stories to tell of “ White ” murders and terrorism, especially under Mannerheim.
It is worth remarking that most of these Finnish “ Reds ” believe that had the “ Red ” Government established in Finland been more violent in its methods it would not have been overthrown. They tell with indignation the story of Mannerheim’s slaughter of 30,000 ; and they asked me why those Christians who denounce “ Red ” “ atrocities ” do not equally denounce these ”White ” massacres. One of the chief officers at supper with us was formerly an officer in the Czar's army. This gave me the chance to enquire whether there was any danger that these officers might turn round and plot against the revolution. The answer was very simple, and very emphatic. The “ Red ” army is ruled not from above but from below : officers have only to obey orders—when they refuse they are removed. Policy is dictated by the workers, only tactics and execution of orders is left to officers.
I asked this ex-Czarist General why he had become a communist. He replied it was a process of conversion. The Revolution came. No one in the army, especially among the officers, knew very much about its aims and objects ; now they were understanding better. As for himself, he was a convinced communist, and was very proud to be an officer in Trotsky’s army.
