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The recent decrees devaluating the ruble and reducing prices were signed by Stalin and Malenkov. Last November, on the 32nd anniversary of the October Revolution, Malenkov was orator of the day—an honor accorded to Zhdanov in 1946, to Molotov in 1947 and 1948. On Stalin's 70th birthday, Malenkov's tribute took precedence over Molotov's. More significant perhaps than such fine points of Soviet place are some signs that Beria is an ally of Malenkov. With party and police backing, Malenkov stands at the pivot of Soviet power—for the moment.*
The problem of succession is surely troubling the Communist hierarchy. They know from history (including their own) how factions get disastrously tangled when a strong leader dies. They seem to be preparing, behind the scenes, a Party Congress, the first since 1939, that may establish the mechanics of succession.
For the non-Communist world, what might Malenkov's succession portend? During last fall's Revolution anniversary, he gave a clue. "What," he said oratorically, "does history teach us? The First World War . . . brought about the victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution in our country. The Second World War brought Popular Democratic (i.e., Soviet) regimes in Central and Southeast Europe, the victory of the great Chinese people. Can there be any doubt that a Third World War will become the grave for world capitalism?"
* Andreev's appearance was regarded as significant. Pravda had recently denounced him by name for an "erroneous conception of Soviet agriculture," of which he is boss. After that, some never expected to hear of him again.
* Chkalov's host after he and his over-the-top crew had unexpectedly landed at Pearson Field, the Army's air base at Vancouver, Wash.: Brigadier General George Catlett Marshall, commander of the Army post.
* What does Stalin really think of Molotov? A Western visitor at the Kremlin, after talking with the two Soviet leaders, told this anecdote: "Stalin loves to think of himself as a great military strategist. At the drop of a hat he will get out the military maps. He offered to take me right down to the map room to make a point, and he rose to lead the way. I saw Molotov was bored stiff, so I said, 'Generalissimo' (he loved that 'generalissimo'), I'd like to look at those maps with you, but it seems to me Mr. Molotov is bored.' Molotov was standing there, his mouth puckered like a stuffy butler. Stalin looked around with a terrific contempt. 'Oh, him . . .' he said." There is no reason to believe that Stalin's opinion of Malenkov is any higher.