861.00/8–2346: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 23—1:30 p.m.]
3290. Paris for Ambassador Smith. A source which we consider probably reliable informs us that ideological house cleaning which is turning Leningrad literary and party circles upside down, originated in Orgburo36 meeting called by Stalin August 18.
According to this source Stalin summoned not only Orgburo but leading authors, theater directors and motion picture producers to Kremlin. Stalin spent evening quizzing leaders of Soviet intellectual and cultural life on political content of their works and upbraided them for failure to assume vigorous ideological leadership. This star chamber session was conducted in tense, uncomfortable atmosphere.
As result of this meeting 120 manuscripts of books, plays, and scenarios being produced or about to be produced have reportedly been banned. If true, this is staggering blow to Soviet fine arts for coming season.
This house cleaning obviously will extend well beyond Leningrad circles. For example, we hear that popular singer Vertinsky is in disfavor and his records banned.
These developments are far-reaching in their significance. They represent most severe step yet taken in ideological cleansing and are symptomatic of Stalin’s determination strengthen party vise on all forms of Soviet life.
- The Organizational Bureau of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (of Bolsheviks). Elected by the Central Committee for the general direction of organizational work.↩