Cold War International History Project
Virtual Archive 2.0

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Report on Statements by Ukrainian Journalists in the CSSR
May 30 1968 - P. Shelest reports to the CPSU CC about the observations of Ukrainian journalists inside Czechoslovakia during the developing 1968 crisis.
 
DECREE of the Secretariat of the CC CPSU - An Appeal to the Leaders of the PDPA Groups “Parcham” and “Khalq,” 08 January 1974
January 08 1974 - This document illustrates Moscow's fear regarding the instability and infighting among Afghan political parties, and its corresponding consequences for Soviet involvement in the Middle East.
 
Decree of the CPSU CC - Request of the leader of the group “Parcham,” 23 May 1974
May 23 1974 -
 
Top Secret Attachment, by KGB cipher Kabul
June 02 1974 - This document emphasizes Soviet support for Afghanistan. The Soviets pledge to help with domestic and international policy, and state the cooperation between these two countries is in the interests of world peace.
 
CC CPSU Information for the Leaders of the Progressive Afghan Political Organizations “Parcham” and “Khalq” Concerning the Results of the Visit of Mohammed Daud to the USSR
June 21 1974 - This document discusses how infighting among Afghan political parties threatened to de-stabilize the country. This report comes after a visit by Mohammed Daud to the USSR.
 
Decree of the CPSU CC - Information for the Leaders of the Progressive Afghan Political Organizations “Parcham” and “Khalq” Concerning the Results of the Visit of Mohammed Daud to the USSR, 26 June 1974
June 26 1974 - This document provides information for the leaders of the progressive Afghan political parties; and results of the CC elections.
 
The Delivery of Special Equipment to the DRA, CC CPSU Politburo meeting
April 21 1978 - This document approves military aid to Afghanistan, consisting of radios, pistols rifles, and armored personal carriers.
 
Political Letter from USSR Ambassador to Afghanistan A. Puzanov to Soviet Foreign Ministry, "About the Domestic Political Situation in the DRA," (notes)
May 31 1978 - Political Letter from USSR Ambassador to Afghanistan A. Puzanov to Soviet Foreign Ministry, "About the Domestic Political Situation in the DRA," (notes) expressing the need to support the new Afghanistani government in order to strengthen it
 
Record of Conversation, Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
June 18 1978 - Record of Conversation, Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki on possible disunity within the Afghan Communist Party, rebutted by Taraki claiming that the party is unified
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
July 18 1978 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki about the situation in Afghanistan and Taraki’s meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State David Newsom
 
Minutes from Conversation between Babrak Karmal and the Head of the Diplomatic Protocol Tucek
September 12 1978 - A summarized conversation between Babrak Karmal and the head of Diplomatic protocol regarding Karmal's request for political asylum in Czechoslovakia, following then end of his ambassadorship.
 
Information from CC CPSU to GDR leader Erich Honecker
October 13 1978 - Information from CC CPSU to GDR leader Erich Honecker regarding widespread repressions in Afghanistan and the general comradeship between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union
 
Soviet communication to the Hungarian leadership on the situation in Afghanistan
October 17 1978 - This document discusses Hungary’s role in Afghanistan in terms of solidarity between the USSR and Afghanistan, and the impact of divisions within Afghan's political parties.
 
CC CPSU Concerning the appeal to the Czechoslovak Communist Party about K. Babrak
November 09 1978 - This document discusses how the former to Ambassador the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in Prague, Karmal Babrak, seeks asylum in Czechoslovakia so that he can stay abroad and continue criticizing the PDPA. In response to such activity, the CC CPC proposes to talk to Babrak about the need to end his subversive criticisms.
 
Decree of the CC CPSU Secretariat Concerning an appeal to the Czechoslovak Communist Party about K. Babrak
November 15 1978 - The Soviets condemn subversive activity against the PDPA, the primary Afghan and pro-Soviet political party. Such actions, according to the Soviet leadership, cause significant instability and political unrest in the region.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision on Draft Telegram to the Soviet Embassy in Afghanistan, 07 January 1979
January 07 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo approves a draft telegram to be sent to the Soviet ambassador in Afghanistan, instructing him to inform the Afghani leadership on the nature of Soviet assistance to the Afghan armed forces.
 
Transcript of CPSU CC Politburo Discussions on Afghanistan
March 17 1979 - Transcript of CPSU CC Politburo Discussions on Afghanistan regarding deterioration of conditions in Afghanistan and possible responses from the Soviet Union
 
Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin and Afghan Prime Minister Nur Mohammed Taraki
March 17 1979 - Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin and Afghan Prime Minister Nur Mohammed Taraki discussing the situation in Afghanistan and agreeing that the Soviet Union should deliver military equipment to help with the Islamic radicals
 
Exerpt from Politburo meeting
March 18 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo Member Chernenko states that Soviet invervention in Afghanistan will lead to accussation of Soviet aggression
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan
March 18 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan assigning roles to expose outside intervention in Afghanistan and to deal with the deteriorating situation
 
The complete Kosygin-Taraki telephone conversation.
March 18 1979 - This conversation reveals the difficulty that the Afghan political leadership faced in establishing a government--despite substantial military aid and advice from the Soviet Union. Ethnic tensions, and a lack of trust among the majority of Afghan people, made any semblence of the democratic process extremely difficult.
 
