CHORTKOV--PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, POPULATION, GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION, TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMY, POLITICAL LIFE, LABOR, S

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000200780007-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 21, 2012
• Sequence Number: 7
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY USSR'
SUBJECT Chortkov.Physical Characteristics, Population,
Government and Administration, - Transpdrtation and
Econon r, Political Life, Labor, Social Life, and
PEDocumentation and Control
DATE
ACQUIRED
DATE DISTR. !Q Vag. 1953
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NO. OF PAGES S
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO. 50X1-HUM
DATE OF IN
TWIN OOOYY[YT CONTOINO IN10OYOTIIN LITICTINI TNC ^OTIONOI. DOT[NSC
HIN TN{ Y[ONINN O1 TI TLC II, [OCTIOWI 110
O/ TWO YNIT[O [TOT[[ NI 1:.:0Y
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
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Phv?ieal Charaeteristica'
Char v is logate the Seret : River, , .V&iley-',
0ia~aiio p r .ont of rime uity being located on the right bank of this
river. This part of the city contains all the important state and mun -
of al buildings, city hall, larger' store's, schools power station,, and
hotels. The larger of the two stores (1934 to 191a.j was located on a
hilly area extending from the river westward: All other buildings were
fronted on the Ternopolr - Stanislav highwsly.
31.. The Ternopol' '- Stanislav highway was paved in the city with 2"t x 2!"
gre.nite cubes.. All other city streets were of gravel surface. There
were no asphalt streets in the city.
Approximately two miles from the center of the city westward on both
sides of the Chortkov-Zaloszeryk . 5ic7 highway,, there were military
camps -eitY barracks, garages, and other buildings. Up to 1939, this
military area contained ' one battalion of infantry and two batteries
of Polish border guards. From 1939 to 1941, the Soviets used the area
for housing NISVD border guards and one regiment of heavy artillery.
Additional Soviet troops, about one division, were housed in various
buildings in Chortkov.
CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL/SECURITY INFORMATION
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Streets of Chortkov were lighted by electric lamps suspended over the
center of the streets between two poles. Streets were named after im-
portant dates of the Bolshevik Revolution, eg: First-of-May, October
Revolution, and Red Army Day. Streets were named also after Soviet leaders
or military heroes. Streets were numbered with odd numbers on the left
sides of streets as one entered the city from the south.
A, village called, Wyhnanka was located on the left bank of the river,
but this was later incorporated (after World War I) into the city of
Chortkov. Part of this former village called Doloshna (lower) had a
mixed urban and rural character. A. railway station, Greek Catholic
Church, ruins of a Seventeenth Century castle, and a public school were
located in Doloshna. The so-called Horishna (upper) part of the village
had rural characteristics. Horishna was spread.on a steep elevated
plateau and had no paved streets or electricity.
Most buildings in Chortkov were of massive brick construction and roofs
were covered with zinc-galvanized metal sheets and red tile. There
were no shingled roofs. Most buildings were private homes. The center
of the city had two large apartment houses with stores in their ground
floors, Store-owners, doctors, dentists, and lawyers resided in those
apartment houses. The city hall was a new three-story building, in very
good condition, built of huge bricks and having a sheet-metal roof.
A city markQqt was in the center of the city and had a four faced clock
tower. Nearly all government buildings, the post office, county build-
ings, and pglice station were of three-story height and were located
on the main -,street. The courthouse was massive and the only four-story
building in the city. It was located about 1500 feet from the city hall..
A brick fenced prison was in the courtyard of the courthouse, A. flo r_.
Catholic Church and Monastery stood near the center of the city where
the highway made a sharp turn. A two-stony, hospital building was a
little farther down the highway. Opposite the city park, on the edge
of town, was a building which housed offices and dispensary of the State
Insurance and Hospital Service, called by the Soviets ItKasa Ohoryoh*
(Building of the Sick).
Most stores and government buildings were located on two streets, the
First-of-May Highway (Polish Name--Mickiewyesa Utica) and Railway Street,
The latter connected the center of the city with the railway station
on the left bank of the river. A steel bridge spanned the river. This
Was the only way for vehicular traffic to cross the river. There were
narrow pedestrian crossings both above and below the city.
