Testimony of Captain Nikolai Fedorovich Artamonov (former Soviet naval officer) Hearing

TESTIMONY OF CAPTAIN
NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

(FORMER SOVIET NAVAL OFFICER)

HEARING

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTY-SIXTH CONGKESS

SECOND SESSION

SEPTEMBER 14, 1960

Printed for the use of the Committee on Un-American Activities

INCLUDING INDEX

UN.TEDSTMES^u,......-K[

l>

UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
IB0938' WASHINGTON : 1960

COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
United States House of Representatives

FRANCIS E. WALTER, Pennsylvania, Chairman

MORGAN 51. MOULDER, Missouri DONALD L. JACKSON, California

CLYDE DOYLE. California GORDON H. SCHERER, Ohio

EDWIN E. WILLIS, Louisiana WILLIAM E. MILLER, New York

WILLIAM M. TUCK, Virginia AUGUST E. JOHANSEN, Michigan

EiiAXK S. Tavenner, Jr., Director
II

CONTENTS

Page

Synopsis 1903

Testimony of —

September 14, 1960 :

Captain Nikolai Fedorovich Artamonov 1907

Index i

in

Public Law 601, 79th Congress

The legislation under which the House Committee on Un-Ameri-
can Activities operates is Public Law 601, 79th Congress [1946] ; 60
Stat. 812, which provides:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Slates
of America in Congress assembled, * * *

TART 2— RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rule X

SEC. 121. STANDING COMMITTEES
****** i^

17. Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine Members.

Rule XI

POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

*****♦»

(q) (1) Committee on Un-American Activities.

(A) Un-American activities.

(2) Tlie Committee on Un-American Activities, as a wTioIe or by subcommit-
tee, is autliorized to m.akc from time to time investigations of (i) ttie extent,
character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United Stat-es,
(ii) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propa-
ganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks
the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and
(iii) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary
ren:edial legislation.

The Comm.ittee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the
Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investi-
gation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.

For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such
tim.es and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting,
has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of such witnesses and the production of sucl^ books, papers, and docum.ent*!, and
to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any
m-ember designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person
designated by any such chairman or member.

**♦***♦

Rule XII

LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT BY STANDING COMMITTEES

Sec. 136. To assist the Congress in appraising the administration of the laws
and in developing such amendments or related legislation as it may deem neces-
sary, each standing committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives
shall exercise continuous watchfulness of the execution by the administrative
agencies concerned of any laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdic-
tion of such committee; and, for that purpose, shall study all pertinent reports
and data submitted to the Congress by the agencies in the executive branch of
the Governnieut.

IV

I

RULES ADOPTED BY THE 86TH CONGRESS
House Resolution 7, January 7, 1959

* * * >K « * •

Rule X

STANDING COMMITTEES

1. There shall be elected by the House, at the commencement of each Con-
gress,

^ I" H* ^P ^F ^F ^r

(q) Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine Members.
^f ***** *

Rule XI

POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

* * * * * Hf it:

18. Committee on Un-American Activities,

(a) Un-American activities.

(b) The Committee on Un-Am.erican Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee,
is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (1) the extent, char-
acter, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States,
(2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American prop-
aganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and
attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitu-
tion, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress
in any necessary remedial legislation.

The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the
Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investi-
gation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.

For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such times
and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting, has
recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and
to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairm.an of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any
mem.ber designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person
designated by any such chairman or member.

* * * * * ill ill

26. To assist the House in appraising the administration of the laws and in
developing such amendments or related legislation as it may deem necessary,
each standing committee of the House shall exercise continuous watchfulness
of the execution by the administrative agencies concerned of any laws, the subject
matter of which is within the jurisdiction of such committee; and, for that
purpose, shall study all pertinent reports and data submitted to the House by
the agencies in the executive branch of the Government.

SYNOPSIS

America's historic mission, sometimes lost sight of in the fast pace
and distance of the modern world, we can again recall with pride in
the story of Captain Nikolai Fedorovich Artamonov, former Soviet
Naval Officer, which is briefl}^ told in the pages of this hearing. That
mission — the haven of a free land — the receiving of oppressed and
suffocated spirits from alien soil, is one of the most significant facts
of our past. The calendar date is different, and the oppression today
referred to possesses a refinement absent from primitive prototypes,
but the stinking essence is the same.

And the cold ambition for world domination, so meaningless and
yet so recurrent from Genghis Khan to Hitler to Khrushchev, is again
reflected in Soviet preparation of their youth and their military.
Captain Artamonov reminds us of this.

We see further, not only the ordering of physical power, designed
by Soviet Russia for the conquest of the world, but the preparation
and employment on a massive scale for conquest by semantics^by
words and ideas, corrupted, distorted, and perverted from their natural
meaning and purpose. The strange mixture of fact and fiction, con-
clusions without established premise, variations upon theme, all mixed
into a cabalistic jargon of Communist dialectic, leads us to conclude
that the originators and purveyors thereof are afflicted with a disorder
of the mind and soul. This underworld of half-truth and intellectual
fantasy has conditioned the Communist mind like Pavlov's dog.

But all this contains the seeds of its own destruction. Communism
cannot survive the light of truth or prolonged inquiry. The intelligent
mind upon which these arts are practiced will in time rebel as maturity
is reached. That is also the teaching of Captain Artamonov, for this
brilliant naval officer fought his way to the truth, and then put those
false theories and the country of their habitation behind him.

However, the issue is a deadly one. The Communist evil is capable

of greater evil, before it will be abandoned by sane people. This is

also the story of Captain Artamonov as he tells us of Soviet plans

for surprise attack and total destruction. Essentially, his message

is one of enlightenment and warning. May we understand, we who

have ears to hear.

