The KGB and the Czechoslovak State Security Apparatus in August 1968

Abstract

The KGB of the USSR Council of Ministers, whose interests in the entire Communist bloc were threatened by the reform process of the Prague Spring, had a major share in the preparation and course of the occupation of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. The espionage apparatus of the First KGB Main Directorate was considerably strengthened by the chairman of the KGB, Y. V. Andropov. pecial groups of members of Czechoslovak State Security (StB) were activated in the nights from 20 to 21 August 1968 and charged with taking control of the headquarters of the secret police and paralyzing selected party and state institutions, including communications, radio, and television.Thanks to the resistance of the general public to the occupation, the intended goals were not achieved. The apparatus of the StB essentially fell apart, and only a small minority consisting of the Soviets’ most loyal colleagues remained on their side. The members of the KGB were nervous and unsure, and aggressive in their communication. It was only when the Czechoslovak political representation had signed what are called the Moscow protocols that the situation changed and the StB again became subordinate to the KGB.