Militera.lib.Ru-Rating Soviet Leadership of the Second World War in 19391941

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Rating Soviet leadership of the Second World War in 1939-1941.

To study the problems of the Great Patriotic War history is important to the question of how the Soviet leadership

evaluated the events of the Second World War in 1939 - 1941 gg., Without which it is impossible to understand

solutions Soviet policy of this period. Unfortunately, the documentary sources, which would give a straight answer to

this question, to very small, but we are interested in information can be gleaned from Soviet propaganda materials,

which were prepared under the supervision of IV Stalin and his entourage. As the initiative definition of "general line"

of. promotion came "from above", minimizing the mid-level functionaries initiative, these materials provide albeit

indirect, but quite the right idea about the mood in the Kremlin. Since any propaganda is to prepare public opinion fo

certain events, content-Soviet propaganda in conjunction with other materials reflecting the views of the Soviet

leadership on the international situation at the turn of 30-40-ies. and national and state interests of the USSR in this

situation allows confident enough to talk about what it is trained in Moscow.

In Soviet historiography inspired by Soviet propaganda prevalent view that Moscow's foreign policy determined sole

by ideological dogmas. Not by chance in recent years in the literature debated the question of Stalin's commitment to

the idea of "world revolution." So, M. Nikolaev and VE Molodyakov believe that Stalin did not follow this idea, citing a

proof of his thesis opinion LD Trotsky's fear of Stalin's war and revolution {1331}. More advanced version of the

original AD Orlov claims that Stalin guided ideas panslavism {1332}. DA Volkogonov the contrary, believes that the

strategic goal of the Soviet leadership was "the world proletarian revolution", and thought Stalin was Kominternovsky

{1333}. This [416] same opinion is shared by JN Afanasyev, believing that the purpose of the war, the Soviet

leadership saw the plantation of "communism" in Europe {1334}.

Unfortunately, chattering hand spared the question of what the "world revolution" and why this idea prevailed in Sovi

propaganda 20-40-ies. As you know, the idea of "world revolution" was an important part of the Marxist conception o

the revolutionary transition from capitalism to socialism in the most developed countries and developed in the secon

half of XIX century. At the beginning of XX century. ideological evolution of European social democracy has led to th

formulation of the concept, is considered the most important goal of the emergence of the socialist revolution in

Germany, which was regarded as the most developed European countries, which had the largest social-democratic

party. Prospects of the revolution in Russia because of its backwardness without the support of Europe were

considered too bleak, but if it still happens, the only guarantee of retaining power in revolutionary Russia presented a

revolution in Germany. However, after October 1917. Russian Social-Democrats (Bolsheviks) faced with a choice. O

should, in spite of everything, to promote a revolution in Germany, that in case of failure could lead to loss of power i

Russia or had to first hold power in Russia, but then had to maneuver between the leading WWI countries. After som

intraparty debate VI Lenin made a choice in favor of the second option {1335}.

However, the idea of "world revolution" in Europe has not been abandoned, and in 1919-1923 gg. it repeatedly tried

carry through the Comintern. However, these attempts have failed, and have since 1920. begins a new transformatio

of the idea of "world revolution." September 22, 1920 at the IX Party Conference of the RCP (b) Lenin, by reviewingthe current international situation, stated that the main enemy is the Treaty of Versailles and "our basic policy remain

the same. We take every opportunity to move from defense to offense. We already tore The Treaty of Versailles and

its doorways at the first opportunity. " Of course, in the current international environment "must confine defensive

stance towards the Entente, but, despite the complete failure of the first case, our first defeat (in Poland. - MM), we

once again and once again move from defense policy to offensive, as we all do not divide until the end. " Considerin

the Russian Revolution from the point of view of the international communist movement, Lenin stated that "... we do

on an international scale from semi-revolution, from unsuccessful forays to ensure that there was a miscalculation,

and we will be on this, learn offensive war" in 1336 { }. [417]

Three months later, on December 23, 1920., At the VIII All-Russian Congress of Soviets, Lenin, has been denounced
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by the delegates to the idea that "we should wage war only defensive", said that if in a hostile imperialist encirclemen

Soviet leadership would be "to swear that we will never get down to the known actions that military-strategic terms

may be offensive, we would be not only foolish, but criminals" {1337}. Thereby laid the foundation for the formation

ideas about long-term coexistence of "capitalism" and "socialism" and the concept of building "socialism in one

country", which will be the basis for future "world revolution."

January 26, 1924. the first meeting of II All-Union Congress of Soviets, dedicated to the memory of Lenin, Stalin

sounded famous oath, which combines the idea of "world revolution" and "socialism in one country." "Departing from

us, Comrade Lenin adjured us to consolidate and extend the Union republics. Vow to you, Comrade Lenin, that we w

fulfill with honor and your behest!" - Said the general secretary of the CPSU (b). The USSR "has deep sympathy and

unfailing support in the hearts of the workers and peasants of the world", as it gives them "the linchpin of their hopes

of deliverance from oppression and exploitation, as a true beacon pointing them to the path of liberation." But "Lenin

never looked at the Republic of Soviets as an end in itself. He always regarded it as an essential link for strengthenin

the revolutionary movement in Western and Eastern countries as an essential link for facilitating the victory of worke

throughout the world over the capital. Lenin knew that only such an understanding is help not only in terms of

international, but also in terms of maintaining most of the Soviet Republic. Lenin knew that the only way to ignite the

hearts of workers around the world to decisive battles for the liberation ... Departing from us, Comrade Lenin adjured

us to remain faithful to the principles of the Communist International. vow to you, Comrade Lenin, that we will not

spare his life in order to strengthen and expand the Union of Workers of the world - the Communist International! "

{1338}.

Later in the work of Stalin was quite logically explained that the complete victory of socialism in the USSR may not b

final until there is a capitalist environment, January 19, 1925, speech at the plenum of the Central Committee of the

CPSU (b), Stalin, concluding the inevitability of future new war, which "can not but aggravate the crisis of internal

revolutionary," said that "in this context can not stand before us a question about our intervention in these cases."

However, although the revolutionary movement in the West is strong and can lead to a revolution in some countries,

"but to keep them without our help scarcely [418] succeed. " In the case of the outbreak of war and the rise of the

revolutionary movement, "our intervention, not necessarily active say, do not say necessarily directly, it may be

absolutely necessary. This is hope. To victory could be won by us in this situation. This does not mean that we shoul

have to go on active action against someone. " However, "if the war starts, we will, of course, to speak last, latest, in

order to throw the weight on the pan, the weight, which could outweigh the" {1339}.

But first needed to create a powerful military and economic base that would be a solid foundation for the war against

"capitalist encirclement." Therefore, speaking with the report of the Central Committee at the XV Congress of the

CPSU (b) December 3, 1927, Stalin, analyzing the international situation and concluded that the growing threat of

war, and set the task - "to take into account the contradictions within the imperialist camp, delay the war," pay off "

capitalists, and take all measures to maintain peaceful relations. We can not forget Lenin's statement that it is very

much in our construction depends on whether we can delay the war with the capitalist world, which is inevitable, but

which can be postponed or before time as not ripen proletarian revolution in Europe, or until until fully matured colon

revolution, or, finally, to the moment when the capitalists do not start fighting among themselves over the division of

colonies " {1340}.