Except for two large hydro-turbine driven flour mills and one alcohol
distillery, there was no large industry in the city. The lack of big
plants reflected a shortage of electrical power and a lack of level
areas to build upon. In 191i0-41, the Soviets began clearing a forest
area between Chortkov and Kopyczynci ,f0pyohititea-49 O6 N 25 56
hc~
50X1-HUM
Shmaurivei.
Rhw&y. This wan to rn+anara for hyilMr,rr a r~9ri,F ,.? Z.a
ter in the vicinity,
ouitural C arac
equipment of agri-
10. Damage to the city during World War II was slight. The Roman Catholic
Church and 3ionastery and the railroad administration building were the
only two buildings which were burned down completely. Bridges and power
station, although partially destroyed, were repaired rapidly. Three
new bridges were constructed, two for vehicular traffic and one for
the railroad. These were of wooden construction. The power station
had one 200 hp Diesel engine da.T:aged, but that, too, was repaired and
put back into service. A 70 hp Diesel engine which had a broken main
bearing, a damaged crankshaft, and the syncro wheels broken was replaced
by g 220 hp Diesel engine. All other partially damaged buildings were
repaired.
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CONFIDE14T IAL/SEC URI TY INFORMATION
-3.-
ll. Of historical significance, the most important shrine was the Seventeenth
Century4castle. There were no large parks in the city with the exception of
a park on the outskirts of the city. The city was kept clean and sanitary.
32a ~9 the. oity.,of Cl ortkov, includ ng the Y .11 a across .the
river and the small villages of Serdo Sic and Kadoch MO. had aoaroxi
]the Soviets deported approximately one thousand Ukrainians and Poles to
Siberia in 1940 and 1941. ley 1944, the German tlestapo had killed 75 per
cent of the approximately three thousand Jews of the city.
13. Groupings of population according to ethnic adherences were t (1) 80 per
cent of the population in the center of the city was Jewish; (2) upper and
lower portions of Vvhnanka Village were inhabited by about equal numbers of
Poles and Ukrainians; (3) the area known as Starishna Ryhnanka was 80 per
cent Ukrainian and 20 per cent Polish. In numbers, population was composed
of five thousand Ukrainians, four thousand Poles, and three thousand Jens.
714 in Chortkov there were no unnaturalized for-
signers living in the city an no special tensions among ithnio
groups.
G ernment and Ad iinistration
15: Leading organizations in Chortkov (1934 to 1944) were:
HORSON - Horodskyj itomitet pity committee Leader, fnu
located in the City Hall
: AYPARTKOM - Raynovyj Partenyj Komitet !syon 'Leader,. fnu v and
M A. A.
RAYWNO 5oard of Fducatio7ocated in its own
building opposite the County Building
Director, Lu chhka,r
OBISPOZMPILn'A located in Courthouse Director,, Anima
16. Individuals dealt directly with HOR1COld, RAYPARTKOM, RAY=, and USHOSTOR
ighway Department - located in a building in Wyhnanka section'. They also
ealt with RAYZT0ROVWn:DDIL, which was the General Insurance Office Building
of tt'Kasa. Chorychn'.
17. The IM and MGB, known then as the NKVD, had a two-story building located;
behind the County Building. This building was occupied also by the militia.
Z. three-story prison building, built for housing 250 inmates normally, was
used by the NKVD and approximately 1000 inmates. Prison buildings were
supplied with running water and were heated by central heating. This prison
area was fenced by a 15 feet-high brick fence. Thera ware nn nriannRr-n' - 50X1-HUM
war or forced labor camps in this area
18? Sections most strictly policed and guarded were railroad bridges, railroad
coal storage dumps, military barracks and areas, and ammunition storage areas.
Very strict curfew restrictions were placed on inhabitants and the patrolling
militia (usually two or three) arrest,-,d., without question, all unauthorized
persons on the streets after nine p m.
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CONFIDENTIAL/SECURITY INFORMkT-?ON
19. One division of military troops was stationed in and near the city. This
did not include NKVD border guards or special railroad militia. All of the
larger city lots, pastures, and market places were used as parking areas for
military trucks and mechanized or motorized artillery.
