WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
BBC Directive Permitting the Broadcast of USSR's National Anthem.
'The Internationale' can now be played, if caution is taken.
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Writtenin
1942
Synopsis
The acceptability of playing the Soviet national anthem on the radio had been fiercely debated since Russia joined the war in June 1941. 'The Internationale' famously calls for the workers to arise and bring about (violent) revolution, which made the BBC, and the UK government, wary of allowing it to be played.
Did you know?
The playing of the national anthem was a key issue because, from early on in the war, a programme called 'National Anthems of the Allies' had been broadcast on Sunday nights. Once Russia had joined the war it caused disquiet among listeners when 'The Internationale' was not played alongside the other anthems. It then took six months of discussions in the BBC, the House of Commons and numerous newspaper articles before, as this document reveals, 'The Internationale' was eventually passed for broadcast.
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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.
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?
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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.
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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
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An Upset Polish Representative Writes to the BBC
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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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