WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
An Upset Polish Representative Writes to the BBC
The BBC inadvertently causes a diplomatic row with unvetted broadcasts from Russia.
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Writtenin
1944
Synopsis
At the time this letter was written, diplomatic relations between Russia and the Polish government in exile had broken down and the Western Allies were concerned with keeping Stalin's support while ensuring a strong, independent Poland. This letter from the Polish Research Centre demonstrates not only the difficult balancing act the BBC maintained between reporting the news and showing support for the various war allies, but also the precarious nature of the Western Allied front.
Did you know?
The addressee of this letter was Sir John Beresford Clark, who was Temporary Controller of the European Service from May 1944 to September 1945 and managed Gregory Macdonald and Douglas Ritchie on the Polish Service. Part of the problem was that the BBC did not have their own team in Poland and so relied on the Polish Research Centre for news from within the country until after 1944.
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Documents
Directive Instructing Programme Makers to Take Care with Russia
BBC bosses advise programme makers to tread carefully when referring to Russia.
A Report from Poland for a Meeting of the BBC Polish Broadcasting Service.
The importance of wartime news and the dangers of listening to it in Poland.
Memos Regarding Jokes about Russia
As Germany invades Russia, the BBC ponders the appropriateness of humour.
Directive Updating Programme Makers on the Situation with Russia.
Programme makers are warned of continuing sensitivities with Russia.
'Britain's Alliance with the Anti-Christ'.
A German propaganda broadcast meant to appeal to christians in Britain.
Intelligence Report on Russian Propaganda Broadcasts
Examples of how Russia tailored its propaganda to national identities.
Memo Showing Programming Decisions about Russia
Scrutiny of the BBC intensifies.
Memo Calling for Caution in Broadcasts to Poland
Evidence of Soviet atrocities in Lwow [Lviv] reaches the BBC.
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'Stalin is a primitive Caucasian bandit.'
Memo On Broadcasting Programmes About the USSR
The Head of Talks details the problems with broadcasting features on the USSR.
Policy Directive on News Values
How to balance news reporting with morale building.
BBC Directive Permitting the Broadcast of USSR's National Anthem.
'The Internationale' can now be played, if caution is taken.
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
How Balanced Can the BBC Be about Russia?
'Let the false legend prevail', the government advises.
A Report on BBC Broadcasts to Poland
'As regards the recent crisis in Russo-Polish relations, we have been most circumspect.'
In Honour of Russia: Plans for the night of programming
The theme for the special programme is described.
In Honour of Russia: The Foreign Office queries the plans
Plans for a night of programmes dedicated to Russia cause concern at the Foreign Office.
In Honour of Russia: Press Release
Press release describing the night's schedule.
In Honour of Russia: Script for one of the night's features
Script set in an aircraft factory which supplies Russia.
An Upset Polish Representative Writes to the BBC
The BBC inadvertently causes a diplomatic row with unvetted broadcasts from Russia.
A BBC Directive on What to Include in That Day's Broadcasts to Europe
Churchill's statement about his conference with Stalin must dominate the news.
European News Directive - 24 January 1945
The latest news on the war and how much can be shared with audiences.
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