This task required further maneuvering between the great powers, in order to prevent their possible consolidation on

the basis of anti-Soviet and use them to upgrade the technical capabilities of the Soviet economy. Active anti-

communist and anti-Soviet propaganda of the new National Socialist government of Germany and the fears that Ber

"will continue to converge with Western countries, demanded clarification tactics of Soviet diplomacy, and in

December 1933, Moscow has supported the French idea of collective security in Europe. Then and Now many see

this as a step USSR desire for rapprochement with the West against Germany. However, it was still the same policy

maneuvering, applied under the new conditions. Already 26 January 1934. XV11 in the Report of the Congress of th

CPSU (b) Stalin explained that "we orientation was not on Germany, as well as we do not focus on Poland and

France. We have focused in the past and in the present focus on the USSR and the USSR alone. And if the Soviet
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Union's interests require convergence with certain countries that are not interested in disturbing the peace, we adop

this course without hesitation, "because they are interested in expanding the business [419] ties for the development

of the economic base, because "in our time with the weak is not accepted considered - considered a strong " {1341}

Now, some authors believe that in 1921 1924gg. Soviet leadership refused his revolutionary ambitions in the

international arena, and to the early 30-ies. Stalin "was now persistently seek to establish relations with its immediat

neighbors and the West, pushing the revolutionary activity by the wayside," {1342}. Somehow, in this case, the

researchers forgot widely known truth that real policy and providing its propaganda is not the same, and began to ta

seriously any official statements of Moscow, not wanting to take a hard look at its real action. Betting on an accelerat

military-economic development of the USSR, the Soviet leadership was forced to establish economic ties with the

West, which naturally required a certain amount of masking their intentions. Under these conditions, reduction of

"revolutionary activity" was associated only with diplomatic tactics, rather than the abandonment of the idea of "world

revolution." In this regard, it is difficult not to agree with AN L.A.Mertsalovyh and who believe that Stalin was thinking

ultimately usual imperial, whatever it was covered by {1343}.

In this case, the ideological dogma of "world revolution" is closely linked with national and state interests of the Sovie

Union, whose leadership has appeared before the next election. Or Moscow had to agree with her secondary status

a regional power on the world stage with a further weakening of Soviet influence, or the Soviet Union would join the

fight for a return to the club of "great powers" Having opted for the second alternative, the Soviet leadership has gon

the way of any country aiming to become a "great power", which can only be achieved by subjecting any part of theworld, and used the idea of "world revolution" to substantiate their claims of these. Naturally, as always and

everywhere, propaganda talked about global problems. And in this case, the idea of "world revolution" is on a par wi

such, for example, ideas like "culture of protection against the barbarians" in ancient Rome, "liberty, equality and

fraternity" at the turn XV11I-X1X centuries. in France, the "white man's burden" in the era of colonial expansion of

European countries, "open doors" in the U.S. late XIX-early XX centuries. "struggle for living space" in Germany 30-

40-ies. "creation of a Greater East Asia "Japan 30-40-ies. or "struggle for democracy" in the modern United States.

In addition, it is important to note that the idea of "world revolution" transformed from abstract hopes for revolution

[420] in expanding the boundaries of the slogan of "socialism", ie the expansion of Soviet influence in the world aren

The task of returning to the club of great powers is the hardest of all international problems of any state because it

requires him to be stronger than those who would be subject to seizure, and their potential allies. As a rule, it is notpossible due to limited resources, so that this situation is actively used diplomacy to divide potential adversaries, and

even better to help them enter into open conflict with each other. As has been shown, that this problem is solved by

Soviet diplomacy in the 20-30s. And in this case, the idea of "world revolution" was supplemented by the idea of the

struggle for "socialism - a bright future for all mankind." This is an important propaganda addition was necessary for

the moral justification of any action of the USSR on the world stage and fits into the characteristic, especially in the

XX., The desire to hide the real policy for moral felicitous screen. Therefore, any arguments about the abandonment

the idea of "world revolution" based on a misunderstanding of the elementary laws of development of international

relations. Now, if the Soviet foreign policy during the 20-40s. in the degree of activity would be on the level of a

Norway or Argentina, then the state would be the abandonment of the struggle for the status of a "great power", but

was just the opposite.

Like other great powers leadership, the Soviet leadership was very active on the international scene and sought to

achieve their own goals, considering the Second World War as a unique opportunity to implement the ideas of "world

revolution." Especially now that the USSR had a strong autarkic economies, developed and well-armed military-

industrial complex of the Red Army. Not accidentally October 1, 1938 at a meeting in Moscow and Leningrad

propagandists Stalin explained that "there are times when the Bolsheviks themselves will attack if a just war, if the

situation is right, if conditions are favorable, themselves begin to attack. They are not against the offensive, not

against every war. What we scream about the defense - this veil, the veil. All States masked " {1344}. In the context

of the political crisis in 1939 Moscow maneuvered between the British and French allies and Germany, trying to

achieve the most advantageous agreement {1345}. According to the memoirs NS Khrushchev, who led from behind
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the scenes actions of Stalin, Soviet diplomacy in the summer of 1939. frankly stated that "there is a game, someone

who outwit and deceive", knowing that "Hitler wants to deceive us, just overreaching. But figured that we, the Soviet

Union, Hitler outsmarted by signing" {1346}. [421 ]

Interesting assessment of the events of 1939-1941. contained in become available only recently researchers diary

writer VV Vishnevsky, although not involved in the development of major military and political decisions, but

nevertheless, because of their political duties and functions knowledgeable about the mood of "top", who had the

opportunity to receive reliable, broad and diverse information about the activities of the Soviet leadership, preparatio

for war. Assessing the Soviet-German non-aggression pact, the writer September 1, 1939 shall record in his diary:

"The USSR won hands-free, while ... Now we take the initiative, do not back down, and stepping. Diplomacy Berlin is

clear: they want our neutrality and then reprisals against the USSR, we want them bogged down in a war and then

deal with them. " Passing the common sentiment: "We are in a year will beat Hitler." Wisniewski said that "this is the

most likely option ... it's time for the USSR external world performances ... Guessing how the rest of the game, it's

hard. But one thing is clear: the world will once again redraw. In this war, we will try to keep to the end of their winnin

positions . Attract a number of countries. Gradually, where affection, where force. This is a new chapter in the history

of the party and the country. USSR began active global foreign policy, " {1347}.

September 1, Germany invaded Poland on September 3, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Assessing

outbreak of war in Europe, in an interview with Stalin leadership of the Comintern September 7, 1939 stated that "the

war is between the two groups of capitalist countries (rich and poor against the colonies, raw materials, etc.) for theredivision of the world for domination world We do not mind that they fought hard and weakened each other. Averag

if Germany is shaken hands position of the richest capitalist countries (especially England). Hitler himself did not

understand and did not want to, frustrating, undermining the capitalist system ... We can maneuver to push one side

against the other, to better torn down. nonaggression pact, to some extent helps to Germany. Next time - push the

other side " {1348}. This statement is not Stalin remained secret, and November 10, 1939 Chief of the Political

Administration of the Red Army, Army Commissar 1st rank LZ Mehlis meeting with writers said that "Germany is doin

useful work in general, undermining the British empire. Destruction it will lead to the total collapse of capitalism - it's

clear," {1349}.

Similar ideas were expressed in a conversation Chairman CH K and People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs Molotov

with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania V.Kreve-Mickevicius on the night of July 3, 19in Moscow. "Now - Molotov said to his companion, - we are convinced more than ever else that genius Lenin was no

mistaken, assuring us, [422] that the Second World War will allow us to gain power in Europe as World War I allowed

to take power in Russia. Today we support Germany, but just enough to keep her from making suggestions about the

world as long as the hungry masses of the belligerent nations not part with illusions and not rise up against their

leaders. Then the German bourgeoisie to agree with your enemy, the bourgeoisie allied States, in order to suppress

the combined efforts of the insurgent proletariat. But at this point we will come to him for help, we will come with fres

forces, well prepared, and in Western Europe ... will the decisive battle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie,

rotten, which decides the fate of all of Europe, " {1350}.

February 10, 1941 this idea in a slightly different formulation of the hit and Vishnevsky diary: "We use the old method

of" divide and conquer. "We're out of the war, something we pay for it, we get a lot. We carry trade relations withdifferent countries, use their technique and gain something useful for the Army and Navy, etc. for helping to lead the

war the same in Germany, fueling its "portions", at a minimum not to disturb the imperialists to wage war for another

year or two ... Wait till the weakening them. Then - stand as an umpire, "broker", etc. " {1351}.

