Cold War International History Project
Virtual Archive 2.0

1980-81 Polish Crisis

CPSU CC Politburo Decision Setting Up Suslov Commission
August 25 1980 - Politburo resolution establishing a commision , chaired by Politburo member M. A. Suslov, to look at the situation in Poland, inform the CPSU Politburo, and suggest any measures needed to be taken by the Soviet leadership.
 
Special Dossier on the Polish Crisis of 1980
August 28 1980 - Memorandum to the CPSU Politburo from the Suslov Commission regarding a request by the Soviet Ministry of Defense to bring up to full readiness 3 divisions of the Soviet Armed Forces. The memorandum cautions the Soviet leadership that, in case the Polish Armed Forces switch allegiance to the counter-revolutionary forces, another 5-7 divisions might be necessary.
 
Special Dossier on the Polish Crisis of 1980
August 28 1980 - Special Dossier on the Polish Crisis of 1980 regarding Soviet troop mobilization and orders to fill divisions to send to Poland
 
CPSU CC Politburo Report "On Theses for the discussion with representatives of the Polish leadership"
September 03 1980 - Cable to the Polish leadership regarding the position of the Soviet leadership in regard to the agreements reached earlier in 198o between the Polish Government and the Inter-Factory Strike Committee. The Soviet leadership expresses its concerns with the consequences of the agreements on the role of the Party in Polish society.
 
"On Events on the Gdansk Coast and on Other Military Districts in August 1980," Report, 15 September 1980.
September 15 1980 - [Original available in the National Security Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politboro on "Materials for a Friendly Working Visit to the USSR by Polish Leaders," 29 October 1980
October 29 1980 - The CPSU CC Politboro discusses the anti-socialist movement in Poland, and how the Polish leadership should deal with the crisis. The Politboro begins to form an economic solution for Poland. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, "On the Results of a Visit to the USSR by the First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party, Cde. S. Kania, and the Chairman of the PPR Council of Ministers, Cde. J. Pinkowski," 31 October 1980
October 31 1980 - A visit from Polish leadership reveals the extent of the crisis. Brezhnev believes that the Polish leadership is capable of maintaining control and quelling the counter-revolution, but that Poland is in dire need of economic assistance from the USSR. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Letter from Leonid Brezhnev to Erich Honecker
November 04 1980 - Leonid Brezhnev writes to East German leader Erich Honecker, regarding the Polish Crisis. Brezhnev suggests that the Soviet Union reduce oil shipments to the GDR, in order to alleviate Poland's economic crisis.
 
Record of a Meeting between CPCz CC General Secretary Gustáv Husák and HSWP CC First Secretary János Kádár in Bratislava, (excerpt from Kádár)
November 12 1980 - Excerpts from a discussion between Czechoslovak leader Husak and Hungarian leader Kadar on the situation in Poland. Janos Kadar suggests that the source of the crisis rests with mistakes made by the Polish leadership regarding economic policies. However, he still supports Polish leader Gierek, and believes that he should not have been removed from his position of responsibility.
 
Directive from the CPSU Secretariat, 14 November 1980, Reducing Tourist Exchanges with Poland
November 14 1980 - The CPSU CC proposes to reduce tourism between the Soviet Union and Poland, given Poland's political situation.
 
Record of a Meeting between Gustáv Husák and János Kádár in Bratislava, 12 November 1980 (excerpt from Kádár)
November 25 1980 - Record of a Meeting between Gustáv Husák and János Kádár. Kadar discusses the sources of the crisis in Poland and Hungary’s position
 
Letter from Honecker to Brezhnev
November 26 1980 - East German leader Erik Honecker writes to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev requesting that a meeting of the First Secretaries of the Communist Parties in the Warsaw Pact member states be convened to discuss the crisis in Poland. Honecker suggests that any delay in taking action agains the "reactionary forces" would result in the demise of communism in Poland.
 
