Reports of widespread rumors of that Stalin is ill.

The Soviet embassy in London responded to rumors by announcing that Stalin's health is "excellent."

Rumors continue to circulate that Stalin is ill, and Soviet representatives have neither confirmed nor denied these rumors.

Report that the French press has been instructed by the Ministry of Information not to spread any information of foreign policy favorable to the USSR.

Articles on Stalin's alleged death, retirement or vacation and the implications of his possible retreat from politics.

TASS reports on rumors of Stalin's illness in Congolese and Turkish newspapers as well as a Turkish analysis of Soviet politics.

Articles on the Yalta Conference, Foreign Minister Molotov's influence in the Soviet Union, and Stalin's alleged illness.

Summary of news reports from Mexico, Sweden, Canada, and Great Britain, most on Stalin's alleged illness.

French newspaper "Pari-Press" reported on rumors of Stalin's departure for the Caucuses on vacation, and claimed this confirmed rumors Stalin was ill; Newspaper "Chicago Tribune" similarly reported rumors of Stalin's retirement and a resulting 'behind-the-scenes battle for power' between Zhukov, backed by the army, and Molotov, backed by the Communist Party.

This TASS information bulletin was sent to the Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers. Note the distribution to Stalin and Malenkov only.