It is clear that such ideas are not publicized by the Soviet leadership, on the contrary, every effort was made to

convince the public opinion both at home and abroad, that the USSR is neutral in the war broke out in Europe. So th

fall of 1939 for the characteristic of the Soviet propaganda of the second half of 30-ies. antifascist campaign was

curtailed. The media began pedaling theme of improving Soviet-German relations, but whatever the official praises

about the "friendship" with Germany in public opinion prevailed belief that everything was done for tactical reasons.

This was facilitated by the fact that both Soviet propaganda to explain the non-aggression pact had to treat it as a kin
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of respite similar Brest peace in 1918, citing, as it is now known {1352}, mythical threat of Soviet-German war in the

summer of 1939, which tried to provoke Britain and France. In this situation, in order "to delay the war with Germany

and use the time to further strengthen economic and especially military power of the USSR," the Soviet government

signed an agreement with Germany, Britain and France putting "before the war so the enemy, which was prepared

against us " {1353}.

In 1939, Soviet propaganda 1940ies. more space is required to ensure the USSR's external action in Eastern Europ

In this case, widely used slogans such as "liberation" and "broaden the front of socialism", which [423] were closely

interrelated. Since September 9, 1940. during the meeting of the Central Committee of the CPSU (b) Stalin said that

"we are expanding fronts of socialist construction, it is beneficial to mankind, because Lithuanians consider

themselves happy, Western Belarusians Bessarabians, we got rid of the yoke of the landlords, capitalists, police and

any other scum " {1354}. That is, it was about liberation from the yoke of capitalism. So capacious formula allowed

Soviet propaganda adapt to any international situation and give explanations to any acts of the USSR. However, the

war with Finland showed that such abstract slogans insufficient to impact on the Soviet soldiers and went to move th

traditional slogan of "protecting the north-western borders and Leningrad." As a result, it is the slogan of "defense of

the borders and the interests of the Soviet Union" was the basis for Soviet propaganda and slogans of "liberation" an

"broaden the front of socialism" was given additional justification actions of the Soviet leadership on the world stage.

These foreign policy actions were perceived in the Kremlin in a specific ideological context. Thus, January 21, 1940

Stalin said that the "world revolution as a single instrument - is nonsense. It happens at different times in differentcountries. Actions of the Red Army - it is also the cause of world revolution" {1355}. Naturally, the Soviet leadership

was perfectly understood that the accession of new territories is only possible during the European war. So, speakin

April 17, 1940. at a meeting with officers of the Red Army of the CPSU (b) the experience of the war in Finland, Stali

declared that the period of the war depended "on the international situation. There, in the west, the three biggest

powers at each other's throat, and when to decide on Leningrad, if not in such circumstances, when your hands are

busy, and it seems to us a favorable environment for them at this moment to strike. It would be a great folly, political

short-sightedness and not miss a moment to try as soon as possible until there is a war in the west, to formulate and

solve the question of the security of Leningrad " {1356}.

Speaking on November 20, 1940. at the joint plenum of the Leningrad City and Regional Committee of the CPSU (b

AA Zhdanov said that "we are now trying to use, and she and the other warring parties as the biggest ace." Further,comparing Germany with the woodcutter and the Soviet Union with the bear, he said that "until the woodcutter trees

break, we walk through the woods and require daily wage," because "the policy of the socialist state is to expand at

any time when it will have the possible positions of socialism. From this policy, we proceeded in the past year, she

gave ... expanding socialist territories of the Soviet Union. Such is our policy will continue, and here you are clear on

what line should go case " {1357}. [424]

Since the spring of 1940 is still narrow, but quite high classrooms became louder voices about the need to moderniz

the military propaganda. Tone of these statements asked Stalin himself. Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme

Military Council on April 21, 1940., He proposed "radically alter our military ideology. We must educate your chain of

command in the spirit of active defense, including both offensive. It is necessary to promote these ideas under the

banner of security, protection of our country, our borders, " {1358}. Practical embodiment of the wishes of the leaderwas a meeting on military ideology 13-14 May 1940.

Head of Political Department of the Red Army, Army Commissar 1st rank LZ Mehlis delivered a keynote speech in

which he stated that "the Red Army, like any army is an instrument of war. All personnel of the Red Army should be

brought up in time of peace, based on a common goal - to prepare for war. Our war with the capitalist world will just

war, progressive. 'Red Army will be active, achieving complete contrition and defeat the enemy, bringing the fighting

on enemy territory. Accordingly, it is necessary to educate the entire staff of the army and the entire country in that

spirit that every one of our war, which lead Army socialism is progressive war, will be the most fair of all the wars that

have ever been. On this score Lenin clearly states: "It would be a war for socialism, for the liberation of other nations

from the bourgeoisie. Engels was quite right when, in his letter to Kautsky, dated September 12, 1882. directly
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acknowledged the possibility of "defensive war" is already victorious socialism. He was referring to the defense of th

victorious proletariat against the bourgeoisie of other countries "(T. 19. P.325).

And the second statement of Comrade Lenin.

"The victorious proletariat of that country, having expropriated the capitalists and organized its own socialist

production, would be against the rest of the capitalist world, attracting the oppressed classes of other countries, raisi

them in revolt against the capitalists, acting if necessary even with armed force against the exploiting classes and

their states "(T. 18. p.232-233).

It is an active force of the victorious proletariat and working people in the capitalist countries against the bourgeoisie

of such active action when initiated just war will make our state and Peasants' Red Army. In this spirit, we need to

educate our Red Army and the entire proletariat, to let everyone know that all our war, wherever it occurred, the war

progressive and fair, " {1359}. [425]

Speaking of military doctrine, commander of the 2nd rank DG Pavlov said that "military doctrine have been develope

in a purely offensive spirit, but it worked out in an offensive spirit in the last 3-4 years", and before that was a cult to

protect their borders. According to him, "all our wars are perfectly justified, but we have military ideology, military, fro

the regimental commander and down to the fighter should be formulated so that our leaders and soldiers understand

that regardless of the justice or injustice of [war] our troops have to beat your opponent, and the military command

orders are always fair and should always be performed " {1360}.

According to the commander of the 2nd Rank KA Meretskova, "we can say that our army is preparing to attack and

this attack we need for defense. That is absolutely correct ... We must ensure that our country is not defense and

offense and that we can give a strong blow to the enemy. [.. .] Our army is there to ensure our state, our country, and

to ensure this, it is necessary to crush, smash the enemy, and for this it is necessary to advance. Based on the

political environment, we need to advance, and the Government will indicate to us that we need do " {1361}.

In his speech Corps Commander DT Kozlov pointed out that "our army should be brought up, as well as our

population should be brought up in the spirit of an offensive doctrine. Neither magazine or a newspaper should not b

written that we will only defend and beat your opponent in their own territory. We must be recorded that we will defen

only offensive and beat the opponent and thereby defend their socialist fatherland and its borders, but it does notmean that we should not deal with other issues. With regard to defense, I guess, that enough is done, but we did not

attack everything. If we give such an installation, it is necessary to review all the events in the first place, you need to

put the revision of the whole body, our entire army. infantry divisions in the states now existing and created defensive

tendencies prevail character, for the infantry so heavy that it is unable to give those rates of advance that will be

needed ... If we want to have the army could be light and agile, able to perform tasks that it faces, it is necessary

organizational structure revise strictly from this angle, " {1362}.

Major AI Samoilov offered scrutinize the enemy. "After all, once our commanders in the world occupy the position of

the British officers. So it must be and will be. We'll teach the whole world ... Another disadvantage propaganda. I had

to deal with narrow-minded, social-democratic, [426] pacifist understanding of our policy the world. [...] We have too

many peaceful moods. No special love for the sport, build, to arms. Meanwhile, all modern decor requires that our

people and our soldiers were warlike people. [...] Our era has epoch of wars, fair - the revolutionary-imperialist and

unjust. might attack on us, but we have nothing to hide, that time will come when we will be the aggressor. Comrade

we are the very essence of our system and its historical vocation should be able to fight and love military affairs, "

{1363}.