1903

TESTIMONY OF CAPTAIN NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH

ARTAMONOV
(Former Soviet Naval Officer)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1960

United States House of Representatives,

Subcommittee of the
Committee on Un-American Activities,

Washington^ D.C.

PUBLIC HEARING

A subcommittee of the Committee on Un-American Activities met,
pursuant to call, at 2 :30 p.m., in the Caucus Room, Old House Office
J3uilcling, Washington, D.C, Hon. Francis E. Walter (chairman)
presiding.

Subcommittee members present : Representatives Francis E, Walter,
of Pennsylvania; William M. Tuck, of Virginia; and August E.
Johansen, of Michigan.

Staff members present: Frank S. Tavenner, Jr., director; Alfred
M. Nittle, counsel; and Donald T. Appell, investigator.

The Chairman. We will come to order.

Call your witness, please, Mr. Tavenner. Have him raise his hand,
please.

Do you swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, I do.

The Chairman. Will the interpreter, Mr. Alexis Schidlovsky,
please rise and be sworn ?

Mr. Schidlovsky, do you swear that you will well and truly interpret
the questions and answers, so help j^ou God ?

Mr. Schidlovsky. I do.

The Chairman. The committee will be in order.

Pursuant to law and the rules of this committee, I have appointed
a subcommittee for the purpose of conducting this hearing, composed
of Representatives William M. Tuck, of Virginia ; August E, Johan-
sen, of Michigan; and myself, Francis E. Walter, of Pennsylvania, as
chairman.

This hearing today is conducted in response to the duties imposed
upon us by the Congress of the United States, to make a continuing
study of Communist activities. This is a necessary and vital area of
inquiry, for the onslaught of the enemies of freedom grows more vocal
and impressive in all parts of the world with each passing day. We
must be informed if we are to cope effectively with the aggressive
falsehoods of Communist propaganda. Only the truth shall make
and keep us free.

60938° — 60 2 1905

190G TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ART.\^IONOV

It is not always easy to penetrate Communist double-talk. Mr.
Khrushchev will quote the scriptures of democracy with the hypocrisy
of the Devil. He has sowed the fiction of class struggle, so that he
may reap the personal privilege of class power. He will continue to
paint a falsely glowing picture of his Communist paradise, but he will
not let in the light of the western free world to reveal its shabbiness,
its shame, and the miserable view of tortured souls who are made to
kneel in worship to the Baal of materialism.

The proclaimed lust of the Communist dictatorship for power and
world domination, plainly set forth in their theoretical writings and
confirmed by their conduct, brings us to the threshold of tlie Dark
Ages. Their admitted policy of imposition, whether by force or
deceit, of the atheistic and inhuman views of the few on the many, is
a shockhig fact of this supposedly civilized day. It is inconceivable
that all this is taking place in the twentieth century.

The reasonable defensive efforts of the free world are brazenly
vilified and misrepresented, a great and calculated noise is raised by
the Connnunist "cheerleaders," in their effort to quiet our voices and
to camouflage their plamied aggressions. Tlie Communist use of the
Big Lie is reminiscent of its adoption by another dictator, the late
and unlamented Hitler.

In this hearing today we seek to inform ourselves in mattei-s basic
to the fulfillment of our duties, which is essential to effective leg-
islation in this field and for the defense of the country. I miglit also
add, in this area of informing itself, the Congi-ess is also exercising
its right of free speech, which belongs to all people here under our
Constitution and is a necessity even in the legislative process.

The committee takes pleasure in having here today former Soviet
Navy Captain third rank, Nikolai Fedorovich Artamonov. Captain
Artamonov is 32 years old and a native of Leningrad. He served in
the Soviet Navy from 19-11 until June, 1959, and established a distm-
guished record.

Captain Artamonov was given command of a Soviet Red Banner
Baltic fleet destroyer in September, 1955, v^'liich command he retained
until he made his way to the West.

Captain Artamonov has on a number of occasions been singled out
for special attention and commendation in the Soviet press. Articles
concerning liim liave appeared in the Soviet Ministry of Defense news-
paper "Red Star" and the newspaper "Soviet Navy," in wliich he has
been cited for such things as outstanding performance and leadership,
for having achieved a very higli degree of competence in antisubma-
rine training, proficiency for propagandizing party decisions among
his officers and men, and his destroyer having been chosen as one of
two Soviet destroyers to pay an oflicial visit to Copenhagen. "We did
not learn this from Captain Artamonov, but the committee has copies
of these newspapers with the articles about him. Under the Soviet
system these articles can be considered as a great tribute to him.

Captain Artamonov was at Gd^-nia, Poland, training Indonesians
in the operations of his destroyer from September 1958 until June,
1959, at which time he escaped to the AVest.

Listening to this young man's statements about the Soviet military
and political intentions, strategy, capabilities, Soviet espionage, and
the present lot of the Soviet citizen, we were reminded again of tlie^

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1907

arrfrressive and deceitful threat to world peace the Soviet Union repre-
sents. We believe that Captain Artamonov must speak for himself
in bringing these points home to the Congress of the United States
and the American people and to those in the free world and behind
the Iron Curtain who are willino^ and able to listen.

Before proceeding I would like to announce the witness has been
previously examined in executive session. Because of securitv re-
quirements much of the testimony cannot be dealt with at this hear-
ing, but there are certain areas of information that we deem of public
interest and concern and of importance to our study.

(The order of appointment of the subcommittee follows :)

September 13, 1960
To : ilr. Frank S. Tavenner.
Director.

