Excerpt from Von Braun and the Reds
Impressed by the results of the Zvezda, Stalin began to consider whether an arsenal of such weapons would be able to render the US superiority in terms of bombers and airpower moot. However, the politburo, along with data supplied by Korolyev, suggested that it would be best to wait until the research teams, aided by Von Braun, could continue to improve the existing technology.
When rumors began to spread in political circles of the US submarine Tunny being sighted near the Soviet Pacific coast, Stalin's mistrust of the West was further kindled. Intent on having some sort of trump card, he wondered, as some of his close advisors recalled in interviews, whether it would be best to cajole or bribe Von Braun for better results.
In the end, a combination of both was decided. However, it turned out that Von Braun and his scientists were rather enjoying their work. Their working relationship with Korolyev was present, and although some of them were worried over the political consequences of their work, Von Braun assured them that it was all in the name of scientific benefit--an attitude, some believe, he espoused purely to appease the NKVD men watching him at all times.
In any case, Stalin desired a rocket with great range and explosive capability. With Korolyev, Von Braun was able to come up with preliminary designs by late Febuary 1946. In the meantime, the west, strongly worried by the potential of Soviet international missiles, began to take measures, with submarines occasionally being dispatched near Soviet coastlines to see if the Soviets were potentially shipping out or importing components. The Cold War was not beginning well.