The ideas have been presented to June 25 as the directives on convened on the initiative of the newspaper "Red St

magazine "Banner" and Defence Committee meeting Soviet Writers' Union of Writers developing military themes.

Chief Editor of "Red Star" Colonel EA Boltin follows instructed "engineers of human souls": "Talking about the ideolo

of the Red Army, I must begin with its doctrine. You know that the military doctrine of the Red Army is an offensive

doctrine emanating from known Voroshilov wording - "beat the enemy on its territory." This provision remains in force
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today. However, the combat experience, which acquired the Red Army in the last two years, brings to our

understanding of the war a number of significant new features. Up until 1939, the Red Army was essentially

neobstrelyanny army, and those provisions which raised its command structure, largely based on the experience of

the Civil War. In this experiment, there is a lot of valuable, very much that today, and will continue to serve as a guide

for us. But at the same time, this experience could not take into account the true nature of modern warfare, because

the time when the enemy's weak technology we had very often the weakest technique. [...] Our tactics and operation

art until 1938, ie before we began to explore the experience of the war in Spain, based mainly on the experience of t

Civil War, "now this is not enough and should be based on the experience of fighting Hassan, Khalkhin-and Finland t

revise our views on the future war.

"Oddly enough, but we educate people in a kind of Soviet pacifism. Often in" Red Star "and in the literature can be

found expression that the Red Army is an instrument of peace. Instead teach people that the army is an instrument o

war, weapons active defense of our homeland, we said that it is the army of the world. On the other hand, we sided

slogan popularized the invincibility of our army "that generates shapkozakidatelskie mood. Therefore, during the

Russo-Finnish War, had to replace the slogan of "liberation of Finland", which did not say anything to our soldiers, at

[427] the slogan of "protecting the north-western borders and Leningrad." "We are all well aware of the huge historic

rightness of our cause and invincibility. But at the same time, we must give an account, that our victory in modern

warfare can be achieved only at the cost of all forces. Experience of war in Finland showed that we It took a serious

effort to even potentially weak to break the enemy. collisions in future we will have to solve more difficult problems a

it is therefore necessary to bring the Red Army and our whole nation is not in the spirit of invincibility naked slogans

and continuous heroism, and should be brought up in the spirit of the difficulties that is modern war, in the spirit of

willingness to serve as a home to all, if you need, including my life. " You should carefully study the experience of the

war in Europe and a flexible approach to its assimilation.

"First of all, we need to educate people to understand that the Red Army is an instrument of war, not an instrument o

peace. Necessary to educate people so that a future war with any capitalist state is a just war, no matter who started

this war. We Such sentiments were that we defend, and themselves into the fray is not useful. Wrong. Our people

must be ready for that when it will be profitable, we first go to war, because the experience of war in Belgium and the

Netherlands shows that the strategic means passivity. We must be prepared, if necessary, to strike first, not just

respond blow for blow. " However, "it is impossible to educate people in the spirit of indiscriminate attack, as it was

until now. We raised portion so that the word" retreat "was considered a disgrace. We have to consider that we have

to defend and sometimes, even have to move to trench warfare, retreat to donate part, win a fortune. " As practical

problems Boltin called study of military history, strengthening training and discussion of the problems of military

science.

Speaking in the debate Wisniewski said: "Who is not met, there is talk about the Baltics, the process of fixing our

historical right flank, about the prospects of the Black Sea, on the southern flank, etc." It would be nice widely and

openly discuss these issues, of course, "I do not advise at best" Red Star "screaming that we, if we need to - we will

break the backbone of Hitler," but we have to think how we will prepare for the war. [...] Sometimes the question can

not be. All my personal opinion - I can make it here, we will fight with the Germans - this is a great historical

perspective. The people can smell it ... "

However, excessive frankness in this matter was not encouraged, and Boltin asked rhetorically: "... Why must we

need to talk straight - who are our future enemy? Did [428] it is useful to us? Politically it is harmful. methods will I

require flexible, which allowed we would achieve the desired effect and at the same time comply with external

decorum "because our military reviews carefully eyeing overseas. "We must speak impressively, right, frankly, but

very cautiously and quietly, because we live in a very difficult international situation. Write so that neither one nor the

other is not to offend and not to tease. Why do we now arming themselves against Germany or France? We will

always do so, as beneficial to our cause, " {1364}.

Has undergone a transformation and promotion of the Comintern. In the autumn of 1939 it was shifted to the fight

against warmongers (Britain and France) and explaining to the masses that only the elimination of the capitalist
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system is able to provide "real peace." However, in April 1940, the Comintern propaganda arises again the idea of

"popular front" to fight the population of countries occupied by Germany for freedom and independence. Later

Comintern propaganda in continental Europe increasingly focused on the need to combat the invaders and their

accomplices. Since December 1940 the ECCI demanded of European Communist Parties to strengthen the

propaganda of national and social liberation, independence and socialism. February 21, 1941 in Moscow hotel "suite

where they lived overseas Communists held "information session" members of the KKE. Walter Ulbricht briefed

colleagues with estimates of the war, which, apparently, were expressed at a meeting of the Presidium of the

Comintern. Stating that the victory of one of the parties is not yet available, and only a general depletion of the

belligerent countries could push them to compromise, Ulbricht said that prolonging the war leads to the growingdiscontent of the population and can cause revolutionary explosion, which will be supported by the USSR. Under

these conditions, the main tasks of the Communist parties was to be further strengthening influence on the masses,

promoting friendship with the Soviet Union and condemnation of British imperialism {1365}.

Of course, the Soviet leadership understood that the advance of the Red Army under the slogans of social change

could lead to the unity of the capitalist states into a single anti-Soviet bloc. Therefore, in April 1941, the ECCI was

developed the idea of national anti-fascist National Front, which had to be guided by the Communist Party in the

German-occupied countries. First goal of the Popular Front was to be the question of national independence, and th

a new social order. Since May 1941 the European Communist Party embarked on this idea. In order to better mask

the influence of the USSR and the Communist Party on foreign help to expand their social base, [430] Stalin April 20

1941 proposed to dissolve the Comintern. In his opinion, it was "important that they (foreign Communist Party. - MMinfiltrated his people and focused on their own particular problems ...", after which the solution can be re-create the

international communist organization. F.I . Firsov notes that it is the intention to implement prevented German attack

but did not indicate when exactly planned to dissolve the Comintern. Already in the first hours of the war, Stalin point

to the need to remove the question of social revolution and focus on promoting domestic war {1366}. himself this

slogan was borrowed from the work of Lenin "The main task of the day", which stated that "Russia is now ... to a

national rise to the Great Patriotic War," which "is a war for the socialist fatherland, socialism as a fatherland for the

Soviet Republic as a detachment of the world army of socialism "and leads" to the international socialist revolution "

{1367}. quite likely that this slogan and planned to wage war against Germany, but not the one that started.

Meanwhile, as the cooling of the Soviet-German relations, especially after the Berlin negotiations in November 1940

which showed that Germany took in relation to the USSR more intransigent position, Soviet propaganda structures

are increasingly began to collect "negative" against Germany. Since the end of 1940 the USSR propaganda machine

began secret training to work in a future war with Germany and conducting anti-fascist propaganda. In the spring of

1941, remembers who lived before the war in Khabarovsk AF Rahr, "people began to bring with lectures on the

international situation dosage criticism at Germany ... At the same time, rumors of impending war with Germany and

began to walk among the people" {1368}.

Similar sentiments were reflected in the aforementioned diary Vishnevsky who recorded January 31, 1941: "The

position of the USSR expectantly, we will if appropriate, and will be able to throw their weight on the scales of war ...

Resit probably coming summer." April 9, he makes the following entry: "Decide the coming months. We are

approaching a critical point in Soviet history. Feel it all clear." Finally on April 14: "The truth gets out. Interim

Agreement with Hitler is bursting at the seams" {1369}. At the same time at the political forces in the increasing

emphasis on studying the space required military-political situation in Europe, the disclosure of the aggressive nature

of imperialism and the aggressive policies of Germany. April 30, 1941 in the western border of the county was sent t

the General Directorate letter of instruction political propaganda (GUPP) Red Army "Results of inspections of politica

studies," [430] in which it was noted that "the Red Army soldiers and junior commanders insufficiently explained that

the Second World War both belligerents underway for a new division of the world ... Germany ... passed for conques

and capture enough ... explained that the expansion of the second world war poses a direct military threat to our

country, " {1370}.

The turning point in the preparation of Soviet propaganda to action in the new environment became Stalin's speech


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May 5, 1941 to graduates of military academies {1371}. This kind of software Stalin's speech, delivered on the next

day after the decision of the Politburo of his appointment to the post of chairman of the SNK, made a lasting

impression on the audience, who are unanimous in saying that she wore anti-German character. Other than

statements of aggressive actions of Germany in Europe, Stalin directly assigned to it responsibility for the outbreak o

World War II. Though since the fall of 1939. in the USSR is widely promoted the idea that "warmongers" are England

and France, it was clearly voicing new course. Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Comintern, Georgi

Dimitrov noted in his diary: "Our policy of peace and security is at the same time, the policy of preparing for war. No

defense without offensive. Necessary to bring in the spirit of the army offensive. Must prepare for war." Wisniewski

praised this speech more emotional: "This enormous significance. We begin ideological and practical offensive ... Ware talking about the global fight Hitler here is calculated [...] Ahead - our trek to the West. Ahead of opportunities tha

we have dreamed for a long time " {1372}.

Change the direction of Soviet propaganda was clearly formulated by Stalin May 5, 1941 at the banquet in the Krem

after a solemn meeting on the occasion of the release of military students was proclaimed a toast to Stalin's peacefu

foreign policy. In response to him, Stalin took the floor. "Allow me to amend, - he said. - Peaceful foreign policy has

provided the world of our country. Peaceful policy is a good thing. We from time to time took the line of defense - as

long as our army rearmed not supplied the army with modern means of warfare . And now, when we remodeled our

army, saturated technique for modern warfare, when we became strong - now we need to move from defense to

offense. conducting the defense of our country, we are obliged to act offensive manner. From Defense go to the

military policy of offensive operations. We necessary to restructure our education, our propaganda, agitation, ourprinting offensive spirit. Red Army is a modern army and modern army - the army offensive " {1373}. [431]

It was taken by Stalin's speech is the basis for the following documents prescriptive. In May 1941, the Red Army

GUPP prepared a number of draft policy documents, of which we are interested in the proposed directive "On

problems of political propaganda in the Red Army in the near future," {1374}. This document after discussing June 4

1941 by the Supreme Military Council was sent June 9th Army Chief Commissioner GUPP 1 rank AI Zaporozhets th

chief of the Propaganda of the Central Committee of the CPSU (b) G.F.Aleksandrovu. Simultaneously, in the Office o

Propaganda, a draft directive of the Central Committee "On the tasks of propaganda for the near future", which

Aleksandrov May 28 directed the secretaries of the CC AA Zhdanov and AS Shcherbakov, and on behalf of which th

document was drawn up {1375}. The project did not satisfy the secretaries of the CC, and in early June he was

Shcherbakov new draft directive "On the current tasks of propaganda", which is clearly more logical and accurate tha

text Aleksandrov {1376}. The draft directive GUPP was approved on June 20 the Supreme Military Council {1377},

and the fate of the draft directive of the Central Committee not yet known.

In mid-May 1941 GUPP lecture group for private military audiences prepared a report "The Present International

Situation and Soviet foreign policy," which was sent in May 6 Department of Propaganda and Agitation of the Centra

Committee of the CPSU (b) Central Committee secretaries and Zhdanov and Shcherbakov. On a document sent

Aleksandrov has its resolution of 19 June: "In the archive. According to a report given instructions that Zaporozhets"

{1378}. We do not have data that would reveal the nature of these guidelines, but the ideas of this report echo the

ideas GUPP directive from May 15, 1941, the above draft policy documents, and have been used, according to the

reducible I.Hoffmanom data in the report was done, apparently in the army June 15, 1941 "one authoritative political

worker" {1379}. All this suggests that the report had not been rejected by management. In addition, you should pay

attention to the performance of the international situation at the Kalinin party and Komsomol meeting employees of t

Supreme Soviet of the USSR on May 20 and the graduates of the Military-Political Academy. VI Lenin on June 5 and

Zhdanov's speech at a meeting of film workers in the CPSU (b) May 15, 1941 {1380}

Special value attached to these materials is that they were prepared at the level and under the order of members an

alternate members of the Politburo, owner of the propaganda apparatus of the country and the army. Consequently,

their training initiative came "from above", minimizing amateur functionaries [432] middle managers. All these

documents are largely repetitive and complement each other and allow, despite the presence in them of ideological

and propaganda clichs, give an objective assessment of overall sentiment in the Soviet leadership in the last prewa
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months.

Drafters of these documents after sounded May 5, 1941 sayings of Stalin paid attention to the causes of the military

successes of Germany, linking the issue with the need debunking the myth of the "invincibility of the Wehrmacht."

Guided by the thesis that war began showed her unpreparedness for England and France, Shcherbakov follows

expounding reasons for the defeat of France:

"France - winning the first imperialist war - conceited, rested on its laurels, showed complete carelessness in the

preparation for war ... Her military thought, due to complacency, not moving forward, remained at lessons of the war

1914-1918.

French aviation, which was once the strongest, moved to one of the last places. Armored and mechanized

compounds were in the paddock. "In the army," not only lacked artillery, anti-aircraft and anti-especially, but not even

enough machine guns and pistols. The French government, perhaps money, not the Maginot Line continued to the

English Channel, which devalued the entire fortified part of the front and made it possible to circumvent the German

army French strengthening. "" To the military treated dismissively ... military apparatus in the hands of people, or little

understanding of military, or people frozen in the classroom and traditions of the war of 1914-1918. The ruling circles

of France not so much afraid of Hitler's victory as his people ... Among the senior commanders and senior politicians

was widespread defeatism and direct betrayal. This is the first reason for the military defeat of France.

The defeat of France is due not only to its military weakness. Since the war, France and Britain not only made new

friends and allies, but lost those who were with them. Rotten, mercantile policy "non-interference" and "appeasemen

... treachery perpetrated against its direct ally - Czechoslovakia ... flippant attitude to the role and relative importance

of the Soviet Union in European affairs - all this alienated part of France and England their allies, led to their isolation

and strengthened the position of Germany. This is the second reason for the military defeat of France " {1381}.

Assessing the causes of success in Germany, Shcherbakov wrote that "the German army being broken in 1918 -

benefited from this fact necessary military and political lessons. In Germany for many years, especially since 1933,

with the advent of the [433] power by the National Socialists, formation and training of a large army. National

Economy, remodeled on a war footing, was entirely subordinated to the tasks of war ... Military leaders of Germany

developed operational plans for war, based on the rapid advance on the weak and the unprepared opponent with

massive use of modern military equipment ... military superiority of Germany in the first stage of the war was

unconditional and overwhelming. This is the first reason for the military successes of the German army.

But the outcome of the war not only solves the arming and organization of the army. To win enough to have a good

military technology and organization, and also prepare the war politically and is primarily meant to attract some state

to his side as allies, others try to neutralize. On the truth of this statement says the whole experience of past wars. In

1870-71. in the war with France, Germany won, thanks to the neutrality of Russia, as a result, so - war on one front.

the war of 1914-1918. - As a result of the war on two fronts, Germany was defeated.

That is why, in preparation for the Second World War, Germany has tried to establish peaceful and friendly relations

with the Soviet Union. "In addition, Germany was able to" tear allies against their enemies and bring some countries

as allies to his side ... and intimidate some small neutral countries "warning them siding with Britain and France {138

.