Report Warning of Soviet intervention
December 01 1980 - An urgent message relating contents of a secret Soviet meeting that outlined plans to bring USSR, East German, and Czechoslovak forces into Poland. This document was not dated.
 
Report of the Chief of the General Staff of the Czechoslovak Army, Colonel General Miroslav Blahník, to Minister of National Defense Army General Martin Dzúr
December 03 1980 - Report of the Chief of the General Staff of the Czechoslovak Army, Colonel General Miroslav Blahník, to Minister of National Defense Army General Martin Dzúr regarding troop exercises
 
Werner Krolikowski, "Comment on the Report of the PB to the 13th Plenum of the SED CC, which was prepared and submitted by Günther Mittag," handwritten, [excerpt]
December 05 1980 - Excerpt of set of notes written by Werner Krolikowski; includes his fourth point, which discusses the effects of the changes taking place in Poland; addresses socialist development in Poland and counterrevolution.
 
Stenographic Minutes of the Meeting of Leading Representatives of the Warsaw Pact Countries in Moscow
December 05 1980 - Leonid Brezhnev and leading members of the Communist Party of Poland discuss the strikes of the 1980-1981 Polish crisis and their aftermath and causes, including the formation of the Solidarity Union. The repercussions of the crisis for socialism in Poland and other Warsaw Pact countries is discussed, as well as possible measures to counter the anti-socialist uprising.
 
Report to the Politburo by the Department of International relations of the Central Committee of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party
December 08 1980 - Report to the Politburo by the Department of International relations of the Central Committee of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party regarding the meeting between leaders of Warsaw Pact countries on the subject of dissention in Poland
 
Transcript of the CPSU Politburo Session, 11 December 1980
December 11 1980 - The Politburo approves the results of a meeting of Warsaw Pact officials. Kania offers assurances that PZPR will be able to control the Polish crisis on its own.
 
Session of CPSU CC, 22 December 1980 - Excerpts from Protocol # 242, Containing CPSU CC Reports of 5 December 1980 and 30 October 1980
December 22 1980 - [Original available in the National Security Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Directive from the CPSU Secretariat, 14 January 1981, with Supporting Cables
January 14 1981 - CPSU gives instructions to the Communist Party of Italy on how to deal with Solidarity leader Lech Walesa's visit. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Transcript of the CPSU Politburo Session, 22 January 1981 (excerpt)
January 22 1981 - Delegation of CPSU Party Officials headed by L. M. Zamyatin discusses the political and social situation in Poland after Zamyatin’s trip there. Zamyatin gives an optimistic report about the PZPR’s efforts to regain control over society in Poland, and comments on the division in Solidarity as well as its strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited by the PZPR. The members of the Delegation discuss possible measures that the PZPR can implement in its counterrevolution against the growing power of antisocialist forces in Poland. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 12 March 1981 (excerpt)
March 12 1981 - Brezhnev summarizes his meeting with E. Honecker regarding the efforts of the PZPR to suppress the rise of antisocialist political opposition forces in Poland. K.V. Rusakov and A.A. Gromyko respond by expressing their worries about the situation in Poland and criticizing the PZPR for not taking decisive measures to restore order and control over the country. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Information regarding the meeting between Karel Hoffmann, President of the Central Unions' Council and Member of the CPCz CC Presidium, and Stanislaw Kania, PUWP CC First Secretary, Warsaw, (excerpt)
March 17 1981 - Information regarding the meeting between Karel Hoffmann, President of the Central Unions' Council and Member of the CPCz CC Presidium, and Stanislaw Kania, PUWP CC First Secretary, Warsaw, (excerpt), criticizing Kania’s leadership of the PUWP
 
