STALIN J.V. (1878-1953)

Photograph: Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of Photograph: The head of the USSR government, Joseph Stalin (1878-1953), sends off the Japanese Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka (1880-1946) at the station after signing the Neutrality Pact between the USSR and Japan. Moscow. April 13, 1941. Asahi photo. 17х21,5 cm. On the reverse is a sticker with the description of the photo in English. Technical notes. This event has become historic not only in connection with the conclusion of the Pact. Before this event, Stalin never met anyone and did not see anyone off. Molotov described this visit: «The train was delayed for an hour. Stalin and I firmly intoxicated Matsuoka and almost carried him into the car. These farewells were worth it because Japan did not fight with us».