"Germany's military victories and defeats her opponents caused the spread of views known about the alleged

invincibility of the German army. Such views are fundamentally unscientific and contrary to historical experience, as

well as the course of military operations in modern warfare. Around the world there has been no invincible armies, an

were there Army good and weak .... Victory German army due to the fact that the Germans still had military

confrontations with weak "enemy" and the German army suppressed their overwhelming superiority and appliances

.... On the basis of easy victories - in the army and political circles in Germany have spread boasting, complacency

and arrogance that lead directly to the backlog.
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All the new that is logged in operational art and tactics of the German army, is not so difficult and now perceived and

studied her opponents, as well as non-news and armament of the German army. On the basis of boasting and

smugness military thought Germany is no longer as before - go ahead. The German army had lost the taste for the

further improvement of military equipment. If at the beginning of the war, Germany had a modern military equipment

but now ... military-technical advantage Germany gradually reduced " {1383}. [434]

With the expansion of the war, Germany is facing a number of difficulties noted in the guppies. First of all is the lack

oil, which means "fuel - this is the first weak point of the German economy. Foodstuffs - this is the second weak poin

of the German economy. It already makes itself felt very keenly ... food supply prospects are deteriorating ... The thirweakness of the German economy is the situation with the raw materials. Despite the fact that Germany is getting

some raw materials from occupied countries, all kinds of raw materials, it is not ensured. created in his time running

out, and the British blockade of Germany close to non-European markets. The longer the war continues, the more

depleted Germany.

As disclosure of the imperialist, predatory aims of Germany and changing attitudes towards the war of the masses o

Germany itself " {1384}. "Prepare war, and the war in the first stage was carried out under the slogan of liberation

from oppression Versailles chains - Shcherbakov wrote. - This slogan was popular and well-known met support and

sympathy and the German people, as many people had suffered as a result of predatory Treaty of Versailles. This

slogan found sympathy and known in other countries, that the Treaty of Versailles was considered humiliating and

unjust. But during the war the situation changed radically.

Slogan, "Down with the chains of Versailles" - disappeared. Now the German army, using the military weakness of

several countries moved to the direct capture and enslavement of foreign territories. Nazi Germany is the seizure of

foreign territories under the slogan - the establishment of so-called "new order" in Europe. This slogan means the

suppression of the national independence of the occupied countries, turning them into a vassal, operated by the stat

an agrarian appendage of Germany.

Aggressive character of the slogan-establishment of a "new order" in Europe German politicians masked chatter

about the need to continue the fight against "international plutocracy" need "to smoke Englishmen everywhere,

wherever they appeared." However, this bad disguise hides program enslavement of peoples, and the masses are

becoming more clearly see and understand the predatory nature "of this slogan. It," first, do not meet the sympathyand support of the broad masses of Germany itself. Secondly, this slogan is great discontent and bitterness of the

peoples of the occupied countries and a gradual increase in resistance to the invader. Predatory, aggressive policy

against Germany restores it not only the peoples of the occupied countries, but the best part of the German people .

It is clear that the success of German politics and the German army under the banner of [435] and the predatory

imperialist war, under the slogan of the conquest and subjugation of other peoples not can be any strong " {1385}.

"German army large force that can not be underestimated. However, as the prolongation of the war, military power

weakened Germany "- was concluded in the draft directive GUPP {1386}. This dispels the myth of the invincibility of

the German army.

Soviet leaders generally quite correctly assess military-economic condition of Germany, helped German companies

visiting the Soviet military-technical commissions in 1939-1941. Germany's own software such kinds of strategic rawmaterials such as coal, iron ore, oil, copper, lead, sulfur and pyrites, aluminum (bauxite), manganese ore, chrome or

wool, phosphates, mercury, mica was in 1939. just 17,1-18,3%, whereas the Soviet Union, the figure was 82.5%

{1387}. Oil and raw materials in Germany, although replenished after the defeat of France and certain production

capacity was limited. For example, stockpiles of fuel and rubber could be enough only to the fall of 1941, and non-

ferrous metals stocks did not even cover consumption, not to mention the real needs of the {1388}. Equally tense

situation developed in Germany with food. According to German researchers, for the period from April 7 to June 29,

1941 (84 days) for each adult received 27 kg of bread, 2,175 kg of cereals and pasta, erzatskofe 1.2 kg, 5.6 kg of

meat, 3,233 kg of fat 0.75 kg of cheese curd 0.375 kg, 29 eggs, 4.05 kg of sugar, potatoes until June 2, freely sold,

after - 7 kg per adult (28 days). Average calorie daily ration per person dropped from 3000 calories in 1936-1938. up

to 2445 calories in 1940-1941. {1389}Germany's economy because of its limited capacity could not serve as a
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reliable foundation for the struggle for world domination under a protracted war {1390}.

Certain penetration of the Soviet press statements about the success of German propaganda of the German econom

and power caused the Wehrmacht in May-June 1941, the negative reaction of the Soviet leadership. First of all, it

affected the work of the Institute of World Economy and Policy Sciences of the USSR and the editorial board of the

magazine of the Institute, which, according to the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the CPSU (b), "in the

assessment of the most important issues of modern world politics and the world economy occupy theoretically

erroneous and politically harmful position . " This was expressed in the fact that these staff and editors "picked and

popularized the fascist propaganda disseminated myths about the ideal organization and invincibility of the German

army on the alleged organized, [436] the planned nature of the German economy, an improvement in the food

situation in Germany and an increase in the course of the war its economic and military resources, "and" to a certain

extent, have been in the wake of bourgeois propaganda. " So should reorganize Institute {1391}and eliminate such

defects in Soviet propaganda, reinforcing criticism ideology of fascism and German propaganda fabrications {1392}

Not confirmed the above pictures and version of the fear of the Soviet leadership to Germany and its armed forces,

existent in the national historiography {1393}. Moscow considered equivalent Germany opponent who in military

terms has nothing special about any tanks or artillery or aviation. According to Stalin, the German military equipmen

"lags behind not only our", but in regard to its aviation starts to overtake America {1394}. This conclusion reflects a

certain underestimation of the state of the Wehrmacht. However, it should be noted that the quality of military

equipment, except aircraft older designs. The Red Army did not yield his future opponent {1395}.

"The main factor determining the current international situation, - noted in the guppy - a war between the major

capitalist powers, which lasts for about two years and has become a global, protracted and total. Most important

outcome of the second imperialist war in its modern stage - is a significant military Germany's success on the land

fronts, and the expulsion of England from the European continent. As a result, most acutely the question arose abou

the future direction of the war.

England is far from broken, and because of continued resistance increasing assistance from the U.S. is strengthenin

its military forces. In this situation, Germany has no prospects in the near future to beat England and end the war, as

is, with its large land force, without a strong navy. At the same time, and England, having command of the sea, does

not have strong land forces, and also can not expect to win soon. All this creates an environment of hopelessness inthe war that it can not be completed in the near future victory of one side or the other ...

Time gained by Germany at the beginning of the war, is now turning against her. Prolongation of the war as military

potential difference of two warring parties will act with relentless force ... therefore particularly important for Germany

the U.S. position. Fight for world domination, augmented thirst war profits, with irresistible force pushing America into

the war .... Formally, the U.S. is not yet at war, "but in fact increasingly creeping into the war, which greatly complicat

the situation in Germany {1396}. According to Kalinin " this war on the [437] exhaustion takes a long, fierce, which i

likely to be exhausting for both sides. Predict the same, one of them will win, now more difficult, " {1397}.