CC CPSU Report, 19 March 1981, with attachments (makes reference to 22 December 1980 Session of CPSU CC).
March 19 1981 - [Original available in the National Security Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 26 March 1981 (excerpt)
March 26 1981 - Soviet leaders discuss the results of negotiations with a delegation from the Polish People's Republic, where Poland requested increased import of raw materials. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 02 April 1981 (excerpt)
April 02 1981 - Brezhnev and the Politboro grow frustrated with the Polish leadership. They express fear of the Polish crisis spreading to Belorussia and Georgia, and question the health of Polish leaders. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 09 April 1981 (excerpt)
April 09 1981 - Soviet leaders discuss the results of a meeting held by Cdes. Yu. V. Andropov and D.F. Ustinov with the Polish, where the Polish reported that it was difficult to conduct business with the counterrevolutionary activity, but that the situation was begining to stabilize in the wake of CPSU 26th Congress. A discussion of Poland's situation and recommendations ensued. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Speech of CPSU General Secretary Leonid Iliyich Brezhnev before the CPCz CC Presidium in Prague, (excerpt)
April 09 1981 - Speech of CPSU General Secretary Brezhnev before the CPCz CC Presidium in Prague, (excerpt) regarding the situation in Poland and criticizing Polish leadership
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 16 April 1981 (excerpt)
April 16 1981 - Brezhnev tells of his conversation with Kania. He gives his opinion on how the Soviets should proceed with regard to Poland after a meeting of the Sejm. The Politburo agrees with Brezhnev's decision to inform the leaders of the Warsaw Pact of the developments in Poland. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
CPSU CC Politburo Protocol (extract); CPSU CC Politburo Commission Report, "On the Development of the Situation in Poland and Certain Steps on Our Part," 16 April 1981; and CPSU CC-Approved Plan of "Measures to Assist the PZPR [Polish United Workers' Party] in the Organization and Ideological Strengthening of the Party"
April 23 1981 - Special Dossier to the CPSU CC discussing the weakening of the PZPR and the rise of Solidarity as an organized political force. Describes the leadership of Kania and Jaruzelski in the party and prescribes a method of politically weakening Solidarity by exposing and exploiting its fragments, including the extremist KOS-KOS, and stepping up propaganda that stresses the impending invasion of Soviet troops to suppress the uprising.
 
Report on the hopeless situation in Poland
April 26 1981 - Letter from Kuklinski to his CIA contact indicating that the situation in Poland is militarily hopeless.
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 30 April 1981 (excerpt)
April 30 1981 - Soviet leaders discuss the results of negotiations between a CPSU delegation and the PZPR leadership, and express concern with the decisions of the Polish leadership. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Memorandum Regarding the Meeting Between Comrade Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev, Erich Honecker, and Gustav Husak in the Kremlin
May 16 1981 - Memorandum Regarding the Meeting Between Comrade Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev, Erich Honecker, and Gustav Husak in the Kremlin describing the Polish situation and criticizing Polish leadership
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 18 June 1981 (excerpt)
June 18 1981 - Discussion of conversation between Brezhnev and Kania regarding the counterrevolution and other matters. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Report to the Central Committee of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party Politburo containing verbatim transcript of 21 July 1981 telephone conversation between Stanislaw Kania and Leonid Brezhnev
July 22 1981 - Brezhnev and Kania discuss the new composition of the Politburo and the dangers of counterrevolution in Poland.
 
Transcript of the Meeting Between Comrade L.I. Brezhnev and Comrade E. Honecker at the Crimea on 3 August 1981 (excerpt)
August 03 1981 - Brezhnev and Honecker discuss issues related to Poland, including the need for stabilization of the Polish crisis and the composition of the new Politburo.
 
CC CPSU Report, 14 August 1981, with attachments (makes reference to 22 December 1980 Session of CPSU CC).
August 14 1981 - [Original available in the National Security Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 10 September 1981 (excerpt)
September 10 1981 - The Soviet Politburo discusses dissent within Poland and the loss of power of the communist party in Poland. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Transcript of Brezhnev's Phone Conversation with Kania, 15 September 1981
September 15 1981 - Brezhnev worries the Polish Solidarity movement will undermine communist authority in Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe.
 