20. During my stay in Chortkov, the civilian population received special training
in anti-aircraft defense his training was conducted by an organization called
CSOGPIACHI)H, such training is still being practiced. 50X1-HUM
21. On the railroad ._station property there were two
two-s uory builuint.i . une noused the main railroad adminis i rative offices;
the other was used in part for apartments for railroad personnel and in part
for storage of railroad property. This area also contained a railroad supply
storage building, a depot for locomotive and motor cars, a repair shop, and
coal storage area. The railroad station was fenced but only the coal piles
were guarded by railroad militia.
220 The city was connected by railroad with other cities in the USSR. Distances
?measuredr- Chortkov to Stanislav, 120 kmj Chortkov to Ternopol', 80.kmj
Chortkov to Zaleshchiki, 40 km; and Chortkov to Ivane-Puste, 1}5 km (the latter
tracks went near the old Russian-Polish border). All lines were single-tracked.
In 19111, under Soviet occupation, work was started on a new double-track Une,
through the village of Bils sheet N34 35-7 of AM Series N501 shows a villars
50X1-HUM
n, r{
o km out ,of Chortkov to the northwes
VAL The Chortkov station handled about 'T
an
s
o ten
e
ht
d
ig
+r
Vi aiintdii
uring ar 4L}-hour period.
23. Concerning water transportation, the Seret is a shallow river not suited to
any type of water transportation..
211. By the and of 1941, the Soviets had almost completed a large milit airdrome
tree miles east from the Chortkov-Jegelnica, L obrebly Yagel'nitsa 8 57 N
25 4. E]Highway. Work on this airport was hastened along, Three shifts wor sad
around the clock, and three of the four runways had the concrete neared.
50X1-HUM
25, Chortkov had no modern transportation facilities. Private automobiles were
used only for government purposes by the Soviets. The Soviets brought to the
city over 50 standard trucks which were used for transporting goods and agri-
cultural products throughout the city. There were no streetcars, buses,
private trucks, or automobiles.
26. A ,majority of the population, especially those from the rural part of the city,
worked as agricultural hands on ttkolhozes"'. Intelligentsia worked in Soviet
Administrative Work. Soviet administration developed to enormous measures and
was very inflexible. Each small business establishment had a complicated
system of bookkeeping and had to employ a director, cashier, bookkeeper,, supply
clerk, and other clerks. Thirty per cent of these employees were women. Wages
were low and not sufficient to cover everyday living expenses. All wages were
regulated by the State Financial Department tt.Finwidltt. A serious lack of sk:l.led
workers caused the Soviets to establish two trade schools, agricultural and
mechanical,
27.
Up to 1931.., the city was supplied with direct current (2 x 220 volt lines)
from a local power station which produced current by Diesel power of approxi-
mately 1150 horsepower. This power supply was insufficient for the needs of the
city. Just prior to World War II, the Polish government planned to construcLL
a new hydraulic electric station and a new municipal water purifying plant.
These plans never materialized. Electric lights in homes burned dimly. Electric
pumps and other equipment were of poor quality because copper was not allowed
for the manufacture of electrical equipment, except that which was for army
use.
CONFIDF,NTIAL/trS OFFICIALS
passengers
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(1) all ready-made garments; (2') shoes and other leather goods; (3) linen;
and (1) sugar. Tea and coffee could be bought only on the black market,
28. The following articles were in short supply and were under strict ration:
2.9.
3D.
31,
32:.
33.
Voka and smoked and pickled fish were in good supplye
with black market activities-,
Operators of black markets, when caught, received severe sentences. These
sentences ranged from one-half year at forced labor to six to ten years deporta-
tion to Siberia. Black markets existed, nevertheless, conducted by supply clerks
who had access to goods and transported it from supply storage areas to the
cities. Sometimes high Party personalities were involved in black marketing..