The report GUPP believed that "in the ruling circles of the belligerent countries is growing fear of the revolutionary

consequences of a protracted war. Particular concern is the growing power of the imperialists of the USSR.Bourgeoisie of the imperialist countries with great anxiety looks at the Soviet Union, which stands out of the war, and

while the war undermines and weakens the capitalist countries, the Soviet Union is growing and gaining strength,

increasing its economic and military power ... In these circumstances, among some circles of the bourgeoisie of the

belligerent countries under pressure to agree among themselves in order to make peace and to direct the tip of the

war against the Soviet Union. In this sense, "escape" Hess to England - a serious warning to the Soviet Union. And i

in this case the attempt collusion can almost be considered failed, the soil for such efforts in the future remains. This

soil-futility of war on the one hand and the fear of the revolutionary consequences of a protracted war - with other. Th

is why the Soviet Union should be ready for any eventuality by the imperialist powers, should be ready at any time to

disrupt any conspiracy of the imperialists against us. " Although the class hatred of the bourgeoisie can push the

warring countries to make peace, but England and the United States understand that the world today - a concession
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to Germany and thus this process is hampered {1398}.

In the world there is a crisis of bourgeois democracy as the "dictatorship of the bourgeoisie misses ... - Kalinin noted

a speech on June 5. - If we analyze the social processes that occur in democratic countries as belligerent and non-

combatants, we note that there is increasing political dictatorship, strengthening the dictatorship of a person ... Yes,

otherwise it can not be. During the war, all forces must be concentrated, otherwise the bulk of funds remain unused

will be used by the adversary. So, strengthening the dictatorship becomes a characteristic feature capitalist world.

course, the process accelerates ripening of war dictatorships. If there was no war, capitalism would move along this

path with tiny steps, and now, during the war, he makes the seven-league steps ... So, during the war is reinforced

maturation of the dictatorship of the capitalist world, the concentration of material resources in the hands of the state

the concentration of capitalism. All this during the war accelerated and exacerbated.

It should be noted and a second process that we observe during the war ... - there is increased growth of political

consciousness of the masses. During the war, brighter detected before labor [438] masses selfish capitalists and he

soon comes to the consciousness of the masses. And I must say that the growth of the class consciousness of the

toiling masses certainly accelerated to a greater extent than increasing the dictatorship of capital. "Very" war should

contribute to a more rapid maturation of class consciousness in general. "Unlikely that this war will come away with

the capitalists of Europe, because" it is felt that this rich school for the laboring masses not be wasted "and they" will

draw proper lessons and hurl their anger on the bourgeoisie " {1399}.

The Soviet leadership rather accurately assess the progress and prospects of World War II, noting its protracted

nature, that sooner or later doomed to defeat Germany. Tightening the war really fueled the forces in opposing camp

which were in favor of ending the war and the creation of so-called "united front of the imperialist powers" against the

Soviet Union {1400}. Moscow no accident closely followed similar attempts, knowing well the available ways to mak

peace difficult. Documents show that the Soviet leadership was quite knowledgeable about the results of "Hess's

mission", which is confirmed by other data , {1401}.

Arguments about the rise of dictatorship and political consciousness of the masses in the capitalist countries, despit

the clear imprint zaideologizirovannosti are under a certain soil. It must be admitted that the war and the related crisi

of society contributed to the radicalization of public sentiment and thereby expanded the social base of the communi

parties, increasing the danger of a social explosion. It is interesting to note that this danger is in 1939. foresaw theformer Czechoslovak President Edvard Bene, who, however, believed that such hopes Moscow unlikely to be fulfille

in full, as "Western Europe in socio-economic terms, is still quite strong and is very determined to resist the social

revolution ... while Poland, Germany and Central Europe are in a situation much more dangerous " {1402}. Howeve

in its forecast Benes did not consider the possibility of "exporting revolution" on the bayonets of the Red Army that

much more would help overthrow "the yoke of capital," and, as we shall see, this is what made the basic rate and the

Soviet leadership.

A significant part of the report was devoted GUPP Soviet-German relations. "When you consider the totality of the

economic and strategic factors international position of the USSR, it is quite obvious that the most real danger for us

is that a capitalist country that has a large ground forces and the greatest length of the land border with the USSR.

Strong naval power is not so [439] dangerous for the USSR as a major land power. Neither blockade or landing cannot inflict a nasty blow USSR because the Soviet Union has huge spaces purse army, all the necessary types of

strategic raw materials, food and developed machine industry. most serious enemy of the USSR is the only major lan

power . This country is currently Germany. [...] Recently, the situation became even more tense, that points of contac

between Germany and the USSR became much more than 2-3 years ago, " {1403}.

While Germany and the Soviet Union signed a nonaggression pact "would be deeply flawed illusions regarding this

pact and assume that the clash between the USSR and Germany, and it is impossible that the alleged German

National Socialists abandoned their anti-Soviet plans. [...] No covenants and agreements can not and must not relax

vigilance of Soviet citizens, to create the illusion of the eternity of our peaceful relations with the imperialist powers ..

The events of recent years have shown us with distinct clarity that any pact can be converted at any time by the


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capitalist state in a piece of paper. must not forget for a moment that all of the capitalist countries - potential enemies

of the USSR.

Soviet foreign policy - is a class policy. Fighting between the two systems is a crucial point in our relations with all

capitalist countries without exception, This fight makes any and all covenants and agreements of the USSR with the

imperialist powers temporary, unstable. Or that the capitalist state, which for several reasons to conclude agreement

with the Soviet Union, does not abandon its anti-Soviet plans and their implementation will be postponed until the

most opportune moment. Development of our relations with Germany shows this quite clearly now.

Previously, the Soviet Union does not border with Germany, and now borders. From Narvik to the Black Sea, we

currently have only one neighbor, Germany. Previously, the USSR is separated from Germany, a number of small

"buffer" countries that are now or have completely disappeared from the political map of Europe as an independent

state, or we retain independence ghostly underwent German occupation. Over the last year in Germany, actually

breaking the Soviet-German point. arrange a consultation, without any consultation with us, has taken several

measures in the north-west and south-east, which could not affect the vital interests of the Soviet Union in those are

of Europe. On the borders of the Lithuanian SSR, Germany concentrates in Poland [440] a large number of troops,

course, not for peaceful purposes. In Finland, which recently came under significant economic and political

dependence on Germany, as German troops entered. In addition, most of Finland and in Sweden the Germans were

reinforced anti-Soviet propaganda.

For the purpose of planting spyware on our territory and subversive groups Germany is widely used against us the

hostile elements of the Polish, Ukrainian and Belorussian population of occupied Poland, Romania, the Moldovan

population, the Lithuanian population Suwalki region, and other nationalist groups emigration.

"Occasionally, especially in the provincial press, yet clearly placed the hostile article. In its oral agitation and

propaganda of the National Socialists remain fully brazen anti-Soviet tone. Population and the soldiers are taught tha

friendship with the USSR - time that Germany must necessarily fight against the USSR .

In south-eastern Europe, the Balkans, Germany has recently taken measures contrary to the interests of the USSR

Germany, violating the contract clause of the consultations with the Soviet Union sent troops to Romania, Bulgaria a

ignited the flames of war in the Balkans. Capture Germany Balkans undoubtedly affects our vital interests ...

In a number of recent statements Commissariat about events in the Balkans, the Soviet government has clearly

demonstrated their keen interest in the resolution of questions of southeastern Europe and the Middle East ... all the

acts of the Soviet government actually condemned Germany's policies aimed to retract into the war of the Balkan

states, and gave unambiguously clear that Germany's actions are contrary to the policy of the USSR. Thus, the Sov

government actually stated that it does not recognize the "new order" established the Axis powers in the Balkans, an

retains the freedom of action in this regard ...

