In a conversation recorded by Chernyaev, Gorbachev candidly discusses the political situation in East and West Germany, the weakness of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), and the Soviet strategy for managing German reunification.

Gorbachev speaks about perestroika and the necessity of political reforms in both the Soviet Union and East Germany.

Meeting between the head of the KGB’s Fifth Chief Directorate, Major General Abramov, and Minister for State Security Mielke, especially on changes in Soviet policy following Mikhail Gorbachev’s accession to power. They discuss the increase in dissident activity, public demonstrations, and subversive organizations.

Verbal message from Mikhail Gorbachev to François Mitterrand, Margaret Thatcher and George Bush regarding message sent to Chancellor Kohl appealing for measures to be taken to prevent destabilization of the situation

Information about the Content of a Telephone Conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and Helmut Kohl regarding discussing the desire to see reforms in the GDR occur in a calm and non-chaotic manner

Soviet record of conversation between M. S. Gorbachev and the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), Egon Krenz concerning the possible reunification of Germany and issues faced by both the Soviet Union and the GDR

Verbal message from Mikhail Gorbachev to Helmut Kohl regarding the GDR’s decision to allow unrestricted travel to the FRG

Excerpt from the diary of Anatoly Chernyaev discussing Gorbachev’s upcoming visit to the GDR to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and Chernyaev’s comments on the collapse of the socialist system

Telegram from the Romanian Embassy in Berlin to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding protests in East Berlin on the anniversary of the GDR calling for following the model of the Soviet Union and liberalizing