In this September 1986 excerpt, Gorbachev receives a report from KGB chief Chebrikov that he had requested on “what kinds of people are serving sentences for crimes, which Western propaganda calls political.” Obviously following Gorbachev’s lead, Chebrikov proposes to alleviate the prison sentences of two-thirds of the 240 persons he lists under this category; but, in response to a question from Gromyko, he notes two cases where the guilty parties had already received a sentence that could not be reduced—execution for espionage.

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.

Based on intelligence reports, the Minister of the Internal Affairs, Grigor Shopov, informs Todor Zhivkov about the European Economic Community’s assessment of the recent June 1987 Plenary Session of the CPSU Central Committee. According to the information, Brussels seems pleased with Gorbachev’s efforts to gather party support for the radical reforms he has recently announced.