Record of Conversation between L.I. Brezhnev and N.M. Taraki, 20 March 1979
March 20 1979 - After the more general meeting of the same day, Brezhnev and Taraki meet to further discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Brezhnev advises Taraki to widen the base of the government's support among the people through political and economic means. Taraki reaffirms his current position, which includes open borders with Iran and Pakistan as well as the policy of persecution within Afghanistan.
 
Meeting of Kosygin, Gromyko, Ustinov, and Ponomarev with Taraki in Moscow, 20 March 1979
March 20 1979 - Meeting of Kosygin, Gromyko, Ustinov, and Ponomarev with Taraki in Moscow to discuss the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan and expressing Soviet support for Afghanistan. [Ed. note: For a translation of the Russian transcript of the 20 March 1979 meeting in Moscow of Brezhnev with Taraki immediately after the above meeting, see CWIHP Bulletin 4 (Fall 1994), pp. 73-74.]
 
Record of Conversation between L.I. Brezhnev and N.M. Taraki, 20 March 1979
March 20 1979 - After the more general meeting of the same day, Brezhnev and Taraki meet to further discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Brezhnev advises Taraki to widen the base of the government's support among the people through political and economic means. Taraki reaffirms his current position, which includes open borders with Iran and Pakistan as well as the policy of persecution within Afghanistan.
 
Meeting of Kosygin, Gromyko, Ustinov, and Ponomarev with Taraki in Moscow, 20 March 1979
March 20 1979 - Meeting of Kosygin, Gromyko, Ustinov, and Ponomarev with Taraki in Moscow to discuss the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan and expressing Soviet support for Afghanistan. [Ed. note: For a translation of the Russian transcript of the 20 March 1979 meeting in Moscow of Brezhnev with Taraki immediately after the above meeting, see CWIHP Bulletin 4 (Fall 1994), pp. 73-74.]
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
March 22 1979 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki in which Taraki thanks Puzanov for Soviet aid and discusses conversation held with Soviet leaders
 
Transcript of CPSU CC Politburo Session on Afghanistan
March 22 1979 -
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
March 22 1979 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and Taraki in which Taraki thanks Puzanov for Soviet aid and discusses conversation held with Soviet leaders
 
Transcript of CPSU CC Politburo Session on Afghanistan
March 22 1979 -
 
Soviet communication to the Hungarian leadership on the situation in Afghanistan
March 28 1979 - This document discusses the strained political situation in Afghanistan in terms of counter-revolutionaries attempting to overthrow the government. Such revolutions in part came from reactionary Muslim regions, some of which are replete with Shiites who may have been influence by the Chinese government.
 
Memo on Protocol #149 of the Politburo, 12 April 1979
April 12 1979 - The memo concerns Soviet ties with Afghanistan.
 
Report of the chief of the Soviet military advisory group in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. L.N. Gorelov, with H. Amin (excerpt)
April 14 1979 - Report of the chief of the Soviet military advisory group in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. L.N. Gorelov, with H. Amin (excerpt) describing Amin’s request for further military aid from the Soviet Union.
 
Protocol #150 of the CC CPSU Politburo Session, 21 April 1979
April 21 1979 - Concerns helicopter and ammunition deliveries from the Soviet Union to Afghanistan.
 
CPSU CC Protocol #152/159, 24 May 1979
May 24 1979 - The protocol concerns the approval of additional military assistance for Afghanistan, including equipment and troops.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision and Instruction to Soviet Ambassador in Afghanistan
May 24 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision and Instruction to Soviet Ambassador in Afghanistan to visit Taraki and inform him that the Soviet Union will be sending military aid but no Soviet crews and troops
 
Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
June 09 1979 - Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki about a possible meeting between Pakistan’s Zia-ul-Haq and Taraki
 
Notes from a Conversation with the General Secretary of the Central Committee [CC] of the NDPA [National Democratic Party of Afghanistan], Chairman of the Revolutionary Council of the DRA [Democratic Republic of Afghanistan] - N. M. Taraki
June 13 1979 - Memo from a conversation between the USSR Minister of Education - V. P. Eliutin- and N. M. Taraki detailing the results of the educational exchange established between Afghanistan and the USSR, and outlining new possibilities for sending Afghani university students to study in the USSR. The meeting has taken place on May 30, 1979.
 
Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev Report to CPSU CC on the Situation in Afghanistan
June 28 1979 - The CC CPSU points to the economic 'backwardness,' small middle class, and the weakness of the PDPA as the reasons behind political instability in Afghanistan. Increasing internal support of the PDPA and strengthening the Afghan military are proposed solutions achieve stability.
 
Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev Report to CPSU CC on the Situation in Afghanistan
June 28 1979 - Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev Report to CPSU CC on the Situation in Afghanistan suggesting sending Soviet troops in disguise to Afghanistan and provide more military advising to the Afghans
 
Excerpt from Minutes Nº 156 of the CC CPSU Politburo meeting
June 29 1979 - This document discusses the situations in Kabul with the CC CPSU and the CC PDPA.
 
Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki
July 10 1979 - Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador A.M. Puzanov and Taraki discussing Afghanistan’s relations with Pakistan and Soviet aid to Afghanistan
 
Boris Ponomarev, Reports from Kabul (excerpts)
July 19 1979 - Boris Ponomarev, Reports from Kabul (excerpts) discussing Taraki’s desire to have increased military support from the Soviet Union in the form of the presence of troops
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and H. Amin
July 21 1979 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan A.M. Puzanov and H. Amin in which Amin asks for Soviet troops to be flown in on helicopters and Puzanov reiterates that the Soviet Union cannot send in military personnel
 
Conversation of the chief of the Soviet military advisory group in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Gorelov, with H. Amin
August 11 1979 - Conversation of the chief of the Soviet military advisory group in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Gorelov, with H. Amin in which Amin again asks for Soviet troops to help boost the morale of the people of Afghanistan
 
Report from Soviet Deputy Defense Minister Army Gen. Ivan Pavlovskii, during visit to Afghanistan
August 25 1979 - Report from Soviet Deputy Defense Minister Army Gen. Ivan Pavlovskii, during visit to Afghanistan on meeting with Amin and Amin’s request for Soviet troops
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan (excerpts)
September 13 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan (excerpts) calling on Puzanov to meet with Taraki and try to mend the rift between Taraki and Amin
 
Cable from Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko to Soviet Representatives in Kabul
September 15 1979 - Cable from Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko to Soviet Representatives in Kabul expressing the necessity of dealing with Amin but that representatives should try to prevent repression against Taraki’s supporters
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision with report by Gromyko, Ustinov, and Tsvigun
September 15 1979 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision with report by Gromyko, Ustinov, and Tsvigun on Amin’s ultimatums to Taraki, and on how to curtail repression from Amin’s supporters of Taraki’s supporters
 
Cable from Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko to Soviet Representatives in Kabul
September 15 1979 - Cable from Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko to Soviet Representatives in Kabul expressing the necessity of dealing with Amin but that representatives should try to prevent repression against Taraki’s supporters
 
Information from CC CPSU to GDR leader E. Honecker
September 16 1979 - Information from CC CPSU to GDR leader E. Honecker regarding the tensions in Afghanistan between Taraki and Amin and the ineffectiveness on Soviet pressure for greater Afghan unity
 
Excerpt from transcript, CPSU CC Politburo meeting
September 20 1979 - Excerpt from transcript, CPSU CC Politburo meeting where Brezhnev expresses his belief that Soviet-Afghan relations will not change significantly due to Amin
 
Meeting of Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko and Afghan Foreign Minister Shah-Valih, New York
September 27 1979 - Meeting of Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko and Afghan Foreign Minister Shah-Valih, New York regarding the apperant lack of US policy toward Afghanistan. (excerpt)
 
Information from the CC CPSU to GDR leader Honecker
October 01 1979 - Information from the CC CPSU to GDR leader Honecker on Amin’s overthrow of Taraki and the situation in Afghanistan
 
Transcript of Brezhnev Honecker summit in East Berlin (excerpt on Iran and Afghanistan)
October 04 1979 -
 
Transcript of Brezhnev Honecker summit in East Berlin (excerpt on Iran and Afghanistan)
October 04 1979 - Transcript of Brezhnev Honecker summit in East Berlin (excerpt on Iran and Afghanistan) with Brezhnev discussing the leadership of Amin and expressing continued Soviet support for Afghanistan
 
Information of KGB USSR to CC CPSU International Department
October 10 1979 - Information of KGB USSR to CC CPSU International Department regarding the impact of the situation in Iran on Afghanistan
 
Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev note to the CC CPSU
October 29 1979 - Brezhnev and other Soviet leaders may meet with Amin to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries, relating to petroleum products, food, and industrial goods. These topics are on the path to progressive socioeconomic reforms in the DRA.
 
Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev Report to CPSU CC
October 29 1979 - Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev Report to CPSU CC on the increased repressions by Amin in Afghanistan
 
Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador Puzanov and Amin
November 03 1979 - Record of Conversation Between Soviet Ambassador Puzanov and Amin on the situation in Afghanistan
 
Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov, Report to CPSU CC on Mission to Afghanistan of Deputy Defense Minister Army-Gen. I. G. Pavlovskii
November 05 1979 - Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov, Report to CPSU CC on Mission to Afghanistan of Deputy Defense Minister Army-Gen. I. G. Pavlovskii describing military assistance provided by Soviet Union in Afghanistan and areas that necessitate improvement
 
Personal memorandum Andropov to Brezhnev
December 01 1979 - Personal memorandum Andropov to Brezhnev regarding the situation in Afghanistan following Amin’s coup
 
Extract from CPSU CC Politburo Decision
December 06 1979 - Extract from CPSU CC Politburo Decision about the dispatch of a special division to Afghanistan upon the request of Amin
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan F.A. Tabeev and H. Amin
December 06 1979 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan F.A. Tabeev and H. Amin regarding future Soviet-Afghan cooperation
 
Extract from CPSU CC Politburo Decision
December 06 1979 - Extract from CPSU CC Politburo Decision about the dispatch of a special division to Afghanistan upon the request of Amin
 
Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan F.A. Tabeev and H. Amin
December 06 1979 - Record of Conversation between Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan F.A. Tabeev and H. Amin regarding future Soviet-Afghan cooperation
 
Summary of a meeting
December 10 1979 - A meeting between CC CPSU officials demonstrates the disagreement over Soviet involvement in Afghanistan.
 
CC CPSU Politburo Resolution # 176/125, 12 December 1979
December 12 1979 - The decree is on the situation in Afghanistan.
 
