The Origins and Operations of the Soviet Bureau

• Published in: Rethinking the Red Scare pp. 49 - 66
• Main Author: Pfannestiel, Todd J.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2003; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: HISTORY; History of specific subjects; Bolshevik Russia; Petersburg Technological Institute; Lusk Committee; War Trade Board; Export Licenses; Secretary Of State; United States; Russian Provisional Government; Benjamin Gitlow; National City Bank; Private Courier; Earned Masters Degrees; Trousers; War Time; American Businessmen; Bolshevik Authorities; Provisional Government; Commercial Director; Boris Bakhmeteff; Concerted Efforts; Diplomatic Recognition; Soviet Bureau; Intercollegiate Socialist Society
• ISBN: 0415947677; 9780415947671
• DOI: 10.4324/9780203497852-9

LED BY LUDWIG C.A.K.MARTENS, WHO SERVED AS THE UNOFFICIAL Soviet ambassador to the United States, the Soviet Bureau represented one of the most concerted efforts by Lenin’s Bolshevik regime to normalize relations between Russia and the U.S. during the period of non-recognition, from 1917 to 1933. Upon receiving his appointment on January 2,1919, Martens established the offices of the Bureau in the World Tower Building in New York City. The location was indicative of Martens’ stated mission: to establish economic ties with American businesses, including signing contracts to purchase supplies for Bolshevik Russia. However, from the outset, federal government officials questioned the Soviet Bureau’s motives, and as a result wavered on the question to grant Martens formal diplomatic recognition.