The author of this paper was an official of the Byelorussian S.S.R. government and personally acquainted with the leadinq Communist and nationalist figures in Byelorussian political life. This memorandum is made available for the information of interested scholars. It was produced with the financial help of the Research Program on the U.S.S.R. (East European Fund, Inc.). The author is responsible for its contents. The material is distributed in preliminary form without critical editing by the Rpsearch Program. Any inquiries about this manuscript or its author may be directed to the Research Program.