Just six years ago, when there were rumors that Stalin was dead, was dying or was going to the United States for a serious operation, the Associated Press Moscow correspondent—then Charles P. Nutter—wrote asking him for the truth.

This answer came, signed in blue pencil in Stalin’s own hand:

“I know from reports of the foreign press that I long ago abandoned this sinful world and moved into the other world.

“As one cannot doubt such foreign press dispatches unless he wants to be expelled from the list of civilized people, I request you to believe them and don’t disturb me in the calm of the other world.

“With respect,

“J. Stalin.”