House Committee on Un-American Activities.
Pursuant to the provisions of the law and the rules of this Committee, I here-
by appoint a subcommittee of the Committee on Un-American Activities, consist-
ing of Representatives William M. Tuck, and August E. Johansen, as associate
members, and myself. Francis E. Walter, as Chairman, to conduct a hearing in
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, September 14, 1960, at 2:30 p.m., on subjects
under investigation by the Committee and take such testimony on said day or
succeeding days, as it may deem necessary.
Please make this action a matter of Committee record.
If any Member indicates his inability to serve, please notify me.
Given under my hand this 13th day of September 1960.

[S] Francis E. Walter,
Chairman, Committee on Un-American Activities

TESTIMONY OF CAPTAIN NIKOLAI FEDOEOVICH AETAMONOV
THROUGH HIS INTERPEETER, ALEXIS SCHIDLOVSKY

The Chairman. Proceed, Mr. Nittle.

Mr, Nittle. Mr. Chairman, may I announce that, due to the wit-
ness' limited knowledge of the English language, his testimony will
be largely given through an interpreter whom you have already
sworn.

Will you state your full name and age, j^lease ?

Captain Artamonov. Nikolai Fedorovich Artamonov.

Mr. Nittle. How old are you ?

Captain Artamonov. Thirty-two.

Mr. Nittle. I understand that you are a citizen of Soviet Russia;
is that correct?

Captain Artamonov. Yes ; correct.

Mr. Nittle. At the outset, Captain, we should inquire whether
your presence here today before this committee of the Congress and
the statements you propose to give are purely voluntary and given
without force, coercion, or pressure of any kind ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes.

Mr. ScHiDLOvsKT. Yes ; he does,

Mr. Nittle, Are you now at this time a member of the Communist
Party or a believer in the Communist ideology ?

Captain Artamonov. No.

Mr. Nittle. Where were you born ?

Captain Artamonov. In Leningrad.

Mr. Nittle. How long did you live in Leningrad ?

1908 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAIMONOV

Captain Aetamoxov. Practically all my life except being in the
Soviet Navy.

Mr. NiTTLB. Are your parents living ?

Captain Artamonov. No ; they have died.

]\Ir. NiTTLE. "^Vhen did your father die?

Captain Artamonov. In 1958.

]\Ir. NiTTLE. When did your mother die ?

Captain Artamonov. In 1956.

Mr. NiTTLE. Do you have any brothers or sisters ?

Captain Artamonov. No ; I have not.

Mr. NiTTLE. Wliat was your last occupation in Russia ?

Captain Artamonov. I was a Naval officer.

Mr. NiTTLE. What rank did you last hold in the Soviet Navy ?

Captain Artamonov. Captain, third rank.

Mr. NiTFLE. Have you severed all connection with the Soviet Navy
and Soviet life?

Captain Artamonov. Yes.

Mr. NiTTLE. Have you sought asylum in the United States ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes.

Mr. NiTTLE. Have you been granted asylum in the United States?

Captain Artamonov. Yes.

Mr. NiTTLE. Now, Captain, we would like to trace briefly the
history of your life and education. "\^'Tiat year were you born in
Leningrad ?

Captain Artamonov. In 1928.

Mr. NiTTLE. Wliat elementary schooling did you have and when did
it commence ?

Captain Artamonov. I had 7 years of school in Leningrad from
1934 to 1941. Then I entered a special naval school where I com-
pleted my intennediate education.

From 1945 to 1949, I studied at the Frunze Higher Naval School
and from the fall of 1955 to the fall of 1956, 1 attended special courees
for destroyer commanders.

Mr. NiTTLE. When did you come to the United States ?

Captain Artamonov. Last year.

Mr. NiTTLE. Captain, I believe you have prepared for this com-
mittee a written statement in Russian which has be^n translated and
which you desire to give ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, I do.

Mr. NiTTLE. Would you give that statement to the interpreter to be
read?

(Captain Artamonov's statement, as read by his interpreter, Alexis
Schidlovsky, follows :)

In front of you is a man who was born and educated in the
Soviet Union and who lived there for more than 30 years.
My entire life has been the life of a true Soviet citizen from
an ordinary Soviet family.

Since my graduation from the 7-year school in 1941, my life
has been closely connected with the Soviet Navy. During
World War II, from 1941 to 1945, 1 attended a Special Sec-
ondary Naval School, and from 1945 to 1949, I studied in
the Higher Naval School. After receiving my commission
I served as a naval officer for 10 years — starting as a watch

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1909

officer, then advancing to the rank of commander of a conil)at
unit, and finally reached the rank of connnander of a de-
stroyer.

As for political background, as a child I belonged to the
"Pioneers ; then in my teens I became a member of the
Young Communist League — the Komsomol. I eventually
reached the status of candidate for Communist Party mem-
bership, and for my last 10 yeai^ in the Soviet Union I was a
party member. To use Soviet political-agitation language —
I was a "one hundred per cent Soviet citizen of the new gen-
eration," unmarred by "capitalist birthmarks," uncorrupted
by "depraved bourgeois imperialist ideology," and not
"bought by capitalist money."

I did not come to the United States because of any connec-
tions with foreign intelligence — for I had none; nor did I
make this move because of threats of repercussions for some-
thing I had done — for there Avere none. On the contrary, I
was given favored treatment by the Soviet authorities and
had a bright future ahead of me — having been publicly
described as one of the brilliant young career officers of the
Soviet Navy. My defection was also not prompted by the
prospect of greater material gain or security or an easy life,
for I gave up what promised to be a successful career in the
Soviet Union to come here.

In a very true sense, I am here because of the Kremlin's
policies. To make this clear, let me describe how my attitude
toward the Soviet Government developed over the course of
my life. As a child, I was taught to be ever vigilant, that
enemies were all about ; if necessary, I should denounce even
my own father. I witnessed arrests and noted that people
whom I had known disappeared into the torture chambers
of the NKVD, but in my immaturity I was pleased that our
motherland was being made more powerful through this
crushing of the "enemies of the people."

