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WWII - USSR: FROM ENEMY TO ALLY | Reporting the uneasy alliances made and broken throughout the war
About this collection
Strange relationships are formed by war, not least that of the USSR and Great Britain in WWII.
The invasion of Russia by Nazi Germany in 1941 shattered their formerly expedient pact and sent the USSR into the arms of the West. Following on from the series 'World War II: Behind Closed Doors', which examines the controversial dealings of political leaders as events overtook them, we look at the ramifications of those dealings for the BBC. This collection reveals some of the pressures on the BBC as it sought to balance the wartime need for propaganda with unrestricted reporting of the news.
Features
WWII - USSR: From Enemy to Ally Collection
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 Informing Programme Makers of the Developing 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 Discussing the Problem of Broadcasting Talks on 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.
Directive Allowing the USSR's National Anthem to Be Played
'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?
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 - Programme Plans and Press Release
Plans for a night of programmes dedicated to Russia cause concern at the Foreign Office.
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
How 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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