CIA Documents Outline Cold War Era Communist Dissensions and Propaganda Wars

March 1, 2024

In a recent release under Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) case EOM-2020-00275, the CIA has provided new insights into the propaganda tactics and internal conflicts within the Communist world during the Cold War. The documents, initially released in 2017 under FOIA case F-2012-02068 and Civil Action No,. 17-cv-00160 as filed by James Lesar at the Assassination Archives and Research Center (AARC), have undergone further declassification, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of Communist dissensions, particularly between April 11 and April 24, 1964.

The document entitled, “Propagandist’s Guide to Communist Dissensions,” was part of a biweekly series aimed at providing propaganda guidance on various international events and internal Communist conflicts. One of the key highlights of the release is the detailed chronology of Communist dissensions, which underscores the heightened political and propaganda activities within the Communist world during the specified period.

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The chronology reveals the counter-offensive efforts launched by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) against China on April 3, 1964, which included party plenary sessions, official statements, editorials, and speeches by leaders. The Sino-Soviet brawl was a prominent theme in the commemorations of major anniversaries, such as Khrushchev’s 70th birthday and the 94th anniversary of Lenin’s birth.

The documents also highlight the responses from various Communist parties worldwide to the CPSU’s campaign against China. While some parties offered polemical support for the CPSU and denounced China, others remained non-committal. The Chinese response to the Soviet campaign was initially muted, but it eventually escalated with harsh editorial attacks and the publication of materials criticizing the Soviet leadership.

Furthermore, the documents provide insights into the internal dynamics of the Communist movement, including the acknowledgment of the damage caused by the Sino-Soviet split and the efforts to disillusion and discourage sympathizers. The release of these documents offers a deeper understanding of the propaganda strategies and ideological rifts that characterized the Cold War era.