National operations of the NKVD 1937–1938: German, Polish and Harbin

The article analyzes three main national operations of the period 1937-1938: German, Polish and Harbin. Based on published materials and historical sources introduced into scientific circulation, the reasons for the beginning of the operations are studied, the circle of people subject to repression is identified and the charges brought against them are examined. The author comes to the conclusion about the harmful activities of the German, Polish and Japanese special services in relation to the USSR, and also about the fact that some repressed Soviet citizens had direct or indirect connections with these countries. The main measures of punishment for these people were long-term imprisonment or the death penalty, and in relation to members of their families — the eviction of cities and the distribution of children to orphanages and special shelters.