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| | The Kirov Murder: Part I |
 | | Kirov actually rejected the idea of him replacing Stalin, declaring that it “would signify putting in question the whole policy of the party.” Kirov, according to Mikoyan’s memoirs, also “told Stalin” about this plotting, “and was met with hostility and a will to revenge against the whole Congress and, of course, Kirov personally.” |
 | | Stalin recognised that Kirov was not his sole adversary, but also the inspiration and symbol for many others, such as those who had publicly applauded Stalin at the Congress and then secretly voted against him. |
 | | By killing Kirov, Stalin would not only be able to eliminate an increasingly threatening rival, but would also be able to use it as a pretext to purge all potential sources of opposition within, and also without, the Party. |
| www.suite101.com /article.cfm/stalin/97020/3 (348 words) |
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