THE NEW CHAPTER OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE SOVIET UNION AND VIETNAM
Major General NGUYEN QUANG TAN
Former Head of the Mausoleum Management Board cum Commander
President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command.
Entering the 1990s, significant changes occurred both internationally and domestically. News of the crises and rapid collapse of socialist countries in the Soviet model in Eastern Europe, the stagnation of the "reform" process in the Soviet Union, along with numerous challenges at home, especially in the economic sector, deeply impacted the sentiments and emotions of the people within Vietnam and the organization of tasks for the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command.
In 1990, the last year of the non-repayable aid agreements from the Soviet Union to Vietnam, including the completion of the Mausoleum from 1985 to 1990, came to an end. In April 1991, a Soviet delegation was sent to Vietnam to negotiate the agreements for the next five years (1991-1995). Under the guidance of the Soviet government, starting from 1991, due to various difficulties, the Soviet Union would no longer provide non-repayable aid to Vietnam. Instead, Vietnam had to repay the Soviet Union through commercial mechanisms. The Mausoleum project was also affected. This posed a significant challenge for the Vietnamese government, especially considering that most materials for the Mausoleum, apart from a few domestically sourceable items, had to be imported, largely from the Soviet Union. In the Mausoleum project, aside from a few materials available in small quantities and of negligible value that we can source domestically, the majority need to be imported, primarily from the Soviet Union. Annually, the Soviets request us to submit purchase orders and process payments through foreign economic agencies. Concerning special medical supplies, monthly salaries for permanent medical experts, and payments for experts periodically working at the Mausoleum, we have the autonomy to plan, but we must adhere to it. Every year, the Soviets insist on us making advance payments in the second quarter.
In addition to these challenges, more unwelcome news came from Moscow. The Institute for the Study of Biological Structure, which directly preserved Lenin's body, was restructured, and the research facility was transferred to the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research under the Soviet Ministry of Agriculture, requiring self-accounting. Some highly specialized personnel had to leave due to economic difficulties. Some extreme elements demanded the removal of Lenin's body from the Mausoleum, proposing burial alongside his parents in Leningrad. The political situation in the Soviet Union was unstable and deeply divided.
Faced with this situation, the Vietnamese Party and State paid special attention to the long-term preservation and absolute safety of Ho Chi Minh's body. The Central Military Party Committee held a special conference on July 10, 1991, to address the new circumstances. The conference, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Khanh, included representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the State Scientific Research Committee (Ministry of Science and Technology). Leading scientists from relevant fields, who had been collaborators at the Mausoleum for many years, were also invited. The conference heard reports on the preservation of Ho Chi Minh's body, research results from previous years, and some recommendations. The conclusion drawn by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Khanh was that the government would still entrust the preservation task to the Ministry of National Defense but with a focus on involving scientists. The mobilization of research forces, the establishment of a deep scientific and technical team, and further study for secure handling were emphasized. In the coming year, the Institute 69 under the Mausoleum Command would invest in more in-depth research. The Ministry of Health would oversee medical aspects, and the State Scientific Research Committee would manage scientific affairs, with immediate implementation starting in early 1992. A Scientific Council would be established for supervision and guidance.
The entire content of the conference was kept strictly confidential. After the conference, an atmosphere of anxiety prevailed, reflecting a high sense of responsibility towards the task among the leadership, command, and all officers and party members in the unit, especially the scientific personnel directly responsible for preserving Ho Chi Minh's body. A question arose: Could the unit fulfill the mission without the support of the Soviet Union? For those who had been closely involved in the work for many years, everyone understood that while equipment and technically-related materials could be repaired or replaced, the technology and special chemicals, with only one source of supply from the Soviet Union, posed an unresolved problem.
On August 19, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. The mission of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command entered an extremely difficult and challenging phase. However, the issues related to the Soviet Union and Russia gradually faded away, and the unit had to focus on its regular work, the top priority task for the entire year, which was approaching. Fortunately, before the events of August 19, 1991, the necessary quantity of special materials and chemicals had been sent to Vietnam. Professor Iu. A. Romanov, Deputy Director of the Moscow Biomedical Research Center, also arrived at the right time to lead a major medication project for Ho Chi Minh's body. However, during the scheduled periodic maintenance that year, the number of experts reduced significantly as there were no Russian technical experts for maintenance and repair of special technical equipment. In the first year without the assistance of technical experts, the unit's technical and labor force successfully took on the challenge. On November 03, the Mausoleum remained as usual, continuing to open its doors to the people and international guests for Ho Chi Minh's visit.
