Since the early 1920s, numerous pamphlets and articles, even a few books, have sought to
forge a link between "international bankers" and "Bolshevik revolutionaries." Rarely have
these attempts been supported by hard evidence, and never have such attempts been argued
within the framework of a scientific methodology. Indeed, some of the "evidence" used in these
efforts has been fraudulent, some has been irrelevant, much cannot be checked. Examination of
the topic by academic writers has been studiously avoided; probably because the hypothesis
offends the neat dichotomy of capitalists versus Communists (and everyone knows, of course,
that these are bitter enemies). Moreover, because a great deal that has been written borders on
the absurd, a sound academic reputation could easily be wrecked on the shoals of ridicule.
Reason enough to avoid the topic.
Fortunately, the State Department Decimal File, particularly the 861.00 section, contains
extensive documentation on the hypothesized link. When the evidence in these official papers
is merged with nonofficial evidence from biographies, personal papers, and conventional
histories, a truly fascinating story emerges.
We find there was a link between some New York international bankers and many
revolutionaries, including Bolsheviks. These banking gentlemen â who are here identified â
had a financial stake in, and were rooting for, the success of the Bolshevik Revolution.
Who, why â and for how much â is the story in this book.

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