During communications between Gheorghiu-Dej and Bodnăraș (who was disseminating rumors about having ensured Soviet approval and was viewed as representing the Soviet MGB), it was agreed in favor of toppling the PCR leadership. On April 4, 1944, just after a massive air bombing of Bucharest, Bodnăraș, Pîrvulescu, and Rangheț, captured and deposed Foriș at gunpoint, instituting a joint leadership (troika), which, during the same year, recognized Gheorghiu-Dej as the new general secretary. Soon after the action had been carried out, Bodnăraș reported to Gheorghiu-Dej, who was still held in prison, with an encrypted note: