Letter to E. Benes, January 23, 1945

Source: Tom 18

Dear Mr. President,

I have received your letter regarding the question of Subcarpathian Ukraine (Transcarpathia). I understand that the Czechoslovak government attaches great importance to this question.

As you know, a popular movement has developed in Subcarpathian Ukraine in favor of reunion with Soviet Ukraine. The Soviet government considers that this question must be resolved in accordance with the wishes of the population of Subcarpathian Ukraine.

The Soviet government believes that the most correct way would be for the Czechoslovak government itself to make a decision about the transfer of Subcarpathian Ukraine to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, based on the clearly expressed will of its population. Such a decision would reflect the democratic principles that both our governments uphold.

With sincere respect,

I. Stalin

Note

Subcarpathian Ukraine (Transcarpathia, also known as Ruthenia) had been part of Czechoslovakia between the wars. After its occupation by Hungary in 1938-39, and its subsequent liberation by the Red Army in late 1944, the local population expressed a desire for reunification with Soviet Ukraine. On June 29, 1945, a treaty was signed between the USSR and Czechoslovakia on the transfer of Subcarpathian Ukraine to the USSR.