Early in World War II, I felt the strong national pride
of all Soviets, at times mixed with bitterness for our suffer-
ing. In spite of the hard times caused by the blockade of
Leningrad and our evacuation from the city, I never once
doubted the policies of Stalin and our government. My
friends and I were prepared to do anything for our mother-
land and our leader. Like any other Soviet citizen, I wel-
comed our victory with joy and hope for the future.

But in the Higher Naval School, which I entered just at
the time of our victory, I began to have my first doubts — as I
began my courses in "Marxism-Leninism" and political eco-
nomics. I saw that the Soviet system was constructed with-
out valid foundations and that there was a great breach
between the theory of Soviet communism and its practice
as we saw it every day. Still, as a loyal Soviet I sought to
justify things by lame analyses of the country's current
needs.

1910 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. XIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

Many other questions were born as a result of my cruises
abroad, but Soviet propa^janda and political education man-
a<^ed to quiet tliem, to the point that I often acted as defender
of party policies in arguments with my father and friends.

As the years passed my views matured, more questions
arose, and with them the gradual feeling that my govern-
ment's policies were wrong. But when I raised questions as
to why, the usual propaganda answer was : "for the people"
or "for a brighter future."

However, after Stalin's death and Beria's trial, and espe-
cially after the 20th Congress, in the so-called "thaw" period
when people began to exchange more or less frank ideas,
answers to many questions became clear in my mind. These
answers were far removed from the explanations given by the
Soviet propaganda administration.

Events in 1956 — especially the revolution in Hungary and
the unrest in Poland — finally gave rise to the conviction that
the government's foreign policy statements were untrue.
They showed the aggressive character of that policy. All
this was somewhat covered up by conditions inside the coun-
try, when it appeared that Ivhiiishchev was making an effort
at bringing the countiy to a normal state, normalizing and
improving the relationsliip between the government and the
people and trying to introduce democratic measures and, to
a certain degree, bring to life the existing constitution.

But 1957 passed and my illusions about internal policies
and Khrushchev's pereonality were shattered when Khru-
shchev praised Marshal Zhukov as a war hero and in 3
months' time fired him.

I asked myself: Do the internal and especially the external
policies conform with the interests of my people? The an-
swer was : No I

The Russian people have no use for all this. The Russian
people are gifted and industrious, mighty and strong. They
are not interested in wasting their energies and talents by
solemnizing the dictators of the Kremlin or enslaving other
nationalities for the sake of the very same dictator. They
are not interested in surrounding themselves with bereave-
ment and tribulation for a concept which is profoundly
antidemocratic and which is bringing misery to them and
others ; the concept in Avhich no one, especially the leaders of
the party themselves, believes.

The question arose — where is my place, what am I to do?
Should I pursue the "brilliant" career promised me as a naval
officer ?

Should I keep on saying things which I myself do not be-
lieve to be true, things which I know are absolute lies?

Should I keep on spreading ideologies which I do not share,
whicli I detest ?

Should I keep on helping the Kremlin to accumulate more
and more power, to deceive my people, to dominate my peo-
ple: and help the Kremlin to perpetrate crimes on an inter-
national scale?

I

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOKOVICH ARTAMONOV 1911

But I was an officer; woulclu't I be betraying my own peo-
ple by running away from them ?

No. I shall never betray my people and I shall never
forsake them — I was, I am, and I shall always remain, a
Russian — but not a Soviet Russian, not a toy in the hands
of Khrushchev and the company in the Kremlin.

And now I Avould like to make one comment which I think
is particularly important.

Monday, Khrushchev arrives in the United States. He
says he is going to talk about disarmament. I feel obliged
to point out from the information which was available
to me as a Soviet officer and Communist Party member
that Soviet military strategy is inconsistent with Khru-
shchev's pronouncements on disarmament. Since February
1955, Soviet strategy has been based on the doctrine of sur-
prise attack in nuclear warfare. This doctrine was estab-
lished in a Soviet military publication wliich is known only
to officers of Flag rank and above. Several times over the
past 4 years, it has been said again and it has never been
changed.

This concept was obviously intended to prepare the Soviet
officers for the starting of such a war by the Soviet Union.
It was designed as an excuse to be presented to the Soviet
officers that such an aggression was necessary. No senior
Soviet officer believes that the United States will attack first.

I believe that the Soviet dictatorship would undertake a
surprise attack if she felt that she could win in one stroke.
Make no mistake — they are power seekers, not political ideal-
ists. Khrushchev does not wish to wait indefinitely for the
United States to become a socialist state by evolution ; more-
over he does not believe this will happen. He would like to
see it take place in his lifetime.

In the past months I have tried to draw upon my own
knowledge and experience to help the West meet the threats
of the Soviet Government.

I thank you for the opportunity to be here this afternoon.
I shall now try to answer whatever questions you may wish
to ask me.

Thank you.

Mr. NiTTLE. Now, Captain, I understand that your elementary
training consisted of the first seven grades of school.

At the time you attended the elementary school, where were you
then living ?

Captain Artamonov. I lived in Leningrad.

Mr. NiTTLE. Were you living with your parents there at that time?

Captain Artamoxov. Yes.

Mr. NiTTLE. What was the occupation of your father?

Captain Artamonov. He was a diesel mechanic.

Mr. NiTTLE. I note in your statement that you have just rendered
that, as a child, you were taught to be very vigilant and that, if neces-
sary, you should denounce your own father.

By whom were you taught that ?

1912 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

Captain Artamonov. Actually I was not told pointblank to be
viffilant or to Avatcli my father, but the whole atmosphere prevailing
at that time was such as to make people be very watchful, if you par-
ticularly recall the case of the little boy called Pavel Morozov who
denounced his father to the Soviet authorities and was considered a
hero for doing that.

