On December 18, 1961, Soviet leader N.S. Khrushchev met with Ghanaian Ambassador J.B. Elliott to discuss Ghana’s internal political situation and Soviet-Ghanaian economic relations. Khrushchev informed Elliott of an upcoming visit by Soviet official A.I. Mikoyan to Guinea and suggested that President K. Nkrumah could invite Mikoyan to Ghana. The conversation also included diplomatic courtesies, such as Nkrumah’s gratitude for his visit to the USSR and a proposed Ghanaian medal for Khrushchev, which he declined due to Soviet policy.

Khrushchev welcomes the Nigerian delegation, congratulates Nigeria on its independence, and expresses the Soviet Union's support for its political and economic development. Okotie-Eboh requests technical and financial assistance to help Nigeria achieve full economic independence and expand trade relations. Khrushchev agrees to provide economic and technical support, including sending specialists, developing trade, and offering educational opportunities.

Khrushchev and Somali Prime Minister Shermarke discuss Somalia’s efforts to maintain political and economic independence following decolonization, with Shermarke requesting Soviet assistance for development projects in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. Khrushchev emphasizes the Soviet Union’s support for anti-imperialist movements and offers potential economic cooperation while acknowledging the need to balance assistance with domestic priorities.

In these notes dated February 20, 1960, Nikita Khrushchev reports to the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee about his visit to Indonesia. He highlights the warmth and hospitality received, particularly from President Sukarno, who has informally raised various topics that might come up in negotiations later. These include a potential loan for building a steel mill, purchasing military equipment such as Tu-16 bombers and naval ships, and addressing Indonesia’s textile industry challenges. Sukarno also suggested a need for air-cooling systems in Soviet ships and expressed admiration for Soviet fruits and juices. Khrushchev advises that the USSR should approach these requests gradually, without making specific commitments, to strengthen relations. He closes by suggesting sending Soviet fruits and beverages as a goodwill gesture to Sukarno.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Khrushchev talks with the Iraqi delegation about the coalition of Arab states and cooperation between the Soviet Union and Iraq in agriculture and industry. 

Khrushchev and Brezhnev visited King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, who was vacationing on the Black Sea. Khrushchev provided an overview of key international issues, focusing on tensions in Berlin and Taiwan, and highlighted Soviet economic growth. The King expressed gratitude for Soviet economic and military assistance and praised the work of Soviet specialists in Afghanistan. He discussed the ongoing conflict with Pakistan, emphasizing Afghanistan's neutral foreign policy and the mediation efforts of the Shah of Iran, which he viewed as ineffective. The conversation also touched on broader regional dynamics, including proposals for a bloc of Muslim countries, which both leaders considered unrealistic.

On May 3, 1961, Nikita Khrushchev met with a delegation from the United Arab Republic (UAR) led by Anwar Sadat. The meeting began with expressions of gratitude and solidarity, highlighting Soviet support for UAR independence and its struggle against imperialism, particularly in relation to the construction of the Aswan Dam and resistance to Western aggression in the Middle East. Khrushchev emphasized the superiority of socialism and communism, advocating the Soviet model as an example for nations striving for independence and progress. Sadat expressed appreciation for Soviet assistance and raised concerns about the financial burden of purchasing weapons from the USSR. He requested a reduction in the price, citing UAR’s commitments to supporting anti-imperialist struggles across Africa and Asia. Khrushchev acknowledged the UAR’s vital role in the global anti-colonial movement but maintained that the USSR could not lower its weapons prices due to its own economic constraints and the need for consistency in its aid policies. Despite these limitations, Khrushchev promised to explore alternative ways to assist the UAR. The conversation concluded with mutual respect and reaffirmation of Soviet-UAR solidarity.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Khrushchev discusses the Soviet Union's plans to build a communist society, emphasizing advancements in industrial and agricultural development and the application of Marxist-Leninist principles. Nkrumah, expressing Ghana’s commitment to socialism and African unity, requests Soviet economic, military, and technical aid to strengthen Ghana’s economy and support liberation movements across Africa. Khrushchev reaffirms the USSR's anti-colonial stance, agreeing to study Ghana’s proposals while also suggesting trade as a foundation for sustainable economic collaboration. The leaders discuss specific initiatives, including support for partisan training centers and potential Soviet assistance for Ghana’s infrastructure, highlighting shared aspirations for global peace and the advancement of socialism.

UK record of discussions with a Soviet delegation including Bulganin and Khrushchev.

Khrushchev describes his conversations with Josip Broz Tito regarding Soviet-Yugoslav relations. The leaders discussed Yugoslavia's need for economic and technological assistance from the Soviet Union; socialist methods and ideology; alignment on international issues; and amnesty for Communist fugitives returning to Yugoslavia. Khrushchev expresses concern about the behavior of Yugoslav diplomats and the Yugoslav press. He recommends to the CPSU CC that increasing contact with Yugoslav leaders will facilitate rapprochement between the Parties.