Such persons, when caught, received the most severe punishment. The Soviet
Administration had a epecial'.division of trained personnel which dealt solely
CONFIDE TILL/SECURITY INFORMATION
Fasters never had surplus agricultural products to sell in city markets;~
directors of the lo 3 hoze + made sure of that. Farmers I earnings in grain and
other agricultural :products amounted to about one kg of grain for one day of
work. This was in only the best cases. Cities in this area were normally
sullied with food from city stores. These stores procured their produce
from non-collectivized united farmers. Taxes on this food were so high that
it was impossible for a single farmer to mn?ce a decent living. Thefts from
kolhozes were in much evidence. When one as caught, punishment was very
severe with long periods at forced labor. Farmers did conduct business in
so-called bazaars comparable to a US second-hand store, but not with the
varieties and quantity of articles of a US second-hand store. These bazaars
were usual gathering places for,farmersj here they could eat and drink it
they had the money and the time.
Pet i ,i e&1
,
2nd Secretary; and P owS s 3r' d ecr y-: All three were typical on=W,
political chiefs, without intelligence or education, in their late thirties,
and very'rough-and unmannerly in habit. The chief of the local NKVD was
M Miroshr henko (not a Ukrainian). AU political, educational, economical,
san awry, a cultural and public utility installations in the country were
controlled by this party Committee. The NKVD, in turn, had,control over the
Party Committee and other Soviet institutions, Branches of the NM were s
militia, railroad, police, highway (USHOSTOR), and fire stations. Independent
of the Party Committee and NKVD control were the armed forces and railroad
engineers and firemen*
ey were s nu ovosio;low, u t Seoretaryr fnu Tax nkcow
The principal newspaper published in the city was a daily called 'tCherwony
Prapor"t (Red Flag)*
radio broadcasts were noted in NKVD records as 'enemies of the people', Radio
sets were owned only by people of so-called "bad social origin'`--former lawyers,
store-owners, and rich farmers. Their sets were confiscated and they were
instructed to procure no replacements. Soviet produced radios were unsuitable
for listening to foreign broadcasts because of certain cutouts on the condenaex
plates. These radios were primitive and good only for short distance reception.
So-called kolikhoz clubs were installed with a common radio by which one could
listen to propaganda or an occasional song but mostly to the rantings of kolkhoz
officials. Certain collective farm members or officials were permitted to install
loud speakers in their quarters which were connected to the main receiver in
the club. Some people owned small crystal sets which were used Late at night
and kept secret.
broadcasts was not forbidden but was no advisable* All listeners to secret 50X1-HUM
listening to foreign
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CONFIDENTIAL _L
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3L , There was , no free recruiting of workers by local enterprises. Every-
bo4 was obliged to work upon the direction of the chief of an enterprise.
This chief had authority to hire and fire, with no questions asked.
35. every worker, laborer, and clerk was obliged to
obtain a release from a job. Violators were punished severely (Malenkov was
the first to introduce this law in our city after the part Conference of 1940)..
360 Wages were regulated strictly by the Promfinplan (Industrial Financial Plan)
in industries and by the Agrfinplan (Agricultural Financial Plan) on farms.
Directors of enterprises were not allowed to regulate or change wages once
approved by a main office (HLAWK) located in lib-,cow or Kiev,. Strict controls
were also put upon clerical and official staffs. During a new planning period,,
no changes were allowed except in special cases where permission was obtained
from highest authorities.
37e All cities in the republics of the USSR had the same labor regulations in
force, Proposals for production and labor staff were instituted every year
during July.
38. Typical wage conditions in cities were low and insufficient considering the
cost of living. There were two categories of people : one which risked
speculation on black markets and similar black dealings and obtained a better
existence; the other which was always on the border of starvation and cared
for nothing but food. The second group consisted mainly of kolkhoz .corkers.
They'lived like animals. Better paid workers were technical specialists,
theater artists, professors of universities,, and scientists. Party members
and the so-called "political elite"- also received good wages. Best paid were
NKVD officials, court judges, and prosecutors. A few of these owned their
own small homes as allowed by the Soviet constitution.
Social Life
3h A new a t*l in the city had to consp3.y with special prooedurs,h
he rlr a to report to the special UPUj't DODU, which was the accommodations
sections of the NKV"D. This office controlled living q arters and other accorm -
dations and informed a house manager whenever a stranger was going to begin
living in the house, The new arrival was instructed to report on informal
life in the place where he had lived previously? this was do::is
so that difficult new arrivals would be placed in living quarters where they
could disrupt normal conditions least.
