COMMUNISTS: Fascists, Roses & Tomatoes

On his visit to Washington last week, Moscow spokesman Ilya Ehrenburg (see PRESS) made two important scientific contributions—one to lexicography, one to political geography.

The difficult matter of defining fascism he settled this way: “One who hates the Soviet Union” is likely to be a fascist. Less simple but equally interesting was his approach to the question of Communist Party activities in other countries: “The Soviet is often reproached with mixing in other people’s business. In Norway I saw roses and tomatoes growing together. I was told it was due to the Gulf Stream. Soviet Russia is like the Gulf Stream. It is here. And we do not intend to commit suicide to please other people.”