David Kandelaki Soviet statesman, diplomat, Stalin's confidant Date of Birth: 01.01.1895

1. Soviet Diplomat and Official
2. Diplomatic Career
3. "Kandelki Mission"
4. Arrest and Execution
5. Family and Awards

Soviet Diplomat and Official

David Kandelki was a prominent Soviet diplomat and state official who played a key role in Soviet foreign relations. He held significant positions within the government, including serving as the People's Commissar of Education in Georgia (1921-1930) and Deputy Commissar in the Commissariat of Foreign Trade (1930).

Diplomatic Career

In 1930, Kandelki was appointed Trade Representative of the Soviet Union in Sweden, a position he held until 1934. He subsequently served as Trade Representative in Germany from 1935 to 1937. Kandelki's tenure in Germany is notable for his involvement in the so-called "Kandelki Mission."

"Kandelki Mission"

Under Stalin's instructions, Kandelki conducted negotiations aimed at strengthening Soviet-German economic cooperation. He established contact with Reichsbank President Hjalmar Schacht, who proposed improving relations through diplomatic channels. In 1935, Schacht offered a ten-year financial credit of 500 million Reichsmarks for Soviet purchases in Germany.

Kandelki submitted a list of desired purchases, including warships and submarines. However, the deal was compromised due to a disclosure by Vyacheslav Molotov in 1936. Schacht subsequently ended negotiations with Kandelki, leaving the mission unfinished.

Arrest and Execution

Kandelki was arrested in 1937 on false charges of participating in a terrorist organization. He was sentenced to death and executed on July 29, 1938. After Stalin's death, Kandelki was posthumously rehabilitated in 1956.

Family and Awards

Kandelki was married and had a daughter named Tamara. He was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1937.