During Vietnam”
1940: Kickoff of Soviet Country-Wide Repressions Against Lithuanian Opposition Leaders
The following is a translation of the four-page Top Secret covert activity plan of the Lithuanian Department of State Security, dated 7 July 1940, calling for the arrest and elimination of the leadership of “anti-state” parties. This would be the first of a series of repressive activities by Soviet internal affairs and state security agenciesContinueContinue reading “1940: Kickoff of Soviet Country-Wide Repressions Against Lithuanian Opposition Leaders”
Russia Suspends Right of Innocent Passage in Baltic Sea Along Coast of Kaliningrad For Remainder of 2025
On 8 October 2025, the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense published notification of “the suspension of right of innocent passage through the territorial waters of the Russian Federation” in the southeastern Baltic Sea “for foreign military ships and other state vessels operated for non-commercial purposes.” This declaration, which is in effect through 31 December 2025,ContinueContinue reading “Russia Suspends Right of Innocent Passage in Baltic Sea Along Coast of Kaliningrad For Remainder of 2025”
1943: Molotov Informs Gromyko, Sobolev of Acceptance of Terms of Italy’s Surrender to the Allies
The following is a translation of a 2 September 1943 Top Secret message from the People’s Commissar Of Foreign Affairs Of The USSR Vyacheslav Molotov To Soviet Ambassador To The US Andrey Gromyko and Soviet Charge D’Affairs Of The USSR In Great Britain Arkady Sobolev. 2 September 1943 Top Secret Priority On 26 AugustContinueContinue reading “1943: Molotov Informs Gromyko, Sobolev of Acceptance of Terms of Italy’s Surrender to the Allies”
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 presentContinueContinue reading “Three Top Secret Reports Highlight Japan’s More Militaristic Posture in Late November 1941”
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 ofContinueContinue 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). TOPContinueContinue reading “November 1941: Top Secret Telegram Reveals Anthony Eden-Lord Halifax Discussion of UK/US Actions if Japan Attacks the Soviets”
Translating History 