WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
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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Writtenin
1943
Synopsis
This extract from a report summarises the nature of broadcasts made to Poland from the BBC's European Service. It notes how these differ from those to other parts of Europe, for example in the call for vengeance upon all of Germany, and highlights the difficulties faced in reporting on Russia.
Did you know?
As well as concerns about post war national boundaries, strains in Russo-Polish relations were also caused by the unexplained disappearance of thousands of Polish army officers who had been taken prisoner in 1939. Their mass graves were discovered in April 1943 by German troops in the Katyn Forest but the Soviets continued to deny involvement in their deaths and formal admission that Stalin ordered the executions only came in 1991.
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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.
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?
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
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How Balanced Can the BBC Be about 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.'
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
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European News Directive - 24 January 1945
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