I repeat actually it was an entire system of education which re-
quired me to be vigilant.

Mr. NiTTLE. Was this idea to denounce your father, if necessary,
taught in the elementary schools which you attended?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, I did learn it in school.

INIr. NiTTLE. In the state of your training at that time, educational
and moral in the Soviet Union, did this thought that you should
denounce your own father appear to you at all unnatural or repulsive?

Captain Artamonov. No, I did not consider such thoughts as re-
pulsive or unnatural. On the contrary, as I said before, the whole
system of education in the Soviet Union was such as to encourage such
acts, and they were actually considered as acts of a hero and they were
worthy of praise.

Mr. NiTTLE. After finishing elementary school, I understand that
you entered the special naval school. How were you selected for this
preliminary naval training in the Soviet Navy ?

Captain Artamoxov. I enlisted voluntarily. I was always hoping
and wishing to become a naval officer and it was one of my fondest
dreams in childhood to become a naval officer.

Mr. Ntttle. Where was the special naval school located?

Captain Artamonov. The special naval school was located in Len-
ingrad on Vasilevsky Island.

Mr. NiTTLE. In what rank or grade did you finish the special naval
school ?

Captain Artamonov. There was no particular rank. This was a
secondary school, and a graduate was then ready to go to an officer
scliool or what would be the equivalent of the Naval Academy.

The special school covered an entire course of general secondary
education approximately the same as the one given in American high
schools.

Mr. N1TT1.E, After spending 4 years at the Special Secondary
Naval School, I understand from your statement that you then en-
tered the Higher Naval School.

Would you describe that?

Captain Artamonov. Depending upon the inclinations or talents of
the graduates of these S])ecial schools, the students were then allowed
to register in any higher educational school; of course, naval schools.

There was an entire system of privileges actually granted to such
students depending upon their inclinations, their talents, and their
best ability, the best of their abilities.

Mr. Nirn.E. Did you have any special distinction while attending
the S{)ocial Secondary Naval School that warranted your attendance
at the liiglier Naval Scliool ?

Captain Artamonov. First I received, I was awarded a document
called a certificate of maturity and then, because of my progress in
school, 1 was able to eii(or the Frunze Higher Naval School.

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1913

]yir. NiTTLE. What academic standing did you occupy in the lower
Secondary Naval School?

('aptain Artamonov.: I was actually assistant to the commander,
and actually a sergeant major; I would say actually a petty ofiicer.

jSIr. XiTi'LE. While at the Higher Naval School, were you given any
political indoctrination as a course of study ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes. I had a special 2-year course in Marx-
ism and Leninism, then a special 2-year course in political economics,
and also a special 1-year course involving political action within the
Navy.

Mr. NiTTLE. Upon completion of your Higher Naval School train-
ing, did you receive a degree or rank in the naval service ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, I received the degree or rank of a lieu-
tenant, and a general degree of a graduate of an institution of higher
education, higher learning, a higher educational institution.

Mr. NiTTLE. Did you become in Kussia a member of the Communist
Party?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, I was since 19-1:9.

Mr. NiTTLE. I would like to have you briefly relate the procedure
for 3^our induction into the Communist Party and your training in
that respect.

While you were attending the elementary schools, did you belong to
any Communist youth organization in preparation for final entry into
the Communist Party ?

Captain Artamonov. I was a Pioneer.

Mr. NiTTLE. Will you briefly describe what a Pioneer is ?

Captain Artamonov. The Pioneers are a Communist organization
for children. According to its structure at the beginning particularly,
the Pioneers were very closely associated with I vvould say Boy Scouts,
but, of course, they were entirely imbued with a Marxist ideology.

Well, you see, I could say that the younger age children among the
Pioneers received more of a Boy Scout education. The younger re-
ceived less, and, of course, this lesser amount of Boy Scout activities
was replaced by a larger volume of political indoctrination and
propaganda.

Mr. NiTTLE. You stated that later you became a mpml>er of the
Komsomol.

Will you describe that ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes. You see, the Pionaers are actually
more, consist mostly of younger children, low^er age children whereas
the Komsomol is an organization for adolef-cents, youtlis of older age
groups and, of course, they are much more seriously concerned with
ideas aimed at forming good Communists. They are more concerned
with political indoctrination.

As far as the outward organization and the aims of the Komsomol
are concerned, it does not differ in any way from the aims and the
purposes of the Communist Party.

Mr. NiTn.E. Following your membership in the Komsomol, T under-
stand you entered the Communist Party .

What year was that ?

Captain Artamonov. Actually I became a full member of the Com-
munist Party in 19-19. However, in 191:7 and 1918, 1 was a candidate
member.

1914 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

Mr, NiTTLE. In a general way, what are the requirements for admis-
sion to the Communist Party ?

Captain Artamoxov. Officially speaking, the main requirements
are to be active in Communist affairs, to know the structure and the
status of the Communist Party, and to voluntarily acknowledge these
main directives and purposes of the Communist Party.

Mr. NiTTLE. Would your membership in the Communist Party en-
title 5^ou to any special privileges or in any way expedite your climb
up the naval ladder of success ?

Captain Artamonov. Well, not directly. Actually, at the begin-
ning I didn't get any particular favors or advantages but later on, of
course, the fact that I was a Communist Part}' member helped. For
example, I did not know a single commander of any ship in the Soviet
Navy who was not a Communist Party member.

Mr. XiTTLE. In the course of your political indoctrination at the
naval school or in the Communist Party, did you ever receive any
particular instruction on doctrine with reference to the inevitability
of war between the Soviet Union and the United States ?

Mr. ScHiDLOvsKY. Captain Artamonov would like to know if you
meant that it was during the course of his studies or during the course
of his naval service that he received such.