All business travelers, such as supply men, had travel orders in their
possession. Such documents were seldom checked on railroads, busses, or
at stations but they were checked by the UPR&W-DOMT.
41. The city had only one large hotel which was open 2L hours per day. Rates
were low and on a daily basis. All the best rooms, however, were generally
reserved for Party men who might arrive in the city.
42. Public entertainment houses, such as tea rooms and cafes, were under constans
control of the NKVD. All waiters and bartenders were agents of the NI.VD and
reported all observations. Customers who acted or looked suspicious were
observed and checked carefully.,
43. Large apartment houses in Chortkov were nationalized and apartments were rented
to new arrivals from other parts of the USSR. The so-called socialistic housing
system existed only in large cities and capitols of the Republic 50X1-HUM
Apartments in such buildings were rented only
were mp oye in an administrative capacity in industry and govern-
ment. Only Party men had priority for newer anc better apartments. Living 50X1-HUM
conditions for factory workers were terribl _. They lived in small overcrowded
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GONF IDENT IAL~CUR rr Y INFORMATION
44.
45,
rooms without separate sleeping quarters or bathing facilities. Such accommo-
dations were usually in basements of apartment houses. Furnishings were simple
and in poor condition. They were produced by furniture factories and made of
cheap soft wood which often fell apart. Living conditions for nnA
artists fell in the same catezorv as those of fantorv wnrtrAa- 50X1-HUM'
control of the uwii. Prior to sending registered or special-delivery letters
or telegrams, individuals were obligated to show documents to post office officials.
The only private telephones were in the homes of leading Communist Party officials.
Telephone conversations were monitored and post offices were under diligent
The city had one hospital and one dispensary
restrictions on the use of medical or surgica facilities in these institutions.
46. Institutions of higher learning includeda (1) public high schools, ten-year
schools; (2) an agricultural high schools a ten-year school (this school had a
good chemistry laboratory); and (3) a gymnasium, six-year school,
47. Chortkov had one cinema and one legitimate theater where travelling theatrical
groups performed. Theatrical performances were more frequent during hinters
the cinema and the theater was reasonable.
48. Religion was supervised by a so-called contra-eligious activity group, a
creation of the Communist Party fully supported by Party doctrines. All churches
were taxed heavily. Taxes could not be paid and, after a Upon or delinquency
in paying taxes, the churches were closed. The Greek Catholic religion was
liquidated officially by the Soviets and replaced by Orthodox clergy under strict
49.
Documentation and Control
.Inhabitants were obligated to carry personal, identity ,
cards at all times. irien avelling, people carried of icial travel orders..
Personal identity cards were small 1 l/21t' x 2 1/20 booklets containing the
ownerts picture and several pages for administrative changes and changes of
address. This form of pass was not often changed because the paper contained
secret water marxs k,nalm only to agents of the IVi:VD.
5O. -Living in secret without being perceived by neighbors or without having to
enter one's name officially in a house, block, or street residence book was
Si, Mass checking of civilian documents was seldom performed on the street. There
were no special passes required for being on the streets after dark. The only
restrictions were normal wartime restrictions.
520
Acquiring false documents was extremely difficult because government printing
offices and other printing shops were under constant control of the IVD and
there were many secret agents among the printers. Vilitary personnel moved
about the city with much less danger than did civilians because few groups had
the right to wear a uniform (the Army, NM,, Militia, Railroad Guards, and
certain school teachers).
GO.NFIDETiTIAL/SECU?IT IT:T'ORIHATION
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CONFlI?ENTIAL/SECURITY INFORIATMN 50X1-HUM
53. No documents were necessary when purchasing railroad or bus tickets. Official
travellers presented travel orders for special markings but this was o .'-'-.-
so that such travellers would ha reimbursed for travel expenses. 50X1 HUM
identification documents were no c c e on 50X1-HUM
trains or upon arrival in stations. Travel control and restrictions put
into effect only in special cases. no railroad officials ere 50X1-HUM
bribed in order to avoid such controls.
CONFmENTIAL/SECURITY INF'ORVATION
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