A distinct hard core of opposition to the present Soviet regime exists in Russia, Martin E. Malia, assistant professor of History, told a New Lecture Hall audience of more than 300 last night.

But that group centers in the professional classes, and in general the Russians are loyal to their government and "extremely patriotic," despite widespread complaints about such problems as shortages, he said.

Malia, who spent nearly five months in the Soviet Union late last year arranging East-West exchange of books and periodicals, spoke under the auspices of the CRIMSON, and was introduced by Michael Karpovich, Curt Hugo Reisinger Professor of Slavic Languages and Literature.

This antagonistic element Malia described as "Leninist," saying that it felt that conditions had been better under Lenin and desired a return to those conditions. Chief among its beliefs, he said, was the idea that the Communist party had been run democratically under Lenin, and that it was no longer so run.

Another large portion of the people, he said, frequently complains about conditions, but is ultimately satisfied with the regime.

Malia noted concern among students about the barriers against the West, and reported that the phrase "Iron Curtain" is used and understood in Russia. The Russians are anxious to learn about the West and are particularly interested in American literature, of which they have very little recent knowledge.