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dated July 5, 1957 : Major purge in Russia

The Soviet Communist Party on July 3 announced the dismissal for “anti-party activity” of four of its top leaders – Molotov, Malenkov, Kaganovich and Shepilov. In the biggest power shake-up since Stalin died, the Central Committee of the party dismissed the four from the party Presidium, the body which rules Russia. Among the new members of the Presidium is Marshal Georgi Zhukov, famous World War II commander, who was banished after the war because Stalin feared his popularity. All four were also dismissed from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the “Parliament” of about 250 top party members which chooses the Presidium, the ruling body. A party communiqué, announcing the changes, said the group had “hindered the Soviet Government’s policy of peace among people” and singled out Molotov especially “for hampering measures intended to ease international tension and promote international peace.” Mr. Molotov was Stalin’s most trusted negotiator in the foreign field. He held power at the top for longer than any of the present leaders. Mr. Georgi Malenkov was Prime Minister after the death of Stalin (in March 1953) until February 8, 1955, when he was replaced by Marshal Bulganin. Mr. Kaganovich, Stalin’s brother-in-law, was the only Jew among Russian leaders. Mr. Shepilov became Foreign Minister in June last year in succession to Molotov. But he was himself replaced last February by Mr. Gromyko.

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