Directive Nº 312/12/001 of 24 December 1979 signed by Ustinov and Ogarkov
December 24 1979 - Directive signed by Ustinov and Ogarkov approving a contingent of Soviet military forces to stabilize the intra-party disagreements.
 
Summary of a CC CPSU Meeting
December 26 1979 - A summary of CC CPSU officials regarding the recently approved Soviet troop deployment in Afghanistan.
 
Politburo Decree P177/151
December 27 1979 - The violent actions by the DRA, led by H. Amin, to de-stabilize the Afghan government, dissolving the gains made in the April Revolution, causes the Soviet Union to place military detachments in Afghanistan.
 
Our Steps in Connection with the Development of the Situation Around Afghanistan
December 27 1979 - This document illustrates the difficulties in establishing a democratic government, experienced by Afghan forces.
 
Circular Cable to Soviet Amassadors in non-fraternal countries with official Soviet position regarding developments of the Situation Around Afghanistan
December 27 1979 - This document reveals the struggles facing Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Local individuals reacted negatively to outside Soviet involvement, which threatened to over-turn the results of the April Revolution. Also, Soviets believed that the CIA, and Beijing’s leadership, were attempting to de-stabilize Afghanistan.
 
Cable to the Soviet Representative at the UN Re: the Development of the Situation Around Afghanistan
December 27 1979 - This document provides a statement to the UN Security Council, explaining the Soviet position on Afghanistan. The Soviets justify involvement in Afghan affairs--citing UN Article 51, which, in the context of this document, legalizes national defense efforts in response to the presence of outside forces.
 
Our Steps in Connection with the Development of the Situation Around Afghanistan
December 27 1979 - 'Outside Interference' in Afghan affairs lead Soviet officials to provide limited military aid and supplies in order to stabilize Afghanistan. Soviets, in pointing to a time-table for their involvement, stated that they would leave Afghanistan as soon as the foreign interference no longer exists.
 
Politburo Decree P177/151
December 27 1979 - The violent actions by the DRA, led by H. Amin, to de-stabilize the Afghan government, dissolving the gains made in the April Revolution, causes the Soviet Union to place military detachments in Afghanistan.
 
CPSU CC Memo with attachments, 27 December 1979, on Politburo Protocol #177
December 27 1979 - The memo concerns Soviet steps on ties with the development of the situation around Afghanistan.
 
Hungarian Socalist Workers' Party Central Commitee
December 28 1979 - This document provides an overview of the Soviets concern regarding instability in Afghanistan. Such an unstable state of affairs was the basis for Soviet invasion into Afghanistan; Hungary's support is requested.
 
CPSU CC Memo with Excerpt from Protocol #177/220, 29 December 1979
December 29 1979 - This memo includes the response of Brezhnev to President Carter's address concerning Afghanistan and US-Soviet relations.
 
Reply to an appeal of President Carter about the issue of Afghanistan through the direct communications channel. (Excerpt from the Minutes of the CC CPSU Politburo Meeting, 29 Dec. 1979)
December 29 1979 - Soviet letter to US President Jimmy Carter responding to the US position on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The CC CPSU Politburo informs the White House that the Soviet leadership desires to maintain detente with the US and that the intervention of Soviet troops was done at the request of the Afgan leadership, under Article 51 of the UN charter.
 
Ciphered Telegram from Bulgarian Embassy in Kabul, 30 December 1979
December 30 1979 - This document provides a statement Babrak Karmal's commitment to Afghan political party solidarity in the face of elements which attempted to de-stabilize his nation's democratic regime.
 
Andropov Gromyko Ustinov Ponomarev Report on Events in Afghanistan on 27-28 December 1979
December 31 1979 - Andropov Gromyko Ustinov Ponomarev Report on Events in Afghanistan on 27-28 December 1979 regarding the crisis in Afghanistan and the overthrow of Amin’s oppressive regime with the help of Soviet troops
 
Report by Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov to CPSU CC on "Foreign Interference" in Afghanistan
January 02 1980 - Report by Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov to CPSU CC on "Foreign Interference" in Afghanistan regarding the training of counterrevolutionaries by the US
 
Note from the Soviet Ambassador to Afghanistan
January 04 1980 - The USSR ambassador to the DRA confirms the decision to build a radio broadcasting station.
 
Memorandum on the discussion with the Afghan side concerning the building of a radion broadcast station.
January 07 1980 - Confirming the decision to build a medium-wave broadcasting station, this CC CPSU includes information about station's construction site, its time frame for being built, and the economic credits which will be used to finance the project.
 
Meeting of Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko and Afghan Foreign Minister Shad Mohammad Dost, 04 January 1980
January 07 1980 - Meeting of Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko and Afghan Foreign Minister Shad Mohammad Dost on how to deal with negative opinions of the DRA by the West.
 
CC CPSU Politburo transcript (excerpt)
January 17 1980 - CC CPSU Politburo transcript of a meeting on the situation in Afghanistan and its impact on relations with the West
 
CPSU CC Politburo decision
January 17 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo decision on measures to be taken regarding the situation in Afghanistan
 
“Some Ideas About Foreign Policy Results of the 1970s (Points)” of Academician O. Bogomolov of the Institute of the Economy of the World Socialist System sent to the CC CPSU and the KGB
January 20 1980 - Summary of the affects of Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan.
 