In a turbulent year full of challenges, the initial hurdles have been overcome. In March 1992, news arrived that the representative of the Trade Agency of Russian Technical Directorate in Vietnam would return to Russia. During his tenure in Vietnam, he consistently showed special attention and affection for the Mausoleum project. His departure was a significant loss for the unit. Before handing over his duties to the successor, I proposed that he transfer all the remaining solutions to our management. Although these solutions were physically at the Mausoleum, his experts still managed them tightly. In essence, these solutions belonged to Vietnam, and he agreed to transfer them after diplomatic efforts and persuasion. Lieutenant General Tran Hanh, the Deputy Chief of Staff, was assigned to directly supervise the work of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command. Following the signing ceremony for the handover record between your unit and ours, you remarked, "While the quantity of solutions handed over may not be substantial, and their practical utility might be limited, their significance for scientific research is considerable. The leaders and commanders of the Mausoleum Protection Command should be acutely aware of this and prioritize research and development efforts, particularly in the current context."
Following the provisions of the 1991-1995 Agreement, in early April 1992, the Mausoleum Management Board engaged with representatives of the Russian Federation Embassy in Hanoi to discuss the ordering plan for 1993, concurrently urging the execution of the 1992 ordering plan. Following this meeting, we promptly allocated funds for the purchase of solutions, chemicals, special supplies, and the salaries of permanent medical experts at the Mausoleum. Additionally, funds were set aside for the team of experts who periodically worked on maintaining Uncle Ho's body, with activities scheduled at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter. By fulfilling these financial obligations, the Vietnamese side met its responsibilities. However, concerning Russia, the permanent expert at the Mausoleum reported that, starting from the second quarter, the expert's family had not received their salary. Despite efforts, there was no information regarding the team leader, Deputy Director Iu.A. Romakov, and the group of medical experts who were expected to arrive in Vietnam at the end of August with the special solutions and supplies ordered the previous year. Facing this situation, the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command conducted an inspection of all special chemical materials under its management, ensuring they met current usage standards. Fortunately, the inspection revealed that the quantity of special chemical materials met the required standards for the production of medicine for Uncle Ho's body. In response to the circumstances, a Party Standing Committee meeting was convened to discuss and issue a resolution guiding the unit in carrying out annual renovations. During discussions with the two permanent medical experts present, they expressed concern and suggested postponing the renovation until the arrival of the expert team led by Deputy Director of Center Iu.A. Romakov from the Moscow. However, it was emphasized that all elements for periodic renovations were in place, the renovation plan had received approval from superiors, and the only missing component was the arrival of Professor Iu.A. Romakov's delegation. As the timeline for the delegation's arrival was uncertain, it was decided to proceed with the planned renovation, viewing it as an opportunity for the two permanent experts and Vietnamese officials and doctors to showcase their abilities and professional qualifications. According to the established plan, on September 03, 1992, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum began a two-month closure for periodic renovation work.
Thanks to the leadership's attention and support, as well as cooperation from various ministries and agencies, the unit successfully completed the mission. President Ho Chi Minh's body were properly cared for, and the equipment was well-maintained. On November 03, the Mausoleum reopened to welcome visitors from Vietnam and abroad.
The two major renovations in 1991 and 1992 were successfully completed despite the absence of technical assistance, providing a sense of relief and encouragement to the officers, soldiers, and workers of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command, fostering a spirit of excellence. However, challenges persisted as early as 1993, with the crucial solutions and chemicals needed for the long-term care and preservation of Uncle Ho's body yet to be received. In preparation for the upcoming significant project, a bold proposal emerged: the Mausoleum Management Board should establish a direct relationship with the Moscow Biomedical Research Center rather than going through the Russian State, as is the current practice. Such a direct relationship would offer numerous advantages, allowing the unit to tap into the multifaceted assistance of Russian scientists and educators who have been close friends and collaborators for many years. However, the question loomed: would the Russian State agree to such a direct relationship? Preserving bodies for an extended period is a closely guarded state secret, and they manage it rigorously. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the Mausoleum Management Board collaborated with Comrade Vu Khoan, then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to gain a deeper understanding of the Russian situation and seek advice on managing the relationship between Vietnam and Russia at that time. On November 25, 1992, with permission from the Prime Minister, a delegation consisting of four individuals – Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Tan, Head of the Mausoleum Management Board cum Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Vu Van Binh, Deputy Director of Institute 69; Captain Pham Quoc Khanh, Leader of the Special Equipment Team; and Major Pham Van Quang, Head of the Foreign Affairs Department - departed for Moscow. The objectives of the trip were to carry out various tasks.
- Firstly, try our best to make payments to Soviet Union, ensuring sufficient supply for the maintenance preparation in 1993. Seeking help from Soviet experts with good networks, who used to work in Vietnam, purchasing certain special materials, especially the lighting system for glass coffins in case we were almost running out the lights.
- Secondly, it neccessitaed the need to comprehend Russian situation, establishing a cooperative relationship which allowed easy access and easy cooperation to Moscow Biomedical Research Center.
The trip was beyond our expectation, thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's directive to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, facilitating all favorable conditions for the delegation. Upon landing, our delegation promptly completed the required documents at the airport, receiving a warm welcome at the Embassy guest house. The Moscow Biomedical Research Center designated Professor Iu.A. Romanov to greet the delegation. The following day, Ambassador Ho Huan Nghiem conducted a working session with the delegation, providing insights into the situation in Russia at that time. The delegation, in turn, reported on their mission during the trip and the challenges faced in maintaining Uncle Ho's body after the cessation of dialogue with the Soviet Union. Comrade Ho Huan Luyen, with many years working in Russia and having previously held a position at the State Planning Office (Ministry of Planning and Investment), he had shared valuable insights with the delegation. Comrade Nguyen Van Lam, an embassy officer, was selected as the primary part of Mausoleum's work, accompanying the delegation during their interactions with the Moscow Biomedical Research Center. Of the delegation members, only co-head of the Foreign Affairs Department, Pham Van Quang, had previous experience in the Soviet Union; the remaining three comrades were stepping into the once "mysterious" area for the first time.
During their visit to the Moscow Biomedical Research Center, Associate Professor, Doctor X.V. Tomasevic, Secretary of the Center's Scientific Council and an expert who had previously worked in Vietnam during the war, welcomed the delegation. Although familiar with each other, this reunion evoked mixed emotions, tinged with a sense of sadness, fear, and inhibition, perhaps because Soviet Union had been the old days.
Associate Professor invited the delegations to the room of Professor, Academician of Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union, X.X. Debob – Center Director The room hosted a gathering of Deputy Directors, Deans of Faculty, and key specialized scientists holding leadership positions at the Center. The meeting commenced after a few minutes of intimate greetings, where the Head of the Mausoleum Management Committee cum the Commander briefed them on President Ho Chi Minh's activities during a tumultuous period of global political events. The difficulties faced by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum had led to the Russian side not implementing drug control in the 1991-1995 Agreement, especially the non-delivery of special chemicals. The determination of the Party and people of Vietnam to preserve President Ho Chi Minh's body and the contributions of Russian scientists in assisting Vietnam over the past two decades were reiterated. Vietnam expressed its wish to continue receiving help from the Center's scientists through a direct treaty between the Mausoleum Management Board and the Center. The agreement's analysis and the effective results it would bring to both sides were thoroughly discussed during the lengthy meeting. Everyone agreed that the Center should cooperate directly with the Mausoleum Management Board. Some comrades proposed that the Center's direct cooperation should extend beyond preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh to include advice on preserving Lenin's ideology. Simultaneously, the Center had the conditions to overcome current difficulties. However, Russian scientists are contemplating whether Russian law permits such an arrangement. The Academician - Director of the Center, after moments of thoughtful silence while continuously lighting one heavy Russian cigarette after another, slowly stood up and expressed, "Regarding the opinions shared by the Head of the Management Board of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, I've listen carefully and have no objections. It's evident that if we enter into a direct cooperation agreement with Vietnam, both sides will benefit. But, dear comrades, allow me to share that, at over 70 years old, I prefer not to confront potential challenges in my remaining time in this world..." The entire office fell silent, and the first working day concluded with a weighty and tense atmosphere.
In the following working day, the delegation arrived at the assigned agency to continue implementing the 1991-1995 Agreement that the Soviet Union had signed with Vietnam. They disclaimed responsibility and didn't explain why they didn't send the special chemicals, purchase flight tickets, or pay for the experts to work at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Despite having sent payments for all these expenses early on, they were presented with a substantial amount to repay based on their new demands. The entire working session was shrouded in an atmosphere of lack of goodwill, as concluded by the delegation upon leaving.
The dinner that night for the delegation was the usual instant noodles mixed with pork floss brought from Vietnam. Sensing the tension among the working group, colleagues Vu Van Binh and Pham Van Quang stood in line to buy beer and added some chopped small Thai onions, claiming it was a bit of nutrition in lieu of vegetables. Everyone praised the taste. However, the tense atmosphere of that day's work continued to linger, and concerns about the outcome of the delegation's first trip to the Russian Federation persisted.
In the following days, arrangements were made for the delegation to tour the entire research facility, access the files, and study the research that had been done to preserve the body of Ho Chi Minh. The delegation could partially grasp the immense volume of work done by the highly skilled scientists at the Center. Simultaneously, they were informed that there would be numerous tasks to tackle in the coming time. The guiding principle of "Direct cooperation with the Soviet Union" resonated in the minds of everyone in the delegation.
As per the plan, the final working day of the delegation at the Center arrived. The Head of the Mausoleum Management Board once again raised the issue of the cooperation mechanism between the Mausoleum and the Center. However, similar to previous discussions, the Director, a corresponding member of the academy, reiterated the reasons for refusing. The negotiations were reaching a deadlock when Academician V.A. Bukop, the Director of the Institute for Research and Production of Medicinal Herbs, who was directly in charge of the Center, arrived. Academician X.X. Debop introduced the delegation and reported the results and challenges of the conference. After listening and understanding the delegation's aspirations, Academician V.A. Bukop responded, "Russian law now allows it. The comrades should negotiate and sign a direct cooperation agreement with Vietnam." After the Director's speech, everyone was elated because it was the sincere desire of both delegations. Professor, Academician V.A. Bukop had previously held the position of Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry in the Soviet government. When the Soviet Union underwent reforms, he returned to work as the Director of the Institute for Research and Production of Medicinal Herbs. A broad-minded, dynamic, and decisive person, he helped the delegation of the Mausoleum Management Board and the Center overcome obstacles. In the years following, when Professor, Academician X.X. Debop passed away, he took on the role of the Center Director. His adept guidance in scientific research collaboration between the units and scientists of the Center yielded significant results.
According to the opinion of Professor, Academician V.A. Bukop, the next day, the Center drafted a cooperation agreement between the Mausoleum Management Board and the Moscow Biomedical Research Center for the period up to 1995, as well as additional contracts and supplements for both parties to discuss.
At 2:00 PM on December 28, 1992, in the office of the Center, the signing ceremony of the direct cooperation agreement between the Mausoleum Management Board and the Moscow Biomedical Research Center was conducted. This event marked the beginning of a new era, surpassing the difficulties and challenges to continue advancing with a high level of self-reliance and determination towards mastering science and technology to serve the sacred mission of preserving the beloved body of President Ho Chi Minh.
The Soviet Union's assistance to Vietnam in preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh during the 1991-1995 period had now receded into the past, making way for 14 years of direct cooperation between the Moscow Biomedical Research Center and the Mausoleum Management Board. However, the turbulent days of challenges in the early years of the late 20th century are still vivid in my memory - the person entrusted with the position of the Head of the Mausoleum Management Board and concurrently the Commander of the Guard Command of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will never forget.
I write this article on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of our direct cooperation. On this occasion, I would like to express special sentiments and deep gratitude to Professor, Academician X.X. Debop, who joined me in signing the agreement that marked the beginning of a new era. Unfortunately, his wish to return to Vietnam once more could not be fulfilled due to health reasons, and a few years later, he passed away. Professors Yu. A. Romats, I.N. Mikhailov, L.D. Girepikhop, who actively supported the direct cooperation agreement, have also departed this world. The people of Vietnam, especially the Mausoleum High Command, will always remember these comrades. The achievements of the years that followed will forever be associated with their names.
