INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY OF THE SOUTHERN KUZBASS CORRECTIVE LABOR CAMP OF THE USSR MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (1947-1948)

Abstract

The article considers the process of formation of industrial activity of the Southern Kuzbass Corrective Labor Camp of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. The chronological framework of the study is set between 1947-1948. Particular attention is paid to the development of the road infrastructure of the camp and additional areas of production activities such as timber processing and agriculture. The main issues of material, housing and food security for convicts are also examined. The main activity of the camp was logging. The camp was located in the south of Kemerovo Oblast in the Gornaya Shoria district. The Southern Kuzbass Corrective Labor Camp was established based on resolution № 409 of the Council of Ministers dated 1 March 1947 and replaced the previously existing Southern Kuzbass Logging Trust. At first it was difficult to undertake a major restructuring of the principles of economic activity which were inherited by the camp from the Southern Kuzbass Logging Trust. Although the workforce of the Southern Kuzbass Corrective Labor Camp was based primarily on the use of forced labor, civilian workers still continued to work there. Difficult working conditions, harsh climate conditions, spatial dispersion of manufacturing sites, supply issues, lack of human resources along with inflated state plans led to significant difficulties in the labor camp. The camp was in desperate need of warm clothing for the prisoners, special tools, food, personnel and paramilitary protection for spare parts and fuel for vehicles, traction power, and so on. However, the amounts of procurement, transportation and removal of wood by the camp was significantly higher than previous results of the Southern Kuzbass Logging Trust. This allows us to conclude that the use of forced labor resulted in the increase of overall volume of logging in Kuzbass and reduce the need for timber in coal mines.