University Russian experts yesterday largely agreed that upon Stalin's death a facade of unity among top Soviet leaders will be immediately thrown up, but underneath, a prolonged struggle for power will develop with Deputy Premier Georgi M. Malenkov having the inside track to top authority.

Many of those questioned felt that Russia will be governed during the transition period after Stalin's death by a small group, possibly a triumvirate composed of Malenkov, Deputy Premier Viacheslav M. Molotov, and Laurenti Beria, head of the secret police.

Most feel, however, that such a triumvirate can not be a lasting settlement of the succession problem and eventually will lead to the elevation of one man to undisputed leadership, either by agreement or a power struggle.

Malenkov Strongest Competitor

The experts generally thought Malenkov would be the strongest competitor in this struggle, first because of his control of the Communist Party apparatus, and secondly because of the apparent recent decline in power of Beria and Molotov.

As far as immediate succession goes, the general opinion is that at least temporarily Malenkov will take over Stalin's post as Secretary-General of the Communist Party, while Molotov will fill Stalin's other position as head of the Council of Ministers. Molotov held the post before Stalin assumed it during the war.

Merle Fainsod, professor of Government, explained that this temporary division of power would give the important impression to the outside world and the Russian people that the top Soviet leaders were in agreement and could work together. He emphasized that this division of positions would only disguise for a short while the underlying struggle for "the essence of power."

Struggle for "Mantle of Power"

Michael Karpovich, professor of History, also stressed that whatever the distribution of technical positions there would be an underlying struggle for Stalin's real "mantle of power." He pointed out that no man could hope to gain the real essence of power for at least a couple of years, and that it would be in these years that the struggle for ultimate authority would take place.

Stalin Worship Hard to Overcome

Mark Neuweld, fellow in the Russian Research Center, said the tremendous worship of Stalin which has been created will make it almost "psychologically impossible" to build up another man to such a position, except by a very long propaganda process.

Neuweld said this difficulty along with the fact that there are a number of men with claims to power and effective support make a transition period under a small group almost sure. He emphasized, however, that one man should eventually emerge since the Soviet system is based on the one-man principle.

The one-man tradition in Russia was also emphasized by Harold J. Berman, professor of Law and specialist in the Russian legal system. In the light of this, Berman said, "it is plausible that Stalin during his lifetime attempted to provide for the succession of his power to one man, probably Malenkov, and assuming that there is not complete mistrust of Malenkov among the top leaders such as Molotov and Beria, I see no reason why a peaceful and orderly succession is not possible."

Almost all of the experts questioned emphasized Malenkov's growing strength as compared to Beria's and Molotov's. Alfred G. Meyer, assistant director of the Russian Research Center, points out that Molotov is a capable executive and ad- ally matching the Crimson's total. He sank the Tigers' second score at 11:22 of the final period to pull the Tigers within a goal of Harvard.

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