Report on the imposition of martial law
September 15 1981 - Jack Strong reports that at a recent KOK session, no final decision was made about the imposition of martial law, though almost all participants were in support. A unified plan of command for the surprise introduction of martial law is discussed, as a secondary plan to be implemented after political means were unable to repress the counterrevolution.
 
Letter from the HSWP CC [signed by Janos Kadar] to the PUWP CC, attention Stanislaw Kania
September 17 1981 -
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 17 September 1981 (excerpt)
September 17 1981 - Brezhnev informs the Politburo about his conversation with Cde. Kania of Poland on 11 September, 1981. He suggests applying strong pressure to Kania to put down the uprising. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
Information on the Position of the CPSU Regarding the Polish Situation
October 01 1981 - ND -- Information on the Position of the CPSU Regarding the Polish Situation and criticism of the actions of Polish party leadership. This document was not dated.
 
Memorandum of Conversation between Bulgarian foreign Minister P. Mladenov and Polish ambassador Vl. Naperaj
October 06 1981 -
 
Record of a Meeting between Representatives of the CPCz CC and SED CC International Relations Department in East Germany (excerpt)
October 08 1981 -
 
Brezhnev-Jaruzelski Telephone Conversation
October 19 1981 -
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 29 October 1981 (excerpt)
October 29 1981 - Soviet Politburo meeting discusses removing Cde. Kania due to uprisings in Poland. It also addresses shortages of oil and supplies for export and use within the Soviet Union. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
CPSU CC Politburo Protocol (extract) and Text of Oral Message from Brezhnev to Jaruzelski
November 21 1981 -
 
Supplement No. 2 Planned Activity of the Interior Ministry
November 25 1981 -
 
The Anoshkin Notebook on the Polish Crisis
December 01 1981 - ND --
 
Session of the CPSU CC Politburo, 10 December 1981
December 10 1981 - The Soviet Politburo discusses the Polish Solidarity movement and the possibility of imposing martial law in Poland to restore order and the communist party's authority.
 
CPSU CC Politburo transcript
December 10 1981 - USSR Politburo discusses selling agricultural and raw products to Poland. They also express concern about dissent growing in Poland against the Soviet Union and the communist party.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Protocol (extract), "On Information about the Polish question for the leaders of the fraternal countries"
December 13 1981 -
 
Shorthand Record of the Meeting of the Executive Political Committee of the CC of the RCP
December 13 1981 - Discussion in the Romanian Politburo of the situation in Poland and the declaration of Martial Law.
 
Minutes of the Meeting of the Executive Bureau [Politburo] of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party
December 17 1981 - Meeting of the Romanian Executive Bureau of the CC RCP, regarding the situation in Poland. The discussion focuses on what kind of aid the Romanians should send the Polish government.
 
"Report to the [HSWP CC] Politburo," from János Berecz, Gyorgy Aczel, Jeno Fock
December 30 1981 -
 
CPSU CC Politburo transcript, 14 January 1982 (excerpt)
January 14 1982 - Brezhnev discusses Soviet talks with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Czyrek. Brezhnev also informs the Politburo about the state of the PZPR, the Polish economy, the newly instituted Polish martial law, and the leadership of Jaruzelski. [Original available in the National Archive RADD/READD Collection].
 
KGB Annual Report for 1981 (Excerpts)
April 13 1982 - In this report Andropov describes the successes of the KGB and Cheka in subverting the infiltration of counterintelligence of NATO countries and Solidarity in the Soviet Union.
 
CPSU CC Report on Economic Aid to Poland (1980-81)
September 23 1982 - Top Secret Dossier from the CPSU CC to Poland listing amount of economic aid in 1980-1981 that is classified for specific purchases such as grain and foodstuffs, as well as for the repayment of loans to other countries.
 
Meeting of Politburo of CPSU CC, 26 April 1984 (excerpt)
April 26 1984 - [Original available in the National Security Archive RADD/READD Collection]
 

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