Mr. NiTTLE. Let us first refer to the course of his studies.

Captain Artamonov. Well, the whole theory of Marxism and Len-
inism is based on the inevitability of a war or actually shows that this
war is inevitable.

Mr. NiTTLE. What was the highest rank that you attained in the
Soviet Navy ?

Captain Artamonov. Captain, third-class.

Mr. NiTTLE. After your graduation from the Higher Naval School,
what was your first assignment in the Navy ?

Captain Artamonov. I was a watch officer, commander of the com-
bat unit of a destroyer.

Mr. NiTTLE. How long were you in that assignment ?

Captain Artamonov. Two and a half years.

Mr. NiT'rLE. What was your next assignment and when ?

Captain Artamonov. My next assignment was a deputy commander
of a destroyer.

Mr. NiTTLE. How long did you serve in that capacity ?

Captain Artamonov. One year,

Mr. NiTTLE. ^Vhat was your next assignment?

Captain Artamonov. I was senior assistant to the commander of the
destroyer.

Mr. NiTi'LE. How long did you serve in that capacity ?

Captain Artamonov, A little over 2 years.

Mr. NiTTLE. AVhat other assignments did you have, generally speak-
ing?

Captain Artamonov. From 1954 to 1955, 1 attended the courses for
higher commanders, courses given to high ranking officers in charge
of destroyers. Actually, these courses were called courses for de-
stroyer commandei-s attached to higher officer courses.

Mr. NiTTLE. AVliile in the Navy, did you have occasion to learn or
discuss naval procedures and operations?

Captain Artamonov. Oh, yes. This was, of course, my duty.

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1915

Mr. NrrrLE. Can you tell us of the activities of Soviet submarines
or other naval vessels such as trawlers in United States waters?

Captain Artamonov. Well, of course, the territorial waters of tlie
United States are very small. They are short, relatively speaking,
but naturally Soviet submarines are sailing within these waters or
close to these waters.

Mr. NiTTLE. And what information are they seeking?

Captain Artamonov. Well, of course, the type of information they
seek is the usual information of interest to intelligence organizatiojis.

You see, this type of information is not to be expected from su]>
marines, which are more actually combat vessels. However, trawlers
which have been mentioned are something which I can talk about.

The information which these vessels seek is concerned with combat
readiness or combat preparations of American naval forces; also the
composition of the fleet, the structure of the fleet and the type of
weapons carried by vessels ; the usual locations of patrols, either navy
patrols or aircraft patrols.

Of course, of great interest are American measures of antisubmarine
defense and, naturally, the method of shipment, method of cargo
shipments.

]Mr. NiTTLE. Can you tell us whether or not these Soviet trawlers
that are found in American coastal waters or in the Atlantic are
fishing vessels or whether they are units of the Soviet Navy ?

Captain Artamonov. These vessels actually, the trawlers already
carry a load of fish when they leave their bases.

The basic purpose is, as I mentioned, to collect information.

Actually, these trawling vessels constitute a special section of intel-
ligence. They are equipped with special equipment, machines and
gadgets for collecting information.

They have a special crew and they are actually subordinate to the
naval intelligence, the Soviet Naval Intelligence.

Air. NiTiLE. Do I understand you to say that they are a Naval
Intelligence Squadron ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, they are designated as Intelligence Divi-
sions or Squadrons.

Mr. NiTTLE. Are the personnel who operate the trawlers actually
members of the Soviet Navy ?

Captain Artamonov. The personnel on these boats are actually
members of Soviet Naval Intelligence. Actually, they constitute an
essential part of the fleet, the Soviet fleet.

Mr. NiTTLE. I believe that in connection with the subject of trawl-
ers, you mentioned to us the son of Admiral Vasili Yakovlev.

Could you tell us about him ?

Captain Artamonov. Well Yuri Yakovlev, son of the Admiral,
was a navigator on my ship.

In 1957, he was assigned as a navigator of this intelligence squad-
ron, and he actually took part in a number of cruises of the ships, and
later he enrolled as a student at the Military Diplomatic Academy.

Mr, NiTTLE. ^Yh3it position in the naval service did Admiral Yak-
ovlev hold ?

Captain Artamonov. Generally speaking, I can say, in recent
years he has served as naval attache in London, Chief of Staff of the

1916 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

Baltic Fleet, and the latest information I have about him is that he
served as Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, the GRU.

Mr. Xin^LE. Would you tell us in more detail what the mission of
these naval trawlers disguised as fishing vessels off our coasts is?

Captain Artamonov. Their only purpose is to collect information
to do intelligence work.

Mr. NiTTLE. And what type of intelligence information are they
collecting with reference to specific installations ?

Captain Artamonov. The information which I already gave earlier.

In addition, they are interested in collecting information on testing,
all testing matters of ships, maneuvers, training exercises, a wide scope
of intelligence work is their objective which, of course, they, of course,
can get.

Mv, NiTTLE. In a prior consultation, you mentioned additional func-
tions as allocation of various signal stations, routes followed by var-
ious aircraft operating in the early warning systems, the frequencies
used by radio and radar stations in the American system.

Are these among the functions as well ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes, of course, they do. These objectives fall
within their range of interest.

Mr. NiTTLE. Have you had any access to restricted matter dealing
with Soviet war plans involving the possibility of unleashing a sur-
prise attack upon the United States or the free world?

Captain Artamonov. Actually, I did not have access to any secret
information or directives concerning such a sudden unexpected attack
upon the United States but, of course, I know of general broad state-
ments which were intended to prepare the Soviet military circles,
Soviet higher officer corps for such a possibility of unleashing a sur-
prise attack.

As I have already stated in my introductory statement, the Soviet
Government is, of course, making preparations for such a possibility
of surprise attack.