Report on the talks of Gyula Horn, representative of the HSWP CC Foreign Department in The United States and Canada
January 23 1980 - This document provides a summary of the main points covered in a meeting of Hungary, the United States, and Canada. The US expresses concern about the Soviet's offensive in Afghanistan, how it may lead to a preponderance of Soviet power in the region. The US contends it needs to maintain its influence in the Middle East-despite additional Soviet influence-as it is important for raw materials.
 
CPSU CC Memo with excerpt from Protocol #180/64, 23 January 1980
January 23 1980 - Concerns orders to Soviet troops.
 
CPSU CC Memo with excerpt from Protocol #181/2 and attachments, 25 January 1980
January 25 1980 - Concerns Soviet troops in Afghanistan.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision, with Report by Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev, 27 January 1980
January 28 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision, with Report by Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Ponomarev, 27 January 1980 regarding the strengthening of the Afghan position and how to counteract Western positions on Afghanistan
 
DECREE of the Secretariat of the CC CPSU Granting Technical Assistance to the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in the Construction of a 1000 kWt Medium-Wave Radio Broadcasting Station
January 29 1980 - CC CPSU decree, approving aid necessary to build a radio station in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. The USSR Ministry of Communication provided technical assistence to install the communication system.
 
Andropov Report to CPSU CC on Talks with Afghan Leaders
February 05 1980 - Andropov Report to CPSU CC on Talks with Afghan Leaders including issues of Party unity in Afghanistan
 
CC CPSU Politburo transcript (excerpt)
February 07 1980 -
 
CC CPSU Politburo transcript (excerpt)
February 07 1980 - CC CPSU Politburo transcript discussing the improvements in the situation in Afghanistan and potential withdrawal of troops
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan
February 07 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo Decisions on Afghanistan regarding the improvement of infrastructure including construction of the Amu Darya bridge and planning a railroad connection in Afghanistan
 
Assisting the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in Strengthening the Mass Media
February 19 1980 - A plan to build a pro-Soviet, anti-counterevolutionary media campagin, in Afghanistan. The plan includes an intenship program for the "Bakhtar" Afghan News Agency in Moscow.
 
Report on the meeting of the foreign secretaries of the closely cooperating socialist countries in Moscow
February 29 1980 - This document explains the views of the cooperating Socialist countries relating to Afghanistan. The USSR perceived the US attempt to line up NATO support against the Soviets as an aggressive action, designed to counter Soviet influence. The Soviets, by contrast, viewed their involvement in Afghanistan as increasing their sphere of influence around the Warsaw-pact countries, making such actions defense, rather than offensive. The USSR's leadership states that it should increase its ties to NATO countries to counteract the foreign policy of the US.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision on Soviet Policy on Afghanistan, with report on Proposal by Fidel Castro to Mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and approved letter from L.I. Brezhnev to Fidel Castro
March 10 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision on Soviet Policy on Afghanistan, with report on Proposal by Fidel Castro to Mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and approved letter from L.I. Brezhnev to Fidel Castro
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision on Afghanistan, with report by Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Zagladin, 7 April 1980
April 10 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision on Afghanistan, with report by Gromyko-Andropov-Ustinov-Zagladin, 7 April 1980 regarding the role of Soviet troops in Afghanistan under Karmal’s government and that continuing tension with the US
 
Minutes of Conversation between Todor Zhivkov and Yasser Arafat, Damascus
April 22 1980 - The two leaders discuss the situation in the Middle East, and the role of the superpowers - the US and the Soviet Union.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision, 8 May 1980, with Politburo Commission Report, 6 May 1980, and Approved Cable to Soviet Ambassador in Kabul
May 08 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision, 8 May 1980, with Politburo Commission Report, 6 May 1980, and Approved Cable to Soviet Ambassador in Kabul instruction him what to tell Karmal regarding the situation in Afghanistan
 
CPSU CC Memo with excerpt of Protocol #211/31, 19 May 1980
May 19 1980 - Memo concerns upcoming Soviet delegation to the meeting of the international branch of the Central Committee and discusses the question of China. It also discusses Afghanistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
 
CPSU CC Politburo decisions
June 18 1980 - CPSU CC Politburo decisions on providing military assistance to Afghanistan and on possibly withdrawing some troops
 
Information from the CC CPSU to Erich Honecker
June 21 1980 - Information from the CC CPSU to Erich Honecker on the withdrawal of some Soviet troops from Afghanistan
 
Minutes of the Meeting of the CPSU CC Plenum on the situation in Afghanistan, 23 June 1980
June 23 1980 - CPSU CC Plenum meeting (excerpt) concerning the deterioration in relations with the US and NATO countries. Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko describes the altruistic nature of Soviet intentions in aiding Afghanistan.
 
Memorandum of conversation between Vadim Zagladin, first deputy head of the International Department of the CPSU CC and Gyula Horn, deputy head of the HSWP CC Foreign Department on debates inside the Soviet leadership on issues of international politics
July 16 1980 - This document reveals substantial internal debate among Soviet policy makers regarding the USSR'S foreign policy. Issues of counter-balancing US influence by increasing alliances in Western Europe, and the disagreement regarding political turmoil in Afghanistan, illustrate two prominent disagreements in Soviet politics.
 
Information from the CC CPSU to Erich Honecker
July 18 1980 - Information from the CC CPSU to Erich Honecker regarding Pakistan’s wishes for holding talks between Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan and Pakistan’s wish to see Karmal removed as head of government
 
Intelligence note concerning actions by the US in aiding the Afghanistan Rebel fighters.
September 01 1980 - A summary of US-training of counterrevolutionaries in Afghanistan, explaining the methods, and equipment provided, to rebels fighting the Soviet-supported PDPA.
 
Measures Against a Discussion of a Draft Resolution Containing Points of an Anti-Soviet and Anti-Afghan Orientation at the 67th Conference of the Interparliamentary Union
September 09 1980 - This CC CPSU document discusses the anti-Soviet and anti-Afghan movements that interfered with the establishment of an Afghani parliament.
 
Report by Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov to CPSU CC on "Foreign Interference" in Afghanistan
October 02 1980 - Report by Soviet Defense Minister Ustinov to CPSU CC on "Foreign Interference" in Afghanistan regarding the training of counterrevolutionaries by the US
 
Soviet briefing on the talks between Brezhnyev and B. Karmal in Moscow
October 29 1980 - This document reveals Babrak Karmal's positive views of Soviet involvement in Afghanistan. Karmal thanks Soviet leadership for substantial economic and political support, discussing the integration of Soviet economic reforms into the Afghan economy. Karmal states that the turmoil within Afghan political parties is almost solved, and is progressing towards unity.
 
CC CPSU Granting Technical Assistance to the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in the Construction of a 1000 kWt Medium-Wave Radio Broadcasting Station [Final version]
November 01 1980 - A CC CPSU decree granting technical assistence to the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in order to build a radio wave boradcasting station.
 
Report of Military Leaders to D. F. Ustinov
May 10 1981 - This document reveals reluctance on the part of the Soviets to maintain military involvement in Afghanistan, and difficulty in shaping a newly forming Afghan government. The PDPA's efforts to establish a democratic government, Soviets analysts revealed, were hampered by tribalism and strong ethnic disagreements regarding the scope and shape of their government.
 
Transcript of CPSU CC Politburo Meeting (excerpt), 4 June 1981
June 04 1981 - The Politburo discusses the internal economic situation within the Soviet Union, the situation in Afghanistan (in particular the group "Parcham" and Karmal), relations with the US, and the treatment of Jews in the USSR.
 
Record of a conversation between Cheremnykh, Chief Military Adviser Mayorov, and N. A. Nur, Karmal’s deputy
July 04 1981 - This document reveals much disagreement between Soviet policy makers. Cheremnykh, Chief Military Adviser Mayorov, and N. A. Nur, Karmal’s deputy disagree over the responsbility to the armed forces.
 
CC CPSU Politburo Meeting
July 30 1981 - CC CPSU officials consult about burying dead Soviet soldiers
 
Soviet position on the declaration of the DRA government
August 24 1981 - This statement demonstrates the DRA's focus to participate in international affairs. The DRA commits itself to the policy of non-alignment, while discussing possible settlements of the situation in Afghanistan which involve the United Nations.
 
Conversation with Afghan leader Babrak Karmal regarding the situation in the “Center” zone
August 30 1981 - The General Consul is asked to approve an ultimatum which would allow Soviet forces to psychologically influence the rebels, and secondly, provide a way to warn the civilian population.
 
A Report by Soviet Military Intelligence
September 01 1981 - Soviet Military Intelligence assess the eqibiment provided to Afghan counterrevolutionariesby the US, Britian, Egypt, and Pakistan.
 
Diary of the events surrounding the September 1981 defection of the 913th Afghan Border Battalion
September 25 1981 - This document consists of diary entries covering the events within the Afghan and Soviet militaries which ultimately led to the defection of the 913th Afghan Border Battalion.
 
Conversation with Babrak Karmal
October 11 1981 - This document reveals the difficulty in distinguishing between rebels from the local population. The often coercive tactics of the Afghan military, which drew in individuals who would not join on their own, shows the difficulty in differentiating between rebels and local people.
 
Excerpts from several reports about the situation in the PDPA compiled by the KGB
January 26 1983 - An assessment of the military-political situation in Afghanistan. Intra-party disagreements posed a threat to the stability of the government, and its long-term viability.
 
CPSU CC transcript of Politburo meeting (excerpt)
March 10 1983 - CPSU CC Politburo transcript discussing continuing progress towards stabilization in Afghanistan but also continuing difficulties in the situation.
 
Report on the secret talks of the representatives of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan and the German Social-Democratic Party in Hungary
May 01 1983 - This document provides a summary of a meeting between Afghani and Hungarian political parties, which took place in Hungry. The SPD stated it would not interven in Afghan politics, and, despite its important role in international politics, did not mention the Soviet’s role in the Middle East. Despite ideologcal differences, both countires pledged to develop formal diplomatic relations.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Transcript (excerpt)
March 20 1986 - CPSU CC Politburo Transcript discussing Afghan plans to execute 50 people and Karmal’s weak psychological disposition
 
Decree of the Secretary of the CC CPSU, 09 October 1986
October 09 1986 - Concerns the KGB in Kabul and the help of the Iraqi Communist Party.
 
CPSU CC Politburo meeting minutes, 13 November 1986 (excerpt)
November 13 1986 - CPSU CC Politburo transcript regarding attempts to find a solution to the Afghan war and bring resolution to the conflict
 
Secret Special Folder [This notation omitted in the Gromov book] CC CPSU
November 13 1986 - This document highlights the efforts of the PRDA's leadership to increase its membership among Afghan mullahs, landowners, and the aristocracy in order to legitimize the party among the Afghan people. It also reveals possible U.N. involvement in affairs surrounding Afghanistan after a possible Soviet withdrawal.
 
CPSU CC Politburo meeting minutes, 13 November 1986 (excerpt)
November 13 1986 - CPSU CC Politburo transcript regarding attempts to find a solution to the Afghan war and bring resolution to the conflict
 
CPSU CC Report, 23 December 1986
December 23 1986 - Concerns Soviet assistance to Afghanistan.
 
Reassessing Détente: Ospolitik as a Strategy of Transformation, 1966-1975
May 06 1987 - This document discusses the increasing amount of aid the Soviet Union provided to Afghanistan; how the country must fight against 'imperialist and reactionary' forces, and its efforts to establish a stronger ties to Czechoslovakia in order to further national reconciliation.
 
Memorandum of the CC BCP Department of Foreign Policy and International Relations
May 18 1987 - This document highlights the steps taken by the Bulgarian government to facilitate rapprochement with Afghanistan. The broad aid to Afghan social, political, and economic infrastructure is discussed in detail.
 
Information about the 6th meeting of the Multi-lateral group for current information of the Warsaw Pact member-countries
January 06 1988 - This document provides a summary of the settlement between the Warsaw Pact countries and Afghanistan. It discusses how the coalition of socialist countries could have influenced the future of Afghan politics.
 
Foreign Policy and International Relations” department of the CC BCP
August 03 1988 - The Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party widens economic and social support for the Republic of Afghanistan after singing the Geneva Agreements.
 
Decision “A” No 130 Of Politburo of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party
August 12 1988 - After signing the Geneva agreements Politburo of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party thought it necessary to widen the political, economic and moral support to the Republic of Afghanistan.
 
Ahmad Shah Masoud to the Chief Military Adviser
December 26 1988 - This document is a letter from Ahmad Shah Masoud his attitude toward the Soviet's military involvement in Afghanistan.
 
A January 1989 USSR Council of Ministers Instruction
January 01 1989 - A decision authorizing military aid, totaling 6 million Soviet rubles.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision of 24 January 1989, with attached report of 23 January 1989
January 24 1989 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision of 24 January 1989, with attached report of 23 January 1989 regarding the various possibilities for Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and the continuing situation of conflict
 
The placement of a 3-month supply of material goods for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Afghanistan in emergency reserves
January 31 1989 - Summary of a 3-months supply of goods for the Army of the Republic of Afghanistan.
 
Report of the Soviet Ambassador Y. M. Vorontsov, concerning the current political situation inside Afghanistan and the possibilities of solving the Afghan question, sent to the heads of the embassies and legations of the countries of the socialist commonwealth, in Kabul.
February 03 1989 - This document discusses the disagreements among Afghan leaders regarding a coalition government. The Soviet invasion, withdrawal, and the prospects for peace with Afghanistan are also revealed.
 
Report on the Current Situation in Afghanistan
February 17 1989 - A report on the political-line of the USSR, attributing perestroika to the removal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The document offers support for solving intra-Afghan conflicts.
 
CPSU CC Memo with excerpt from Protocol #149/23 and an attached report, 12 March 1989
March 12 1989 - This memo concerns further measures for urgent military aid to Afghanistan.
 
CPSU CC Politburo Decision, with report by Zaikov-Shevardnadze-Yazov-Kryuchkov
May 13 1989 - CPSU CC Politburo Decision, with report by Zaikov-Shevardnadze-Yazov-Kryuchkov regarding measures to bolster the government of Afghanistan and to protect Najibullah’s government from overthrow
 
CPSU CC Memo, excerpt from Protocol #159/20, 19 May 1989
May 19 1989 - This memo concerns military aid to Afghanistan for May-June 1989.
 
CPSU CC Memo with Excerpt from Protocol #163/44, 22 July 1989
July 22 1989 - The protocol deals with the further arming of Afghanistan and the training of Afghan servicemen in the USSR.
 
CPSU CC Memo with excerpt of Politburo Protocol #164, 5 August 1989
August 05 1989 - On the provision of additional war supplies to Afghanistan.
 
Soviet briefing on the need to counter-balance Yugoslav endeavors concerning the Afghan question in the non-aligned countries
This document provides an assessment of Yugoslavia’s policy regarding non-aligned countries. The Soviet Union analyses how to counter-balance the non-alignment movement with its foreign policy. The topic of non-interference in internal political matters, and the opinion of Ghana, Kuwait, and India regarding Soviet involvement in Afghanistan are discussed.
 
Dossiers of political parties intent on exporting an Islamic revolution
A Dossier reviewing the origins and policies of Islamic political parties, including: The Organization of Fighters of Afghanistan for Islam, The Movement of the Islamic Revolution (DIR), The Council of Islamic Accord (SIS), The Islamic Movement of Afghanistan (IDA), The United Front of the Islamic Revolution (OFIR), The Corps of Guardians of the Islamic Jihad of Afghanistan (KSIRA), The Party of Victory (“Nasr”), The Party of Allah (“Hezbe Allah”).
 
Letter from Leonid Brezhnev to Karmal Babrak
A congratulatory note from L. Brezhnev to Karmal Babrak,Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, General Secretary of the PDPA CC, and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, thanking Babrak for his efforts to defend the gains made in the April Revolution.
 
USSR Ministry of Defense and General Staff Operations Groups in the DRA
A status report from the USSR Ministry of Defense and General Staff Operations Group, providing a summary of Soviet troops levels in Afghanistan.
 
KABUL, TO THE SOVIET AMBASSADOR
Members of the CC CPSU summarize the political instability in Afghanistan, pointing to collective leadership in government and to the military as stabilizing the political situation.
 
Tass Announcement
The USSR and Afghanistan formed a permanent relationship to combat counter-revolutionaries who attempt to undo the April Revolution. This relationship began with the Treaty of Friendship in 1978.
 
Dossiers of rebel field commanders
A Soviet analysis of counterrevolutionary commanders in Afghanistan.
 
USSR Ministry of Defense and General Staff Operations Groups in the DRA
A status report from the USSR Ministry of Defense and General Staff Operations Group, providing a summary of Soviet troops levels in Afghanistan.
 
Dossiers of political parties intent on exporting an Islamic revolution
A Dossier reviewing the origins and policies of Islamic political parties, including: The Organization of Fighters of Afghanistan for Islam, The Movement of the Islamic Revolution (DIR), The Council of Islamic Accord (SIS), The Islamic Movement of Afghanistan (IDA), The United Front of the Islamic Revolution (OFIR), The Corps of Guardians of the Islamic Jihad of Afghanistan (KSIRA), The Party of Victory (“Nasr”), The Party of Allah (“Hezbe Allah”).
 
Information regarding advisers, specialists, interpreters, and extended servicemen who died or were wounded in the period from 1980 to 1987.
Informational graphs of the number of advisers, specialists, interpreters, and extended servicemen who died or were wounded during 1980-1987.
 
The Issue of Ministry of Defense and USSR State Committee for Foreign Economic Relations
This document is a cover letter relating to the military defense and economic relations of the USSR.
 
Dossiers of Alliance-7 Rebel Leaders
Background information for political acitivites in Afghanistan who fought against Soviet occupation.
 
Declaration of the CC CPSU to the Party leadership concerning the Situation in Afghanistan.
The CC CPSU states that the removal of N. M Taraki, and the rise of H. Amin to political leadership in Afghanistan bolstered counterrevolutionaries. The CC CPSU approved a small military force to stabilize the country, supporting the regional and international interests of Soviet involvement in Afghanistan. The message is sent to the Members and Candidate Members of the CC CPSU, the Members of the CPSU Central Auditing Commission, the CC of the Communist Parties Of Union Republics, Kray Committees, and Oblast Committees of the Party, The Moscow City Committee of the CPSU, the Leningrad City Committee of the CPSU, and the Main Political Directorate of the Soviet Army and Soviet Navy.
 
Cable 978 to the Soviet Ambassador in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Cable instructing the Soviet Ambassador to Kabul to inform the Afghani leadership that the Soviet Government has approved their request for specialists to aid the Afghani Armed Forces. Regarding the requests for equipment, the cable informs the Ambassador of the decison of the Soviet government to sell equipment to Afghanistan under favorable conditions.
 
Dossiers of rebel field commanders
A Soviet analysis of counterrevolutionary commanders in Afghanistan.
 
Background of Hafizullah Amin
A background of H. Amin's childhood, interest in politics, and political activities in Afghanistan.
 
Soviet briefing on the correspondence between Tito and Brezhnyev
This document reveals correspondence between Brezhnev and Tito. Tito expresses his worries about international politics relating to NATO's decision regarding long/medium range missiles, and advocates for Soviet troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Brezhnev emphasizes the ideological and pragmatic importance of Soviet involvement in the Middle East, and discusses the role of NATO in Europe.
 
KABUL [to the] SOVIET AMBASSADOR
Strengthening the ideas of the April Revolution through increasing DRA and PDPA party ties to foster an intra-party democracy is the basis for an upcoming between H. Amin and senior Soviet policy makers in Moscow.
 
Babrak Karmal’s GRU dossier
Chilhood, education, and political activity background of Babrak Karmal in Afganistan.
 
The KGB in Afghanistan - Geographical Volume 1
February 01 2002 - This text is an edited version of a manuscript outlining the KGB's operational activities in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1983, authored by Vasiliy Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist who defected to Britain in 1992. Mitrokhin tells us that the KGB was deeply involved with Soviet Afghan policies from the very beginning. The piece deals with events in and around Afghanistan and the activities of the Bolshevik nomenklatura in the region between 1962 and 1983. It is based exclusively on information from the KGB archives to which Vasily Mitrokhin had access to. Please read the note on sources under the collection listing to understand the limitations of this material.

Please click here for a response to this document.
 
KGB Active Measures in Southwest Asia in 1980-82
April 01 2004 - Materials provided by former KGB archivist Vasiliy Mitrokhin to the CWIHP, following the publication of the Mitrokhin WP40 "The KGB in Afghanistan." As with all Mitrokhin’s notes, his compilation on Soviet “active measures” in South and Southwest Asia is based on other smuggled-out notes and was prepared especially for CWIHP. Please read the Notes on Sources for information on the nature and limitations of these documents.
 

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