861.20/8–2946: Airgram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—9:13 a.m.]
A–536. Change in official designation of USSR army from “Red Army” to “Soviet Army” appears to have occurred recently. First [Page 778] use of new terminology in daily press was in announcement published August 17 of grant of pensions to family of deceased leader of well known Red Army Ensemble. Notice referred to ensemble as Ensemble of Soviet Army. Since above date numerous references to Soviet Army have appeared in press. Term Red Army now appears to be destined to have only historical significance. Examples of use of new term are its employment in title of editorial in Red Star August 25 on Forces of Rear of Soviet Army, and reference to Soviet Army in first and last paragraphs of Red Star editorial August 27. Other examples have been noted by Embassy. At same time, term Red Army continues to be employed with reference to period prior to apparent introduction of new designation.