Mr. NiTTLE. Is the doctrine of surprise attack written up in any
military document that you may have now in your possession ?

Captain Artamonov. In 1955, Marshal Pavel Eotmistrov pub-
lished an article which was concerned with factors of surprise. All
officers were, of course, well aware that this article was not the result
of Marshal Rotmistrov's own initiative, that he did not write it of his
own free will.

In the first place, such an article could not be published in the So-
viet press. I mean, no Soviet commanders, no Soviet generals could
publish such an article in the Soviet press and particularly they could
not publish such an article in the issue which was classified, which had
a classified nature.

Mr. XiTTLE. Now, you do have a document here which deals with
that subject, is that correct ?

Captain Artamonov. Yes.

Mr. NiTTLE. Would you explain whether that document is restricted
matter or a matter of public information ?

Captain Artamonov. This document I have, which is a journal, is
available only to higher ranking officers including generals, admirals,
and the officer corps of the Soviet Armed Forces.

TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1917

Mr. NiTTLE. By whom and in what language is that document
printed ?

Captain Artamonov. It is published by the Ministry of Defense of
the Soviet Union and it is, of course, published in Eussian. It is a
journal.

The publication of this journal coincided with the issuing of a num-
ber of secret directives given by the IMinistry of Defense.

On page 18 of the Eussian journal entitled "Voyennaya Mysl
(Militaiy Thought,)" Marshal Eotmistrov writes the following.

Mr. NiTTLE. Captain, would you kindly point out to the interpreter
the particular passage that deals with the subject of surprise attack.

M. Schidlovsky, may I suggest that the witness point out tliat
passage to you and that you translate it for the record.

(Marshal Eotmistrov's article translated by Mr. Schidlovsky,
follows:)

A sudden attack involving the use of atomic and hydrogen
weapons and other modern means of warfare assumes at
present new fonns and is capable of leading to consider-
ably greater results than in the past war. It can be stated
directly that under conditions in wliich atomic and hydrogen
weapons are used the surprise is one of the decisive factors
in achieving success not only in a battle and in operation,
but also in the war as a whole. In some cases a sudden attack
involving a massive use of new weapons may result in the
rapid collapse of a state, the ability of which to resist is low
due to inherent defects of its social and economic structure
as well as its mifavorable geogi-apliical position. (P. 18.)

Captain Artamonov. The countries or the governments mentioned
in this passage whose ability to resist is low as a result of basic defects
in its structure, of course, are meant to cover capitalist countries or
the United States, not the Soviet Union.

Another passage which I would like to mention is this one ;

The duty of the Soviet Armed Forces is not to allow a sud-
den attack of the enemy upon our coimtr^, * * * and to deal
the enemy counterblows or even preventive surprise blows of
a great destructive forc«. For this purpose the Soviet Army
and Navy have at their disposal all necessary means. (P. 20.)

And further on in this article, Marshal Eotmistrov writes the
following :

Our blows in regard to their speed and force, type of ac-
tion, timing of their delivery, and services and arms used
must be a complete surprise to the enemy. (P. 21.)

Mr. NiTTLE. Captain, you have indicated that secret directives have
been issued to implement the doctrine set forth in that restricted
article.

Can you tell us whether or not there are designated forces in the
Soviet Union ready to carry out the policy of surprise attack if
ordered ?

Captain Artamonov. As I have mentioned before, the publication of
this article coincided with the issue of secret directives by the Minis-

1918 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

try of Defense of the Soviet Union concerning the possibility of pre-
paring officers, Soviet officers, for such a possible attack if such an at-
tack is necessary, and these directives were also concerned with train-
ing Soviet troops for such an eventuality — for such a possibility, and
to give the Soviet troops the necessai-y military training for such type
of action.

Mr. NiTTLE. Supposing China became unruly and were involved in
war with one of the democracies, a member of the free world.

Is it likely that So\'iet Russia, considering its involvement inevita-
ble, would then unleash a surprise attack under its doctrine as ex-
pressed in that article ?

Captain Artamonov. In my personal opinion, of course, I do not
believe that China would start a war on its own against the demo-
cracies without prior discussion and coordination with the Soviet
Union, and, of course, if the Soviet Union does approve such an ac-
tion on the part of China, the Soviets will not wait for China to at-
tack first but they will attack first. They will deal the first blow and
the Chinese will then support them.

IVIr. NiTTLE. Does the Soviet Government have any confidence in the
satellite navies and other armed forces ?

Captain Artamonov. I would say the Soviet Union has a relatively
very low degree of confidence in their satellites — very little confidence
actually.

Mr. NiTTLE. Would you tell us briefly what, in your life in the
Soviet Union, led you to leave that country ?

Captain Artamonov. As I have already told you, my decision to
leave Russia was based on my belief that everything that is being
said in Russia is not true, that everything actually is based on lies and
I was attempting when I was a young man to understand what it was
all about, what was the idea of the Communist system, what was its
purpose, but I just couldn't understand what it was all about until
later when I found that actually it just didn't make sense.

Mr. NiTTLE. Were you able freely to discuss your views with other
persons in the Soviet Navy or in Russia generally — your thoughts and
conclusions about the policies of your government or the propaganda
of your leaders ?

Captain Artamonov. More or less, of course, depending upon your
degree of familiarity, of knowledge of the person with whom you are
talking, such exchanges, such conversations take place and I, of course,
took part in them myself.

Mr. NiTTLE. Khrushchev is paying a visit to the United Nations
and announces that he is interested in total disarmament.

How do you characterize that statement?

