Monday, Aug. 18, 1924
Americanophobe
A fortnight ago, when the leaders of the old and new Europe were commemorating the tenth anniversary of the outbreak of the War, one voice that was not heard was that of War Lord Leon Trotzky, Commander-in-Chief of the All-Russian Bolshevik Army.
The Russian press recently divulged the fact that the War Lord had addressed Bolshevik students on Aug. 1, the anniversary of the date 'Germany declared war on Russia, in a noteworthy anti-American speech. The War Lord found it something of a paradox that "America, which is supported by its industries and which helped to crush Germany in order to keep out a solid competitor, emerged from it (the War) with a pacifist reputation."
He pointed a horny finger of scorn at the U. S. actively entering the seething cauldron of imperialist politics, and said: "While it has not yet learned to realize its own great power, it studies on Europe's flesh and bones how to use it;" adding: "The American capitalists cannot allow England, France and Germany to regain their markets, as they themselves need them."
Then, referring to a recent London speech of Secretary of State Charles E. Hughes to the Pilgrims, Mr. Trotzky continued his tirade:
"America already dictates to Europe, but its chief aim is to put capitalistic Europe on rations and to Balkanize it. The United States' 'pacifist' program is full of grave consequences, as it prepares the ground for new wars of stupendous character."
He concluded his speech by calling upon the European proletariat to unite in combating "imperialistic Americanism," explaining that "America's attempt to put Europe on rations" could not pass without national and class resistance.