Records on the Dissolution of the Soviet Union

The materials in FOIA 1999-0304-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents 2 1999-0304-F responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA 1999-0304-F contains materials related to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. On December 21, 1991, following years of reform and upheaval behind the Iron Curtain, eleven Soviet republics joined together to form the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Four days later, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as president of the Soviet Union, and on December 26, 1991, the Soviet Union formally ceased to exist. This request encompasses Bush administration documents that concern the breakup of the Soviet Union and the formation of the CIS during December 1991. Materials processed relate more specifically to issues concerning economic and humanitarian support, diplomatic recognition of the republics, aiding the transition to democratic governments and market economies, and defense issues, particularly the fate and control over the former Soviet Union's vast nuclear arsenal. These records include suggestions from the public, consultations with Congress, and discussions among federal agencies to formulate American policy concerning the unfolding events in the Soviet Union. Communications between Bush administration officials and corresponding officials in the disintegrating USSR were also processed in response to this FOIA request. The White House Office of Records Management (WHORM) Alphabetical Files contains a letter from, and a response to, a member of general public concerning the situation in the Soviet Union. The WHORM Subject File categories contain correspondence and memoranda from the general public, Congress, heads of state and the Bush administration. This material deals with proposed humanitarian aid, internal politics, potential immigration and the general situation in the Soviet Union. The Staff and Office Files contain correspondence, memoranda, press releases, telcons and memcons maintained by individual staff members and offices. The bulk of the material in this FOIA is centered around December of 1991 and relates to the economic situation before, and the preparation for after, the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Memcons and telcons of conversations between President Bush and heads of state are also located in 1999-0304-F; however most of these were classified for national security and still remain closed. Read less