Germany's policy in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Turkey, also runs counter to the interests of the USSR

State Security ... in the area of the Straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, - plays a huge role for us, because

is the only way for the great Black Sea power, what are we . His keen interest in the safety of the Straits, the Soviet

government has once again demonstrated the latest statement to the Turkish government, "that" the Soviet Union

made it clear that will be discouraged fomenting war in the Middle East and retraction of Turkey into the war " {1404}

[441]

The above material shows that the Soviet leadership in the spring of 1941 Germany considered the main enemy. Th

version of the excessive reliance on force Stalin non-aggression pact, common in the national historiography {1405}

not confirmed, as in Moscow knew that no matter what agreements can not be relied. Documents show once again

that the Soviet leadership knew about the concentration of German troops on the borders of the Soviet Union, but,

udging by the tone sheathe documents not feared imminent German attack. Enumeration of anti-Soviet actions of th

German leadership has not only propaganda value, but also shows the actual sites of the Soviet-German conflict. As

already noted, the war between Germany and the USSR was generated struggle for supremacy in Europe, as its
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accelerated collision Soviet and German interests in the Balkans, in Finland and in the Middle East. While in 1939,

Berlin and Moscow were able to reconcile their territorial aspirations and by autumn 1940, mainly to implement those

agreements, since the end of 1940 the expansionist aspirations of Germany and the Soviet Union came into collision

Settle them on the basis of a compromise failed, and demonstrated that the talks in Berlin in November 1940. {1406

compromise was complicated by the fact that the parties were no longer needed it, hoping to achieve their objectives

by military means, and since November 1940. Soviet-German relations have entered a new phase - the immediate

preparation for war.

"USSR live in a capitalist environment - wrote Shcherbakov. - The clash between the socialist world and the world ofcapitalism is inevitable. Based on the inevitability of the collision - ours, the world's first socialist state is obliged every

day, worked hard and prepare for the decisive battles with the capitalist environment in order to get out of these fight

the winner and thus ensure the final victory of socialism. foreign policy of the Soviet Union has nothing to do with

"pacifism", with the desire for peace at any price " {1407}.

"The contradiction between the socialist world and the capitalist world is the sharpest contradiction of our epoch, -

noted in the report GUPP. - Soviet foreign policy proceeds from the unquestioned assumption that the clash between

the socialist world and the world of capitalism is inevitable. Main objective of Soviet foreign policy - its special funds

provide all the necessary prerequisites for the victorious decision on "who" on an international scale. We are not

indifferent to what conditions will the inevitable confrontation between the USSR and the capitalist encirclement. We

have a vested interest in ensuring that these conditions were most favorable for us. [442]

The main success of the Leninist-Stalinist foreign policy of peace is that due to it has already managed to postpone

the war between the imperialist countries and the Soviet Union, first, before our country socialism has triumphed ...

and secondly, before imperialist powers themselves at loggerheads with each other for world supremacy ... Thus

Leninist-Stalinist policy in the world successfully resolved the challenges it faces. But it would be wrong to regard ou

peaceful policy as eternal and unchangeable. This is - a temporary policy that necessitate accumulate sufficient forc

against capitalist encirclement. Now we have gained such strength and entered into a new, aggressive period of

Soviet foreign policy, which imposes on us big and important responsibilities ...

Not exclude the possibility that the Soviet Union would be forced, by virtue of the prevailing situation, take any

initiative to offensive military action ... In a modern, extremely tense international situation, the Soviet Union must beprepared for any surprises and contingencies and keep their powder dry against each imperialist state, despite the

presence of covenants and agreements with the State. "When analyzing the immediate prospects of world capitalism

should proceed from the rise of" revolutionary crisis ", while clearly" looming Soviet role as an armed stronghold of

world socialist revolution ... This, of course, does not exclude that may be offensive action against the USSR individu

imperialist countries that threaten our security in a situation where there are no revolutionary situation in the capitalis

countries. But in this and in another case, the USSR could go on the offensive against the imperialist powers in the

cause of victorious socialism, performing the greatest mission entrusted by history on the world's first socialist state o

workers and peasants constantly threatening to destroy us capitalist encirclement " {1408}.

"Leninism teaches - Shcherbakov wrote - that socialist country, using the favorable international situation, and shoul

be obliged to take the initiative to offensive military action against the capitalist environment to enhance the front ofsocialism. For the time of the USSR could not proceed to such actions because of military weakness. But now this

military weakness thing of the past. Relying on its military power, using a favorable environment - USSR liberated

Western Ukraine and Western Belarus, Bessarabia back, helped the working people of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

to organize Soviet power " {1409}. [ 443]

"If, of course, attach Finland, the situation has been further improved in terms of strategy," - frankly said on May 20

Kalinin {1410}. "Thus, capitalism had to make room, and the front of socialism expanded. Extremely aggravated

international situation, the military threat to our country closer than ever. Under these conditions, Lenin's slogan" a

foreign land to defend their land "may at any time turn into action" - warned Shcherbakov {1411}.


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As the documents show, "peace policy of the USSR" was interpreted in Moscow rather peculiar. "The Bolsheviks - n

pacifists, - noted in the Proceedings of speech Kalinina from May 20, 1941 - They have always been and remain

opposed to only unfair, predatory, imperialist wars. But they always were, are and will stand for a fair, revolutionary,

national- liberation war. While socialism wins worldwide, or at least in the principal capitalist countries, as long as the

are inevitable, and other wars. capitalist world is full of flagrant abominations, which can only be destroyed with a ho

iron holy war.

Revel in the world can not be unconsciously - it leads to the transformation of people into pacifists vulgar ... If we rea

want peace - and unsteady, not short, not as a moment of war, and a durable and reliable - then we must go all out tprepare for war. We do not have to prepare for such a war, which is now - because it's not a war, but spillikins - and

such a war in which the capitalists will not stop short of any, the most diabolical means to fight for their existence. To

imagine at least a rough idea of this war, it is enough to recall, for example, the war with Finland. Here's to what we

should prepare for war, " {1412}.

Such ideas resonate with a note addressed to Zhdanov plows from February 22, 1941, containing "some thoughts o

war propaganda among the population", which is clearly defined, "that our Party and the Soviet government are not

fighting for the sake of world peace, and connect the slogan of peace with the interests of socialism, with the task of

protecting state interests of the USSR " {1413}.

All this once again confirms the fact that the so-called "peace-loving foreign policy of the USSR" was nothing more

than a propaganda campaign under the guise of which the Soviet leadership sought to provide the most favorable

conditions for the "smashing capitalism" by military means. These conditions, according to the documents quoted,

was to create a military-industrial complex capable of [444] provide the offensive of the Red Army, and in the event o

war between the other great powers. In these conditions it was possible under the guise of slogans about the "peace

loving Soviet Union" start "export of revolution" in Europe, the first step of which was the Soviet Union's aggression

against its neighbors to the west and the annexation of territories in Eastern Europe in 1939-1940. Only because of

the difficult international climate Moscow failed to seize Finland, which was seen as a strategic base for operations in

Scandinavia and the Baltic.

It is interesting to note that the issue of a new expansion "front socialism" got it in May-June 1941, stated on May 15

Zhdanov meeting filmmakers in the CPSU (b), "if the circumstances allow us, we will continue to expand the frontsocialism " {1414}. "If you are Marxists - Kalinin said in a speech on May 20 - if you study the history of the party, th

you must understand that this is the basic idea of the Marxist doctrine - with a huge conflict within humanity to gain

maximum benefit for Communism" {1415}. June 5, he formulated the idea more succinctly: "for the war a time when

you can extend communism" {1416}. Speaking at the Supreme Military Council during the discussion guidelines

GUPP June 4, 1941, Zhdanov said that "we are stronger, we can put more active tasks. War with Poland and Finland

were not defensive wars. We have already embarked on aggressive policy" { 1417}. However, in 1941, to expand th

"front of socialism" further to the West could only crush Germany, which, according to the Soviet leadership, was the

main opponent of the USSR and was his only western neighbor. For this purpose, was ready enough serious tool - th

Red Army, which in the autumn of 1939. was awarded the epithet "the army of liberation," {1418}.

"A wise foreign policy of the Party and the Soviet government provided the peoples of the USSR has been for 20years the peaceful labor - wrote Shcherbakov. - On this basis, our country has made further steady growth in the

political, economic and military power ... The Red Army, widely used to achieve domestic and international military-

techni

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