170. Editorial Note
On February 10, 1984, the Embassy in Moscow reported: “As of noon Moscow time we cannot repeat cannot confirm or substantiate rumors that there has been a death in the Soviet leadership. A Western Embassy has just been told by a TASS staffer that there will be an official announcement this afternoon, but that it will not be as serious as we might imagine. This could possibly mean that it is not Andropov but another Soviet leader who has died.” (Telegram 1647 from Moscow; Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840090–0593) Within a few hours, the Embassy reported: “Soviet news media carried an official announcement at 1430 Moscow time that General Secretary Andropov died at 1650 Moscow time on February 9. No details concerning mourning period, funeral arrangements, or his successor were announced.” (Telegram 1651 from Moscow, February 10; Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840090–0853) In telegram 1694 from Moscow, February 10, the Embassy commented that “Moscow has reacted with outward calm to the announcement of Andropov’s death. Officially, there seems to be an effort to project an image of business as usual. Most scheduled performances have not been cancelled. Classical music dominates but does not monopolize the airwaves. MFA officials kept an appointment with PolCouns after the death was announced and have scheduled another call for Monday, February 13. Muscovites are going about their business with few signs of public grief.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840091–0769)