WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
Memo Calling for Caution in Broadcasts to Poland
Evidence of Soviet atrocities in Lwow [Lviv] reaches the BBC.
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Writtenin
1941
Synopsis
These minutes for the weekly meeting of the BBC's Polish Service show that even before Britain and the USSR became allies, extreme caution was being taken in the portrayal of the Soviet Union in the BBC's broadcasts to Europe. This memo acknowledges a report from 'a special source' about the massacre of Ukrainians by the Soviets in Lwow [Lviv] and evidence of the systematic destruction of the town while under Soviet occupation, but urges caution when commenting on Poland.
Did you know?
The city of Lviv has had many different names. Lviv is its Ukrainian name, Lvov is its Russian name and Lwow is its Polish name. It was home to a mixture of Ukrainians, Russians, Poles and Germans, but is now part of Ukraine.
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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.
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A German propaganda broadcast meant to appeal to christians in Britain.
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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.
Intelligence Report on German Propaganda
'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.
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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?
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A Report on BBC Broadcasts to Poland
'As regards the recent crisis in Russo-Polish relations, we have been most circumspect.'
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The theme for the special programme is described.
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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.
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A BBC Directive on What to Include in That Day's Broadcasts to Europe
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