Captain Artamonov. I think it will be another propaganda trick on
the part of Khrushchev. Khrushchev at the present time is trying by
all means to weaken or to dull the vigilance or the alertness of western
countries. However, on the other linnd, I believe that Khrushchev
probably, if he is able to achieve his aims by peaceful means, will
probably stick to this policy of attaining his goals by peaceful means
avoiding all-out war which actually is the essence of the peaceful co-
existence theme.

The history of the past few years has shown that not all of Khru-
shchev's steps or decisions were unsuccessful in this respect.

TESTIMONY OF CArT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV 1919

Mr. NiTTLE. If the Soviet military power were overwhelming and
the United Stat-es' insignificant, would Khrushchev preach disarma-
ment?

Captain Artamonov. Well, if Khrushchev believed that the
strength of the Soviet Union was tremendous, he would, of course,
deal a stumiing blow to the West.

]Mr. XiTTLE. Will you explain the significance of the Khrushchev
doctrine of jDeaceful coexistence?

Captain Artamonov. After Stalin's death, it became clear that it
was impossible to pursue the same domestic and foreign policy in
Soviet Eussia as before.

For this purpose the doctrine, the idea of peaceful coexistence was
rapidly elaborated which actually was referred to as originating with
Lenin.

Now, the purpose of citing Lenin as the originator of the peaceful
coexistence doctrine was based on the fact that Khrushchev himself
at that time was an unknown man. He had no authority to com such
a term of so-called theoretical importance.

On the other hand, the constant reference to Lenin by Khrushchev
at that time also strengthened his position in that it established a line
of succession — in other words, that it showed that Khrushchev was the
legitimate successor of Lenin and of the Soviet policy.

On the other hand, the term of peaceful coexistence served a dual
purpose. At home in the Soviet Union, it made the Soviet citizens
feel more at ease and it also served, fulfilled another purpose, namely,
that it put the vigilance, the alertness of foreign countries to sleep
more or less, so that the foreign countries were reassured by this state-
ment.

Of course, we must remember that Stalin's policy resulted in a clos-
ing of ranks of the western countries and opened their eyes to the
dangers of Soviet aggressiveness and also resulted in building the
organization of NATO as a deterrent to Soviet aggression.

An advantage of promulgating peaceful coexistence lay in its lull-
ing the alertness of the West, and causing it thus to stop its rapid
buildup of armaments. This allowed the Soviets to divert the ex-
penditures from its own armament effort into more productive effort
of aggression.

Mr. NiTTLE. Does the proclamation by Khrushchev of the doctrine
of peaceful coexistence mean in any way that the Communists have
abandoned the idea of world revolution ?

Captain Artamonov. Now, of course, Khrushchev and his entou-
rage have already long ago realized that the world proletariat which
actually does not exist any more is incapable of achieving a world
revolution.

They believe now that world revolution is impossible and they ac-
tually do not count on it any longer.

Mr. NiTTLE. One final question. You have lived for many years in
the Soviet Union occupying a rather high status. You have lived now
for several months in the United States. Do you or do you not agree
with Khrushchev that life in the socialist countries, particularly
Russia, is better than in the capitalist countries, specifically the
United States?

1920 TESTIMONY OF CAPT. NIKOLAI FEDOROVICH ARTAMONOV

Captain Artamonov. Now, as far as my personal opinion is con-
cerned, of course I prefer to live here, and it is absolutely clear to every
Soviet citizen that life in Soviet Russia is much worse than in the
capitalist West. That is something which every Soviet citizen realizes,
I Believe.

Mr. NiTTLE. That is all we have, Mr. Chairman, for the public ses-
sion, and the staff has concluded its questioning.

The Chairman. Are there any questions, Mr. Tuck ?

Mr. Tuck. I have no questions.

The Chaikman. Mr. Johansen ?

Mr. Johansen. I have no questions.

The Chairman. Captain Artamonov, I wish to thank you very
much for the highly significant contribution you have made in this
grim struggle in which we are engaged.

It is indeed interesting to note that one of the secretaries from the
Russian Embassy has been present here throughout the entire hearing
and I hope that from his appearance he will have learned that, in this
free society of ours, witnesses are not told what to say and they may
select any topic they choose to speak about.

You are excused with tlie thanks of our committee.

The committee will now adjourn.

(Whereupon, at 4:20 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 1960, the
committee recessed, to reconvene at the call of the Chair.)

INDEX

Individuals

Page

Artamonov, Nikolai Fedorovich 1903-190G, 1907-1920 (testimony)

Beria (Lavrenti) 1910

Hitler (Adolf) 1903, 1906

Khrushchev (Nikita) 1903, 1906, 1910, 1911, 1918, 1919

Lenin (V. I.) 1919

Morozov, Pavel 1912

Eotmistrov, Pavel 1916, 1917

Schidlovsky, Alexis 1905, 1907, 1908-1911, 1914, 1917

Stalin (Josef) 1909, 1910, 1919

Takovlev, Vasili 1915, 1916

Takovlev, Yuri 1915

Zhukov (Georgi K.) 1910

Organizations

Commiuiist Party, Soviet Union 1909, 1913, 1914

Frunze Higher Naval School (U.S.S.R.) 1908,1909,1912-1914

Komsomol {See Young Communist L-eague, Soviet Union.)

NATO 1919

Pioneers 1909,1913

Special Secondary Naval School (Leningrad) 1908, 1912, 1913

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Government of :

Embassy (Washington, D.C.) 1920

Ministry of Defense 1906, 1917, 1918

GRU, Main Intelligence Directorate 1916

Navy 1906, 1908, 1909, 1914

Naval Intelligence 1915

Secret Police, NKVD 1909

United Nations 1918

Young Communist League, So^-iet Union (Komsomol) 1909,1913

Publications

Red Star (newspaper) 1906

Soviet Navy (newspaper) 1906

Voyennaya Mysl (Military Thought) (journal) 1917

I

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